10 Photo Assignments to Inspire and Challenge Your Skills

Liz Masoner is a professional photographer and she shares her tips and techniques on photo editing and how to photograph nature, portraits, and events with film and digital cameras. Liz has over 30 years of experience and she is the author of three books on photography.

The best way to learn photography is to practice, though sometimes you can get stuck in a rut and not know what to shoot. That is why photographers love assignments; they give us a purpose and an idea of what to photograph. 

Why Are Assignments Important?

Self-assignments are key to any photographer's growth. Even professionals with decades of experience will work on personal assignments that they may never get paid for. The goal of any self-assignment is to spur creativity, solve problems, learn new techniques, and challenge yourself.

As you start out in photography, you're probably filled with excitement and ready to shoot anything you can. That being said, sometimes a little direction and guidance are necessary.

Below, you will find ten photography assignments. Each covers a new topic, skill, or concept and they were chosen to help you learn how to see as a photographer. They are meant to be a personal challenge that you can complete at your own pace and with no outside judgment, simply as a means to practice and improve your photography. Hopefully, you will learn something new with each assignment and be able to use that in every photograph you take in the future.

Remember when composing your images to keep in mind the basics: the rule of thirds,  shutter speed , aperture,  depth of field , and  exposure .

Assignment #1: Up Close

This assignment encourages you to get close and personal with your subject. It is an exercise in viewing a common object in a new way and examining its finer details.

  • Choose an object that you see or interact with every day.
  • Focus on a small part of it, get as close as your camera will allow you to focus, and shoot away.
  • Try to capture different angles and unusual lighting to add to the mystery of this tiny world.

From the whiskers of your cat to a fragile Christmas ornament, and even common soap bubbles, there is an entire world that we often overlook because we don't get close enough.

Assignment #2: Motion

Photography is a static medium which means that it doesn't move. Conveying a sense of motion is often crucial to capturing a scene or emotion and it is an essential skill for photographers to practice.

The goal of this exercise is to understand how shutter speeds can be used to convey motion.

  • Choose a subject or series of subjects that will allow you to convey motion in your images.
  • It can be slow motions, like that of a turtle, or fast motion, like a speeding train.
  • Blur it, stop it, or simply suggest that there is motion in the photograph.

Challenge yourself to capture the same motion in different ways. For instance, you might go to a race track and stop the movement of the cars completely in one image, then leave the shutter open and allow them to blur out of the frame in the next. 

Assignment #3: Shadows

Shadows are everywhere and they are vital to photography because this is the art of capturing light. With light comes shadows and when you begin to look at shadows as a photographer, your world will open up.

  • Take a look around for shadows and record them with your camera.
  • You could show the shadow as the total focus of the image. Perhaps the shadow is incidental to the subject.
  • Is the shadow natural or created by flash?

Shadows are integral to creating depth in a two-dimensional medium such as photography. Take some time to seriously explore the "dark side" of the light.

Assignment #4: Water

Water is everywhere in photography and it presents many challenges. There are reflections and movements to work with and in this exercise, you will take a deeper look at water.

  • Find water anywhere: lakes, streams, puddles, even the glass on your kitchen table.
  • Pay attention to reflections and use them to your advantage in the photographs. Use this opportunity to get familiar with a polarizing filter (a very useful tool in your camera kit) so you can accentuate or eliminate reflections.
  • Play with the motion of a stream or the crashing waves. Notice the difference between stopping the flow of water and allowing it to blur to create a real sense of movement.

Be sure to make water the subject and not an accent to the image. Water alone is beautiful and mysterious and your challenge is to explore all of its potential as a subject.

Assignment #5: Leading Lines

A classic assignment in photography schools, 'leading lines ' is a popular and fun subject. The goal of this assignment is to learn how to direct the viewer to your subject using lines.

  • Choose a subject then look around for lines in the scene that you can use to 'lead' the viewer to the subject. 
  • Find an interesting line then determine what the subject of your photograph is.
  • Remember that lines can be man-made or natural. For instance, the yellow line down the middle of the road or a tree branch. Even a person's arm can be a leading line of their face.

Use this assignment as an excuse to take an afternoon photo excursion. Walk downtown or in the woods and look around you for interesting lines that lead the eye to a subject. There is an amazing assortment of lines out there in the world and once you begin to see them, you won't be able to stop. 

Assignment #6: Perspective

How do you normally stand when you shoot? If your answer is straight up like a 5-foot-something human being then this assignment is for you. The perspective assignment challenges you to view the world from an entirely new perspective, which in turn gives the viewer a new look at the ordinary.

  • Take another afternoon or evening for a photo excursion wherever you like.
  • This time, every time you find something to photograph, stop!
  • Ask yourself: How would a squirrel see that tree? How would a robin view that birdbath? How would a snake view that log?
  • Take your photographs from very high or very low angles. Get on your belly or stand on a chair, whatever you have to (safely) do to get the 'right' angle on your subject.

If you pay attention to professional photographs, many of the images that have the WOW factor are photographed from extreme angles. People enjoy these photos because they've never seen an object from that viewpoint. It is new and unique, and you can train yourself to shoot with this in mind.

Assignment #7: Texture

You may have captured a few textural details in the 'Up Close' assignment, but this assignment takes that to the next level. The goal in this one is to study textures and forget about the object itself: the texture becomes the subject. You will also begin to realize how light affects the appearance of texture.

  • Find a few objects that have very detailed textures like trees or rocks, even knit sweaters or woven rugs.
  • Photograph them as close as your lens will allow.
  • Use different angles and capture the same texture as the light changes. Notice how the different lighting directions and camera angles can change how much texture appears.

Textures are all around us and many of the best photographs in the world play up the textural element. This assignment should teach you how to recognize and accentuate those elements in your photos.

Assignment #8: Color Harmony

Color is important to photography because the world is full of color. This exercise requires a bit of study in color theory, which you will then put into practice in your photographs.

Do you remember art class in elementary school? You may have learned that yellow and blue make green, but color theory goes beyond that. There are cool and warm colors, complementary and contrasting colors, neutral colors, and bold colors.

It can get quite complicated, and photographers should have a basic understanding of color so you can use that when composing photographs. You don't have to study color like a painter would but can use tricks used by interior designers to influence your color decisions.

  • Once you have an idea of color theory, take another photo excursion and put what you've learned into practice.
  • Capture photographs with the primary or tertiary colors.
  • Look for complementary colors then contrasting colors to photograph.
  • Try finding a scene to photograph that is filled with neutral colors, then one that uses a bold color to 'pop' from the scene.

This is an advanced lesson, but one that any photographer working with color images will find useful. As you practice working with colors, it will become second nature and you will know how to work with color to change the feel of your images.

Assignment #9: Emotions

Take a photo of a person smiling or scowling, right? Not so. The intent of this assignment is to convey emotion in photographs  without  a face.

  • Take photographs that express each of the basic emotions: happy, sad, and mad.
  • How would you express the feeling of anger with no person? What about happiness? Sadness?

This is a purely conceptual assignment, but it is important to be able to relay emotion in your photographs and you might not always have a person available to do that with. Challenge yourself to think deeper about this one.

Assignment #10: Don't Look!

Are you ready to put your photography skills to the test? In today's world of digital cameras and the ability to see image captures right there on the LCD screen, photographers are losing some of the skills needed to visualize a photograph.

In this assignment, your challenge is to shoot as if you were using a film camera. That means that you will not look at the photographs you've taken until they are downloaded on your computer. Instead of relying on the camera's screen to see if you 'got the shot' you will rely on your instinct and knowledge, just like photographers did before digital photography. Can you do it?

  • Plan a photo excursion to a particular location and permit yourself to photograph only 36 images (a roll of 35mm film).
  • Turn off your camera's LCD screen so it does not show you the image after you have taken it.
  • If you cannot turn off the camera's screen, cut a piece of thick paper and tape it over the screen. Use masking or painter's tape so you don't leave a residue on the back of your camera.
  • Go out and shoot your 36 frames, thinking carefully about each image because you don't have an endless number of shots. Bonus points if you turn your camera to completely manual settings for focus and exposure.
  • Don't peek at your photos until you get home and download them.

How did you do? Were you able to get good exposures on your own? How did it feel to be 'blind' and not know how your image turned out right away? 

This is similar to what it is like to shoot with film and it does require you to think harder about every image you take. Next time you shoot, slow down and pay attention, pretend that the screen is not there and rely on your own skills to create a great image. You will be a better photographer in the end.

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12 Exciting Photography Assignments to Challenge and Inspire

Taya Ivanova

You can also select your interests for free access to our premium training:

Everyone likes a good photo challenge. But photography assignments can also be very discouraging if they’re approached the wrong way. A good photography challenge will strengthen your photo skills and inspire you in multiple ways. A bad one will leave you wondering why you even tried photography in the first place.

12 Exciting Photography Assignments

Here are 12 exciting photography assignments to help you find the right one.

1. Shoot With a Limited Amount of Equipment

A Nikon Camera balanced on a persons outstretched hand - photography assignments

2. Take a Photo Every Day for a Year

A still life with a book, cup of tea and flower on a table

3. Limit Yourself to X Photos a Day

A carpet of purple flowers in a forest, sunlight peeping through the trees - best photography assignments

4. Take Photos With Your Smartphone Camera Only

A person taking a photo of a street at night using a smartphone - photography challenges

5. Experiment With a Completely Different Genre

There’s a wide variety of photography genres out there. There’s underwater, glamour , smartphone , landscape , and portrait , to name a few. Trying something new can help you fall in love with photography all over again. So take a temporary break from your main photo genre. If you’re a portrait photographer , take panoramic photos of your neighborhood. If you spend lots of time photographing animals, improve your self-portrait photography skills. When you expose yourself to different genres, you’ll learn many valuable lessons. And they will be useful long after the photography assignments end.

6. Photograph the Same Person or Object Every Day

Rustic still life photo of a jar of honey, mandarin segments and flowers against a dark background - photography assignments

7. Quit Social Media Temporarily

A portrait of a blonde haired woman using her smartphone outdoors in low light

8. Create a Stop-Motion Video Using Photos

A flat lay photo of materials for puppet making

9. Take Creative Self-Portraits With a Friend

A portrait of a female model holding a cat by a window - photography projects

10. Crop or Rotate All Your Photos in a Specific Way

The silhouette of a man against a fiery sky at night - photography assignments

11. Include the Same Object in Every Photo

A portrait of a female model sitting in a white walled room, surrounded by white balloons

12. Invest in a Photo Book and Complete Every Assignment in It

A still life featuring photography books and a rolliflex camera on a table

Conclusion: Exciting Photography Assignments

You don’t need to travel the world or break the bank to improve as a photographer. A single assignment that lasts at least a week can teach you many lessons. And it’ll help you become a better photographer. All you have to do is find photography assignments that work for you. Then, dedicate some time to it, and watch your photo skills strengthen!

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40 Practical Photography Assignments to Reinspire You

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Here are a list of photographic assignments that I hope help you. You can skip around and choose the assignments that appeal to you:

#1. 5 yes, 5 no

If you’re interested in street photography, often the fear of rejection is worse than the rejection itself.

If you want a simple assignment to build your confidence, try the “5 yes, 5 no” challenge.

The concept is simple: approach a bunch of strangers and ask for permission to make their portrait. You have to keep asking until you get 5 people to say “yes” and 5 people to say “no.”

You will discover it is harder to get a “no” than a “yes”.

If you’ve got all 5 “yes’s” but not 5 “no’s”, you need to purposefully go out and look for the scariest people you think will say “no.”

The purpose of this assignment is to help you face rejection. In life, photography, and everything else, we are slaves of fear. This will help you face your fear head-on.

#2. “10 no”

If you’re really, really afraid of getting rejected, try out this assignment (a variation of the 5 yes/5 no assignment).

Go out and try to get 10 people to reject having their photos as quickly as possible.

If you go out and try to find people to say “yes” to getting their portrait shot, you might become paralyzed. Instead, only approach people who you think look unfriendly and will say “no.”

Funny story: you will find that often the scariest/meanest looking people are the nicest (and vice-versa).

#3. Exposure compensation

I am a big proponent of shooting in “P” (program mode). Essentially the camera chooses the aperture/shutter speed for you, as well as the exposure.

If you want to get better exposures in your photos (in P mode), try experimenting with exposure-compensation.

Ask a person to stand in the bright sun, and take a series of different photos (with different exposure compensations):

0, +1, +2, +3, -1, -2, -3

Then look at your LCD screen, and look at the exposure of each photo. Then look at the real world — how does your exposure-compensations change how your photos end up looking?

