The 16 Most Photogenic Everyday Objects

by James Maher

You know how some people are just photogenic.  No matter what the lighting is or if they are all sweaty from the gym, they are still going to look damn good.

Well the same goes for certain objects and structures.  I am such a sucker for things like water towers, lampposts, and fire escapes, and so I thought I would create a list of my 16 favorite things to include in photographs.  These objects won’t always make a photo, but when included they will almost always make the scene more photogenic.

What are yours?

1. Cigarettes

Bad for your health, great for your photos.

2.  Colorful shoes.

Especially when contrasted with dirty backgrounds.

3.  Old Patterned Walls and Wallpaper

An easy way to add an element of pattern and design into your photograph.

4.  Glowing Screens

It’s a good thing those glowing cellphone and iPad screens look good in photos, because unfortunately they are becoming hard to avoid these days.

5.  Tunnels

The old frame within a frame.

6.  Umbrellas

Particularly the translucent and colorful kind when lit from behind.

7.  Ladders and Fire Escapes

Turn them on their side and to an angle to create an illusion.

8.  Water Towers

Even better when you tint them and add some colorful frames.

9.  Fire Hydrants

10. Advertisements that mimic or contrast with real life.

11.  Glowing Lampposts

My favorite.

12.  Phonebooths

Quickly becoming antiquated.  Catch them before they all disappear.

13. Phone Lines

Especially when they are in the middle of nowhere.

14.  Old Doors.

15.  Windows with Silhouettes.

16.  Wet Cobblestone

Learn more about Street Photography in James Maher’s eBook The Essentials of Street Photography (currently 25% off at SnapnDeals).