By Heather Fryer
I would like to take a moment to share a few fascinating Photography Challenges that I find particularly interesting and exciting, and I genuinely look forward to trying out myself in the near future. Here are 21 of the many more options out there that are truly intriguing and worth exploring further.
Photography challenges are perfect for anyone who wants to grow as a photographer and who is looking for some fresh, innovative ideas for photography subjects.
Photography challenges offer a wonderful opportunity for photographers to step outside their usual comfort zones and explore a diverse array of different styles, techniques, and subjects. These challenges not only foster creativity but also encourage personal growth by pushing individuals to try new things and think outside the box.
Undertaking a photography challenge will not only get you out of your comfort zone but will also encourage you to explore and discover some brand new subjects that you may have never considered photographing before!
They can force us into new areas of photography that might involve learning a new technique, using new gear, or using the same gear in new ways. It's about expanding our horizons so that we can become a more rounded, fuller, better and accomplished photographer. Challenges are about new experiences that take us in to uncharted territory. They can be exciting, boring, tiring and hard, but ultimately they are satisfying in terms of what we are able to achieve. Some push us in to uncomfortable or even dangerous situations, that force us to face aspects of photography that we have been unable to or are unwilling to confront.
This experience can significantly enhance your skills and expand your creative horizons.
These challenges can range from simple, daily photo assignments to more complex, themed projects
Photography Challenge 1: Bug’s Eye View
A "bug's eye view" photograph is taken from a very low angle, usually at or near ground level, offering a perspective that is similar to what a bug or insect would see. It often results in a dramatic or distorted perspective of the subject, emphasizing the size and texture of the elements in the foreground.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Low Angle The camera is positioned very close to the ground, sometimes even lying on the ground, to capture the scene from below.
Unique Perspective This low angle alters the way the viewer sees the subject, highlighting aspects like the ground, foliage, or architectural details that are not typically noticed from eye-level.
Dramatic Effects Bug's eye views can make objects appear larger or more imposing, creating a sense of awe or wonder.
Creative Composition This perspective can be used to create interesting compositions and evoke different emotions in the viewer.
Wide Angle lenses can create very dramatic images, enhancing the sense of awe and wonder.
Photography Challenge 2: Landscape
Take a day, a week, or even an entire month to challenge yourself by taking stunning photographs of the breathtaking landscapes that Alberta has to offer. There are so many wonderfully beautiful locations to explore in this province. Consider planning a memorable getaway or even a day trip to the majestic mountains that are a short drive away. Make a comprehensive list of the various unique places you would like to visit and capture through your lens. Each new spot you choose can present incredible opportunities for striking photography.
Perhaps consider enrolling in a few Landscape workshops offered by experienced professional photographers in your area. These workshops can provide valuable insights and techniques to enhance your photography skills while allowing you to explore stunning natural environments.
Photograph natural environments, focusing on composition, light, and weather. To challenge yourself in landscape photography, try incorporating elements of surprise, exploring new techniques, and experimenting with different styles.
You can also find inspiration by seeking critiques from professionals, or by challenging yourself to capture a specific number of photos each week or month Don't be afraid to try things you're not sure of, as that can help you step outside your comfort zone and discover new creative avenues.
Pay attention to the details in the scene, like the little things that can add depth and intrigue. Try looking at scenes from high and low vantage points, or tilting your camera up or down. Flip your photos horizontally, this can help you see the scene in a new way and reveal potential compositions. Pay attention to composition, use the rule of thirds, leading lines, foreground interest, and other compositional techniques to create visually appealing images.
What grabs your attention when you arrive at your location? Let your eyes wander and pay attention to what they settle on. What are they naturally drawn to in the landscape in front of you? It could be anything of interest to you. A particular tree or rock, a bunch of wildflowers or even a distant peak or layers in the landscape. If you’ve allowed adequate time, you’ll probably find that you keep returning to the same one or two subjects.