Don’t get too nerdy with this. Figure out what exposure-compensations work well for your camera, in different settings. Each camera thinks differently and has different exposure compensation modes. So treat this assignment as a way for you to better understand the light, and how your camera thinks.

If it is really bright outside, I generally photograph at -1 exposure-compensation, to make the skin tones of my subject look more natural, and also to darken the shadows. I love the dramatic look this gives my images.

Furthermore, if you’re shooting in the shade, you will often need to shoot +1 exposure-compensation to light your scene better.

But once again, experiment with different exposure-compensations, and figure out what works best for you.

#4. 1,000 photos in a day

If you’re a photographer who only takes 1-2 photos of a scene and tends to run away, try this assignment.

The assignment: take 1,000 photos in a single day.

The purpose of this assignment is for you to learn how to “work the scene”. If you see a good scene, try to take at least 10 photos of each scene. This will allow you to capture better perspectives, angles, and moments.

I don’t want you to always take 1,000 photos everyday. But this might help you break through “photographer’s block.”

#5. Eye contact/no eye contact

When I’m shooting street photography, I’m not sure whether a photograph with eye contact or without eye contact will be better.

Solution? Try to get both.

If I’m shooting candidly, I will get close to my subject, and take multiple photos, until they notice my presence. Then I wait for them to notice me, and then I take a photograph when they make contact.

Then when I go home, I have the decision of choosing between two version of a photo: one with eye contact, and one without. Sometimes eye contact works better, sometimes it doesn’t.

There is a saying that “eyes are the windows to the soul.” I generally find photos with eye-contact to be more compelling, soulful, and intense for the viewer.

However at the same time, sometimes having photos with the subject looking away from the camera gives you a more moody feel.

I often like to study famous (painted) portraits of people in the past for inspiration. Look at the paintings with eye contact, and without.

#6. Ask your subject to look up, down, left, right

If you approach a stranger, and ask permission to make their portrait (or if you’re photographing a model), it is hard to direct your subject.

One tip I learned: ask them to look in different directions.

For example, ask your model to look into the camera, and don’t smile. Then ask them to look up, down, left, and right.

Often people have a “better side.” Not only that, but by having your subject look up and down, you change the mood of the photo.

When your subject is looking up, they look more confident, encouraged, and powerful.

When your subject is looking down, they look more downtrodden, depressed, and negative.

Another tip: ask your subject to look at your hand while you’re photographing them. Then move your hand, and see how their eyes track your hand.

Changing the eye and head position of your subject will change the emotion of the photo. Experiment with different head positions with your subject, and you will have more photos to choose from.

#7. Only photograph things on the ground

When it comes to photography, we often just photograph what is in front of us, at eye-level.

Yet we never look down, and we never loop up.

As a simple assignment, do a photo project of just photographing stuff on the ground. You will find lots of interesting subject-matter if you look closely enough.

The world is a rich and beautiful place to take photos. Sometimes we complain that there is “nothing to photograph.” Yet in reality, we’re just not looking hard enough.

Change your perspective and view. Don’t just look ahead. Look down. Look up. Look into cracks in-between walls. Be curious, and change your perspective.

#8. Take at least 10 photos of each scene

I mentioned this tip a bit earlier, but the mistake we make as photographers is that we’re easily satisfied with 1-2 photos, and we move on.

The problem with only taking 1-2 photos (and then checking our LCD screen) is that we don’t push ourselves. When in doubt, try to photograph 25% more than you think you need to photograph.

This will force you to be more creative. You will try to photograph your scene from different distances (close, far) and from different angles (left, middle, right). You can also switch up your positioning (crouching, standing, or tippy-toe).

It is rare to see a good photo-moment. Don’t settle with just 1-2 photos. “Work the scene” and try to take at least 10 photos of each scene. Then you will push your creative boundaries, and be more likely to make a good photo.

#9. Limit yourself to only 36 photos in a day

For this assignment, you’re only allowed to take 36 photos in a day (same amount of photos in a roll of film).

This exercise will help you learn restraint. It will balance out some of the other assignments which encourage you to take more.

If you only had 36 photos you could take in a day, how much more selective would you be with your shooting? What superfluous photos would you not shoot?

I also find that by taking fewer photos, I appreciate each scene more.

You can do this assignment on a digital camera, or on a film camera.

#10. Shoot 1 street corner for an hour

In street photography, we’re impatient. Rather than sticking in one good area and waiting for our subjects to come to us, we run around (often wasting our energy) to just find a few good photos.

The solution: find an interesting street corner, don’t move, and photograph it for an hour.

The purpose of this assignment is to realize that it can be more effective to find a good scene, background, or area, and wait for your subjects to come to you.

Not only that, but if you stay put in one area, you will get to know the area better. You will observe the flow of subjects, and get a feel of a place better. Not only that, but you will be more “invisible” in the scene — people will ignore you.

#11. Delete all the photos from your social media account

An occasional purge is good for our physical, mental, and spiritual health.

Try to do this every once in a while: delete all the photos from your social media, and start from scratch.

Don’t delete the original photos. Keep them on your hard drive, print them out, or archive them.

However if you have a lot of photos cluttering your social media account, make a practice of doing a 100% purge. Delete all the photos (or mark them private), and then re-start from scratch.

Often we let our past work prevent ourselves from innovating and creating new future work.

Purge your past. And start refreshed.

#12. Go a month without using social media

Often as photographers we fall victim to the “social media” treadmill of always uploading a photo everyday, just to feel relevant. We want it for the likes, the comments, the new followers. Yet we get addicted to social media like heroin. Without our daily “hit” of external affirmation, we feel our photography is pointless.

Yet photography should be a personal pursuit. Why care about what others think about your photos? How do you feel about your own photos?

Uninstall all the social media apps from your phone (don’t worry you can re-install them after a month). Don’t upload any photos, look at anyone else’s photos, and try your best not to cheat.

By “fasting” from social media from a month, you will get a better sense of why you make photos. And I can guarantee you, you will feel less stressed and anxious to keep up with the “social media rat race.”

#13. Only shoot black and white for a year

We don’t see the world in monochrome. Black and white is an abstraction in the world. That is why it looks more “artistic” to the average person. It is novel, unique, and different.

However it takes a while for you to train your eye to see the world in monochrome.

Many photographers shoot black and white their entire life, and still never master it. I’ve also found that if I switch between black and white and color too often, I can never learn how to really see the world in one.

The assignment is to shoot only black and white for an entire year. You can shoot RAW+JPEG with a black and white preview. And perhaps you can just use the black and white JPEG’s. If not, apply a simple black and white preset to all of your RAW photos (upon importing them).

How would you visualize the world in monochrome? I’ve found myself looking more for emotions, mood, smoke, shadows, lines, graphical elements, and minimalism.

This will be different for you, but learn how to see in monochrome.

#14. Only shoot color for a year

The opposite assignment to the prior one; shoot only color for a year.

To see the world in color is different than seeing the world in black and white.

Personally, I’ve found shooting color to be more difficult than shooting black and white. Why? Because color leads to more complexity. You need to compose and frame a scene well, but also think about the color-combinations of a scene.

Not only that, but different colors evoke different moods and emotions.

Monochrome is easy to use because it reduces and removes distractions. Color introduces more complexity and distractions.

I would personally recommend most photographers to first try to master monochrome before taking on color photography .

Color photography also requires your exposures to be better, and for you to shoot in better lighting conditions. For color photography, try to shoot sunrise and sunset ( golden hour ), or use a flash.

Train your eyes to become sensitive to different colors and play and have fun with it. See how you can mix different colors in a scene, whether they be complementary colors or contrasting colors.

#15. Only shoot JPEG for a month

RAW and post-processing is a blessing and a curse. The problem is that many of us modern photographers over-rely on fancy post-processing techniques to improve our (mediocre) photos.

I’m guilty of it — I’ve added HDR to my photos, added selective color, intense vignettes, and “overly-processed” many of my photos (thinking that they would make the photos better).

But no matter how much you polish a turd, it will still be a turd.

Shoot only JPEG for a month.

If you’re really anxious, shoot JPEG+RAW (but only use the JPEG’s) for a month.

This way you can’t rely on fancy post-processing techniques to “salvage” your photos. A great photo shouldn’t require any excessive post-processing.

#16. Only shoot with your smartphone for a month

We often make the excuse that we don’t always have our cameras with us. I know personally when I owned a DSLR, it would be a pain in the ass to carry with me everywhere I went.

But today we’re blessed by modern technology, especially with the smartphone. The smartphone is the ultimate camera: it is always with us, fits in our front pocket, and can also be used to edit/post-process/publish our photos.

If you have a big bulky camera and never take photos, take this challenge upon yourself: only shoot with your smartphone for a month. Lock up your “real” camera in a drawer, and see how you can be the most creative with just your smartphone.

The purpose of this assignment is to realize that photography is less about the gear and more about your personal vision, and how you see the world. The tool isn’t as important as your eye.

This assignment might also teach you the importance of just always having your camera with you, ready, and prepared to click.

#17. Stick to one camera, one lens for a year

We’re rich. We live in a culture of abundance. Most photographers I know aren’t starving. Most photographers have an over-abundance of cameras, lenses, and gear.

If you’re a photographer who has too much “choice anxiety” from owning too much gear, only stick to one camera, one lens for a year. Lock up your other gear in a drawer, better yet, sell it or give it away to friends.

If you really want to hone in your photographic vision; you don’t want to be distracted by gear. Also it takes a long time to get to know one camera and one lens/focal length quite well.

By sticking with consistent gear, you will have fewer gear distractions, which will give you more creative focus.

#18. Only shoot horizontal, vertical, or square for a month

I believe in “creative constraints”: by having fewer options, you are forced to be more creative.

For example, take framing. Try to only shoot horizontal (landscape), vertical (portrait), or square-format for a month.

Framing and composition is all about knowing what to leave out of the frame.

Restrict yourself to one orientation for a month and you will find more visual consistency with your work. And you will be forced to compose more creatively.

#19. Only shoot one square block for a month

With unlimited options, we become paralyzed. We don’t know what direction to take our creative work.

Restrict yourself geographically. For a month, only shoot one square block (both sides). This way, you will really have to dig deep, and find something very interesting in that one square block.

The benefit of this project is that you know exactly where to shoot. Just one specific area. And I think it is better to get to know one area very well, rather than knowing a lot of different areas superficially.

Being a great photographer isn’t about traveling the world, to exotic places, and making interesting photos overseas.

Being a great photographer is making the best out of what you have. For not complaining where you live; and being the best photographer in your own home town.

#20. Shoot everyday for a month

The only way to become a better photographer is to shoot more. The more you shoot, the more feedback you will get, and the more connected you will feel with the world.

For a month, take at least 1 photo everyday. It can be with your smartphone, DSLR, or whatever camera you have.

Just make sure it is something personally meaningful to you. Don’t just take the photo for the sake of it. Take a photo everyday of something that stirs your heart. That makes your soul sing.

The Zen masters recommended having a “daily practice.” By repetition, we reach a deeper understanding of “truth.”

In photography, we can read a hundred photo theory books, and still not learn anything. We only learn through taking photos, repetition, feedback, critique, and constantly seeking to improve ourselves.

Don’t put pressure on yourself that everyday the photo has to be great. But just build the habit.

#21. Don’t shoot for a month

To balance out the prior experiment; try to go a month without taking any photos.

You’re not allowed to take photos for a month.

Ironically enough, this assignment might be the best way to re-invigorate your passion for photography. Why? We take photography for granted. But when something is taken away from us we appreciate it more.

#22. Shoot “selfies” for a week

Many of us complain that we don’t have interesting subjects to photograph.

Not true; your best subject is yourself. Because you’re always available, and you won’t say “no” to yourself.

There are different ways you can shoot ‘artistic selfies’ of yourself. Photograph your shadow, reflection, or put your camera on a tripod and setup a scene and shoot yourself.

To photograph yourself is an incredibly intimate experience. It is an experience that allows you to be comfortable on the other side of the camera. Not only that, but it makes you realize that no matter what, you can always photograph something — who better than yourself?

#23. Have your portrait (professionally) shot

I learned this lesson from Sara Lando: if you don’t like being photographed, have another photographer (professionally) shoot your headshot. You will learn what is comfortable (and what isn’t comfortable) being a subject.

If you are a photographer, yet you don’t like having your own photo taken, you debilitate yourself. You assume everyone else doesn’t like having their photo taken (not true).

The secret is how can you make a photo of others (and of yourself) that makes the subject comfortable, at ease, and happy to be photographed?

#24. Shoot with a focal length (you’re uncomfortable with) for a week

We all have our preferences for a certain lens or focal length. If you want to push your creative boundaries, shoot with a focal length that you are very unfamiliar or uncomfortable with for a week.

