The Photograph as Contemporary Art by Charlotte Cotton, Chapter Four (Something and Nothing) summary:

Chapter four looks primarily at how everyday objects, often ordinary objects can be turned into subject matter for photographic artworks, through the accidental or physical placement of objects and scenes.

We often see these objects everyday around the house or in the world around us but we pay no attention to them  "because we may ordinarily pass these objects by, or keep them at the periphery of our vision, we may not automatically give them credence as visual subjects within arts lexicon."  (Charlotte Cohen, 2004, pg.60). By taking a photograph of usual everyday objects, it forces the audience to take a closer look at what they are seeing and look deeper into a narrative or meaning behind the photograph. Whereas one would usually pass on by the object without giving it a second thought, the artists have prescribed a meaning to the object by taking a photograph of it. This typical style of photography is said to break down the boundaries between the artist's studio, gallery and the world around him.

This style of photography usually relies on the artwork formed by nature or humanity without realizing it, the artists then take this imagery and by photographing it, turn it into something that people are required to give deeper thought into. Objects that are placed by accident next to one another but yet form an unusual visual bond with each other. The photographs in this chapter are described as an "attempt to shift our perceptions of our daily lives."  (Charlotte Cohen, 2004, pg.66).

Chapter four also looks at how some photographers, namely James Welling have realized that the possibilities of photography are infinite and he has begun taking photographs of the same scene or situation but from different angles in order to show the audience that from a different perspective, the object can appear to be completely different and convey a completely different meaning to what it previously did. 

Resources :  Charlotte Cotton (2004): The Photograph as Contemporary Art; Thames and Hudson World of Art.