Photography Challenges

10
PHOTOGRAPHY
CHALLENGES
by DigitalPhotoMentor.com
To help you take better

pictures without buying
any new gear!
10 Photography Challenges by DigitalPhotoMentor.com
Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Chapter 1: Shooting Challenges .............................................................................................................................. 5
Challenge #1: Walk around your subject ............................................................................................ 6
Challenge #2: Hidden treasures ........................................................................................................... 11
Challenge #3: Lock yourself in the bathroom ..................................................................................... 15
Challenge #4: Start a project ................................................................................................................ 17
Challenge #5: Limit yourself on purpose ............................................................................................ 24
Challenge #6: Storytelling, make a book ............................................................................................ 28
Challenge #7: Street photography ...................................................................................................... 36
Chapter 2: Non-Shooting Challenges ..................................................................................................................... 44
Challenge #8: Look at art, lots of it! .................................................................................................... 45
Challenge #9: Slow down ..................................................................................................................... 49
Challenge #10: Learn to observe ......................................................................................................... 52
Chapter 3: Tips for Success ....................................................................................................................................... 55
Chapter 4: Summary and Follow-Up ....................................................................................................................... 57
For more learning check out: .................................................................................................................................... 58
Contact Us ................................................................................................................................................................. 62
Page 2
Introduction
This book of challenges is an idea that came from my Here’s my story, use me as an example. This photograph
experiences working with photography students of of me is from a journey I took to Peru in 2007. I loved the
all ages and experience levels. The one thing I keep country so much I want to return for an extended stay
saying to them over and over again, yet most have so I vowed to learn Spanish. I dabbled with classroom
trouble doing, is to get out there and do some actual lessons, online learning and books. But I had no one to
photography! There are time constraints, we are all busy; actually practice with until I found a local group to go
there are childcare issues; we face a lack of inspiration, speak Spanish with once a week (on MeetUp.com). I’ve
laziness (the couch just seems so appealing sometimes, learned more at those sessions than most of my other
doesn’t it?) or just plain fear. These are all reasons that efforts combined. I pushed through my fear of not being
stop us from doing that thing which we know will move good enough to speak the language, to just going
us forward. There is no better fast track to learning anyway. I found I had a lot of fun and learned tons!
something new than to practice doing it wherever and
whenever you can.
Introduction Page 3
In creating this book, my desire is to give you some creative commons license. This means, share away with
ideas to inspire you, challenge you, and most of all get a few restrictions please: do not post it on any social
you up and out of the house to photograph something, media sites or on your own website or blog; please do
anything. I also hope that you find some of the exercises not alter it in any way; please give credit to me and my
thought-provoking and challenging to the point that you site if you do share it.
are entirely outside of your comfort zone.
I’d love to hear your feedback and comments on this
Some of these ideas I’ve shared in my classes and book and see some of your images from the challenges.
workshops, and some have come from—or evolved I’ve created a special page on the website to add your
with—some of my students. If you’re reading this comments and share. Please share a link with me (and
because you subscribed to my newsletter and website others working on the challenges) to view your images
updates, you will be notified of any revisions and online (please do NOT email them, my server will have a
updates. If you got this from a friend, first of all thank heart attack). To do so please go to our DPM Facebook
them, then head over to my website and sign up so you group here.
don’t miss out on anything new! If you’re reading this on
Oh, by the way, the images in this book are just
an electronic device, you can click on the link and it will
examples. Use your own imagination, develop your
take you there: www.digitalphotomentor.com
creativity, and come up with your own. You will benefit
On that note, please feel free to share this book with most by doing the exercises not looking at my photos.
friends. It is 100 percent free of charge and is under
Dive in and enjoy, remember to have fun above all else.
Introduction Page 4
Chapter 1
Shooting Challenges
I’ve separated the challenges into two types • Walk around your subject
of exercises, ones which directly involve doing
• Hidden treasures, finding subjects in your garage
photography, and ones that do not but are just as
or basement
important so please do NOT skip them. Remember,
what you fear puts you outside of your comfort zone and • Lock yourself in the bathroom for creativity
that’s when growth happens.
• Start a regular shooting project and stick to it
Let’s start with shooting challenges so you can get out
• Limit yourself on purpose
there and get some images to work with, then we can
dig a bit deeper in the next chapter. • Storytelling
Here’s what we’re going to cover, in a nutshell. I’ll go

over each one in more detail individually:
Chapter 1 Page 5
1
Challenge #1
WALK AROUND
YOUR SUBJECT
Okay, you’re probably wondering what the heck that means, right? What I
mean by “walk around your subject” is that I see many new photographers
find an interesting subject to photograph, they take one shot and then
quickly move on. My challenge to you is this: force yourself to pause and
cover that subject in more depth. If it was interesting enough to stop you in
your tracks in the first place, doesn’t it deserve at least a couple minutes of
your time? I’d suggest that it does.
Challenge #1 Page 6
There are several ways to cover the same subject in