If you’re a 28mm guy, try shooting only with a 200mm lens for a week. If you’re usually a 200mm telephoto type of person, try a 35mm lens. If you usually shoot with a 50mm lens, try a 28mm lens.

By shifting our focal length, we shift our perspective, how we see the world, and how we approach our subjects.

By pushing ourselves outside of our comfort zone for a week, you will gain a new perspective and also perhaps find more gratitude for the focal length you’re already comfortable with.

Or better yet, you might find a new focal length you prefer that can help you be more creative and innovative with your work.

#25. “.7 meter challenge” (1-arm length challenge)

I learned this assignment from my buddy Satoki Nagata. If you’re uncomfortable getting close to your subjects, pre-focus your lens to .7 meters (about 1-arm length distance), and only shoot that distance for a month.

This assignment will force you to get physically and emotionally closer to your subjects.

You don’t need to shoot all your photos candidly. Ask for permission.

The more comfortable you’re shooting at a close distance, the easier it will be for you to take a step back.

#26. Decapitate heads for a week

I often find photos of hands, feet, or body gestures more interesting than faces. So the assignment is to take photos of your subjects without including their faces/heads in the photo.

Try it out: for a week “decapitate” your subjects (don’t photograph their faces). This will force you to see the other characteristics and attributes of your subject on a deeper level.

#27. Buy a mannequin (and use it as a test subject)

I learned this assignment from my friend Charlie Kirk: if you want to learn how to make better portraits, how to better use studio/flash, or how to frame, buy a mannequin as a test subject.

The great thing about having a mannequin is that you will always have a willing subject.

Try using different focal lengths, different settings, different apertures, shutter-speeds, different lighting setups, and anything else you want to experiment with.

This will allow you to better understand how to use your camera technically, how light (especially artificial light) works. Not only that, but you will have a forever patient subject at your disposal (whenever).

#28. Only shoot with a flash for a week

There is a bias in photography against shooting with a flash. People say it looks “harsh” and unnatural” when compared to using natural light.

Yet the flash helps us overcome difficult lighting situations. It gives us more freedom to shoot at different points in the day, when the light might not be so nice.

For a week, experiment taking photos only with a flash. You will discover how the flash works during the day, in the shade, indoors, and other effects it might have on your images.

Having a flash is a good tool in photography. It can help you open up creative doors and opportunities. It will give you more freedom to shoot at all points during a day.

You don’t always need to shoot with a flash, but try to learn it to the best of your ability, and you can use it in special situations (or in all situations).

#29. Put together a photo album

Today’s world is (mostly) digital. In photography, we spend 99% of our efforts sharing our photos online. Very rarely do we print our work, arrange and edit our work, and create physical objects with our photography.

Buy a cheap photo album at the store or online. Print a bunch of your photos as small 4×6’s. Then put together a photo album.

Do it with your partner, children, or friends. Make a theme, concept, or a story. Have fun. Spread the 4×6 prints on the floor, and figure out what kind of pairing, sequencing, and flow you want to add to your album.

Handling physical prints is a different experience than just looking at them on your computer or phone. The physicality of photography adds another dimension for us to be more creative, to find more by-chance connections, and for us to be more engaged with others.

Making a photo album is a nice communal activity, something that families did a lot in the past. Making photo albums can help us re-connect ourselves with the past, but also create physical documents that will be well-preserved into the future.

#30. Print your portfolio

Most of us have our portfolios online. Few of us have printed portfolios.

Look at your entire library of images, and ask yourself: Which of these 10 photos represent who I am as a photographer?

Then print out those photos at any size you like. Figure out how you would like the photos to be sequenced. Then carry them around with you, and share them with your friends. Ask them to sequence your photos according to their emotion and feeling.

Learn to show your photos as prints, rather than just a phone or computer. See how people react differently to your photos, and see how it feels different for you as a photographer.

Photos don’t exist until they’re printed. When photos exist in atoms, we have a deeper connection with them as humans. When we can hold a photo, or a memory in our hands, it feels more real. We appreciate it more, and we feel more connected with them.

I find a nagging sense of incompletion if I don’t print my photos. I appreciate my photos on my computer, but I love them when they’re printed.

This assignment will also give you a good opportunity to re-evaluate your entire body of work and ask yourself: What photos really show who I am?

#31. Give away a photo everyday (for a week)

I feel the best gift you can give others as a photographer is prints. Why? Because prints are meaningful, easy to transport, and relatively inexpensive to print.

As an assignment, print out a bunch of your photos, and for a week, give out at least 1 print a day (to a stranger, friend, your barista, family member, etc). See how it affects their mood, and your own mood.

Photos are about sharing moments, art, and history. Share a little bit of your own soul by giving away your photos. You might discover that giving away your photos for free is more meaningful than selling them.

#32. Start your own photography blog, and blog consistently for 30 days straight

I’m not a big fan of traditional “social media” – because you have no control. You’re a slave to the platform, and you don’t have as much ownership and creative opportunities.

When you create your own blog, you have more flexibility. You can publish your photos, text, and ideas in different format. If you own the blogging platform (I recommend wordpress.org) you then really own your content.

Blogs are great because they are historical documents of our past. Blogging is more difficult than sharing photos on social media, but it is also more personally meaningful.

Furthermore, if you have a blog, it is easier indexed by Google. And anyone with a web browser can access your work rather than only people on a certain social media platform.

The assignment is to start your own blog, and blog consistently for 30 days straight. It can be about anything. You can just upload a photo everyday, upload photos that inspire you, or share some personal stories behind your favorite images. Don’t take it too seriously, but try it for a consistent month.

By making a blog, you gain more ownership of your own photography, creativity, and work on the internet. If you’re a slave to a social media platform, your influence is very limited and you don’t have as many different ways to express yourself creatively.

I see blogs as the future of photography — don’t be left behind.

#33. Write down a list of photographic subjects you don’t like to photograph

How do you know what your “style” is in photography? For me, it is knowing what you don’t like to photograph.

For this assignment, figure out what genres of photography you dislike. Write them down, and simply avoid taking those photos.

Then, by process-of-elimination, figure out what kind of photographer you are (based on what you don’t like to photograph).

Most people I know who are interested in street photography don’t like to take photos of sunsets and landscapes. People I know who like to shoot flowers don’t like to take photos of people. Photographers who like to shoot monochrome generally dislike shooting color (and vice-versa).

Find out who you are via subtraction and process-of elimination. Treat your photographic style the same.

What do you not like photographing? Then just don’t photograph it — photograph the opposite.

#34. Intentionally try to take bad photos for a week

One of the biggest barriers in our photography is that we always try to take really good photos. But it is rare that we make good photos.

So flip the concept upside down: try to intentionally shoot “sh**ty photos” for a week. Get rid of your concepts of good composition, framing, and light. Just take bad photos of whatever you find interesting.

Follow your gut, soul, and instincts. Just click. Don’t think too much.

Then after a week, see if you feel more loose in your photography, less “blocked” creatively. Do you take yourself less seriously? Are you having more fun?

Perfectionism ruins us. Seek to make “good” photos. And in order to do so give yourself permission to make bad photos.

#35. Create your own photography portfolio website

If you want to be more serious with your photography (and taken more seriously), make a photography portfolio website. It can just be your firstnamelastnamephoto.com (or better yet, firstnamelastname.com).

Make your own photography website, and put on your 3 best projects (restrict each project to your 10 best photos). This way, you will be able to think more about long-term projects, rather than getting swept away in the social media madness of just uploading a single (random) photo a day.

When you pass away, what kind of body of work do you want to leave behind? Do you really think that your social media profile will exist after you pass away? Will anyone even look at it?

Having a website (instead of just having social media) is better, but not the best.

Aim on creating a body of work, and several bodies of work, then publish them as books.

#36. Buy one photo book a month (for a year)

I’m a big proponent of photography books and education. For a simple motto, remember the phrase: “Buy books, not gear.”

Gear quickly gets outdated. A great photo book will increase in value over time, both monetarily and its value to you as a photographer.

I recommend trying to invest in at least one photo book a month (for a year). You don’t need to buy an expensive photo book — invest in a book that you plan on re-reading over and over again.

I also recommend buying photo books whenever you have the urge to buy a new piece of gear. Why? Photo books will actually help improve your photography, and the novelty of a new photo book will inspire you.

Every photographer needs inspiration from somewhere. Most of us get our inspiration online, on social media.

There are great photographers online, but if you really want to learn the work of the masters, invest in photo books. Photographers spend many years, thousands of dollars, to create their own book. Therefore you’re more likely to get better images in a photo book, than just when looking online.

A good photo book will last for your entire life and will always be a great source of inspiration for you.

#37. Look at all the portfolios of all the Magnum photographers

You are what you eat. If you look at the work of great photographers, you will aspire to make great photographs.

I also go this assignment from my buddy Charlie Kirk: go to the Magnum Photos website and study all the portfolios of the Magnum photographers.

Write a list of which photographers you admire. Analyze their work, and ask yourself, “Why” you like their work.

Furthermore, when you find a photographer whose work really speaks to you, buy all their photo books, watch all their YouTube interviews, and learn as much about them as you can from them.

The more great images we look at, the more inspired we will be to make great photos. By analyzing great compositions and images, we will subconsciously take better photos when we’re shooting.

Also you will find there are a lot of Magnum photographers whose work you don’t “get” or “like.” That is fine — just think to yourself, “What about their work do I not like? And why would other people like their work?”

#38. Attend a photography workshop

I think photography workshops are great because you get a “shortcut” in your learning and education.

For a workshop, you get a distilled source of information from your teacher, often in a few days or a week.

I personally think that photography workshops are a much better “bang for the buck” than photography schools. And they’re much shorter, focused, practical, and hands-on.

Find a photography workshop on a topic that interests you. And know that you’re investing your money into your education, which is always one of the best investments for your money.

If you want practical instruction in photography, to learn, have any questions addressed, attend a workshop or two.

#39. Learn how to process black and white film

I don’t think digital is better than film, nor is film better than digital. They’re different. But more similar than dissimilar.

I feel the process of shooting film, and learning how to develop it, makes you appreciate the art and process of photography much more.

When I started off in digital photography, I took for granted that you could take a photo and instantly see it on the back of your LCD screen.

Shooting film has taught me patience, appreciation for the process, and the tactile hands-on approach.

If you’ve never processed your own black and white film, give it a try. There are tons of YouTube tutorials on how to do it. By processing your own black and white photos , you will feel a lot more connected with your images. You might fall in love with the process and the magic.

After shooting film for several years, I came back to digital photography with new enthusiasm. I appreciated digital photography so much more in terms of the convenience, the flexibility, and the modern technology.

If you’ve never processed your film before, give it a go. And not only that, but try to print your photos in a darkroom at least once — the experience might totally change how you view photography.

#40. Photograph only hand gestures for a day

I think that great photos tend to have two things: 1) Great composition and 2) Great emotion.

We all know how to make better compositions. Few of us know how to capture emotions.

A practical way to capture better emotions: capture hand-gestures and body language of your subjects.

So for a whole day, do nothing but photograph people doing interesting hand-gestures. Not only that, but afterwards, look at your photos (with hand-gestures in them), and mimic the hand-gesture. This will help you connect emotionally, and empathize with your subjects.

Photos of people just walking (and doing nothing with their hands) tends to be boring. Hand-gestures are much more dynamic, interesting, and emotional.

Much of communication is body-language and hand-gesture based. Photos are silent and don’t say words. But hand-gestures do.

I hope this list of 40 photography assignments will help inspire and uplift you. It is hard to stay motivated in your photography, but know that photography isn’t a race. Photography is a personal journey for yourself. You want to take your time, enjoy the process, and gain personal meaning through your photography.

Never compete with any other photographer. Don’t compare yourself to other photographers by how many followers/likes you have on social media.

Only gauge your progress in photography by your own standards of yourself, and by your own gut.

Know that dips in motivation in photography are natural and part of the game. What matters the most is how are you going to overcome these mental blocks and barriers in your photography. Are you going to let them encourage you to try harder? Or are you going to give up photography all-together.

Tenacity and staying in the game of photography is the goal. Never give up friend. Let’s stick in photography together for the long-haul.

About the author : Eric Kim is an international street photographer. You can find more of his photography and writing on his website and blog . This article was also published here .

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15 Photography Assignments to Challenge and Inspire

By Tata Rossi 23 days ago, Amateur Photography

15 Photography Assignments to Challenge and Inspire

Photography assignments allow you to experiment with something you have never tried before and play around with different photographic approaches. With such an assignment, you will challenge yourself and develop your skills.

15 Ways to Make Photography Assignments

This list of photo assignments consists of 15 points, so I am sure that you will find the idea to your liking.

