Can You Create Captivating Images in Unremarkable Landscapes?

Old style telephone booth in Co. Leitrim

When I started photography, I tended to look for big landscapes – mountains, lakes, epic forests, dramatic coastlines or well-known landmarks. I believed that these were the only kind of subjects worth photographing or sharing with others.

Two things have changed since then.

I now try to take photographs of subjects that I am interested in, and I am not overly concerned about making images that others will like, as I know that there will always be those who like an image and those who don’t.

I no longer focus my photographic attention on iconic subjects or honeypot locations. Instead, I often wander down country lanes, stroll through rural villages or spend time in what might be considered unremarkable landscapes, and I make images to document what I see during my time there.

The question is, can you create captivating images in unremarkable landscapes?

I would venture to say ‘yes’ to this question, for a few reasons.

1.    Unremarkable landscapes give you time to make images that are uniquely yours. They will be images that appeal to you, that you are invested in, that you have an emotional connection to. They will be specially chosen images, not images taken because they happen to be in honeypot locations that everyone photographs, and therefore they will be captivating in their own way.

2.    Unremarkable landscapes force you to stretch your photographic muscles. They are not obviously beautiful or photogenic so you must work harder to find a suitable subject and supporting subject and to create a pleasing composition. But when you find something that resonates with you, there is a great sense of satisfaction in having created something of your own.

A red van might have provided a better pop of colour and provided more interest in a drab environment, but I settled for the only one that came along!

3.    Unremarkable landscapes help you to become more observant as you try to find potential compositions where none are immediately obvious. They give you an opportunity to think about photography, to observe light and weather conditions and to experiment with different compositions.

4.    Unremarkable landscapes enable you to discover, capture and show the beauty of the world in your own unique way, especially when that beauty is hidden in plain sight and un-noticed by most people. I like to create images that show the connection between the human and the natural environment, and there are abundant opportunities to find subjects in what are generally described as mundane landscapes.

5.    In unremarkable landscapes you often come across something interesting and unexpected, such as an abandoned building, a ruin, a subject of historical or geological interest, or an interesting part of the natural landscape such as an ancient tree or uncommon plant. Even old churches and cemeteries can offer interest. These subjects may not attract a lot of photographers but they can provide good photographic potential.

6.    Unremarkable landscapes provide many opportunities to discover new topics, to lean into what appeals to you, and to tell stories that no-one else is telling.

Why not explore some unremarkable landscapes for yourself?