Weekly Photo Challenge

Week 7 – 30 Minutes 30 Unique Pictures

Posted on by fychoong

This week's challenge is...

30 Minutes 30 Unique Pictures

This week’s challenge will test your creativity and quick thinking! The theme is “30 Minutes, 30 Unique Pictures”—a fun, fast-paced challenge where you’ll capture 30 different photos within a 30-minute window. It’s all about observing your surroundings quickly and finding new, unique perspectives in a limited time!

What to Capture?

  • Everyday Objects: Look for interesting angles, lighting, or close-ups of things around you.
  • People and Movement: Capture candid shots of people passing by or in action.
  • Patterns and Textures: Explore surfaces, shapes, and patterns that might usually go unnoticed.
  • Nature and Urban Life: Whether you’re in a park or on the street, find diverse scenes that tell different stories.

How to Participate?

  • Set Your Timer: Pick a location, set your timer for 30 minutes, and start shooting!
  • Capture 30 Unique Shots: Each photo should be different in subject, composition, or perspective—challenge yourself to see your environment in new ways.
  • Submission Deadline: All submissions must be posted by Wednesday the week after before our online photo review session.
  • Online Photo Review Session: We’ll have an online photo review session every Thursday at 9 PM, where we’ll discuss submissions, provide feedback, and explore new techniques.

Tips for Shooting

  • Move Quickly: Don’t overthink each shot—focus on capturing a variety of images within the time limit.
  • Change Perspectives: Experiment with high and low angles or wide and tight frames.
  • Use What’s Around You: Make the most of your surroundings, whether you’re indoors, outdoors, or somewhere in between.
  • Trust Your Instincts: Go with your gut and take shots that feel spontaneous and unique.

This challenge is all about speed and creativity! It’s a great way to sharpen your observation skills and push the boundaries of your photography.

Ready, set, click!

Weekly Photo Challenge

Week 6 – Take Photos of Strangers on the Streets

Posted on by fychoong


This week's challenge is...


Take Photos of Strangers on the Streets

This week, we’re diving into the art of street photography! The challenge is to Take Photos of Strangers on the Streets—a fantastic way to capture candid moments, unique expressions, and the raw energy of everyday life. It’s all about stepping outside your comfort zone and finding stories in the people you meet on the street.

 

What to Capture?

  • Candid Moments: Capture people going about their day—lost in thought, engaged in conversation, or simply strolling through the city.
  • Street Portraits: Politely approach strangers and ask to take their portrait, showcasing their personality and style.
  • Everyday Life: Photograph people working, commuting, or participating in street activities—revealing the character of the city.
  • Cultural Diversity: Capture the rich tapestry of cultures, fashion, and lifestyles through the lens of street photography.

How to Participate?

  • Capture Your Shot: Use your camera or smartphone and experiment with motion blur techniques.
  • Submission Deadline: All submissions must be posted by Wednesday the week after before our online photo review session.
  • Online Photo Review Session: We’ll have an online photo review session every Thursday at 9 PM, where we’ll discuss submissions, provide feedback, and explore new techniques.

Tips for Shooting

  • Be Respectful: Always approach people with politeness and respect when asking for permission to take their photo.
  • Blend In: Try to remain unobtrusive to capture more candid, natural moments.
  • Tell a Story: Look for expressions, interactions, or scenes that tell a story or convey an emotion.
  • Experiment with Composition: Use leading lines, framing, or the environment to make the subject stand out.

This week’s challenge will push your boundaries as a photographer, helping you capture the true essence of human life. Get ready to hit the streets and discover the world through a new lens!

Ready, set, click!


Weekly Photo Challenge

Week 5 – Things In A Row

Posted on by fychoong


This week's challenge is...


THINGS IN A ROW

This week’s theme is all about Things in a Row—a fun way to explore repetition and patterns in everyday life. Whether it’s neatly aligned objects, a row of buildings, or natural elements forming a sequence, this challenge invites you to find order and rhythm in your surroundings.

 

What to Capture?

  • Urban Scenes: Rows of houses, benches, or lamp posts along a street.
  • Nature’s Patterns: Trees, plants, or flowers lined up in natural formation.
  • Objects and Details: Everyday items like books, shoes, or food arranged in a line.
  • People or Animals: Capture groups of people or animals standing or walking in a row.

How to Participate?

