Common here is exotic somewhere else

People like the exotic more than the mundane. As a result, photographers may be tempted to ignore the things around them that they view as common. But we sometimes forget that what we take for granted is seen as exotic in other parts of the world. It was with this in mind that I took this (and I have others) photo of a protea.

Here in South Africa, the protea (there are many varieties) is pretty common. In fact, it is so common it is our national flower. Personally, I think it is a horribly unattractive flower (anything that has to be pollinated by flies ain't good in my book). However, I have come to realise that because they are not something people in other parts of the world see very often, the flowers, and photos of them, tend to attract interest.

So the lesson is - don't take it for granted that what you see as ordinary and unattractive will be seen by everyone in the same way.