assignment project photography

• Student Successes
• My Learning

12 Exciting Photography Assignments to Challenge and Inspire

You can also select your interests for free access to our premium training:

Everyone likes a good photo challenge. But photography assignments can also be very discouraging if they’re approached the wrong way. A good photography challenge will strengthen your photo skills and inspire you in multiple ways. A bad one will leave you wondering why you even tried photography in the first place.

12 Exciting Photography Assignments

Here are 12 exciting photography assignments to help you find the right one.

1. Shoot With a Limited Amount of Equipment

2. Take a Photo Every Day for a Year

3. Limit Yourself to X Photos a Day

4. Take Photos With Your Smartphone Camera Only

5. Experiment With a Completely Different Genre

There’s a wide variety of photography genres out there. There’s underwater, glamour , smartphone , landscape , and portrait , to name a few. Trying something new can help you fall in love with photography all over again. So take a temporary break from your main photo genre. If you’re a portrait photographer , take panoramic photos of your neighborhood. If you spend lots of time photographing animals, improve your self-portrait photography skills. When you expose yourself to different genres, you’ll learn many valuable lessons. And they will be useful long after the photography assignments end.

6. Photograph the Same Person or Object Every Day

7. Quit Social Media Temporarily

8. Create a Stop-Motion Video Using Photos

9. Take Creative Self-Portraits With a Friend

10. Crop or Rotate All Your Photos in a Specific Way

11. Include the Same Object in Every Photo

12. Invest in a Photo Book and Complete Every Assignment in It

Conclusion: Exciting Photography Assignments

You don’t need to travel the world or break the bank to improve as a photographer. A single assignment that lasts at least a week can teach you many lessons. And it’ll help you become a better photographer. All you have to do is find photography assignments that work for you. Then, dedicate some time to it, and watch your photo skills strengthen!

Popular Content

• Anniversaries
• Baby Showers
• Cards and Stationery
• Father's Day

Photo Books

Wedding invitations, 65+ photography project ideas you can start today.

Written by  Shutterfly Community Last Updated: Dec 8, 2020

Do you want to sharpen your skills, learn fresh techniques or just have fun with your camera? Photography projects help you accomplish all three.

Shop Trending Categories

Graduation Announcements

Canvas Prints

Through themed projects, you can capture unique images that follow a certain framework or style. Your project can last a week, month or year—depending on how in depth you’d like to go. To offer you inspiration, we’ve compiled 68 creative photography projects that are appropriate for all skill levels.

Once you’ve completed your project, be sure to create a photo book with your images or select your favorite for a canvas print .

1. Self Portrait

By switching the focus from other subjects to yourself as the subject, your photography takes on a whole new perspective. When setting up your shot, choose a landmark item to use as a stand-in until you’re ready to jump in the frame.

Play with auto and manual focus with your stand-in until you get the shot just right. Then, enter the scene using the timer option.

For the wisdom project, the goal is to gather photographs of those who have offered you wisdom or a helpful perspective. You might feature grandparents or mentors—or be inclined to include young ones who have provided you a fresh angle on life.

Aim to capture individuals in their natural state, especially if it’s in a location where they shared a special moment with you.

3. Candid Photo

Photographing someone in their natural state allows for their true personality to shine through. With a candid photography project, incorporate a range of human subjects for a diverse collection, or capture the same subject across different settings and days.

Building a portfolio of several candids allows you to paint a vivid persona of your subjects.

4. Street Style Photography

Authentic street style photography allows you to snag shots of the latest fashion—all without the strut of the runway. Look for colors first (either eye-catching or stunningly neutral), then watch for the cut and structure of the clothes.

Aim for overall beauty within the frame, including the street or walkway, so the focus isn’t solely on the clothes.

5. All About The Details

Create a collection of shots with unique subjects that focus on the details. Whether the photos are for an engagement , graduation or everyday occasion, you can take portraits of smaller details, like wisps of hair, relaxed hands and prominent features. Making your subjects feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera is the first priority. Plan a single shoot for various angles to help capture what looks best on a given day or moment.

6. Natural Element

Plan for your gallery of photos to include candid shots of the subject in their element. Whether they love the beach or like to craft, you can capture your subject in their favorite space or place to go.

If a subject feels awkward in front of the camera, have him or her lean against something vertical, like a fence, wall or car. They’ll feel more anchored and their body angle will offer the photo some character without seeming unnatural.

7. Pet Photography

From cats to dogs to horses, the heart and soul of your pets can be captured with the right technique. Incorporate natural light in your shoot keep watch of your pet’s eyes. Expressions and personality often shine through and it’s a great time to capture these moments.

8. Motherhood

Being a mother is one of life’s greatest gifts. When we’re parents, beautiful moments take place along with messy and chaotic ones. Encapsulate the full spectrum of motherhood with photos from quiet moments like snuggling with your child to lively times like cooking together in the kitchen.

With any photography project, it’s important that your images tell a story.

9. Panoramic Pictures

A popular technique for landscapes, panoramic photography enlarges the viewpoint beyond the normal size of a camera lens. To ensure there are no gaps in your panoramic shot, overlap your image by 15-30%.

You’ll also want to keep your camera as level as possible to ensure the photo is even throughout. Don’t forget that panos work well for vertical shots, too, like waterfalls and deep canyons.

10. Sunsets Photos

Sunsets make for stunning photos—especially when executed well. For maximum beauty, be sure to slightly underexpose the sunset for rich and dramatic colors. Use manual mode and a fast shutter speed for underexposure, or use aperture priority with exposure compensation.

Make your sunset even more magnificent by arranging an object or scene in the foreground of the sunset, like a lake or mountain.

Mist and fog are natural elements that can enhance the beauty of your photography. Check the weather to determine when fog might pop up. Oftentimes the best lighting for fog photos occurs in the wee hours of the morning or late in the evening after sunset. The low lighting causes a slower shutter speed, which means a shakier camera.

Keep your camera as still as possible or use a tripod. The best places for foggy photos? Open bodies of water and other sweeping landscapes like fields and low rolling hills.

12. Cityscapes

Hovering skyscrapers and diverse skylines are part of what makes cityscapes such attractive photography. For a cityscapes project, try different vantage points across the city to see what works best (think: a popular lookout compared with a more secret locale).

Prepare for an after sunset shoot, allowing the city lights to pop against the dark sky. Remember to use a wide angle lens to cover as much ground as possible.

13. Water (Rain, Ocean)

Whether you’re hoping to create scenes of smooth, flowing water or capture dynamic waves crashing against a seawall, it’s critical to have better than average camera equipment. For nearly every water shot, a tripod is also essential to keep the frame still for the length of the exposure (usually two to four seconds).

Pack along a lens-friendly cloth to remove splashes and water marks. Plan to get wet if you’re banking on a stunning water shot.

14. Seasons

Each season offers its own charms—from snowy branches to colored leaves. Select a location for your seasons project where you’ll snap photos throughout all four seasons. Once the year is complete, you’ll have a collection of stunning images that tell the story of your special place over the course of a year.

15. Star Trails

Spectacular from edge to edge, star trails photography is an adventure to shoot. The first step is to find a clear sky full of stars, but free of pollution and other light interference. Anchoring your camera on a tripod, set your camera to shoot on manual mode. The faster the lens you have, the better.

Once you have your shot prepared, select drive mode for consecutive shots rather than a single frame. With your remote, let your camera take photos for thirty minutes up to a few hours, depending on the length of star trails you’re creating.

Capturing still images with a remote-controlled drone opens up the options for angles and perspectives in your photography. Consider sending a drone above a beach, golf course or mountaintop.

Increase the altitude of your drone for a more impressive viewpoint and try GPS mode for a more stable shot.

17. Food Photography

As a still life technique, food photography requires a few main ingredients: good lighting, props and style. Place your items near natural lighting or use a flash to give the photo a balanced look. When it comes to the arrangement, consider adding in table setting details like plates and silverware.

Amplify the photo’s texture with decorative pieces like colorful fruits and sprigs of herbs. For a well-rounded food photography project, shoot a variety of foods and dishes.

18. Black and White Month

Instead of using the full color spectrum, this project idea prompts you to capture images in black and white only. Two-toned photography provides a different perspective or feel to your work, and gives you a chance to highlight people, places and objects in a novel way.

For instance, a close-up of hands be enticing when displayed in color, but in black and white, the image paints the story that all humankind is united.

19. Everyday Moments

Photos that showcase a slice of regular life contain a certain genuine beauty. When preparing for everyday moment shots, make sure subjects are comfortable. People should interact as if you aren’t even present.

The true magic happens when you’re able to capture two people’s true connection.

20. Random Acts of Kindness

The random acts of kindness project prompts you to capture someone doing something thoughtful or helpful for another person. By photographing these moments, you’re telling a larger story of humanity.

To be successful in this project, you’ll need to keep a keen eye out for small acts of generosity, like a young man holding the door or a little girl smiling at a stranger.

21. Shoes For a Week

Narrow your photography focus for a week by capturing different styles of footwear. From boots to sandals to athletic shoes, diversify your image collection. Be sure to utilize a range of angles to create unique stories for each photo (i.e. a guy lounging with shoes on, two people talking while standing, a woman running).

22. Comfort Zone Challenge

Pushing the limits of your creativity often leaves you with impressive and surprising results. With the comfort zone challenge, throw caution to the wind and experiment without expectations.

Maybe that means you’ll shoot a paragliding experience, a fireworks explosion or animals in action. When you’re snapping shots, play around with your shutter speed, aperture, focal length and movement.

23. 30 Strangers

Taking a photo of someone whom you’ve only just met can be thrilling. It can also be personally and professionally rewarding. Through the 30 strangers project, you’ll capture 30 portraits of people you’ve never met before. Find people on the street, in a shopping mall or at a park.

Be sure to ask each person’s consent first before posting publicly. The 30 strangers challenge will certainly stretch you outside of your artistic comfort zone.

24. Duotone

Duotone photography refers to a multitone production of an image, usually imposed through photo editing techniques. The superimposition of a contrasting color halftone (normally black) over another color halftone enhances the middle tones of an image.

Photographs with one main object, like a flower, seashell or tree, are ideal for creating duotone effects.

25. Perspective

Perspective photography can take many forms: those shot from a low angle, ones with strong leading lines and those that look straight up into the sky. Whether your scene is a railroad track or skyscraper, your image should emphasize the angle and the unique perspective you’re hoping to give the viewer.

Train your eye to notice patterns, lines and reflections you can capture from different angles.

Not only is coffee delicious and rejuvenating, it’s also a work of art. Collaborate with a barista on a latte design or the type of mug to use. Choose a simple backdrop so the coffee remains the focal point.

A dark backdrop is best if you’re aiming to capture the steam rolling off of a warm drink.

27. Create a Photo Album

Let your memories last forever by creating a photo album for a recent vacation, an adventurous summer or a year filled with fun. Design your photo album with a theme in mind to build cohesion. Vary your layouts from page to page for texture and personality.

28. Traffic Lights

When photographing traffic lights and other light trails, the best time is during or after twilight on a night when minimal wind is present. Based on your camera angle and objects, you’ll need to adjust and experiment with your settings.

Often times, shutter priority mode is ideal along with a shutter speed of six seconds. Make stability a non-issue with a tripod, and remember you won’t be using a flash.

29. Happy Days

Allow joy to take the center stage of your photos. Whether they’re candid shots of family members interacting or a single subject, make sure the smiles are natural. Enhance the happiness level by highlighting the subject with ample natural lightening.

30. Photo Scavenger Hunt

Challenge yourself and your fellow photographers by setting up a photo scavenger hunt . Rather than choosing objects and locations to capture, create a list of photography styles to achieve. For instance, your list might include building a motion blur or catching a clear action shot. At the end of your hunt, you’ll have a collection of impressive photographs.

31. Night Scenes

Night scenes, also known as low light photography, allow you to make the most of dark scenes that are hard to capture. When less light is present, it means you’ll also have slower shutter speeds, which equals more camera shake. For this reason, landscapes and long exposures at night time require tripods.

Whether you’re shooting special moments around the campfire or gazing up at the stars, utilize a wide aperture or a low f-number to let in as much light as possible.

32. Polaroids

Polaroids offer a timeless feel and give photos a natural frame. When creating a collection of polaroids, be sure to switch up your angles and perspectives. Try a few upclose shots of objects along with macro shots of mountains and lakes.

For polaroids with human subjects, allow for plenty of natural light and aim for candids.

33. Letters/Signs

With any inanimate object, the challenge with photography is to bring it to life. With letters and signs, try to enrich the shot with the surrounding scene whether it’s greenery or a neat light fixture. Angle your lens in a way that makes the lettering most striking.

Build a full photography project with at least five to ten different signs.

34. Action Shots

To nail a clear action shot—for sports, animals or anything else—the most important aspect is to be prepared. Consider pre-focusing your shot, so when the subject enters the frame, you’re ready.

Because it may take several shots to capture even one solid photo, shoot in short bursts for a few seconds at a time. Keep extra space at either edge of your frame to allow for your subject’s movement.

35. Abstract

Fundamental to abstract photography are lines and curves. The shapes you highlight will guide the viewer’s eye to a certain engaging element. To get up close and personal with an object or design, use a macro lens. With the macro, your photo composition will have clearer resolution and sharpness. Complete your project by gathering a collection of abstract photo pieces.

36. New Lens

Your camera equipment plays a large role in your work as a photographer. Your tools, like your lenses, can fundamentally change the structure your art.

To sharpen your skills, try using a single lense for an entire month. Ideally, the lense will be new to you—allowing you to master the new tool and broaden your photography skills.

37. Architecture

Photographing architecture—whether modern or classic—presents unique challenges. Consider capturing an array of building styles for your portfolio and don’t forget to mix up your angles. Vary your shots by choosing a different weather conditions and times of day.

Through your diversity of shots, you’ll have richer story of the buildings’ relationship with the environment.

38. Thankful

To enhance your gratitude and happiness, consider completing a thankful project where you take one photo every day of something you’re grateful for. From flowers to pets to family members, find subjects that have personal meaning to you.

By capturing what you’re thankful for, you connect deeper with the people, places and things that surround you.

39. Sunday Mornings

Whether you’re enjoying a cup of coffee or a good book, snap a photo every Sunday morning for one month or a year. Capturing everyday occurrences through photography is a form of artistic journaling, helping you to document life’s big and small moments.

40. Top View

The angle of your shot makes all the difference in how appealing and engaging it is. Try a series of photos where your perspective comes from the top. Amp up the creativity by getting higher for your shoot and using a wide angle lens.

A busy environment, like a packed street or active household, can become a striking composition when using a top view perspective because it offers necessary distance from the cluttered setting.

41. Guilty Pleasures

We all have foods and activities we love despite feeling that they might not be held in high regard. Perhaps your guilty pleasure is cream-filled donuts or binge watching reruns of your favorite sitcom.

Collecting images of your guilty pleasures will likely bring you humor and levity, knowing that these items are a part of you, but they don’t necessarily define you.

42. Silhouettes

Forming a distinct contrast between light and dark, silhouettes highlight one or multiple subjects. Ensure your subject is backlit with the sun behind them. The best times to shoot silhouettes are in the morning or late evening.

Build a stunning image by setting the scene with open space, like in a field or along the beach. Set up your camera angle facing the sun, then ask your subject to stand between the sun and you. Play around with the exact angle until you have a strong contrast.

Create a collection of photos shot with prism filters on your lens or by placing a prism in front of your lens. The light that dances off of the prism will add creative effects to your photography by dispersing light before it hits the camera. Secure your camera on a tripod so you can have your hands free to play with the prism and lighting.

Prism photography can include large subjects like nature scenes and architecture or smaller objects like books and candles.

44. Symmetry

Finding subjects that offer you symmetry is the foundational step for this photography project idea. Look for symmetry in architecture and nature, but don’t leave out human and animals subjects. Smaller details, like hands or feet, often make for the perfect symmetrical photo.

Bokeh photography is denoted by one unique characteristic: a blur produced in the out-of-focus area of an image. The blur, produced by a lens, helps direct the focus of the photo. A fast lens is necessary to achieve this technique, with at least an f/2.8 aperture.

With a wide open lens, you can create bokeh with subjects like butterflies, humans and fencing around a baseball field. These photos are perfect for framing around your home .

46. Action Figures

Due to their size, action figures are easy to rearrange and shoot from multiple angles. Bring the scene to life by having the figures interact with each other. If you’re looking for an extra challenge, tell a story through your action figures, like one you would find in a comic book. Include action shots against a simple backdrop.

47. Steel Wool

Although it may seem like steel wool photography would require expensive equipment, it is a surprisingly inexpensive technique. For this project, you’ll need the following: a camera, lens, tripod, shutter cable, steel wool, string, stainless steel whisk, lighter and protective gloves. In a dark location—away from combustible items and other people—burn steel wool that’s loosely packed in a whisk.

As the steel wool burns, spin the whisk either vertically or horizontally to create the desired effect. The burning will only last about ten seconds, so you’ll want to set up for at least five seconds of exposure time. Steel wool photography creates wild and interesting images, but be sure to follow safety precautions to avoid hazards.

To enhance your skills and test out a nifty shooting technique, try macro photography on tiny subjects like insects, match-heads and flowers. Keeping your budget in mind, choose a magnification lens that lets you make super small items appear larger than life. For your macro project, vary your subjects.

Consider nature’s smallest members, miniature household items and up close shots of human elements for your portfolio.

49. Double Exposure

Double exposure, also known as multiple exposure, is a technique that combines two images in a single image. By using double exposure, you can create a distinct effect like a mirror image or ghost-like presence. The layering technique can be done with or without photoshop, depending on your equipment and skill set.

50. Escapism

Photography, like any type of art, can be a form of escapism. Through the camera, we can create images that help us step out of reality and into our daydreams. Prepare for your escapism photography project by thinking of your ‘happy places’ or locations you go to get away.

After brainstorming, head to one of those locations and shoot scenes that offer a mystical aura—whether it’s birds fluttering in the forest or the clouds lifting off of the mountains.

51. Shadow Art

Just as light is a critical element to photography, so is darkness. With shadow art, the focus is placed on the subject as it blocks light from reaching a surface, like a sidewalk or table. Experiment with the angle, distance and size of your light source to alter the intensity and scale of your shadows.

Consider humans as your subjects, but inanimate objects, too, like musical instruments, buildings and action figures.

52. Texture

From brick walls to tiled roofs to wooden fences, textures are all around us. Complete a photo challenge where you take one shot of a textured surface every day. Turn on your auto focus to ensure the object is in perfect focus. Adjust your distance from the subject based on how much detail you want in your image. This idea is perfect if you’re also looking for creative Instagram photo ideas .

Aim for a ninety degree angle when you shoot the image so your texture is lined up straight with the camera.

53. 365 Wardrobe

On each day of the year, snap photos of your clothes before you begin the day. Arrange them differently—sometimes orderly, sometimes more carelessly—to gain a sense of how your mood changed from day to day. Remember to include accessories like purses, shoes, belts and headbands.

54. Suspend Time

Photography is a powerful art medium: it can even pause time. Whether you’re suspending an item with a fishing line or taking a shot of someone jumping, you can create the look of time being stopped. Start this photography project by choosing three items or people you’d like to suspend.

55. Balloons

Bursting with color or more neutral tones, balloons make for versatile props. Let helium balloons off into the sky and capture photos as they float up. Surround the birthday girl with balloons in an otherwise empty room. Or tie a balloon to a child’s wrist and photograph them as they wander through a park.

56. Hotel Carpet

If you travel frequently, the hotel carpet project may be the right kind of fun for you. Next time you’re walking through a hotel lobby, glance down at the carpet beneath your feet. All sorts of patterns and colors are used in hotel carpets across the world. Take a snapshot (ideally at a 90-degree angle) of each carpet for a collection that will help you remember all of the places you’ve been.

Across neighborhoods and cities, doors provide insight to each home’s character. For this photography project, set out on an adventure to collect as many styles and sizes of doors as possible. Choose a macro approach, where the whole door makes the shot, or go micro by narrowing the frame to door handles and styles of wood.

58. Juxtaposition

To build juxtaposition in your photographs, place two opposite subjects next to one another. Like a blue ocean and a green forest, the contrast between the two is noticeable yet stunning. Types of juxtaposition might include a person and their shadow or a thin item next to a thicker item. For this photography project, try several contrasting subjects or locations.

Photos full of irony can be humorous or thought-provoking. Maybe you snap an image of a tow truck hauling another tow truck or you notice a descriptive sign in a place that doesn’t quite seem to fit. When it comes to ironic photos, a keen eye is needed along with a quick wit.

60. Fairy Lights

Fairy lights make for beautiful focal points. You can wrap the lights around a tree, weave them between human subjects or fill mason jars with them. Build a larger scene by ensuring no backdrop distractions are present or capture the fairy lights up close.

Regardless of what subjects and scenes you decide to shoot, proper exposure is crucial.

For this photography project, choose smoke as your primary accent. Incense sticks are easy to use and allow you to play with various colors. Your setup should ensure ample ventilation for the smoke to escape the room. Some photographers merge two photographs (one of the smoke and one of the object) to design a special scene, like one of a toy train blowing smoke or a tea kettle steaming.

62. Vintage Cars

From sporty models to classic town cars, vintage vehicles never go out of style. Look for vintage makes at car rallies and exhibitions, although sometimes you’ll come across them in your everyday happenings. The golden hours, right after sunrise or right before sunset, are ideal for shooting cars. Highlight specific parts, like bumpers, trunks and hoods for diverse perspectives.

63. Faces In Things

You’ve probably seen images that double as a face and another object. In this photography project, you’ll create a similar effect. Take a close look at nature, food and furniture to locate hidden human faces. Compile as many faces as you can, and see if your friends can guess what’s in the images.

Alter your perspective by shooting your subject through a picture frame. The frame technique works best outdoors where you can place ample distance between your lens and your subject. Consider creating scenes with a woman standing on the beach, a tree in an open field or a tall building at the end of a street.

65. Reflections

Any body of water—like a lake, river, pond or swimming pool—can act as your reflective tool for this photography project. You’ll want to avoid direct light on the water to eliminate glare. Practice using reflections on waterfront cityscapes or mountains overlooking a lake.

