As Christmas approaches, we’re presented with a plethora of photo opportunities that are simply too good to pass up. We’ve shared tips and insights for various types of photography throughout the year, so we thought now would be a good time to practice and test your photography skills.
Welcome to the Photo Challenge for the 12 Days of Christmas!
This series of challenges is intended to put your photography skills to the test, not just the technical ones, but also the creative ones. We hope that these challenges not only inspire you to take more photos but also provide you with insight into your strengths and weaknesses so you can improve next year.
Let this Christmas series of photo challenges begin!
1. Holiday lights
This is the time of year when strings of lights are everywhere as part of elaborate decorations. Use your imagination to create something spectacular with the lights. If you’re looking for a more difficult challenge, take a cue from photographer Irene Rudnyk and try creating whimsical portraits with Christmas lights.
2. Creative self-portrait
Self-portraits have gotten a bad rap as a result of phone selfies. It’s a shame because self-portraiture is an art form in and of itself. To create an amazing self-portrait, you must have skills, good technique, and a creative mind.
Before you take a self-portrait, consider what you want to show about yourself and how you want to show it. Perhaps you want to show your romantic side with lights and tone, or perhaps you want to show your adventurous and imaginative side with some crazy props or location. It’s entirely up to you.
3. Joy
Many photographers can take good pictures, but it takes talent and patience to capture beautiful, emotional interactions between people. This holiday season, go out and look for the beautiful moments shared by strangers. Capture the joy in the air by clicking on interactions between a mother and her children, siblings, or a couple.
Note: If you want to make some adjustments to the photo just let me know. I can do it for you at a very low cost. You can hire me to edit your photo.
4. Festive food
This month is all about partying, celebrating, and having a good time. There will be a lot of pop-up markets and family gatherings, as well as delicious food. Many people nowadays take photos of their food, but only a few can make it look scrumptious and mouth-watering. Develop your photography skills so that you can take food photos that make people want to eat them!
5. The beauty in an obscure place
Jenna Martin, a photographer, recently challenged herself to take beautiful portraits in mediocre settings. The results are stunning, proving that you don’t always need a beautiful setting to take amazing photos. Even the ugliest places can look great as a background with some creative thinking and good skills. This challenge is ideal for letting your creativity run wild while also honing your portrait photography skills.
6. Tradition
Do you have a holiday tradition in your family? Take a step back and ask yourself, “What is something I look forward to each year?” ‘What is it that I like best about it?’ Find the solution and ask yourself, “How can I make it look natural and pleasing in the photos?” ‘What should I concentrate on?’
Create a photograph that is both unique and familiar; it must be extraordinary, but you also want to look at it and be reminded of a comforting tradition that you enjoy. This one is as much for memory as it is for learning.
7. Inside the house
We’re so used to looking for interesting subjects outside the house that we forget the things closest to us can be transformed into amazing images with a little creativity. Choose something and figure out how to make it an interesting subject for your photograph. Even better if you can tell a story with your photo!
8. Christmas scene in your town
Christmas decorations, lights, festive events, and happy shoppers are what make December feel so festive. Christmas scenes differ from one location to the next, and how you interpret them is entirely up to you. You can photograph your town’s landmarks lit up for the holidays, the decorations at local malls, or even the shopping frenzy at high street stores.
9. Unusual angle
What distinguishes good photographers from great photographers is how they see and frame their subjects. Aesthetic photos can be created with top gear and good skills, but it’s the new way of seeing things that makes a photo stand out.
An unusual angle will make a mark and leave a lasting impression, so train your eyes to look for unusual perspectives on everyday subjects. Take a look at Zaid Salman’s Instagram account for ideas, where he posts incredible photos that combine skills and imagination.
10. Family moment
The holiday season is a time when families get together. A family gathering can be chaotic, but it also provides numerous opportunities for good photographs. Take out your camera and look for heartwarming “family moment” photos. Whether it’s candid or not, make sure it captures the holiday spirit of your family.
11. Reflection
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “reflection”? Most people will think of mirrors, but they should think further. Photograph a calm body of water, baubles, a glass window, or any other reflective object. The more unusual the better!
12. Multiple exposure
Everyone enjoys experimenting with multiple exposures, and it’s also a good opportunity to be as creative as possible. You can create multiple exposure photos in the camera using a specific setting or tool, or you can process the images later in Photoshop.
Experimenting and practicing, as with other skills in photography, is the key to progress. However, for this one, you must also have a concept, or at the very least a vision, of the image you want to create. If you’re new to multiple exposures, this article will explain the basics and give you some pointers to get started.
Note: If you want to make some adjustments to the photo just let me know. I can do it for you at a very low cost. You can hire me to edit your photo.
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