12 Months, 12 Challenges: A Photographer’s Guide to Year-Round Creativity

Lauren McDonagh-Pereira Photography

Lauren McDonagh-Pereira is a photographer from Massachusetts, USA. She captures the beauty of the world around her, favoring Nikon cameras and lenses. She is drawn to shooting landscapes, wildlife, nature, and people authentically enjoying life. Lauren has been carrying a camera to capture everyday magic since the early 2000s. She has been minting her photography as Ethereum NFTs since February 2022, and as Tezos NFTs since May 2022. Lauren is a mother of two small children and holds a masters degree in Mental Health Counseling.

Introduction

As a passionate photographer, I understand the importance of constantly challenging and refining our craft. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, engaging in regular practice is key to growth and creativity. That’s why I’ve put together a unique year-round guide, offering a series of monthly photography challenges designed to inspire and push your boundaries. Let’s embark on a 12-month journey to explore diverse themes, techniques, and perspectives.

Disclaimer – As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualified purchases.

January: New Beginnings

Embrace the freshness of the New Year with a focus on ‘New Beginnings.’ Capture images symbolizing fresh starts, resolutions, or the serene beauty of winter.

January Photo Challenge

New Beginnings: Capture an image that represents a fresh start.
Winter Wonderland: Photograph a winter scene or element.
Reflections: Find reflections in water, glass, or mirrors.

Macro Magic: Get close-up with a macro shot.
Black and White: Shoot a scene in monochrome.
Urban Landscape: Explore city streets and architecture.

Food Photography: Make a meal look appetizing.
Golden Hour: Capture the warm light of sunrise or sunset.
Nature’s Patterns: Look for patterns in nature.

Silhouettes: Experiment with backlighting and silhouettes.
Street Photography: Candid shots in public places.
Shadows and Light: Play with contrast and shadows.

Blue Hour: Capture the blue tones just before sunrise or after sunset.
Motion Blur: Experiment with long exposures.
Pet Portraits: Capture the personality of a pet.

Self Portrait: Turn the camera on yourself.
Textures: Focus on the texture of an object.
Night Sky: Try some astrophotography.

Rainy Day: Capture the mood of a rainy day.
Abstract: Create an abstract composition.
Minimalism: Embrace simplicity.

Historic Landmarks: Photograph a historic site.
Color Pop: Find a scene with a pop of color.
Waterfalls: Capture the motion of water.

Portrait of a Stranger: With permission, photograph someone you don’t know.
Bird’s Eye View: Find a high vantage point.
Lifestyle: Capture a candid lifestyle moment.
Bokeh: Play with unfocused lights and shapes.
Street Art: Find and photograph urban art.
Seascapes: Focus on the ocean or sea.
Your Choice: Finish the month with a subject of your choice.

February: The Month of Love

February, the month of love and frost, calls for warm tones and heartfelt moments. Experiment with Valentine’s Day themes or the stark beauty of late winter.

February Photo Challenge

Love and Affection: Capture a moment of love or affection.
Groundhog Day: Interpret this day in your own creative way.
Shadows: Play with shadows in your composition.
Sunrise/Sunset: Capture the beauty of early morning or late evening.
Black History Month: Photograph something that celebrates or reflects Black history and culture.
Textures: Focus on the textures around you.
Street Photography: Capture candid urban life.
Water Droplets: Experiment with macro shots of water droplets.
Portrait in Natural Light: Utilize natural light for a portrait.
Frozen: Find beauty in ice or frost.
Symmetry: Look for symmetrical compositions.
Candid Laughter: Capture genuine laughter or joy.
Red: Focus on something red in honor of Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day: Photograph something that represents love or Valentine’s Day.
Reflections: Experiment with reflections in water, glass, or other surfaces.
Long Exposure: Try a long exposure shot.
Food Photography: Make a dish look mouthwatering.
Pets and Animals: Photograph pets or wildlife.
Black and White Portrait: Shoot a portrait in black and white.
Indoor Photography: Find an interesting indoor subject.
Golden Hour: Capture the golden hour light.
Street Art: Photograph unique street art or graffiti.
Minimalism: Create a minimalistic composition.
Nature’s Details: Focus on small details in nature.
Urban Landscape: Showcase the urban environment.
Silhouettes: Experiment with silhouettes against a light source.
Night Photography: Explore the night and capture its essence.
Personal Choice: End the month with a subject that is personally meaningful to you.