66. Take My Hand

When you can represent human connection in photography, the emotion of the image is strengthened. Head out on a hike or stroll through a garden to practice photographing two hands linked together.

67. Picception

A relatively new technique, picception images incorporate another camera or photo into the shot. It can be a picture-in-a-picture style or something more subtle like a photograph of someone taking a photograph. While often informal, picception shots can be formal if intentionally designed.

Often eye-catching, neon photos provide a stunning mix of light, shape and color. Whether you’re on the Vegas strip or exploring your hometown at night, take photos of neon signs with your camera’s evaluative meter exposure setting. Choose a low ISO of 200 or 100 to avoid noise. Be sure to place your camera on a tripod for stability.

No matter which photography projects you decide to complete, remember to enjoy the process and save copies of your photos. Design a themed calendar or metal print to showcase your results.

Explore Categories

Graduation Invitations

Custom Photo Blankets

Save the Dates

Coffee Table Books

Written by Shutterfly Community | View all posts

★ Lifestyle Expert

Shutterfly Community is here to help capture and share life's most important moments. Discover thoughtful gifts, creative ideas and endless inspiration to create meaningful memories with family and friends.

Visit their Website . You can follow on Instagram and Pinterest .

The leading authority in photography and camera gear.

Become a better photographer.

12.9 Million

Annual Readers

Newsletter Subscribers

Featured Photographers

Photography Guides & Gear Reviews

13 Photography Project Ideas for Photographers of Any Level

Do you want to sharpen your skills, learn fresh techniques and/or create a displayable body of work? Take a look at these great photography project ideas.

Learn | By Ana Mireles

Are you looking for photography project ideas? Then you’re in the right place.

If you’re like me, you’ll agree that photo projects are a great way to stay motivated and grow as a photographer.

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, an amateur or a professional, projects help you to focus and develop your skills.

If you’ve never done a photo project, I start by explaining what it is and why you should consider doing one.

Then, I’ll give you some examples from famous and talented artists so you can get inspired.

Once you’re as pumped about projects as I am, I’ll give you some ideas to get you started – there’s something for every level!

Table of Contents

What Are Photography Projects?

Credit: George Milton

Photography projects are creative enterprises that you plan and execute through photographs.

In other words, a photography project is a series of images you create around an idea or a concept. All the pictures of the project have a coherent style and technique.

You can do photography projects at any skill level and all types of photography . So, it doesn’t matter if you do food photography or street photos. You can still develop a project.

Photography projects aren’t related to duration, the number of images, or camera equipment. You can decide on the specifics of your own photography project as you see fit.

• What are the best photography games?

Why Do a Photography Project?

There are many advantages to doing photography projects. One of the main ones is that it helps you stay motivated and focused.

If you photograph without purpose or idea, it’s more likely that you’ll lose interest. When you don’t have a project, you might have time to pick up your camera and waste most of it just trying to decide what to do.

Instead, you can get right to work if you have some photography project ideas. Also, you’ll have goals to keep you photographing until you’ve completed them.

Another good reason to shoot photography projects is that it makes it easier to improve your photography skills.

As you know, practice makes perfect. If you shoot single images all the time, you won’t dedicate enough time and practice to each skill to actually grow. It also makes it more challenging to see the improvement because you won’t have anything to compare.

Photography projects aren’t just beneficial to improve your technical skills . They’re also helpful in developing a creative style and advancing your storytelling techniques.

• Fun photo challenge ideas to try

6 Famous Photography Projects

When looking for creative photography project ideas, it’s helpful to see what professional photographers are doing. Here are a few famous projects that might be of help.

1. Humans of New York by Brandon Stanton

Brandon Stanton started this photo project back in 2010. His idea was to create a catalogue of NY city inhabitants by taking 10,000 street portraits. He also included quotes or a short story from each person he photographed.

His photography project became a blog that quickly reached millions of followers on social media. Later, it was published as a book.

The Humans of New York photography project grew, and it now contains sub-projects called Stories. He’s made a series about Pediatric Cancer, Syrian Americans, and others. These have been published too.

How Much Do You REALLY Know About Photography?! 🤔

Test your photography knowledge with this quick quiz!

See how much you really know about photography...

Your answer:

Correct answer:

SHARE YOUR RESULTS

Your Answers

Stanton’s idea expanded to more than 40 countries. This project is now simply called Humans as it transcends nationality and borders. It talks about the shared experience of being a human.

• A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating an Inspiring Photo Journal

2. My Breast Choice by Aniela McGuinness

Aniela McGuinness is an actress diagnosed with breast cancer three days before having a preventive double mastectomy. This was only a year and a half after she lost her mother to ovarian cancer.

She decided to start the project My Breast Choice to show how cancer and chemo impact the body and soul of women.

She teamed up with a photographer to create a series and capture her process. She also made a lifestyle blog and a YouTube channel.

Through these multiple media channels, she uses humour to raise awareness, help women dealing with these issues, and cope with what she went through.

3. Afraid to Go to School by Sodiq Adelakun Adekola.

This photography project won in the Stories category for the Africa region of the World Press Photo. In Nigeria, children are often kidnapped from schools. Usually, they are girls that are then forced into marriages.

In this series, the photographer witnessed and documented the victims’ families.

4. One Year Performance 1908-1981 (Time Clock Piece) by Tehching Hsieh.

Nowadays, we’re constantly taking selfies. Some people use them as a photography project idea and take selfies every day, every week, or every birthday.

Way before this hype, Tehching Hsieh did a photography experiment which was much more extreme. He took a self-portrait every day for an entire year.

This means that he would also wake up every hour each night to keep the project going. It’s worth mentioning that he’s known for his year-long performances.

5. Subway Love by Araki.

Araki is one of the most prolific photographers today. He’s done countless photography projects, which usually publishes as books.

Subway Love is one of his longest projects. Throughout ten years (almost), he photographed strangers that rode the subway with him on his way to and from his work in Tokyo.

6. Untitled Film Stills by Cindy Sherman.

Cindy Sherman is famous for her photography projects where she questions identity, stereotypes, gender and sexuality, etc.

In Untitled Film Stills, she did over 70 black and white pictures that seemed to be still taken from 1950s films. She is the model on each one – however, they aren’t self-portraits. In every photograph, she embodies a different persona.

How to Come Up With the Photography Project That’s Best for You

Your passions are the first and most important thing to consider when choosing photography project ideas. This is the best way to enjoy and stick with the project – doing it about something that excites you.

Another consideration you should take is your equipment. It’s good to be ambitious, but you also need to be realistic.

If your photography project idea involves resources you don’t have, it will quickly become an excuse to postpone the project.

Of course, you can always buy or rent the required equipment, but just do it if you can afford it.

The same concept applies to your availability. So, choose a subject that’s easily available to you. Also, determine the duration of the project and the number of photos according to your other commitments.

If you can only dedicate a few hours to photography, choose a project that doesn’t require a full day.

If you’re into wildlife photography, choose a subject you can find in your area instead of waiting for your next vacation to go on a photo safari.

The idea is that you set yourself attainable goals. It’s perfect if you can drop everything and dedicate full time to your photography project. However, this isn’t easy, and most people have to start slower.

In whichever scenario you’re in, it’s still possible to do a photography project. Let’s see some ideas to get you started.

• How to Pitch Photography Projects to Agencies

4 Photography Project Ideas for Beginners

Not all photography project ideas must be complex and result in a masterpiece. There are tons of projects you can do as a beginner.

These photography project ideas for beginners will help you to get acquainted with your camera, develop technical skills, and incorporate photography into your everyday life.

Idea 1: Everyday Objects

Credit: Engin Akyurt

The great thing about this project is that you don’t have to buy anything – you can use whatever you have around you.

Start by choosing an object. You can use a different one every time you do the project, which can be every weekend or once a month – it’s up to you.

Anyhow, choose this object and come up with different creative photography ideas for it. You can photograph it with different lenses, lighting, and camera settings . This will help you to learn and practice technical skills.

Otherwise, you can explore the object in a creative way. Come up with different stories around the object.

To capture unique images, you can place your object in different scenarios. You may also think about everything the object represents.

Let’s use an apple as an example. You can associate it with the poisoned apple of Snow White, the one from Adam and Eve, or the apple of discord from Greek mythology.

You can check out the work of Chema Madoz if you’re into fine art photography . For more commercial work, check out the stunning images of Dina Belenko. These authors will surely get you inspired.

Idea 2: 365 days project

Credit: Tobi

As you can imagine, the 365 days project involves taking at least one photo daily. This is one of the most common creative photography project ideas.

You can find many lists online with 365 photo challenges. This way, you don’t have to waste time thinking about what to do. It also encourages you to step out of your comfort zone, as you don’t get to pick what to do.

Another way to do it is to create your own 365 days project. This way, you can focus on a specific subject or technique you’re interested in learning and perfecting. Doing this allows you to see how you grow as a photographer with time and practice.

A good subject for 365 days could be something that changes with time, such as a tree.

Another project idea is to focus on a specific type of photography, such as crystal ball photography or steel wool photography.

Otherwise, you can use a specific technique, such as capturing light trails or motion blur .

Idea 3: Self-portraits

Credit: Pixabay

A self-portrait photo challenge is excellent to practice photographing people. Not only can you practice the photographic side of it, but also the modelling side.

Most photographers struggle with posing people or conveying to their models what they need. So, being your model will help you to develop those skills too.

There are endless creative photography techniques you can try around this project. You can start with simple things like an outdoor portrait.

As you improve, you can move on to more complicated things, such as double exposure.

• Self portrait photography ideas and tips
• How to take photos of yourself when alone

Idea 4: Night photography

Credit: Aleksandar Pasaric

Night photography is more complex than shooting during the daytime. That’s why it’s the ideal photo project if you want to push yourself.

It will help you to master the basics of camera exposure. This is because you’ll have to learn how to use a slow shutter speed without getting motion blur.

This is not just about a moving subject but about you causing camera shake. This is also related to the focal length you use. It might be necessary to use a tripod.

You’ll also learn about the relationship between ISO and noise. Sometimes, the autofocus won’t be accurate due to the dim light. So, it will also push you to work with manual focus.

Another helpful thing you can learn when shooting at night is the color temperature. You’ll notice how each type of light has a different color and how to deal with ambient light  that may include more than one.

All these technical aspects can be applied to the subject of your choice. So, you can do portraits, landscapes, and other shots that interest you while remaining within the project theme – night photography.

• How to take portraits at night

4 Photography Project Ideas for Students

These creative photography projects aren’t just for people learning about photography. They can be helpful for all sorts of students. Photography can be a powerful tool to teach physics, optics, and other subjects.

Idea 5: Illustrate a book

Credit: Levent Simsek

This exercise is excellent for photographers at any skill level who want to exercise their storytelling abilities.

Choose a book you like – it doesn’t matter how long it is or to what literary genre it belongs. You can use short stories, thrillers, romantic novels, etc.

Now, think about photography ideas that could illustrate each chapter or the entire book. Also, take a photograph that could be used as the book cover.

This is also useful as a high school photography project. Translating what they just read into an image or a set of images will help them isolate the story’s key moments. It will also make them engage on a different level with the book.

• Best coffee table books of the year

Idea 6: Forced perspective

Credit: Francesco Sgura (left) / Abdullah-Ahmad (right)

Forced perspective is a technique that creates an optical illusion. By doing this type of photography, you can make things appear bigger or smaller. Also, thanks to this manipulation, you can also alter the perception of distance.

There are many creative photography projects you can do using this technique. One of the most common examples is to photograph ‘holding’ a famous landmark in their hand.

This technique isn’t just used in photography. It’s also used in painting, sculpture, and architecture. It’s also common to see it in films – although you might not know it.

Have you seen Lord of the Rings? Peter Jackson often used forced perspective to make characters like dwarfs and hobbits look smaller than others.

Idea 7: Pinhole photography project

Making a pinhole camera and using it to capture images is a great project for students. Whether they are children, high school students, or beginner photographers – it’s a project that fits everyone.

Anyone interested in photography can use a pinhole camera to learn how pictures are done. This is because digital cameras still share the same principles of the camera obscura. Also, regular students can use it to learn how light travels or to see a solar eclipse.

You can make pinhole cameras out of cardboard boxes or a DSLR, depending on your resources. If you’re using a DSLR or a mirrorless camera, simply buy an extra body cap and drill a hole.

Then, cut a piece of aluminium foil and make a hole in it with a pin. Now, tape the aluminium foil on top of the drill hole you made on the cap.

Lastly, remove the camera lens and put this pinhole cap. This way, you can make pinhole digital images.

The traditional way of doing pinhole photographs is using a box or a tin as the camera body. The process is the same as I explained before. You can watch the above video to see all the details on constructing it.

• 32 homemade DIY photography props

Idea 8: Photo walk

Credit: Rafael Barros

Photo walks are small projects that can be done by any student regardless of skill level. It’s mainly about remaining focused and motivated. They’re also helpful as they teach you to see like a photographer because you’re on a ‘photo mission’.

The topic of the photo walk can be anything you want. You can use a theme such as geometric shapes or street signs – it doesn’t matter.

Another approach is to set limitations instead of a subject. For example, you can only use one lens – or one focal length in case you own a zoom lens.

You can use the same topic or limitation each time and see how it develops on a bigger scale. Otherwise, you can do different targeted themes each time. It all depends on how much you want to commit to this project.

5 Photography Project Ideas for More Advanced Photographers

Even advanced photographers can benefit from doing photography projects. This may be because they want to learn a new technique or how to use a new piece of equipment.

It may be because they want to grow their business by approaching a different type of photography. Perhaps it’s because they want to stay motivated and challenged.

Whatever the reason, these photography project ideas should be helpful.

Idea 9: Double exposure photography

Credit: Whicdhemein One

If you’re looking for a creative photography project that requires more advanced techniques, try doing double-exposure images .

This is a technique you can do in film and digital photography. You can also choose to do it as a post-processing effect.

The idea is that two images are compound in one image. Of course, you can also combine more images – then it’s called multiple exposures.

You can centre your project on the technique. If this is the case, you can do the same subject using film, digital, and editing techniques to achieve it. You can then compare the results as well as the pros and cons of each method.

If you prefer a more creative approach, you can use this technique to convey feelings to the viewer. You can also make visual metaphors if you like symbolism.

One approach isn’t better than the other; the important thing is that you come up with photography ideas that work for you.

Idea 10: Multiple light sources

Credit: Aleksander Dummer

Most photographers start by using natural light. Once they master it, they move on to flash and studio lighting . To understand how these work, you can think of projects that force you to use more than one light source.

Remember the first rule about finding project photography ideas – you must be passionate about the topic.

So, if you enjoy working with people, do a project for portrait light setups . If not, you can always make one about product or food photography.

• Everything to know about photography lighting

Idea 11: Abstract photography

Credit: Abstract

Doing an abstract photography project is a great way to push your boundaries or overcome a creative block.

Unless you’re already an abstract photographer , this photo project will force you to view and think about things differently.

It will also challenge you by presenting new limitations. Instead, it will remove some of the usual boundaries you have when you photograph things.

Shooting abstract images will also help you with your composition. You won’t be able to rely on the usual rules that guide where you put your main subject. Instead, you’ll be able to explore colors, textures, light and shadows.

As far as the subject goes, anything can be used to make abstract photography. Although, it may be challenging to find a way to make it look exciting and communicate something with it. This is because there isn’t such an obvious focal point as it would be in figurative art.

You can do this project with your equipment, which is excellent. However, you can also explore different techniques that may need specific gear.

For example, you can do macro photography. Ideally, you should use a macro lens , but there are less expensive options, like getting extension tubes. It’s also possible to reverse the camera lens.

A macro project works in abstract photography because you can isolate a detail from the surrounding scene.

Other ideas for abstract projects include a long exposure whit intentional camera movement or exploring a subject from multiple angles.

• See also: How to do intentional camera movement photography

Idea 12: Tilt-Shift photography

Credit: Daniel Tafjord

Photography projects for advanced photographers can be about specific gear. In this example, I’m using the tilt-shift lens . However, you can apply the same principle to any equipment you want to master. It can be a drone, a large format camera, etc.

Tilt-shift photography is when you change the orientation of the lens in relation to the camera sensor . Architecture photographers use this to correct perspective distortion. You can also use it to extend the depth of field, which is helpful in product photography , for example.

However, tilt-shift lenses aren’t just used to perfect the image – there’s also a creative use for them. You can make any city look like a scale model of itself.

Idea 13: Underwater photography

Credit: Victoria Strelkaph

This photo project is about getting out of your comfort zone. So, if you regularly do underwater photography or can’t do it for some reason – find a different way to push your boundaries. You can do aerial photography, for example.

We’re used to thinking about underwater photographers as professional scuba divers with special equipment. However, you can do a project with more attainable ambitions.

You can do underwater photography by snorkelling or doing it in a swimming pool. You also don’t have to focus on wildlife. There are beautiful underwater projects with ballerinas or even wedding photography.

The main point of this photo project is that it’s physically challenging, it requires new skills, and it can be as documental or as creative as you want.

So, it has a bit of everything. It’s the perfect project for the advanced photographer looking to try new things.

You’ve Completed Your Photography Project. Now What?

Credit: Mike B

Photo contests

Participating in photo contests is a great way to get your project out there. It will be seen by professionals in the photography industry, and you can confront your work with that of your peers.

Most photographic contests have categories dedicated to series or stories. The name may change, but the scope is the same – to acknowledge photographic projects.

You may also choose a single image from your project to participate in the single-image categories of a contest. This is because often the prize includes an exhibition. So, even if the judges only get to see one of them, you may get to show the entire project in the end.

You can find a list of photo contests here that we’ve selected that may interest you. You’ll also find a summary from a series of interviews Shotkit did with award-winning photographers to learn their tips on how to win.

Get your work exhibited

Getting your work out into the world is one of the biggest satisfactions after you’ve completed a photography project.

There are many ways to get your work exhibited. The most traditional is to approach galleries and see if they are interested in showing it.

Of course, getting picked up by a gallery is not an easy task. Fortunately, this isn’t the only way. You can look for open calls to participate in collaborative exhibitions.

Also, you can organize an exhibition yourself. You can approach cultural centers, photography schools , and even bars or coffee shops. They’re often happy to show work from emerging talents.

Make a photo book

Another way to distribute your photography project is by doing a photo book. There are two roads to follow: you can either approach publishing houses or self-publish.

Publishing houses have all the expertise and can reach a wider audience through their marketing channels. Unfortunately, getting published is difficult as there is a lot of competition.

So, you can choose to publish a book on your own. It can be made as an e-book, or you can use a print-on-demand platform if you don’t have a big budget to start with. Otherwise, you can print the first batch from the start.

• How to choose the best paper for your photo book

Build an online gallery

In this day and age, it’s easy and affordable to build a personal website. You can use this platform to showcase your work by doing galleries with your photography projects.

You’ll find Shotkit’s roundup of the best portfolio websites for photographers here .

Start another project

Last but not least, once you’ve completed your photography project – start working on the next one!

Check out these 8 essential tools to help you succeed as a professional photographer.

Includes limited-time discounts.

You'll Also Like These:

Ana Mireles is a Mexican researcher that specializes in photography and communications for the arts and culture sector.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

👋 WELCOME TO SHOTKIT!

🔥 Popular NOW:

Unlock the EXACT blueprint to capture breathtaking iPhone photos!

Shotkit may earn a commission on affiliate links. Learn more.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

DIGITAL PHOTO MENTOR

Photography tips, tutorials and guides for Beginner and Intermediate Photographers.

10 Creative Photography Assignments to Inspire You Into Action

by Andrew S Gibson | Last Updated: November 8, 2022

Finding interesting things to photograph can be one of the most difficult things for a photographer to do.

You’re surrounded by potentially interesting subjects, but you might not realize it if you’re stuck for inspiration. I have been stuck, so I know what that feels like.

The good news is that the world is full of interesting ideas and subjects. All you have to do is find the good ones and develop them into personal photography projects that work for you.

Of course, wouldn’t be easier if you could find lots of ideas in one place?

That’s why I wrote an ebook called 100 Creative Photography Assignments . It gives you lots of ideas for projects that you can do close to home, without traveling to exotic locations.

The book is structured into 20 broad themes, with five assignments for each theme.

To give you a taste of what’s in the book, and to help you get inspired into action here are 10 of my favorite assignments. (The theme for each is shown in brackets after the assignment number and name)

Assignment 3: Urban trees (trees)

Humans have planted trees in formal gardens for centuries to bring nature into towns and cities. Photographing trees in urban environments gives you something that is different than traditional landscapes.

How can you explore the juxtaposition of man-made and natural items?

In the photo below, the tree, which is obviously well-cared for fits in perfectly with the historic home. The two go together, as intended.

But in other situations, you might find a jarring contrast between the natural and urban environments. That is called juxtaposition and it can make for some really striking images.

Assignment 8: People and the sea (or a lake)

How do people interact with the sea?

The sea has strong links to leisure, sport, and industry, all of which have plenty of potential photographically. Think beyond simple photos of people on summer holidays. How can you explore the relationship between people and water in more depth?

Another approach is to show scale and photograph people in a way that shows the vast size and scope of the ocean. Yet another is to show people battling the weather, perhaps fishermen at sea.

Assignment 20: Framed by color (frames)

Some frames are visual rather than literal. One way to make a visual frame is to look for compositions where the main subject is surrounded by a solid block of color, as in the photo below.

This is another assignment that tests your observational skills. It also has the potential to make an interesting series. What happens when you group a set of photos that use color as a frame together?

Assignment 24: Weathered surfaces (texture)

Old buildings of all descriptions are made of materials with interesting textures. The definition of old is relative, your chosen building might be hundreds of years old or just a few.

The important thing is that it looks old. That means visible signs of weathering, like the metal wall and wooden door frame in the photo below. Some texture surfaces, like rust, also have interesting colors that you can use to your advantage.

Assignment 31: On the outside (buildings)

One approach to photographing buildings is to include as much of the building as possible in the frame. But what happens if you take another approach?

Have you ever stopped to notice the interesting things that people put outside buildings?