Try looking at things from high and low vantage points and also when you tilt your camera more downward or upward. You’ll see the perspective of your landscape changes. For example, with a foreground in front of a mountain scene, by bringing the camera slightly up and tilting it downward toward the foreground, you can include more of the ground elements, whilst getting a slightly distorted sense of height on the mountains.
Photography Challenge 3: Shadows
Photographers spend so much time looking for the light — here is a challenge to look for the shadows! Shadows across the ground may have interesting patterns and shapes. Shadow photography turns ordinary scenes into captivating images, utilizing shadows as a key element to enhance the subject or serve as the main focus. Shadow photography captivates by conveying compelling visual stories. Effective use of light, both natural and artificial, is essential for striking shadows.
Experiment with shadows, light, and subjects for the right look. Shadows enhance contrast, making images pop. Subject-background interaction adds depth.
Shadows have the incredible ability to set the mood, adding an element of mystery or a touch of drama to an image. By using various editing tools, photographers can skillfully enhance these shadows by adjusting brightness and contrast levels. That’s precisely how photographers create captivating and memorable stories that stand out, all through the clever manipulation of shadows!
Types of Shadow Photography
Silhouette Photography: Capturing dark shapes against light backgrounds.
Abstract Shadows: Using shadows to create unique shapes and patterns.
Playful Shadows: Incorporating shadows in storytelling.
Architectural & Natural Shadows: Exploring shadows in built and natural environments.
Portrait Shadows: Adding depth or mystery to portraits.
Tips for Stunning Shadow Shots
Light Observation: Notice how light creates shadows throughout the day.
Experiment with Angles: Different perspectives yield varied shadow effects.
Use a Tripod: Essential for sharp images in low light.
Patience is Key: Wait for perfect lighting and moments.
Careful Editing: Enhance shadows while preserving details.
Cropping: Cropping your image closely to highlight the shadows is a useful editing technique.
Have you ever shot a shadow of a person walking, without including the person in an image? You’d get a person’s shadow on the ground, but upside down. Ever tried rotating the image so the shadow is now up-right? Photograph a shadow and flip the image to see if it becomes more impactful. Or maybe photograph during sunset, where the shadows are very long. Get them on the wall, but don’t include an actual person. Combine it with a gesture or perhaps with an interesting piece of architecture. There are no limits.
This definitely sounds like a fun and exciting challenge to attempt. Consider planning a trip out into the city or embarking on a road trip where you can seek out objects that cast intriguing and interesting shadows. This can also be done in the comfort of your own home, either by utilizing natural light from a window or by stepping into your backyard. Consider experimenting with various everyday objects that you have around you as examples, such as eyeglasses, a coffee cup, or perhaps even some fresh flowers. I haven't tried this particular type of photography before, but it surely intrigues me and makes me want to explore this new avenue. It’s something very different from what I'm accustomed to, and I’m eager to see how it would expand my creative perspective.
Photography Challenge 4: Reflections
Here’s an interesting challenge to try for photographers at all levels. Some photographers often attempt to remove the reflections from an image, particularly in car photography. In many cases, certain reflections are deemed a distraction that detracts from the overall impact of the image. However, in this challenge, we invite photographers to embrace their creativity by keeping the reflections intact. We encourage them to explore and find unique angles to highlight these reflections, allowing them to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the final photograph.
Reflections are a wonderful subject! You can have precise reflections in mirrors, or mysterious reflections in windows or glass, or evocative reflections in water.
Reflection photography utilizes reflective surfaces like water, glass, or mirrors to create artistic echoes of a subject or scene. It's a technique that can add visual depth, intrigue, and a unique perspective to an image. Reflective surfaces can also introduce symmetry, repeating patterns, and a sense of mystery into a composition.
As long as there is a reflective surface, magic can be made. Although we have mentioned bodies of water as examples, anything that is reflective can work. This means that mirrors, tiles, or even windows are a great medium to get started with reflection photography. When it's a rainy day, just look at the streets and see the rain puddles form. These can act like little mirrors that you can use in many creative ways.