different ways, so try and push yourself to create at
least 10 images of this subject before you move on. I’d
suggest you vary your approach to it in order to get 10
distinctly different photographs. I mean really different
from one another. If you showed them to someone
separately, the images should be so different the person
would not be able to tell it’s all the same subject.
Getting the idea? Some ideas for you to make the
images different:
•C
hange your lens. Go from super wide like 12 or
18mm if you have it, to 100, 200 or even 300mm. Each will
give you a very different perspective and look.
•U
se different angles. Shoot from the ground on
your elbows, get up high and shoot if possible. Stand
Old staircase in Havana, Cuba using different angles,
on something or go to the rooftop. You’ve heard of
viewpoints and lens focal lengths and black and white
bird’s eye view, there’s also worm’s eye view which is
conversion in Lightroom.
sometimes down in the mud. Odd angles like this are
Challenge #1 Page 7
different than how the average person sees the world.

It is one thing to help get your images noticed.
•G
et up close. Do some macro shots of just details of
the subject.
•M
ove around the subject. Go all 360 degrees;
watch how the light and background change as you
move. The back side may be way more interesting than
the front and if you take one shot you may miss out.
Also, backsides of things aren’t usually noticed, so part
of a photographer’s job is to see the world differently
and share it with others.
•T
ry black and white. If your camera has a black
and white (monochrome) setting shoot some photos
using that. It’s not the best way to make a b/w image,
but it will get you thinking and seeing the subject in its
purest form, shape and light.
Challenge #1 Page 8
Now, what if the chosen subject is a person? You’re

walking down the street in some foreign land and find an
interesting street vendor, taxi driver or person at a cafe.
What do you do? Will they let you take 10 photos of
them? What if they get angry?
What do you think I’m going to suggest? Yes, do it!
First ask their permission, and you don’t need to speak

their language to do that. They see you have a camera, so
you can do some charades to get your message across. If
they are selling something, buy one to make a relationship
with them, then ask. If they are a street musician or busker,
put some money in their hat as a goodwill gesture. If they
still say no, just respect their wishes and move on. Some of
my favorite people images have occurred this way. I stood
and took photos of people walking past a street musician
in New Orleans for about 30 minutes. I bought his little
CD and chatted with him first though. This gesture built
his trust with me. ◼
Challenge #1 Page 9
Challenge #1 Page 10
2
Challenge #2
HIDDEN
TREASURES
The premise with this challenge is to find at least six objects in your
garage or basement and create photographs of each item. If you don’t have
a garage or a basement, go to your mom’s house or a friend or neighbor’s
or buy some stuff at a garage sale. Just don’t count yourself out or make an
excuse about why you can’t do this challenge. People that have a CAN DO
attitude go much further in life.
Open up your mind to possibilities once again. Take that

trash and make it look like a treasure. Make art out of
garbage, possibly quite literally. Make lemonade out of
lemons. Okay, you get it, enough of the metaphors.
The point is to take an object that perhaps you see every

day and photograph it in a way that makes it look new
to you. Make the lighting perfect, put it on an unusual
background, just get really creative. If you are doing
these projects with a friend, swap hidden treasures. Find
three in your garage, they find three—then you either go
out together to photograph all six, or do three each then
switch.◼
These are all things found in my own home. Look around

and really see your own surroundings and find those
hidden gems.
3
Challenge #3
LOCK YOURSELF
IN THE BATHROOM
Don’t we all want to do this at some point? Just shut out everyday
life, leave all of our stresses on the outside, and shout to the world, “Just
leave me alone for 10 minutes!” There’s a reason that Calgon commercial
was so popular where the lady says, “Calgon, take me away.”
Now is your chance to do it. The point here, once again, is to challenge
yourself. Your goal will be to stay in there until you’ve taken at least 100
images.
Most of them could be complete crap (pardon the

bathroom pun), but it’ll force you to really get creative.
Your goal will be to
Start thinking like this: what’s in there to photograph;
stay in there until how can I shoot this differently; how can I make a photo
you’ve taken at least of soap that’s pretty; and so on.
100 images.
Run a bath, take a glass of wine or tea in with you, grab
your favorite healthy snack (like chocolate) and just get
in there and get it done. Besides, if you have kids, some
peace might be refreshing (make sure another adult is
supervising in your absence though please).
Do not take in the phone, your cell phone or tablet,

reading material or anything that can distract you from
the challenge, or act as a diversion or reason to quit.
Oops, the phone rang and it’s my friend, I have to go
talk to him/her now—NOT! ◼
4
Challenge #4
START A PROJECT
You may have heard of people doing a 52-week or 365 project. The idea
here is to pick a subject or topic that you can photograph repeatedly, either
daily, weekly or monthly. The goal is to do it on a regular basis, the challenge
is to come up with something different and creative each time. I’ll give you
some examples.
When I was in college doing a two-year photography

