Everyday Object, Alien View – See the World Differently Through Photography
Let’s do another Photography prompt this week. I hope you enjoy this one. I think sometimes creativity isn’t about finding something new—it’s about looking at the familiar in a completely unexpected way. That’s exactly what today’s photography challenge is all about! For this prompt, "Everyday Object, Alien View," you’ll use macro photography or extreme close-ups to transform common household objects into something unrecognizable. The goal? To challenge your perspective, spark creativity, and see your surroundings with fresh eyes.
How to Approach This Challenge
Think about the items you interact with every day. A fork, a sponge, the textured surface of a fruit—when viewed up close, they become something else entirely. Here’s how to make the most of this creative photography exercise:
1. Choose Your Object
Start with something ordinary—your coffee mug, the bristles of a toothbrush, a water droplet on glass. The key is to zoom in so much that the object becomes abstract, textural, or mysterious.
2. Get Close—Really Close
Use a macro lens if you have one, or get as close as your camera or smartphone will allow. Some phones have macro modes, but if yours doesn’t, try using a clip-on macro lens for an inexpensive solution.
3. Play with Lighting
Lighting can completely transform your shot. Try:
Side lighting for dramatic shadows
Backlighting to create a glowing effect
Artificial light sources (a flashlight, a desk lamp) for unexpected highlights
4. Experiment with Angles
Shooting straight down on an object might make it obvious, but tilting your camera or changing your perspective can turn a common object into something completely alien.
5. Embrace Texture & Color
Look for interesting textures—think of the ridges of a cardboard box, the fibers of a towel, or the tiny bubbles in a glass of soda. Color also plays a huge role! Some objects reveal unexpected hues when viewed up close.
Ideas to Get You Started
Need inspiration? Here are some household objects that can look surreal when photographed up close:
Kitchen sponge – The pores can resemble craters on the moon
Soap bubbles – The swirling colors can look like a galaxy
Fabric weave – Up close, it could mimic a spider’s web or terrain map
A lemon peel – Might resemble dinosaur skin or alien textures
Ice cubes – Look at how light refracts inside the frozen patterns
Why This Challenge is Great for Creativity
We often rush through life without noticing the small details. This exercise forces you to slow down and see beauty in the everyday. It’s not just about taking photos—it’s about training your creative eye, which will benefit all aspects of your photography and design work.
Now It’s Your Turn!
Grab your camera or smartphone and start exploring the alien world hidden within your home. You don’t need fancy equipment—just a curious mindset and a willingness to see things differently.
What everyday object will you transform first? Share your results and let’s celebrate the power of perspective and creativity!
Photo by Skyler Ewing: https://www.pexels.com/photo/extreme-close-up-of-a-mushroom-12434433/