Glass Building Reflections: Reflective glass surfaces of buildings offer interesting opportunities for a good shot. Remember that soft light is going to work better for you than harsh light. The reflections will be less strong and the contrasts more manageable. Either early morning, early evening or an overcast day would be better. A circular polarizing filter also can help to control reflections. You may have to try different points of view until you find the angle which is really effective. Alternatively, you can try a low angle perspective to get the sky reflected instead of other buildings.
Bird Reflections: This is another perfect spring/summer challenge. Capturing bird reflections can be particularly enjoyable. How to control them is both a practical problem and a creative challenge. The main goal to getting a good bird reflection is to bring out the natural colours. Photographing birds (Ornithology) can be very challenging by itself, getting their reflection is even more so. There are lots of workshops on bird photography, if this is something that is new to you.
Sunrise & Sunset Reflections: Obviously you will get a perfect reflection when you photograph a calm lake or sea at wind-still weather when the water is not moving at all. Even moving ocean water, snow or ice will still reflect the colours of the sky. If you get a sunrise or sunset with great colours, you can improve that effect by including the reflected light in your composition. Try to shoot from different angles to capture the best light.
Reflections in Rain Water covered Surfaces & Puddles: Puddles or with rain covered surfaces are a surprising source of inspiration for reflection photographs. Puddles are generally shallow in most situations. They can be found in many different locations, providing a variety of options for subjects and compositions.
Upside-down Reflections without showing the Original Reflected Object: Some of the most beautiful reflection photos are created using water without showing the original reflected subject. You only see the reflection and have an upside-down image.
There are so many other opportunities to capture reflections. Just walk with open eyes and focus on the surroundings.
I genuinely hope you have a great deal of fun with this one. I’m truly looking forward to the opportunity to try it out and see how everything comes together.
Photography Challenge 5: Selfie
I'm not entirely sure if I’m truly ready to take on this significant challenge, but it is definitely on my personal list of must-dos for the year ahead. I have never been particularly fond of taking my own photograph. I believe it stems from the fact that I am rarely satisfied with the final outcome of my efforts, or that I don’t see myself in the same way as I used to look in the past. It could be attributed to factors such as weight gain over the years or simply the effects of aging that have altered my appearance. However, this is something I truly plan on focusing my energy on and working diligently to improve throughout this year.
Fear of having your picture taken (Scopophobia) can stem from concerns about others' opinions or the belief that part of your soul may be captured and imprisoned in the photo.
Many things can trigger anxiety in various individuals. One interesting phenomenon is the mere exposure effect and how it relates to mirror trickery. We naturally tend to favor what we are accustomed to seeing, which leads us to prefer the image that we view of ourselves on a regular basis – that familiar flipped version we see in the mirror. In contrast, when we encounter an un-flipped image, like a photograph, it often appears off-kilter and slightly strange to us, disrupting our sense of familiarity and comfort.
Remember to experiment, be yourself, and have fun capturing memorable moments through the lens of your camera. So grab your device, strike a pose, and start snapping those selfies!
Selfie Flipped: So here’s an interesting challenge for you: Take a selfie of yourself, then create a copy of that image and flip the copy horizontally. What do you see when you look at both images side by side, and how do you feel about the differences? Which version—the original or the flipped image—presents a representation that you believe looks more like the way you think you should appear?
By now most of us are experienced in taking selfies of ourselves. Take it up a notch by trying to take a selfie that is different from the ones you usually take! Capture your own likeness, experimenting with different poses, lighting, and expressions.
Selfies From Below: Try taking selfies from below! This unique perspective involves placing your camera on the ground and gathering your friends in a circle around it, with everyone looking down at the camera. Not only does this pose create a visually interesting composition, but it also adds a playful and dynamic element to your group selfies.
When you position the camera below you and your friends, it captures a fresh and unexpected angle. The upward view can make you all appear larger than life, accentuating your facial features and creating a sense of grandeur. This perspective also gives prominence to the sky or the surrounding environment as the backdrop, adding depth and visual interest to the photo.
Selfies while Kneeling Down: Kneeling down for a selfie adds an element of dynamic composition to your photos. Experiment with different angles and backgrounds to capture a captivating and energetic pose.
