Are there any photography challenges that actually help you improve your craft? I see a lot of photo challenges that emphasizes taking a picture every day for a year, every week, etc. What does that actually do for you?

In this article, we'll help you understand what you should expect from a photography challenge and how may improve your results.

The Purpose of a Photography Challenge

Most of the photography challenges you hear about seem to be directed at beginners. The basic advice is to take a photo every day for a period of time in order to get used to your camera and hone your skills.

The problem with this type of challenge is that it's too vague to truly deliver any valuable results. The purpose of a challenge isn't merely to take a photograph.

Perhaps the problem is the use of the word “challenge.”

After all, you aren't engaging in a duel. This isn't a competition where you win a prize. You aren't contesting anything.

Dictionary definitions aside, the purpose of a photography challenge is to improve a specific aspect of your photography. It should push you beyond your comfort zone and require you to concentrate on a specific aspect of photography.

If all you have to do is take a photo a day, you can just sit on the couch and click the shutter in random directions every day. That doesn't make you a better photographer. It's not even a good use of your time.

Defining a Photography Challenge

There are two key criteria required of any challenge:

* It must be time-bound

* It must have a measurable result

Anyone can say that they'd like to get better at something, but that's a vague statement. How do you know if you're a better photographer after completing a challenge? How do you know when you're done?

Deadlines change your perception of events. They force you to act.

Many people start a photography challenge because they think it will be fun, and they may end up taking better photos. It just doesn't work like that.

You need to know what you want to improve. Be ambitious about your desired expectations and results. Instead of saying “I want to get better at taking portraits”, go for something bolder. “I want to take portraits with my own definable style that are good enough to be on a magazine cover.”

Swing for the fences.

Be Aware of the Consequences of Your Ambitions

If you want to swing for the fences, and I think that's a good idea, you should be aware of what it takes to achieve the results you desire.

You can take beautiful photos with minimal photography gear, but some genres may require making some additions to your gear collection. Sports and wildlife photographers spend a lot of money on telephoto lenses and travel. High end portrait and fashion photographers spend a lot of money on lighting, studio set design and catering.

You may be able to replicate some of these results with less expensive gear. Before you spend money on something costly, make sure you're committed to doing the type of photography that requires those tools.

The First Challenge: Decide What You Want to Improve

When deciding the type of photography challenge you want to do, be specific. This isn't just about being a better photographer. It's about being a better [GENRE] photographer. Study the work of other photographers you admire in a given field. Decide what you like about their photos and why it's important for you to improve your results to surpass them.

Your objective may not be about a genre. Maybe you want to improve your use of creative ideas, photographic accessories, or just keep yourself from being stale with the same type of shots you've already created.

Here are a few ideas to consider.

Improve Your Portrait Photography