Making Interesting Photos in Boring, Small-Town America (Part 1)

"Hi! I live in boring, small-town America, where there is absolutely nothing to take pictures of. I don't have the opportunities to travel all over the world like those famous, big shot photographers, who get to make the really cool pictures of mountains, waterfalls, skyscrapers, and famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, etc." I would imagine that most of us have either thrown or been invited to this 'beginning photography pity party' at one point or another.

So, let's say that the above scenario describes your photography situation. Let's say that you live in small town America. To make it even more challenging, let's say that you live in one of those locales where they warn drivers to prop their eyes open lest they blink and miss everything that there is to see! Of what interesting things can you possibly make photographs?

1. If you're living above ground on planet Earth, the sky is the limit. By this I mean that you have opportunities to take pictures of whatever you see in the sky: Think sunrise, sunset, and any other sun pictures. (Legal disclaimer -- sun pictures are taken 'at your own risk'. Camera damage or destruction, fire, blindness, and death are no doubt possible.). Or think: Clouds, which are another favorite. And chances are, if you are living in boring, small-town America, you have a view of the evening sky that is not hindered by city lights; you can get some gorgeous views of the nighttime sky (stars, moon, etc.) that are not available in other locations.

(09/10/13, Sony NEX-6)

(09/22/13, Sony NEX-7)

F-stop: f/1.8

Exposure time: 30 sec.

ISO Speed: ISO-800

Exposure bias: 0 step

(+ a little bit of photo-editing in which the green was turned up way too high...)

(09/26/13, Sony NEX-7)

(09/26/13, Sony NEX-7)

(09/30/13, Sony NEX-7)