Each year we start out by considering why we're participating in this project. Whether personal or professional, identifying goals makes the following year more meaningful and intentional. For this month, the prompts are all focused on helping you to identify how to make the most out of the project.
Every participant comes to this challenge at a different stage in their photographic journey. Show us where you are - in whatever manner you prefer.
One of the best ways to get good at photography is to join it with something else you're passionate about. Use your other hobbies as inspiration for this photo.
A huge hurdle to get over is identifying what scares you about your art. Take this as an opportunity to face one of those fears.
What do you hope to get out of this challenge? Make a photo that illustrates what you hope to achieve photographically in 2023.
Now that goals have been sorted out, it's time to work. All the prompts for the month of February can be done from the comfort of your own home. This will allow you to find your rhythm and explore the space in an environment you're relaxed in.
For this prompt, we'll be exploring a single object in various ways. Try out different angles, various lighting, maybe even placement in a larger scene. Your end goal is discover how you can approach the same subject from many different perspectives.
Here we're going to look at the things we carry with us on a daily basis. Use this as an opportunity to try out staging your items. Some ideas may be placing the items in a traditional still life setting, a top-down shot, cascading from your bag, etc.
"Home" has different meanings to each of us. Is it the space in which you live? Is it with those with whom you feel most comfortable? Is it being engaged in something you love and are passionate about? Think about what "home" means to you, and tell us through your photography.
Choose one day this month where you will document the entire day - from the moment you wake up, to the moment you go to sleep. Aim to take at least one photo every hour. At the end, cull it down to no more than 10 photos which tell the story of your day. Then, choose just one hero photo which sums it up in its entirety.
A big part of this challenge is the community we're building together. This month we're focusing on that in attempts to really strengthen it.
Giving and receiving feedback is a valuable skill for any creative. Engage with another participant of the challenge to both ask for and give feedback. The photo you create should be made with feedback you received in mind.
Choose a photo from a peer that you find interesting and inspiring and use that as a launching off point for your photo for this week. It's encouraged to reach out to the original creator to show them what you've made.
Focus on another community you are a part of - what makes it valuable to you? What do you give it and what do you take from it? Share that through your photography with this community.
Step outside your home and walk no more than a half mile documenting your surroundings. These are things you see every day, so look at the familiar with new eyes. We're looking for one final image that you feel best represents your neighborhood.
Anyone who's been around in the past knows that color theory is one of my main focuses and passions. As such, you are all subject to my obsession, and April is all about color!
Color blocking is a technique which involves using distinct and contrasting blocks of color to create a strong visual impact. Look for a subject that features distinct and contrasting colors and choose a composition that emphasizes the colors and creates clear blocks of each color in the frame.
Colors on the warm end of the spectrum tend to read as energetic and passionate. Cool colors tend to read as calm and soothing. For this prompt, choose whether you'd like to focus on warm or cool colors, and create an image that entirely sits within that side of the color wheel.
Color symbolism is the use of color to represent different ideas, emotions, and concepts. Once you've chosen a color to work with, find a way to showcase what the color represents.
Sometimes the best color is little to no color. For this prompt, you should make an image that is early, or entirely devoid of color.
As a photographer, I often find myself drawn to images that leave interpretation open, and this prompt encourages just that. Whether it's using color, texture, or form, abstract photography challenges you to experiment with different elements and create images that are open to interpretation.
You are encouraged to capture movement in your photos. Whether it's a person running, an animal leaping, or a vehicle speeding by, experiment with techniques such as panning, long exposures, or double exposures to convey a sense of motion and energy in your images.
Explore how light interacts with objects and casts shadows, or experiment with different sources of light to create dynamic and dramatic effects.
From joy and laughter to sadness and contemplation, the range of emotions humans experience is vast and expressive. Explore the depths of the human experience through your photography.
From the intricate patterns of a stained glass window, to the rough texture of a tree's bark, the world around us is full of fascinating details that are waiting to be captured.
It's everyone's favorite (ahem) month: Portrait Time! I know this month can be intimidating for many reasons, but it's also a good opportunity to get out of any comfort zones.
A self-portrait is a wonderful opportunity to capture your unique essence through the lens of your camera. Don't be shy or hesitate to experiment with different angles, lighting, or settings.
Take this chance to showcase their unique personality, quirks, and the deep bond you share. Your friend will feel most at ease when you create a comfortable environment, so let their true self shine.