Selfies from Above while Lying Down: Capture a unique perspective and a flattering look by taking selfies from above while lying down. Gravity naturally pulls the skin and cheeks back, which can create a flatter self portrait. This pose also emphasizes your facial features and can be especially flattering when taken in natural lighting.
Selfies Composites: Get creative and take an interesting selfie, then transform it into a stunning composite surreal image using Photoshop. Allow yourself to get crazy and wild with your imagination, exploring various artistic elements and techniques to enhance your photo. Let your creativity flow as you experiment with colors, shapes, and textures to create something truly unique and captivating.
Ok, I think I'm starting to feel genuinely excited about this upcoming challenge. The idea of discussing Photoshop and the opportunity to experiment with a selfie sounds particularly intriguing and promising for my creative journey. If having your picture taken, a condition known as Scopophobia, can stem from deep-seated concerns about the opinions of others or the belief that a fragment of your soul may be captured and imprisoned within the confines of a photograph, just imagine what kind of extraordinary fantasy image you could creatively produce in Photoshop. The possibilities are truly endless! WOW!
Photography Challenge 6: Hands and feet
Hands can be challenging to photograph! Your hands, a child’s hands, or even your pet’s paws.
Hands and feet are an excellent way to capture deep emotions without the necessity of showing faces, and, in my opinion, can effectively count as a unique portrait of an individual or multiple people. These parts of the body can convey a wide range of feelings and states, allowing for a subtle but powerful expression. Additionally, they can beautifully illustrate the connections between individuals and reveal aspects of their relationships and personalities.
And if you don’t have anyone else available to photograph at the moment, you might even be able to take a captivating self-portrait like this without relying on a tripod, timer, or trigger. Hands can be young or old, tough or tender in appearance, yet they are always incredibly expressive in conveying emotion. What stories or messages do the hands you’re photographing have to say in that moment?
There are many different creative and unique ways to photograph your hands or someone else's hands. For example, you can capture the moment of holding something special, or even holding a child's small and delicate hands. The hands can show and tell so many captivating stories about our lives and experiences. Additionally, the feet can also be a fun and interesting subject to try photographing. After all, everyone has different feet that can reflect their personality and journey in life.
This sounds like an incredibly fun and creatively enriching challenge. I often think about how I wish I had taken photographs of my parents' hands, capturing their stories and the passage of time. Now would be a perfect moment to take lovely photographs of my grandchildren’s hands alongside my children’s hands, as well as our own. It would create a beautiful generational connection. I truly appreciate and enjoy this challenge.
photography Challenge 7: Daily Grind
Take a photo every hour of your day to document the moments that make up your life. A "day" photography challenge, which is an exciting creative endeavor, involves capturing images with specific constraints or themes over a continuous 24-hour period. This can help you see the beauty in everyday occurrences and appreciate the unique aspects of each hour.
These challenges encourage a great deal of creativity, technical skill, and a much deeper understanding of photography by pushing you outside your usual comfort zone.
Challenge yourself to focus on photographing a single object, like a pen, a spoon, or a unique piece of clothing, throughout the day in various settings and lighting conditions. Additionally, document the intricate details of your daily routine, placing emphasis on the everyday moments and small details that collectively make up your day. Concentrate on capturing the various activities, emotions, and subtle details of someone's rich daily life.
Take a photo every hour, starting from the moment you wake up until the time you go to sleep.
Capture an image of your cozy pillow, your trusty toothbrush, or the tube of toothpaste sitting on the bathroom counter. What about that comforting moment of watching the coffee brew, or perhaps the empty cup that remains after enjoying a warm drink? Capture what you had for breakfast, and don’t hesitate to be creative with the composition of the shot. Don’t forget to include your beloved furbabies and the various enjoyable activities you indulged in throughout the day. Perhaps you went for a refreshing walk—so, how about sharing a bit about your favorite footwear or that stylish hat you wore? Invite people to guess what the image is and what story it might be telling.