program, we were assigned to do a “book” on
something. I chose a gymnastics club where young
gymnasts went to practice and take classes. I got
approval from the director to come once or twice
a week to photograph him, his students and the
instructors. This particular project was all black and
white photography (our entire first year of school was
all b/w, we didn’t graduate to color until second year). I
I love to watch dancers and photograph them as often as photographed portraits of the instructors; kids in action
I can. I try to look for unique angles and to do something during practice; close ups of unused equipment and the
different than the usual dance shots.
gymnasts’ hands; I did a shot of the building exterior;
the classrooms; the chalk they use on their hands. You
name it, I photographed it. I also got to know a lot about
The goal is to do it on a regular
the sport in the process, and soon everyone knew my
basis, the challenge is to come name. I wouldn’t have been able to cover that place in
up with something different and such depth without repeated return trips back, again and
creative each time. again. The goal of that project was a little different, but
you get the idea.
Many photographers have done a 365 project where
Pick a topic that interests you, and they do a self portrait every day. Self portraits are tricky
enough as it is, but having to come up with a new idea
one that you can access all year. If it
every day is really challenging indeed. You may not
snows where you live, you probably want to photograph yourself, but the idea is regularity.
want to avoid flowers as a topic It doesn’t even have to take a lot of time, just make sure
you don’t miss one.
Pick a topic that interests you, and one that you can
access all year. If it snows where you live, you probably
want to avoid flowers as a topic, unless of course
there’s a local greenhouse that’s open year-round. Pick
something that won’t run out. I love things like doors
and windows, you could do that, or cars, or it could even
be your own pets or kids.
Now, if you make this commitment, be serious about

it. If you choose 365 and you only get out 150 days of
Here are a few other ideas to get you
the year, that’s not going to work. So, perhaps instead
thinking, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a
of a daily project you do a weekly one instead. Make
thing, it can also be a concept or a feeling.
it realistic for you to complete. Commit to it, then tell
someone about it or post it on the book discussion
• Cold • Sunrise/Sunset
page. By announcing a project like this, you’ll be held
accountable. People will have expectations to see the • Hot • Oldness
results, so pick your topic wisely and stick with it. If you
• Music • Newness
pick flowers, but have nasty hay fever, that’s likely not
going to work. • Food • Water
Set yourself up for success—not failure—right from • Love • Colors

the get go. ◼
• Peace • Time
5
Challenge #5
LIMIT YOURSELF
ON PURPOSE
With limitations, comes creativity. It’s natural. Think about this for
a moment. What happens when we really want that new pair of jeans, that
shiny new car, or that trip to a tropical destination, but we don’t have money
for it? We get really creative about how we can plan to get that object of
desire. If we want it bad enough, we will move mountains to make it happen.
We’ll scrimp and save, we’ll forego something else, we’ll get an extra job
or do something to make more money like bring in a tenant or roommate.
The goal in that case is the coveted object, our goal with
photography is to boost creativity.
You want to do this for a set time limit, such as, “today
I’m going to only photograph red things,” or, “this
week I will only use this one lens.” Each one might be
different, or just get out once a week and try a different
one each time.
What are some other ways you can limit yourself? There • Grab a point and shoot camera or even your cell
are literally dozens that I can think of off the top of phone and use only that.
my head, but I’ll give you a few examples to get you
• Photograph only what is at your waist level
thinking. You’re welcome to use these or come up with
or below, concentrate on the ground.
your own.
• Set your camera on black and white
• Pick one lens, preferably a fixed or prime lens (non
(monochrome) and use that only.
zoom) like a 50mm and only use that for your whole
photography session or photo walk. • Set a maximum number of frames you allow
yourself to take in one day, for example, three. By doing
• If you usually shoot mainly horizontal
that you become VERY choosy how you use your three
(landscape) images, switch to only vertical (portrait)
frames. Now I’m not talking about shooting 200 images
orientation.
and editing to three for that day, NO I’m talking about
• Photograph feet (I was assigned this by my own you are only allowed to press the button a maximum of
students on one field trip and actually had a lot of fun three times per day. (This could be a 365 project, hint,
with it). Think about subjects other than people such as: hint). Or if you’re really brave make it one frame!
animals, chairs, vehicles (tires, why not?), and anything
• Do only macro or close up shots.
else that has feet.
• Photograph with a wide lens all day, the widest

you’ve got. It forces you to see and think differently.
HINT: Get really close to your subject.
• Get a hold of a film camera and shoot a roll of

actual film, b/w if you can find it in your area. Not being
able to see the results immediately may change how
you photograph. More choosy for sure, slower and more
methodical, likely.
Are you getting the idea? Just to reiterate my point,