March: The Awakening of Spring

As nature reawakens, March challenges you to capture the emergence of spring. Focus on budding flowers, raindrops, or the changing landscapes.

March Photo Challenge

Welcome March: Capture something that symbolizes the beginning of March for you.
Wildlife: Photograph animals in their natural habitat.
Water: Focus on water in any form – drops, streams, oceans.
Street Life: Capture the vibrancy of street life.
Green: In anticipation of St. Patrick’s Day, find something green.
Macro World: Get close and capture small details.
Architectural Lines: Focus on the lines in buildings or structures.
Sunset Scenes: Capture the beauty of a sunset.
Floral: Find early signs of spring in flowers or trees.
Shadows and Light: Play with shadows and light in your composition.
Portrait in Black and White: Create a dramatic portrait without color.
Abstract Art: Create an abstract photograph.
Cityscape at Night: Capture the city lights at night.
Patterns in Nature: Look for natural patterns or textures.
Bird Photography: Capture a bird in flight or at rest.
Golden Hour Glow: Utilize the golden hour for warm lighting.
Reflections: Find interesting reflections to photograph.
Street Photography: Capture candid moments on the streets.
Monochrome: Create a monochrome image, not necessarily in black and white.
Rainy Day: Capture the mood of a rainy day.
Food Photography: Make a dish look delicious.
Action and Movement: Capture movement in your shot.
Silhouettes: Experiment with silhouette photography.
St. Patrick’s Day: Capture something related to this holiday.
Blue Hour: Utilize the blue hour for cool-toned images.
Urban Wildlife: Find wildlife in an urban setting.
Night Sky: Try some astrophotography or night sky photography.
Framing: Use natural or urban elements to frame your subject.
Favorite Spot: Photograph your favorite spot in March.
Close-Up Portrait: Focus on a detailed close-up of a face.
Your Choice: End the month with a subject of your personal choice.

April: Earth’s Beauty

Celebrate Earth Day and the full bloom of spring this April. Emphasize nature’s rejuvenation, Earth-focused events, or the vibrant energy of the season.

April Photo Challenge

April Fools’ Day: Capture something playful or humorous.
Raindrops: Focus on raindrops or the effect of a rainy day.
Cityscapes: Photograph the urban environment.
Macro Nature: Close-up shots of nature’s details.
Black and White Landscape: Capture a landscape without color.
Sunrise: Early morning light and scenes.
Street Photography: Candid urban moments.
Water Reflections: Find reflections in bodies of water.
Spring Blossoms: Photograph flowers or trees in bloom.
Shadows: Experiment with shadow play in your compositions.
Golden Hour: Capture the warm evening light.
Architectural Details: Zoom in on architectural elements.
Birds: Capture birds in your area, whether in flight or at rest.
Motion Blur: Experiment with capturing movement.
Portrait with Natural Light: Utilize natural light for portraiture.
Landscape: A wide landscape shot, urban or natural.
Pets: Photograph pets or animals in a unique way.
Street Art: Capture graffiti or street art.
Night Photography: Explore and capture the night.
Food Photography: Make a meal or snack look appetizing.
Rainy Streets: Urban scenes during or after rain.
Earth Day: Capture something that celebrates or reflects on nature and the environment.
Silhouettes: Create silhouettes against a light source.
Coastal Scenes: Capture the coast, beach, or seaside.
Abstract: Create an abstract photographic composition.
Blue Hour: Photograph scenes during the blue hour.
Candid Moments: Capture a spontaneous moment.
Reflections: Use reflections in your composition creatively.
Favorite Spot in April: Photograph your favorite place during April.
Photographer’s Choice: End the month with a subject or theme of your own choice.

May: The Brightening World

May brings longer days and a world bursting with color. Explore themes of growth, the play of light and shadow, and the joy of early summer activities.