  • Capture Your Shot: Use your camera or smartphone and experiment with motion blur techniques.
  • Submission Deadline: All submissions must be posted by Wednesday the week after before our online photo review session.
  • Online Photo Review Session: We’ll have an online photo review session every Thursday at 9 PM, where we’ll discuss submissions, provide feedback, and explore new techniques.

Tips for Shooting

  • Use Leading Lines: Position your row in a way that draws the viewer’s eye across the frame.
  • Play with Depth of Field: Blur the background or foreground to focus on the main row of objects.
  • Symmetry and Balance: Experiment with symmetrical compositions or off-center framing for a unique perspective.
  • Colors and Shapes: Look for patterns in color, size, or shape to make your row stand out.

Get ready to discover the beauty in the repetition around you! We can’t wait to see what you line up this week.

Ready, set, click!


Weekly Photo Challenge

Week 4 – Night Photography

Posted on by fychoong


This week's challenge is...


NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

This week, we’re stepping into the magic of the night! The theme is Night Photography—a chance to explore the beauty of low-light scenes and capture the glow of the world after dark. From starry skies to illuminated cityscapes, night photography can reveal stunning and unique visuals.

 

What to Capture?

  • City Lights: Capture the vibrancy of urban life, from neon signs to car light trails.
  • Stars and the Moon: Shoot the night sky and experiment with long exposures for breathtaking astrophotography.
  • Light Painting: Get creative with torches, sparklers, or any light source to add dynamic effects.
  • Silhouettes and Shadows: Play with contrast to highlight subjects against dark backgrounds.

How to Participate?

  • Capture Your Shot: Use your camera or smartphone and experiment with motion blur techniques.
  • Submission Deadline: All submissions must be posted by Wednesday the week after before our online photo review session.
  • Online Photo Review Session: We’ll have an online photo review session every Thursday at 9 PM, where we’ll discuss submissions, provide feedback, and explore new techniques.

Tips for Shooting

  • Use a Tripod: Stabilize your camera for clear, sharp images in low light.
  • Long Exposures: Experiment with slow shutter speeds to capture light trails or smooth water surfaces.
  • Boost ISO: Increase ISO to brighten your images, but balance it to avoid too much noise.
  • Focus on Highlights: Look for interesting light sources to add depth and drama to your shots.

Let’s light up the night with our creativity and see what we can capture in the dark!

Ready, set, click!

https://youtube.com/shorts/GERUYBtiOU4


Weekly Photo Challenge

Week 3 – Shadow

Posted on by fychoong


This week's challenge is...


SHADOW

This week, we’re diving into the world of Shadows—a fascinating element that can add depth, drama, and mystery to your photography. Shadows can reveal the unseen, highlight texture, or create striking contrasts. Let’s explore how light and shadow interact to tell compelling visual stories.

What to Capture?

  • Silhouettes: Use shadows to create bold, graphic shapes or outlines of subjects.
  • Contrast and Depth: Play with strong light sources to emphasize shadows and textures in your scene.
  • Creative Patterns: Capture shadows cast by trees, fences, or window blinds for interesting designs.
  • Abstract and Surreal: Look for unusual or distorted shadows to create unique, thought-provoking images.

How to Participate?

  • Capture Your Shot: Use your camera or smartphone and experiment with motion blur techniques.
  • Submission Deadline: All submissions must be posted by Wednesday the week after before our online photo review session.
  • Online Photo Review Session: We’ll have an online photo review session every Thursday at 9 PM, where we’ll discuss submissions, provide feedback, and explore new techniques.

Tips for Shooting

  • Find Strong Light: Early morning or late afternoon light is perfect for casting long shadows.
  • Experiment with Angles: Change your perspective to find the most dramatic shadow shapes.
  • Use Black and White: Stripping away color can emphasize the contrast between light and shadow.
  • Highlight the Subject: Make sure the subject casting the shadow is interesting too—it adds depth to the overall composition.

We’re excited to see how you creatively use shadows to enhance your shots! Let’s embrace the dark side of photography and shoot something amazing.

Ready, set, click!

https://youtube.com/shorts/tAFXhGVU6Zs?feature=share


Weekly Photo Challenge

Week 2 – Symmetry

Posted on by fychoong


This week's challenge is...


SYMMETRY

Ready for a new challenge? This week’s theme is all about Symmetry—a powerful compositional tool that brings balance and harmony to your photos. Whether you’re capturing perfect reflections, architectural patterns, or natural symmetry in landscapes, this challenge will push you to find order in the world around you.

What to Capture?

  • Architecture: Buildings, bridges, and staircases with perfectly mirrored lines.
  • Reflections: Look for symmetry in mirrors, water, or glass surfaces.
  • Nature’s Balance: Capture symmetry in flowers, trees, or even animals.
  • Everyday Objects: Find unexpected symmetry in daily life—windows, doors, or objects arranged in order.

How to Participate?

  • Capture Your Shot: Use your camera or smartphone and experiment with motion blur techniques.
  • Upload Your Photo: Post your entry on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter with the hashtag #WeeklyPhotoChallenge and tag us.
  • Submission Deadline: All submissions must be posted by Wednesday the week after before our online photo review session.
  • Online Photo Review Session: We’ll have an online photo review session every Thursday at 9 PM, where we’ll discuss submissions, provide feedback, and explore new techniques.

Tips for Shooting Symmetry

  • – Find a Focal Point: Center your subject to highlight the symmetry in the frame.
  • Use Reflections: Water, glass, and mirrors are perfect tools for creating symmetry.
  • Play with Perspective: Stand directly in front of your subject for perfect alignment.
  • Look for Patterns: Keep an eye out for repeated shapes and patterns in nature or architecture.
Let’s have some fun and create something amazing together! Can’t wait to see your shots!

Ready, set, click!

https://youtube.com/shorts/tAFXhGVU6Zs?feature=share


Weekly Photo Challenge

Week #1 – Motion Blur

Posted on by fychoong


This week's challenge is...


MOTION BLUR

For our first challenge, we’re focusing on Motion Blur—a technique that adds a sense of movement and energy to your images. Whether it’s the rush of cars speeding down a street, the flowing motion of a waterfall, or the soft blur of a dancer in mid-twirl, motion blur has the power to transform everyday scenes into something dynamic and captivating.

What to Capture?

  • City Life: Capture the hustle and bustle of a busy street or the flow of pedestrian movement.
  • Nature in Action: Think of flowing water, wind-swept fields, or even birds in flight.
  • Sports and Action: Freeze the moment in motion during a sporting event or high-energy activity.
  • Abstract and Artistic: Experiment with intentional camera movement to create abstract, painterly images.

How to Participate?

  • Capture Your Shot: Use your camera or smartphone and experiment with motion blur techniques.
  • Upload Your Photo: Post your entry on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter with the hashtag #WeeklyPhotoChallenge and tag us.
  • Submission Deadline: All submissions must be posted by Wednesday the week after before our online photo review session.
  • Online Photo Review Session: We’ll have an online photo review session every Thursday at 9 PM, where we’ll discuss submissions, provide feedback, and explore new techniques.

Tips for Shooting Motion Blur

  • Use a Slow Shutter Speed: Adjust your shutter speed to capture the motion (around 1/30 to 1 second works well for most subjects).
  • Steady Your Camera: Use a tripod to keep the non-moving elements sharp, or experiment with intentional camera movement.
  • Experiment with Light: Play around with different lighting conditions, like city lights at night, to enhance the motion effect.

Let’s see what amazing motion-filled moments you can create! We can’t wait to witness your unique perspective and celebrate your creativity in motion!

Ready, set, click!

Blog

8 Tips Shooting in the Cold

Posted on by fychoong
Recently, I received numerous questions regarding photography in the extreme cold weather conditions such as the Artic Circle. So I thought it would be helpful if I could list down few tips for you guys if you’re considering shooting in the Cold.
 

Batteries

When shooting in below-freezing weather, it is critical to have a fully charged set of batteries, since the cold temperatures can quickly drain them. Should your battery discharge too early, you can extend its life by placing it in a warm pocket, close to your body, to warm it up. Remember to always bring along few batteries.

Add Any content here


Upload Image...

it’s important not to change your lenses outdoors. You never want to get moisture or condensation inside the camera body.
 
Be careful bringing your camera inside a warm house or cabin from the cold outdoors. Put your cameras and lenses back into your camera bag and seal them up before you bring them indoors. Once inside, place them in the coldest area you can find so they slowly warm up to the new temperature.
 
Snow is wet, always shoot with rain covers to prevent the bodies and lenses from getting damp. Even the pro cameras, which are sturdier, need protection.
 
Keeping your hands and feet warm. Use high quality heat packs to stay warm in between shots. You want to be sure you always have access to your camera controls and dials.
 
Bring a good fiber cloths with you. Who knows when you might want to clean your filter or front element that has become moist from going in and out of cold temperatures.
 
Get a weatherproof container to store your sdcards. The last thing you want to do is lose or drop your valuable photos in the snow.

Blog

Composition: Sparking Viewer Curiosity with Your Photos

Posted on by fychoong

In the world of photography, there’s a secret that separates a good photograph from an outstanding one – the ability to spark viewer curiosity. It’s the kind of curiosity that draws your audience in, making them feel a connection with your image, and enticing them to explore the story within. In this article, we’ll explore the art of composition, using curiosity as our guiding light to capture that perfect shot.


1. The Rule of Odds:

The “Rule of Odds” is a fantastic starting point. This rule suggests that an odd number of elements in a photo is more visually appealing. It creates balance and harmony while also leaving viewers with a sense of intrigue.

Take, for instance, a photograph of three friends exploring a lush forest, each with their eyes locked on a mysterious point in the distance. Three subjects bring balance to the frame, and the odd number makes the composition more engaging. Viewers are naturally drawn into the image, eager to explore the world from the subjects’ perspective.



2. Leading Lines:

Leading lines are a composition technique that can be used to guide your viewer’s gaze and create a dynamic composition. In a picture of a winding forest path, curiosity is piqued as viewers are led into the heart of the woods. The line of the path invites them to explore and discover what lies around the next bend, evoking a sense of wonder.

3. Framing:

Framing can work wonders in creating intrigue. If you capture your subject within a natural frame in their environment, such as branches, leaves, or an arch, it adds layers to your composition. The viewer not only sees the subject but also has a sense of peering into their world. The frame acts as a gateway, inviting the audience to enter the scene and explore further.

4. Color and Lighting:

Curiosity can be enhanced through the use of color and lighting. Vivid, contrasting colors can draw attention to specific elements in the photograph, while subtle or dramatic lighting can create mood and atmosphere. A shot with a subject bathed in soft, golden light amid a shadowy forest will make viewers curious about the story that unfolds in that magical moment.


5. Emotion and Character:

Curiosity isn’t just about visual elements; it’s about emotions too. Imagine capturing a group of friends at the moment they’re all huddled around, looking at something that’s just out of the frame. Each of them may have a unique expression – one filled with wonder, another cautious, and the third, perhaps, a mix of excitement and anticipation. These expressions tell a story, and viewers can’t help but wonder about the source of their curiosity.

In essence, photography is the art of storytelling through images. To spark curiosity, your composition is your narrative, your camera is your pen, and the subjects are your characters. When you combine the Rule of Odds, leading lines, framing, color, lighting, and emotions, you create a multi-layered story within a single frame.


So, next time you pick up your camera, remember that curiosity is your secret weapon. Use it to craft compelling compositions that invite viewers to step into your world, explore your story, and, most importantly, share in your sense of wonder.

Capture the intrigue, and watch as your images become not just pictures but immersive experiences that leave your viewers curious for more.

Blog

Crop Like a Pro: Photography Composition Secrets

Posted on by fychoong

Cropping is a common technique in photography used to enhance composition, remove distractions, or change the aspect ratio of an image. It involves cutting out a portion of the original image to create a new composition. 

 


Here are some key points to consider when cropping images in photography:

Composition Improvement: Cropping allows you to adjust the framing of your image to create a more visually appealing composition. You can remove unwanted elements, distractions, or empty space to focus on the subject.

Aspect Ratio: Cropping can help you change the aspect ratio of an image to better suit your intended use, such as for printing, social media, or specific display formats (e.g., 4:3 for standard photos or 16:9 for widescreen).

Rule of Thirds: The rule of thirds is a compositional guideline that suggests dividing an image into a 3×3 grid and placing key elements along these lines or at their intersections. Cropping can help you align your subject with these guidelines.

Maintain Image Quality: When cropping, it’s essential to start with a high-resolution image to maintain image quality. Cropping too much from a low-resolution image can result in a loss of detail and clarity.

Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different crops to see what works best for your image. You can create variations and compare them to determine the most pleasing composition.



Maintain Balance: Be mindful of the balance and symmetry in your image. If you crop too much from one side, it can make the composition feel unbalanced.

Straightening: Cropping can also be used to straighten and level horizons or correct perspective distortion in architectural photography.

Cropping Tools: Most photo editing software, like Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, or even smartphone apps, provide cropping tools that make it easy to select and resize the portion of the image you want to keep.

Original Backup: It’s a good practice to keep a backup of the original image before cropping. This way, you can always go back to the original if needed.

Consider the Story: Think about the story or message you want to convey with your image. Cropping can help you emphasize specific elements or tell a more compelling story.