A few days ago, I stumbled upon a pretty cool challenge for anyone who wants to work on those rusty creativity skills, or simply anyone who'd like to develop their keen eye – a color challenge. Basically, all you need for the challenge is your cell phone or a point-and-shoot camera and a free mind during your morning jog or walk with your dog. In summary, while outside you take photos of everything inspiring in one color theme (or thematic color). Such a photography challenge is meant to develop your artistic eye by restraining you to one color.
I got very interested and inspired by the challenge and decided to think a bit deeper and compile five different photography challenges that are meant for all the hobbyists, artists, photographers, and designers out there. What unites them? Simplicity and approachability. There is absolutely no need for fancy equipment or tons of time at your disposal. After a few finished collages, you'll be able to see an improvement and get rid of any creative blockage.
#1. Color Challenge
So, let me elaborate on the color challenge. It is meant to train your eye to see and effectively use color as a compositional and expressive element in your photos and artworks. The task is to basically restrict yourself, training your eye to seek one particular color in the surroundings.
Let's say you have an hour of morning jog or a few hours after a long workday to practice your photography skills. Go outside with a cell phone, enjoy the weather, and take a picture each time you see a particular color. From primary to secondary and anything in between, it doesn't really matter; any color works for the challenge. Later, you can edit pictures and create a collage/compilation of your best shots and see the progress through time.
#2. Alphabet Challenge
With the next fun challenge, you'll learn how to train your brain to find abstract shapes and patterns in everyday objects and environments. Unlike the color challenge, this one may take longer (weeks or months), but it is very effective!
Find objects or scenes that visually resemble the letters of the alphabet (A, B, C, etc.) and photograph them. You might find an "A" in the way two ropes cross, a "C" in a curved pipe, or an "L" in a building's shadow. Experiment and don't restrain yourself to objects; try shadows, lines, and negative space.
#3. Composition Improvement
I don't know about you, but composition in the imagery and design is the biggest challenge to me. In theory, it seems pretty clear and simple, but when it comes to practice, well, let's just say it isn't as simple as it seems. So, the next photo challenge will help you master fundamental compositional rules and techniques. Of course, you should start by remembering all of the rules, so you can apply this knowledge during the challenge.
Choose one specific compositional technique for a photography session and only take photos that adhere to it. For example, you could focus entirely on Leading Lines one day, Rule of Thirds the next, Negative Space another day, or using Framing (like doorways or windows). Work outside or at home, the quality of the images and the subject don't matter; only composition is crucial here.
#4. Black and White
With the black and white photo challenge, you'll learn how to see shadows, contrasts, textures, and lights, rather than concentrating your attention on the color. This is a great challenge for newbies and pros!
So, select an object and take as many black and white photographs as possible. Later, try portraits, architecture, still life, and nature. All in black and white.
Let's call this challenge an homage to Helmut Newton, shall we?
#5. One Object, Many Angles
And for the fifth challenge, let's pick the all-in-one challenge to exhaust every creative possibility for a single subject. The goal here is again to restrict your mind to one single object (the simpler the better) and find new, creative ways to present it in your photos. Change your angle and distance for every single shot:
- Get very close (macro)
- Shoot from above (bird's-eye view)
- Shoot from below (worm's-eye view)
- Change the lighting or background
- Use different lenses or focal lengths
- Try with different equipment (toy camera, instant, etc.)
Such creative restrictions push you past the obvious "snapshot" and into deeper creative exploration. It teaches you that the story of an object is often in the way you choose to frame and view it. Later, try again with a different object, the simpler the better.
Concluding...
These exercises are more than just creative prompts; they are structured workouts for your visual intelligence. They force you to break habitual seeing patterns, consciously isolate different photographic elements (be it line, tone, or hue), and tirelessly explore the subject before you. The true value lies not in the resulting images, but in the muscle memory you develop: the instant recognition of strong light, compelling form, and powerful composition.
Commit to integrating these challenges into your routine. Consistent practice, even in short bursts, will transform your casual snaps into deliberate, expressive photographs, creating a rewarding creative hobby for your leisure. And remember that these are good not only for photographers! Designers, artists, architects may also benefit from these challenges. Go ahead – pick up your camera, accept the challenge, and watch your creative vision flourish.
