My Ordinary Life
Theme for April 2025
I was walking along the beach pondering the meaning of life, and I came across this image on the sand. This is how I interpreted the image: the footprint means that we, as humans, want to be ordinary, that as we tread through life, we leave signs that show our fleeting presence. The light on the sand means that there is an etherial part to us that transcends. I wasn’t searching for anything special, but at that moment, the ordinary did it for me. I felt somehow satisfied with things as they were, and the imperfection in my life faded. into my new, healthier thoughts.
Why would I want to take images of my ordinary life and share these with others?
There are many reasons, but the main one is that your life is precious, and few people get to see it. That seems like a shame, I am a fan of the Ordinary. Many of the earlier photographers got to do this. Their images were not of extraordinary things; daily life and the things they noticed were enough.. The world tries hard to find anything outside the ordinary and excel, but people are tired of all that. The American Dream promoted the false view that only exceptional people succeed and that we should all try harder to get more money and prove ourselves through our riches. We reject this idea; it is anti-creative, and this causes us to get into the bondage of a shallow philosophy that has no power to bring peace and quality of life.
My job is to convince you that “Ordinary” is good enough. And when “extraordinary” comes, then go with that as well.
Many of you will say that your life is not worth visualising, along with your struggles, stresses and even personal coverups. This is far from the truth. We must return to the Ordinary otherwise, we will burn out in the wake of the new revolution of the ultra-rich. Daily sights which seem mundane must be made interesting, creative and worthwhile. Rather than live in shame and self-judgement because of our Ordinary lives, now is the time to learn how to visualise and share your images, as those early photographers did, those who unabashedly photographed items in their homes and scenes on the village streets.
I am enough. My life is enough, and I have the honour of expressing it without shame and self-judgement. “Ordinary” holds enough creativity for me and you.
So what should we photograph this month?
Photograph anything you like, as long as it reflects your (ordinary) life and surroundings. It can be nature, but don’t go searching for the spectacular if this means more stress; look for creativity in the nearby. That’s not to say we take snapshots, careless photographs done in a moment just because we can. That’s not what I am saying. We should pay attention to the light, shapes and forms, composition and creative direction. We could be taking images of the dining room table legs in your house, ensuring we spend time making it as creative as possible. We might take (make) images of our families, but creative images, not quick and careless ones. You might see patterns of light and shadow on the floor; that is enough. The list is endless.
How should I see myself?
Remember, you are an artist who plays with light and the emotion that light produces in you and in the viewer. For food photography, look at the colours, the textures and the available light. Move the dish around if there is better light in another position. No random shooting, please. Think it through, there is power in true observation. If you are taking images of the people around you, turn them into something special and noteworthy. Study the work of other photographers and ask yourself how you can be creative.
Why do this?
Many photographers give up because they (falsely) believe that the title “exceptional” only belongs to those who win in life. They wait for exceptional moments, and they never arrive. Their cameras stay in the cupboard, sometimes for years. The frozen ego syndrome. They have no idea that the Ordinary holds enormous creative power, but they don’t want to be seen messing around with day-to-day things. This exercise counters that belief. That’s the reason we are to look into this theme this month.
How other artists approached Ordinary
Exploring the beauty in everyday life has been a central theme for many renowned photographers. Here are some notable figures who found profound creativity in the ordinary:
Vivian Maier (1926–2009)
Image copyright - used for educational purposes
A reclusive nanny by profession, Maier secretly documented urban life in Chicago and New York during the mid-20th century. Her extensive body of work, discovered posthumously, reveals candid street scenes and self-portraits that capture the nuances of daily existence. Her photographs often highlight individuals on the margins of society, offering a unique perspective on American life. Smithsonian Magazine+1Wikipedia+1Wikipedia
Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908–2004)
Image copyright - used for educational purposes
Often hailed as the father of modern photojournalism, Cartier-Bresson championed the concept of the "decisive moment"—capturing an event at its peak significance. Using a 35mm Leica camera, he unobtrusively photographed everyday scenes across Europe, emphasising composition and timing to reveal the extraordinary within the ordinary. Wikipedia+1Financial Times+1W. E
W. Eugene Smith (1918–1978)
Image copyright - used for educational purposes and research
Renowned for his compelling photo essays, Smith delved into the lives of ordinary individuals to tell profound stories. His "Pittsburgh" project (1955–1958) offers an intimate portrayal of the city's inhabitants and industrial landscape, reflecting the daily rhythms of urban life. Smith's dedication to documenting the human condition is evident in his nuanced depictions of everyday scenes. Wikipedia
Consuelo Kanaga (1894–1978)
Image copyright - used for educational purposes
A pioneering photographer, Kanaga focused on social issues and everyday life, capturing poignant images of urban poverty, labor rights, and racial inequality. Her portraits of Black Americans during the Harlem Renaissance are particularly notable, emphasising dignity and identity amidst societal challenges. Financial Times
Ans Westra (1936–2023)
Image copyright - used for educational purposes
Ans Westra (1936–2023)
A Dutch-born photographer who settled in New Zealand, Westra dedicated her career to documenting the daily lives of New Zealanders, particularly the Māori community. Her extensive archive offers an invaluable glimpse into the country's social fabric during the 20th century, capturing moments of cultural significance and everyday activities. The Guardian
These photographers demonstrate that profound artistry can emerge from observing and capturing the simplicity of daily life, finding depth and meaning in the commonplace.
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