the limitations you place on yourself will force you to
All of the example images in this challenge were taken as think differently than usual. If you usually have a zoom
part of the “feet” assignment my students gave me. lens on, a fixed lens is entirely different. You may find
it awkward or even frustrating at first, but pushing
through that urge to revert to what you usually do will
Wide lens hint: Get really help you move leaps forward. ◼
close to your subject.
6
Challenge #6
STORYTELLING,
MAKE A BOOK
This challenge is related to #1 Photograph Around your Subject,
and #4 Start a Project in that you’ll be doing both of those combined. My
example of the gymnastics club is storytelling as well, but as I said, I could
never have told that story in just one visit. I simply would not have had the
understanding and depth of experience with the people that several visits
allowed me to gain.
I completed a project that exemplifies this recently. In Saskatchewan (Google map this Canadian province if
May of 2010, my husband and I were just finishing up a you must know, it’s pretty much prairie as far as the eye
six-month journey in an RV that took us over 27,000 kms can see. The joke there is that when your dog runs away
(17,000 miles). We decided to take a diversion into rural you can still see him for days it’s so flat, but I digress).
Our goal was to visit and photograph my husband’s

elderly bachelor uncles, both in their late 80s, before
they passed away.
These old gentlemen were both interesting and

humorous, even though they didn’t know it. The elder
one, Neil, still farmed at the time and went out into
the field daily to feed his cows and horses. We ate with
them, went out and did chores with Neil, listened to
their stories, and I photographed the farm yard, animals
and the two brothers.
As of the date of writing (March 2015), they have both

Our goal was to visit and photograph passed away. I had a fire under me to get this project
my husband’s elderly bachelor done so they could see the results before they left us,
uncles, both in their late 80s. which I’m happy to say I succeeded in doing. I choose
the images and laid them out in a book format for each
family member to enjoy, hopefully for generations. It has
gotten wonderful responses, not only from the brothers
You may not have elderly relatives

to photograph, but what about your
own kids, parents or pets?
themselves, but neighbors and friends. It was even a

topic of discussion at their memorials, and how great
a tribute it was to their lives. I’m now working on one
of my own grandmother who just celebrated her 94th
birthday and is still going strong.
You can view the entire book here, titled, The Uncles.
You may not have elderly relatives to photograph, but

what about your own kids, parents or pets? Storytelling
shouldn’t need to be explained, and doing it through
images is powerful. Pick a subject, go photograph it
often, frequently and fully. Cover it with depth.
Once again, here are some • A musician or band them at that age, what they
ideas: do, expressions, all of it
• This can also be a trip you go
• An elderly relative on, think storytelling • Your workplace
• Your local country fair or • A day in the life of a child (I’ve • A local chef or artist
rodeo done this with my nephew
• A special event like a friend’s
at age 3 and made a book,
• A city festival or parade wedding where you are a
and my niece at age 3 – book
guest (please stay out of
• The zoo still in the works) where you
the way of the professional
document what it’s like for
• A dance school or group photographer)
Once you’ve done your photography, the next step is

to cull the images and pick the best. Look for images
that add to the story you want to tell. Images that give
a feeling of who or what the subject is all about. Go for
mood and feeling here over technical perfection. I will
sometimes include an image that isn’t as sharp as it could
be because it tells the story in a more powerful way.
How many images you actually end up with will depend

on the project, but if you begin with a goal of 100 that’s
a good starting point. Make sure you have images that
show a wide view, medium view and close ups. Show
people, things and events. Really cover the scope of the How many images you actually end
subject well, and imagine you are going to make a book up with will depend on the project,
out of it.
but if you begin with a goal of 100
Oh wait, you are going to make a book! that’s a good starting point
When I went on my journey to Peru in 2007, the country
and its people touched me deeply. I wanted to create a
If you do this project whole-heartedly,

I promise you’ll see your photography improve.
keepsake of the trip, not only for myself and my fellow their bookstore if you want, and share with family and
travelers, but as a fundraiser. I chose just over 200 friends.
images and laid them out in a book, along with some
Blurb also recently introduced magazines and ebooks
accompanying text. You can see the whole book online
(get a digital copy for your tablet or Smartphone) and
here: Visions of Peru Book.
you can even add video or audio to the digital versions.
The books I prefer to use are made by Blurb, you can You can use their software to design it online or offline,
find them here: Blurb.com. They make gorgeous hard or even right inside Lightroom if you use that program.
and soft cover books using on-demand publishing, which
Setting out on a photography project with the plan
means you can make one book or 100. This book, in hard
of making a book as the end product gives you a
cover, using the upgrade to lustre paper, with 118 pages
different outlook on how you approach it right from
and 226 images, costs about $129. But if you do a smaller
the beginning. If you do this project whole-heartedly, I
format, fewer pages and softcover you can make a nice
promise you’ll see your photography improve. ◼
book for less than $30. You can even put your book in
7
Challenge #7
STREET
PHOTOGRAPHY
Doing street photography is something that many people, especially
newcomers to photography, have some trepidation about. There’s the
fear of being seen. What if the person you’re photographing looks at
you? There’s the fear of disapproval. What if someone gets mad at you?
Generally, I think it’s just the fear of pointing your camera at another
person, a stranger specifically, and not knowing how they will react.
I’m here to tell you that conquering this is purely about
I started out as an extremely shy confidence. If you have the guts to get out and do this,
push past the fears and survive, you can’t help but gain
person. All through school ...
confidence and grow as a photographer.
I started out as an extremely shy person. All through