May Photo Challenge

May Day: Capture something that represents new beginnings or spring.
Golden Hour: Photograph the soft, warm light of the early evening.
Street Life: Explore and capture the energy of street scenes.
Water Elements: Focus on water in any form – rivers, rain, dew.
Macro Beauty: Close-up shots of small details in nature or objects.
Black and White Portrait: Create a striking monochromatic portrait.
Sunrise Serenity: Capture the tranquility of the early morning.
Architectural Shapes: Photograph interesting architectural forms.
Mother’s Day: Capture something that symbolizes motherhood or family.
Spring Flowers: Photograph blooming flowers or gardens.
Shadows and Silhouettes: Play with shadows or silhouette figures.
Urban Wildlife: Capture animals or birds in an urban setting.
Motion and Movement: Experiment with capturing motion.
Street Art: Find and photograph unique urban art.
Landscape: Wide-angle shots of natural or urban landscapes.
Night Lights: Explore night photography, focusing on light sources.
Reflections: Utilize reflections in creative ways.
Candid Emotions: Capture genuine emotions in a candid shot.
Rainy Day: Embrace the mood and aesthetics of a wet day.
Food Photography: Make a meal or snack look visually appealing.
Rural Scenes: Photograph the countryside or rural life.
Blue Hour: Utilize the cool tones of the early morning or late evening.
Pets and Animals: Photograph pets or animals in a unique composition.
Patterns in Nature: Focus on natural patterns and textures.
Historical Landmarks: Capture a place of historical significance.
Minimalism: Create a composition with minimal elements.
Sunset Colors: Capture the vibrant colors of the sunset.
Street Photography: Candid urban shots with a focus on people.
Favorite Spot in May: Photograph your favorite place to be in May.
Your Choice: Choose any subject or theme that inspires you.
End of May Reflection: Capture something that represents the end of the month for you.

June: Summertime Bliss

June is all about the bliss of summer. Dive into themes of leisure, beach life, sunsets, and the rich, green outdoors.

June Photo Challenge

Welcome Summer: Capture something that symbolizes the start of summer.
Beach Scenes: Photograph the beach or seaside elements.
Sunrise: Capture the early morning light and ambiance.
Street Photography: Explore urban life through your lens.
Water Reflections: Focus on interesting reflections in water.
Macro Nature: Get close to the details in nature.
Golden Hour: Utilize the warm, soft evening light.
Floral Diversity: Photograph different types of flowers or plants.
Architectural Lines: Explore lines and shapes in buildings.
Shadows and Light: Play with contrasting elements in your shots.
Birds in Flight: Capture birds soaring or in action.
Urban Wildlife: Find wildlife in an urban setting.
Motion and Blur: Experiment with capturing movement.
Night Sky: Try astrophotography or capture the night ambiance.
Landscape Views: Wide shots of natural or urban landscapes.
Street Art and Graffiti: Find and photograph unique street art.
Portraits in Natural Light: Focus on portraiture using natural lighting.
Water Activities: Capture activities around or in water.
Rainy Day: Embrace and capture the mood of a rainy day.
Food Photography: Make a meal or dish look appetizing.
Father’s Day: Photograph something that symbolizes fatherhood or family.
Sunset Colors: Capture the vibrant colors of the sunset.
Pets and Animals: Photograph pets or animals in interesting settings.
Green Spaces: Focus on parks, gardens, or forests.
Historical Sites: Capture a place of historical or cultural significance.
Minimalist Composition: Create a photo with minimal elements.
Blue Hour: Capture scenes during the blue hour.
Candid Moments: Capture spontaneous or candid moments.
Favorite June Spot: Photograph your favorite place in June.
Photographer’s Choice: End the month with a subject of your own choice.

July: The Heat of Summer

Capture the essence of July’s heat through summer festivities, Independence Day celebrations (for U.S. photographers), or the languid, golden hours of summer evenings.

