19 Wonderful Different Ways to Photograph Everyday Objects

Why, once we get used to the camera, do we only “take it out” for a walk on big occasions? What about those precious first moments in which we discovered that this was much more than a passing fad? those of whom photography became part of our lives as the most fascinating hobby that we would never have discovered? Those moments in which we photographed everything haphazardly, a fallen leaf, a doorknob, sandals on a tile, a very close-up of your cat’s eyelashes…

Those first times it seemed to you that you were evolving by leaps and bounds. And surely, believe it or not, it was so, because you practicedbecause you sharpened your wits with the use of little everyday thingsbecause you gave yourself over to your new hobby with passion.

Over time we tend to fall into laziness or in thinking that this rookie phase is over, as if it had to be overcome! Big mistake! That “rookie” enthusiasm is the great ally from any photographer. Without that, there is little left, we become lazy, we practice little, inspiration leaves us and we lose enthusiasm.

What a dramatic scenario, right? 😉 Well, almost everything in this life has a solution, and luckily, we have it to practice to reach every day in any corner and with any object. 🙂

1. Play with depth of field

Or what is the same; play with the opening of your target. As you already know, the more you open the diaphragm (f/1:4, f/2:8, etc.), the less depth of field or area in focus in the image you will have. Mastering the opening will give you interesting images especially when you want isolate an object background or highlight a part of it.

If you use the opposite technique, you will close the diaphragm (f/16, etc.), which will give you more area in focus in your image.

2. High speed photography

Or how to photograph a drop without dying of despair 😉 . You have already seen those fascinating images of a drop captured at the precise moment before falling on a liquid surface, or that of an object falling on a liquid and spilling perfect frozen drops everywhere. Well, to get these magnificent images you only need your camera, a little patience, something liquid and a little imagination.

3. Forced perspective with everyday objects

Forced perspective is a type of perspective that we use to “trick” the eye, making two objects that are in different planes appear to be in the same plane, creating “impossible” images.

4. High key objects

If you like elevated images contrast Against a pristine white background, you can’t help but use this technique. A white background, lots of light, a tripod and following the instructions in this article that explains step by step how to convey positivity, peace and happiness through this technique, is all you need to get these fascinating images.

5. Low key objects

If, on the other hand, the mystery embodied in a black background and low light, I recommend that you try to photograph in low key. A black or very dark background, low light and directed at the subject, and some tests and adjustments according to the situation, is all you need to shoot in low key.

6. The smoke

Did you think that something as ethereal as smoke could not be photographed? This article will show you that not only is it possible, but the results you can get are magnificent. You just need an opaque black background, something that makes smoke, a tripod and an external flash… Do you dare?

7.macro

Macro-home photography could not be missing. At home we have time and we master all the variables as if it were a study, so we have time to make mistakes, to repeat, to practice and solve situations. It’s a great time to get started in macro photography before heading outside to photograph other objects. Do you know how amazing the objects that surround us daily can be seen at a 1:1 size (that is, giant… 🙂 )?

8. Minimalist compositions

A very good way to learn composition it is practicing with everyday objects, since we have them at hand, they do not move and they do not get fed up with our experiments 😉 Practicing with basic composition rules such as the rule of thirds, the golden ratio, negative space, lines , the law of the horizon and a long etcetera, with a simple composition (of one element or very few) is one of the best ways to learn composition that you will find.

9. Complex compositions: still lifes

Once you master minimalist compositions, you can dare with compositions that include more than one element. How about some Rembrandt still lifes? Do you dare to create a painting from the 17th century in your own kitchen?

Still lifes will help you practice with complex compositions and with the orientation and strength of the light. Take your time and enjoy learning.

10. Light and different lighting schemes

The difference between one lighting scheme or another, or one type of light or another, is essential to understand the reason for an image, to anticipate the result, to train your photographic eye and control your scenes.

What is the difference between soft light and hard light?, And between light natural and artificial?, What is the difference between an illumination zenith and one side?

Assemble your daily scenes in your house as if it were a laboratory, your camera and the objects that surround you can be your best school. Remember that many of the great photographers of all time are self-taught; there is no better way to learn 😉

11. Painting with light: Lightpainting

We have already talked about light painting on occasion. If you have a camera that you can set to manual, a dark scene, a tripod, a light source (candles, flash, flashlight…) and maybe an optional assistant, you already have your lightpainting photography.

12. The point of view

Popular wisdom already tells us that everything depends on the point of view from which something is looked at, right? Well, in photography it’s exactly the same. Do not limit yourself to photographing from the same point of view, since you will be missing approximately 80% of interesting alternative images to yours. Forget about getting to shoot comfortably always from your height. Crouch down, get up to your object, get on top and do a dive or under and do a counter-dive. Move around and experiment, don’t limit yourself to “business as usual”; varies the angle and perspective.

13. The double exposure

I think there are few techniques as easy and with such amazing results as double exposure. The possibility of mix two realities in the same image, two different narratives united in one… The possibilities of this technique are endless. You can mix objects, textures, concepts, portray the passage of time, or whatever comes to mind.

14. Bokeh

Is it me or does this technique really turn 6 scenes into 8.5 scenes quickly? I don’t know why, but those warm, repetitive and out of focus shapes add so much to an image, but the truth is that it is so, and best of all, it is quite easy to achieve this effect. If you want to know how, here you have step by step how to achieve this effect.

15. Reflexes “of walking around the house”

shiny surfaces like the dark marble in your kitchen, or the freshly waxed floor, a mirror or whatever you can think of, they can create very interesting compositions in your photography of everyday objects.

16. Mixing different artistic disciplines

It is not my case, but if for example you know how to draw and you like photography, why not try mix your two hobbies let’s see what result you get? Photography is not something isolated. It feeds on you and all the things you have learned and unlearned throughout life. Why not make her a part of them and give your images an original touch?

17. Abstraction

Repetitive lines or patterns, textures, repetitive or combined colors, the placement of an object in a place that does not belong, its isolation, a limited focus… Everything is capable of abstracting us to other abstract realities.

18. Take the opportunity to get started in product photography

Knowing doesn’t take up space, and you never know where your hobby may take you. Also, as complicated as everything may seem at first, the truth is that all you need is a camera, time, motivation and practice. You don’t even need a lot of money, since most things can be fixed with some DIY and home imagination. You would be surprised by the study that you can set up with a homemade light and some white cardboard…

I recommend this fantastic article from which you will not only get ideas to photograph products, but also to experiment with anything around you.

19. Post-processing

It’s time to to experience, to find your style, to help age your image or to make it avant-garde, to transform it to black and white, to sepia, to make it real or unreal, to find the space in which you feel comfortable regardless of the opinion of the others (which is always appreciated but does not have to be decisive). For this I recommend that you have previously configured your camera in RAW so that you have more freedom in the processing and with better results.

The best photography school is the one you have at your fingertips, the one that allows you to practice, innovate, make mistakes, learn… It is everything that surrounds you. Do not wait to take that great trip, to have that wonderful lens, or that camera you dream of. None of that will make you a better photographer. It won’t even let you get better photos. To be better, there is only one recipe, practice non-stop, and what better and easier than doing it with all the everyday things that you have at your fingertips at every moment?

So now you know, let’s practice! and if you liked it and you think someone else will benefit from this article, share it on Google+, Facebook or Twitter. Thank you very much! 🙂