This adds an element of intrigue and engagement, sparking curiosity among your audience. Experiment with different angles and exposures to find what works best. Document the activities you engage in every hour throughout the day, showcasing the unique moments that fill your routine.
This sounds and feels exciting. I’m definitely up for this creative challenge; how about you? Let’s embark on this journey together!
photography Challenge 8:10 Photos From the Same Location
Shoot ten different photographs from the same spot more specifically, within a range of just 10 meters of that location while utilizing a diverse array of lenses, techniques, and varied viewpoints.
What’s particularly fascinating about this creative challenge is that it encourages you to think beyond your own standard and often habitual photographic tropes.
While you may certainly include some of your established styles, being tasked with capturing a specific set number of photos compels you to experiment in ways you might not typically consider. In fact, if you were to increase the challenge to capturing twenty photos instead of just ten, it would genuinely push you to explore your creativity even further.
Although this might lead to a higher number of "duds," you will almost certainly discover and capture innovative compositions and approaches that you hadn’t previously anticipated.
Photography Challenge 9: A-Z
Take a photo for each letter of the alphabet, expanding your photographic horizons. This involved capturing 26 images, one for each letter of the alphabet.
The images could represent various objects that started with the letter in question or actual tangible objects that were creatively shaped like the corresponding letter itself.
Remember to be creative with your shots and think outside the box. Experiment with different lighting techniques or lenses to achieve unique effects. Have fun with this project and consider making people work a bit harder to dissect what the image is. They may recognize what it initially started with, but the challenge lies in deciphering the final outcome.
For example, how about using a cracked coffee cup to represent the letter “C”? It’s a simple object, yet it can evoke a range of emotions and interpretations.
Photography Challenge 10: Flowers
I absolutely love the delightful seasons of spring and summer. During this time, all the beautiful flowers are in full bloom, showcasing nature's vibrant colors. It is truly a perfect opportunity to get outside and indulge in the art of Flower Photography. There are numerous workshops available that focus specifically on this captivating subject. Living in Edmonton, Alberta, I am reminded that the summers here are quite short. Therefore, it’s essential to get out and take full advantage of the breathtaking beauty that surrounds us during these lovely months.
Flowers are incredibly lovely and bountiful, making this challenge a delightful and enjoyable one! Capture the beauty of flowers, whether they are blossoming in your home, flourishing in the garden, displayed at the florists' shop — or even the often-overlooked lowly weed. Each of these has its own charm waiting to be photographed.
Flower photography presents unique challenges due to a variety of factors, such as lighting conditions, focus precision, and the task of finding compelling and interesting angles to shoot from. To overcome these hurdles, photographers can explore different techniques, such as utilizing backlighting to create ethereal effects, experimenting with shallow depth of field to draw attention to specific details, or seeking out unconventional compositions that break the mold. Additionally, challenging yourself to capture rare flowers, vibrant and colorful flowerbeds, or intriguing and unusual details can lead to more creative and visually captivating shots. Indeed, there exists a wide variety of methods to effectively capture the beauty and essence of flowers through photography.
Some places don’t allow you to bring or use photography equipment. In such situations, you might try an innovative solution by wrinkling up some aluminum foil and using spray adhesive to carefully glue it to a white photo card, which can be conveniently found at any local hobby shop. This approach can help you create interesting textures and reflective surfaces for your photography needs. Put some water in a small spray bottle that you can conveniently carry in your pocket. This is a really nice technique to create delicate droplets of water on the petals, enhancing their beauty and adding a fresh, vibrant look to your floral photographs.
Experiment indoors and explore various lighting techniques. Capture reflections using a reflective surface, or experiment underwater with the addition of smoke or paint for artistic flair. Get really close with a macro lens to reveal intricate details that often go unnoticed. There are countless ways to take stunning photos of flowers.
Consider taking a photo of a different flower once a month and create a cohesive color theme that evolves over time. Let each image tell a compelling story. Reflect on why you chose a specific flower and share the narrative behind its significance.
