Fun Prompts That Make Everyday Photography Actually Fun

Episode 10 of Life, Documented gives you prompts and ideas on what to photograph when inspiration is low.

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If you want to start documenting your life, you basically have to learn how to see like a photographer. That means paying attention to details, light, moments but also start noticing everyday scenes in ways that look good in photos.

Remember, it’s not about getting a perfect photo every time you lift up your camera - it’s more about living a fuller life because you learn to notice the things that make your life so special.

Let me walk you through some prompts to help you notice - whether you take a photo or not. Think of it as more of a game.

What’s something you see every day?

It could be the view out of your window, the sight of your kids on the dinner table, or the calm of the house in the morning before everyone else wakes up.

So, think about it… what’s something you see pretty much every day and that gives you a good feeling?

Time goes by so quickly and whether we like it or not, things will change.

The most obvious things that will change are little people - they only stay small for so long. So if you have children, nieces or nephews or friends with children - you could make any of those your subject today.

Photograph details you know will be different in a few weeks or months - like the mark you make on the door frame to measure their height. Or their little baby locks. or the size of their hand in yours.

If you don’t want to photograph children or don’t have any to use as a photo subject, think about other things in your vicinity that may change. Plants or flowers for example. Or the way the light hits your bedroom this time of the year. or even seasonal decoration.

It could also be something outside your home - if there’s a construction site near you that you always pass. or the way the trees look in January.

Everything changes. What’s something around you that you notice every day but might look different if you step back and take a photo?

Photography is literally “painting with light”. Without light, there’s no photo.

Light makes every situation photogenic - but the magic is where you have a pocket of light coming through the cracks of a place where everything else drowns in shadow.

A window that lets the rising sun enter your room in the morning, a slither of light that creeps through a half-open door, a candle that works hard to illuminate a dark room or a mirror that reflects sunlight onto a wall.

Can you see a patch of light today that turns a bleak scene into magic?

When someone asks you about what makes you happy, what do you see? Is that something you can capture in a photo?

It could be a person, the way someone looks at you, your morning coffee, a clean desk, or your favourite place to go. This photo should be able to trigger a smile whenever you look at it.

Red as a colour can say a lot of things: danger, love, attention, energy. Red in a photograph will always stand out because it can be a powerful tool for conveying emotions, drawing attention, and creating visual impact. Apparently, red is the least accurate to the human eye, being on the lower end of the colour spectrum which makes it hard to photograph realistically. But you can use the colour to tell a story, create visual interest or get creative while taking seemingly similar photos daily. Today is a challenge to pay attention to the colour red and how it can support your daily photo.

These prompts are just ideas to help you notice more. At home, on your commute, or while making your morning coffee — start paying attention to your surroundings. Some of these moments might turn into photos that show what your life feels like right now.

Life, Documented

Hosted by Anja, a documentary family and personal branding photographer, the show explores what happens when we start documenting our lives with honesty and attention — without pressure, perfection, or fancy gear.

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