5 Photography Challenges to Develop Your Creativity and Train a Keen Eye
5 Photography Challenges to Develop Your Creativity and Train a Keen Eye
A few days ago, I stumbled upon a pretty cool challenge for anyone who wants to work on those rusty creativity skills, or simply anyone who'd like to develop their keen eye – a color challenge. Basically, all you need for the challenge is your cell phone or a point-and-shoot camera and a free mind during your morning jog or walk with your dog. In summary, while outside you take photos of everything inspiring in one color theme (or thematic color). Such a photography challenge is meant to develop your artistic eye by restraining you to one color.
I got very interested and inspired by the challenge and decided to think a bit deeper and compile five different photography challenges that are meant for all the hobbyists, artists, photographers, and designers out there. What unites them? Simplicity and approachability. There is absolutely no need for fancy equipment or tons of time at your disposal. After a few finished collages, you'll be able to see an improvement and get rid of any creative blockage.
#1. Color Challenge
So, let me elaborate on the color challenge. It is meant to train your eye to see and effectively use color as a compositional and expressive element in your photos and artworks. The task is to basically restrict yourself, training your eye to seek one particular color in the surroundings.
Let's say you have an hour of morning jog or a few hours after a long workday to practice your photography skills. Go outside with a cell phone, enjoy the weather, and take a picture each time you see a particular color. From primary to secondary and anything in between, it doesn't really matter; any color works for the challenge. Later, you can edit pictures and create a collage/compilation of your best shots and see the progress through time.
#2. Alphabet Challenge
With the next fun challenge, you'll learn how to train your brain to find abstract shapes and patterns in everyday objects and environments. Unlike the color challenge, this one may take longer (weeks or months), but it is very effective!
Find objects or scenes that visually resemble the letters of the alphabet (A, B, C, etc.) and photograph them. You might find an "A" in the way two ropes cross, a "C" in a curved pipe, or an "L" in a building's shadow. Experiment and don't restrain yourself to objects; try shadows, lines, and negative space.
#3. Composition Improvement
I don't know about you, but composition in the imagery and design is the biggest challenge to me. In theory, it seems pretty clear and simple, but when it comes to practice, well, let's just say it isn't as simple as it seems. So, the next photo challenge will help you master fundamental compositional rules and techniques. Of course, you should start by remembering all of the rules, so you can apply this knowledge during the challenge.
Choose one specific compositional technique for a photography session and only take photos that adhere to it. For example, you could focus entirely on Leading Lines one day, Rule of Thirds the next, Negative Space another day, or using Framing (like doorways or windows). Work outside or at home, the quality of the images and the subject don't matter; only composition is crucial here.
#4. Black and White
With the black and white photo challenge, you'll learn how to see shadows, contrasts, textures, and lights, rather than concentrating your attention on the color. This is a great challenge for newbies and pros!
So, select an object and take as many black and white photographs as possible. Later, try portraits, architecture, still life, and nature. All in black and white.
Let's call this challenge an homage to Helmut Newton, shall we?
#5. One Object, Many Angles
And for the fifth challenge, let's pick the all-in-one challenge to exhaust every creative possibility for a single subject. The goal here is again to restrict your mind to one single object (the simpler the better) and find new, creative ways to present it in your photos. Change your angle and distance for every single shot:
- Get very close (macro)
- Shoot from above (bird's-eye view)
- Shoot from below (worm's-eye view)
- Change the lighting or background
- Use different lenses or focal lengths
- Try with different equipment (toy camera, instant, etc.)
Such creative restrictions push you past the obvious "snapshot" and into deeper creative exploration. It teaches you that the story of an object is often in the way you choose to frame and view it. Later, try again with a different object, the simpler the better.
Concluding...
These exercises are more than just creative prompts; they are structured workouts for your visual intelligence. They force you to break habitual seeing patterns, consciously isolate different photographic elements (be it line, tone, or hue), and tirelessly explore the subject before you. The true value lies not in the resulting images, but in the muscle memory you develop: the instant recognition of strong light, compelling form, and powerful composition.
Commit to integrating these challenges into your routine. Consistent practice, even in short bursts, will transform your casual snaps into deliberate, expressive photographs, creating a rewarding creative hobby for your leisure. And remember that these are good not only for photographers! Designers, artists, architects may also benefit from these challenges. Go ahead – pick up your camera, accept the challenge, and watch your creative vision flourish.