Step outside your comfort zone and connect with new people through the lens of your camera. Find something about a stranger that you find to be interesting, and try and highlight that in your image.
A candid portrait captures the true essence of a person in their most natural and unguarded moments. It's all about embracing spontaneity and capturing genuine emotions, expressions, and interactions.
We've made it to the halfway mark. How have you been doing thus far? On track with your goals, or do you need some time to reset and recollect? This is the month for just that!
Your prompt this week is to go back and find your one favorite and your one least favorite images from the challenge so far. Break down what it is that you like about the favorite, and what challenges you faced with the least favorite. For those who haven't been able to stay on top of the challenge, use this week as a catch up week.
How are you doing on your initial goal from week one? The image this week should be a revisit of that original goal. If you want to do a full-on remake of the original, that's great! If you'd prefer to start over with a whole new vision, also great!
Look back on your submissions thus far and find one that you can revisit. Find a way to use it as inspiration, but reimagine it to create something new.
Start with a review of compositional guidelines and choose one which you'd like to try out for this week. Bonus points to anyone who also incorporates a specific color scheme.
This month, we'll be diving deep into the captivating world of mise-en-scène - arranging and capturing everything visible within a frame, from sets and props to lighting and subjects, to convey meaning and create a specific atmosphere. The challenge is to ensure these images work cohesively, even if they're taken on different days or places.
Skillfully arranging backgrounds, locations, and surroundings will infuse your photos with depth and meaning, creating captivating visual narratives that leave a lasting impact on viewers.
Deliberately arrange various visual elements like props, furnishings, backgrounds, and surroundings within your photographs to bring depth, meaning, and atmosphere to your images.
Manipulate light creatively and strategically, crafting captivating visual stories that add depth, drama, and mood to your images.
Masterfully arrange elements within the frame, manipulating foreground, middle ground, and background to add depth and intrigue to your photos.
Infuse your images with your artistic vision and creative flair. Experiment with different elements, lighting, props, and settings to craft compositions that reflect your personality and artistic identity.
This month, let's dive into exploring different photography genres. From landscapes to wildlife, documentary to sports, we're about to broaden our skills and capture amazing stories.
Master the nuances of composition, lighting, and perspective to create images that transport viewers into the heart of stunning landscapes.
Your mission is to capture candid moments, authentic emotions, and real-life narratives that resonate with viewers.
Master the art of patience and observation, capturing the wild inhabitants of our planet in their natural habitats.
Master timing, focus, and composition to create images that convey the excitement of dynamic, fast-paced moments.
Timing is everything, as they say. This month we're going to be approaching timing from different angles with an aim of getting us in the mindset to always be ready regardless of the photographic situation.
Visit the location at three very different times of day and notice the changes timing and light have on a space.
Recreate a picture you captured at least two years ago, delving into the realms of memory, creativity, and personal growth.
Freeze moments charged with anticipation or quietude, accentuating the profound impact of time on our existence.
Inspired by Henri Cartier-Bresson's iconic photography philosophy, seek out those instants where life's narratives unfold naturally, freezing them in captivating frames.
At this point in the challenge, you may have found that you're finding your own voice - or that you're stagnant. What helps with refining or finding your voice? Drawing from inspiration.
Use a film or TV show that you're watching or have watched this month as a source of inspiration. Focus in on one element that speaks to you.
What we consume through reading informs our opinions on the world. Read something this month and draw from it.
Let music inspire your lens this week. Capture the essence of your favorite music in a photograph.
Choose an inspiring photographer to guide your creativity. Create a photograph that pays homage to their legacy while showcasing your distinct artistic vision.
So here we are. The last month of the year. How did you do? Were you able to complete all the prompts from this year? Either way, the goal of this project is just to get you out and making photographs.
Choose a photo that you feel was a good concept, but would like to have another go at. When posting the new photo, include the original so you can see the difference side by side.
Looking back on the whole of the year in terms of this challenge, where did you find yourself struggling? Address your challenges head on and make a photo that utilizes that challenge.
Where did you find yourself thriving? Were there any 'ah-ha!' moments? Go all in on your newfound skill and showcase it proudly in this week's photo.
Back in January we set goals for ourselves for the year, and then revisited them in July. How do you feel about those goals now? Make a photo that addresses where you are with your goals.
Want the current year's prompts instead?
Back to the current 52 Weeks challenge