Challenges were introduced during the lockdown periods in Covid, to provide a larger project for members to engage with. At least two challenges are now set each year – which help to keep us on our toes! The first seven Challenges are described below, but we are now up to Challenge #22, so for more recent examples, please see the Galleries.
7 July 2020:
CHALLENGE #7: Positive use of negative space
This Challenge invites you to create images that feature ‘negative space’ as a key component of the picture. Negative space is the area surrounding the main subject in a photograph that is left unoccupied and it provides a powerful compositional tool that helps define the ‘positive space’ or main focus of the image. When used together creatively, negative and positive space can work to elevate the impact of a photograph.
17 June 2020:
CHALLENGE #6: Creative use of ICM
This Challenge invites you to throw caution to the wind, go against the usual need for a steady hand in your photography and experiment with Intentional Camera Movement (ICM). Move your camera while the shutter is open and explore the freedom and range of creative opportunities this offers you as a photographer. For more information, see Challenge #6 on the website.
22 May 2020:
CHALLENGE #5: Light-hearted lockdown competition
Since we have not been able to hold our normal end of season annual competitions or our exhibition, we are instead proposing that Challenge #5 is an informal on-line digital image competition to showcase some of the photographs we have taken during lockdown. We encourage all members to get involved. Instead of an external judge everyone will have a chance to choose their favourites in a ‘popular vote’.
7 May 2020:
Challenge #4 Texture Texture Texture!
The aim of this Challenge is to experiment with textures in your photography. You could either make the texture the main subject of your images, or better still add a textured foreground or background to enhance other photos. For more information about this challenge, please see Challenge #4 on the website.
15 April 2020:
CHALLENGE #3 It’s a mystery!
Photograph up to five everyday household objects in such a way that they are not immediately recognisable. For more information about this challenge, please see Challenge #3 on the website, and put 7.30pm on Tuesday 28 April in your (no doubt over-full) diaries for a Zoom-based ‘Guess the mystery object’ session.
1 April 2020:
CHALLENGE #2 Creating a photo-collage
Prepare up to three photo-collages that each include images of something personal to you, such as a particular passion or interest of yours, something that inspires you, or simply your home and family. For more information and fun tips, please see Challenge #2.
18 March 2020:
CHALLENGE #1 A pop of colour
Prepare up to three images that involve mixing B&W and Colour in a single image – either all B&W with just a little “popped colour” or the opposite.