Hey there folks,
I wanted to announce our new project for 2026 that we’re calling the “4 for 4 Challenge”. Four separate challenges, requiring four separate images each, to be discussed at four separate meetings, with four opportunities to learn something new!
I have been trying to come up with ideas to spice up our meetings a bit by making them more interactive. I thought this would be a great way to do that. Special thanks to Mary Ostlund for the inspiration for this idea!
4 for 4 Challenge - Why?
The point of the challenge is to stretch your creative muscles. Many times, we can get complacent and shoot photos in the same way, not considering any other options. We arrive on a scene, pull out our tripod, set it to eye level, and that’s where it stays. That kind of complacency can limit your creativity. I’m hoping these challenges will open your mind to new possibilities.
We’ll be doing 4 separate challenges throughout 2026, giving everyone 3 months to photograph, develop, and submit. Then at the following meeting, we’ll show the images in a presentation and discuss what we’ve learned by either taking the photos or looking at everyone’s results. This is not a competition, and no prizes will be given; its just an opportunity to learn something new about yourself, from yourself as well as others, and grow as a photographer.
My hopes are that these challenges will get everyone out photographing throughout the year and try something new. Who knows, you might surprise yourself!
4 for 4 Challenge - What?
Starting January 1st and concluding in early March, we’ll start the 1st quarterly or “winter” challenge. The 2nd quarterly or “spring” challenge goes from March to June, the 3rd quarterly or “summer” challenge goes from June to September, and the 4th and final “autumn” challenge goes from September to December. Each challenge is separate from the others.
1st Quarter-Winter Challenge - Find a subject and photograph it from 4 different angles. Images are due by March 6th.
2nd Quarter-Spring Challenge - Find a subject/scene and photograph it using 4 considerably different focal lengths. Only MINIMAL cropping will be allowed in post processing for this challenge, and ONLY to correct for a crooked horizon or to fit an aspect ratio. Use the focal length to do the cropping for you. Images are due by June 5th.
3rd Quarter-Summer Challenge - Find a subject/scene and photograph it in 4 noticeably different types of light. MINIMAL processing as well with this one. Let the light be what it was when you photographed it, and don’t overdo it. Purpose is to capture different types of light, not create the light in the digital darkroom. Images are due by September 4th.
4th Quarter-Autumn Challenge - Find a wide to mid-range scene and photograph it. Then, find 3 smaller vignettes within that scene and photograph those. Use different lenses, focal lengths, or types of light, etc. Get creative! Images due by December 4th.
4 for 4 Challenge - Rules
1. You will have 3 months to photograph and develop the images for each challenge. The final images will be due the Friday before that month’s meeting. Reminders will be sent the morning they are due.
2. Photograph only one challenge per quarter. (Meaning, don’t go out and photograph all the challenges at once or during one time period.) Each challenge must be taken during the timeframe outlined above.
3. Genres can be whatever you like. Nature, landscape, street, architecture, still life, even your backyard if you like.
4. Developed image files AND their RAW counterparts must be uploaded to the Dropbox link no later than the Friday before the meeting. That will give me time to download the images, inspect for rule adherence, and get them in a PowerPoint presentation.
5. Rename files so I can identify whose images are who’s. Rename them with your name or initials. Final developed JPGs must be large enough to view on a big screen so export them at 2,000 pixels on the long edge. (no thumbnails!)
As always, please email me with any questions or clarifications of the rules in advance. Don’t wait until the last minute. Thanks, and have fun!