Your ordinary life isn't boring—it's exactly what you should be photographing. Your daily routine, your familiar surroundings, all of it deserves attention because no one else experiences the world exactly as you do.
Coming to you from Max Kent, this insightful video tackles a common struggle: believing your life isn't interesting enough for photography. Kent explains that he once felt the same way, especially during lockdown, when his usual avenues for inspiration vanished overnight. Without the freedom to photograph streets or portraits, he initially gave up on his camera. But after weeks of idleness, he realized his unique perspective was something only he could capture. Recognizing your personal view of the world as valuable is essential—there are no duplicates of your exact experiences or emotions.
Kent highlights another key point: photographing everyday life pushes your creativity and patience to new levels. He likens it to fishing in a river where catching fish isn't guaranteed. Easy situations don't challenge your creativity, but when opportunities seem scarce, your imagination kicks in. You start noticing compositions in mundane scenes, viewing familiar environments differently. Kent emphasizes that this struggle is beneficial, making you a sharper, more resourceful photographer. Learning to see photographic opportunities where others see nothing elevates your skills significantly.
Beyond boosting your creativity, Kent suggests another reason why capturing your ordinary surroundings matters deeply. Photographs of daily life hold a unique and evolving emotional value. Images that seem trivial now—pets, homes, family gatherings—often become treasures as time passes. Your perspective on these photographs shifts dramatically when life inevitably changes. You may move, lose someone important, or simply grow distant from your current routine. Photographs taken casually today can evoke powerful emotions in five or ten years, transforming ordinary moments into cherished memories.
Kent proposes a practical challenge: actively photograph your everyday world and consider creating something tangible, like a photo book or zine. He's personally found immense value in creating what he calls "friendship zines," documenting casual moments spent with friends and family. Such projects aren't just rewarding to create; they become meaningful keepsakes. Even simple, seemingly unremarkable photographs will take on deeper meaning when revisited years later. Kent's approach encourages you to find magic hidden within your ordinary experiences, to capture them not just for online sharing, but for personal reflection and connection. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Kent.