1. Self Portraits

best photography assignments

The first task is a no-brainer: just take a self-portrait picture each day. Don’t forget to use a tripod and shutter release aside from regular shooting with your arm extended and holding a camera.

Since you will be the model, feel free to unleash your creativity with all sorts of make-up, outfits, poses until you figure out a proper look. Remember to use props as well. Then share your shots with the world via social networks or the dedicated Flickr and Twitter groups.

2. Color Challenge

photography assignments

Here is one of the greatest color photography assignments for the urban environment photos . Bring the camera with you and take pictures for several hours. Pick a color (or ask a friend to choose it for you to complicate the task) and photograph subjects of the chosen color only.

Once you are done, you will find yourself seeing this color everywhere! Then pick the best shots and merge them into a collage or mosaic in Photoshop .

3. After Dark

powerful photography assignments

Practice with night photography and try taking pictures after dark. In case you are outside the city, you may shoot moonlight or star trails. While being in the city, capture light trails of vehicles or buildings with the light-up windows. Regardless of the location, experiment with light-painting by means of long exposure photography and moving a flashlight across areas of the scene.

4. Crop or Rotate All your Photos a Specific Way

One of the best photography practice assignments is to neglect your comfort zone and try something new for a change. For instance, if you have a tendency to snap the same kinds of photos, you should modify their perspective.

Try an approach to cropping or rotating your next 50-100 shots that differs from your regular one. Play around with square photos, 180° rotation or whatever else you can come up with. Once you get out of the familiar artistic routine, you will be able to perceive the world from another angle and get creative.

5. Quit Social Media Temporarily

amazing photography assignments

Social networks can serve as an excellent source of photography inspiration or lead to a complete lack of it. If you use social networks without critical thinking, you may start comparing yourself to other photographers, which will be a total waste of time and effort.

While it may be one of the hardest photography assignments these days, taking a hiatus from social networks is highly important. Log off your Instagram account for some time or uninstall apps that leave you in a bad mood.

In case your job requires staying online on a daily basis, devote some of your time to non-Internet tasks, like taking pictures or gaining knowledge on photography. I suggest taking some online photography courses .

6. Shoot Every Day for a Month

If you wish to become a better photographer , you shouldn’t stop shooting. By taking pictures constantly, you will receive more feedback and will be interacting more actively with the world.

One of the most widespread photography class assignments is to take one picture each day for a month. Do it with the help of the smartphone, DSLR camera or any device that can photograph. But don’t take meaningless pictures just because you have to. The shots you take should resonate with you in one way or another and be valuable to you.

The Zen masters suggest that you have a “daily practice.” When we repeat something, we become closer to recognizing the “truth”. You may read a great number of photo theory books , but you won’t be able to shoot properly. Only through practice, repetition, feedback and constructive criticism, you can grow as a photographer. Remember that this assignment is about forming a habit, not about taking a perfect picture each day.

7. Experiment with a Completely Different Genre

cool photography assignments

The array of photography genres is truly vast. Underwater photography , glamour, smartphone, landscape photography , portrait photography – that’s only a beginning. If you feel like you are losing interest in photography, switch to another genre.

Try staying away from your primary photography genre for a while. In case you shoot portraits, go outside and capture the area where you live in. If you are involved in photographing pets , play around with self-portraiture. By getting familiar with various photography genres, you are widening your photography horizons and gaining new knowledge that may come in useful one day.

8. Put Together a Photo Album

photography assignments you must practice

We live in a digital world, and even nowadays’ photography comes mostly in a digital form. We constantly find ourselves sharing our photos online. It is a rare thing to print photographs, even touch them, let alone create something physical out of them.

That’s why one of the greatest photography tasks is to compile a photo album. You can buy one at a store or online. Print the desired shots in the small 4×6 size. I suggest collaborating on this task with your friend, child or partner. Think of the main idea, theme or story of the album. Put all the printed shots on a surface and consider how you will lay them out in an album, how you will pair them and in what sequence.

No wonder that our parents and elderly relatives used to create a photo book together. It is a nice way to preserve precious memories in a physical form and bring back the moments that we sometimes tend to forget over time.

9. Take Creative Self-Portraits with a Friend

interesting photography assignments

While you may enjoy your own company while taking self-portraits, you may feel bored or lonely after some time. In this case, you can implement one of the most entertaining photography assignment ideas and take self-portraits with a friend (pets are welcome as well!).

Don’t forget to think through the poses, set up the tripod and find the perfect photography light. As you will be engaged in all these activities, you will be able to get a hang of a photographer’s workflow. Then, when it comes to a real photo shoot with the clients, you will be more skilled at dealing with the camera and lights.

10. Attend a Photography Workshop

Photography workshops is an excellent investment in your education as a photographer and one of the most helpful beginner photography assignments.

Pick a workshop that is dedicated to the topic relevant for you. Thanks to workshops, you will get not only theoretical but also practical information. Also, you will have your questions answered by real professionals.

11. Photograph the Same Person or Object Every Day

In case you aren’t as excited about photography as before, try capturing one and the same person or object each day for a week or month. Similar to the smartphone photography challenge, as a result, you will realize the importance of having the freedom to photograph anything you wish.

While snapping pictures of the same object, you will boost your lighting skills. To make the shots differ from each other, don’t hesitate to play around with various types of lighting and photo editing apps .

12. Go a Month Without Using Social Media

Being the photographer of the 21st century, you may find yourself in the never-ending trap of feeling the need to post photos on social networks each day. It all turns into some sort of addiction – all you crave is likes, comments and new followers. If you don’t receive the online praise you need, your photography stops making sense.

In fact, photography is something you should pursue on your own. What truly matters here is your personal thoughts on your shots, not the opinion of users online. Simply uninstall all the social network applications from the smartphone (you can bring them back once the assignment is over). Posting photos and looking through photos of others is prohibited.

If you manage to stay away from social networks for a month, you will acquire a clearer purpose of your photography work. Besides, you won’t be so obsessed with the imaginary social network competition that everyone seems to be involved in.

13. Shoot with a Limited Amount of Equipment

perfect photography assignments

Regardless of whether you are an experienced, amateur or a beginner photographer , you are likely to be after all sorts of photography gear to enhance your results.

How about photography assignments where you have to use a restricted amount of shooting equipment? You can photograph strictly with one camera body or camera lens . There is no need to do it for an entire month.

For this assignment, I suggest coming up with a plan, and do it, for instance, only once a week. Working with the same gear every day will give you more flexibility in both the creative and physical aspects of the process.

So, in case you deal only with a zoom lens, you will have to experiment whenever you shoot indoors . With a wide-angle lens only, you will need to work on cropping and correcting distortions.

14. Limit Yourself to X Photos a Day

Similar to the previous assignment, limiting yourself to 10, 20, 30 or more shots per day, week or month will help you realize what your true creative needs are. Besides, with a photo limit, you will understand what subjects or scenes you are more inclined to photograph.

Another benefit of a photo limit is that it will bring more patience and creativity into the process. You won’t be able to take numerous pictures of one place, so you will be forced to risk and play around with various perspectives.

15. Take Photos with Your Smartphone Camera Only

unique photography assignments

Take pictures only with a smartphone camera for a week. For better results, download a top-notch camera app and try to figure out all of its settings. A modern smartphone will help beginning photographers get acquainted with the technical side of the shooting process.

To complicate the task, I suggest recreating some of your portfolio photos with the smartphone camera. With this assignment, you will learn all the intricacies of shooting with a smartphone and may even start taking shots not only with a standard camera but with a smartphone one as well on a regular basis!

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Lesson Plan

Five Photography Assignments That Invite You to Look Closely at the World

Students, try one of these exercises inspired by the visual series The Take. What can you learn about the world by looking at it through a particular lens?

A close-up of a pair of hands with chipped yellow nail polish holding a twig with a caterpillar crawling across it.

By Natalie Proulx

How often do you look — really look — at the world around you? Below, we offer five photography assignments that challenge students to do just that, all inspired by The New York Times visual series The Take .

In this series, The Times asks photographers to explore different cultural themes through images — for example, to document what they see when they look up, to capture the sounds they hear in New York City or to find dance in everyday movements.

What can you learn about the world by looking at it through a particular lens? Choose one (or more) of the five assignments below to try out. For each, we’ll guide you through a warm-up activity, a reading of the Take article that inspired the exercise and your own photo shoot. When you’re done, you can create your own visual article by putting together a gallery of your images and writing a short commentary on what they mean to you.

These exercises are meant to be accessible to anyone with a camera or smartphone, whether you’re an experienced photographer or you’re just looking for a fun visual challenge. If you’d like to experiment with some composition and editing techniques, see our related photography lesson plan .

And if none of these projects inspires you, look through The Take’s archives for more ideas.

Assignment No. 1

Most of us spend our days looking down: at our phones, computers, homework, meals. What would you see if you looked up instead? For this assignment, we invite you to photograph what you see when you turn your gaze to the sky.

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10 exciting photography assignments for students to master the art of visual storytelling.

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Ignite students' passion for photography with these 10 engaging assignments designed to teach them the art of visual storytelling. From capturing vibrant nature scenes to freezing moments of motion, these detailed assignments will help young photographers develop their skills in composition, lighting, and creativity. Whether it's exploring patterns in architecture, diving into the world of macro photography, or capturing the emotions of a portrait, each assignment offers a unique opportunity for students to express their creativity and unleash their imaginations. Click here to discover these exciting photography assignments and watch students' photography skills soar!

"Exploring Textures"

"colorful world", "candid moments", "macro magic", "light and shadows", "silhouettes", "street photography", "reflections", "motion blur", "self-portraits".

Save 88% on 200 Photography Assignments that Inspire, Motivate and Teach

A Post By: Darren Rowse

If you learn more efficiently (and have more fun with your photography) when you’re out shooting versus sitting somewhere reading about it, then this photography learning aid was designed for YOU.

One of the most popular photography training aids we’ve ever promoted have been the Snap Cards and Action Cards from Photzy – thousands of dPS readers have enjoyed these in the past. If you’re new to dPS or missed out last time, then you’re in luck, because Brett from Photzy has an exclusive offer for dPS readers over the next week.

This is an affiliate partnership with Photzy. dPS receives a commission when you purchase via our special offer links.

The Photzy Action Cards are 65 beautifully designed & printable project sheets that will give you over 200 photography assignments, covering everything you can imagine!

Save 88% on 200 Photography Assignments that Inspire, Motivate and Teach

Brett’s idea for the Action Cards was sparked by a woman’s comment to him at a camera club meeting.

“I wish that I could have a workshop in a box. So that I could just open the box and participate when I felt like I had the time and the energy.”

So Photzy set out to create something that will educate and motivate you, provide you with direction, and help you to learn through actionable photography assignments.

The full set of Action Cards include:

34 composition Action Cards aimed toward assisting you in fully understanding the various rules, tools, and concepts of composition. Some example assignments:

  • S and Z Curves
  • Dynamic Angles
  • Juxtaposition
  • Visual Weight and Direction

Just as we all ‘see’ differently – we also all work differently. This is your chance to discover which composition tools fit your style.

31 genre Action Cards which allow you to test the waters for 31 different genres of photographic imaging – by completing specific tasks and photo assignments in each genre – and help you uncover your ‘place’ in the photographic world. Some example assignments:

  • Creating jaw-dropping landscape photography
  • Creating beautifully executed high key photography
  • Creating true minimalist photography
  • How to create portraits of newborns
  • Creating meaningful travel photographs

Perhaps you’ll discover your natural tendencies reveal themselves better through outstanding flower photography versus newborn portrait photography.

We believe this new training tool will be exactly what many of you need to motivate and guide you on an experience of personal photographic discovery all on your own. Armed with these cards you’re guaranteed to be on a fast path to ‘expanding’ your shooting skills and mastering photography in 2020 and beyond.

Learn more and buy your Action Cards here

We always get a great deal of interest in Photzy’s Action Cards and naturally lots of questions. Photzy have helped us answer them for you.

Q: Are the Action Cards different to the SNAP Cards?

Yes! They are completely different.

The SNAP! Card line was developed to present small easily digestible photographic lessons that you could consume virtually anywhere. Like Cheat Sheets…

The ACTION! Card line is geared towards the individual that prefers to learn by engaging in self-assigned photographic activities. A learning element is included, but the primary purpose of the product is to motivate you to learn through an actionable assignment and review process.

Q: Is this a downloadable file, or will I receive the printed cards in the mail?

You will be receiving a downloadable PDF file of the cards, for you to print out at home or download to your mobile device. This means you can access them anytime anywhere, and you don’t have to worry about losing them.

In just MINUTES from right now… You could be well on your way to taking your photography to the next level. No need to wait for shipping!

