Show me a sign!
Well, I guess several random ones at the same time will do!
Finding inspiration in the unexpected. Sometimes the most inspiring creative moments happen when you’re not looking for them. I was out on a run along a quiet country lane when I stumbled upon a surreal little scene, a random pile of blue road signs, all marked with white directional arrows, dumped in the grass by the roadside. No context. No warning. Just there. And that was the spark.
The art of paying attention
One of the most underrated creative tools is awareness. Photography doesn’t always come from planning or perfection – it often begins when you’re open to the unexpected.
This scene had no obvious subject, no perfect composition, and no grand story. But it stopped me in my tracks. The contrast of urban signage against wild countryside. The directional arrows pointing nowhere. The absurdity of it all. It made me laugh, then made me think. And then I reached for my camera.
In that moment, I was reminded that creative inspiration is often waiting in the detours – in the things that don’t make sense, or don’t belong.
From disruption to direction
Creativity, like running, often starts with a clear route. A goal. A finish line. But some of the best ideas come when we stray from that path. When something disrupts us and forces a pause – a rethink.
That unexpected pile of signs made me reflect on a few things
We don’t always need clear direction to move forward
Clutter can still be meaningful
Disruption can be the beginning of an idea, not the end of one
As photographers, it’s our job to see the things others walk past. To frame randomness into something worth noticing. To turn confusion into composition.
Tips for finding inspiration in the everyday
If you’re feeling creatively stuck or uninspired, try these simple shifts:
Get outside with no camera goal – just look
Photograph something “ugly” – try to make it interesting
Allow detours – walk a different route, take the long way, follow a noise or light
Embrace found objects – even trash can tell a story
Shoot on instinct – don’t wait for perfect light or composition
Final thought
You don’t need a sign. The next time you find yourself without a clear creative direction, remember, you don’t always need one. Sometimes, the inspiration is already there, tucked between the hedgerow and the pavement, just waiting to be noticed.
Show me a sign! Five random road signs, scattered amongst nettles by the roadside.