Here are 5 personal photography challenges for you to take in the next week, each designed to foster your growth as a photographer:
1. The Monochromatic World
Shoot in black and white for an entire week. This challenge forces you to see beyond colour and focus on the fundamental elements of a strong photograph: light, shadow, texture, and composition. It will help you develop a deeper understanding of contrast and how to use it effectively to create impactful images.
2. The “One Lens” Constraint
Choose a single prime lens (e.g., a 50mm or 35mm) and use only that lens for the week. This limitation will compel you to move your feet to find the best composition, rather than relying on zoom. It enhances your spatial awareness and encourages creative framing and perspective.
3. Golden Hour Storytelling
For seven consecutive days, capture a photograph during the “golden hour” – the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset. This challenge will teach you to work with beautiful, soft, and directional light, enhancing the mood and narrative of your images. You’ll learn to plan your shoots around optimal lighting conditions.
4. The Unseen Abstract
Focus on capturing abstract images of everyday objects. Look for patterns, textures, and shapes that are often overlooked. This exercise trains your eye to find beauty in the mundane and pushes you to experiment with unconventional compositions and perspectives, strengthening your creative vision and attention to detail.
5. A Stranger a Day
Approach a different stranger each day, ask for their portrait, and take a few minutes to learn something about them. This challenging task will significantly improve your communication and interpersonal skills, which are crucial for portrait photography. It will also help you become more comfortable and confident in directing subjects.