“Small Town, USA ” is a moniker often used when debating politics and finances. It’s supposed to be an idyllic setting meant to conjure how people live outside of the city. Statistically speaking, few of us live in a small town, be it in the U.S. or any other country. That makes it an excellent challenge to capture photographically.
This guide will list some of the key aspects to consider while photographing a small town. It is not intended to be limited to the U.S. as there are small towns all over the world. The goal when trying to photograph an entire town is to tell the story of the place. To do this well, you will need your senses to be open, not just the shutter on your camera.
People
People make a place and it’s important to include both near and far shots in your documenting of the small town. Taking people photos is not high on the list of most traveler’s favorite types of photography and a big reason is the need to ask permission. While technically not required (in the USA you can take photos of recognizable people on public property as long as you are not doing so in a commercial sense), this is your chance to get to know the town better.
Copyright Peter West Carey
What can you do to break out of the “don’t ask” mold? Get to know people with your camera down first. People are easier to approach when a camera is not in their face or they are expecting a photo. Be honest and open. Tell your new friends where you came from and why you’re here. Ask many questions. People love to talk about where they live especially when the audience is accepting.
Main Street
Small towns have either grown up around a Main Street and expand or sometimes have contracted back down to the Main Street. Either way, it is the heart of the town. It may be a long promenade or a short, one block wonder. Your job is to find the life on this street and convey the feeling you get when standing there. Your viewers back home won’t have the benefit of the sounds, smells and feel of the street and it’s your job to bring that out in your photos.
Copyright Baker County Tourism
Is the Main Street new or old? Has it been worn to a fine patina or is there a shine to the buildings? Is it full of life or something like a ghost town? Take some time to walk the town without your camera at the ready. Talk to the locals and try to find some history worth noting. That drab building on the corner might not catch your photographic eye until you find out it was the home of a famous person.
Copyright Peter West Carey
Commonalities
Commonalities are often overlooked for photography when traveling. By commonalities I mean what about your hometown can you find in this small town you are visiting? What brings the two together, even if in small bits.
Copyright Nick Wiesner
Most often these commonalities are mundane and overlooked, especially if you are accustomed to finding them in your everyday life. Photograph them in this new context, often surrounded by new and different objects. Objects and subjects that fall into this group can be mailboxes, a movie theater or even seeing advertisements for your favorite brand of makeup. Hairstyles and modes of dressing can also be more common than you might realize.