Getting started is one of the biggest hurdles in photography. That’s why I created this 30-day photo challenge. It will kickstart your photography and help you realize your potential. Each day, an exciting photography challenge boosts your creativity and skills.
By the end of the challenge, you will have generated many more ideas. You can also involve friends and family and compare results! Tag each other and ExpertPhotography on Instagram to share your photos and inspire others.
What Is a Photography Challenge?
A photography challenge is a daily exercise that helps you become more creative with your photography.
Each challenge encourages you to experiment with new ideas and techniques you wouldn’t otherwise consider. By pushing you out of your comfort zone, they help you learn to take better photos in almost any situation.
And what is a 365 photo challenge? Most photo challenges, like this one, last thirty days. But those dedicated to learning photography can try the 365 photo challenge that lasts a year. It’s quite a commitment, but it’s worth trying!
Our 30-Day Photo Challenge
Each link takes you through the challenge for the day. So, let’s get started!
Day 1: Self Portrait
We all know how to take selfies. But this photo challenge teaches you how to do one more formally and with plenty of creativity!
Day 2: Rule of Thirds
The rule of thirds can be hard to grasp for absolute beginners. But we designed this little photography challenge to show you how simple it is to use this composition guide.
Day 3: Black and White
It’s easy to take photos in color. But do you ever wonder how your images would look in black and white? This photography challenge will certainly answer that question.
Day 4: Depth
If you continuously suffer from images that look flat, this challenge is perfect for you. It’s the best way to learn how to create dynamic pictures that appear to pop out of the frame.
Day 5: Texture
Taking photos of textures is a great way to study how light interacts with surfaces. Now, I challenge you to create dramatic pictures of highly textured objects.
Day 6: High Angle
Are you tired of shooting at the same angle all the time? Take a high-angle photo of a subject that would otherwise look boring at eye level and surprise yourself.
Day 7: Low Angle
Now, let’s discover what awesome images you can create while taking photos crouching low or on your belly!
Day 8: Sunset
Everyone takes photos of sunsets. Now, let’s see how you can step it up a notch as a creative photographer.
Day 9: Silhouette
We often take silhouette shots by accident. For today’s photo challenge, intentionally take silhouette images.
Day 10: Bokeh
This is one of the easiest and most fun photo challenges you can do. Time to open up your lens aperture and capture incredible bokeh shots!
Day 11: Landscape
Let’s explore places and take breathtaking landscape photos for this photo challenge.
Day 12: Balanced
Photography is all about symmetry. Go out there and train yourself to look for balance in various scenarios.
Day 13: Unbalanced
For this photo challenge, you must look for asymmetrical elements to incorporate into your photography.
Day 14: Lens Flare
Take photos facing the sun and surprise yourself with beautiful lens flares.
Day 15: Portrait
Get out of your comfort zone and take portraits of people in different situations.
Day 16: Dynamic Tension
For interest and drama, look for the interaction of opposing elements, such as contrasting shapes, colors, or lines.
Day 17: Slow Sync Flash
You don’t need fancy equipment for this challenge. Today, you learn a few creative techniques using only your camera and flash.
Day 18: Frame Within a Frame
Improve your composition skills by trying the frame-within-a-frame technique.
Day 19: Panorama
Are you bored with regular landscape images? Now is the time for you to learn how to take panoramas!
Day 20: Panning
Do you need to improve your action photography? If so, you’ll find this easy technique helpful. It’s surprising how easy it is!
Day 21: Colorful Water Drops
So far, our photography challenges have been quite simple. Now it’s time to break out of the traditional and experiment with conceptual photography!
Day 22: Harris Shutter Effect
This trippy photo challenge uses red, blue, and green filters to create psychedelic effects. Need we say more? You have to try it!
Day 23: Light Painting
This is one of the most useful photo challenges you can do at night. It involves lighting up the dark parts in your frame to create interesting exposures.
Day 24: Water Splash
Have you ever wondered how to freeze water splashes in your photo? You’re in for a treat because this photo challenge will teach you how to do it.
Day 25: Street Photography
Walk around and train your eye to capture decisive moments.
Day 26: Shallow Depth of Field
Knowing how to use your aperture is a crucial skill in photography. And this photo challenge is exactly what you need to practice what you learn.
Day 27: Architecture
For this photography challenge, you’ll learn to take pictures of buildings like a seasoned pro!
Day 28: Hidden Camera Mirror Photo
Celebrate your last photography challenge with a selfie—without your camera showing in the photo!
Day 29: Night
This photography challenge is a great way to test your photography skills. Taking photos at night requires knowing how to use your equipment correctly.
Day 30: Light Graffiti
Take out your colorful flashlights and do some pretty artwork at night! This is a more free-form style of light painting.
Conclusion: 30 Day Photography Challenge
Our 30-day photography challenge is an excellent way to learn new techniques and improve the ones you already know. Of course, you shouldn’t stop after 30 days! Remember that photography is just like regular exercise. The more you do it, the better you can flex your skills.
I hope you enjoy these different photo challenge ideas. They will undoubtedly help you improve your photography!
Check out our Wow Factor Photography course for creative photo exercises and learning opportunities.