Common Object. That is the challenge. Taking the mundane and shining a different light on it. Highlighting an object or scene that we normally pass by without notice, and making it something special. This process allows us to appreciate the beauty and significance of everyday things that often go overlooked. By giving attention to these ordinary elements, we can find inspiration and joy in the simple moments of life.
Laundry hanger – inspiring? I thought so.
Think about all the common objects you can see around you right this moment – a bottle, socks, a pen, eggs, coffee mugs, perfume vapor, cell phone – the list of subjects you have this week are endless.
Now the challenge is to simply make the ordinary look extraordinary, or at least photographed well. I am concentrating on the latter. You could try focusing on a particular detail or texture. For example, zoom in on the intricacies of a old locker , the rough texture of an old tool, or the delicate patterns in a piece of fabric. Alternatively, you could show how you integrate the ordinary object into your daily routine, providing a glimpse into its significance and relevance in your life.
Perhaps you can capture the moment when a mundane item takes on an unexpected, almost magical quality. Share a story about how something seemingly ordinary has become an indispensable and valuable part of your day, illustrating its significance through personal anecdotes and experiences. When it comes to composition, consider the placement and arrangement of elements in the frame to convey depth, emotion, and meaning. Play with lighting, angles, and perspective to create a visually compelling narrative that captivates the viewer’s imagination. The creative possibilities are endless, and I am eagerly anticipating to be amazed and to gain a new perspective on the everyday through your unique lens.
Start at the very beginning – pick an object that speaks to you – whether it’s your car keys that you pick up everyday, or the chef’s knife you use to prep dinner. Pick something that you’d like to share with the rest of us.
These I chose are from my summer house kitchen- not used anymore but inspired me enough to take the time to arrange a still life.
Arrange things how you want them – the great thing about common objects is that you can arrange them as you see fit; you’re not restricted by an inability to pick things up and move them around.
The overall look and feel of the colors in an image evoke different senses and emotions – do pay attention to the composition of colors and overall tones in your image, in terms of being complementary or adding contrast.
This is all about the visual weight that you’re assigning to things in your composed shot – obviously, larger objects that fill the frame are meant to hold the viewer’s attention the most. Certain items can add nuance and help balance a frame without taking away from the main subject.
Shadow play with everyday objects, sitting on a sofa you can be inspired by the blinds. In a restaurant I found the lampshade interesting. Or a stack of glasses on a table.
Shapes and reflections
My heartfelt thanks to Anne for her outstanding curation of last week’s Shorelines challenge. The sheer diversity and enchanting beauty of the shorelines showcased truly resonated with me, reaffirming the eternal allure of these natural wonders. I hope you eagerly anticipate the upcoming week, when Egídio will have the distinct pleasure of guiding our focus towards a new subject matter. I encourage you to join us for another new challenge. Until then, let your spirits soar and embrace the week with an abundance of smiles!
For those seeking additional details on how to participate in our engaging challenges, please click here.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 