Photographing beautiful landscapes and stunning vistas can feel effortless when you’re in a new or exotic location. But how do you keep your eye sharp in your everyday environment? It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking there’s nothing new to see, especially in familiar places. Coming to you from Adrian Vila with , this insightful video explains how to train yourself to see the world like a photographer, even in the most mundane settings.
Vila emphasizes that we often get excited about new places, especially when we travel abroad or encounter different cultures. Everything seems interesting at first, but over time, this excitement fades. This is what Vila calls habituation—the process where our brains become less sensitive to our surroundings.
It’s this familiarity that makes shooting the same locations feel repetitive and uninspiring. Vila offers practical tips for breaking out of this creative rut. One of his key suggestions is to always carry a camera, even if it’s just your phone.
However, he argues that a dedicated camera makes a bigger difference. Carrying a camera puts you in “photography mode,” making you more aware of your surroundings. He suggests making it a habit to take a photo at the start of your day, no matter where you are.
It doesn’t have to be a masterpiece, but the act of shooting sets the tone for being more observant. Another helpful exercise Vila recommends is picking a simple subject and making it your focus for the day. It could.