Why I Shoot Boring Places
As a photographer, I often hear people say that they don’t have the right location or subject to take good photos. This is a common struggle, especially if you live in a quiet area that doesn’t seem to offer much in terms of inspiration. I live in a peaceful part of Switzerland, not far from Zürich, and while the calm atmosphere is lovely, it’s not always ideal for creating striking images. But here’s the thing: I carry my camera with me everywhere, hoping to find something interesting—no matter how "boring" the location might seem.
This mindset is something I’ve learned to embrace, and I think it’s a valuable lesson for anyone starting in photography.
To explain why this works, let me share an analogy. The sport I’m most interested in is Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), particularly the UFC. These athletes spend most of their time training, with only a handful of actual fights each year. Their career is mostly about preparation—practicing their moves, refining their techniques, and staying in shape for those few important moments when they step into the ring. Even though the fights are short, all their preparation leads to success when the time comes.
Photography is very similar. The best photographers didn’t get there overnight. They’ve spent years—and taken thousands of photos—refining their skills. So, even if your surroundings don’t seem exciting at first, every photo you take is a step toward improving your craft. It’s about the daily practice, not just the rare "perfect shot."
When you live in a place that doesn’t offer breathtaking landscapes or busy city streets, it’s easy to feel uninspired. But this is actually an opportunity to improve. Instead of waiting for a "better" location, you can train yourself to find interesting compositions, even in the most mundane settings. The more you practice, the better you’ll get at seeing things that others might overlook. This is a key skill for any photographer, especially beginners.
Here’s something important to remember: even the most boring places can help you grow. By practicing composition, lighting, and perspective in your daily environment, you’ll become more skilled at recognizing photo opportunities, no matter where you are. So, while you might not have stunning landscapes right outside your door, you’ll be working on your photography every day, which will pay off when you do have the chance to photograph something exciting.
One thing I’ve learned is that shooting consistently—whether I’m excited about the subject or not—helps me stay sharp. I’ve taken hundreds of photos that will never be shared on social media. Why? Because they’re not meant to be "perfect" or "shareable." They’re practice. When you shoot regularly, you get into the habit of looking at the world through the lens, finding new ways to frame a shot, and learning from each image you capture. The more you practice, the better your eye will become at spotting the perfect shot.
Along with shooting often, editing your photos is another way to learn and grow. I’ve recently shifted my workflow to focus more on editing my RAW files, which gives me a deeper understanding of how light affects my photos and what adjustments work best. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—every edit is a chance to learn and improve.
Ultimately, shooting in "boring" places has made me a better photographer. I’ve learned to appreciate the small details, train my eye for composition, and develop a deeper understanding of lighting. The key is consistency, whether you’re in an exciting city or a quiet town. The more you shoot, the more you’ll improve.
From my personal experience, I’ve found that it’s not about waiting for the perfect location to create amazing photos—it’s about finding beauty in the ordinary and making the most of what’s in front of you. I hope that this resonates with photographers who are just starting out. If you’re in a place that feels uninspiring, don’t let that hold you back. Take your camera, shoot every day.