In Italy, I found a shrine on the outside of a colorful red building in Venice (below). In the United States window boxes and mailboxes are commonplace. Nearly everywhere you go you’ll see plants in pots outside people’s homes.

All these items make potentially interesting subjects and have the potential to be turned into an interesting series.

This assignment gets more interesting when you do it in different places, and compare the things you find outside buildings in one place with those in another location.

Assignment 39: Urban decay (your local neighborhood)

Some buildings can look good for centuries if they’re well maintained. But others soon fall into decay, especially if they’re not kept up. Look for the beauty in decayed or run-down buildings.

You expect older buildings to be in a state of disrepair, especially if you live in a country that has plenty of ruins. But more modern, urban decay can be just as interesting.

Why do modern buildings fall into disrepair? What stories do they tell about their neighborhoods, towns, and cities?

Another approach to this idea is to photograph urban decay in other countries, and then compare the results with what you capture in your local area.

Assignment 54: Capture the character of a place (b/w)

The absence of color gives you another way of capturing the character of a place. Yes, it’s true that in some areas color is an essential part of the essence of the place. But in others, it’s less important.

Working in black and white gives you a chance to see through the colors and get to the essence of a place. Visually speaking that’s texture, contrast, and tone.

But in another way, black and white images seem to help you see further and deeper. They’re moody, atmospheric, and timeless. Use these characteristics to create a set of photos that capture the character of a place.

It’s also an assignment you can do when you travel. It’s easier because you get to see everything with fresh eyes. But for a real challenge try it in your local neighborhood, where familiarity can prevent you from seeing things that might be obvious to newcomers.

Assignment 62: Embrace hard light (light and shadow)

In this assignment, your brief is to photograph a scene on a sunny day when shadows are falling across the subject in an interesting way.

Look at the way the sun casts shadows across the scene during the day. How do the shadows move as the sun moves across the sky? Do the shadows make interesting shapes?

For example, in the photo below the shadow falling across the building comes from a neighboring house and you can clearly see the chimney.

Assignment 71: Signs (everyday objects)

We’re surrounded by signs – signs that tell us which way to go, what to do, that advertise to us, state the name of a business, or tell us about roadworks.

Signs are designed to be informative, but they can also tell a story. Signs in the American mid-west look different from signs in New York City. Signs here in the UK look different from the ones in rural France. Old signs have character and tell you something about the place.

What interesting photos can you make using signs?

Assignment 94: People in the landscape (landscape)

Some landscapes are empty or void of visitors. But others are closer to large population centers and therefore you’re more likely to see other people there in the scene. The idea of a pristine landscape untouched by man is appealing, but it’s also interesting to see how people interact with the scene.

One way to approach this assignment is to use people for scale. A human figure can anchor a composition and show the width and breadth of the landscape. A small figure in the frame emphasizes the size of the landscape, and the idea of people being small compared to the beauty of nature.

The photo below juxtaposes two elements of human interaction. The stone pillar is part of a Neolithic settlement, and the people on the right are modern visitors who came to see it.

Taking it further – traveling and exploring your archives

You’ll get the most from these assignments if you make new photos for them. They’ll get you thinking about your local neighborhood – and areas a little further afield – in a new way.

The beauty of these assignments is that most of them are repeatable. You can select your favorites and use them as themes to follow when you’re traveling away from home.

You might also find that you can go through your archives and find photos that match a particular assignment. It’s an interesting exercise because you’ll start to see themes and connections that you didn’t realize were there.

For example, I have photos that fit Assignment 39: Urban decay from Alaska, Chile, and my hometown (see above). And I can continue to explore this theme when I travel to new places as well.

These ideas are explored further in Creative Photography Assignments: Themes & Projects, a bonus ebook that comes with 100 Creative Photography Assignments.

100 Creative Photography Assignments

Buy 100 Creative Photography Assignments now for just $14 USD.

Buy it now and get out there taking photos!

Note from Darlene: This is perfect if you want to get out there doing some photography. But maybe due to covid, finances, or other circumstances you can’t currently travel. Look no further than your front door to get started! To really challenge yourself do the 100 assignments one a day for the next 100 days!

About Andrew S Gibson

Andrew S. Gibson is a writer based in England’s southwest. His interest in photography began when his parents bought him a Ricoh KR-10m camera more than 20 years ago. Since then, he’s taken photos in over 60 countries, studied for a degree in photography, and worked as Technical Editor for EOS magazine. Today, he makes a living helping people make better photos through ebooks and photography courses.

Learn Photography Basics

Yes, you can learn to take better photos! It’s my passion to help you learn the photography basics and take better pictures. It’s also the same reason I teach workshops, do photo travel tours, and have online photography courses available.

Enroll in our free photography basics for beginners course, or 12-part portrait photography course , also free.

Recent Photography Articles

• How to Do Better Lifestyle Photography
• Step-by-Step Guide to Making Stunning Portraits With One Light
• How To Discover and Develop Your Unique Photography Style
• Luminar Neo GenExpand: Game-Changer or Just Hype?
• PRO Tips – How To Create Great Looking Professional Headshots

Useful Links

• Beginner Photography
• Intermediate Photography
• Photography Challenges
• Photography Tips
• Photo Editing
• Recommended Amazon Products
• Course Login
• Write for Us

10 Photo Assignments to Inspire and Challenge Your Skills

Liz Masoner is a professional photographer and she shares her tips and techniques on photo editing and how to photograph nature, portraits, and events with film and digital cameras. Liz has over 30 years of experience and she is the author of three books on photography.

The best way to learn photography is to practice, though sometimes you can get stuck in a rut and not know what to shoot. That is why photographers love assignments; they give us a purpose and an idea of what to photograph. 

Why Are Assignments Important?

Self-assignments are key to any photographer's growth. Even professionals with decades of experience will work on personal assignments that they may never get paid for. The goal of any self-assignment is to spur creativity, solve problems, learn new techniques, and challenge yourself.

As you start out in photography, you're probably filled with excitement and ready to shoot anything you can. That being said, sometimes a little direction and guidance are necessary.

Below, you will find ten photography assignments. Each covers a new topic, skill, or concept and they were chosen to help you learn how to see as a photographer. They are meant to be a personal challenge that you can complete at your own pace and with no outside judgment, simply as a means to practice and improve your photography. Hopefully, you will learn something new with each assignment and be able to use that in every photograph you take in the future.

Remember when composing your images to keep in mind the basics: the rule of thirds,  shutter speed , aperture,  depth of field , and  exposure .

Assignment #1: Up Close

This assignment encourages you to get close and personal with your subject. It is an exercise in viewing a common object in a new way and examining its finer details.

• Choose an object that you see or interact with every day.
• Focus on a small part of it, get as close as your camera will allow you to focus, and shoot away.
• Try to capture different angles and unusual lighting to add to the mystery of this tiny world.

From the whiskers of your cat to a fragile Christmas ornament, and even common soap bubbles, there is an entire world that we often overlook because we don't get close enough.

Assignment #2: Motion

Photography is a static medium which means that it doesn't move. Conveying a sense of motion is often crucial to capturing a scene or emotion and it is an essential skill for photographers to practice.

The goal of this exercise is to understand how shutter speeds can be used to convey motion.

• Choose a subject or series of subjects that will allow you to convey motion in your images.
• It can be slow motions, like that of a turtle, or fast motion, like a speeding train.
• Blur it, stop it, or simply suggest that there is motion in the photograph.

Challenge yourself to capture the same motion in different ways. For instance, you might go to a race track and stop the movement of the cars completely in one image, then leave the shutter open and allow them to blur out of the frame in the next. 

Assignment #3: Shadows

Shadows are everywhere and they are vital to photography because this is the art of capturing light. With light comes shadows and when you begin to look at shadows as a photographer, your world will open up.

• Take a look around for shadows and record them with your camera.
• You could show the shadow as the total focus of the image. Perhaps the shadow is incidental to the subject.
• Is the shadow natural or created by flash?

Shadows are integral to creating depth in a two-dimensional medium such as photography. Take some time to seriously explore the "dark side" of the light.

Assignment #4: Water

Water is everywhere in photography and it presents many challenges. There are reflections and movements to work with and in this exercise, you will take a deeper look at water.

• Find water anywhere: lakes, streams, puddles, even the glass on your kitchen table.
• Pay attention to reflections and use them to your advantage in the photographs. Use this opportunity to get familiar with a polarizing filter (a very useful tool in your camera kit) so you can accentuate or eliminate reflections.
• Play with the motion of a stream or the crashing waves. Notice the difference between stopping the flow of water and allowing it to blur to create a real sense of movement.

Be sure to make water the subject and not an accent to the image. Water alone is beautiful and mysterious and your challenge is to explore all of its potential as a subject.

Assignment #5: Leading Lines

A classic assignment in photography schools, 'leading lines ' is a popular and fun subject. The goal of this assignment is to learn how to direct the viewer to your subject using lines.

• Choose a subject then look around for lines in the scene that you can use to 'lead' the viewer to the subject. 
• Find an interesting line then determine what the subject of your photograph is.
• Remember that lines can be man-made or natural. For instance, the yellow line down the middle of the road or a tree branch. Even a person's arm can be a leading line of their face.

Use this assignment as an excuse to take an afternoon photo excursion. Walk downtown or in the woods and look around you for interesting lines that lead the eye to a subject. There is an amazing assortment of lines out there in the world and once you begin to see them, you won't be able to stop. 

Assignment #6: Perspective

How do you normally stand when you shoot? If your answer is straight up like a 5-foot-something human being then this assignment is for you. The perspective assignment challenges you to view the world from an entirely new perspective, which in turn gives the viewer a new look at the ordinary.

• Take another afternoon or evening for a photo excursion wherever you like.
• This time, every time you find something to photograph, stop!
• Ask yourself: How would a squirrel see that tree? How would a robin view that birdbath? How would a snake view that log?
• Take your photographs from very high or very low angles. Get on your belly or stand on a chair, whatever you have to (safely) do to get the 'right' angle on your subject.

If you pay attention to professional photographs, many of the images that have the WOW factor are photographed from extreme angles. People enjoy these photos because they've never seen an object from that viewpoint. It is new and unique, and you can train yourself to shoot with this in mind.

Assignment #7: Texture

You may have captured a few textural details in the 'Up Close' assignment, but this assignment takes that to the next level. The goal in this one is to study textures and forget about the object itself: the texture becomes the subject. You will also begin to realize how light affects the appearance of texture.

• Find a few objects that have very detailed textures like trees or rocks, even knit sweaters or woven rugs.
• Photograph them as close as your lens will allow.
• Use different angles and capture the same texture as the light changes. Notice how the different lighting directions and camera angles can change how much texture appears.

Textures are all around us and many of the best photographs in the world play up the textural element. This assignment should teach you how to recognize and accentuate those elements in your photos.

Assignment #8: Color Harmony

Color is important to photography because the world is full of color. This exercise requires a bit of study in color theory, which you will then put into practice in your photographs.

Do you remember art class in elementary school? You may have learned that yellow and blue make green, but color theory goes beyond that. There are cool and warm colors, complementary and contrasting colors, neutral colors, and bold colors.

It can get quite complicated, and photographers should have a basic understanding of color so you can use that when composing photographs. You don't have to study color like a painter would but can use tricks used by interior designers to influence your color decisions.

• Once you have an idea of color theory, take another photo excursion and put what you've learned into practice.
• Capture photographs with the primary or tertiary colors.
• Look for complementary colors then contrasting colors to photograph.
• Try finding a scene to photograph that is filled with neutral colors, then one that uses a bold color to 'pop' from the scene.

This is an advanced lesson, but one that any photographer working with color images will find useful. As you practice working with colors, it will become second nature and you will know how to work with color to change the feel of your images.

Assignment #9: Emotions

Take a photo of a person smiling or scowling, right? Not so. The intent of this assignment is to convey emotion in photographs  without  a face.

• Take photographs that express each of the basic emotions: happy, sad, and mad.
• How would you express the feeling of anger with no person? What about happiness? Sadness?

This is a purely conceptual assignment, but it is important to be able to relay emotion in your photographs and you might not always have a person available to do that with. Challenge yourself to think deeper about this one.

Assignment #10: Don't Look!

Are you ready to put your photography skills to the test? In today's world of digital cameras and the ability to see image captures right there on the LCD screen, photographers are losing some of the skills needed to visualize a photograph.

In this assignment, your challenge is to shoot as if you were using a film camera. That means that you will not look at the photographs you've taken until they are downloaded on your computer. Instead of relying on the camera's screen to see if you 'got the shot' you will rely on your instinct and knowledge, just like photographers did before digital photography. Can you do it?

• Plan a photo excursion to a particular location and permit yourself to photograph only 36 images (a roll of 35mm film).
• Turn off your camera's LCD screen so it does not show you the image after you have taken it.
• If you cannot turn off the camera's screen, cut a piece of thick paper and tape it over the screen. Use masking or painter's tape so you don't leave a residue on the back of your camera.
• Go out and shoot your 36 frames, thinking carefully about each image because you don't have an endless number of shots. Bonus points if you turn your camera to completely manual settings for focus and exposure.
• Don't peek at your photos until you get home and download them.

How did you do? Were you able to get good exposures on your own? How did it feel to be 'blind' and not know how your image turned out right away? 

This is similar to what it is like to shoot with film and it does require you to think harder about every image you take. Next time you shoot, slow down and pay attention, pretend that the screen is not there and rely on your own skills to create a great image. You will be a better photographer in the end.

More from The Spruce Crafts

• Introduction to Photography: 8 Tips for Beginners
• A Brief History of Photography and the Camera
• An Introduction to Photography Exposures
• The Best Online Drawing Classes of 2024
• How to Control Depth of Field With F-Stops in Photography
• Horizontal vs. Vertical Photographs
• What Are the Autofocus Points on a Camera?
• How to Use Point of View to Improve Your Photos
• Learn How to Draw Flowers in Pen, Ink, and Pastel
• The Basic Elements of a Camera
• All About Telescope Photography
• DSLR vs. Point and Shoot Cameras
• Pros and Cons of Film and Digital Cameras
• What Are the Different Parts of a Camera Body?
• 13 Places to Find Free, Printable Wall Art
• The Parts of a Camera Lens

15 Project Ideas to Spark Your Creativity

A Post By: Nancy Young

Photography has never been as popular as it is today. People of all ages learn photography in various schools and online universities, and lots of talented photographers have a wonderful opportunity to reveal themselves not only as artists, but also as teachers.

By Alex Eylar

Like all creatives, photographers can sometimes experience creative block or a lack of interesting ideas, no matter what side of the school desk they are sitting on. One way for photography mentors and teachers to fight this problem is through the use of creative assignments.

In this article I’ve put together 15 creative project ideas to use in your photography class (if you are a teacher) or for yourself. When completed properly, a student assignment is a great teaching tool. If it’s well-designed and structured, it enables students to develop their technical skills and artistic vision, as well as improve their general thinking abilities and subject knowledge. So whether you’re a photography teacher looking for effective assignment ideas or a self-taught photography student focused on training your eye and critical vision, this roundup will surely come in handy.

1. 365 Project

No matter what you call it, the 365 Project or Photo a Day project, the result is the same – a photo for every day of the year. These kinds of long-term projects give you an opportunity not only to explore and learn photography, but also develop creative seeing and improve your post-production skills. 365 Projects have changed the lives of a lot of photographers, and who knows, maybe you’re next?

Further Reading : 11 Tips for a Successful 365 Project

By Olli Henze

By Dennis Skley

2. 100 Strangers

The 100 Strangers project enables you to interact with 100 strangers and take a photo of each of them. It can be quite scary to start shooting people in the street, or local cafe, if you’re an introvert. But being a photographer is not as easy as it may seem at first. Photography is all about overcoming your fears. This project will help you do that.

By Louisa Billeter

3. 52 Weeks

The 52 Weeks project is similar to 365, but this time you’re supposed to come up with a new photo each week, not each day. The difference between these two projects is that you can choose a theme for every week. For instance, you may shoot particular subjects, places, or even do some photowalks. A photowalk is an awesome way to find inspiration, discover new locations, and come up with really valuable, interesting ideas in the end.

By shutterbugamar

4. Social Awareness Project

Capturing dramatic moments that will influence the minds of their viewers is a mission that many iconic photographers are dedicated to. Spend a weekend shooting the faces on your local streets, or collaborating with a non-profit can help you develop your skills as a documentarist and photojournalist. Such photo projects are definitely not easy to work on, both emotionally and technically, but the reward of being an activist is obvious – every time you click the shutter button you create a photo that could change the world.

World of Coal by Ouie Sanchez on 500px

5. Self-Portrait

Of course, you may have taken a self-portrait many times with your smartphone. Instagram has turned self-portraits into something usual and mundane.

However, self-portraits can be quite helpful in opening up, and exploring parts of photography in which you don’t normally find yourself involved. Mix it up and stay creative with your surroundings and emotions. For example, look at the work of Kyle Thompson , who has really succeeded in self-photography.

Check out these Self Portrait Photography Tips for some hints on where to start.

By Özgün ERDEM

6. New Lens Type

You may pick one lens and use it exclusively during this project. A 50mm is a good starting point , as it forces you to move around and stay selective. A fisheye lens could also make an interesting theme.

Moreover, you may experiment with freelensing which is an inexpensive way to get a similar photo effect as from an expensive tilt-shift lens. The idea behind a tilt-shift lens is tilting the lens at an angle to the sensor to change the orientation of the plane of focus (PoF). The technique of freelensing, not only gives you the ability to change the PoF, but it also gives you some pretty cool light leaks from not having the lens actually attached to the camera.

By Nuwandalice

By David Hepworth

7. Monochrome

Try to shoot all your photos in monochrome, or convert them to black and white in post-processing . The beauty of black and white photography is that it focuses more on visual elements such as tone, texture and shapes. By starting this project for yourself, you’ll see the objects in a different light, and rather than just color, your eyes will be better trained to recognize various forms and shapes.

8. Panoramas

Panoramas are one more way to develop your creative vision. Panoramas usually give the viewer a much wider viewing angle than normal. You can create some small panoramas by merging three photos in one, or go full 360 and make tiny globes like the ones in the picture below. It’s all up to you!

Further Reading: 8 Guidelines To Taking Panoramic Photos With Any Camera

By Johanna Herbst

Promised Land by Beno Saradzic on 500px

The Birds and the Barn by Bruce Hood on 500px

In today’s world of foodie-Instagram, everyone could be a food photographer. Especially if you’re fond of cooking, then food photography is right for you. It’s a myth that you need a super-wow camera to capture food. Food photography is all about styling and beautiful background. No matter what kind of photographer you call yourself, it’s advantageous to have some food photography skills under your belt.

Further Reading : How to Take Mouth watering photos of food

By Christopher Chan

10. Sunset and Sunrise

As dawn breaks and the sun comes up, you get to see the creeping rays of sunlight bathe everything in their shining glow. Such scenes are the perfect environment for memorable photos that you can’t pass up. Sunrises and sunsets happen every day. It may sound quite obvious and ordinary, but these times of the day are a golden opportunity to capture breathtaking images.

Read more about how to photograph sunsets and sunrises .

By Mike Behnken

By Linda O’Dell

Paradise Pier Sunset by William McIntosh on 500px

11. Single Theme

Pick an object and try to get a collection of snapshots representing it. For example, try to shoot only circular objects everywhere you go. Or pick a color, for instance blue, and try to go all day long photographing only blue things. The aim of this assignment is to learn to see the ordinary object in a different way.

La bicicleta by Adrian Hernandez Binz on 500px

12. Phone Camera

The main advantage of your phone camera is that it’s with you everywhere you go. Moreover, these days smartphones’ camera quality is much better than years ago and you may come up with images that look almost as good as if they were taken with an expensive DSLR. Using your phone allows you to put exposure on the back burner, and lets you focus more on composition instead. You may also use various photo-editing apps to add various photo effects.

By Takeshi Garcia

13. Urban Exploration

Urban exploration photography is the art of finding abandoned places, houses, locations; explore them and shoot in a unique way. It’s potentially dangerous, exciting, and a lot of fun. In order not to get scared, you should take your friends with you. Even if they’re not interested in photography, exploring abandoned places is really breathtaking.

Editor’s note: always follow the laws when doing urban exploration. Do not enter where prohibited and always stay safe. Abondoned buildings can be dangerous or illegal to enter. Be careful.

Read more about urban exploration photography .

By Michal Jan?ek

14. Perspectives

Shoot a whole set of images from one perspective, such as from a child’s the point of view. Or try to capture all photos from up high. We are used to seeing the majority of shots at eye level, why not to try something different? It’s a great way to learn how to deviate from the normal .

Fishing by Minhajul Haque on 500px

By Ken Owen

15. Film Photography

Film photography is something every photographer should practice for a few reasons.

First of all, unlike digital photography, you don’t get to see the image you took for a while. It may seem annoying, but you’ll get used to it.

Second of all, you will begin to think more carefully before pressing the shutter button. While shooting digital photography, you may take 10 photos of the same thing to choose the best shot in the end. But with film photography you will not have that chance.

Read this helpful post with suggestions on getting started with shooting with film .

By Gioia De Antoniis

Bonus Assignment

Once you accomplish your creative assignment, create a dedicated photography portfolio ( Defrozo and Koken provide website building tools for free) or write a guest post for some photography blog to describe your journey and share your experience with fellow enthusiasts. Developing your marketing and blogging skills increases the likelihood of building a prospering and successful photography business.

Resources for Inspiration

The web has so many opportunities to get fresh ideas for your next photography project. I’d like to share some resources you may get inspiration from.

Ted is aimed to amplify the ideas of students and teachers from all over the globe. Their mission is to spread great ideas and inspire students of any specialization. You may browse 1800+ TED talks on photography available on their site to spark your curiosity.

OKDOTHIS App

This smartphone app was made by a celebrity photographer Jeremy Cowart. OKDOTHIS is a photography community that inspires people to do more. It’s based on DOs which are creative tasks made by other members of the community. You may upload a photo in someone’s DO or create your own one. The app has also a built-in photo editor.

Behance is a leading online platform to showcase and discover creative work. All the creatives starting from web designers to photographers share their best artwork here. You may browse the Behance gallery in Photography to find new projects from other photographers.

