Lessons from a 30-Day Photography Challenge

Undertaking a 30-day challenge can be a transformative experience, pushing you to explore new techniques, subjects, and perspectives. These challenges are crucial for growth, as they force you out of their comfort zones and encourage the daily practice that is essential for honing one’s craft.

Coming to you from Teo Crawford, this great video shares his journey with a 30-day film photography challenge, initially focusing on still life photography. This endeavor quickly proved to be overwhelming, leading to early burnout and the realization of its impracticality alongside a busy schedule. This experience is relatable for many of us who struggle to balance our passion for photography with other life commitments. Crawford's decision to pivot to a simpler challenge – taking at least one photograph per day – underscores the importance of adaptability in creative pursuits. This shift from a highly specific goal to a more manageable one highlights a key lesson: sometimes, less structured objectives can be more fruitful, especially when juggling multiple responsibilities. After all, one photo a day is better than giving up out of frustration.

Crawford's eventual success with the revised challenge illustrates the benefits of consistent practice in photography. By committing to capture at least one image daily, he re-engaged with his environment, finding photographic opportunities in everyday life. This practice not only revitalized his passion for photography but also improved his observational skills, a crucial aspect of creating successful images consistent. The journey from overwhelming ambition to a sustainable practice is a valuable lesson for creatives at any level. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Crawford.

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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