school, even up to graduation, I was an egghead
(aka honors student). I kept to myself and tried to
be as invisible as possible. I did not want to be the
center of attention or get noticed. Once I got into the
photography program, I realized I’d have to come out
of my shell if I wanted to be successful in photography.
I went from a painfully shy 18-year-old, afraid to talk to
people—especially boys or men—to one that marched
into the college gym, picked the biggest, fittest guy in
the place and promptly asked him if he’d come pose for
me in the studio with his shirt off for my assignment on
human form.
There is NO way I’d have approached him, or even set

foot in that gym just a year earlier. I was so driven by
my passion and desire to do this I pushed through my
own limitations and grew as a person because of it. The
funniest part of this story is that he was the one that was
the most shy and hesitant, not me. So never prejudge
another human being, especially by their cover.
If not street photography, then do

something else that scares you.
So . . .
I’m hoping that inspires you to take action. If not street

photography, then do something else that scares you.
If street photography really doesn’t appeal to you or
just isn’t your thing, pick something else. Feel free to
modify this challenge, but pick something that is WAY
outside your comfort zone, bordering on or over the

“scared silly” line. Perhaps photographing people at all
is that thing for you. You’re happy with your flowers and
sunsets, but put a live person in front of your camera and
you freeze—then do that.
If you do like street photography, but perhaps you just

aren’t ready to make this big leap by yourself, get a
buddy or find a photography group. There’s safety in
numbers, or comfort anyway. Look on MeetUp.com for
a group in your area, Flickr.com, or find a local camera
club. Photo walks are another way to get out with a
group of other photographers. They happen all over
Photo walks are another way to get

out with a group of photographers.
the place in many cities, you just have to find them. Do people photography, but it’s really anything captured
a Google search for “Photo Walk” plus your city to see on the street. Pick an active street with lots of traffic,
what you can find in your area. pedestrians, sidewalk cafes, bicycles, dogs, you name
it—basically just a happening place. Find yourself a spot,
I’ve led several photo walks where people have indicated
and just sit and photograph what goes by.
that they felt more comfortable doing street photography
as a group than they have by themselves. Make the effort If someone puts up their hand and doesn’t want to be
if that feels like you, and reach out to a group. photographed, respect that. My experience is that most
people don’t even notice it’s happening, and those that
Okay, back to the topic at hand, street photography.
do really don’t mind. There’s also a few ways to do street
When you mention that term, one thinks mostly of
photography. First, the covert spy method with a long
lens from afar. Secondly, right out in the open, possibly

even with a wide lens.
Lastly, there’s the “shoot from the hip” technique where

you literally do just that. To do this I use the following
camera settings:
• I choose my widest lens, 17-35mm on my it as you walk. It takes some practice to get them in
Canon full frame camera body. If you have a APS-C the frame and composed nicely so it’s a bit hit and
or cropped sensor camera, get a wide lens made for miss, but you can get some really great shots this
them like a 10-24mm or similar range. way. Because you aren’t looking through the camera,
people are oblivious to the fact that you just took their
•S
et the camera to choose the autofocus spot, the
photo, or think it was an accident.
camera uses all focus zones and picks where to focus
based on the subject. NOTE: this is a lot easier with cameras that have
rotating or tilting screens, especially mirrorless cameras
•S
et the focus mode to continuous focus for a
that allow you to see on the screen as you go.
moving subject. On Canon that’s Servo, on Nikon that’s
AF-C. This will ensure the focus stays on the subject as Whatever you decide to do, just go do it and have
they move past you, or you move past them. fun. Yes it’s scary the first time, but it’s so worth it. Just
be safe and use discretion. Don’t go down any dark
•T
urn on the high speed or continuous shutter
alleys or point your camera at any dangerous-looking
(rapid fire or motor drive to shoot multiple images
characters. Safety first always please!◼
at a time).
Now carry your camera literally at your hip with your

finger on the trigger. Aim at people passing by, or on
the side of the street as you walk by. Then just press
Whatever you decide

to do, just go do it
and have fun.
Chapter 2
Non-Shooting Challenges
Another important aspect of photography has Do them as often as possible, wherever you are, whether
nothing to do with your camera and everything to do you have a camera in your hands or not.
with you. Developing yourself, as well as your technical
You may have already gotten the idea from some of my
skills, is just as important, if not more so, than learning
hints throughout the book that photography isn’t just
about apertures and shutter speeds.
about knowing how-to. It’s also about knowing why. I will
These last three challenges are meant to be ongoing. delve deeper into that as we look at each challenge. ◼
Another important aspect of photography has