July Photo Challenge

Independence Day: Capture something that symbolizes freedom or independence (particularly relevant for the U.S. audience).
Golden Hour: Photograph the warm, soft light of the evening.
Water Fun: Capture water-related activities, like swimming or water fights.
Street Photography: Explore urban scenes and street life.
Sunrise Serenity: Capture the tranquility of an early morning.
Macro World: Close-up shots of tiny details in nature or objects.
Architectural Beauty: Focus on interesting buildings or structures.
Shadows and Silhouettes: Experiment with dramatic lighting.
Beach Vibes: Photograph beach scenes or coastal elements.
Summer Fruits: Capture colorful and fresh summer fruits.
Nightscapes: Explore and photograph the night environment.
Urban Wildlife: Capture animals in a city setting.
Motion Photography: Experiment with capturing movement and action.
Landscape Panorama: Take a wide shot of a natural or urban landscape.
Street Art: Find and photograph unique graffiti or murals.
Portraits in Sunlight: Use the bright sunlight for portraits.
Water Reflections: Look for interesting reflections in water.
Rainy Weather: Capture the mood of a summer rain.
Food Photography: Make a summer dish look appetizing.
Sunset Colors: Photograph the vibrant hues of the sunset.
Pets in Summer: Capture pets enjoying the summer.
Greenery and Parks: Focus on lush parks or gardens.
Historical Landmarks: Photograph a place of historical significance.
Minimalist Shots: Create a photo with minimal elements.
Blue Hour: Utilize the cool, serene blue hour light.
Candid Smiles: Capture spontaneous smiles and laughter.
Favorite July Spot: Photograph your favorite place to be in July.
Fireworks: If possible, capture the excitement of fireworks.
Photographer’s Choice: Choose a subject that inspires you.
Reflections on July: Capture something that represents the month for you.
End of Month Review: Take a photo that summarizes your July experience.

August: Summer’s Twilight

As summer starts to wane, focus on the late-summer vibes. Think about vacation memories, nature’s abundance, or the preparation for the season change.

August Photo Challenge

Dog Days of Summer: Capture the essence of midsummer.
Sunrise Moments: Photograph the beauty of an early morning.
Water Life: Focus on bodies of water, like lakes, rivers, or pools.
Street Photography: Explore and capture urban life.
Golden Hour Glow: Use the evening golden hour for warm lighting.
Macro Detail: Zoom in on small, intricate details.
Architectural Wonders: Photograph unique buildings or structures.
Shadow Play: Experiment with shadows in your compositions.
Summer Leisure: Capture leisure activities or relaxation scenes.
Garden Splendor: Photograph flowers or scenes in a garden.
Night Skies: Experiment with astrophotography or city lights at night.
Wildlife in Action: Capture animals in their natural habitat.
Dynamic Movement: Photograph subjects in motion.
Panoramic Views: Take a wide shot of a landscape or cityscape.
Urban Art: Find and capture street art or graffiti.
Sunlit Portraits: Utilize natural sunlight for portraits.
Reflective Surfaces: Look for interesting reflections.
Summer Showers: Embrace the mood of a rainy summer day.
Food Photography: Showcase a delicious summer meal.
Sunset Serenity: Capture the calm and colors of the sunset.
Pets’ Summer Fun: Photograph pets enjoying summer.
Green Spaces: Focus on parks, forests, or fields.
Historic Sites: Photograph a place with historical significance.
Minimalist Approach: Create a photo with minimal elements.
Blue Hour Beauty: Capture scenes during the blue hour.
Candid Expressions: Capture genuine expressions and moments.
Your Favorite August Place: Share your favorite spot in August.
Summer Festivities: Capture any festivals or events happening around you.
Photographer’s Choice: Choose a theme or subject you’re passionate about.
End-of-Summer Reflections: Photograph something that signifies the end of summer for you.
Month in Review: Take a photo that encapsulates your August.

September: Transition to Autumn

September’s challenge is capturing the transition from summer to autumn. Concentrate on early fall colors, back-to-school themes, or the harvest season.

