Big things can be scary—monsters…mountains…credit card bills. Sometimes TRYING something big can be scary too. I'm planning on doing my own 30-Day Photography Challenge. It's something big for me and it's something new. I can list my reasons why I'm doing this challenge, but the goal is to learn new photography tricks, hacks and apply tips into my own photography.
So, I created my own 30-Day Photography Challenge! Instead of using someone else's list, I wanted to create my own to add topics and ideas I want to try on my own. Things that I want to apply to every time I go out to take photos.
How to create your own photography challenge?
If you're just starting to learn how to take pictures (with your phone or with a DSLR) and you have an idea how you want your photography to be, I encourage you to create your own photography challenge.
I listed the steps I did to create my own below:
Step One: Search for "Photography Challenge" on Pinterest
When I decided to do the 30-day photography challenge, I looked for ideas on online.
I went on Pinterest, and got these results >>click here<<< I looked at each one and pinned three that had topics that I wanted to try.
Step Two: Search for "Photography Tips," "Photography Hacks," and "Photography Tricks" on YouTube
Next, you want to look at photography tips, hacks, and tricks on YouTube.
I spend like an hour and a half looking at videos when I did this. And there a lot of hacks and tricks photographers can use, but it doesn't mean it's for everyone.
I included photography hacks, tips, and tricks that will apply for my type of photography, which includes people. I do quinceañeras, weddings and family photos, so I want to try a few tricks that I might apply on any photo session. I suggest you do the same. Plus, include one or two that will be fun to try.
Step Three: Create Your Own list With Tricks, Hacks, Tips, Props, Themes, and Ideas You Want To Try Within 30 Days.
Now, it's time to create the list. Choose the ones that intrigue you from the Pinterest search and add any tips, tricks, or hacks you want to try from watching YouTube videos.
👈🏼This one is mine. Let me know now what you think in the comments.
And if you're interested in know what videos I watched on YouTube, here it is:
Photography hacks:
https://youtu.be/-ZHOsswYOzU
https://youtu.be/DCNaaRZagC4
https://youtu.be/5PXCa6RCG28
Photography tips:
https://youtu.be/Cb5bjlnDkCs
Photography Tricks:
https://youtu.be/92lZFpRjtUk
https://youtu.be/W4wA7J9nkzA
https://youtu.be/jis8RTNImWI
https://youtu.be/8ZoiHQPL2vY
Step Four: Choose A Start Date
Now, that you want to choose a start date. It doesn't have to be immediately, but the sooner the better.
I consider myself a beginner. And from watching YouTube videos about practicing photography and how to start a business, the same message it given: Get out and take pictures. The only way you can improve your photography skills is by taking your camera with you and take pictures.
I'm going to start my photography challenge tomorrow, May 29,2019.
Step Five: Plan When and How You Want To Do This Photo Challenge.
I still have a full-time job and doing my photography on the side. With that in mind, I'm not planning on going it in order. I'm going to be planning this challenge weekly and do what I can when I can. And I'm adding a requirement to my own challenge - there needs to be at least ONE person on each photo.
I take pictures of people, of families. So, if I want to become a better photographer through this photography challenge, I need to take photos that will grad the attention of my audience. In other words, this challenge will meet my needs and help me create a better experience for my clients.
I recommend you do the same when you are creating your own photography challenge - make sure it'll help improve your photography skills for the type of photography you want to do.
30-Day Photography Challenge: Why Am I Doing It?
Why am I doing a 30-day photography challenge?
Like I said, I consider myself a beginner. I've been doing photography for 3 years, but all of my pictures look the same (same pose, same angle, same settings). I want to improve and become a better photographer. That's why I'm doing this photography challenge, to challenge myself and try new things.
Plus, its a way to be accountable to myself and you. I'll be sharing my progress on Instagram, where you can follow me @janetgarciatrujillo. And when I'm done doing the challenge, I'll share a blog post with all 30 photos with you.
I'm excited for this!
Love,
Janet G.
Personal Note from the Author:
Have you ever felt like you couldn’t find yourself, even if you had a map? Been there! But ever since I started my photography business, all that has changed (a little bit). It can be a struggle sometimes, when I don't know what to write about on my blog or what to share on social media, but I love my work so much, I know I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
Even if I'm a little lost.
Which is why I'm doing this photography challenge. To figure out where I'm heading, and to show up and show you what I'm capable of.