Unexpected ways to hone your smartphone photography skills

Free photography challenges are an option and they will bring you surprising results!

1. Streetbounty's '1,000 images'

Many of Streetbounty's street photography challenges are for DSLR and mirrorless cameras, but you can complete device-free challenges using your smartphone. Even for some device-related challenges, such as using the same lens and camera for a month, you still do it by default using your smartphone.

The 1,000 image challenge is as simple as it sounds: Your goal is to take 1,000 photos. As mentioned in the introduction, the only way to improve your photography is to practice. You can learn all the theory and watch all the YouTube videos you want; But that information is useless if not applied.

You should take 1,000 photos at whatever your natural pace is. After taking 1,000 photos, you will naturally learn how to compose better when taking photos with a smartphone and other factors.

2. Convert to black and white

This experiment is interesting because many people rarely take black and white photos. Converting photos to black and white is a great way to practice these skills.

When you first start black and white photography, you might think you'll just need to desaturate the image or add a monochrome filter without worrying too much about other aspects. However, you will quickly realize that it is a completely different skill. You need to think more about contrast and telling a good story is also essential.

If you want a better start, start by checking out these tips for taking impressive black and white photos on your smartphone.

3. Click Community's 90-day challenge for better photos

The 90-day challenge for better photos is similar to the 1,000 photos challenge, but there's no specific number of photos you have to take. One photo a day is enough, which is great if you're busy because it only takes a few seconds to take a photo.

Click Community recommends doing this challenge in the summer, but it will also work in the fall and winter. Here are some ideas you can jot down:

1. Celebrate the holiday season
2. How the landscape changes with the seasons (e.g., recording the same location multiple days in a row)
3. Change the color scheme in your home (for example, change up your wardrobe and bring out wool blankets in the cold months)

Click Community also offers a number of recommendations, some of which can be applied year-round. Using your phone helps reduce pressure when participating in this challenge. You'll feel more creative and realize that while your phone will never replace your camera, it's still a powerful tool when used properly.

4. Expert Photography's 30-day photography challenge

While the previous challenge only required taking photos every day for 90 days, Expert Photography takes a slightly different approach. Every day, you will have a new subject to photograph.

One of the best things about photography challenges that can be done using a DSLR is that they are more difficult when done with a smartphone. For this reason, you have plenty of space to grow. Many people don't like daily challenges, but at least you'll learn what you like and don't like. After completing this challenge, you'll also feel more able to think outside the box.

If you are new to photography, this should be one of the top recommendations. After completing the challenge, rate which type of photography you like best. Next, double the number of photos in those categories (but don't ignore anything else that interests you). See more: The most basic things for new photographers if needed.

5. Contrastly's Natural Light Challenge

Compared to DSLR cameras, taking photos in natural light conditions is more difficult when using a smartphone. Interestingly, taking photos in unnatural lighting conditions with a smartphone is easier than using a DSLR camera. This natural light challenge from Contrastly focuses mainly on portrait photography.

The goal is simple: You need to take portrait photos in natural light. This challenge isn't just about taking photos of other people, you also need to think about what conditions will make your subject look best. For example, taking photos when it's too bright outside - like around noon in the summer - can create shadows that don't highlight the beauty of the person you're photographing.

If you don't have someone to take portraits with, you can always take photos of your pets. Doing so can also help you develop further, as you need to think more about texture and other aspects.

While you can do many of these challenges with a DSLR camera, it's better to try them with a smartphone. Of course things will be more difficult, but that will lead to more growth and becoming a better photographer in the long run. Take on these challenges in any order you like!

Jessica Tanner

Update 01 August 2024