Weekly Assignments in the dPS Forum

Check out the weekly assignments in the dPS forum for more inspiration. DPS nominates a topic for each week. It could be a lot of fun and a great way to improve your photography skills in various areas.

Make it Happen

What homework do you prefer to give to your students? What assignments appeal to you most? What project interests you and gets you thinking creatively? Share your experience and suggestions in the comments.

Read more from our Tips & Tutorials category

is a passionate writer and blogger. She writes tons of inspirational articles on photography and web design, despite the fact that she is an economist by education. Nancy believes in the magic of written words to inspire and motivate. She is a part of the Onedesblog Team .

• Guaranteed for 2 full months
• Pay by PayPal or Credit Card
• Instant Digital Download

• All our best articles for the week
• Fun photographic challenges
• Special offers and discounts

• Advertising
• Equipment Guide
• Photography Tips & Tutorials
• Photo Quiz What’s Your IQ?

10 Photography Assignments to Stimulate Your Creativity

Photography Tips

This article provides you with 10 photography self-assignments that you can use to get your own creative juices flowing. They’re designed to help you grow in skill as a well-rounded photographer while helping you build your portfolio at the same time. Many of these projects are best executed over a period of time, rather than in a single session.

photo by Nikos Koutoulas

1. The Park Bench

Take your camera and a tripod to a park, and find a busy park bench. Set yourself up some distance away with a long lens aimed at the bench and pre-focused. Settle in, and for the next few hours take images at fixed time intervals, say every ten minutes. This is really an exercise in timelapse photography. I think the resulting images would make a fun photo essay. The setting stays the same, but the subjects change at random.

2. Evolution of Construction

Find a nearby construction site, and take a picture every day. If you choose the same vantage point each time, you’ll end up with a series of images that show the building in progressive stages of completion.

3. Through the Seasons

This exercise is similar to number two, but it’s best done in a less urban environment and over a longer period of time. Find a landscape that you can shoot in spring, summer, autumn, and winter. This works especially well if you live in a place that receives snow in winter and where the leaves on the trees turn color in the autumn.

Photo by Paul van Oijen ; ISO 400, f/11.0, 1/20s.

4. Self Portrait

The concept of this is simple: take a picture of yourself every day. It helps to use a tripod and shutter release, rather than limiting yourself by trying to shoot with the camera at arm’s length. You are the most patient subject you could ever work with, so use this to your advantage. Get creative, overact, dress up, and use props. You decide how you want to show yourself to the world! If you do an internet search on this topic, you’ll find related Flickr and Twitter groups, where you can share your images.

5. A Day in the Life of…

This is a great project to document a particular occupation. For example, you could take photographs of a nurse at work to show all the various aspects of his or her job. It may take you more than one day of shooting to capture a representative set of images.

photo by comseventhflt

6. Get to Know Your Neighborhood

So often, we don’t take a good look at our own neighborhood. Make it a point to walk around, and shoot ten images of the area where you live. Do this once a month, or even once a week if you really get inspired.

7. Color Challenge

This is a fun challenge for an urban environment. Take you camera downtown, and give yourself a few hours to take pictures. Choose a color (or for added challenge, have a friend pick the color for you), and shoot only objects of that color. By the end of the session, you’ll be surprised how that color jumps out at you! When you’re finished, take your best images and assemble them into a collage or mosaic in Photoshop.

photo by Jim Lukach

8. A Collection of “Somethings”

Whenever you’re out, carry your camera, and be on the lookout for whatever “something” you choose. It could be feet, garbage cans, vegetables that look like faces, bicycles—you name it! Get creative, and pick a theme that you don’t usually see in pictures.

9. Pet’s Eye View

Pretend that you are your pet. How would you see the world if you were a dog? A hamster? Shoot a series of images from the perspective of your pet’s eye level.

photo by samiamumw

10. After Dark

We don’t always think to take our cameras out at night. Try shooting after dark. If you’re in the country, you can shoot moonlight or star trails. In the city, you can shoot vehicles’ tail-light trails or downtown buildings. Wherever you are, you can try light-painting by using a long exposure and moving a flashlight over parts of the scene.

Hope these ideas inspire you to get out there and start shooting!

About the Author: Julie Waterhouse writes for Ultimate Photo Tips, which provides friendly education and encouragement for photo enthusiasts around the world. It’s presented in a way that’s clear, organized, and easy to understand ( ultimate-photo-tips.com ), whether you’re looking for the answer to a specific question or just want to explore and learn.

Share with Friends

Like this article, don't miss the next one.

Join over 100,000 photographers of all experience levels who receive our free photography tips and articles to stay current:

Related Articles

• Color Contrast in Photography
• Don’t Be Afraid of High ISO on Modern Cameras
• How to Build Your Own Infrared Camera
• Street Photography Tips and Techniques
• The New Olympus E-P1 and E-P2

38 responses to “10 Photography Assignments to Stimulate Your Creativity”

I really like all of your assignment suggestions. My favorite one was the park bench. In the park bench tip I found it really creative this is really an exceptional tip in time lapse photography. I think the resulting images would make a fun photo essay and I like that the setting stays the same, but the subjects change at random. The through the season tips are really helpful, because i have the perfect park to try this tip out. but i wish i had snow where i lived.

I really enjoyed reading about the Color Challenge. I think it’s interesting to see how many photos I could take of the same color. I will be sure to try this experiment very soon.

I found the color challenge and the pet’s eye view to be the most interesting. I look forward to trying both of these the next time I am out walking or at home with my dog.

Wow.Thanks for the tips really helped me get out of the rut I’m in,Imma definitely try some of these to spice up my photography,Really like ‘colour challenge’

What a helpful article! I’ve been in photography for about 10 years and lately I haven’t felt inspired, this really motivates me to keep going!

Thank you so much! :)

Thank you so much for this article! Awesome read, it really got me thinking!

Good idea. Thanks for the common tips which can make wonders.

You have inspired a new view and a new attitude. Thanks so much.

i really enjoyed these ideas for photo essays. I like the idea of “A Day in The Life of..” it shows their day and the process of their day.

These are very interesting ideas for a photo essay. The color challenge and Pet’s Eye View are the ones that caught my attention and would want to try to do them.

i really like the ideas for the photo essays

very interesting , i like it .

this are some amazing tips i did not know that you can do this we different things you see around your neighborhood.

There are some really nice ideas that work for a photo essay, they seem really fun to do. i will want to try a collection of something or color challenge.

I like the ideas, they all seem interesting but the A Day in the Life of seems really interesting and that it will make a great photo essay.

nice very useful

These are all very interesting ideas for a photo essay. Some of the challenges that got my attentions are color challenge and Pet’s Eye View are the ones that caught my attention the most .The challenge am going to try will be the “The Color Challenge”.This is very interesting because it would be great to shot in different colors ,this would be great because images look so different when when shooting them .

I really feel like i learned a lot from this article, my favorite was ” A collection of ‘somethings’ ” because i just loved the way it looked and i feel like i could take a lot of good pictures like that with flowers or something.

I really enjoyed the help this article supplies.

These pointers have really helped me out and I am really looking forward to actually applying them to any future assignment where they would be useful.

I really like your 10 assignment suggestions. My favorite one of the 10 is the Color Challenge and i am looking forward to trying it myself and making a collage of all one color.

That was a good read and I learned a lot of new techniques. I found the pet’s eye one to be the most interesting. But i feel that some of these take up to much of your time. Still they can be good if you have the patience.

This article helped me get a little bit of creative juices flowing. I will for sure use these tips to help me with my pictures. One of the helpful tips I like is the ” Get to Know Your Neighborhood.” I think this is a good idea to just look around in your neighborhood and you do not know what you will fine. So often, we never really take a good look at our own neighborhood. I can shoot images of the area and so much more.

Of the ten photography assignments, 5,6, and 9 are really interesting, I’ve heard of worm’s eye view and bird’s eye view but I have never heard of pet’s eye view, a really interesting concept since I’ve never seen to many pet’s eye view, might inspire me to start this assignment at home.

I really enjoyed and found helpful this article.

In particular I found really cool the park bench and through the season helpful tips. In the park bench tip I found it really creative this is really an exceptional tip in time lapse photography. I think the resulting images would make a fun photo essay and I like that the setting stays the same, but the subjects change at random. The through the season tips are really helpful, because i have the perfect park to try this tip out. I like how cool this would look if you live in a place that receives snow in Winter, and where the leaves on the trees turn color in the Autumn, but sadly no snow falls in my city.

This article helped me a lot and it will help become a better photographer.

This was a very cool idea, you should do more things like these :)

Very interesting article. Cant wait to start shooting after dark, what a good idea. The day in the life is going to be very fun to shoot as well. Thanks for the great ideas! – SP

What a helpful article i will be sure to use these tips positively.

Thank you, ill be sure to uses these tips next time i go out to take picture.

Insightful article with a couple of great ideas not mentioned in other articles I’ve read on the same topic. Thanks!

awesome article, thanks for using my image, I really appreciate it :)

Loved the article, i’ll try some stuff out hopefully :)

Great tips! I’m going to try a few of these, thanks! I really like the “collection of something’s” I think that would be interesting series!

Look at my ~Mobile~ website for my photography! Another good Idea is

~Bugs point of view~

Use a camera with a good macro and with good MP. Take photos from the ground at plants and small objects. try to go underthe level of grass to really seem like a bugs view. Its great to add fisheye lens sometimes to. Certian filters can let you also do tiled effects. A combination of tile effects and fish eye lens (Or filter) is a great way to get a bee or flys view.

Hope my idea helps :)

Awesome ideas. I have a couple of friends who want to start foto assignments, but were a bit unsure of what ideas to begin with. Gracias!

Thanks for sharing, Julie. We all need sparks of inspiration from time to time. That’s what keeps it fun.

Love your article. I am a photography teacher and stimulating creativity is my focus. Once my students are creative they can learn the fundamentals. I have had 50 something men taking amazing photos in a matter of hours by just stimulating their creativity and getting them to see outside the box.

Again, great article.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to PictureCorrect

Latest Articles

Rembrandt Lighting: Creating Mood & Depth in Portraits

Photography Practice: The 3 Circle Approach

New Peak Design Camera Strap

Understanding Wireless Triggers for Off-Camera Flash

Nature & Travel Photography Tips from Photo Masters

Contribute an article.

We are always looking for more interesting and insightful photography tips and techniques to share with our readers. We would love to publish an article by you if you are interested in writing for us. See what we are looking for and get in touch.

© 2003-2024 PictureCorrect, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Lesson Plan

Five Photography Assignments That Invite You to Look Closely at the World

Students, try one of these exercises inspired by the visual series The Take. What can you learn about the world by looking at it through a particular lens?

By Natalie Proulx

How often do you look — really look — at the world around you? Below, we offer five photography assignments that challenge students to do just that, all inspired by The New York Times visual series The Take .

In this series, The Times asks photographers to explore different cultural themes through images — for example, to document what they see when they look up, to capture the sounds they hear in New York City or to find dance in everyday movements.

What can you learn about the world by looking at it through a particular lens? Choose one (or more) of the five assignments below to try out. For each, we’ll guide you through a warm-up activity, a reading of the Take article that inspired the exercise and your own photo shoot. When you’re done, you can create your own visual article by putting together a gallery of your images and writing a short commentary on what they mean to you.

These exercises are meant to be accessible to anyone with a camera or smartphone, whether you’re an experienced photographer or you’re just looking for a fun visual challenge. If you’d like to experiment with some composition and editing techniques, see our related photography lesson plan .

And if none of these projects inspires you, look through The Take’s archives for more ideas.

Assignment No. 1

Most of us spend our days looking down: at our phones, computers, homework, meals. What would you see if you looked up instead? For this assignment, we invite you to photograph what you see when you turn your gaze to the sky.

Warm-up: Wherever you are right now, look up. What do you see?

Spend some time studying the images, shapes, patterns, colors, lines, light, shadows, angles or movements above you. What catches your attention? What have you never noticed before? How is this angle different from looking at something straight on, straight down or from the side? Is there anything you see that strikes you as artistic, that might make for an interesting photograph?

How often do you look up? What does this quick exercise tell you about what might happen when you do?

Read “ When 4 Photographers Looked Up, This Is What They Saw .”

For this assignment, The Take simply asked photographers to look up. View the photos they made and their commentary on them. Then choose one that stands out to you. What did the photographer want to capture in it? Was the photo successful in your opinion? What does the image say to you? What does it show us about looking up?

Your turn: Photograph what you see when you look up.

You might approach this assignment in two ways: 1) You can carry your camera around with you for a day or several days and photograph anything interesting you see when you look up, as the photographer Ali Cherkis did venturing around New York City. 2) Or you might start with a specific place and idea in mind that you want to photograph, as Stella Blackmon did when she wanted to capture the “sense of wonder” she felt from seeing children climbing in the trees at her great-aunt’s home in Ozark, Mo.

Assignment No. 2

Capture the Sounds of a Place

Photography might seem like it’s all about sight, but it can evoke other senses, too. The Take challenged four photographers to try to capture the sounds of New York City in images. How can you show what the place you live sounds like?

Warm-up: What sounds can you hear in this photograph?

Study the photograph above closely. What might you hear if you were in the scene? Which elements of the image help convey those sounds? What senses or emotions does the photograph evoke in you? What story does it tell about New York City?

Read “ Sounds of the City .”

For this assignment, The Take sent four photographers to capture New York’s soundscape in images. Spend some time with the photos and the photographers’ commentary on them. Which images most strongly and clearly imply sound to you? Which ones surprise you or perhaps challenge an assumption you have about life in New York City? Choose one of these photos and repeat the exercise you did in the warm-up.

Your turn: Photograph the sounds of a place.

For this assignment, you might travel around your city or town and photograph the sounds you find. Or you might focus on a more contained space, such as your school, the skate park, your neighborhood or any other place where you spend time. You might try to capture many disparate sounds — quiet ones, loud ones, harsh ones, pleasant ones — as Daniel Arnold did in his photos of various corners of New York City. Or you can try to capture a particular type of sound, as Ike Edeani did in his photos of the subway stations’ “mini concerts.”

Assignment No. 3

Find Art Wherever You Go

Four photographers went in search of candid moments and images that struck them — impressionistically, conceptually or naturally — as art. Where can you spot art in the world around you?

Warm-up: What does art look like?

How do you know when you see something that is art? What elements make it so? What does it do to you, the viewer?

Look around the space you are in right now. Is there anything that strikes you as art? Perhaps it’s the way your jacket is draped over a chair, how light is coming in through a window, the interesting pattens created by a shadow on your desk or the shape someone’s face makes when they smile or frown. What about this thing makes it seem artistic to you?

Read “ Art Is Everywhere. Just Look to the Streets. ”

The Take invited four photographers to look for art in the streets of New York. Spend some time looking at all of the photographs and reading the commentary. Then, focus on one photographer’s images. How does this photographer conceptualize art? How does that idea come through in one of his or her photos? What do you think makes this photo artistic — impressionistically, conceptually or naturally?

Your turn: Photograph candid moments and images that look like art to you.

Where can you find art in the world around you? You might take your camera out for a day and start shooting anything that strikes you as art. Or you might shoot with a particular vision in mind, such as Sabrina Santiago who was “interested in what people are saying from the back,” or Trevor Wisecup who looked for “abnormalities in our day-to-day life, glitches in the matrix if you will.” Challenge yourself to capture candid moments, rather than trying to stage images.

Assignment No. 4

Explore the Ways We Move

The Take asked four photographers to find dance in our everyday gestures, whether reaching for a jug of milk, hugging a loved one or scaling a rock wall. How can you find beauty in how we physically navigate the world?

Warm-up: Can you see beauty in the ways that people move, even when there is no music?

Can you find dance in people’s everyday rituals and routines? To answer this question you might go somewhere crowded — your school’s hallway, a park, a basketball game — and spend a few minutes just observing people. Do any gestures look like dance to you? What is it about these movements that resemble those that dancers might make?

Read “ There’s Dance All Over, No Matter Where You Look .”

During the height of the coronavirus pandemic in the United States, The Take asked photographers to show how people were physically navigating a world in which awareness of our bodies — how much space we took up, whether we were six feet from our neighbor — had become the norm. What they found was a kind of dance in these everyday movements.

Spend some time with the images and photographers’ commentary. Then choose one photograph to look at more closely. Why does this image speak to you? How does it represent dance? What emotion, experience or idea do you think the photographer wanted to capture in it?

Your turn: Photograph how people move through the world.

For this assignment, you can take your camera around with you for a day or two and snap a photo anytime you see a movement, posture or gesture that looks like dance to you. Or, you can go to a specific place. For example, the photographer Camilo Fuentealba went to Costco to document “the daily rituals we must partake in just to survive,” while Noah Sahady went to the San Bernardino National Forest to capture “the harmony of rock climbers and nature.” You might play with taking both candid and staged shots, or, like Jillian Freyer, shooting the “fragments in between.”

Assignment No. 5

Show Us What Fun Looks Like

Three artists photographed the many forms fun can take. An end-of-day ice cream ritual. Caring for rescued chickens. A bubble bath for an inanimate friend. What does a good time look like to you?

Warm-up: What do you do for fun?

Brainstorm a big list of everything you’re doing for fun these days. Do you play video games? Hang out with friends? Play sports? Make things? Write down everything you can think of, whether it’s an everyday ritual or a special event.

Then go through your list. Which of these activities feels most compelling or unique to you and your friends? Which might make interesting photographs?

Read “ Making Your Own Fun .”

The Take asked three photographers to document how they were having fun during the lockdown period of the coronavirus pandemic. Spend a few minutes looking at the photos and reading the commentary. Then choose one photographer’s images to focus on. What do you notice about their artistic choices — about their composition, the photographic style, how they were made? What do you wonder? What can we learn about fun from these photos?

Your turn: Photograph your fun.

Return to the list you made in the warm-up and choose one or several things from it to photograph. You might consider how you can get creative with your photographic style and composition, as the photographers in the article did. You can stage photos, as Sheida Soleimani did, or you can try to capture more candid moments.

Going Further

Make a Visual Article

Put together your photos with a written reflection to create your own The Take-inspired piece.

Related Article

Once you have completed one of the exercises above, choose three to six photos from your shoot and create a gallery of images that speaks to the theme of the assignment. Then, write a short commentary reflecting on the assignment and what you learned from it, just as the photographers and Times editors do in The Take.

Here are some questions that can help guide your reflection:

Who or what inspired you? Did you stage your photos or seek out candid moments? What composition and editing techniques did you use, and why?

Is there a thread — some theme, emotion or experience — that connects your images? Was it something you set out to capture? Or something you discovered during the shoot or after seeing your finished photos? Taken together, what do your photos reveal about the subject of the assignment?

What is something new you discovered or learned through this exercise? How, if at all, did it make you look at the world or the people around you differently?

How challenging did you find this assignment? Why?

You can put your images and commentary together using a digital program like Google Slides or Canva . Teachers might invite students to share their work via a gallery walk , whether in the classroom or online.

Find more lesson plans and teaching ideas here.

Natalie Proulx joined The Learning Network as a staff editor in 2017 after working as an English language arts teacher and curriculum writer. More about Natalie Proulx

15 Photography Assignments to Challenge and Inspire

By Tata Rossi 23 days ago, Amateur Photography

Photography assignments allow you to experiment with something you have never tried before and play around with different photographic approaches. With such an assignment, you will challenge yourself and develop your skills.

15 Ways to Make Photography Assignments

This list of photo assignments consists of 15 points, so I am sure that you will find the idea to your liking.

1. Self Portraits

The first task is a no-brainer: just take a self-portrait picture each day. Don’t forget to use a tripod and shutter release aside from regular shooting with your arm extended and holding a camera.

Since you will be the model, feel free to unleash your creativity with all sorts of make-up, outfits, poses until you figure out a proper look. Remember to use props as well. Then share your shots with the world via social networks or the dedicated Flickr and Twitter groups.

2. Color Challenge

Here is one of the greatest color photography assignments for the urban environment photos . Bring the camera with you and take pictures for several hours. Pick a color (or ask a friend to choose it for you to complicate the task) and photograph subjects of the chosen color only.

Once you are done, you will find yourself seeing this color everywhere! Then pick the best shots and merge them into a collage or mosaic in Photoshop .

3. After Dark

Practice with night photography and try taking pictures after dark. In case you are outside the city, you may shoot moonlight or star trails. While being in the city, capture light trails of vehicles or buildings with the light-up windows. Regardless of the location, experiment with light-painting by means of long exposure photography and moving a flashlight across areas of the scene.

4. Crop or Rotate All your Photos a Specific Way

One of the best photography practice assignments is to neglect your comfort zone and try something new for a change. For instance, if you have a tendency to snap the same kinds of photos, you should modify their perspective.

Try an approach to cropping or rotating your next 50-100 shots that differs from your regular one. Play around with square photos, 180° rotation or whatever else you can come up with. Once you get out of the familiar artistic routine, you will be able to perceive the world from another angle and get creative.

5. Quit Social Media Temporarily

Social networks can serve as an excellent source of photography inspiration or lead to a complete lack of it. If you use social networks without critical thinking, you may start comparing yourself to other photographers, which will be a total waste of time and effort.

While it may be one of the hardest photography assignments these days, taking a hiatus from social networks is highly important. Log off your Instagram account for some time or uninstall apps that leave you in a bad mood.

In case your job requires staying online on a daily basis, devote some of your time to non-Internet tasks, like taking pictures or gaining knowledge on photography. I suggest taking some online photography courses .

6. Shoot Every Day for a Month

If you wish to become a better photographer , you shouldn’t stop shooting. By taking pictures constantly, you will receive more feedback and will be interacting more actively with the world.

One of the most widespread photography class assignments is to take one picture each day for a month. Do it with the help of the smartphone, DSLR camera or any device that can photograph. But don’t take meaningless pictures just because you have to. The shots you take should resonate with you in one way or another and be valuable to you.

The Zen masters suggest that you have a “daily practice.” When we repeat something, we become closer to recognizing the “truth”. You may read a great number of photo theory books , but you won’t be able to shoot properly. Only through practice, repetition, feedback and constructive criticism, you can grow as a photographer. Remember that this assignment is about forming a habit, not about taking a perfect picture each day.