nothing to do with your camera and everything to do with you.
Chapter 2 Page 44
8
Challenge #8
LOOK AT ART,
LOTS OF IT!
Photography is an art form, regardless of what some people may say.
I truly believe it is with all my heart. But what is art exactly?
For me, art is not so much about beauty. I’ve seen great art that is not
beautiful, it may be dark and ugly, but it’s still art and it’s very successful.
To me art is emotional, it has feeling and mood. When • Is it successful or unsuccessful? Why do you
I look at a piece of art, if it moves me in some way, I’m think that is?
attracted to it. Two of my favorite painters are Emily Carr
• What draws you to one piece over another?
and Georgia O’Keefe. I’ve had the privilege to see both
of these ladies’ original works in galleries, and each time • What feeling do you get from it, and can you see how
I’ve almost been moved to tears. THAT to me is powerful the artist created that?
art! Standing in front of Emily Carr’s giant paintings of
• How have they used color, shapes, lines, texture,
tall pine trees and dancing clouds is magical, it’s as if
shadows, contrast and other compositional elements
they come to life and start moving in front of one’s eyes
to draw you in to the art?
(and no I didn’t smoke a little something before I went to
the gallery). • Is it simplistic or complex? Is it busy or clean?
This challenge is about having an experience of art. • Is there a message in the art? What do you get from it?
Get to an art gallery and just stand there in front of the
pieces on display. Look at all types of art, not just the
photography. View the paintings, sculptures, carvings, This challenge is about
everything. Really look at it, spend a couple of minutes
having an experience of art.
at each piece and take it all in properly. Ask yourself
these questions as you browse:
When I travel I always try and visit the art gallery in each city. I feel that it
helps make me a more well-rounded artist by having that experience.
When I travel I always try and visit the art gallery in If you have no gallery in your city or town, find online
each city. I’ve been to such amazing galleries as the galleries and do the same thing. Here’s a few that have
MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art), MoMa (Museum their inventory and exhibits online:
of Modern Art) and ICP (International Centre for
• The MET
Photography) in NYC, the Chicago Art Gallery, Phoenix
• MoMa
Art Gallery, ICP in Tucson, the Salvador Dali gallery and
• The Louvre
museum in Spain, the Vancouver Art Gallery, Atlanta Art
• Gugenheim NYC
Gallery, Auckland Art Gallery in New Zealand, and the
• National Art Gallery in D.C.
Montreal Art Gallery. I still have The Louvre in Paris on
• National Art Gallery of Canada
my bucket list, but I’ve still seen a lot of great art both
• Vancouver Art Gallery
classical and modern. I feel that it helps make me a more
well-rounded artist by having that experience.
The other part of this challenge is to study some master risk-takers and pioneers of their time. Some are living
photographers. If you haven’t heard the names below or and still actively shooting, others are long since gone
seen their work, start looking. but not forgotten. Go find some books at the local
library or do an online search for their images and study
These are some of the photographers that helped make
the photographers and their art as described above.
photography what it is today. They are the forefathers
Here is a short list, but by no means is it exhaustive.
and mothers of our medium. They are the innovators,
• Richard Avedon • Yousef Karsh • Eddie Adams

• Margaret Bourke-White • Eadweard Muybridge • W. Eugene Smith
• Alfred Stieglitz • Dorothea Lange • Elliot Erwitt
• Ansel Adams • James Nachtwey • Robert Capa
• Eugene Atget • Annie Leibovitz • Philippe Halsman
• Henri Cartier-Bresson • Steve McCurry • Edward Weston
Start there, then build your own list. I have a collection of I’ve been part of an artist group and have done art
books from all kinds of artists. When I feel stuck or forget shows myself, and have sold my work in a local gallery. I
why I do this, I’ll pull one out and just look at the images have a pin on my coat that says, “The way to my heart is
and suddenly, like magic, I’m back! with art.” ◼
9
Challenge #9
SLOW DOWN
We have created such busy lives for ourselves that we forget to slow
down sometimes. Photography is part of the senses, so learn to use yours.
Slow down and enjoy your meal, savor every bite. Take time to stop and
smell the roses, literally or figuratively. Just make a point of getting in touch
with your senses in your everyday life, than apply it to your photography.
Make time to pause before you take a photograph. Listen to the sounds
around you. Are the birds singing, do you hear music or wind, are there
people on the street or traffic sounds? Take it all in.
Art is about a feeling, so you need to learn how to do that in a single image
and get the message across to the viewer...
What do you smell, the bakery around the corner? Is that bookstore and the cyclist is inside reading, to it belongs
important, and how can you convey that? What can you to a young boy sent by his mother to buy cheese, but
taste and feel in the scene before you? Yes, you need to he spent the money on candy and now he’s in trouble.
look and really see what’s there, but try to use all of your Neither of those is correct or incorrect, it’s just their
senses not just your eyes. Remember, that for me, art is interpretation of the scene. But clearly my image made
about a feeling, so you need to learn how to do that in a those viewers feel something so powerfully they made
single image and get the message across to the viewer up a story about it in their heads.
when you aren’t there to explain it.
Another of my personal favorites is a photograph of
One of my most popular images is of a lonely bicycle the lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove (a famous small fishing
leaning against an old-looking shop. I’ve had more village in Nova Scotia, Canada). It’s an image of just
people than I can count come and tell me the story the lighthouse, and an empty bench looking out over
they see in that image. I’ve heard everything from it’s a a misty, fog-covered sea. Is it illustrating loneliness, or
Start to think about