Go here now to grab your copy of the cards

Q: Why should I print these out?

Be honest – How many times have you downloaded a guide and never actually read it?

We’ve found that printing materials ensures you actually go on to read the content. Simply put– if you print it out, you are far more likely to take ACTION, and get RESULTS. That’s important to us.

Q: Are these Action Cards for beginners?

These cards are designed to cater for photographers of all levels. If you’re a beginner, these cards are going to work wonders for you with a whole range of material to sink your teeth into. If you’re a professional looking to extend your range of skills – we’ve got you covered too.

Get your copy here now

Q: Will this work for my camera?

While some of the settings information on the genre cards will of course not be useful depending on your chosen camera. 95% of the information on the Action Cards are not camera specific. So whether you are shooting on a DSLR, Mirrorless, or even an iPhone, you will find these incredibly to improve your photography skills.

Q: Is there a guarantee?

Absolutely!

In fact, when you claim your copy of The Action Cards, you have a full 365 days to decide whether or not you want to keep it. Meaning – you get an entire year to try them out…

And if for ANY reason, you decide the cards don’t work for you, simply contact Photzy for a full, prompt refund… No questions asked and no hassles.

Q. How do I buy the Action Cards?

For one week only Photzy is offering dPS readers access to this practical training tool for just $37USD . At $5 per card the full set is valued at $325USD, so that’s 88% off .

Here’s where you can take advantage of this risk-free trial of the cards:

Click Here to Try The Action Cards TODAY

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He lives in Melbourne Australia and is also the editor of the ProBlogger Blog Tips . Follow him on Instagram , on Twitter at @digitalPS or on Google+ .

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2 Engaging Projects for Beginning Photography Students

light painting of the word "love"

Photography is one of the most popular electives in my school. I think a big reason for this is because students think it’s so easy to take pictures. These days, students can snap selfies and photos anytime, with little planning or thought. However, when they try to translate their social media skills to photography class, many of them realize their skills aren’t quite as sharp as they thought.

It’s important to show students taking a good photo involves more than a click of a button. In addition, we must help students discover a new way of looking and learn to see all of the details they’ve been missing. Starting off with projects to build these skills is crucial!

Here are 2 engaging projects I use with my beginning middle school photography students.

light painting

1. Photo Scavenger Hunts

Being able to leave the confines of the classroom is a big draw of photography classes, especially for middle schoolers. Scavenger hunts are a great way to help them focus during these periods of newfound freedom. Below are two ideas to try.

The Digital “Photo-bet”

The very first project we do in my middle school photography class involves locating the twenty-six letters of the alphabet in our surroundings. This Digital Photo-bet project takes time and hones students’ patience along with their observational and organizational skills. For this project, I typically have students use iPads to take the photos. This way, they stay focused on looking for the letters instead of playing with the camera.

The parameters of the project are simple:

  • Students must look for objects and shapes that resemble letters. They may not take photos of actual letters.
  • Students cannot stage their photos or retouch their findings. They must capture the “letters” as-is.
  • The letters do not have to be captured in order. However, students should keep track of which letters they’ve captured as they go along.
  • When finished, students must create a sentence or series of phrases that use all of the letters in a single composition. Students love to discuss these pieces and discuss the “letters” they see.

During the project, students quickly begin collaborating to find images and compare their letters with each other. There are usually a few students who insist the sticks they discovered had fallen exactly in the shape of an “N.” I trust them unless proven otherwise.

"photo-bet" example

After the project is complete, I often notice students talking with each other about how they see their surroundings differently. They’re paying more attention, which is the goal.

Elements and Principles

Another early project involves photographing the elements and principles of art . It’s a good way to assess students’ background knowledge and introduce them to the capabilities of a Digital SLR camera.

For lots of students, this is one of their first exposures to a Digital SLR camera, and the features and capabilities of the camera are a bit overwhelming. Therefore, it’s a good idea to present and demonstrate a few basic concepts and techniques.

Here are 3 I like to focus on with my students:

  • Focus Taking pictures in focus is a continual struggle because middle school students always seem to be in a rush to get things done quickly. They also have a tough time remembering their cameras might be set to Manual Focus instead of Auto. The main idea here is encouraging them to slow down and check the focus instead of snapping the picture and moving on.
  • Composition and Lighting I encourage my students to try and shoot with the goal of as little post-production editing as possible. Therefore, we talk a lot about using the viewfinder to compose a good image to start with. I teach them to look for distracting backgrounds or poor lighting from the get-go. Thinking in this way will save time in the long run.
  • Digital means you can take lots of photos! I often have students go out to shoot only to return with a handful of images. They haven’t grasped the idea that they can take a large number of photo and choose the best shot from the group afterward. Many of them believe one shot is all they’ll need. Inevitably, students end up wishing they could have taken more images to capture a specific subject or moment.

Once students have gotten to know their cameras a bit and have reviewed the elements and principles, they head out to photograph them around our school. They really try to outdo each other with their images. I’ve had students look for textures no one can guess or use their peers to represent motion.

photo of student mid-jump

2. Light Painting

I usually do light painting with my students toward the end of the semester. It’s a fun way for them to learn how to manipulate images through the science of photography and light rather than software.

At this point, they’ve learned how time and light are the most important factors in creating a strong photograph. Now, they get to play with the concepts.

To do light painting, you’ll need: 

  • A flashlight
  • A dark space

Setting up in a dark or virtually pitch black space is best, though not a necessity. Have students set up the camera and tripod and adjust the shutter speed to a setting upward of a second. On most cameras, you do this with the TV (Time Variable) setting on the dial. Students may have to play with the actual shutter speed setting to find the ideal shutter speed length for their image, so encourage them to try out multiple variations.

After the shutter is opened, students move the flashlight around in either a shape or letter and the light is captured in trails until the shutter closes. They can write messages, create effects, and just generally play with light. I often end up with students spending multiple class periods trying to capture the perfect photo.

light painting of the word "love"

These engaging projects are a surefire way to get your students comfortable with their cameras and the basics of photography. As your students gain skills and confidence, you can let them explore and play a little more.

What are your favorite introductory photography projects?

With which camera features do your students encounter the most challenges when they begin working with photography?

Magazine articles and podcasts are opinions of professional education contributors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Art of Education University (AOEU) or its academic offerings. Contributors use terms in the way they are most often talked about in the scope of their educational experiences.

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Ray Yang is the Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion of NAEA and a former AOEU Writer. They believe the arts can change the world.

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How to Make an Absolutely Awesome High School Photography Curriculum

Do you teach photo classes? Do you need a curriculum map for this year? You’ve come to the right place! Teaching photography is a lot of fun! But if you don’t have a plan to help you keep track of where you’re going, it is very possible that you’ll get a little lost in the middle of the semester.

In the last post, I spoke at length about  graphic design curriculum examples , in this post, we’re tackling high school photography! Just like in the last post, I’ve got a free curriculum map overview for one full semester of intro to photography and it lays out which standards go with each unit according to the National Arts Standards. There are few more units in this curriculum because they tend to be a bit shorter than the graphic design ones. Enjoy! 

NOTE: This curriculum uses DSLR cameras, but many of the units may be completed without them.

NOTE: I have given you links to each of the units I’ve created below. The units themselves are available for sale, but if there are videos associated with the units, they will be free for you to view.

Famous Photographer Presentation : This is an ongoing unit. Students choose from a list of famous photographers and research their life work. Students will present their research toward the end of the semester. I use this unit as a “work on this if you have everything else done” project.

Photo Assignments : This is also an ongoing unit. Introduce a new photo assignment weekly and give them a full week to complete it (don’t forget to give them reminders! They’ll need them!)

Legal Issues in Photography : This unit gives students a basic knowledge about the rights of photographers. They will explore some real life photography court cases.

Camera History : What is a camera? Where did it come from? These and other origin questions about photography will be explored in this unit.

Exposure : After a week or two of background information, it is finally time to explore the camera. In this unit, students will explore the manual camera parts.

Digital Camera Basics : This unit explores the different types of cameras. Everything from the phone camera, to the point and shoot, to the high quality DSLRs.

Photo Composition : This unit shows students how to take quality photos (no matter what kind of camera they have).

Introduction to Photoshop : So they know how to take pictures, now they need to know how to edit them! This unit explores the basics of Photoshop.

Colorize a Black and White Photo : Students will learn how to use selection and color tools in Photoshop.

Restore Damaged Photo : Applying previous knowledge, students will bring in a damaged photo from home and learn how to restore them (I also provide images if they don’t have any).

Cut Out Background : Students will learn how to cut the background out of one image and place the subject into another picture. This unit explores the use of selection tools and masks.

Still Life Photography : This unit shows students how to control light through still life photography.

Time Lapse : This unit gives students the chance to practice their masking skills as they combine several photos together into one.

Magazine Cover : This unit will allow students to apply their knowledge of Photoshop and photography.

Historical You (paired with Famous Photographer project) : This is a short, fun assignment where students use images from their famous photographers and mask their faces onto the bodies of those in the images.

Final Exam : Students will apply previous knowledge to show you what they’ve learned through a couple of short application projects.

And that completes one semester of digital photography! If you ALSO would like to see an example of a photo syllabus,  click here !

As promised, below is a sample curriculum map for you, click the button and enter your email!

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These Cross-Curricular Photography Lessons Inspire High School Students to Do Social Good

Because creativity is at the heart of activism.

Teen wearing a shirt that says #schoolsnotprisons - high school photography lessons

Explore the Getty Unshuttered Teacher Portal , a cross-curricular resource for high school teachers filled with lessons that inspire students to raise their voices for social good through photography.  

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“Who am I? What do I care about? How can I make a difference?”

Teens continually attempt to figure out their place in the world. As teachers, we can make a profound impact as our students learn and develop. We can guide those in our classrooms to use their passion, creativity, and energy to make a difference in the world. And now there’s a new resource, created by the Getty Museum, to help teachers do just that. The Getty Unshuttered Teacher Portal is a cross-curricular resource that provides high school teachers with free lessons that inspire students to raise their voices for social good through photography .

Featured Image Photo Credit: Melissa Barales-Lopez, Mia Bella Chavez, Grecia Carey Ortega, and Norma Vidal, [untitled], 2018

Cross-curricular lessons.

Originally developed as a free, photo-sharing app , Getty Unshuttered encourages teens to inspire others with their creativity. The app also teaches photography skills and posts photo challenges. The Getty Unshuttered Teacher Portal is a new resource that provides high school teachers with lessons that incorporate photography and enhance curriculums across a variety of subject areas, such as ELA, history, politics, art, photography , and more. 

Social Justice Themes

The carefully developed lessons tackle social justice themes that resonate with high school students. For example, Exploring Your Background is a lesson that shows students how to use self-portraiture to express their identity. In the accompanying activity, students use their smartphones to capture selfies that reveal their cultural background, family history, and place in society. The lesson also incorporates photography skills videos from the Getty Unshuttered app , and resources such as portraits from the Getty Collection and an “identity map” graphic organizer. 

Other cross-curricular, high school photography lessons from the Getty Teacher Portal delve into impactful, social justice topics, such as:

  • Exploring Communities
  • The Role of Photography in Social Justice Advocacy
  • Identifying Types of Service 

Useful Tools and Resources

Currently, there are eight social justice lessons available on the Getty Unshuttered Teacher Portal. Over the next school year, there are plans to add lessons on photography skills and visual narrative. All  lesson plans include a variety of tools and resources. Examples include relevant activities, photos, videos, discussion guides, graphic organizers, and assessments.

Explore the Getty Unshuttered Teacher Portal

Tap into your high school students’ creative expression through photography that helps them develop a deeper understanding of art, history, literature, politics, and more. Inspire them to raise their voices for social good through Getty Unshuttered’s cross-curricular, high school lessons.

Note: The aim of the portal is to be a tool for educators, and the Getty wants to hear feedback from you directly ([email protected]) in order to be responsive and ensure resources work for you. Going forward, you will see updates to lesson plans as feedback is incorporated.

These Cross-Curricular Photography Lessons Inspire High School Students to Do Social Good

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Photography Classes @ MERHS

  • Current Photo 1 Assignments

THIS CLASS CONTENT HAS BEEN MOVED TO GOOGLE CLASSROOM, but free to any teachers who want it, curriculum documents can be found below.

SOME CONTENT IS HERE AS PDFS AND A ZIP FILE OF ALL MY PRESENTATIONS:

and the dropbox link to all the files: https://www.dropbox.com/s/g74ezm5kit6tcln/photo%201%20slides%20and%20materials.zip?dl=0

Photo 1 has shooting assignments due just about EVERY OTHER WEEK. 

