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If you’re shy and struggling with what to photograph, here are 3 of my favorite subjects that aren't people


I am a shy photographer. I don't generally like to photograph people unaware, and I often feel too awkward to go up and ask them if I can photograph them. So when I am out on the street and looking for subjects, I often find inspiration in other places. I've found that while these photos aren't necessarily of people directly, they can still be quite intimate and satisfying— and even tell a story. Here are my 3 favorite subjects to photograph that aren't people.



Shadows


First, and the easiest to photograph, are shadows. Shadows always make interesting subjects. They are easy to spot and can be quite playful. They work well in both black and white or in color, so they are very versatile. They also make extremely agreeable subjects, as they usually stay still for an extended amount of time.



film photograph of shadows on a couch
Kodak Gold 200 on Canon AE-1
film photograph of shadows of a rose bush on a house
Portra 400 on Contax T2
film photograph of shadows of glass mason jar
Fujifilm Pro400h on Kiev 88
film photograph of cat winking in windowsill
Portra 400 on Canon AE-1


Open Roads


Next, is open roads. Sometimes they're crammed with buildings, sometimes they're long, winding things that squiggle through country-sides. Or sometimes they lead nowhere. Either way, I find that roads can be so pleasing to photograph, whether it's a small element in your frame or the main focus.



film photograph of a road through a mountainside
Fujifilm Pro400H on Canon AE-1
film photograph of a wet road
Portra 400 on Canon AE-1
film photograph of street in kyoto japan
Portra 400 on Mamiya 645
film photograph of japanese street in tokyo
Portra 400 on Contax T2


Empty Chairs


Lastly, and my personal favorite, is empty chairs. There is something so lonely about empty chairs, yet also so intriguing. These are the subjects that I find myself returning to again and again. The setting and arrangement of the chairs betray the story of the people who sat in them. A sort of human-ness, once removed.



film photograph of chairs amidst the fog and trees
Kodak Tri-X 400 on Canon AE-1
film photograph of student desk chairs in the hall
Kodak Tri-X 400 on Canon AE-1

film photograph of chairs in a corner outside
Expired Kodak Gold 200 on Canon AE-1
film photograph of backyard chair framed by curtains
Fujifilm Pro400H on Kiev 88

Conclusion


I would love to hear about some of your favorite kinds of subjects to shoot too, so please let me know in the comments. I hope this article proves that you don't always have to photograph people for interesting subjects. You can find inspiration anywhere in the world, even in the most unassuming places— all you have to do is look.


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3 Comments


Jamir
Dec 24, 2024

Loved this article. The idea of empty chairs is brilliant. I have been wanting to do a project of abandoned shoes, something about them captivates me. Love you website!

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Guest
Jul 17, 2024

Very cool subjects- all pretty cooperative, although shadows can be fleeting. 😎

Some other subjects that I have seen you do excellent work with include buildings and structural elements- stairs and curtains. But one of my favorites is the hands and pottery wheel in black and white…❤️

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Laura Odermatt
Aug 06, 2024
Replying to

Awwww thank you ❤️❤️ One of my favorites too!!

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