Shooting during the enchanting golden hours often creates spectacular and exquisite lighting for capturing the intricate beauty of flowers. You can take a leisurely stroll into your garden and make stunning photographic captures by utilizing a shallow depth of field to effectively blur any distracting backgrounds. Alternatively, you can visit your local store and purchase fresh cut flowers to create amazing images by submerging them in water, adding vibrant paint to the water, and experimenting with various creative techniques, and so on.
Shoot against a white background to make your flowers pop! Find ways to create soft lighting with large modifiers on external light sources close to the subject.
Visit a local arboretum in Alberta, where you can discover a truly diverse array of beautiful and vibrant flowers, all set against stunning and picturesque backgrounds as well as enchanting natural settings. Some of the remarkable places I want to visit include the Muttart Conservatory, the University of Alberta Botanical Gardens, and the Kurimoto Japanese Gardens, to name just a few of the many attractions. There are countless great places to explore and enjoy throughout Alberta, each offering its own unique charm and beauty.
Photography Challenge 11: Food
Here’s another exciting challenge that I am definitely looking forward to trying out. This particular photography project would make a great one to tackle during the cold months when creativity can really flourish. The goal is to photograph food in a completely different and innovative way. It's time to think outside of the box and possibly get up close and personal with a macro lens to reveal details that can often go unnoticed. Don’t be intimidated by this challenge; embrace it as an opportunity to experiment.
For example, how can you creatively make a banana look like the legendary Loch Ness monster while still keeping it looking natural? Incorporate color theory into your work for a striking and bold image that truly captivates the viewer.
Choose complementary or contrasting colours that truly make your dish stand out in a visually appealing way. For example, you might consider pairing vibrant red strawberries with a lush green background to create an eye-catching visual impact that draws attention. Break the traditional rules of food photography by flipping it around and transforming it into a still life composition that invites the viewer to appreciate the aesthetic beauty of the ingredients.
Experiment with unconventional compositions, abstract arrangements, and unexpected angles that challenge the viewer's perspective. Play with negative space and incorporate unusual props to create visually intriguing and memorable images.
Remember, food photography is not just about capturing a dish; it's about telling a compelling story, evoking deep emotions, and inviting your audience to savor the visual delights you create. So grab your camera, let your creativity flow, and explore these exciting creative ideas to make your food photography truly remarkable and unforgettable.
In some instances, you really don’t have to change anything about your photography style or the types of food that you’re shooting. Instead, simply changing where you stand when you shoot could be all you need to do for a fresh take on your work.
With macro food photography, our main goal is to capture as much detail as possible in one image. In most instances, this will mean getting up close and personal with the food and shooting using a macro lens to make your food look larger than life.
In some instances, this means shooting details of an entire dish, but it can also just be about shooting the details of a single ingredient or food item. For example, capturing the details of a piece of fruit like a raspberry or a kiwi.
The majority of the time the food will still be recognizable for what it is, but it should provide more detail than what the casual viewer would see when they simply glance at the food item. It may also cause the viewer to pause for a moment to think of what they’re looking at before they realize what it is.
Turn your food into abstract art that captivates and intrigues. Get creative with your culinary creations and challenge everyone to guess what it is that you captured in your photograph. It's all about enjoying the process and having fun while exploring your artistic side.
Photography Challenge 12: Black and White
A black and white abstract photography challenge encourages photographers to explore the beauty of non-representational imagery, focusing on shapes, textures, and patterns without color. This type of challenge can help photographers improve their visual thinking, refine their technical skills, and discover new creative approaches. “If you show someone an example of your abstract photography and they say “wow, that’s a great photo….What is it?”, then you’ve nailed this genre of photography on the head!" . The article also has some good suggestions on how to look for ideas and subjects for abstract photography.
Black and White is quite well suited to abstract photography as it puts more emphasis on the shape of things. There are lots of examples but here's one I ran across that gives some examples of abstract black and white photographs from nature. Note the example of motion blur in a forest - a good example of how to turn the recognizable into the unrecognizable.