  • expectations
  • PHOTO PLAGIARISM POLICY:  All photos must be taken by you specifically for each of the the assignments. Do not “recycle” previously taken photos.
  • DUE DATE POLICY

OLD CURRICULUM CONTENT BELOW

Unit 1 – intro

  • DISCUSS : Is photography art? How is it similar to and different from other kinds of art (painting, sculpture, etc).
  • VIDEO : some peoples opinions about photography and art. watch and then  DISCUSS
  • TAKE NOTES: How do photographers see the world?
  • ASSIGNMENT – Think about what it means for a photo to be “good”. Then take 2 good photos of ANYTHING using a digital camera. Bring in the memory card on the due date.
  • DISCUSS : why are some photographs better than others?
  • ACTIVITY: Get on computers and go to explore photos on this site   Find several photographs that you think are good. Think about what makes them good. Find several photographs that you don’t think are good. Think about what is in the photo that you don’t like.
  • VIDEO : What is photography?
  • ACTIVITY: make a magazine collage with one background image and 4 elements from other photos
  • DIGITAL SKILL:   Look at examples . Then create a photoshop collage using either a cat or a dog. Make sure to use at least 5 different source photos, and be creative. This is an assignment for practicing how to use the selecting tools, the transform tools, and cutting and pasting. Make sure you chose the selection tool that is right for the job. Sometimes combining selection tools can be the best solution. Make sure the edges are nice and neat. The goal is to NOT be aware that it has been photoshopped. Taking the time to make sure it is neat and done well makes a big difference in the quality of the image.
  • VIEW: 9/11 images DISCUSS : Are these photos important? In what way are they or why aren’t they?
  • VIDEO: Am. Photo
  • DISCUSS :  What choices must a photographer make before beginning a work?
  • TAKE NOTES:   what are the 5 active choices that photographers make with their cameras?
  • TAKE NOTES:   more choices
  • VIDEO : leading and reframing
  • DISCUSS :  What skills and vocabulary do I need to appreciate visual art?
  • in class critique: learning to look
  • how drives work
  • what drive we use for class
  • how to get to different drives
  • how to use card reader
  • using Adobe Bridge to import photos
  • how to use Bridge to view and work with photos
  • how to turn in your photos

Unit 2 – shadows and light

  • pinterest examples
  • how to come up with ideas infographic
  • DISCUSS : how are your photos graded? how would you grade photos? then check out the  rubric
  • VIDEO: Am.Photo 2
  • TAKE NOTES : l ens choices   more examples  and in portraiture   2 3 
  • TAKE NOTES:   color to b&w     tone and value     contrast/ exposure     judging tone/contrast
  • ACTIVITY : make a 5×7 painting, matching a full range of tones
  • DIGITAL SKILL: how to use levels and curves to achieve a full range of tones
  • VIDEO and DISCUSS : ethics ( TAL )
  • DISCUSS : How do people express themselves through art today?
  • DISCUSS :  culling is important
  • DIGITAL SKILL:  handcolor examples (layer blend) and directions

Unit 3 – composition (principles and elements of art and design)

  • examples on pinterest
  • REMINDER :  rubric
  • ACTIVITY : find examples  of each of the P&E of the assignment, and put them in a google doc. make sure to label them.
  • ACTIVITY : play photo dice game and take photos in class
  • DISCUSS :  What inspires me?
  • TAKE NOTES: photography has styles/periods/movements and STRAIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY is one of them. Paul Strand was one of those photographers.
  • in class critique
  • DIGITAL SKILL:   dreamscape (layers)  create a memory/dream/nightmare using at least: 5 sources, 1 adjustment layer with a clipping mask, 1 filter, and 1 layer style

Unit 4 – camera controls

  • camera basics
  • camera settings explained
  • shutter & aperture
  • REVIEW SHUTTER SPEED AND APERTURE : get in groups of 2 and pick from the following : infogram ,  jeopardy , or write and act out a skit. Make sure to include the definitions/explanations of both shutter speed and aperture, the 4 visual effects, and cheater/real settings to get those effects.
  • DIGITAL SKILL:  fixing tools
  • DEMO : size & crop demo

Unit 5 – portraits

  • posing models
  • VIDEO : working with models – mario testino
  • VIDEO : hipster posing
  • class studio demo
  • REVIEW :  rubric
  • VIEW :  kim and kanye
  • VIDEO : the job of a photo retoucher
  • DIGITAL SKILL:  makeovers ,  makeover instructions
  • VIDEO: avedon or leibovitz
  • VIDEO: lachappell
  • VIDEO: patrick d
  • DISCUSS :  How do I use art in my everyday life?
  • CRITIQUE : camera control photos
  • review so far

Unit 6 – aesthetics

  • plain vs. glorified
  • more examples 1   2 3   4
  • DISCUSS :  What makes my art look good?
  • is it art?  and price of art  ( judd reinhardt hirst andre )
  • VIDEO : Marina and Ulay
  • written: philosophy
  • VIDEO : museum of bad art
  • CREATIVE WRITING ACTIVITY : photoeye story
  • DISCUSS :  How does art reflect culture?  How does art shape culture?

Unit 7 – diptych or sequence 

  • examples  and more examples
  • VIDEO : Duane Michals
  • some peer examples included here
  • ACTIVITY : practice creating diptychs
  • ASSIGNMENT: – take two or more photos to put together in a diptych. they must interact with each other in a way that makes them say something more than if they were alone.
  • ACTIVITY : presentation-  individual photographers

Unit 8 – color 

  • color theory
  • color and mood
  • photo examples
  • color temperature / white balance
  • DON’T FORGET:   rubric
  • DIGITAL SKILL :  color correction activity
  • VIDEO : colors of the year   VIEW : pantone explanation,   ben moore ,   ACTIVITY : play bendoku  and take color test
  • ACTIVITY : make a mood board full of things that are big and important or trending in teenagers lives right now, and then predict what a “teen color of next year” would be. (new photoshop file that is  2000×3000 pixels @ 72 dp, at least 30 sources images, and include box with 2017 teen color of the year. then save it in the TEEN COLOR folder)
  • DIGITAL SKILL:   creative color wheel (show 3 primary and 3 secondary, color the objects yourself, use at least 3 source photos, make it interesting)
  • TEST : color quiz
  • DIGITAL SKILL:   PHOTOSHOP QUIZ

Unit 9 – conceptual

  • ASSIGNMENT: pick 2 sound words, turn in 2 photos:  snap, crackle, pop, whistle, rustle, swoosh, bass, crescendo, resonance, boom, echo, screech, rattle, thud, scream, click, shout, whistle, twack, shhhh, shush, tsk tsk, squeak, creak, symphony, boing, chime, ring, silence, tap, knock, hiss  
  • Instructions : do NOT photograph something making that sounds, rather think about the sound, figure out how the noise would LOOK, and photography something that looks how the sounds feels.
  • VIDEO: MOMA  handout and video
  • DIGITAL SKILL : add tattoos  and instructions (use warp tool)
  • DIGITAL SKILL: social issue / meaning 1 2 3 4
  • DISCUSSION: how can images help with social issues?

Unit 10 – commercial

  • VIDEO : working as a commercial photographer
  • photo assignment and presentation requirements
  • digital skills 6: creative color wheel
  • VIDEO : food photos
  • VIDEO : shooting love
  • group presentation: commercial photos

Unit 11 – you the artist

  • examples 1 2 3 4 5
  • VIDEO : Culinary Canvas
  • more ex. 6 7 8
  • proposal form
  • ASSIGNMENT: – come up with your own assignment based on your interests or a conceptual idea
  • writing: c.s. script
  • DIGITAL SKILL: Frankenstein
  • make portfolio of 8 best photos
  • study guide for exam

Other Links

  • online galleries
  • stencil how to
  • stencil examples
  • MCAS activities

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  • Inspirational Post Week 6 04/02/2015
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  • Weekly Extra – Phone Photography 03/31/2015
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  • Q2 WEEK 1 – NOV 10-14
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  • Q2 WEEK 3 – DEC 1-5
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  • Q3: WEEK 1 = FEB 23-27
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Each winning entrant will receive a personalized Award of Excellence, milled from solid aluminum, and award certificates issued for firms, individuals and clients.

CA’s Award of Excellence is one of the most-coveted awards in the industry. If chosen, winning places you in the highest ranks of your profession.

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What to Enter: Information on eligibility, categories and fees. How to Enter: Information on preparation of entries and forms. Photography Competition FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about applications and file formats. Student Category FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about submitting student entries. Tips for Success: Seven things you should remember when entering our competitions.

What to Enter Any photograph first published or produced from March 2018 through March 2019 is eligible. Entries may originate from any country. Explanation of the function in English is very important to the judges. Submission of entries acknowledges the right of Communication Arts to use them for publication and exhibition.

Photography Competition Categories These categories are judged by the Photography jury and will appear in the Photography Annual. For a list of fees, please download the category PDF :

Advertising: ads, posters, music and product packaging, etc. Books: covers, jackets, interiors, etc. Editorial: consumer or trade magazines, newspapers, etc. For Sale: posters, prints, greeting cards, licensing/stock, gallery sale, online store, etc. Institutional: company/association publications, annual reports, catalogs, client websites, blogs, etc. Motion/Cinematography: time-based media for film, television, video or web, etc. Self-Promotion: promotion for photographers, design firms, ad agencies, art schools, printers, paper companies, etc. Unpublished: experimental/personal work not published. Student Work: photography or cinematography projects created for school assignments.

Late Fees Entries must be registered no later than Midnight (Pacific Standard Time), March 8, 2019. Entries registered after that date require a late fee of $10 per entry. No entries can be registered after March 22, 2019.

Each photograph is a single entry. A printed piece with several photographs must have a dot or some other mark indicating which specific single photograph is to be judged. If a single photograph isn't indicated, the entry will be disqualified.

Campaigns or series are limited to five photographs. If the entry has more than five photographs, indicate which five are to be judged. If this isn't indicated, the entry will be disqualified.

How to Enter All competition entries are processed through our online competition system.

Before you begin the process of entering a competition, please have the following information and materials ready. This will make the process go quickly.

• Your contact information for registration and notification. •  Title and basic credits for each project. •  Printed copies or digital files of work you want to submit. See below for file specs.

Please submit only one version of each entry (i.e.: do not send printed copies if you already uploaded digital files of the same entry). Entries can be submitted in the following formats:

Print Entries: Must be unmounted and sent to our office by mail/courier. Each photograph is a single entry. A printed piece with several photographs must have a dot or some other mark indicating which specific single photograph is to be judged. If a single photograph isn't indicated, the entry will be disqualified. Campaigns or series are limited to five photographs. If the entry has more than five photographs, indicate which five are to be judged. If this isn't indicated, the entry will be disqualified. Do not tape series together. Any project over 18" x 24" must be submitted as digital images.

Digital Images: Must be RGB in JPG format with a maximum width of 1024 pixels and a maximum height of 768 pixels at 72 dpi. NO EXCEPTIONS . Digital images will be projected for the judges using an HD projector on a 6' x 4' screen.

Motion/Cinematography Entries: Must be in MOV, MP4 or MGPG format, with a maximum file size of 1 GB. Include 4 seconds of black, no slates or bars, at the beginning of each video and 2 seconds at the end.

No entries will be returned. NO EXCEPTIONS . CA is not responsible for damage or loss of any entry. All entrants grant Communication Arts the right to reproduce work selected in the Photography Competition on the Communication Arts website and in materials used to promote the magazine, the competition and/or future related promotions.

Preparation of Packages All pieces sent in physical form must have an entry form taped to the back of the work. Do not send work in poster tubes as they are frequently damaged in transit. Non-United States contestants should mark each package “Materials for Contest Entry. No Commercial Value.” No provision will be made by Communication Arts for U.S. Customs or airport pickup. International entries should be sent by post or international courier. All entries must be received by the final deadline date .

Forms and Entry Fees Once you have completed the registration process, a PDF with a receipt or invoice and entry forms for physical submissions will be generated. You must print, trim and attach the entry forms to the back of your physical entries. If the entry is a print-based campaign, you will tape an entry form to each piece included in the campaign. Entries on disk require an entry form taped to the outside of each disk case. Multiple digital files may be placed on a single disk. Please tape all applicable entry forms one on top of the other so we can flip through them to verify the contents of the disk. Do not send any entries without entry forms attached.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and PayPal through our online competition system. Charges for your entry fees will appear on your statement as (“Commarts”). We also accept checks, international money orders and wire transfers. Make checks payable to Communication Arts . Non-United States contestants wishing to pay by check must send a check in U.S. funds drafted on a U.S. bank. Please include the check or money order with your entries if you are delivering them via mail/courier. If your payment is being sent under a separate cover, please include a note with your entries indicating that the check or money order is coming under separate cover. If you submit all of your entries online, please send a copy of the invoice you print out at the end of the entry process with the check or money order. Please note on wire transfers: We require an additional fee of $25 (U.S.) to cover fees charged by the banks to process the transfer.

