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30 Day Photo Challenge (Become an EVEN Better Photographer)
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30 Day Photo Challenge (Become an EVEN Better Photographer)

When it comes to photography challenges I like to participate in ones that teach me and push me as a photographer. This 30 day photo challenge will help you grow. I can guarantee that if you take a picture everyday for 30 days you will see growth in your images. However, why not join one that pushes you to learn all new types of photography skills that you can continue to use?

Join our 30 day challenge to get photography ideas to use each day when you pick up your camera.

What is a 30 day photo challenge?

A photography challenge is a way to push your photography skills. You take a picture everyday for 30 days. When joining a challenge like this most people like to have a prompt since they may feel they don’t know what to photograph each day. By following a challenge, you have a guide to help you each day.

Why should I do a 30 day photo challenge?

One of the best ways to grow as a photographer is to pick up your camera every sing day. By participating in a 30 day photography challenge you push your creativity and become a better more consistent photographer since you are picking up your camera everyday. It’s important as a photographer to get outside of your comfort zone. You may find that you enjoy different techniques or aspects of photography you didn’t now about.

Related: Power of personal photography projects

Are there other photography challenges?

Absolutely. There are all kinds of photography challenges. One of my favorites is a Project 365 where you take a photo everyday for a single year. This was by far the best way I grew as a photographer. By having to take a photo, edit and post it each day I was able to see my growth as well as connect with other photographers who were also doing this challenge.

Read more: 14 Creative Photography Projects Ideas to Try

30 Day Photo Challenge

Day 1 – Frame within the frame

Use the natural elements within your frame to frame your subject helps you create a unique photo that will draw the viewer into the images.

Day 2 – Long exposure

Show movement by using a slow shutter speed. Don’t forget to use a tripod or put you camera on a steady surface when using this technique.

Day 3 – Still life

Give your pets, friends, kids or spouse a break today. Let’s focus on capturing still life.

Related: What you need to know about your next photography project

Day 4 – Tell a story

Today you are going to take more than one photo. Take at least three different images to tell a story with only your photos.

Day 5 – Rule of Thirds

Although this is a common compositional guide it is still powerful.

Day 6 – Starburst

By adjusting your aperture to a smaller f/stop you can create beautiful starburst effect in your photos.

photo of building in Edinburgh with starburst

Day 7 – Smaller f/stop

Most people want to shoot wide open so they can get blurry backgrounds. However, shooting with a smaller f/stop can create powerful images as well

Day 8 – Connection

When photographing people you want to make sure your are able to help the viewer feel their connection in the photo.

Day 9 – Negative Space

Leaving empty space in your photo helps to pull your viewer directly to your subject and leaves room for your subject to breathe in the photo.

Day 10 – Depth

This can be achieved with different lenses or adding layers to your photo.

Related: Use photography projects to enhance your client work

Day 11 – Fill the frame

Quite different than negative space, for this one you want to fill the frame with your subject.

Day 12 – Landscape

Try your hand at landscape photography.

Day 13 – Symmetry

Creating balance and symmetry in your image is something you can look for in natural elements or create.

Day 14 – Low light

You don’t need a wall of windows to create beautiful photos. Understanding how to embrace shadows and low light adds depth to your photos

HALF WAY THERE! WAY TO GO!

Day 15 – Backlighting

People often think of golden hour when they think of backlighting but there are many types of backlighting.

Day 16 – Candid

Step back and observe the situation. Capture a candid moment.

Day 17 – Leading lines

Seeing lines in your environment and using them properly to draw your viewer in will create a powerful photo.

Day 18 – Mood

This can be achieved by emotion or shadows. Get creative.

Related: 6 ways to stay motivated with a photography project

Day 19 – Silhouettes

Whether you find an open field of a door frame the important thing to remember is to meter off of the light source.

Day 20 – Self portrait

Please don’t be afraid to get in front of the camera. It’s important that you are in the photos as well.

self portrait of woman in kitchen icing cupcakes

Day 21 – Reflection

Add a layer of interest to your photo by using a reflective surface.

Day 22 – Bokeh

It’s so easy to create bokeh with any longer lens while shooting wide open, but I wanted to create the same effect in the foreground.

Related: Why I’m starting a photography project I know I won’t finish

Day 23 – Black & white image

Keep in mind not every image makes a strong black and white. Instead, you want to capture a photo with strong shadows and bright lights.

Day 24 – Food

I’m not talking about a quick snap of your plate at a restaurant. Take the time to style and set up your shot.