Find something that is black and white in nature and photograph it thoughtfully. If you find yourself unable to discover anything particularly interesting that fits this black and white theme, then consider taking a vibrant color photograph and converting it to black and white in post-processing. Taking photos in black and white can offer a unique and captivating perspective, as removing color from the equation allows for a deeper focus on other essential elements of the image, such as intricate textures, dramatic light, and compelling composition. This artistic choice can lead to a more powerful and timeless emotional impact that resonates with viewers. Additionally, black and white photography delivers a more subtle and refined aesthetic, often evoking a profound sense of nostalgia or intentional artistic expression.
Black and white photography can effectively remove the distraction of color, compelling viewers to focus intently on the subject's form, texture, and the intricate ways in which light interacts with the various elements within the frame. The monochromatic images often carry a stronger emotional impact, evoking deep feelings of nostalgia, an aura of mystery, or a persistent sense of timelessness that transcends the ordinary. The absence of color can render images with a more timeless quality, making them feel less tied to a specific era or moment in time.
Engaging in shooting black and white can prompt photographers to pay even closer attention to critical details such as lighting, contrast, and overall composition, ultimately enhancing and refining their artistic skills. Moreover, black and white photography can simplify a scene, allowing the viewer to concentrate on the essential elements that define it. Some photographers intentionally choose to work in black and white to create a more abstract or surreal atmosphere, deliberately moving away from the realism often associated with color photography.
This is something I’m genuinely looking forward to trying in my photography challenge. I want to play with various types of cutlery, beautiful food items, and intriguing objects that I believe can have a significant impact on black and white photography.
Photography Challenge 13: negative Space
Utilize space as a vital element of composition in your photograph. Consider leaving ample empty space surrounding your main subject, as this can enhance the viewer's focus and create a more impactful image.
Negative space in photography refers to the empty space surrounding the main subject in a photograph. It's the "breathing room" or unoccupied area that helps define the positive space (the subject itself). Using negative space effectively can draw the viewer's eye to the subject, add depth, and create a balanced, visually appealing composition.
Tips for Using Negative Space:
Keep it simple:
Avoid overcrowding the frame with too many elements.
Use a contrasting background:
A solid color or a simple, uncluttered scene can make the subject stand out.
Consider the subject's position:
Place the subject in a way that the negative space enhances the overall composition.
Experiment:
Try different perspectives and angles to see how negative space can transform the image.
Photography Challenge 14: Patterns
Observe and look for patterns in both natural and manmade objects around you. You can creatively photograph multiples of an object that form a distinct pattern, such as a beautifully aligned line of trees or neatly arranged rows of chairs. Alternatively, you can capture a fascinating pattern within a specific subject, such as the striking stripes on a zebra, which showcase the unique beauty of nature.
Pattern photography involves capturing images where a repeated element or design is the focus, creating a visually engaging and often striking effect. This can be achieved by highlighting patterns found in nature, architecture, or even abstract arrangements. The key is to find and emphasize the repetition of lines, shapes, colors, or textures within the frame.
Geometric patterns use and often combine basic shapes, lines, and angles to create a repeating, symmetrical pattern. They can be found in a wide range of visual arts, including textiles, architecture, ceramics, and graphic design.
Some common types of geometric patterns include chevron, hexagonal, herringbone, and tessellations. One effective trait they lend to our photography is that they create a sense of order and structure in the frame and help us lead our viewer’s focus.
Photography Challenge 15: Lines
Use leading lines to skillfully draw the viewer’s eyes directly toward your subject. You can creatively utilize elements such as a winding path, a rustic fence, a well-defined sidewalk, and numerous other objects in your environment to achieve this effect!
Lines are a fundamental element of photography composition, used to guide the viewer's eye and create a sense of direction, movement, or balance. They can be straight, curved, diagonal, or implied, and effectively used can add depth and visual interest to a photograph.
Photography Challenge 16: Architecture
Photograph a building or multiple buildings, or focus on an architectural element or structure that captures the viewer's attention. To make the photograph truly interesting and engaging, consider experimenting with different angles and perspectives, incorporating unique lighting conditions, and highlighting intriguing details or textures in the architecture.