7. Experiment with a Completely Different Genre

The array of photography genres is truly vast. Underwater photography , glamour, smartphone, landscape photography , portrait photography – that’s only a beginning. If you feel like you are losing interest in photography, switch to another genre.

Try staying away from your primary photography genre for a while. In case you shoot portraits, go outside and capture the area where you live in. If you are involved in photographing pets , play around with self-portraiture. By getting familiar with various photography genres, you are widening your photography horizons and gaining new knowledge that may come in useful one day.

8. Put Together a Photo Album

We live in a digital world, and even nowadays’ photography comes mostly in a digital form. We constantly find ourselves sharing our photos online. It is a rare thing to print photographs, even touch them, let alone create something physical out of them.

That’s why one of the greatest photography tasks is to compile a photo album. You can buy one at a store or online. Print the desired shots in the small 4×6 size. I suggest collaborating on this task with your friend, child or partner. Think of the main idea, theme or story of the album. Put all the printed shots on a surface and consider how you will lay them out in an album, how you will pair them and in what sequence.

No wonder that our parents and elderly relatives used to create a photo book together. It is a nice way to preserve precious memories in a physical form and bring back the moments that we sometimes tend to forget over time.

9. Take Creative Self-Portraits with a Friend

While you may enjoy your own company while taking self-portraits, you may feel bored or lonely after some time. In this case, you can implement one of the most entertaining photography assignment ideas and take self-portraits with a friend (pets are welcome as well!).

Don’t forget to think through the poses, set up the tripod and find the perfect photography light. As you will be engaged in all these activities, you will be able to get a hang of a photographer’s workflow. Then, when it comes to a real photo shoot with the clients, you will be more skilled at dealing with the camera and lights.

10. Attend a Photography Workshop

Photography workshops is an excellent investment in your education as a photographer and one of the most helpful beginner photography assignments.

Pick a workshop that is dedicated to the topic relevant for you. Thanks to workshops, you will get not only theoretical but also practical information. Also, you will have your questions answered by real professionals.

11. Photograph the Same Person or Object Every Day

In case you aren’t as excited about photography as before, try capturing one and the same person or object each day for a week or month. Similar to the smartphone photography challenge, as a result, you will realize the importance of having the freedom to photograph anything you wish.

While snapping pictures of the same object, you will boost your lighting skills. To make the shots differ from each other, don’t hesitate to play around with various types of lighting and photo editing apps .

12. Go a Month Without Using Social Media

Being the photographer of the 21st century, you may find yourself in the never-ending trap of feeling the need to post photos on social networks each day. It all turns into some sort of addiction – all you crave is likes, comments and new followers. If you don’t receive the online praise you need, your photography stops making sense.

In fact, photography is something you should pursue on your own. What truly matters here is your personal thoughts on your shots, not the opinion of users online. Simply uninstall all the social network applications from the smartphone (you can bring them back once the assignment is over). Posting photos and looking through photos of others is prohibited.

If you manage to stay away from social networks for a month, you will acquire a clearer purpose of your photography work. Besides, you won’t be so obsessed with the imaginary social network competition that everyone seems to be involved in.

13. Shoot with a Limited Amount of Equipment

Regardless of whether you are an experienced, amateur or a beginner photographer , you are likely to be after all sorts of photography gear to enhance your results.

How about photography assignments where you have to use a restricted amount of shooting equipment? You can photograph strictly with one camera body or camera lens . There is no need to do it for an entire month.

For this assignment, I suggest coming up with a plan, and do it, for instance, only once a week. Working with the same gear every day will give you more flexibility in both the creative and physical aspects of the process.

So, in case you deal only with a zoom lens, you will have to experiment whenever you shoot indoors . With a wide-angle lens only, you will need to work on cropping and correcting distortions.

14. Limit Yourself to X Photos a Day

Similar to the previous assignment, limiting yourself to 10, 20, 30 or more shots per day, week or month will help you realize what your true creative needs are. Besides, with a photo limit, you will understand what subjects or scenes you are more inclined to photograph.

Another benefit of a photo limit is that it will bring more patience and creativity into the process. You won’t be able to take numerous pictures of one place, so you will be forced to risk and play around with various perspectives.

15. Take Photos with Your Smartphone Camera Only

Take pictures only with a smartphone camera for a week. For better results, download a top-notch camera app and try to figure out all of its settings. A modern smartphone will help beginning photographers get acquainted with the technical side of the shooting process.

To complicate the task, I suggest recreating some of your portfolio photos with the smartphone camera. With this assignment, you will learn all the intricacies of shooting with a smartphone and may even start taking shots not only with a standard camera but with a smartphone one as well on a regular basis!

Freebies for Photography Assignments

Thank you for download!

Check your email to download freebies. (approx. 1-2 min)

Using these presets for beginners, you will be able to enhance portrait, wedding, newborn, landscape, real estate and e-commerce photography. The presets are compatible with all Lightroom versions. Experiment with adjustments to achieve the ideal result!

• New approach
•   Freebies

The Creative Photographer

• Latest tutorials
• Composition Tutorials
• Landscape Photography Tutorials
• Black and White Photography Tutorials
• Exposure Tutorials
• Creative Photography Tutorials
• Lens Tutorials
• Street and Travel Photography Tutorials
• Portrait Photography Tutorials
• Composition Photo Tips Cards

The Magic of Black and White: 50 Assignments

STORE > THE MAGIC OF BLACK & WHITE: 50 ASSIGNMENTS

(all prices in USD)

The Magic of Black & White: 50 Assignments is like a photography workshop in your pocket. It’s filled with a year’s worth of creative briefs, ideas, challenges, assignments and projects that will help you grow as a black and white photographer.

It’s also an inspirational guide that puts the creativity back into your black and white photography. Each assignment encourages you to look at the world in a new way. You’ll learn to see beauty instead of ugliness, and find interesting subjects in the most ordinary and boring of places.

The Magic of Black & White: 50 Assignments is written for you:

• The assignments encourage you to explore the world and photograph it in black and white.
• With 50 assignment ideas there are plenty that will appeal to you.
• It’s easy to read. The book comes in three formats – PDF, ePub and Mobi for Kindle so you can choose the one that is best for your device.

What you will learn

The aim of  The Magic of Black & White: 50 Assignments is to help you grow as a black and white photographer.

As you work your way through the assignments you’ll start to see connections and themes. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of what black and white photography means to you, and how you can develop your ideas and interests with long term creative projects.

You’ll also learn what to do when you feel stuck or at a creative crossroads. With 50 assignments to choose from you’ll never run out of ideas again. The concepts behind these assignments are powerful. Some of them have the potential to become long term projects that will keep you busy for years.

The story behind the book

A few years ago I got stuck as a photographer. I didn’t know what to photograph, how to find an interesting subject or how to move forward. Finally, I decided to set myself a project photographing craftspeople – people who make things with their hands. I started by contacting a local artist and potter to see if I could photograph them at work. Both said yes, the project got started, and I found my way forward.

Now, I realize the breakthrough was giving myself an assignment with a clear brief. And I wish I had given myself more briefs, and seen how I was surrounded by interesting subjects. I just had to look at familiar subjects differently, and make an effort to photograph them.

So I put together this set of 50 assignments, to give you the same spark of inspiration that I gave myself all those years. ago. I wrote it imagining that I could go back in time and give it to myself ten or twenty years ago. Over the last few weeks I’ve given assignments to my newsletter readers and seen the enthusiasm and enjoyment it’s sparked in people who have tackled them.

Lonely Town

Your purchase includes Lonely Town , a PDF that shows you how I tackled one of the assignments in the book. The idea is to inspire you by showing you that the assignments benefit experienced photographers as well as less experienced ones.

Download your copy today

Click the Buy Now button to make your purchase and start reading your copy of  The Magic of Black & White: 50 Assignments right away. Payment is by PayPal or credit card.

What others are saying

“I purchased your new ebook; brilliant.” – Paul

“I love your ebooks and have become a much better photographer thanks to you.” – Hugh

The Guarantee

I’m so confident that my ebooks will help improve your photography that I give you an unconditional guarantee. If, for any reason, you’re not satisfied with your purchase just let me know within two months and I’ll refund the purchase price in full, no questions asked.

The bundles

Save money with the following bundles.

Buy The Magic of Black & White and The Magic of Black & White: 50 Assignments together for just $20 .

Or buy 100 Creative Photography Assignments and  The Magic of Black & White: 50 Assignments together for just $20 .

Buy 100 Composition Assignments and  The Magic of Black & White: 50 Assignments together for just $15 (normal price $20 ) .

Buy 100 Composition Assignments , 100 Creative Photography Assignments and  The Magic of Black & White: 50 Assignments together for just $22  (normal price $30 ) .

Or buy The Magic of Black & White bundle  for just $29 .

Sample pages

Here are some sample pages from the book.

The Magic of Black & White: 50 Assignments ebook

Title: The Magic of Black & White: 50 Assignments

Length: 109 double page spreads

Words: approx 17,500

Format: PDF, Epub and Kindle Mobi 8. You can view the PDF of The Magic of Black & White: 50 Assignments using the free Adobe reader software on any PC or tablet. You can also read it on the iPad using iBooks – it has been optimized for iPad viewing. You can read the epub or mobi versions on tablets and smart phones.

Introduction How to use this book

Part I: Composition Geometric shapes Pairs Simplify Frame the subject A bird’s eye view Symmetry Pattern Texture and tonal contrast Fill the frame Silhouettes

Part II: Subject Something old Up close and colorful Just up close Scavenger hunt Bad weather Form and architecture Photos in the street Abstract metal Tools Vintage cars Hands Winter flora Active skies At the market Trees An eye for detail All at sea Get abstract Hint of mystery The road less traveled Light and shadow Urban blue hour Lone person in the landscape Go kitsch Man’s influence on the landscape Lonely town Make a beauty portrait

Part III: Technique Slow shutter speeds Long exposure photography (Bulb mode) Intentional camera movement Freeze the moment

Part IV: Creativity Take just one photo A sense of place Photograph the ordinary Create a photo story Make a character portrait Abandoned Get creative with plugins A different lens Themes and projects

52 photography projects: a great technique to try every week of the year

Our pick of the perfect weekend photography projects

• Home photography projects
• Outdoor photography projects
• More outdoor photography projects
• Long-term photography projects

Looking for photography projects to stimulate your creativity? Whether you’re a beginner who’s just learning the ropes or a seasoned snapper in need of inspiration, trying out a new technique can help you grow as a photographer. That’s why the list below features our pick of the best ideas to try with your camera.

From painting with light trails to capturing twilight landscapes, there are countless creative ways to use your camera and its lens. This round-up of our favorite weekend projects features suggestions to suit every skill level – whether you’re shooting with a smartphone or a ‘proper’ camera like a DSLR.

Some you can do from the comfort of you home, while others will have you heading out in search of specific scenes. Whether it’s a novel technique or an inventive suggestion for finding fresh subjects, every idea below has one thing in common: it should challenge you to try something different and find a fresh perspective.

Most of the projects can be attempted using the equipment you already own. Those that do require additional materials should all be achievable with pocket-money purchases – and if there’s any crafting involved, it should be well worth the effort when you see the results.

We’ve shared 52 of our favorite suggestions to do in 2022 below. Try them all and, in a year’s time, there’s a good chance you’ll be a better photographer, with a keener understanding of your camera and what it’s capable of. Plus you’ll be all set to attempt the final project: self-publishing a photo book.

The best home photography projects:

1. water drop art.

The basic idea with this project is to suspend a container of liquid and let drops fall through a small hole, then capture the resulting splash. Timing the shutter as the splash is created is everything. We achieved good results using two flashguns set to their lowest power (1/128th), an aperture of f/22 and water mixed with Xanthan gum to make a more viscous solution. We also used a SplashArt water drop kit from PhotoTrigger , which helped to regulate the size and frequency of the drops.

2. Indoor splash shots

For this project you'll need a flashgun that you can fire remotely, a container with clear sides for your water, a coloured background and a tripod. Set up the container and backdrop, then position the flash over the container. With the camera on a tripod and set to manual focus and exposure - f/8, ISO200 and the fastest shutter speed that will work with your flash - drop the object into the water and fire the shutter as it hits.

Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox

Get the hottest deals available in your inbox plus news, reviews, opinion, analysis and more from the TechRadar team.

3. Shapes of bokeh

Out-of-focus orbs of light can add magic to any image, but the bokeh effect needn’t be limited to standard circles. From love hearts to stars, a simple cutout filter can transform background sparkles into brilliant shapes. 

Using your lens cap as a guide, draw a circle on a piece of card. Cut out the circle, score a small shape in the centre using scissors or a craft knife, then push the card onto the front of your lens (or attach it with an elastic band). When you next shoot a scene, any unfocused light will take the form of your shape. 

Use a wide aperture to maximize the effect and remember that, as the filter restricts the amount of light entering your lens, you’ll want to set a longer exposure or higher ISO. Try simple shapes such as triangles to get started, before progressing to stars, hearts, crosses and more.

4. Create smoke art

Smoke trails are a firm favourite among still-life photographers. But how about taking it to the next level and using the shapes in a creative Photoshop project. Once you've taken a few good smoke art photos, make a blank document in Photoshop, then copy and paste one of the smoke images into it. Set the blending mode to Screen and use Warp Transform to reshape it. Continue the process to combine a range of smoke shots into a new image.

5. DIY lightbox

Lightboxes are used to illuminate objects evenly against a plain background, often for the purposes of product or food photography. Luckily, you don’t have to have a pro budget to make one at home. All you need is a cardboard box, some white paper and a table lamp. 

Remove the top flaps, stand the box on one end and cut window holes in either side. Line the box with a single, seamless piece of white paper and cover the holes with thin paper or fabric, taped in place. Then it’s as simple as positioning a desk lamp on one or both sides: the paper will diffuse the light, evenly illuminating whatever object you put inside. 

Or for an even simpler setup, use a single piece of paper as the backdrop, with one white wall made from card, and position near a window (as pictured). Experiment with aperture and shutter speed to shoot subjects with totally white backgrounds or some shadow for a sense of perspective. Then mix things up with color backgrounds. If the quality is high enough, you could list your images for sale on a stock photography website to earn some lockdown pocket money.

6. Lubricate your lens

Want to give your housebound portraits added glow? If you have a spare lens filter lying around, try an old Hollywood trick: smear a layer of Vaseline on the glass to give your images a soft, dreamy look, keeping aperture wide to emphasize the ethereal effect with a shallow depth of field. 

Get experimental by leaving the middle of the filter free from Vaseline to create a halo effect, with the centre in clear focus but the outer elements blurry and soft. Don’t want to sacrifice a filter? Stretch cling-film tight across the lens and keep it in place with an elastic band, before using the Vaseline in the same way. If you’re not into portraits, try the effect when shooting a light source for a unique style of diffusion.

7. Make your own filters

It’s no secret that color is a major element of any image, but you don’t need expensive filters or editing software to experiment with saturation. In fact, you don’t even need to leave your home: all manner of household objects can function as color filters to bring new hues to your photography – and to transform mundane moments into brighter snaps. 

Attach tissue paper to your lens with an elastic band for an instant change of scene, or try shooting through thin fabric with a light source placed behind. Too easy? Take a snap through a laundry capsule for a liquid tone adjustment or use a whisky bottle for sepia shades with a hint of distortion. Petals are pretty effective, too, as are translucent sweet wrappers.

8. Try cross-polarization

This fun project exploits the effect that polarised light has on some plastics. You'll need two polarising filters - ideally one of these should be a sheet of polarising film. You can pick up an A4 sheet of Lee 239 polarising film for £50 (try www.robertwhite.co.uk or www.pnta.com ). The sheet of film should be placed on a lightbox or in front of the only light source. An iPad screen and most computer screens have a polarising filter built in, so if you don't have a sheet of polarising film you can always experiment by creating a white document to fill the screen. Simply attach the circular polariser to the camera lens and rotate it to make the colours appear in clear plastic items

9. Food landscapes

Spice up your food photography! All you need is a set of model figures - Hornby 00 gauge figures are perfect, as they're available in a wide range of poses. Preiser has a great range too. The most important aspect is to establish a sense of narrative. Here you can see that there's a conversation between the characters, with the mountaineer on the 'mash face' being helped by his colleagues on the ground.

10. Fine-art food

Try turning your dinner ingredients into photo art using just a lightbox and a very sharp knife. Slice fruit and vegetables as thinly and evenly as possible, then place them on the lightbox. With the camera positioned directly above, use Live View to focus manually on the details. Set an aperture of f/8 to give adequate depth of field, and dial in some exposure compensation of +1 to +3 stops as the bright light can fool the camera's meter into underexposure.

11. Flowers in ice

A relatively inexpensive way of taking 'kitchen sink' close-ups that look great blown up as wall art. Freeze flowers in plastic containers of distilled or de-ionised water (available through your local auto or hardware store). The flowers will float, so try to weigh them down or fasten them in place so that they freeze under the water. Place the block of ice on top of a clear bowl or glass in a white sink or plate, so that the light can bounce through from below. Position a flashgun off to one side, angled down towards it, and shoot from the opposite side.

12. Abstracts in oil

Oil floating on the surface of water is a great way to make striking abstracts. This table-top photo project exploits the refractive quality of oil and bubbles to accentuate and distort colours. All you need to do is place a few drops of cooking oil on the surface of water in a glass dish. Make sure the dish is supported about 25cm about the table top, then place coloured paper under it and use an anglepoise lamp or flashgun to light the paper.

13. Play with fire

It doesn’t take a pyromaniac to see the photographic potential of fire, but it does take patience, skill and plenty of precautionary measures to capture a stunning action shot of a match igniting. If you’d rather not risk singeing your fingertips, try a different type of flame photography.

Shooting by candlelight alone can lead to magical results. As with any single source of light, it allows you to experiment extensively with shadows – especially if you’re capturing a portrait – while the soft, warm tone and flicker of the flame both contribute to an especially ethereal effect.

In a darkened room, try shooting with a medium-high ISO and a relatively slow shutter speed. Start with just a candle and your subject, before introducing additional elements and playing with positioning. A nearby wall, for example, will throw the candlelight back in different ways, while glass will add to the magic with fiery reflections

Tweak shutter speed to affect the strength of shadows or try adding further flames – though you might need to adjust the white balance if things look more yellow than mellow.

14. Repaint the walls with camera obscura

Familiar with pinhole photography? That technique relies on camera obscura – a natural optical effect that occurs when a small hole in an otherwise sealed space (such as a box) projects an inverted image of the world outside onto the opposite wall. You could make a pinhole camera as an at-home project, or you could go even bigger: with the right setup, you can create the camera obscura phenomenon in an entire room. 

First, you’ll need to black out a room – for example, by taping opaque sheets over your windows. Then you’ll need to make an aperture through which light can enter; the smaller the hole, the sharper but dimmer the image. Camera obscura works best in small/medium rooms, with an aperture of around 10-15mm diameter. Allow your eyes to adjust and determine whether you need to brighten the image by making a larger hole, then marvel as an inverted version of the outside world appears on the wall. 

Capture the entirety of this remarkable natural effect using a wide angle, a relatively long exposure and a tripod, or focus on specific elements of your room to emphasis the effect – such as houses appearing to float upside down on your mantelpiece.

15. Camera tossing

Chucking your precious photographic equipment into the air might sound like something designed to void the warranty, but – provided you’re not too clumsy – camera tossing can deliver some truly spectacular results. Try it in a dark room with a single light source. Set a shutter speed of around one second (roughly the length of time it’ll be in the air) and, as the timer hits zero, launch it upwards. Catching it is the important part, but once you’re comfortable with the technique you can experiment with multiple light sources, different colors and even spinning your camera as you release it.

16. Psychedelic soap film

This is a wonderful project that makes for vibrant desktop wallpaper or abstract wall art. You'll need liquid soap mixed with glycerine for long-lasting soap film, plus a wire loop, a black cloth background and a macro lens of at least 100mm. The colours created by soap film only appear when hit by light from a certain angle, so set up near a north-facing window and shoot from around 45 degrees.

17. Refractive art

Light bends when it passes through water, causing the objects behind to change appearance. This is called refraction, and you'll make use of this phenomenon in this arty photo project. All you need is a few glasses, a flashgun, a tripod and a black-and-white pattern print. Simply place the pattern in the background with the glasses in front. Fill them with different levels of water and move the pattern backwards or forwards to fine-tune the effect.

18. Kitchen close-ups

Your kitchen is an ideal location for shooting a macro project. Its reflective surfaces can be used to create interesting backgrounds for your shots, and a shallow depth of field can transform the most mundane of objects you'll find there. Creating a triptych of images can result in a piece of fantastic wall art for your kitchen too, although it's important to think about how they're going to work together before you start shooting. Here, 3 objects - a fork, a bowl of cereal and coffee granules - were all shot from a similar angle, with the impression of height linking the sequence.

19. Invert the world with a crystal ball

Shoot through a crystal ball and, while you won’t see into the future, you will capture an inverted version of the scene behind the orb. Just as light is refracted when it passes through the glass elements of a lens, the same thing happens with a glass sphere. There are dedicated photography balls on the market, but the effect can often be achieved using a clear marble or even a paperweight. Nothing suitable? A water-filled wine glass can also work. 

All sorts of subjects look good through an orb, from sunsets and cityscapes to abstract items and even portraits. Try shooting with a macro lens to fill the frame with the sphere, or with a wider angle to include some of the scene behind. To really play with perspectives, rotate the image with editing software so that the background is inverted but the scene in the orb is the right way up.  You can also incorporate elements that support the ball into the image, such as hands, bowls or miscellaneous objects.

20. Still-life bokeh

Something as simple as a crumpled piece of foil can be the basis for a creative photo project. Position a still-life subject on a sheet of glass with a piece of dark material underneath it. Scrunch up the kitchen foil then smooth it back out and place it in the background. Shine a table lamp or torch on the foil and, with a tripod mounted camera, dial in the lens's widest aperture to create some beautiful ' bokeh '. During the exposure, shine a flashlight onto the subject.

