The Problem with Traditional Assignments
Photography assignments are a standard part of learning, but they often lack excitement and personal engagement. Many students and photographers approach assignments as tasks to complete rather than opportunities to explore. The result? A focus on checking boxes instead of truly pushing creative and technical boundaries through the joy of discovery.
But what if we could change that?
Reframing Assignments as Challenges
Turning a traditional assignment into a challenge or quest immediately shifts the mindset from obligation to adventure. Instead of simply following instructions, photographers are given a goal, puzzle, or constraint that makes the process feel interactive and rewarding. Challenges encourage experimentation, self-motivation, and deeper learning—all while making the experience more fun.
Here’s why photography challenges are more effective than traditional assignments:
1. Challenges Boost Engagement & Motivation
When something feels like a game or a mission, we naturally become more invested. Challenges introduce a sense of play and curiosity, encouraging photographers to go beyond the minimum requirement. They create an intrinsic motivation to problem-solve, experiment, and discover rather than just complete a task.
Example: Instead of a standard portrait assignment, try a Stranger Story Challenge—where students must engage with a stranger, take their portrait, and capture part of their story in an image. The social aspect makes it engaging while still reinforcing portrait techniques.
2. Challenges Encourage Creative Exploration
When given an open-ended challenge, photographers are pushed outside their comfort zones. Rather than sticking to their usual habits, they must adapt and explore different approaches to problem-solving. Adding constraints (like only using one focal length or only shooting from a worm’s-eye view) forces photographers to think more creatively.
Example: A “One Object, Ten Ways” challenge forces students to see beyond the obvious, photographing the same subject from different angles, lighting conditions, and perspectives.
3. Challenges Develop Technical Skills Naturally
Instead of passively memorizing photography concepts, challenges apply skills in real-world scenarios. This experiential learning approach makes it easier to understand and retain technical knowledge.
Example: Instead of a basic lesson on shutter speed, assign a Motion vs. Stillness Challenge, where photographers capture both a frozen motion shot and a long exposure blur. By doing, rather than just reading, they internalize how shutter speed affects movement.
4. Challenges Promote Mindfulness & Observation
Great photographers don’t just take pictures—they see. A challenge-based approach encourages active looking and awareness, training the eye to notice details, patterns, and moments that might otherwise be overlooked.
Example: A Timed Stop Challenge, where photographers must take a picture every 5 minutes no matter where they are, forces them to find beauty and composition in unexpected places.
5. Challenges Create a Sense of Accomplishment
Unlike open-ended assignments, challenges provide clear, attainable goals, leading to a greater sense of satisfaction. Whether it’s a one-week challenge or a 100-day project, the process of working toward a goal builds confidence and measurable progress.
Example: A 30-Day Light Challenge, where each day focuses on a different lighting scenario (golden hour, backlighting, diffused light, etc.), allows photographers to see growth in their ability to control and harness light over time.
6. Challenges Make Learning Social & Interactive
Photography is often a solitary practice, but challenges provide opportunities for collaboration, discussion, and friendly competition. When shared in a group setting—whether in a classroom, on social media, or through photography clubs—challenges encourage peer learning, critique, and community building.
Example: A Scavenger Hunt Challenge, where participants compete to find and photograph a set of visual elements (leading lines, complementary colors, shadows, etc.), fosters interaction and learning through shared experiences.
How to Start Using Photography Challenges
Ready to transform your learning experience? Here’s how to get started:
- Choose a Timeframe – Set a challenge for a single class session, a week, a month, or even 100 days.
- Define the Goal – What skill or concept do you want to focus on? (Composition, lighting, storytelling, etc.)
- Set Constraints – Use a specific lens, only shoot in black & white, capture a theme, etc.
- Make It Interactive – Encourage group participation, discussions, and sharing.
- Track Progress – Reflect on your growth, compare images, and adjust challenges as needed.
Make Learning an Adventure
The best learning happens when we’re excited, challenged, and engaged. By turning photography assignments into quests, experiments, and creative missions, we unlock new ways of seeing, learning, and growing. Whether you’re a teacher designing class exercises or an individual photographer seeking inspiration, challenges are a powerful tool to push boundaries and make photography more meaningful.
