At some point during your photo journey you’re bound to hit a wall of frustration. You want to take better photos but don’t know what to do to improve your photography.
With each new skill you learn about taking better photos comes a different set of rules, buttons, and settings to remember. This compounded with new locations and unpredictable light can become quite challenging to a mom on the go with her kids.
During these times you may feel like giving up on your learning, desiring to switch back to AUTO mode full time, or revert to taking cell phone snapshots because it feels so much easier.
You’ll tell yourself that picking and choosing settings is too hard, you’re not cut out to master technical photography, and you’ll beat yourself up over every over exposed or under exposed photo in stead of celebrating that one AMAZING one you say was a fluke because you nailed it at just the right time.
When you have these moments however, I’m here to tell you not to give up.
I know that it’s this exact point on your learning journey to continue moving forward. Those moments of most resistance are the ones where we’re about to make our greatest gains. And we do that by pushing ourselves to make practicing the places where we’re struggling a priority.
Today I’ve got 5 creative photo projects to improve your photography.
These projects are going to target those places where you’re struggling. These are projects for both the beginner and more advanced user alike and will serve the dual purpose of getting you both excited to shoot and practice on improving the photo skills you feel you’re lacking.
Photo Projects To Improve Your Photography
Trouble With Light? TRY: Time & Location Challenge
Pick a time of day where you know you struggle or are inspired to improve. This could be mid day sun (especially on those cloudy days where the sun and clouds like to play peek-a-boo), The golden hour, or even after dark indoors. For one whole month you are going to get out your camera at the exact same time in the exact same location. By focusing on where you’re struggling with light you’ll make that scenario a priority and will ultimately improve.
Feel like every photo you take is blurry? TRY: Target Practice
In my Momtography classes we talk a lot about switching the camera’s focus points into ‘single point focus’ mode. If you have not yet switched your camera to it I’ve got a tutorial for you HERE. Once you’ve got that going, we’re going to set up situations where your kids are moving (that shouldn’t be too hard. right?) where you can practice. Spend 4 days or weeks in a row going to the playground, running around in the backyard, or bringing your camera to the kids soccer practice and practicing in single point focus mode.
Want to improve your photography with the camera you already have? TRY: Project 50
Unlike a project 52 (where you take photos every week of the year) this project is all about only using one lens consistently and creatively. So you could use your 50mm for 50 days, or your 35mm for 35 days, or your 85mm for 85 days. The best part of this one is simplicity. One lens, one photo a day.
Feeling bored and want a creative photo project? TRY: Highlight Reel
Take a few moments to run through your childhood photos in your mind. Or pull out an old album and take a feel. Find a memory or a series of photographs that speak to your heart that you’d like to recreate in a photograph in some way. Then get going with brainstorming how to make that happen. To make this project even more special, have your kids step in as the ‘actors’ for this shoot and create a generational gift that is sure to make your entire family smile.
Have a problem with perfectionism and celebrating your successes? TRY: From The Hip
This is one of my favorites because the results are sometimes surprising. During this project you are not allowed to look through your viewfinder. Your camera is held at hip level, finger on the shutter, and you simply shoot (you are allowed to set a technical settings such as ISO, aperture, and Shutter Speed before you begin). The perspective, light, and focus in these are always so unique and some of my favorite shots are taken in this way. I often surprise myself thinking nothing will turn out, but something always does.
Aren’t pulling out the camera consistently? TRY: Momtography Club
If you’re just not sure where to start, or you need a spark of inspiration to get yourself going, Momtography Club might be the place for you.