21. Play with shadows

Photography is fundamentally about capturing light, which is exactly why shadows can be so powerful. They can create contrast with lighter parts of a composition or add texture to an otherwise plain subject. They can even be manipulated to tell a story. Incorporating shadows into your images will challenge you to think not just about the objects within a scene, but how things outside of the frame can affect the light that falls within it.

To play with shadows, all you need is a light source and a solid object to block it. This could be something natural, such as the shadow of a tree cast by sunlight. Equally, it could be something man-made, such as the outline of a street sign created by a car’s headlights. Or it could be something you create yourself: try playing puppet-master by shining a torch and dancing your hand in front of it. 

You can also invert this idea by shooting a subject which is predominantly in shadow and experimenting with how splashes of light fall upon it.

22. Still life light trails

Light trails can be used in all kinds of photography, but they're perfect for a creative still life project. You can use a regular Maglite torch, but try removing the end to reveal the bulb and make the light more direct. Use some electrical tape to attach a coloured sweet wrapper, which you can use as a makeshift 'gel'. Set the canera's shutter speed to around 30 secs with an aperture of around f/8, then start moving the torch within the frame before pressing the shutter. Continue the movement throughout the exposure. Here, we suspended the torch from a piece of string and made a gentle circular movement to create a spiral around the bottle.

23. Light spirals

You'll need to attach a torch, suspended by string, to an open area of ceiling. Fit the widest lens you have on your camera, and mount it on a tripod pointing straight up. With the light turned on, autofocus on the tip of the torch and set the lens to manual focus to lock the setting in. With an aperture of f/11 or f/16 dialled in, use Bulb mode and a remote release to keep the shutter open for a minute or so as you send the torch spinning in the dark…

• Best camera flash: dedicated flashguns for Canon and Nikon DSLR
• Best macro lens 2018: close-up lenses for Canon and Nikon DSLRs
• Macro lenses: how to choose one, and how to use it

Current page: Home photography projects

Formerly News Editor at Stuff, Chris has rarely been able to resist the bite of the travel bug – so he now writes about tech from the road, in whichever Wi-Fi-equipped café he can find. Fond of coffee kit, classic cars and sustainable gear, if there’s one thing Chris loves more than scribbling, shooting and sharing his way around the world, it’s alliterative triplets.

I tested the Google Pixel’s Long Exposure photo mode – and it’s another reason to leave my pro mirrorless camera at home

How to photograph the total solar eclipse with your camera or smartphone

Quordle today – hints and answers for Saturday, April 20 (game #817)

Most Popular

• 2 Samsung’s new cheap 98-inch 4K TV with 120Hz support could be your dream gaming TV
• 3 Microsoft and OpenAI planning to build a million-server strong data center with a AI supercomputer named "Stargate"
• 4 NYT Strands today — hints, answers and spangram for Wednesday, April 17 (game #45)
• 5 Rog Mjolnir is a portable power station that looks like Thor's famous hammer
• 2 This has to be the most absurd portable power station ever launched — Asus's Mjolnir throws the hammer at rivals with innovative design that's likely to divide opinions
• 3 Scientists inch closer to holy grail of memory breakthrough — producing tech that combines NAND and RAM features could be much cheaper to produce and consume far less power
• 4 The latest macOS Ventura update has left owners of old Macs stranded in a sea of problems, raising a chorus of complaints
• 5 Disney Plus' possible cable-style Star Wars channel plan proves we're never getting rid of cable

• photography

Overcoming Photography Project Challenges: Tips for Staying Inspired

by wim arys · July 16, 2023

Hey there! Are you a photography enthusiast who loves taking on photography projects? Whether you’re a professional photographer or an amateur looking to explore your creative side, projects can be a great way to push yourself and improve your skills. However, like any creative endeavor, photography projects can come with their fair share of challenges.

In this article, we’ll explore some common challenges that photographers face when working on projects and share tips on how to overcome them. From managing time constraints to dealing with creative blocks and technical difficulties, we’ll offer practical advice to help you stay inspired and motivated throughout your photography journey. So, let’s dive in and discover how to overcome these hurdles and create stunning photographs that truly capture your vision.

Understanding Photography Project Challenges

Photography projects can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling, allowing you to express yourself creatively and capture moments that are meaningful to you. However, like any creative endeavor, photography projects also come with their fair share of challenges. Understanding these challenges is the first step towards overcoming them and staying inspired throughout your project. Let’s explore some common photography project challenges and learn how to overcome them.

Managing Time Constraints

One of the biggest challenges photographers face when working on a project is managing their time effectively. Juggling work, family commitments, and other responsibilities can make it difficult to find dedicated time for your photography project. Here are a few tips to help you manage your time and stay on track:

• Create a schedule: Set aside specific blocks of time in your calendar dedicated to your photography project. Treat these blocks as non-negotiable and prioritize them.
• Break it down: Break your project into smaller, manageable tasks. This will make it easier to tackle them within the limited time you have.
• Be disciplined: Stick to your schedule and avoid distractions. Put your phone on silent, close unnecessary tabs on your computer, and create a dedicated workspace where you can focus.

Dealing with Creative Blocks

Creative blocks are a common challenge that photographers face during a project. You may find yourself feeling uninspired or struggling to come up with fresh ideas. Here are some techniques to overcome creative blocks and reignite your creativity:

• Try new things: Experiment with different genres of photography or techniques that you haven’t explored before. This can help you break out of your comfort zone and find new inspiration.
• Take a break: Sometimes, stepping away from your project for a while can help fresh ideas flow. Take a walk, engage in other hobbies, or spend time with loved ones. When you come back to your project, you’ll have a fresh perspective.
• Seek inspiration from others: Look for photography books, magazines, or online platforms where you can discover the work of other photographers. Seeing their unique perspectives can spark ideas and inspire you.

Facing Technical Difficulties

Technical difficulties can be frustrating and can hinder your progress in a photography project. From equipment malfunctions to struggling with complex camera settings, these challenges can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you overcome technical difficulties:

• Know your equipment: Take the time to understand the capabilities and limitations of your gear. Read the user manual, watch tutorials, and practice using different features before you start your project.
• Troubleshoot issues: If you encounter technical problems, don’t panic. Take a systematic approach to troubleshoot the issue. Check your settings, clean your equipment, and consult online resources or forums for solutions.
• Practice, practice, practice: The more you use your equipment and familiarize yourself with its functions, the more comfortable you’ll become. Regular practice will help you overcome technical challenges more easily.

By understanding and preparing for these common photography project challenges, you’ll be equipped to navigate through them with ease. Remember, challenges are an inherent part of the creative process and overcoming them will only make you a better photographer.

Next, let’s explore different photography techniques and styles that can add depth and variety to your project.

Exploring Different Photography Techniques and Styles

When it comes to photography projects, one of the key aspects that can keep you inspired and motivated is the exploration of different techniques and styles. By experimenting with various approaches to capturing images, you can push your boundaries, discover new perspectives, and add a unique touch to your work. Here are some tips to help you explore different photography techniques and styles:

Experimenting with Light and Shadows

Lighting is a fundamental element in photography, and understanding how to use it effectively can transform ordinary scenes into extraordinary images. Experiment with different lighting conditions and explore the interplay between light and shadows. This can create dramatic and visually appealing compositions. Try shooting during golden hour (the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset) to capture warm, soft lighting or experiment with harsher light during midday to create high-contrast images.

Playing with Composition and Perspectives

Composition plays a significant role in photography, as it determines how the elements within your frame interact with each other. To explore different styles, try experimenting with various composition techniques. Consider the rule of thirds, leading lines, symmetry, and framing to add visual interest to your images. Additionally, challenge yourself to shoot from different perspectives, such as low angles or bird’s-eye views, to capture unique and unconventional shots.

Using Color and Contrast Effectively

Color can evoke emotions and set the tone of your photographs. Experimenting with different color palettes can help you express your artistic vision and create a cohesive series of images. Pay attention to color harmonies and complementary colors to create visually pleasing compositions. Additionally, explore the use of contrast in your images, whether it’s through contrasting colors, textures, or subject matter. This can add depth and visual impact to your photographs.

By exploring different photography techniques and styles, you can elevate your work and create a distinct signature style. Remember, photography is an ever-evolving art form, and there is always something new to discover. Keep pushing your boundaries, stay curious, and enjoy the journey of exploring different techniques and styles in your photography projects.

Finding Inspiration in Unconventional Places

When it comes to photography projects, finding inspiration is key to keeping your creativity flowing and your passion burning. While it’s easy to look for inspiration in the usual places such as art galleries or photography books, sometimes the most unconventional places can spark the most innovative and unique ideas. Here are some unconventional places where you can find inspiration for your photography projects:

Nature and the Outdoors

Nature has always been a source of inspiration for artists and photographers alike. Step outside and immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world. Whether it’s a lush green forest, a serene beach, or a breathtaking mountain range, nature provides endless opportunities for capturing stunning landscapes, vibrant colors, and fascinating wildlife. Take a walk in the woods, explore a national park, or visit a botanical garden. Pay close attention to the details – the way the sunlight filters through the leaves, the intricate patterns on a flower petal, or the way a bird takes flight. These little moments of beauty can ignite your creativity and inspire you to create breathtaking images.

Urban Exploration

The hustle and bustle of the city can also be a great source of inspiration. Urban environments offer a wealth of interesting subjects and unique perspectives. Take a stroll in the city streets and capture the energy, the architecture, and the people. Look for hidden gems such as alleyways, graffiti walls, or interesting architectural details. Pay attention to the small details that often go unnoticed – the play of light and shadow on a building, the reflections in a shop window, or the expressions on people’s faces. Urban photography allows you to capture the essence of a place and tell stories through your images.

Everyday Life

Inspiration can be found in the ordinary moments of our daily lives. Look for beauty in the mundane. Explore your own surroundings and capture the beauty in the simple things – a quiet morning at home, a cup of coffee, or a walk in the neighborhood. Pay attention to the small details that make each moment unique. Experiment with different angles, lighting, and compositions to capture the essence of these everyday moments. By finding beauty in the ordinary, you can create compelling and relatable images that resonate with your viewers.

Remember, inspiration can be found anywhere if you look at it with the right mindset. Open your eyes to the world around you and let your surroundings inspire you. The key is to approach each photography project with a sense of curiosity and a willingness to explore the unconventional. By stepping out of your comfort zone and seeking inspiration in unexpected places, you can breathe new life into your photography and create truly remarkable images. So, grab your camera, venture out into the world, and let the unconventional become your muse.

Balancing Creativity and Technical Skills

When it comes to photography projects, finding the right balance between creativity and technical skills is crucial. While creativity fuels the artist in you, technical skills help in capturing the best possible images. Here are some tips to help you strike that balance and create remarkable photographs:

Learning and Mastering Camera Settings

Understanding your camera and its settings is a fundamental step in balancing creativity and technical skills. By familiarizing yourself with different camera modes, exposure settings, and focusing techniques, you can have more control over your shots. Here are a few key settings to focus on:

• Aperture : Experiment with different aperture settings to control the depth of field and create stunning bokeh effects. A wider aperture (lower f-stop number) can produce a shallow depth of field, while a smaller aperture (higher f-stop number) can keep more of the scene in focus.
• Shutter Speed : Play around with shutter speed to capture motion blur or freeze action. A faster shutter speed (1/500 or higher) is ideal for freezing fast-moving subjects, while a slower shutter speed (1/30 or lower) can create a sense of motion.
• ISO : Adjust the ISO to control the camera’s sensitivity to light. A lower ISO (100-400) is ideal for shooting in bright conditions, while a higher ISO (800-3200) may be needed when shooting in low light.

Understanding Editing and Post-Processing

Editing and post-processing can elevate your images to the next level. While capturing beautiful pictures is important, knowing how to enhance them through editing is equally crucial. Here are a few editing techniques to consider:

• Color Correction : Adjust the color balance, saturation, and tone of your images to achieve your desired look and feel. Experiment with different color grading techniques to create a unique style.
• Contrast and Sharpness : Enhance the contrast and sharpness of your images to make them visually appealing. However, be cautious not to overdo it, as excessive editing can result in unnatural-looking photos.
• Cropping and Composition : Crop your images to improve the composition and remove any distractions. Use the rule of thirds or other compositional guidelines to create visually pleasing photographs.

Developing a Unique Style

Finding your own style is an important aspect of balancing creativity and technical skills in photography. Your style is what sets you apart from other photographers and makes your work recognizable. Here are some tips to help you develop your unique style:

• Experiment and Explore : Try different photography genres and techniques to find what resonates with you. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things.
• Find Inspiration : Look for inspiration from other photographers, art exhibitions, movies, and even everyday life. Take note of the elements that appeal to you and incorporate them into your own work.
• Be Authentic : Stay true to yourself and create images that reflect your vision and emotions. Don’t try to imitate others or conform to trends. Your authenticity will shine through in your photographs.

By balancing your creativity with technical skills, you can create photographs that are not only visually stunning but also meaningful. Remember, it’s a journey of continuous learning and exploration, so embrace the process and enjoy the art of photography.

Let your creativity soar and your technical skills guide you to capture moments that will be cherished forever.

Staying Motivated and Inspired Throughout the Project

Embarking on a photography project can be an exciting endeavor. However, as the project progresses, it is common to encounter roadblocks and challenges that can dampen your motivation and inspiration. In order to stay motivated and inspired throughout your photography project, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Setting Goals and Milestones

Setting clear goals and milestones for your photography project can provide a sense of direction and purpose. It gives you something to work towards and helps you stay focused on your progress. When setting goals, make sure they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART goals). For example, instead of saying, “I want to take better landscape photos,” set a goal like, “I will capture a series of landscape photos that showcase the beauty of different seasons in my local area within the next six months.”

By breaking down your project into smaller milestones, you can celebrate your achievements along the way and stay motivated. These milestones can be based on different themes, locations, or techniques that you want to explore. Having a roadmap of your project helps keep you excited and engaged in your photography journey.

Seeking Feedback and Constructive Criticism

Feedback and constructive criticism are essential for growth and improvement as a photographer. Reach out to fellow photographers, join photography communities, or attend workshops to share your work and receive valuable insights. Not only does feedback help you identify areas where you can improve, but it also provides fresh perspectives and ideas that can reignite your creativity.

When seeking feedback, aim for constructive criticism rather than just positive comments. Constructive criticism helps you understand what works well in your photos and what can be improved. It pushes you to think critically about your work and experiment with new techniques or approaches.

Engaging with the Photography Community

The photography community is a vibrant and supportive network of fellow photographers who share a common passion. Engaging with this community can provide you with inspiration, guidance, and motivation throughout your photography project. Here are a few ways to connect with the photography community:

• Join online photography forums or social media groups where photographers share their work, ask questions, and provide support.
• Attend photography meetups or workshops to meet like-minded individuals and learn from experienced photographers.
• Participate in photography challenges or competitions that can push you outside of your comfort zone and spark your creativity.
• Collaborate with other photographers on joint projects or photo walks.

By engaging with the photography community, you can find inspiration in the work of others, learn from their experiences, and build meaningful connections that can boost your motivation and passion for photography.

“The single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it.” – Ansel Adams

Remember, staying motivated and inspired throughout your photography project is a journey in itself. It’s normal to experience ups and downs, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can overcome challenges and continue to grow and improve as a photographer. So keep shooting, keep experimenting, and keep pushing your creative boundaries!

Overcoming Common Photography Project Challenges

Photography projects can be both exciting and challenging. Whether you’re working on a personal project or a client assignment, it’s not uncommon to face various obstacles along the way. However, with the right strategies and mindset, you can overcome these challenges and produce outstanding results. In this article, we’ll explore some tips and techniques to help you overcome common photography project challenges.

Overcoming Self-Doubt and Comparison

When working on a photography project, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing your work to others and doubting your own abilities. Remember, photography is a form of self-expression, and each photographer has a unique style. Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your strengths and embrace your individuality. Here’s how you can overcome self-doubt and comparison:

• Practice self-reflection : Take time to reflect on your achievements and progress. Celebrate the small wins along the way and remind yourself of your unique qualities as a photographer.
• Limit social media exposure : While social media can be a great platform for inspiration, it can also fuel self-doubt and comparison. Limit your exposure to social media and immerse yourself in your own creative process instead.
• Seek support from a photography community : Engage with fellow photographers who can offer guidance and encouragement. Join photography groups or forums where you can share your work and receive constructive feedback.

Dealing with Uncooperative Weather

Weather conditions can heavily influence the outcome of your photography project. However, rather than letting unfavorable weather conditions dampen your spirits, consider embracing the challenge and finding creative ways to work around it. Here are some tips for dealing with uncooperative weather:

• Plan and be flexible : Keep an eye on weather forecasts and plan your photography sessions accordingly. However, remain flexible and be prepared to adapt if the weather doesn’t cooperate. Sometimes, unexpected weather conditions can lead to unique and dramatic shots.
• Embrace bad weather : Don’t shy away from shooting in bad weather. Rain, stormy skies, or heavy fog can create moody and atmospheric images. Use waterproof gear or find sheltered areas to capture compelling photographs in adverse weather conditions.
• Focus on details : When the overall scenery is not ideal due to weather conditions, shift your focus to smaller details. Look for interesting patterns, textures, or close-up shots that can still tell a compelling story.

Working with Difficult or Unpredictable Subjects

Photographing subjects that are difficult or unpredictable can be frustrating, but with patience and adaptability, you can still capture stunning images. Here are some tips for working with difficult or unpredictable subjects:

• Observe and anticipate : Spend time observing your subject’s behavior and patterns. Try to anticipate their movements or reactions to capture the perfect shot.
• Use a fast shutter speed : When photographing moving subjects, use a fast shutter speed to freeze the action and capture sharp images.
• Engage with your subject : Establish a connection with your subject to create trust and capture their true essence. Be patient and take the time to build a rapport before pressing the shutter.

Overcoming common photography project challenges is all about mindset, creativity, and adaptability. By implementing these strategies and maintaining a positive attitude, you’ll be able to navigate through obstacles and create remarkable photographs. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow as a photographer. Embrace the journey and enjoy the process!

In conclusion, photography projects can be both rewarding and challenging. However, with the right approach and mindset, you can overcome these challenges and stay inspired throughout the process. Remember to manage your time effectively, and allow yourself to experiment and try new techniques and styles. Look for inspiration in unconventional places, and find ways to balance your creativity with your technical skills.

Setting goals and seeking feedback can help you stay motivated, while engaging with the photography community can provide a sense of camaraderie and support. By overcoming common challenges such as self-doubt, uncooperative weather, and difficult subjects, you can push yourself to create stunning and meaningful photography projects.

So, don’t let the challenges deter you from pursuing your photography projects. Embrace them as opportunities for growth and learning, and continue to refine your skills and develop your unique style. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination, so enjoy the process and keep capturing the moments that inspire you. Happy shooting!

Now that you have a better understanding of how to overcome photography project challenges and stay inspired, it’s time to pick up your camera and start working on your next project. Whether you’re capturing nature’s beauty, exploring the city streets, or documenting everyday life, remember to approach your projects with passion, curiosity, and a willingness to push your boundaries.

By following the tips and advice outlined in this article, you can overcome any challenges that may arise and create photography projects that are truly captivating and meaningful. So, go out there, embrace the challenges, and let your creativity shine through your photographs. Happy shooting!

Frequently Asked Questions

To overcome creative blocks in your photography projects, try experimenting with new techniques or subjects, seek inspiration from other photographers or art forms, take breaks and explore new environments, and challenge yourself with self-assignments or collaborative projects.

To stay motivated and inspired in your photography projects, set goals and create a vision board, join photography communities or workshops, engage with other photographers for feedback and critique, regularly explore new locations or themes, and never stop learning and experimenting.

To overcome technical challenges in your photography projects, invest time in learning and practicing different camera settings and techniques, seek tutorials or online courses, experiment with post-processing software, and reach out to experienced photographers or mentors for guidance.

When feeling like giving up on a difficult photography project, take a step back and give yourself a break, revisit your initial vision and purpose for the project, seek feedback and support from fellow photographers, and remind yourself of the satisfaction and growth that comes from overcoming challenges.

To stay inspired during long-term photography projects, break the project into smaller milestones or sub-projects, explore different perspectives and angles within the project, document your progress and any discoveries along the way, and periodically revisit your initial inspiration or goal to reignite your passion.

Wim Arys is a photographer from Belgium Europe with a passion for mirrorless cameras.

You may also like...

Elevating Your Landscape Photography: Exploring Creative Techniques

July 20, 2023

Becoming an Effective Second Shooter: Elevating Your Wedding Photography Skills

January 26, 2024

Choosing the Right Camera: An Essential Checklist for Every Photographer

December 23, 2023

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Next story  Exploring Urban Life Through the Lens: Top Street Photography Tours
• Previous story  Staying Updated: The Latest Camera Technology for Photography Enthusiasts

Recent Posts

• Uncovering Hidden Wonders: Off-the-Beaten-Path Photography Tours for Adventurers
• Innovative Approaches to Portrait Photography: Techniques for Professionals
• Innovations in Photography: Exploring the Latest Camera Models for Enthusiasts

• Photography
• Film + Video
• Culture + Lifestyle
• Exhibits + Events
• Prescriptions
• Photographers
• Designers/Architects
• Organizations/Mags
• Museums/Galleries
• ANNOUNCEMENTS
• COLLECTIONS
• EXHIBITIONS
• 30/30 WOMEN
• CONTRIBUTORS
• SUBMISSIONS
• 30/30 WOMEN PHOTOGRAPHERS

I was born and raised in a working-class city, Elektrostal, Moscow region. I received a higher education in television in Moscow. I studied to be a documentary photographer. My vision of the aesthetics of the frame was significantly influenced by the aesthetics of my city – the endless forests and swamps of the Moscow region with endless factories, typical architecture and a meagre color palette. In this harsh world, people live and work, raise children, grow geranium, throw parties and live trouble, run a ski cross. They are the main characters of my photo projects.

I study a person in a variety of circumstances. We blog with friends with stories of such people. We are citizen journalists. In my works, I touch upon the topics of homelessness, people’s attitude to their bodies, sexual objectification, women’s work, alienation and living conditions of different people. The opportunity to communicate with my characters gives me a sense of belonging and modernity of life.

