How to Find Extraordinary in the Ordinary: A Photographer’s Guide to Capturing Everyday Magic

You’ve probably been there—camera in hand, standing in a beautiful new place, excited to capture something special—only to find that your photos fall short of the magic you felt in that moment.

It’s not always about technique. Sometimes, it’s about the question we forget to ask:

What should I photograph?

It’s easy to get caught up in chasing picture-perfect scenes, but the real secret to compelling photography isn't about memorizing more composition rules—it’s about setting an intention before you press the shutter.

In this post, I’ll show you how to:

• Find extraordinary subjects in everyday moments

• Compose more powerful images with simple techniques

• Expand your creative eye and confidence as a storyteller

Let’s dive in.

Part 1: What to Photograph — Finding Extraordinary in the Ordinary

Great photography doesn’t start with the click—it starts with the choice of what to photograph. You don’t need a stunning landscape or epic sunset. Sometimes, the most meaningful photos are tucked away in the ordinary.

Here’s how to train your eye to find them:

1. Look for a Fresh Perspective

Yes, we all love sweeping landscapes. But what makes your photo different?

Instead of capturing the standard "postcard" shot, ask:

• What’s an angle most people would miss?

• Can I use light or shadow creatively?

• Is there a surprising element in the scene?

In urban settings, zoom in on cultural details—architecture, everyday gestures, or the quiet poetry of someone lost in thought.

2. Discover Hidden Gems

Not every powerful photo is loud or grand. Some of the best shots are quiet, subtle, and deeply intimate:

• a flower hidden in the bush

• a teapot on the table

• the way light casts a shadow

These overlooked moments often hold more emotional weight than busy wide shots.

3. Embrace Imperfection & Chaos

Life isn’t filtered. Messy moments, movement, and imperfection tell the real story. Lean into the chaos. Capture:

• Crowds in motion

• Kids mid-laugh

• People mid-action, not mid-pose

It’s in these in-between moments that authenticity lives.

4. Shift Your Mindset: Beauty Is Everywhere

The most powerful tool in your kit? Belief.

Believe that beauty is always present. Even in mundane settings. Even on grey days.

Once you adopt this mindset, you’ll start noticing more. You’ll stop chasing the perfect scene and start capturing the meaningful ones.

---

📥 Want to practice this skill? Download my free guide “Fast-Track Composition Challenge” — a simple tool to help you find magic in fleeting moments.

Part 2: How to Capture It — Practical Composition Tips

Once you’ve found your subject, how do you make it shine in your frame?

These simple, practical tips will help:

1. Simplify by Getting Closer

If your subject is lost in a cluttered scene, the fastest fix? Get closer.
Zoom in or walk up—your frame gets cleaner, your subject gets stronger, and your story becomes clearer.

Whether you’re using a zoom or a prime lens, proximity creates intimacy.

2. Use Light as Your Ally

Light can make or break a photo.

Don’t fight it—use it. Wait for your subject to move into a patch of light or photograph contrast between highlights and shadows.

This technique can eliminate distracting backgrounds and add depth without editing.

3. Change Your Angle

The first perspective you see isn’t always the best.

Try:

• Shooting from low or high angles

• Framing your subject through windows, doors, or foliage

• Holding your camera at chest, hip, or ground level to break the “eye-level habit”

Small shifts = big impact.

4. Add Foreground Elements

Foregrounds create instant depth. They can:

• Lead the viewer’s eye toward your subject

• Act as a natural frame

• Hide background clutter

You’ll find this tip (and more) in my “6 Easy Composition Techniques” video—definitely worth a watch if you haven’t seen it yet.

5. Nail Your Timing

Great photography is part observation, part anticipation.

• Wait for someone to walk into a beam of light

• Capture genuine interactions as they unfold

• Use golden hour or blue hour to add mood and softness

A split second can be the difference between an average shot and a wow image.

Part 3: Broaden Your Subject Scope

Most photographers begin with family, friends, or travel—but don’t stop there.

Expanding your subjects helps you sharpen your observation and storytelling. Consider experimenting with:

• Street life – Everyday interactions, candid gestures, quiet pauses

• Architecture – Use lines, shapes, and symmetry to tell a visual story

• Nature details – Patterns in leaves, texture in bark, colors in shadows

• Cultural moments – Local rituals, food prep, market life

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Each subject teaches you something new about light, timing, and human connection.

Final Thoughts: Why Photography Matters

At its core, photography isn’t just about taking pretty pictures. It’s a way of seeing. A way of being present.

It teaches us to slow down, appreciate details, and connect deeply with the world around us.

So the next time you’re holding your camera and wondering what to shoot—pause, breathe, and look again.

There’s always something extraordinary waiting to be seen.

Pin it 👇

---

You may also love…