what you want to
convey to a viewer of
your photograph.
is it peaceful? I’ve heard both. See how one image can Depth is not just about using f/32 or a wide-angle lens
convey one thing to one person and something different for perspective. It’s also about the emotional depth
to another? in your image, it’s about feeling and meaning. This is
photography with a purpose. ◼
Start to think about what you want to convey to a viewer
of your photograph. What do you want to them to
experience? What is the feeling you have as you create
it? How will you translate that to the viewer? WHY are
you taking this image? Once I started to think about the
why, and not just the what and how (technical), I feel my
images improved and had more meaning, more depth.
10
Challenge #10
LEARN TO OBSERVE
This is a simple challenge. Become an observer of life.
Everywhere you go, whether you have your camera with you or not (ideally
you want to have it always) watch life unfold around you. Look at the light
in the deli where you get lunch, how it plays off the person next to you.
Watch how people interact and have relationships with each other. Being in
the right place at the right time is another huge factor in whether or not a
photographer is successful.

I’m constantly doing this—it’s a habit, I can’t help it. I’ll Besides observing, also become a listener. Learn about
be at a restaurant with my husband and I’ll comment on people’s behaviors and actions. Understanding how
the light on the people next to us. Or I’ll photograph people tick will help you anticipate a good photograph
my food with my phone because the light was right. before it happens. This leads to being in the right place
When we watch movies, I’m aware of the camera angles, at the right time (with the right lens on is key, too).
lighting, and how the scene was put together. I can
Watch kids as they play (not in a creepy way, and do
tell if they used a filter on the sky, what type of light
NOT photograph them from afar with a big lens, you
source was used, and where it was placed relative to the
may get arrested). There’s a purity about them, a
subject. I can tell if the image has been softened or if any
freedom that we as adults seem to have lost. They sing,
effects were applied. I appreciate a good focus pull or
dance, draw and play with reckless abandon.
zoom like nobody’s business and often if we’re watching
at home I’ll rewind and watch that section again just for If you want to photograph people in any way, candid or
the sheer admiration of good work. portrait photography, you need to get inside their heads.
When we watch movies, I’m aware of the camera

angles, lighting, and how the scene was put together.

I’ve done many weddings and portraits in my day and I

can tell you that you have to be part photographer, part If you want to photograph people
psychologist and part mediator. By simply observing in any way, candid or portrait
life and people you can gain a better understanding of
photography, you need to get
how to photograph them. Keep in mind this challenge is
inside their heads.
ongoing. Forever.
You don’t actually take any photographs, just observe

and learn. ◼

Chapter 3
Tips for Success
There are few things I’d like to add that can help Secondly, photography is a hobby or profession that
you be successful with these challenges. requires dedication. Sometimes you must do things that
are difficult and challenging. That is the point of this
First of all, get or find a buddy! It’s a known fact that we
whole book, to get you fired up about photography, get
are more likely to keep a commitment to a friend than
passionate about it—if you aren’t already—or get it back
we are to ourselves (I’m guilty of this, I admit it). So get
if you’ve lost it (many professionals burn out). The more
a partner, a friend that’s interested in photography, or
effort you put in, the more you’ll get out of it and the
perhaps someone you met online or at a photography
faster your skills and resulting images will improve. So
class and pair up. Set dates to do this and give yourself
stick with it.
deadlines, then stick to them come hell or high water (as
my Dad used to say).
Chapter 3 Page 55
critiqued by the right person can be good. Just make