Day 25 – Dramatic Light

All you need is one window, light and shadows. You can create amazing dramatic light images.

Day 26 – Indoor natural light

Learn to see the light in your home. Remember, it’s important that you turn off all overhead lights for today or your white balance will be messed up.

Day 27 – Portrait

Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be a self portrait this time. Feel free to ask anyone in your life, your child, friend, spouse, or neighbor.

portrait of a woman in a black hat

Day 28 – Street Photography

You don’t have to live in a large city to practice street photography.

Day 29 – Minimal

When you approach minimalism look for elements of light, shadows, colors, textures, lines and space. The focus of your subject will be isolated and projected with minimal detail.

Day 30 – Patterns

Using patterns as a compositional technique adds harmony and rhythm to your photo. You can look for patterns of lines, color, light, shapes, form, curves, objects.

Ready to do another photography project? We’ve got you covered from other 30 day photo challenges to longer and shorter photo challenges.

30 day photo challenge prompts

When does the challenge start?

Feel free to start this challenge at any time. This is something you can start today and even repeat each month if you would like.

What happens if I can’t finish a 30 day photo challenge?

Nothing, don’t worry. Even if you only do 5 days you are still five days closer to beautiful photos than you were before you started.
Read more about what I learned from quitting a Project 365

What hashtag should I use for the 30 day photo challenge?

So glad you are excited to join us! If posting on Instagram I encourage you to follow me @clickitupanotch and use the hashtag #CIUAN30Day

14 Comments
  • Kelly
    October 27, 2020 at 10:53 AM

    I’m excited to join in! I was just getting ready to start my own 5-day challenge with your post on 5 different ways to create composition in a photo but this one sounds even more fun! :)

  • Terri
    October 27, 2020 at 12:20 PM

    When are you beginning this? Will you have a page on FB to check in?

    • Courtney Slazinik
      October 30, 2020 at 12:49 PM

      Hey Terri! Feel free to start whenever. You can use the hashtag #CIUAN30Days on IG if you post there.

  • Lisa Priest
    October 27, 2020 at 3:03 PM

    I would like to participate in the 30 day project. The 365 day project is still overwhelming to me but I can handle 30 days.

  • Monika Lockridge
    October 27, 2020 at 4:19 PM

    I have been thinking about trying a 30 challenge. To be honest, I have avoided doing these because my days get a bit crazy more often than not, and I’m not sure I can do the challenge every single day. And, I’m not sure about how to take some of the challenge pictures to do them justice.

    That said, I will take the challenge and see how things go! If I fail to get my shot on one day, I will take take that shot the next day. It may take me sixty days to finish the challenge, but what do I have to lose?

    This may be just what I need to get motivated enough to push through and take some photos every day and learn some things along the way.

    Wish me luck!!

  • Keri
    October 27, 2020 at 4:44 PM

    SO FUN!! I started following back when you first began. I’ve loved all the tips & advice along the way ❤️ This challenge has inspired me to actually use my camera instead of JUST Taking Photos. Thanks Again Courtney!!

  • Irene Baker
    October 27, 2020 at 8:39 PM

    I really want to try a photo challenge. I haven’t been able to commit to a 52 week or 365. So this sounds like the best way to get started. Keeping my fingers crossed I can do this.

  • Jill Hale
    October 30, 2020 at 6:51 AM

    Yes I am going to do the 30 day photo challenge for November and then in December I plan to do the 30 day photo challenge (become even bettter)
    Thanks for sharing, I have learned to much from you over the past years.

  • Heather
    October 30, 2020 at 8:16 AM

    I’m really excited to do this but I can’t seem to print out the challenge. I’d love to be able to have it posted near my desk so I can quickly remember what the challenge was for the day. Any way you can attach a downloadable version? Thanks!

  • Kat
    October 30, 2020 at 8:44 AM

    Link is not working… I’m on my iPhone so maybe that’s an issue? Will try again later on Mac. I love these challenges!

    • Courtney Slazinik
      October 30, 2020 at 12:48 PM

      Thanks for the heads up! It should be all fixed now :)

  • Lisa Magee
    October 30, 2020 at 9:57 AM

    I would love to do this, thank you so much!

  • Daniela
    October 30, 2020 at 1:14 PM

    So cool – I did the 365 challenge in 2017 and loved it! Now doing the 30 day one with my entire photography class. We are starting on 1 Nov!

  • November 13, 2020 at 5:01 AM

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