September Photo Challenge

Hello September: Capture something that symbolizes the start of September for you.
Morning Dew: Photograph the freshness of a dewy morning.
Urban Landscape: Explore and capture the city life.
Golden Hour Glow: Utilize the warm evening light.
Water Reflections: Capture interesting reflections in water.
Macro Marvels: Close-up shots of tiny details.
Architectural Details: Focus on unique architectural elements.
Shadows and Silhouettes: Experiment with light and dark.
End of Summer: Capture scenes that signify the end of summer.
Early Autumn Colors: Look for early signs of fall in nature.
Night Photography: Experiment with capturing scenes at night.
Wildlife: Photograph animals in their natural settings.
Action Shots: Capture movement or sports in action.
Landscape Panoramas: Take wide shots of landscapes or cityscapes.
Street Art and Graffiti: Find and photograph urban art.
Backlit Portraits: Use backlighting for dramatic portraits.
Mirror-like Surfaces: Find and use reflective surfaces creatively.
Rainy Days: Embrace the mood of a rainy day.
Food Photography: Make a meal look delectable.
Sunset Scenes: Capture the colors and calm of the sunset.
Pets in Nature: Photograph pets outdoors.
Greenery and Nature: Focus on parks, gardens, or forests.
Historical Places: Capture a site of historical importance.
Minimalist Shots: Create a photo with minimal elements.
Blue Hour: Take advantage of the serene blue hour light.
Candid Life: Capture spontaneous moments.
Favorite September Spot: Share your favorite place during September.
Beginning of Fall: Photograph something that represents the start of autumn.
Photographer’s Choice: Choose a subject that inspires you.
Farewell to September: Capture a scene that sums up your month.

October: Autumn’s Full Glory

October is all about the full glory of autumn. From Halloween themes to fall foliage, let the month’s rich colors and cool air inspire you.

October Photo Challenge

Autumn Arrival: Capture the signs of autumn’s arrival.
Morning Mist: Photograph the misty or foggy morning ambiance.
City Vibes: Explore and capture urban life and cityscapes.
Golden Hour Beauty: Utilize the warm, soft light of the evening.
Water Scenes: Focus on lakes, rivers, or rain scenes.
Macro Magic: Zoom in on small, intricate details of autumn.
Architectural Patterns: Find interesting architectural designs.
Shadows and Contrast: Play with light and shadow.
Fall Colors: Capture the vibrant colors of autumn leaves.
Harvest Theme: Photograph scenes related to the harvest season.
Nightscapes: Explore and capture the night environment.
Animal Life: Photograph animals in their natural setting.
Motion and Sports: Capture movement, such as in sports or activities.
Panoramic Views: Take wide shots of landscapes or cityscapes.
Street Art: Find and photograph unique street art.
Sunlit Portraits: Use the soft autumn sunlight for portraits.
Reflective Surfaces: Experiment with reflections in water or glass.
Rainy Mood: Capture the essence of a rainy October day.
Autumn Food: Showcase autumn-themed dishes or ingredients.
Sunset Serenity: Photograph the serene and colorful sunset.
Halloween Prep: Capture Halloween decorations or themes.
Forests and Trails: Photograph woodlands or hiking trails.
Historic Buildings: Focus on buildings with historical significance.
Minimalist Composition: Create a photo with minimal elements.
Blue Hour: Capture the blue hour’s tranquil ambiance.
Candid Moments: Snap spontaneous, candid shots.
Favorite October Spot: Share your favorite place during October.
Halloween Night: Capture the spirit of Halloween.
Photographer’s Choice: Choose a theme that inspires you.
Autumn Reflections: Reflect on the month with a meaningful photo.
October Farewell: A photo to bid farewell to October.

November: The Month of Gratitude

With the approach of Thanksgiving (in the U.S.), November is a time for gratitude. Capture what you’re thankful for, the beauty of late fall, or the quiet before winter.