Why is it bad? Or better yet, sure the person doing the critique gives constructive
why isn’t it successful? comments that you can use for improvement. Saying
things like “this image is bad” isn’t really helpful. Why is
it bad? Or better yet, why isn’t it successful?
Lastly, is the hot topic of whether or not you should get
I also believe that if you ask the right questions you’ll
your images critiqued. Some say that you shouldn’t get
get a better critique. Rather than asking, “do you like
critiqued because it’s all opinion and you don’t want to
this photograph?” ask instead, “what story do you see in
be influenced by the critic or adopt their style. While
this image?” or, “what do you feel when you look at this
others argue that it’s impossible to know whether your
image?” The answer they give you may surprise you, but
images are good or not unless you ask someone else.
will most likely be helpful. You can even ask this of non-
Your family and friends will usually tell you that your work
photographers as well.
is great, so sometimes an unbiased opinion can
be helpful. If you do ask those questions and the answer comes
back that they don’t get any story, or the feeling is
I live somewhere between these two opinions. I do
confusion or something other than your intent, then you
believe that having the technical aspects of your images
know you need to keep practicing. ◼︎
Chapter 3 Page 56
Chapter 4
Summary and Follow-Up
You made it to the end, whew!
Thanks for downloading and reading this book. It’s my this can help you light the spark, and you learn to love
wish that you go and actually do the challenges and see photography all over again.
the improvements in your photography you desire.
Please have fun with these challenges. Share them,
Don’t just read this and put it aside, that won’t do you
upload your images and comments on the discussion
any good.
page and go make some great images! ◼︎
If you’re an old-timer like me (in the photography
industry over 30 years) and have lost your passion, I hope
Chapter 4 Page 57
More Learning
If you found this e-book helpful, but you want to take your more info here. Some of our past tours and places we are
photography education to the next level check out our planning to visit soon include: Cuba, Nicaragua, Morocco,
online photography courses here. When you’re ready to India, Myanmar, Vietnam, Peru, and more destinations are
get into image editing check out this handy Lightroom being added annually.
guide and series of articles, or grab our Lightroom Presets.
For a little adventure and practical application, you might

want to attend one of our 3 or 5-day workshops where you
will get small group instruction, custom tailored to meet
your needs - get more information on our workshops here.
Or join us on an adventure and see the world on an exotic

photography tour - see where we’re going next and get
More Info & Learning Page 58

Contact Us
Contact form: On the website

Twitter: @DPMentor
Instagram: @dpmentor
Facebook: facebook.com/DigitalPhotoMentor
Thanks for reading!
Cheers,
More Info & Learning Page 59

Photography Challenges

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What challenges are presented in the book?

What challenges are presented in the book?

What are some tips provided for improving photography skills?

What are some tips provided for improving photography skills?

10

To help you take better

Chapter 1: Shooting Challenges .............................................................................................................................. 5

Challenge #1: Walk around your subject ............................................................................................ 6

Challenge #2: Hidden treasures ........................................................................................................... 11

Challenge #3: Lock yourself in the bathroom ..................................................................................... 15

Challenge #4: Start a project ................................................................................................................ 17

Challenge #5: Limit yourself on purpose ............................................................................................ 24

Challenge #6: Storytelling, make a book ............................................................................................ 28

Challenge #7: Street photography ...................................................................................................... 36

Chapter 2: Non-Shooting Challenges ..................................................................................................................... 44

Challenge #8: Look at art, lots of it! .................................................................................................... 45

Challenge #9: Slow down ..................................................................................................................... 49

Challenge #10: Learn to observe ......................................................................................................... 52

Chapter 3: Tips for Success ....................................................................................................................................... 55

Chapter 4: Summary and Follow-Up ....................................................................................................................... 57

For more learning check out: .................................................................................................................................... 58

Here’s what we’re going to cover, in a nutshell. I’ll go

There are several ways to cover the same subject in

different than how the average person sees the world.

Now, what if the chosen subject is a person? You’re

What do you think I’m going to suggest? Yes, do it!

First ask their permission, and you don’t need to speak

Open up your mind to possibilities once again. Take that

The point is to take an object that perhaps you see every

These are all things found in my own home. Look around

Most of them could be complete crap (pardon the

Do not take in the phone, your cell phone or tablet,

When I was in college doing a two-year photography

Many photographers have done a 365 project where

Now, if you make this commitment, be serious about

Set yourself up for success—not failure—right from • Love • Colors

• Photograph with a wide lens all day, the widest

• Get a hold of a film camera and shoot a roll of

Are you getting the idea? Just to reiterate my point,

close to your subject.

Our goal was to visit and photograph my husband’s

These old gentlemen were both interesting and

As of the date of writing (March 2015), they have both

You may not have elderly relatives

themselves, but neighbors and friends. It was even a

You may not have elderly relatives to photograph, but

Once you’ve done your photography, the next step is

How many images you actually end up with will depend

If you do this project whole-heartedly,

I’m here to tell you that conquering this is purely about

I started out as an extremely shy person. All through

There is NO way I’d have approached him, or even set

If not street photography, then do

I’m hoping that inspires you to take action. If not street

outside your comfort zone, bordering on or over the

If you do like street photography, but perhaps you just

Photo walks are another way to get

lens from afar. Secondly, right out in the open, possibly