About the banal
I shoot photos like this one because it’s an ordinary scene.
Yes, exactly because, it is an ordinary scene.
I’d better start with a few explanatory notes…
Banal photography refers to capturing everyday, ordinary subjects or scenes that are often overlooked or deemed mundane by other people.
Unlike traditional photography that aims to capture extraordinary moments or breathtaking landscapes, banal photography focuses on the beauty found in the ordinary.
It does take some effort. But once you start, it’s hard to stop seeing it. Which is great.
Take my photo above.
I liked the obvious structure in the scene. And the apparent grit and grime of the city.
There is a fair bit going on, even though it is an ordinary scene. But, there is something about it that tells a story about the city.
It’s not a beautiful landscape that includes rolling hills and valleys. Or majestic mountains.
It’s what happens to the city when we add to it, use it, change it and let it get old.
When I photograph places like this, I’m not trying to make a piece of art out of the photo.
I want to keep the photo as ordinary as possible and let the scene speak for itself.
I’m encouraging you to look again and see that the city does look great when you see it how it is. My photo shows a moment in time in Birmingham.
If you live in Brum or any city, you’ll be used to seeing scenes like this.
And, you’ll see that there is a feeling to it that reminds of where you are from. Or, where you live and work.
And that’s a big part of what photos like this are about. There is a beauty in the banal. You just have to get used to seeing it.