So… we’ve all hit that point where your usual spots feel kinda “meh.” Same walls. Same parks. Same moody alleyway. But sometimes the best locations are the ones hiding in plain sight — you just need to look at them differently.

Here’s a list of low-key but solid places I go to when I need something new, no passport required.

1. Multi-Storey Car Parks

Hear me out. The top level of a car park at golden hour? Unreal. You’ve got clean lines, industrial vibes, and that open skyline. Plus, barely anyone’s up there.

2. Your Local High Street (Yes, Really)

There’s something about everyday streets that make the best candid, lifestyle-y shots. Neon signs, bus stops, empty benches… it’s a vibe. Just keep an eye out for interesting shadows or symmetry.

3. Garden Centres or Plant Shops

Bright, leafy, and usually full of soft natural light. Great for portraits. And yes, you might get some weird looks — just pretend you’re doing a campaign for potting soil.

4. Old Buildings with Texture

Think faded signs, brick walls, cracked paint. These kinds of spots are perfect backdrops for moody shots, especially with Fuji film sims like Classic Chrome or Acros.

5. Laundrettes

If you can find one that’s still in business — jackpot. They’re full of colour, lines, and atmosphere. Just ask permission if you can (and maybe time it when it’s quiet).

6. Industrial Estates on a Sunday

No traffic. No people. Loads of symmetry, bold colours, and shadow play. Perfect for urban-style shoots or just wandering with your camera and seeing what happens.

7. Random Patches of Nature

Doesn’t have to be a big national park. That little patch of trees behind the shops? The wild hedgerow on a boring footpath? These spots can look way more dreamy through the right lens (and in the right light).

Bonus tip:

Overcast? Lean into it. Cloudy days make for soft, even light — brilliant for portraits or moody documentary shots.

Moral of the story: You don’t need to travel miles to get interesting shots. Sometimes all it takes is changing how you see the spaces around you — and maybe a coffee on the way to keep you going (or in my case, a pastry).