Refund Policy All entry submissions are final and entry fees are nonrefundable.

Mail entries to: Communication Arts Photography Competition 110 Constitution Drive Menlo Park, CA 94025-1107 USA

(Via United States Mail, FedEx, UPS, etc. Entrants submitting from outside the U.S., please use an international courier.)

Notification of Acceptance Only accepted entrants will be notified within two months after the final deadline date due to the number of entries we receive. Complete credits and any necessary material for the best possible reproduction in the Annual will be requested at that time.

Questions If you have any other questions you can reach us at:

Email: [email protected] Phone: (650) 326-6040 Fax: (650) 326-1648

Can I get an extension on the deadline? After the March 8, 2019 deadline we will accept entries for two weeks but a late entry fee of $10 per entry is required. No entries can be registered after March 22, 2019.

Do you offer a cash prize? We do not offer a cash prize. The winners are featured in one of our annuals distributed worldwide, in both print and digital editions, and on commarts.com, assuring important exposure to the creators of this outstanding work. Each winning entrant will also receive one personalized Award of Excellence, milled from solid aluminum, and printed award certificates for all creative contributors.

Can I submit my work via e-mail and just include a credit card number with it? No, we do not accept entries via e-mail. All entries must be registered using our online competition system.

Will you confirm receipt of my package(s)? Once we have received all your entries and payment, you will receive a confirmation e-mail. Until we have received everything, the best way to track your package(s) is to check with your carrier.

How do I edit an entry that has already been submitted? If you need to change anything about your entry, please contact us at [email protected] and include your entry set number.

Will my entries be returned? Because of the number of entries we receive, it is not possible for us to return any of them.

If we submit digital files, do we also need to mail a copy of our entries? No, we can only accept one version of the work. Either upload digital images or send printed materials. Do not submit both.

What is the best way to submit my entries, digital or print? Use the format that you feel best showcases the work. However, we strongly recommend submitting printed examples of all multi-page projects. Any entries over one cubic foot or posters larger than 18" x 24" must be submitted as digital files.

Can I enter one project into multiple categories? Yes. If you are sending printed materials we will need an additional copy and corresponding entry form for each category you wish to enter.

Can I enter my work as a series? Yes, but all work in a series must be part of the same campaign. When works are submitted as a series they are judged together as a group. The overall strength of the series depends on each individual piece and its function within the campaign.

If my entry is accepted, what will you use for reproduction? If your work is accepted we will request high-res reproduction materials at that time.

What do you mean by “unmounted”? Please don't mount your projects onto a board. Projects that are mounted become very heavy and are hard for us to handle.

The entry instructions state, “Do not send original pieces of art you want returned.” What does that mean? It simply means that you should not send original photographs or artwork because they will not be returned.

I have a single brochure/poster/self-promo piece that has several photographs on it. Why is it a series and not a single entry? The judges of the Photography Competition are only judging the photographs, not the typography, design or art direction. (Entrants who want the design or art direction of their pieces to be considered should enter them in the Advertising and Design competitions.) Each photograph is a single entry. Therefore, a piece with several photographs must be considered a series. There is a maximum of five images in each series; if a piece is entered and there are more than five images on it, the five that are to be judged must be marked in some way.

Where do we put creative credits? We only need basic credit information during the judging process. If the piece is selected as a winner, we will ask for a full list of credits at that time.

I don't know which category to put my piece in? Choose the category that you feel best fits your submission. If we feel another category is more appropriate, we will move it; your work will not be penalized or disqualified.

We're waiting on the check from our accounting department. Can we have an extension? Please send your entries now, with a note saying that the check is coming under separate cover. If you submit all of your entries online, please include a copy of the invoice with the check.

Do you accept work on disk? Yes, entries can be submitted on disk. Please review the information under How to Enter for size and formatting requirements. Digital images and videos can also be easily uploaded during the entry process.

What rights do I retain if my work is chosen? You retain all rights to your images. If selected, you will need to grant us the right to reproduce the image or images for our online, digital and print-based publication.

How does the judging take place? Judges are not permitted to vote on work they were directly involved in. Print entries are spread out on tables by category. Most categories require several room setups. Each juror views the entries independently. Any juror can put an entry into the final voting by picking it up from the table. Digital and motion entries are selected by checking an “in” or “out” column on prepared scoring sheets. For finals, print entries are again spread out on tables by category. Two paper cups, one white and one red, with slots cut in the bottom, are placed upside down to the right of each entry. White cups are for "in" votes, red cups for "out." Each juror votes with different colored ceramic tiles by putting his or her tile in the appropriate cup. After all the jurors finish voting on print, they move to another hall for digital files and motion entries. Again, voting is done by each juror checking the “in” or “out” column on scoring sheets. Meanwhile, in the print hall, a check of the tile colors tells the Communication Arts staff if a specific juror has missed a piece and he or she is called back to vote. After the judges make their selections, their votes are tallied. A simple majority is usually required for a finalist to be selected a winner.

When will we know if our entry was chosen? If your entry is chosen we will notify you within two months after the final deadline date. Because of the number of entries we receive, we can only notify people whose work is accepted.

Will you supply a receipt for my entry fees? Yes. Once you have selected a payment method for your entries, you will be able to download your receipt or invoice and entry forms (if applicable). If you need to access the receipt at a later date, sign-in to our competition system and click on “View My Entry Sets”. You will be able to download and print receipts from any of our competitions you have previously entered.

Student Category FAQs

What can be entered in the Student Work category? Any project created for a school assignment. Personal unpublished work must be submitted in the Unpublished category.

The work must be completely original and not utilize content owned by another copyright holder unless the entrant has been granted specific usage rights. If a student project is selected and documentation of specific usage rights cannot be supplied, the project will be disqualified. Communication Arts is not liable for any copyright infringement on the part of the entrant, and will not become involved in copyright disputes.

Is there a discount for student entries? Yes, there is a substantial discount for student entries completed as a school assignment. However, if work is entered after the initial deadline, a late fee of $10 per entry will be added.

Can I enter one project into multiple categories? If the work is entered in the Student Work category, it cannot be entered in other categories.

Should I enter my video entry as digital images and upload the video? No. Do not upload screenshots of video entries. The jury will only judge the screenshots and not the video. Questions about what to enter, how to enter and other frequently asked questions can be found in the Photography Competition FAQs .

Tips for Success 1) Only send one version of each entry. If you upload digital files, we will not show the judges a printed version or video to go along with the digital images.

2) Digital files must be RGB in JPG format with a maximum width of 1024 pixels and a maximum height of 768 pixels at 72 dpi. NO EXCEPTIONS. Do not rotate vertical images to be horizontal.

3) All physical entries, printed entries or entries on disks, must have an entry form attached to the back. Do not send any work without an entry form attached. Entry forms will be automatically generated for you at the end of the submission process.

4) If you enter a project in multiple categories and wish to submit printed samples, you must send an additional sample for each entry with the corresponding form attached.

5) Pack entries carefully. Do not send work in poster tubes as they are frequently damaged in transit.

6) Each photograph is a single entry. A printed piece with several photographs must have a dot or some other mark indicating which specific single photograph is to be judged. If a single photograph isn't indicated, the entry will be disqualified.

7) Campaigns or series are limited to five photographs. If the entry has more than five photographs, indicate which five are to be judged. If this isn't indicated, the entry will be disqualified.

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Communication Arts

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Cupertino Union School District

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In this section, landing nav, student assignment.

For questions/inquiries with Student Assignment, please  CLICK HERE   to submit an inquiry. A Student Assignment staff member will reach out to you as soon as we get to your question/inquiry in the queue.

Student Assignment is open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. All registrations are being processed remotely from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm. If you would like to request an in-person registration, please notify the staff member that emails you at the beginning of the registration process. 

Requirements

Student registration, open enrollment, change of address, inter-district transfer, school locator.

** New students MUST be residing in the District. The student must be ready and available for assessments that may be necessary. **

** Current CUSD students with a change of address MUST be residing in their new attendance area or residence before change of address and/or school will be made. **

Proof of Residence

New residents MUST be residing in their new address/residence within the CUSD boundaries. If families are still between their previous address and new address, registration will not take place until the new address becomes the primary address. CUSD does not register students who are planning to move within the CUSD boundaries.  For families that do not reside within CUSD boundaries, please refer to our Inter District Transfer tab for information about our IDT process.

One (1) document is required from List A, B and C:

  • Current Original Property Tax Bill – with parent/guardian’s name, mailing address and property address.  One may obtain a duplicate of their original property tax bill at the Department of Tax and Collections, 110 W. Tasman Drive, San Jose, 95134-1700 or by emailing [email protected]
  • Final Buyer Statement (if purchased within last six [6] months) – with parent/guardian’s name and property address
  • CUSD will not accept a Grant Deed as proof of residence.
  • CUSD will not accept a Property Assessment mailed by the Santa Clara County Assessors Office.
  • Printed fully executed lease agreement – includes signatures from both parent/guardian and manager/landlord and Manager/Landlord’s contact information
  • An Affidavit of Parent Residence form must be signed by parent and the primary resident. The form can be obtained by submitting an Inquiry Request - a staff member will reach out to you with instructions.
  • Primary resident must provide Property Tax Bill or fully executed lease agreement and photo identification
  • Parent must provide two additional forms of identification with current address on it (most recent bank statement, car insurance or registration, or paycheck stub) 
  • Most recent PG&E bill (received within the last 30 days)

Car Registration

Car Insurance

Bank Statement

Paycheck stub or W-2 statement

*If you have just moved into your residence and items from List B and C are not yet available, staff will give your family a 30 day registration conditional to turn those items in at a later date.

Parent Photo Identification

One (1) document is required

  • State issued Driver’s License or Identification Card

Proof of Age

Certificate of birth (certificates provided by the hospital are not acceptable)

Baptismal certificate duly attested

  • Affidavit signed by parent, guardian or custodian of the child

Immunization Records

Must be provided by a physician and translated into English.

Yellow card or print out from physician’s office with most recent immunization records must be presented at the time of registration. Immunization records from previous school districts will not be accepted.

  • TB Test/Assessments must be done within the United States and must be completed up to 12 months prior to school registration. If coming from another school within Santa Clara County an older TB test result or assessment will be accepted and must be presented at the time of registration. Click HERE for the TB Risk Assessment Form.
  • Students entering grades 7 or 8 must have one (1) dose of Tdap (or DTP/DTaP) on or after the 7 th birthday.

2024-2025 School Year

**Registration will closed on August 9, 2024 at 1:30 pm and will resume on August 15, 2024 at 8:00 am. There will be limited public access to the Student Assignment Office during this time as they work with the schools prior to the first day of school.**

2024-2025 New Transitional Kindergarten through 8th Grade Student Priority Registration

Please note: Families must be residing in CUSD in order to register. CUSD does not conduct any pre-registrations.

Kindergarten is available for children whose birthdays are between September 2, 2018, and September 1, 2019.

TK is available for children whose birthdays are between September 2, 2019, and June 2, 2020.

TK is part of a two-year Kindergarten program.

STEP 1:  Gather all required documents

  • CUSD  will not  accept a Grant Deed as proof of residence.
  • CUSD  will not  accept a Property Assessment mailed by the Santa Clara County Assessors Office.
  • An Affidavit of Parent Residence form must be signed by parent and the primary resident. The form can be obtained by submitting an  Inquiry Request  - a staff member will reach out to you with instructions.
  • Primary resident must provide Property Tax Bill or fully executed lease agreement, most recent PG&E bill and photo identification

Paycheck stub

  • Parent Photo ID  - either a state issued driver's license or passport is accepted
  • Child's birth certificate or passport
  • Child's most up-to-date immunization records - Students entering grades 7 or 8 must have one (1) dose of Tdap (or DTP/DTaP) on or after the 7 th  birthday
  • Child's TB Risk Assessment form or negative test results -  CLICK HERE for the TB Risk Assessment form.

STEP 2:  Submit a registration request -  CLICK HERE  for the form

  • Due to the increased volume of registration, a response may take 5-10 business days. Thank you in advance for your patience!

STEP 3:  Document Verification / Registration Completion

  • Student Assignment staff will send instructions on how to submit registration requirements and how to complete the online registration.

CLICK HERE  for school listings and websites.

If you have any additional inquiries, please contact Student Assignment through their inquiry form: CLICK HERE . Due to a high volume of requests being processed at this time, Student Assignment will reach out to you as quickly as possible. 