My photos create the effect of presence, invisible observation of people. I don’t interfere with what’s going on, I’m taking the place of an outside observer. I’m a participant in exhibitions in Rome (Loosenart Gallery), Collaborated with the Russian Geographical Community.

30 Under 30 Women Photographers 2021

• --> --> Thailand Biennale 2023 / The Open World Dec 9, 2023 – Apr 30, 2024 Thailand Biennale Mueang Chiang Rai, Thailand The first edition of Thailand Biennale was initiated by the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture, Thailand’s Ministry of Culture in Krabi in 2018, followed by Korat in 2021. By alternating the locations from various provinces throughout the country, the spirit of the Thailand Biennale decentralizes artistic activities (more…) Show Post >
• --> --> Tarek Lakhrissi: BLISS Feb 10 – May 20, 2024 Migros Museum für Gegenwartskunst Zurich, Switzerland In his solo exhibition BLISS , Tarek Lakhrissi invites the audience on a journey: in a stage-like setting, visitors become protagonists in search of dreamy moments in the midst of chaos. Over the course of three acts, they encounter immersive installations, an enchanting film work and larger-than-life sculptures. (more…) Show Post >
• --> --> Tina Berning ARTIST / ILLUSTRATOR Featured Profile Tina Berning (b. 1969 / Braunschweig, Germany) is a Berlin based artist and illustrator. After working as a graphic designer for several years, she began to focus on drawing and Illustration. (more…) Show Post > See Full Profile >
• --> --> Anish Kapoor: Unseen Apr 11 – Oct 20, 2024 ARKEN Ishøj, Denmark Anish Kapoor’s monumental sculptures and installations speak directly to our senses and emotions. Through his unique eye for materials, shapes, colours and surfaces we are drawn into and seduced by his artwork, which turns the world upside down – often quite literally. Kapoor has been shown in the largest exhibition venues in the world, and he has also created several significant pieces for public spaces. (more…) Show Post >
• --> --> Pia Arke: Silences and Stories Feb 10 – May 11, 2024 John Hansard Gallery Southampton, UK In February 2024, John Hansard Gallery, in collaboration with KW Institute for Contemporary Art , Berlin, presents the first major survey of Danish-Greenlandic artist Pia Arke (1958–2007) to be shown outside of Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland), and the Nordic countries. Seldom exhibited outside the Scandinavian context, this exhibition of Arke’s work is both timely and long overdue. (more…) Show Post >
• --> --> Jalan & Jibril Durimel Photographers Featured Profile Twin brothers Jalan & Jibril Durimel draw inspiration through their diversified upbringing between the French Antilles and the US. Born in Paris to parents from the island of Guadeloupe, at the age of 4 they moved to Miami where they first immersed themselves in American culture. (more…) Show Post > See Full Profile >
• --> --> Boris Mikhailov Photographer Featured Profile Ukrainian born Boris Mikhailov is one of the leading photographers from the former Soviet Union. For over 30 years, he has explored the position of the individual within the historical mechanisms of public ideology, touching on such subjects as Ukraine under Soviet rule (more…) Show Post > See Full Profile >
• --> --> Maria Sturm: You Don’t Look Native to Me Publication Void International In 2011, Maria Sturm began to photograph the lives of young people from the Lumbee Tribe around Pembroke, Robeson County, North Carolina. Through the process of documenting their lives, Sturm began to question her own understanding of what it means to be Native American. Her new book You Don’t Look Native to Me combines photographs with interviews and texts to preconceptions and show Native identity not as fixed, but evolving and redefining itself with each generation. (more…) Show Post >
• --> --> 30 Under 30 Women Photographers / 2024 Selections Announced Artpil International Artpil proudly announces for its 15th Edition the selection of  30 Under 30 Women Photographers  /  2024 . Founded in 2010, this annual selection has helped emerging, mid-career, as well as some accomplished women photographers to gain further exposure and participate in the collective among peers. (more…) Show Post > See Full Article >

• photography
• film + video
• culture + lifestyle
• exhibits + events
• prescriptions
• photographers
• designers/architects
• organizations/mags
• museums/galleries

When the landfill site is closed, discharge water filtration and clarification equipment is installed, the territory is covered with specific material and backfilled. Then many tubes used to purify gas are installed. The greatest danger in landfill restoration is the groundwater contamination. In and around Moscow there are a few dozens of waste deposits, some of which are growing higher than multistoried residential houses standing nearby.

During my work on the project, I visited 7 landfills in Moscow and the Moscow region. Some objects were guarded, and it was so absurd that the guards actually guarded a heap of rubbish.

While in these landfills, I saw that the liquid produced by the rotting waste flows out of the pipes sticking out on the slopes into the nearby rivers. Working on this project I wanted to show the rubbish not in the way everyone is used to see it. What is seen in front of our eyes is hilly landscapes, hiding million tons of consumer waste — a typical view of the contemporary system. We do not always see what is hidden.

Nikita Zhirkov

Leave your opinion: cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Related Articles

I look into the eyes…

Life’s work

Unity with nature

The lone tulip

Don't have an account?

Adblock Detected

We do not post commercial ads. We only promote our internal services.

University of Bridgeport News

7 Strategies for Taking Group Projects by Storm

It’s day one of the new semester, and you see it…staring ominously from the syllabus, it lurks in eager waiting…haunting unlit corners of your lecture hall, the beast inches closer every class until one day, it strikes — sinking its teeth in. No silver tokens or wooden stakes will save you now. It’s time for mandatory group projects.

For even the most scholarly students, the mere suggestion of a group project can send shivers down the spine. These projects plague the mind with many questions. What if I get stuck with someone who does nothing? Will communication break down into a chaotic mess of emojis? And, sometimes, above all else, why do I have to do this?

So, fellow Purple Knights, let’s turn that stress into success — equip yourself with these 7 strategies to help you make the most of group assignments.

1. Acknowledge your anxiety and self-assess

Let’s take a moment to commemorate the ghosts of group projects past. Remember that paper from history class? The one on the American Revolution? Your whole team was supposed to write it, yet your group dedicated more time to scrolling through TikTok than typing. Oh, and how about that PowerPoint presentation for your accounting class? You know, the one nobody pulled their weight on, shaving a few precious points off your final grade?

Although you should never begin a group project with the attitude that failure is inevitable, being honest with yourself about any anxiety you feel helps repurpose the stress of past projects into lessons with future applicability.

So, when you see a group assignment on your syllabus, don’t panic. Instead, ask yourself a few questions, such as:

• What were some issues I encountered during previous group projects?
• How could these issues have been avoided or addressed?
• Did I give the project my all and contribute to the best of my ability?
• What did I learn about the subject I was studying?
• What did I learn about working with a group?
• More specifically, what did I learn about how I work with others?

If this self-assessment only serves to raise more questions, consider talking to your instructor or visiting the Academic Success Center . Expressing your concern about group work, and consulting with supportive and experienced professionals, can help you kickstart your collaboration with confidence.

2. Assemble your A-Team

Now that your head is in the game, it’s time to assemble the A-Team! Whether your group is self-selected or pre-assigned, first things first — for a cohesive collaboration, every teammate must cooperate.

Think of it like building a boat. Each crewmate takes on a different, albeit pivotal, role to ensure the ship will stay afloat. While some people lay floor plans and foundations, others gather materials, create sails, or complete safety assessments. Although every team member has their own purview, everyone must cooperate to achieve a common goal. If one person drops the ball, the vessel might not be seaworthy. The same goes for your group project — without joint effort, your crew may flounder in the face of challenges.

To take the helm, create team roles with the project’s guidelines in mind. Weigh the academic expectations with the skills and strengths of your teammates. Does one partner have a head for facts and figures? Group Researcher , reporting for duty! How about the group member with an eye for design? PowerPoint Coordinator may be the perfect fit!

Scenario snapshot

You and your best friend want to be in the same group for an English presentation. They’re a stand-up pal and astute problem-solver, but they often slack off on assignments. Let’s turn procrastination into collaboration. How can you help establish a healthy group dynamic without boxing out your bestie? 

3. Planning is power

Collaborating on an assignment isn’t as simple as casting roles for each group member. You will also need a plan of attack outlining what must be done (and when).

During your initial group meeting, roll up your sleeves to brainstorm ideas and generate timelines for the different components of your project. To keep all the most vital information in an accessible location, utilize project management tools like Google Docs or Trello — providing a clear, shared resource teammates can refer to when working independently.

What would you do?

It’s been two weeks, and one of your group mates still hasn’t opened the shared document outlining their role and the project schedule. They were attentive when your team first met to discuss the presentation, but you’re concerned the assignment has fallen from their radar. How can you address your concerns?

At University of Bridgeport, your personal and professional success is our priority. Learn more about our comprehensive support services today!  

4. keep up communication.

Determining guidelines for group check-ins is essential to success. Whether you’re meeting in person or virtually, it’s critical to establish when, where, and how your team will update one another.

You may even consider setting parameters for your group pow-wows. How long should each check-in last? Should one teammate have the floor during each meeting, or will everyone provide updates? Agreeing on these expectations can facilitate smooth sailing ahead.

Your four-person biology group includes a pair of close friends. Each time your team meets to discuss the project, the duo brings little to the table, filling most of the hour with fits of giggly gossip.

The last group check-in was the biggest bust yet — extending an hour longer than the agreed-upon time due to constant distractions and derailments. The following afternoon, your third partner privately messaged you, expressing the same frustrations you’re feeling. How can you and your partner constructively address this issue with your other teammates?

5. Be fair and flexible…

When collaborating with classmates, it’s crucial to remember that   is difficult. With academic, personal, and professional demands competing for space, everybody has more than one ball in the air. If someone on your team needs an extension for their part of an assignment, show grace and understanding — most people are doing their best to meet all the expectations tossed their way, and a little leniency can go a long way.

6. …but remember to set boundaries

Flexibility may be paramount, but have you ever flexed too far? If you’re always happy to go with the flow, your willingness to bend could cause your group to break. If you and your teammates are always cleaning up after one partner, burnout will ensue — potentially leading to an underwhelming final project.

If you have a teammate who isn’t pulling their weight, it’s time to set boundaries and reiterate your group’s agreed-upon expectations. If you’re uncomfortable breaching the topic, consult with your professor. Even if they expect you to start the conversation on your own, they can offer support and strategies for addressing conflicts in your group. Moreover, communicating these concerns keeps your instructor in the loop about your team’s progress.

Last month, you were randomly assigned to group for your nursing project. You were pleasantly surprised by how well it was going — at least, at first. Over the past few weeks, one of your partners has missed every meeting due to a personal problem. While they didn’t disclose the specifics, they’ve missed three deadlines and have been completely incommunicado.

With the deadline quickly approaching, you and your other teammates are starting to sweat. What could you do to help your team overcome this challenge?

7. Celebrate success

Group projects are full of peaks and valleys alike. When you hit “submit” and the game is over, take some time to acknowledge your dedicated team. Collaborative assignments can present an invaluable opportunity to connect with classmates, learn from each other, and create something truly impressive.

While the anxiety of an impending group project can be overwhelming, don’t let it overshadow the fact that these ventures can be rewarding and, dare we say, enjoyable experiences. Furthermore, in our increasingly interconnected world, nurturing your collaborative aptitude provides you with a career-ready skill — sought after by employers across all industries.

At University of Bridgeport, #UBelong. Begin your UB journey today — learn more about becoming a Purple Knight !

'War, loss, courage and perseverance': See the 2024 winners of World Press Photo Contest

World press photo has announced the 2024 winners of its annual contest. see the impactful stories that were selected by jurors..

A prestigious global photography competition has announced the winners of its annual contest, which aims to recognize photojournalists documenting a range of vital issues.

Selected images covered stories "of desperation, hunger, war and loss—but also of perseverance, courage, love, family, dreams and more butterflies than anyone has a right to expect,” World Press Photo said in a statement Thursday. The Israel-Hamas war , the ongoing conflict in Ukraine amid Russia's invasion , climate change and more topics were highlighted by jurors this year.  

The World Press Photo Foundation, an Amsterdam-based nonprofit founded in 1955, chose Reuters photographer Mohammed Salem's image of a Palestinian woman embracing the body of her 5-year-old niece as Photo of the Year.

According to Reuters , "families were searching for relatives killed during Israeli bombing of the Palestinian enclave." The image was captured just a couple of weeks after the outset of the Israel-Hamas war in the morgue at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis in southern Gaza.

Last year, Salem described this photo, taken just days after his own wife gave birth, as "a powerful and a sad moment, and I felt the picture sums up the broader sense of what was happening in the Gaza Strip,"   Reuters reported.

“People were confused, running from one place to another, anxious to know the fate of their loved ones, and this woman caught my eye as she was holding the body of the little girl and refused to let go,” Salem said.

Reuters Global Editor for Pictures and Video, Rickey Rogers, conveyed a messaged from Salem during a ceremony at the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam, according to Reuters.

"Mohammed received the news of his WPP award with humility, saying that this is not a photo to celebrate but that he appreciates its recognition and the opportunity to publish it to a wider audience" Rogers said. "He hopes with this award that the world will become even more conscious of the human impact of war, especially on children," Rogers said, standing in front of the photo.

The contest announced the winners of three more categories: Stories, Long-Term Projects and Open Format.

The four global winners, selected from the 24 regional winners announced earlier this month, were chosen from 61,062 entries by 3,851 professional photographers in 130 countries.

World Press Photo Long-Term Project Award

Alejandro Cegarra's long-term project for The New York Times and Bloomberg, titled "The Two Walls", examines a shift in Mexico's immigration policies over the past few years.

Cegarra's perspective as a native Venezuelan who immigrated to Mexico in 2017 "afforded a sensitive human centered perspective that centers the agency and resilience of migrants," World Press Photo said.

World Press Photo Story of the Year

Lee-Ann Olwage 's work focusing on Madagascar's "lack of public awareness surrounding dementia" for GEO won World Press Photo's Story of the Year category. The story, titled "Valim-babena", follows Paul Rakotozandriny, 91, who has lived with dementia for 11 years. His daughter, Fara Rafaraniriana, 41, is his caretaker.

“This story tackles a universal health issue through the lens of family and care. The selection of images are composed with warmth and tenderness reminding viewers of the love and closeness necessary in a time of war and aggression worldwide,” the jury said.

World Press Photo Open Format Award

Ukrainian photographer Julia Kochetova 's project in collaboration with a Ukrainian illustrator and DJ, titled "War Is Personal", blends still images with poetry, audio clips and music to bring "together photojournalism with the personal documentary style of a diary to show the world what it is like to live with war as an everyday reality," World Press Photo states.

To see all the contest winning photos and stories, visit World Press Photo's website.

Select your country/region to personalize your site experience

• Argentina (English)
• Argentina (Español)
• Australia (English)
• Austria (English)
• Österreich (Deutsch)
• Bahamas (English)
• Belgium (English)
• Brazil (English)
• Brazil (Portuguese)
• Canada (English)
• Chile (English)
• Chile (Español)
• Colombia (English)
• Colombia (Español)
• Czech Republic (English)
• Denmark (English)
• Ecuador (English)
• Ecuador (Spanish)
• Finland (English)
• France (English)
• France (Français)
• Germany (English)
• Greece (English)
• Guatemala (English)
• Guatemala (Español)
• Deutschland (Deutsch)
• Hong Kong (English)
• Hungary (English)
• India (English)
• Indonesia (English)
• Ireland (English)
• Israel (English)
• Italy (English)
• Japan (English)
• Korea (English)
• Luxemburg (English)
• Mainland China (English)
• 中国内地 (简体中文)
• Malaysia (English)
• Mexico (English)
• Mexico (Español)
• Netherlands (English)
• New Zealand (English)
• Norway (English)
• Peru (English)
• Peru (Español)
• Philippines (English)
• Poland (English)
• Portugal (English)
• Puerto Rico (English)
• Serbia (English)
• Singapore (English)
• Slovenia (English)
• South Africa (English)
• Spain (English)
• Sweden (English)
• Switzerland (English)
• Schweiz (Deutsch)
• Taiwan (English)
• Thailand (English)
• Turkey (English)
• United Arab Emirates (English)
• United Kingdom (English)
• United States (English)
• Venezuela (English)
• Venezuela (Español)
• Vietnam (English)

Search Jobs

What would you like to do?

• Administration
• Animation and Visual Effects
• Architecture and Design
• Asset Management
• Building, Construction and Facilities
• Business Strategy and Development
• Call Center
• Communications
• Data Science and Analytics
• Engineering
• Finance and Accounting
• Food and Beverage
• Gaming and Interactive
• Graphic Design
• Health Services
• Horticulture and Landscaping
• Hotel and Resorts
• Human Resources
• Legal and Business Affairs
• Maritime and Cruise Operations
• Marketing and Digital Media
• Merchandising
• Project Management
• Quality Assurance
• Research and Development
• Retail Operations
• Sciences and Animal Programs
• Social Responsibility
• Sports and Recreation
• Stage Productions
• Supply Chain Management
• Theme Park Operations

Brand Select ABC News Adventures by Disney Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa Consumer Products Games & Publishing Disney Advertising Disney Branded Television Disney Cruise Line Disney Direct to Consumer Disney Entertainment Disney Entertainment & ESPN Technology Disney Entertainment Television Disney Experiences Disney Music Group Disney Platform Distribution Disney Star Disney Store Disney Theatrical Group Disney Vacation Club Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort Disney's Vero Beach Resort Disney+ Hotstar Disneyland Paris Disneyland Resort ESPN Freeform FX Networks Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Industrial Light & Magic Lucasfilm Marvel Studios National Geographic Partners Federal Credit Union Pixar Animation Studios The Walt Disney Company (APAC) The Walt Disney Company (Corporate) The Walt Disney Company (EMEA) The Walt Disney Company (India) The Walt Disney Company (LATAM) The Walt Disney Studios Walt Disney Animation Studios Walt Disney Imagineering Walt Disney World Resort

Job Level Select Business Support / Administrative Executive Internships / Programs Management Operations / Production Professional Talent

Where would you like to work?

Country/Region Select Argentina Australia Bahamas Brazil Bulgaria Canada France Germany Hong Kong India Indonesia Italy Japan Mexico Netherlands Philippines Poland Portugal Shipboard Singapore South Korea Sweden Switzerland Taiwan Thailand Turkey United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States

State/Province Select Bangkok Bavaria British Columbia Buenos Aires F.D. California Canton of Zurich Connecticut DC Dubai Eastern England Florida Haryana Hawaii Île-de-France Region Illinois Islands District Istanbul Jakarta Special Capital Region Karnataka Lisbon District Lombardy Lower Saxony Maharashtra Mazovia Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Metro Manila Mexico City Missouri Nevada New South Wales New York North Carolina North Holland Ontario Pennsylvania São Paulo Seoul Sofia-grad South Carolina Stockholm County Taipei Taiwan Tamil Nadu Telangana Tennessee Texas Tokyo Washington West Bengal

City Select Amsterdam Anaheim Austin Bangkok Bay Lake Bengaluru Branson Bristol Buenos Aires Burbank Celebration Charlotte Chennai Chessy Chicago City of Taguig Coral Gables Coupvray Destin Dubai Emeryville Fort Worth Fresno Glendale Greater Manchester Gurgaon Hilton Head Island Hyderabad Istanbul Iver Heath Jakarta Kapolei Kings Mountain Kissimmee Kolkata Lake Buena Vista Lancaster Lantau Island Las Vegas Lisbon Livermore London Los Angeles Makati City Manhattan Beach Marne-la-Vallée Mexico City Milan Minato-ku Montévrain Morrisville Mumbai Munich New Taipei City New York Orlando Papenburg Paris Quarry Bay Raleigh San Francisco Santa Monica São Paulo Seattle Seoul Serris Sevierville Singapore Sofia Stockholm Sydney Taipei Taipei City Tampa The Woodlands Tlalpan Toronto Tulalip Vancouver Vero Beach Warsaw Washington West Hollywood Wismar Zurich

Be Part of the Story

Costume Development Producer - Temporary Assignment/ Project Hire

Job summary:.

Through innovative storytelling and collaboration, Disney Live Entertainment crafts, produces, and delivers remarkable and engaging entertainment experiences! From the intimate to the spectacular, our work can be seen at Disney theme parks, resort hotels, cruise ships, and other locations the world over. This diverse team – representing a wide variety of fields and talents from technical directors, writers and lighting designers to choreographers, cosmetologists, and music producers – brings magical worlds to life through technical expertise, performance excellence, incomparable ingenuity, unparalleled spectacle… and a dash of pixie dust!

Disney Live Entertainment Costuming is seeking candidates for the role of Costume Development Producer. Our products touch practically every employee in our theme parks, resorts and Disney Cruise Line. Successful candidates will lead the development lifecycle from fiscal feasibility through implementation. This is a Leadership role responsible for a team of highly collaborative professionals. This role will report to the Manager-Costume Design and Implementation

This is a temporary role with no guarantee of permanent placement.

Provide daily leadership, coaching, and mentoring to a team of direct & indirect reports, including ensuring the team receives accurate training and understands their role and how to perform it.

Review and prepare workflow, resource needs and action plans while ensuring efficiency, quality, and customer service standards are met

Ensure costume standards are being met as we develop new product

Look for areas of opportunity to improve efficiency for the organization and strive for consistent processes within the department.

Maintain a safe and healthy work environment by establishing, following, and implementing standards and procedures and aligning with Company guidelines

Establish an open and encouraging working relationship with co-workers and support staff across the organization, and across partnering teams including but not limited to Art Directors, Inventory Planning and Buying teams.

