24-hour Photo Challenge

I’ve read about photo challenges several times. This unique and exciting events serves as a test of originality and imagination for all photographers, regardless of their skill level .

This photo challenge kicked off in june 2020 at 6:00 AM, with all participants receiving an email listing 24 specified themes. We then had 24 hours to create, edit, and submit a photograph for each Theme. It was a singular opportunity to explore various photography techniques, boost creativity, and discover our surroundings in a completely new light. In a private Facebook group, members voted for the best photos by counting the number of likes. Although there were no tangible rewards, an informal diploma was awarded to the winners of each theme, offering participants a sense of achievement and recognition .

I’d like to share with you some photos from my photo challenge. The aim wasn’t to get perfect shots but rather to hone my skills through a day-long photography endeavor .

My decision to participate:

When I first heard about the photo challenge, I was immediately attracted to the concept. I came across the challenge in 2020 on Facebook. It was a smaller group of photography enthusiasts, including photographers I had already heard of. I’ve always been in search of new ways to challenge my photographic skills, and this challenge seemed like a great opportunity . Besides, I was thrilled about the idea of having an entire day dedicated solely to photography. With it, I could explore diverse themes, delve into my creativity, and further develop my photographic eye. I decided to participate because I wanted to see how I would tackle the challenge, and I believed that this experience would help me grow as a photographer.

Don’t Cheat

Of course, as with any challenge, there is always the potential for cheating, including the use of old photographs for certain themes. But isn’t that the essence of the challenge—to follow the rules and face the challenge itself every now and then? Incorporating old photos might seem like a clever tactic at first, but it actually nullifies the joy and challenge that the 24-hour photo challenge brings.

The authenticity of the creative process that results from the daily search for fresh viewpoints and theme interpretations is the greatest reward of this challenge, not winning or receiving recognition. In fact, the greatest challenge and satisfaction is to take photos within these 24 hours. Each photo taken within this timeframe is directly tied to this specific moment and space, enhancing the personal value of these works. Each new day brings us a new opportunity to explore and discover the unknown. Hence, it is only right that we encourage ourselves to maximize this time and fully immerse ourselves in the entire process. This is what makes the 24-hour photo challenge so special and fulfilling.

How did I spend this day?

The memory of that day is still as vivid and clear as if it were yesterday. After a few shots along the way, I ended up in Ljubljana. I wanted the urban landscape to serve as the canvas for most of my photographic adventures that day. I clenched in my hand a slip of paper on which all 24 themes that awaited me that day were written. This slip of paper became my guide and compass, helping me navigate through the day.

My eyes were suddenly sharper, focused on seeking the right frame, the right light, and the right moment. Everything around me gained a new dimension. The usual scenes that I might have overlooked in the past became interesting and full of possibilities. The view of familiar streets and buildings changed as I sought answers to the themes written on my slip of paper. That day, I began to understand that photography is much more than just pressing the shutter. It’s exploration; it’s seeing the world through different eyes; it’s finding beauty in the ordinary. And this 24-hour photo challenge was just the right way to truly realize this.

Preparation for the photo challenge and equipment selection

Even though the challenge might seem spontaneous, it requires quite some preparation. As a photographer, I had to ensure that my equipment was ready and that I had created a strategy in my mind for the different themes. When choosing equipment, I was careful not to overdo it. 24 hours of shooting demands lightness and mobility, so I chose my most versatile lens, which gave me a wide range of focal lengths. I also opted for additional batteries and memory cards, as it was essential that my Nikon D7500 work all day. I chose a comfortable bag to store all my gear and carry it easily around the city.

Expectations and Goals

In terms of expectations, I wanted to stay open. I knew that the photo challenge would be full of unexpected surprises, so I didn’t want to set too strict goals. My main desire was to have fun, learn, and grow as a photographer. My expectations were not tied to winning or recognition but to personal fulfillment and an experience that would give me new insights and perspectives. The goal was to be and enjoy the moment, to observe and capture the world around me in a new, original way.

Preparation for the different themes

Based on the themes, I had a rough plan in mind. Even though the themes were broad enough to allow interpretation, I tried to prepare for different scenarios. I thought about potential locations, lighting conditions, and compositions that might match well with each theme. I always had a plan B in mind, as we know things don’t always turn out as we imagined. And I am known for mastering Plan B—quickly adapting to changes in plans .