November Photo Challenge

Welcome November: Capture an image that represents the essence of November for you.
Frosty Mornings: Photograph frosty scenes or early morning dew.
Urban Exploration: Explore and capture elements of city life.
Golden Hour Warmth: Utilize the warm light of the late afternoon.
Reflections in Water: Focus on reflections in lakes, rivers, or puddles.
Macro World: Close-up shots showcasing small details.
Architectural Forms: Photograph interesting buildings or structures.
Shadows and Light: Experiment with shadows in your photography.
Autumn Leaves: Capture the colors and textures of fall foliage.
Cozy Indoor Scenes: Photograph indoor settings that evoke coziness.
Night Photography: Explore and capture the night, from city lights to quiet streets.
Wildlife: Capture animals in their natural autumn habitat.
Action and Movement: Photograph subjects in motion, sports or activities.
Landscape Panoramas: Take wide shots of natural or urban landscapes.
Street Art and Murals: Discover and capture unique urban art.
Portraits with a Fall Backdrop: Use autumn scenes for portrait backgrounds.
Rainy Days: Embrace and capture the mood of a rainy November day.
Thanksgiving Preparations: (U.S.-specific) Capture themes related to Thanksgiving.
Food Photography: Showcase autumnal dishes or seasonal ingredients.
Sunset Colors: Photograph the varied colors of November sunsets.
Remembrance Day: (International) Capture something that symbolizes remembrance and history.
Parks and Trails: Photograph parks or nature trails in their autumnal state.
Historical Monuments: Focus on monuments or places of historical importance.
Minimalist Approach: Create a photo with minimal elements.
Blue Hour Mood: Capture the serene atmosphere of the blue hour.
Candid Street Photography: Snap spontaneous moments in urban settings.
Favorite November Place: Share a photo of your favorite spot this month.
Early Winter Signs: Capture signs that winter is approaching.
Photographer’s Choice: Select a subject or theme that inspires you.
Goodbye November: Take a photo that summarizes your experience of the month.

December: Winter’s Embrace

December brings the year to a close with festive lights, holiday celebrations, and the first whispers of winter. Embrace the joy, the peace, and the reflective mood of the season.

December Photo Challenge

Winter’s Arrival: Capture something that signifies the start of winter.
Frosty Scenes: Photograph frost, ice, or cold winter scenes.
City Lights: Capture the festive lights in urban settings.
Golden Hour in Winter: Utilize the soft light of a winter’s evening.
Reflections: Focus on interesting reflections, possibly in icy surfaces.
Macro Winter Wonderland: Close-up shots of winter details.
Architectural Beauty in Winter: Photograph buildings adorned with festive decorations.
Shadows and Light: Play with the contrasts of winter light and shadows.
Christmas Preparations: Capture scenes of holiday preparations.
Cozy Indoor Atmosphere: Photograph indoor settings that evoke warmth and coziness.
Night Photography: Explore the beauty of December nights.
Animal Life in Winter: Capture animals in a winter setting.
Winter Sports and Activities: Photograph people engaging in winter sports or activities.
Panoramic Winter Landscapes: Wide shots of snowy landscapes or cityscapes.
Holiday Street Art: Find and photograph festive urban art.
Portraits with a Winter Theme: Use winter scenes as a backdrop for portraits.
Rainy or Snowy Days: Capture the mood of a winter weather day.
Christmas Markets: (If accessible) Photograph the vibrancy of Christmas markets.
Holiday Food and Drinks: Showcase festive meals, treats, or beverages.
Sunset in Winter: Capture the early sunsets of December.
Hanukkah Celebration: (For those who celebrate) Capture elements of the Hanukkah festival.
Winter Solstice: Photograph something that represents the shortest day of the year.
Festive Decorations: Focus on holiday decorations in various settings.
Christmas Eve: Capture the anticipation and excitement of Christmas Eve.
Christmas Day: (For those who celebrate) Photograph how you spend Christmas Day.
Boxing Day: (For countries that observe it) Capture the essence of Boxing Day.
Kwanzaa Beginnings: (For those who celebrate) Capture elements of Kwanzaa celebrations.
Farewell to the Year: Photograph something that symbolizes the end of the year.
Photographer’s Choice: Choose a subject that has special meaning for you in December.
Year in Reflection: Capture a photo that reflects on your year.
New Year’s Eve: Photograph the excitement and anticipation of the New Year.

Conclusion

As you embark on this year-long journey, remember that each photograph you take is a step towards greater mastery and self-expression. I encourage you to share your progress, stories, and insights along the way. Let’s inspire and uplift each other in our photographic endeavors. Happy shooting!