You are going on the NC500 or a super holiday (vacation) and you want to make the best images you can. Here is a list of practical projects for beginner smartphone (or camera) photographers that will help you really get to know how to make the best of any opportunity. Don’t worry if the first few are not as good as you hoped, persevere and practice, practice, practice :
- Rule of Thirds Challenge: Turn on your camera’s gridlines. For one day, compose every shot with the main subject placed along a grid line or at an intersection. Focus on balanced and engaging compositions.
- Texture Hunt: Photograph five different textures (e.g., rough wood, smooth glass, frayed fabric) using close-ups. Tap to focus on the texture and adjust exposure for best detail and contrast.
- Light and Shadow: Find a strong light source (sunlight, a lamp) and capture scenes focusing only on the interesting shapes and contrasts created by shadows. Try converting to black and white.
- Forced Perspective Fun: Use foreground objects and distant scenes to create illusions (e.g., holding up the sun, seemingly gigantic small objects). Get low and move your feet for better angles.
- Color Pop: Pick one bright, standout color (red, yellow) and take ten photos where that color is the main focal point, contrasting with a more muted background.
- Reflections Project: Photograph various reflections in mirrors, water, windows, or polished surfaces. Experiment with focus: on the reflection or on the surface itself.
- The Single Subject: Choose one everyday object (a coffee mug, a houseplant) and take ten completely different photos of it, varying the angle, light, and background.
- Portraiture with Natural Light: Photograph a person or a pet using only light coming from a window or door. Avoid harsh midday sun. Lock focus on the eyes for sharpness.