William Eggleston famously described himself as being "at war with the obvious," a compelling concept for any photographer to consider. Exploring what exactly counts as obvious—and why steering clear of it might make your work stand out—can help you create photographs people remember.
Coming to you from James Popsys, this thoughtful video examines Eggleston’s philosophy through the lens of his renowned photo book. Popsys points out a curious contradiction: Eggleston photographs everyday, sometimes even mundane, scenes yet claims to resist the obvious. Popsys suggests that perhaps the obvious isn’t simply about subject matter—like iconic landscapes or famous landmarks—but about predictable compositions that answer too many questions upfront. He argues that memorable photographs often leave viewers with more questions than answers, sparking genuine curiosity rather than simply admiration for aesthetics. This insight challenges the typical approach to photography that prioritizes clear and complete subjects.
This idea leads Popsys to experiment with compositions himself, notably featuring a lighthouse. He demonstrates how cropping or excluding parts of the scene—such as the lighthouse's top—can provoke curiosity and imagination. Instead of presenting the whole story in one frame, Popsys deliberately leaves visual information out, inviting speculation. It’s a practical approach, useful when you're stuck creatively or find yourself repeatedly capturing scenes in the same predictable way. Popsys further notes that timing and context also play roles in raising questions—shooting the lighthouse after golden hour, for instance, provided a less expected setting that naturally added mystery.
Beyond framing techniques, Popsys reflects on the importance of choosing inherently intriguing subjects. While it's tempting to rely solely on dramatic lighting, he cautions against becoming overly dependent on golden hour. Light itself, he explains, can sometimes overpower a subject, reducing its narrative potential rather than enhancing it. The video suggests focusing instead on subjects or scenes that inherently prompt questions, even if the lighting isn't traditionally beautiful. This pushes your photography toward storytelling, prompting viewers to wonder and remember. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Popsys.
