Kitsch Photography

Kitsch, often associated with art that is considered overly sentimental, tacky, or in poor taste, can actually be a useful tool in photography when applied thoughtfully. Here’s how kitsch can improve your photography:

• Break the Rules: Kitsch allows you to step outside the bounds of traditional aesthetics. By embracing what might be considered "bad taste," you can create images that stand out and provoke strong reactions, whether positive or negative. This can be especially useful in street photography, where the unexpected often makes for the most compelling shots.

• Bold Colour Choices: Kitsch often involves bold, clashing colours. Incorporating these into your photography can add vibrancy and life to your images. In nature or travel photography, this might mean focusing on brightly coloured elements or using post-processing to enhance the saturation and contrast in your photos.

• Reflect Cultural Identity: Kitsch is often deeply tied to cultural artefacts, souvenirs, and popular imagery. Photographing kitsch objects or scenes can tell a story about a place or a group of people, adding a layer of cultural commentary to your work.

• Inject Humour: Kitsch is often associated with irony and humor. By photographing kitsch elements, you can add a playful or satirical tone to your work, making your photography more engaging and thought-provoking.

• Find Beauty in the Mundane: Kitsch often elevates the ordinary to something worth noticing. This approach can help you see and capture the beauty in everyday scenes that others might overlook, turning mundane objects or settings into interesting photographic subjects.

• Tap into Memories: Kitsch often has a nostalgic quality, reminding viewers of past trends, styles, or cultural moments. By incorporating kitsch elements into your photography, you can evoke a sense of nostalgia, making your images resonate more deeply with viewers.

• Use Over-the-Top Elements: Kitsch often involves exaggerated or over-the-top elements. By experimenting with these in your compositions—whether through props, settings, or post-processing—you can create visually striking images that demand attention.

• Critique and Commentary: Using kitsch in your photography can be a way to comment on consumerism, mass culture, or social issues. By juxtaposing kitsch with other elements, you can make a statement that goes beyond the surface of the image.

Incorporating kitsch into your photography isn’t about creating tacky or low-quality images; it’s about using elements of kitsch to challenge norms, tell stories, and evoke emotion. Whether you’re shooting in the streets, travelling, or capturing nature, a touch of kitsch can add depth and intrigue to your work.