Proactively identify operational issues, recommend and implement strategies to resolve

You Will Have :

5+ years experience in the garment industry with a focus on product development

5+ years experience leading salaried and hourly non-union employees

Problem-solving and conflict resolution experience

Influencing experience to reach the best outcome

Experience working in a fast paced environment with competing tasks

Experience providing customer service to internal and external customers, including meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction

Experience delivering direct written and oral feedback

Experience communicating (written & verbal) with all levels of partners

Experience collaborating and working through compromise that result in win/win agreements and outcomes

Experience facilitating team meetings and large workshops to drive commitments and accountability

Experience delivering projects timely and on-budget while communicating with executive leadership, sponsors and clients

Experience working in a business environment where cost benefit and return on investment analysis are key decision factors

Valid drivers' license

Ability to work with various synthetic fibers and furs

Flexible hours including weekends, nights, and holidays are required

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with product lifecycle management (PLM) applications

Project management

High School Diploma or equivalent is required

Advanced degree in Costuming, Fashion, Apparel or related fields

About Walt Disney Imagineering:

Founded in 1952 as WED Enterprises to design and build the world’s first theme park — Disneyland — Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is where imagination and creativity combine with cutting-edge technology to create unforgettable experiences. WDI is the creative force that imagines, designs and builds all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions and cruise ships worldwide. Imagineering’s unique strength comes from its diverse global team of creative and technical professionals, who build on Disney’s legacy of storytelling to pioneer new forms of entertainment. The Imagineers who practice this unique blend of art and science work in more than 100 disciplines to shepherd an idea all the way from “blue sky” concept phase to opening day.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with Disney Entertainment Productions , which is part of a business we call Walt Disney Imagineering .

Disney Entertainment Productions is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Watch Our Jobs

Sign up to receive new job alerts and company information based on your preferences.

Job Category Select a Job Category Administration Animation and Visual Effects Architecture and Design Asset Management Banking Building, Construction and Facilities Business Strategy and Development Call Center Communications Creative Culinary Data Science and Analytics Engineering Finance and Accounting Food and Beverage Gaming and Interactive Graphic Design Health Services Horticulture and Landscaping Hotel and Resorts Human Resources Legal and Business Affairs Licensing Maritime and Cruise Operations Marketing and Digital Media Merchandising Operations Production Project Management Publishing Quality Assurance Research and Development Retail Operations Sales Sciences and Animal Programs Security Social Responsibility Sports and Recreation Stage Productions Supply Chain Management Talent Technology Theme Park Operations

Location Select Location Amsterdam, Netherlands Anaheim, California, United States Austin, Texas, United States Bangkok, Thailand Bay Lake, Florida, United States Bengaluru, India Branson, Missouri, United States Bristol, Connecticut, United States Buenos Aires, Argentina Burbank, California, United States Celebration, Florida, United States Charlotte, North Carolina, United States Chennai, India Chessy, France Chicago, Illinois, United States City of Taguig, Philippines Coral Gables, Florida, United States Coupvray, France Destin, Florida, United States Dubai, United Arab Emirates Emeryville, California, United States Fort Worth, Texas, United States Fresno, California, United States Glendale, California, United States Greater Manchester, United Kingdom Gurgaon, India Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, United States Hyderabad, India Istanbul, Turkey Iver Heath, United Kingdom Jakarta, Indonesia Kapolei, Hawaii, United States Kings Mountain, North Carolina, United States Kissimmee, Florida, United States Kolkata, India Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States Lantau Island, Hong Kong Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Lisbon, Portugal Livermore, California, United States London, United Kingdom Los Angeles, California, United States Makati City, Philippines Manhattan Beach, California, United States Marne-la-Vallée, France Mexico City, Mexico Milan, Italy Minato-ku, Japan Montévrain, France Morrisville, North Carolina, United States Mumbai, India Munich, Germany New Taipei City, Taiwan New York, New York, United States Orlando, Florida, United States Papenburg, Germany Paris, France Quarry Bay, Hong Kong Raleigh, North Carolina, United States San Francisco, California, United States Santa Monica, California, United States São Paulo, Brazil Seattle, Washington, United States Seoul, South Korea Serris, France Sevierville, Tennessee, United States Singapore, Singapore Sofia, Bulgaria Stockholm, Sweden Sydney, Australia Taipei, Taiwan Taipei City, Taiwan Tampa, Florida, United States The Woodlands, Texas, United States Tlalpan, Mexico Toronto, Canada Tulalip, Washington, United States Vancouver, Canada Vero Beach, Florida, United States Warsaw, Poland Washington, DC, United States West Hollywood, California, United States Wismar, Germany Zurich, Switzerland

Job Level Select Professional Operations / Production Management Internships / Programs Business Support / Administrative Executive Talent

Email Address

Country/Region of Residence Select Afghanistan Aland Islands Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia, Plurinational State Of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, the Democratic Republic of The Cook Islands Costa Rica Cote D'ivoire Croatia Cuba Curacao Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Great Britain Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran, Islamic Republic Of Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic Of Korea, Republic Of Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macau Macedonia, the Former Yugoslav Republic Of Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia, Federated States Of Moldova, Republic Of Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands Antilles Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Reunion Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Saint Barthelemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan Da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin (French Part) Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Eustatius Sint Maarten (Dutch Part) Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syrian Arab Republic Tahiti Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic Of Thailand Timor-leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States United States Minor Outlying Islands Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic Of Viet Nam Vietnam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe

Confirm Email

• Implementing Project Financial Management and Grants Management

How Task Dates Work with Assignment Dates

Project application administrators can specify the task planned dates and task assignment date options when defining project planning options. These settings determine how planned and transaction dates are set for tasks and how dates are set for task assignments.

Use Task Planned Dates as Task Assignment Dates

When you select this option, task assignments last for the entire task duration. Let's say the project manager set the task duration from January 1 through May 31, and the task assignment is from February 1 through March 1. The task assignment now runs from January 1 until May 31.

If you don't select this option, the project manager can set the task assignment dates in the project and edit individual task dates.

Automatically Roll Up Task Planned Dates

When you select this check box on the Edit Project Plan Type page, task dates automatically roll up to project dates on the financial plan. On the Manage Financial Project Plan page, the project manager can edit the planned dates for the lowest level tasks. Planned dates at the summary and project levels are the earliest start date and last end date of the tasks.

• Select the Define Common Financial Task Dates Across Work and Financial Planning check box. To select this check box, navigate to the Setup and Maintenance work area and search for the Manage Project Management Implementation Options task.
• Run the Update Financial Project Plan and Progress action on the Manage Project Plan page if the Define Common Financial Task Dates Across Work and Financial Planning check box isn’t selected.

When the Define Common Financial Task Dates Across Work and Financial Planning check box isn’t selected and the Automatically roll up task planned dates check box is selected, you can plan task dates outside of the project dates and run the Update Financial Project Plan and Progress action on the Manage Project Plan page to sync the dates on the financial plan.

• Updates the planned finish date of the financial task to 8/31/23 and rolls up the project finish date as per the task finish date to 8/31/23 on the Manage Financial Project Plan page.
• Displays 8/31/23 as the finish date of the project on the Manage Financial Project Settings page.

Synchronize Task Transaction Dates with Planned Dates

When you select this option, planned dates and task transaction dates are synchronized. The transaction dates always match task planned dates, plus or minus the number of days specified as a date adjustment buffer.

If you don't synchronize the dates, the project manager can edit the project, summary, and lowest-level transaction dates in the project. This table lists the available options for each task level.

You can modify the date synchronization option until you charge transactions to a task. Let's see the implications of changing between options.

You turn to us for voices you won't hear anywhere else.

Sign up for Democracy Now!'s Daily Digest to get our latest headlines and stories delivered to your inbox every day.

• Daily Shows
• Web Exclusives

• Daily Digest
• RSS & Podcasts
• Android App

Democracy Now!

• Get Involved
• For Broadcasters

• Climate Crisis
• Immigration
• Donald Trump
• Julian Assange
• Gun Control

U.N. Photo Collection Shows Gaza War Through the Lens of Palestinian Journalists

Media Options

• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Other Formats
• Israel & Palestine
• Charlotte Cans head of photography for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
• "Gaza's Carnage Through the Eyes of Palestinian Photojournalists"

The Gaza Collective Photo Essay project, organized by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs ( OCHA ), collected work from 14 Palestinian photographers who were each asked to share one image that captured the devastation of the Gaza Strip over the last six months. We speak with Charlotte Cans, head of photography at OCHA , about the project. “It’s one thing to say there’s a war and it’s horrible, and it’s another thing to see an image of a child being pulled out from the rubble. It really hits you differently,” Cans says of the motivation behind the project. “It was really important to elevate the stories coming from Palestinian photojournalists, who are the only window into what is going on in Gaza.”

More from this Interview

• Part 1: “Fear and Terror”: Gaza Photographer Ahmed Zakot on Documenting the Carnage of Israel’s Assault
• Part 2: U.N. Photo Collection Shows Gaza War Through the Lens of Palestinian Journalists

AMY GOODMAN : This is Democracy Now! , democracynow.org, The War and Peace Report . I’m Amy Goodman.

On Thursday, I spoke with Charlotte Cans, head of photography for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, OCHA , about the Gaza Collective Photo Essay project she has led. She asked 14 Palestinian photographers to share one image taken in the Gaza Strip over the last six months that they want the world never to forget. A warning to our TV audience: The interview features graphic images. She speaks from Paris, France.

CHARLOTTE CANS : Thank you very much, Amy, for having me and having us and talking about this project, which is very special indeed.

I think, you know, the first thing is that a couple of weeks into the war, the U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres said the situation in Gaza is not just a humanitarian crisis, it’s a crisis of humanity. And I think, for me, for us, this is what, you know, started it all, because the assault that we’re seeing on the population of Gaza is unprecedented in brutality, scope and intensity. And the figures speak for themselves. In six months, you had over 100,000 people killed and wounded, 70% of whom are children and women. You know, this staggering number, as well, that the number of children killed in Gaza is higher — in six months, is higher than the number of children killed in four years of all the wars combined all around the world. You have three-quarters of the population displaced. Famine is imminent. Law and order are breaking down. Humanitarian aid is actively blocked, and on and on and on. And, you know, I think these figures are so staggering that they defy comprehension. And so, for me, and for us, it was really important to try to humanize these numbers, to make them real and to make them understandable.

And I think it’s quite paradoxical, because there’s been an overflow of images and stories on Gaza, flooding our phones, flooding our screens, you know, for six months, but somehow, somehow, it is — it is not getting across. And I could see it in my direct environment, you know, talking to friends and families. I could see that people didn’t really understand what was going on in Gaza. Yes, they know there’s a war in Gaza, and they know that wars are bad and horrible. But it’s one thing to say there’s a war and it’s horrible, and it’s another thing to see an image of a child being pulled out from the rubble. It really hits you differently.

And so, I think, for us, it was really — as the U.N., as OCHA , which is the humanitarian arm of the U.N., it was really important to elevate these stories coming from Palestinian photojournalists, who are the only window into what is going on in Gaza, because, as you know, international foreign journalists have been banned of entering Gaza independently. None of them have, except from Clarissa Ward, who went in for like two hours at the end of sometime in December. So, Palestinian photojournalists are the only ones, are the only window into the suffering of people in Gaza. And so it was really important for us to go to them and to try to share and elevate again the incredible, tragic testimonies that they are reporting and covering, day in, day out, for the last six months.

AMY GOODMAN : So, Charlotte Cans, can you talk about how you reached out to Palestinian photojournalists?

CHARLOTTE CANS : Yeah, that’s a really good question, because it’s been incredibly difficult. It’s been a process that has been going on for weeks. It took us over three months to put this project together. And, you know, as you know, the communications have been really, really difficult with Gaza. I think, you know, it got better recently, but in December, January, up until February, there were like constant blackouts. So it was hard to get a hold of people. And you would get a hold of someone, and then the person would not be responding for days on end. And suddenly you had, you know, an answer, and they were like, “Yes, I’m really happy to participate. I will send you images,” and then nothing again for a couple of days. So it was this constant back-and-forth.

And I just want to say here that, you know, the way we made it happen also has been through an incredible photojournalist called Tanya Habjouqa, who’s been based in Jerusalem, Ramallah for the past 25 years. Tanya is an award-winning photojournalist. She knows the country and the region inside out. And she had an incredible networks of, you know, colleagues, Palestinian colleagues. And so, through Tanya, as well, we were really able to reach out to a number of them, bring them on board. And, you know, it was a combination of, again, her network, word of mouth. And also, Amy, to be honest, you know, they are being killed also, Palestinian photojournalists, so there are not that many of them left in Gaza, to be honest, and this is tragic.

AMY GOODMAN : So, introduce us to some of the photographs that are in this collection.

CHARLOTTE CANS : OK. So, I think — let me actually — I’m just taking it in front of me. I think, you know, there’s one photo for me that hits me really hard. It’s the photo from photographer Jehad Al Shrafii [ @jehad_alshrafi ]. Jehad is a 22-year-old Palestinian photographer from Gaza. And he took this image of Ibrahim, who’s a 12-year-old boy, like any other boy in the world, who had his arm amputated because of his injuries in the last six months. And we can see him, on the image, trying to brush his teeth. And he’s holding the toothbrush with his mouth and the paste, the toothpaste, in his left hand. And he’s trying to do something as simple as brushing his teeth. And you can see in this image how difficult it is and how his life has been turned upside down.

And I think, you know, with the number of children killed in Gaza and wounded — and I think, again, this is pretty unprecedented compared to other conflicts and wars around the world, you know. And when we say — I think it’s Save the Children, had this terrible statistic a few months ago, which was that 10 children per day, on average, have lost an arm or a limb in the war. And when you see that, when you see Ibrahim trying to brush his teeth, you understand what that means. It’s his life has — his life has been shattered. But it’s not just his life. It’s his family’s life, as well, because he will need a caregiver for years to come. So, again, it’s like, you know, through the war, it’s entire families who are being affected. And I think this image really hits, you know, very hard to me.

AMY GOODMAN : Charlotte, introduce us to Belal Khaled [ @belalkh ] and his picture.

CHARLOTTE CANS : Yeah. So, Belal is a very interesting, you know, character and person. He used to be a calligraphy artist, and he is still a kind of calligraphy artist, but he was, you know, making a living as a calligraphy artist also before the war. He’s also a photojournalist. He’s an incredible photographer. His images are stunningly tragic, very often.

There’s a couple of images of him in the project. One of them is of a little boy who is, Amy, the color of ashes. He’s sitting on a hospital bed crying, and there’s blood dripping along his face. And Belal, in the text that accompanies the photo — because that’s something very special to this project. It’s not just the images. It’s the personal texts that the photographers have shared to accompany the images, where they explain their emotions and the backstory to the image and what the story means to them. And Belal has these words with this image. He says that this child, when he got to hospital, was crying for his bicycle. And he kept saying that he wanted his bicycle, he wanted his bicycle, not having fully comprehended what had just, you know, hit him. So, this is a really strong image.

There’s another one from Belal, which is incredibly strong, as well, where you see a family. And I think this is very special, because in many images that we’ve seen on Gaza, quite often it’s one parent or the other with their dead child, but in this image you see the entire family. You see the mother, you see the father, you see the brother, and you see this dead child in their arms. And their grief and their suffering is so raw in this image. It’s incredibly strong.

AMY GOODMAN : I wanted to read the quote that Belal Khaled sent. He said, “A Palestinian child was carried to al-Nasser Hospital, pulled out from rubble. At the hospital his aunt recognized him and started screaming his name. 'This is Diya'a, this is Diya’a…’. When his siblings, mother and father arrived, their pain was unforgettable. He had left their home to get some wood for heat when he was killed in an airstrike.” The family forms a cocoon around his shrouded small body. Tell us about the photographer Jehan Kawera [ @jehan_kawaree ].

CHARLOTTE CANS : So, Jehan is a young female photographer. There’s a couple of them in the project. We have three female photographers represented, with Jehan, Mariam Abu Dagga [ @mariam_abu_dagga ] and Samar Abu Elouf [ @samarabuelouf ]. So there’s three of them.

Jehan has this poignant image of a young girl who’s lying on a hospital floor. It’s a very graphic image. It’s very hard. You can see the hands of a health specialist trying to, you know, fix something, her drip, or whatever that is. But what is striking in this image is that she’s got her right hand lying on the floor, and in her right hand, there’s a piece of candy. And it’s this, you know, typical candy that kids in many different places of the world eat that is very recognizable. And seeing this young girl, this — she’s probably 6 or 7, no more, lying on the floor with a piece of candy in her hand.

And the quote, again, of Jehan is incredibly, incredibly powerful. And I have it in front of me, actually, Amy. I don’t know if I can read it to you. But she says that she could not hold herself up when she saw this little girl “gasping for breath, and the piece of candy, still stuck in her hand stained with blood.” She “will never forget when she was carried to the mortuary.” And she says here, “The candy fell at my feet on the blood-soaked ground.”

And again, I think what is so strong with this project, again, is that these images hit you because they make this suffering so relatable. These are not just random kids. When you recognize the piece of candy in her hand, you can see all the kids that you know, your own kids, your nephews, your nieces. And that makes it, again, particularly strong.

AMY GOODMAN : Can you tell us about Saher Alghorra [ @saher_alghorra ]?

CHARLOTTE CANS : Yes. So, Saher has an incredible image in the project where you see a dad — it’s in a white tent — screaming. And the dad is in a bit of a hallucinatory state, as he says himself in his text. And right next to him lying on the floor is the body of his dead child, covered by white cloth. And Saher has been documenting the war for the last six months for many different outlets. He’s a really strong photographer. He just won Picture of the Year, actually, for his work. And again, you know, this image is — the suffering is so raw and so eerie. Yeah, it’s just — it just hits you, you know, directly. It just stabs you in the heart, really, Amy.

AMY GOODMAN : And then there’s Mahmud Hams [ @mahmudhams ]. It’s similar, but different. He says, “Mohamed El-Aloul is a cameraman for Anadolu news agency. He is my friend. We spend a lot time together, and we also often cover the war together. Four of his children were killed in an airstrike. His wife was severely injured. When he heard what happened to his family, it was early morning, and we were together at the hospital. We went to the morgue at Al Alqsa. I knew his children. All I could do was to be there, with him, crying.”

CHARLOTTE CANS : Yeah, absolutely. Mahmud is a photographer for AFP , Agence France-Presse, who’s been covering 30 years of war in Gaza. And I think this image is very strong, as you say, Amy, because it talks about, you know, the fact that, again, these Palestinian photojournalists are being killed in this war. And they are not just witnesses. They are victims, as well, whether they are being killed or wounded or whether they are being displaced with their families. And this, again, makes it very, very special in, you know, what we’re seeing unfolding in Gaza right now.

AMY GOODMAN : And what you know of Mohamed El-Aloul, the cameraman who lost his children? He’s wearing — of course, he’s wearing the press vest.

CHARLOTTE CANS : Yeah, exactly. And I think in this incident where the house where he was staying in got targeted by an airstrike, he lost three of his children and his brother on the strike. So, again, we’re talking about entire families being detonated.

AMY GOODMAN : And Anadolu news agency, where is it?

CHARLOTTE CANS : So, Anadolu is a Turkish news agency. It’s one of the big news agencies, again, based, headquartered in Turkey.

AMY GOODMAN : Tell us about Mohammed Zaanoun [ @m.z.gaza ].

CHARLOTTE CANS : So, Mohammed Zaanoun is also one of the, you know, main photojournalists who’s been reporting on this war since the beginning. He’s working for several news agencies. He’s working — you know, he’s been working for Al Jazeera. He’s been working for Le Monde . He’s been working for several, for a couple of others.

His images are all very striking. There’s a couple in the project. There’s one of where you can only see the feet of a child, and you only see that it’s tiny feet in the photo — you don’t know who it is — completely buried under the rubble. And Mohammed has this caption, which says, “A child’s feet were all that were visible from the rubble. The little girl was killed along with three of her brothers by an Israeli air strike in Khan Yunis market. The mother, she lived, but was hopeful for hours that they would be pulled out alive by the paramedics, from the rubble where her home once stood.”

And I think this photo is incredible, Amy, as well, because, you know, it’s probably — again, when people have seen them, it’s one which really stayed with them. It’s graphic in a way, but it’s not graphic in another. But the emotion that you have when you see this image, again, you know, very strong, and it makes you understand, again, what we were talking about before: What does this war look like, day in, day out, for people and families and children in Gaza? You know, seeing a child’s feet under the rubble, you know, again, makes you understand the war quite differently than just reading about it.

AMY GOODMAN : Charlotte Cans, head of photography for OCHA , the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. She coordinated the Gaza Collective Photo Essay project. Charlotte said these are not just photojournalists; these are also civilians. They’re witnesses and victims to the horrible conflict that we’re seeing unfolding in front of our eyes. We particularly thank Charlotte for this interview. She was in Paris after the passing of her mother this week.

And that does it for our broadcast. Democracy Now! is currently accepting applications for our digital fellowship . Learn more and apply at democracynow.org.

Democracy Now! is produced with Renée Feltz, Mike Burke, Deena Guzder, Sharif Abdel Kouddous, Messiah Rhodes, Nermeen Shaikh, María Taracena, Tami Woronoff, Charina Nadura, Sam Alcoff, Tey-Marie Astudillo, John Hamilton, Robby Karran, Hany Massoud. I’m Amy Goodman. Thanks for joining us.

“Fear and Terror”: Gaza Photographer Ahmed Zakot on Documenting the Carnage of Israel’s Assault

Daily News Digest

Speaking events, monday, 3:45 pm, recent news.

Headlines for April 19

• Israel Launches Retaliatory Strike in Iran as U.S. Issues New Sanctions Against Tehran
• Columbia Protests Continue a Day After NYPD Arrests 100+, Dismantles Gaza Solidarity Encampment
• USC Students Rally to Demand Commencement Speech by Valedictorian Asna Tabassum Be Reinstated
• U.S. Vetoes Bid to Advance Full Palestinian Membership at U.N.
• New Report Refutes Israeli Account of 6-Year-Old Hind Rajab’s Killing by IOF
• Activists Prepare to Set Sail on a New Gaza Freedom Flotilla
• House Speaker Johnson Attaches TikTok Ban Bill to Ukraine, Israel Funding Package
• U.S. Deports 70 Haitian Asylum Seekers Despite Humanitarian and Security Disaster in Haiti
• U.S. Reinstates Venezuela Sanctions Ahead of July Elections
• Senate Advances FISA’s Contested Section 702, Which Has Led to Warrantless Spying on U.S. Citizens
• The Jury in Donald Trump’s NYC Criminal Trial Has Been Seated

Most popular

Non-commercial news needs your support

Turn Your Curiosity Into Discovery

Latest facts.

12 Facts About Blah Blah Blah Day April 17th

9 Facts About DARE Day April 4th

40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.

Share this Fact: