I did this for 30 days and it improved my photography.

Teo Crawford
28 Dec 202315:27
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video discusses the speaker's attempt at a 30-day film photography challenge to push themselves creatively, but they struggled with consistency and only completed 10% initially. They reassessed to make the challenge more manageable by just shooting one photo per day. This approach worked better, helping regain awareness of photographic opportunities. Though not strictly 30 days, consistently photographing 'reactivated' their mindset to spot chances to capture memorable shots. The speaker concludes that doing an informal challenge can spark inspiration if you've been photographing less actively.

Takeaways
  • 😀 The video discusses a 30-day film photography challenge the narrator attempted
  • 📷 The narrator failed their first 30-day challenge, only completing 10% of it
  • 🤔 The narrator realized the initial challenge was too difficult and needed to be simplified
  • 😊 The second attempt at the challenge was more successful with lower expectations
  • 🌄 Still life photography allows focus on lighting, shapes and colors in a controlled environment
  • ⏱️ The narrator is often too busy with other work to dedicate time to photography
  • 🎥 Documenting daily life through photography can capture special moments
  • 📈 Consistently practicing photography increases chances of good shots
  • 👍 Doing an informal photography challenge helped recommit to the craft
  • 🙏 The narrator thanked Patreon supporters for helping their creative work
Q & A

  • What was the theme of the 30-day photography challenge the narrator took on?

    -The narrator took on a 30-day still life photography challenge.

  • Why did the narrator fail at the initial 30-day challenge?

    -The narrator failed because they did not have enough time, energy and discipline to commit to shooting a still life photo every day on top of their other work.

  • How did the narrator modify the challenge to be more successful?

    -The narrator modified the challenge to simply require shooting at least one photo per day rather than specifically still life photos.

  • What does the narrator see as the point of doing these 30-day challenges?

    -The point is not to just complete the 30 days, but to use the challenge to regain momentum and get back into the habit of being aware of photographic opportunities on a regular basis.

  • What is the narrator's view on shooting many mediocre photos?

    -The narrator believes shooting many mediocre photos is part of the process and increases the chances of getting some good photos as well.

  • What is still life photography and why is the narrator fond of it?

    -Still life photography is photographing arranged objects in a controlled environment. The narrator likes it because it allows studying lighting, shapes and colors and ties in with their love of interior photography.

  • What is the narrator's typical photography behavior and workflow?

    -The narrator often finds themself busy with video editing and other work, and doesn't make active effort to shoot photos regularly outside of trips.

  • What photo opportunities exist in the narrator's daily life?

    -Opportunities like photographing potted plants in the sunlight in their apartment, or interestingly lit corners and objects when visiting family.

  • What encouraged the narrator to do these 30-day challenges?

    -The narrator wanted to revamp their photographic activity, push themselves in a genre, and regain momentum shooting more consistently.

  • What change in behavior did this challenge lead to for the narrator?

    -The narrator now thinks to bring their camera whenever they leave the house, being more aware of photographic opportunities.

Outlines
00:00
🎵 Introducing 30-day challenges and a failed attempt at a still life photography challenge

The first paragraph introduces the concept of 30-day challenges, giving examples like fitness, morning routines, and art challenges. It highlights YouTube creator Matt D'Avella and his experiments trying things like quitting caffeine and taking cold showers. The author then explains attempting a 30-day still life photography challenge but failing after 10% completion and only getting three photos. The photos are analyzed as lazy shots at night rather than proper still life images.

05:01
😕 Lesson learned - simplify the challenge to actually complete it

After the failed still life challenge attempt, the author realizes the need to simplify the task to give more freedom and a higher chance of success. The new approach is taking at least one photo every day without a specific theme. Example photos are then shown over the following days including nice lighting, cute house elements, a thoughtfully composed window scene, and more.

10:03
📸 Regaining a mindset of consistently capturing photographic opportunities

More example photographs are shared showing the author's improvement with consistent shooting. Topics covered include capturing lively café atmosphere, reminiscing on lazy shots showing workspace scenes, an interesting market view from above, an under-exposed Asian goods shop, and final industrial area shots focused on textures. In total 39 photos are shown over an informal 30-day period, meeting the goal of regained enthusiasm for photography.

15:05
😊 Thanking Patreon supporters and hoping this inspires more consistent shooting

The closing paragraph thanks Patreon supporters and invites others to join for access to content like Lightroom presets and postcards. A final print shop link is also shared. The author reiterates hoping this video and relaxed photo challenge format can inspire viewers to start shooting more consistently again.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Still Life photography
A genre of photography focused on inanimate subject matter, typically commonplace objects arranged in a creative composition. The video maker decides to practice this genre through a 30-day challenge to improve his photographic skills and activity.
💡30-day challenge
A popular format for personal growth experiments, where a person commits to doing an activity for 30 consecutive days. The video maker has done these before for various skills, and undertakes a 30-day still life photography challenge.
💡photographic mind
Being consciously aware of photographic opportunities and composition in daily life. The video maker aims to regain this mindset through consistent practice.
💡photo opportunities
Moments, scenes or arrangements that have aesthetic or narrative photographic potential. A key aim of the 30-day challenge is to notice more of these opportunities on a daily basis.
💡shoot consistently
Practice photography regularly over a period of time. For the video maker, this habit is more valuable than strictly finishing a 30-day challenge.
💡photographic activity
The frequency and consistency with which one practices photography. The 30-day challenge is aimed at increasing photographic activity.
💡discipline
The capacity for self-control and focus. The video maker realizes he lacks the discipline currently to complete a strict 30-day challenge.
💡simplify
Make a process easier in order to follow through successfully. The video maker simplifies the 30-day challenge parameters to ensure completion.
💡rethink
Carefully reconsider an approach or process that is not working and modify it accordingly. The video maker rethinks and resets his challenge after failing his strict parameters.
💡lazy photos
Photographs that lack effort or creative vision, often because they are shot hastily out of urgency rather than inspiration. Some of the maker's initial challenge photos seem lazy to him.
Highlights

I decided to take cold showers from now on to improve my photography

Still life photography is a thorough study of lighting, shapes and colors in a controlled environment

I bravely made still life photography the theme of my 30-day challenge

I completed a miserable 10% of the 30-day still life challenge

I needed to simplify the task, give myself more space and freedom, basically make the challenge easier

Better one mediocre photo than none at all, it's about the act of practicing

I enjoy the look of the houses and this garden here, the chairs and the small pot next to the window are kind of cute

Seeing this part of the table so beautifully lit by the low sun I just had to take my chance

Someone like me who doesn't have much website building experience can use Squarespace rather easily

This challenge did exactly what I was kind of hoping - I wasn't very strict, some days were boring, others had more action

Shooting consistently is what I was hoping to regain by doing this challenge

The intention is that you simply shoot again to regain momentum

I've sort of reactivated my photographic mind to be more aware of every chance to shoot

By simply photographing more I'm drastically increasing my chance to shoot good photos

If you feel less active, this video can inspire you to do an unstrict challenge and shoot again

Transcripts

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