1. Introduction

For decades, photographers — myself included — have chased that elusive golden hour light like it was the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. We’d sit on hillsides, lakesides, or cliffsides, waiting for the sky to light up just right, convinced that without those perfect conditions, the shot simply wasn’t worth taking.

I used to do the same. I can still remember a misty morning where I stood in the drizzle, watching a dense fog roll over a valley, but convinced it wasn’t “perfect,” I packed up and left. Only later did I realise the atmosphere that day was something rare and compelling — just not what I expected.

That’s the thing. There’s been a quiet but growing shift in photography culture — one that values the overlooked, the ordinary, and yes, even the imperfect. Instead of perfect light and perfect scenes, some photographers are drawn to the mundane: puddles on pavement, peeling paint on shutters, an abandoned car in an out of place location.

This isn’t laziness or lowering standards — it’s curiosity, honesty, and a fresh way of seeing the world.

2. The Historical Context: From Romanticism to Instagram Perfection

Photography has always had a love affair with the epic. From the sweeping landscapes of romantic painters to Ansel Adams’ razor-sharp mountainscapes, there’s a tradition of capturing nature at its most majestic and flawless. This legacy shaped not just what photographers shoot, but how they think about photography itself.

Fast forward to the digital age and social media, and that pressure has only intensified. Instagram feeds flood with stunning sunsets, crystal-clear lakes, and golden hour shots so polished they almost look unreal. The algorithm rewards perfection, and photographers often feel pushed to create images that meet those expectations — whether or not they reflect what they actually saw or felt.

But as the visual landscape gets saturated with these “hero shots,” a new sensibility is emerging. Photographers are starting to push back — seeking stories and moments beyond the postcard-perfect. They’re turning their cameras toward the unnoticed, the ordinary, and sometimes even the flawed.

3. What Is “Mundane” Photography?

At first, the word “mundane” might sound like a polite way of saying “boring.” But in photography, mundane means something quite different to me. It’s about finding interest, meaning, and beauty in the everyday scenes and details that most people walk past without a second glance.

Think of an old VW van converted into a holiday home, a weather worn bench, or an old red phone box in an unusual location. These aren’t the sweeping vistas or dramatic skies we often associate with “great” photography — but they have a quiet power all their own.

An old and new VW camper van. British summertime holidays at their best and a scene that posed a lot of questions to me

I’ve experienced this shift personally. On one occasion, a planned shoot was spoiled by thick cloud and flat light, the kind that makes mountains vanish into a grey nothingness. Instead of heading home, I carried on my hike and found myself photographing a couple of battered caravans and Nissan pick up truck in an isolated part of the Peak District.

Not what I expected, and definitely not a “hero shot.” But that photo still speaks to me — it’s honest, a little rough around the edges, and a reminder that every place has stories, even if they’re hidden in the everyday.

Not the kind of beautiful vista that the Peak District is well known for, but I enjoy looking at this photo. I’ve convinced myself the door of the car has been left open after a quick getaway!

4. Why Are Photographers Embracing the Mundane?

So why are more photographers drawn to these overlooked subjects?

For one, there’s a craving for authenticity. When everything looks perfect all the time, images can feel staged or unreal (we’ll not get into AI on this blog!) — like a highlight reel rather than real life. Mundane photography offers a way to connect with viewers on a more honest level, showing the world as it is, not just as we wish it to be.

There’s also a social factor. In a sea of identical golden hour shots and postcard scenes, mundane photos stand out precisely because they’re different. They invite viewers to slow down, look closer, and see beauty in unexpected places.

And creatively, photographing the mundane can be deeply rewarding. It challenges us to sharpen our observation skills and find stories where others see none. It pushes us beyond technical perfection and into the realm of curiosity and empathy.

5. How To Practice Seeing the Mundane

Shifting your eye toward the mundane takes practice — it’s not always easy to break free from the habit of chasing perfect light or iconic scenes. Here are some ways I’ve found helpful to develop this mindset:

Slow Down: Instead of rushing to the “good” spot, take a deliberate stroll nearby. Look at the details underfoot, the textures on walls, the way light falls on everyday objects.
Change Your Route: If you always shoot the same locations, try wandering unfamiliar streets or trails. You don’t need to go far — sometimes the most interesting shots are just around the corner.
Shoot in “Bad” Light: Midday sun or overcast skies often get a bad rap, but they can reveal textures and moods missed at golden hour. I’ve found that cloudy, flat light can make colours pop in unexpected ways.
Try Small Details: Zoom in or crop tightly on something easily overlooked — cracked bark, rusty fences, scattered leaves. These can tell stories bigger than their size suggests.
Set Challenges: Take your camera on a daily walk around the village or town you live in and pay attention to the small details. Build a body of work that when put together tells a story about where you live.

Taken on a walk around my local village. I would never have put Nirvana and bowls in the same sentence :-)

6. Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Of course, this isn’t always smooth sailing. Here are some hurdles I’ve bumped into, and how I try to deal with them:

Self-Doubt: “Is this shot good enough?” Be brave and share your work. Accept it won’t get the same number of ‘likes’ as your golden hour shots, but it can be equally as rewarding if just one person is curious and takes the time to comment about it.
Old Habits Die Hard: Years of chasing perfect conditions can be hard to shake. Try reminding yourself that every image doesn’t have to be a masterpiece — sometimes it’s about exploration and fun.
Tell your story: Explain what made you photograph the image in the first place. In the world of doom scrolling, people don’t often take time to stop and look at images that aren’t immediately obvious. Describing what made you take the image might encourage people to dwell a little longer.
Technical Challenges: Flat light or unusual subjects can be tricky. Use post-processing to enhance mood without over-polishing — sometimes a little grain or softness adds to the authenticity.

7. Final Thoughts: Expanding Your Photographic Vision

Embracing the mundane doesn’t mean turning your back on the classic, awe-inspiring shots we all love. It’s not about abandoning technique or chasing less than your best. Instead, it’s about expanding your vision — seeing the world not only in grand vistas and golden light but also in quiet moments and everyday details.

For me, these “mundane” images have become a kind of photographic palate cleanser. They remind me why I started taking pictures in the first place: curiosity, discovery, and connection. They ground me in the real world, the messy, imperfect one that we actually live in. They give me a reason to go out when the summer greens are in full swing and i’d normally leave the camera in a cupboard for months.

So next time you’re out with your camera, don’t be afraid to look down, step off the beaten path, or shoot in less-than-ideal light. Give yourself permission to explore the ordinary — you might find the extraordinary hiding there.

And if you do, I’d love to see what you find. Share your stories, your unexpected shots, and your new ways of seeing. Photography is, after all, a conversation — and this new chapter is just getting started.

Beyond Golden Hour: How a new approach is changing photography