Architectural photography is a specialized branch of photography that focuses on capturing images of buildings and architectural structures, both exteriors and interiors. It aims to showcase the form, texture, symmetry, light, and shadow of a building, often emphasizing precision and balanced composition. Architectural photography serves as a visual record of a building's design and contents, as well as its cultural and historical context.
Photography Challenge 17: Take On A 1 Object Photo
How many amazing and creative photos can you capture of just one single object? Free to choose any object that intrigues you. Give this challenge a try and share your results. My first object I’m going to try is an avocado, but if you’re not particularly fond of this popular green fruit that is often enjoyed smashed on toast, you have the freedom to select any other object that catches your eye. Show six unique and artistic ways you can photograph an avocado, or whatever object, vegetable, or fruit you decide to use!
The 6 methods used are:
Focus on texture
Play with colour
Shoot black & white
Capture silhouettes
'Cut and Peel'
Use shapes
Give it a try and have a great time with this particular project. Feel free to do this with as many different objects as you would like in order to create a diverse group of unique images. This could turn out to be a wonderfully messy yet creatively stimulating challenge that encourages your imagination to flourish.
Photography Challenge 18: Circles
Circles are remarkably plentiful, both in the natural world and in the myriad of manmade objects that surround us. Consider making circles your photographic subject for an entire day and capture their diverse forms. Most natural forms are either round (circles) or curved. You won't find rectangles or squares in nature unless they have been formed by different objects.
The intricate center of a vibrant flower, the smooth curvature of a decorative bowl, and the enchanting design of a garden orb are just a few among the countless possibilities that await your lens.
Forcing yourself to find certain shapes in nature, will result in looking closer to the environment around you, which - of course - is a good thing.
Photography Challenge 19: Bird’s Eye View
Photograph your subject from above for a unique perspective.
The vast majority of images captured by people are typically taken from the eye level of someone who is standing. Therefore, a really simple yet effective way to make your images stand out from the countless other images is to change your viewpoint. By experimenting with different angles and perspectives, you can create more dynamic and engaging photographs that draw in the viewer's attention and curiosity.
If you can safely stand on a chair or lean over a banister, you can capture some truly interesting birds-eye view photographs that add depth and creativity to your portfolio. Additionally, you can take a birds-eye view shot of vibrant flowers, an artfully arranged meal, or even your playful pet by positioning yourself right next to it and pointing your camera downward from above your subject.
Drone Photography: The advent of drone photography has drastically transformed the way we capture stunning images from above in ways we have never experienced before. The sheer beauty of looking down upon the Earth from such heights is simply breathtaking and offers a unique perspective that can reveal patterns and landscapes not visible from the ground.
Hot Air Photography: To get a unique chance to capture the breathtaking beauty of the picturesque rolling hills and the elegantly winding, curvy rivers would indeed be an extraordinary experience.
This technique can yield captivating images that tell their own stories.
Photography Challenge 20: Music
Capture the beauty of various musical instruments, vibrant sheet music, your cherished collection of old CDs, a colorful bird in mid-flight, or a friend passionately singing their heart out. You can even seek to photograph something that symbolizes the profound emotions and feelings that music evokes within you, conveying the powerful connection we all have with melodies and harmonies.
Music photography captures the energy and emotion of musical performances through visual storytelling, often used for commercial purposes like album covers, PR, and merchandise. It's a challenging field, especially concert photography, requiring skills to handle fast movement, low light, and limited shooting time.
Photography Challenge 21: Imperfection
Find something that is flawed or imperfect and photograph it in a way that showcases its uniqueness. You can make it appear beautiful, or highlight its imperfection and unattractiveness.
Imperfection in photography can refer to embracing flaws and deviations from traditional standards of perfection in image-making, leading to unique and often artistic results. This can involve intentional camera movement, multiple exposures, long exposures, or even shooting with a camera that isn't ideal, to create a sense of blur, noise, or other imperfections. It can also encompass incorporating elements like cracks, tears, or other imperfections into the subject matter itself, aligning with the principles of wabi-sabi, which emphasizes the beauty in impermanence and the incomplete.