Photo Creative

Free Photography Challenges And Feedback Sessions

Each month a new new photo challenge is issued to our Facebook group as a project for you to work on, developing your camera and creative skills.

The group is a lively, supportive community of over 6,000 photographers of all levels. Monthly live feedback sessions accompany each challenge on my Youtube channel.

Current challenge, dates etc below... ⬇️

It's not expected - but your support is appreciated

We all like to be paid for our work and expertise and there are costs involved with running these challenges. If you have gotten value from them, please consider making a small monthly donation to help. The equivalent cost of coffee and cake once a month is very much appreciated.

Click 'Make A Donation' for more options.

Current Challenge: Kit Lens

Many photographers can't wait to 'upgrade' from an 18-55mm 'Kit Lens'. For this challenge you'll need to go dig it out of the cupboard, blow off the dust and prove you can kick ass with it. OK, I know with all the different sensor sizes it becomes more complex...

  • Micro 4/3rds: 14-42mm
  • Crop CMOS sensors: 18-55mm
  • FF sensor: 24-70mm

If your lens' max aperture is only f5.6 so much the better. But I'm not going to check up on you. The point of this exercise is to help you realise you don't need to upgrade kit all the time. You will get 100X better results by investing in yourself by upgrading your skills, rather than your equipment.

What can you shoot for this challenge?

  • Any subject you like - but use the 'kit lens'
  • 18-55 tends to have a 'natural' perspective so you'll have to work harder on composition and light, rather than depend on super wide apertures, narrow fields of view or the  'compression effect' of a long lens
  • Landscape Photography: An 18-55mm lens is perfect for capturing expansive landscapes with a natural as the eye sees it look, as opposed to the pin cushion look of a wide lens
  • Street Photography: Its versatility makes the 18-55mm lens ideal for street photography, where you can quickly adapt from wide scenes to closer portraits
  • Portrait Photography: At the 55mm end, this lens offers a flattering perspective for portraits, allowing for relatively close shots of subjects with a softly blurred background
  • Travel Photography: Lightweight and compact, the 18-55mm lens is an excellent all-rounder for travel, capable of capturing everything from architectural details to group photos
  • Close Up Photography: While not a true macro lens, at 55mm and the closest focusing distance, the 18-55mm can capture small subjects such as flowers and insects with a pleasing, soft background.

Have fun. Dates and times below...

1368 Lancaster-1961326 Mudeford 22.05.15-65 copy1352 121 Steve Bray-191352 121 Steve Bray-35-Enhanced-NR1366 Geoghan-1921338 Zurich 2016-76-Enhanced-NR1447 Zurich-743-Enhanced-NR1373 Zurich 2018-61383 Gabriel 121-67-Enhanced-NR1460 Morocco 23-3101405 Morocco-4171460 Morocco 23-4451460 Morocco 23-4311405 Morocco-5531405 Morocco-9461460 Morocco 23-311460 Morocco 23-1811460 Morocco 23-2191460 Morocco 23-2561460 Morocco 23-2651460 Morocco 23-335PV258 Dull day Pfaffikon-421405 Morocco-201312 Lanzarote 2014 005

 

Apart from the Lancaster (which was a commission for the BBMF) all images were shot on workshops using an 18-55 or 24-70 "Kit Lens". 

Have a browse - get inspired...

Top Tip: I have NEVER bought new or even current camera equipment, because all the little lambs rush out to buy the latest version leaving tons of cost effective mint condition camera gear in their wake. The savings can be spent on photo trips and adventures. 

Info, dates and times...

  • Join the Photo Creative Facebook group
  • Upload 1 entry to the Kit Lens album (available 1 week before closing date)
  • Add a few words about your image in the description
  • CLOSES FOR ENTRIES: 11.59pm GMT - Sunday 24th March [UK Time]
  • LIVE FEEDBACK: 7.00pm GMT - Thursday 27th March [UK Time]

Feedback

Feedback is Live on my YouTube. A link to it is shared in the group. Due to high participation not everyone will receive feedback. But we can always learn from others so stay positive – learning is limitless!

Rules

  • ONE image per person per challenge
  • Upload your image to designated album in the Facebook group by 23:59pm [UK Time] on the closing date of each challenge
  • Include the weekly #hashtag in the text field and a caption which includes the challenge title
  • Challenge albums will be open 1 week before challenge closes

No archive or AI images

Please shoot for the challenge. We learn and grow by doing - not sitting back and being lazy. Archive and AI images will be discounted.

Want guaranteed regular feedback and more?

Join my private mentoring group...

Find Out

Photo Creative was only intended to be for 12 weeks and stemmed from a time in people's lives where they really had to re-evaluate their approach to photography, and life in general! - Lockdown.
 
Today it has grown to be a supportive, inspirational and fun - ever growing group of like-minded budding and experienced photographers alike!
 
Good luck, don't be shy and get stuck in! I look forward to seeing your images...
 
Best wishes

Mike signature

 

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