Taking Pictures in a Small Rural Town

For the past few months, I have been home in New Hampshire due to the quarantine. As a street photographer, I’ve struggled to find the motivation and creativity to make photography while living in the middle of nowhere. Unlike a major city, a small town doesn’t have eccentric people, busy streets, or quirky scenes to shoot. At least, that’s what I had thought until I decided to bring my camera out and see what I can shoot. To my surprise, I found that photography in a mundane place can offer a whole level of challenge and creativity.

For small town photography, I found that the best motivator is just taking action.

Tip 1: Bring your camera when you go out

For a long time, I sat at home and was trying to find inspiration. Despite all the Instagram posts and YouTube videos I watched, I still didn’t produce any results until I decided to just go out with my camera. The moment I took action, I started seeing potential for pictures everywhere. Even street signs and other boring objects can be framed in a way to create atmosphere.

When you bring a camera out, you automatically get into the mindset of shooting. You will be actively looking for shots, which means you’ll find more opportunities. The best pictures come from spontaneous moments, which can’t be reproduced. And the only way to get those shots is to go out and shoot often!

Tip 2: Use personal connection to find shots

I got into photography in college, so most of my pictures are from Boston and tourist destinations I’ve been to. I’ve never taken pictures of the town I grew up in. When I was taking pictures of my town, I was able to reconnect with my childhood. Not only did it bring back a lot of good memories, but that also helped me take pictures. I used my own nostalgia and personal connection as motivators to take some cool shots.

In terms of technique, I found that I could apply the same techniques that I would for street photography a in small town setting. The difference is the setting but that doesn’t change how you take a photo.

Tip 3: Look for shots you’re comfortable with

For me, I like taking portraits and sunsets. Those two things can be taken anywhere. Don’t let being in a small town deter you from these types of shots. You don’t always have to be creative; you just have to apply the same techniques you would elsewhere. The setting only affects the background.

I’ve had a lot of fun taking small town photography. It challenged me to go outside my comfort zone and reconnect with my childhood. I also like the way most of my shots turned out.

Give it a try if you’re stuck home in the quarantine. You can use a professional camera or just your iPhone. The equipment doesn’t make a huge different. What’s important is that your actions produce results. If you want to take pictures, just go outside with a camera and the ideas will come flowing. Don’t wait until you think you have an idea before going out to shoot. You will wait forever.

Here is a video I made on this subject.