The most valuable skill you can learn in photography might not be what you expect. It’s about taking the ordinary things you see every day and making them stand out visually, transforming the mundane into something striking.
Coming to you from Roman Fox, this insightful video begins with an observation about changing trends in photography. Years ago, eye-catching Instagram posts often featured dramatic locations or daring adventures—think drone shots over Iceland or views from Tokyo skyscrapers. These images were exciting, but their appeal has somewhat diminished over time. Fox notes a clear shift: photos capturing everyday scenes and commonplace objects are increasingly more engaging. The reason behind this trend is straightforward—these images resonate more deeply because they're relatable, accessible, and reflect the viewers' daily experiences.
Fox offers practical advice on making everyday scenes visually appealing, beginning with perspective. He suggests experimenting with various camera angles—shooting from above, at eye level, or even at ground level. Each perspective can drastically change the composition and impact of an image. For example, Fox shares how photographing a swimming pool railing up close and angled downward creates an inviting and immersive feeling. This shift in perspective transforms a simple shot into an engaging visual narrative.
The video then covers composition tips, emphasizing minimalism and intentional framing. Fox stresses that minimalism helps viewers immediately understand the photo without distractions. He uses the example of a simple window scene with a cat in Malta, demonstrating how a limited color palette and clear focus can make an otherwise ordinary scene compelling. Additionally, Fox highlights the impact of shooting into corners to add depth and dimension, effectively turning flat images into dynamic visuals with clear points of interest.
Light and color, according to Fox, play critical roles in elevating mundane scenes. He illustrates how capturing strong directional lighting can reveal textures, patterns, and depth that otherwise go unnoticed. A photo of a doorway and a bollard illuminated by sunlight in Cambridge demonstrates how dramatic lighting creates appealing contrasts and brings ordinary subjects to life. Similarly, vibrant colors or stark contrasts can immediately elevate the visual interest of everyday objects, making scenes pop. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Fox.