Start of the Photo Challenge at 6:00

That day, I woke up before dawn, at 5:45, full of anticipation and enthusiasm for the upcoming challenge. Only the sound of my alarm clock broke the night’s silence because it was still dark outside. The feelings flooding my thoughts were a mix of excitement and curiosity. Like before a big race, I felt nervous and adrenaline-fueled excitement. I knew I was going to face the unknown, but I was also convinced that a day full of discoveries and creativity awaited me.

Introduction of the Themes

At 6:00, I received an email with the themes. Each theme was unique, comprehensive, and open enough for wide interpretation. The themes were: yellow, alienation, light, stop, depth, music, statue, open, abstract, reflections, light bulb, upside down, symmetry, view, old, reverse, portrait, circle, emotion, break, metal, horizontal, vertical, fragment.

Upon receiving the themes, I sat for a moment and let each theme deeply penetrate my thoughts. Each of them aroused different emotions and ideas, creating a flood of creativity within me. The feeling of having only 24 hours to translate all these ideas into photos was both daunting and liberating. I knew it would be a long day, but I was full of anticipation and ready for the challenge lying ahead.

So, I continued throughout the day, adjusting to the changing light, the movement of people, and my own feelings. I treated each theme as an opportunity to create something unique. This also meant that I sometimes found myself in unpredictable situations. I was seeking new angles, talking to strangers, and exploring unknown corners of the city. With each photograph, I made an effort not only to capture the subject but also the feeling and story it represented. Some themes were more demanding than others. But these forced me to delve deeper into my photography skills and creative thinking. As the day turned into the evening, I still had to select, edit, and send photos. I was exhausted yet fulfilled. I knew that I had given my all and created a series of photos that were a direct reflection of my perception of the world .

Presentation of voting results

I admit that I followed the voting with curiosity, but I did not dwell on the results. The final outcome was not important to me; rather, it was the process and the experience gained through the challenge that mattered. Participating in the 24-hour photography challenge was like an exciting journey for me, where the thrill of exploring the unknown and creating something unique was far more important than the final destination.

The charm of this challenge was that all participants were faced with the same themes, but we interpreted them differently. It was amazing to see how differently various people can perceive the same thing. And that was what I liked most about the challenge. Each photograph was like a glimpse through a window into another person’s world, allowing me to see the world through different eyes.

Voting was only a part of this process. My main focus was on discovering new perspectives and expanding my understanding of photography. Seeing the photographs of others made me realize how much I can still learn and how diverse people’s visual interpretations can be. And that was my greatest reward. Regardless of the number of votes I received, I felt enriched by the experiences that helped me grow.

Once the votes were tallied, the organizer posted the results. A winning photograph was announced for each theme. I didn’t win for all the themes, but I was still pleased with any recognition. It was astonishing to see the variety and quality of work produced in just 24 hours. In the end, though, the greatest reward was the sense of accomplishment and personal growth I experienced through this challenge.

Description of the Voting Process

Once all the photographs were submitted, the event organizer created an album for each theme in a closed Facebook group. Within each album, the photographs were anonymous, with no author names, allowing participants to focus on the art rather than the artist. Group members had 48 hours to view all the photographs and “like” those they deemed the best. Voting was direct and straightforward; each “like” counted as a vote.

Summary of My Experience with the 24-Hour Photography Challenge

My experience with the 24-hour photography challenge was immensely rich and refreshing. This challenge provided me with an opportunity to view my photography through a new lens, to step outside of my usual comfort zone, and to venture into the unknown. I spent the day in a constant process of discovery, learning, and creation, which was both demanding and incredibly fulfilling.
The challenge gave me valuable lessons about adaptability, creativity, and time management. I learned how to maintain creative clarity even under pressure, how to find beauty in unexpected places, and how to craft stories in the shortest time. I even surprised myself when I discovered how I could capture such diverse and unique scenes in just 24 hours.

Advice and Recommendations for Others Considering Participating in a 24-Hour Photography Challenge

• Be Prepared for the Challenge:This event requires a great deal of time, energy, and creativity. However, if you’re prepared for it, you will discover new heights in your artistry.
• Think openly: Don’t be limited by your preconceptions of what a photograph should be. Each theme can be a great opportunity to experiment and explore new ideas.
• Enjoy the process: Don’t burden yourself too much with the result or what others will think. Revel in the process of creating and allow your passion for photography to guide you.
• Learn from Others: The experience of other participants is extremely valuable. Observe how others tackle challenges and learn from their solutions.

Finally, remember that the purpose of this challenge is growth, learning, and fun. Regardless of whether you win or not, every attempt and experience is a step forward in your photography journey .

Happy shooting …

See you on Instagram .

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