2024-2025 Open Enrollment

to complete the 2024-2025 Open Enrollment submission form.

Attendance area school grade levels have been identified as having adequate openings for families to apply for Open Enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year*:

Schools identified as “large schools” for the 2024-2025 school year that will have priority for Open Enrollment into non-impacted schools*: 

Please note that priority does not guarantee enrollment. Students will be added to the existing waitlist in the order in which the submissions are received.

Open Enrollment Waitlist Informaton

CLICK HERE for access to the waitlist. ( waitlist.cusdk8.org ) 

Parents checking living waitlist numbers will need to know their child’s six-digit perm identification number as well as the child’s six-digit birthday (mmddyy).

If your child is on a waitlist, please know that if a space becomes available for your child, a CUSD staff member will reach out to you by InformedK12 or email.

Once a family accepts an alternative school placement for their child, the child is removed from all other waitlists and is removed from their current school of attendance.

If a family accepts a neighborhood attendance area school placement for their child, the child will remain on any alternative school living waitlist the student is on.

If a family declines an offer for their child, their child is removed from that waitlist, but not other waitlists. 

CUSD Open Enrollment (OE) Waitlist FAQ’s

I applied through an Open Enrollment window, but my child is not on the waitlist. Why not?

There are a variety of reasons your child may not be on the waitlist:

No tour/parent information meeting (alt school/program only) was attended. If you believe this was an error, please contact the alternative school/program office.

A different attendance area school or alternative school/program was not selected when the OE form was submitted (blank submission)

The attendance area school selected was the home attendance area school, and the submission was removed (this is already your child’s assigned school)

Incorrect grade level was entered, or the school chosen does not offer the grade level selected (for example, Faria, as well as Murdock-Portal, do not have 6th-grade classes)

Your child was not re-registered for the 2024-2025 school year, and their perm ID # was not considered active for the Open Enrollment lottery

I have a lower waitlist number but have not received an offer. Why not?

All open spaces in Kindergarten are not initially offered for a variety of reasons:

If a student has an IEP, the IEP must be reviewed and/or the team must meet prior to the offer. The student’s space is not offered to another student while this process is taking place.

Some spaces are held for potential retention for the current 2023-2024 students.

Why is my child’s waitlist number not moving?

Depending on the time of year, there may be few offers available. Our first priority is to place students in their attendance area schools. During summer, we have a lot of families moving into the district which may result in less open enrollment offers while we process all the students’ registrations to their attendance area schools.

Why is my child’s waitlist number getting higher?

While families continue to apply and/or accept offers into schools, priorities may be added to student’s waitlist numbers making other student’s numbers go higher instead of lower. 

When will I get an offer?

The waitlist is monitored daily, and if/when an offer can be made, a CUSD staff member will email you. Offers can happen during the summer or after school starts through March 2025. Schools need to have adequate space to consider offers.

What does adequate space mean?

One opening from a student leaving does not mean that an offer will be sent to the first student on an Open Enrollment waitlist. No student currently residing within a school's attendance area shall be displaced by another student transferring from outside the attendance area. (Education Code 35160.5)

If you have any further questions, please CLICK HERE and submit an Open Enrollment Waitlist Inquiry form. Student Assignment will not be answering questions via phone calls. Due to the increased volume of inquiries coming in at this time, please allow up to five business days to receive a response. We thank you in advance for your patience.

The Student Assignment Office can be reached Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. at (408) 252-3000 x.61-110. Please note,  walk-ins are not taken at this time .  

If your family is currently attending a CUSD school and needs to update an address due to a move, please CLICK HERE  to submit your information via the Google form.

Your family must be fully residing within your new residence - we do not update addresses prior to the move.

A Student Assignment staff member will reach out to you once we get to your information in the queue . While you await an email, please prepare your Property Tax Bill or Final Buyers Statement (if purchased within the last six [6] months) if you own your home or your lease agreement if you rent along with a parent photo ID. You will be requested to send that information via PDF once contacted. If you have moved out of the district and would like to remain, our staff will work with your family if an Inter District Transfer request is possible. 

What is an Inter-district Transfer?

An inter-district transfer is used when families wish to enroll their student(s) in a school district other than the one assigned to their home address. This applies to students trying to transfer into and out of the Cupertino Union School District (CUSD). All Inter-District requests must be initiated in the District of residence. Inter-District transfers are valid for one year only and must be renewed annually. 

Students Living Within CUSD Boundaries Transferring to Another District

Families who live within the Cupertino Union School District boundaries may request for their student to attend a school outside of the Cupertino Union School District.

2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR: Families living with the CUSD boundaries requesting to attend another district must complete THIS FORM . Please note, if the student has an IEP, that must be attached to the Inter District Transfer request form for review.

Students Living Outside of the CUSD Boundaries Transferring into CUSD

Students who live outside of the Cupertino Union School District boundaries have the opportunity to request attendance to an attendance area school within the Cupertino Union School District from their new district of residence.

Inter District Transfer requests from families living outside of the CUSD boundaries  will start to be reviewed for the next school year in May.

The Cupertino Union School District reserves the right to deny transfer requests or release students for the following reasons: lack of facilities either district-wide or in a requested school, attendance area or program, scholarship, citizenship, attendance, or behavior.

An approved  IDT may be revoked or rescinded at a later date by CUSD if: 

  • there is insufficient classroom space in the requested school and/or grade level;
  • there is excessive truancy, tardiness or late pick-ups;
  • Students do not have satisfactory attendance, citizenship and/or scholarship; 
  • parent/guardian(s) provide false information in making a transfer request.

No student currently residing within a school's attendance area shall be displaced by another student transferring from outside the attendance area or by a student requesting an IDT.

Board Policy and Regulation 5117 related to the District's Inter-District Transfer process are found on Board Docs at https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/cusdk8/Board.nsf/vpublic?open .

  • Official Image Requirements
  • Auxiliary Services
  • The ACCESS Office
  • Online Photo Submission

Yes, you can smile!

Your photo must be submitted and approved before the stated deadline.   We accept color passport photos with a frontal view of the head and shoulders on a solid white or blue background.  You should be facing directly ahead; please do not look down or to either side. Your photo should display your head, including both face and hair, from the crown of the head to the tip of the chin, and from hairline side-to-side.  Head coverings for religious beliefs are acceptable, provided that the head covering shows a full view of the face, does not cast a shadow onto the face, and shows an overall pattern in the fabric or material (i.e., not a graphic design). 

Prescription glasses may be worn for the photo; however, there should be no reflections from the eyeglasses that obscure the eyes. Dark glasses or nonprescription glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable unless they are needed for medical reasons; a medical certificate may be required.  No hats are allowed. The key requirement for your ACCESS card image is that the photo clearly identifies you, the cardholder.

Approved Images

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Throwback Photo: A 1980 computer class at Portland High School

With school starting back up, we take a look at a classroom scene that's changed a lot over the years.

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Now that school’s back in session, let’s take a look at what the computing world looked like for students before the advent of sleek laptops, fancy Macs and smartphones. In this photo that ran in the Maine Sunday Telegram on Dec. 14, 1980, students at Portland High School gather around computer terminals that look very different from the technology that’s being used in schools today. One thing that hasn’t changed is the L.L. Bean ragg wool sweater worn by the student in the middle. Portland Public Library Special Collections & Archives

See more photos of life in Maine from our archives  here .

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UAE students could face legal action for sharing school photos on social media

With the start of the new year, many schools across the country cautioned students against taking photos on the school premises and posting them online.

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Waheed Abbas

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Published: Mon 2 Sep 2024, 6:00 AM

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Schools in the UAE have asked students not to take photos and share them on social media, as this violates the country's privacy laws.

With the start of the new academic year, schools in the UAE are stressing the severe consequences of violating privacy laws. They are cautioning parents to educate their children about the importance of not taking and sharing photos in school without prior permission, as such actions can lead to strict penalties under the UAE's privacy laws.

Some schools have made tablets and laptops mandatory for students to bring to aid with learning, but prohibit mobile phones and tablets with SIM cards. More than one million students returned to school for the new academic year on August 26 after the long summer break.

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“We run detailed induction sessions for all staff and students, covering safeguarding and UAE law on the use of social media, with specific reference to cybersecurity. We also cover cultural sensitivities, social privacy, and consent, as well as defamation-related content and the personal well-being of all persons concerned,” said Ranju Anand, principal and CEO of Gems Cambridge International Private School – Sharjah and senior vice president for education at Gems Education.

She said assemblies relating to cyber safety are a norm at the beginning of each year and an integral part of their Computer Science curriculum.

She further added how parents find assemblies relating to cyber safety very useful as "they help them find a balanced approach for their children in terms of what to do, what not to do, and what absolutely not to do".

“We advise students not to take any pictures in school, and use of devices is limited so that they are used only as a learning tool under the guidance of staff. Students are reminded to respect UAE's laws on the topic, and we make them aware of the consequences, sharing real-life examples to help illustrate the importance of adhering to rules,” she added.

Claire Smith, academy assistant principal – designated safeguarding lead, Gems Wellington Academy at Silicon Oasis, said the school conducted safeguarding assemblies for years 7, 8, and 10, with a particular focus on digital safety and UAE law.

“This information is crucial, especially for our new students who have joined WSO from other countries where there may be different laws. It also serves as an important reminder for our existing students."

"The Executive Student Leadership Team emphasised the importance of using technology with integrity, one of our core school values. We will be delivering the same message to other year groups in the coming weeks. Digital safety remains a consistent theme in our assemblies, throughout the academy, and is also integrated into our bespoke wellbeing curriculum, the GroWell programme,” said Smith.

What does UAE law say?

Under the UAE’s privacy law, students could be taken to court for taking and sharing photos of others without their consent on social media.

The court may impose judicial measures, such as probation or community service, in line with the rehabilitative approach of the UAE's juvenile justice system. In addition, Public Prosecution can impose administrative measures on minors such as supervision by a guardian, social duties and electronic monitoring.

Though students could face legal action for their direct involvement, liability for sharing photos can extend to parents and schools also.

“Liability for sharing photos without permission can extend to multiple parties. While the student may be directly involved and face legal action, UAE law also places responsibility on parents or guardians. Article 313(1-a) of the UAE Civil Transactions Law holds parents or guardians financially liable if the violation results from insufficient supervision," said Abdul Majeed Al Sweedy, senior associate at Galadari Advocates and Legal Consultants.

“Schools are also accountable under UAE law if the violation occurs due to inadequate supervision during school activities. It is the school’s responsibility to maintain a safe environment and prevent such incidents. Both parents and the school may share liability if the violation occurs under their watch,” Al Sweedy added.

Abdul Majeed Al Sweedy

UAE law takes privacy violations seriously, particularly in the context of digital platforms such as social media. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumours and Electronic Crimes, it is illegal to share personal data, including photos or videos, without the consent of the person involved.

Al Sweedy warned that this law applies to everyone, including teenagers and students, who might share content on social media.

“The legislation is designed to protect individuals’ privacy from unauthorised recording, sharing, or dissemination of their personal information or images. Therefore, teenagers must understand that sharing content without permission can have serious legal consequences.”

Rehabilitation, not punishment

Al Sweedy further explained that UAE's law is generally "lenient towards minors, focusing on rehabilitation and education rather than harsh punishment".

He warned that teenagers may be taken to court for sharing others’ photos without permission.

Under Article 44 of Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021, he explained the unauthorised sharing of photos or any personal data is considered a privacy violation and is subject to severe penalties. However, for minors, consistent with the rehabilitative approach of the UAE's juvenile justice system, the court may impose alternative judicial measures, such as probation or community service, focusing on reform rather than punitive actions.

Explaining the Federal Law No. 6 of 2022 Concerning Juvenile Delinquents and Juveniles at Risk, he said minors who commit crimes, including privacy violations, are often subject to judicial measures that emphasise corrective and supportive actions.

Under UAE law, the Public Prosecution can impose administrative measures on minors who haven't reached legal age if necessary. These measures include supervision by a guardian, social duties, electronic monitoring, and in severe cases, referral to specialised institutions. The goal is to rehabilitate and prevent future crimes through education and counselling.

For minors aged 12 to 16, the court applies judicial measures like probation instead of criminal penalties. Probation involves a period of supervision, and if successfully completed, the case is dismissed. If not, the minor is retried. Other measures can include community service, vocational training, or placement in juvenile facilities.

For those aged between 16 to 18, the court can impose either a criminal penalty or a judicial measure. While imprisonment is generally avoided, it may be substituted with a reduced prison term served in a juvenile institution until the minor turns 18, after which any remaining sentence is served in a penal institution.

Criminal settlements are possible for misdemeanours or petty offences, provided the imprisonment does not exceed one year and the minor has no prior offences.

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