Challenge:  dare, test, confrontation, test, trial, problem.

2018 was a year of challenges with most all of the challenges being positive. Due to a time consuming obligation, it’s been a personal challenge this year to budget my time and find time to feed my photographic and creative fire. My friends, however, have helped keep me ‘in focus’ – pun intended.

Approximately twice a month I drive about an hour each way to assemble with a group of photography colleagues and friends.  I additionally meet with with other photographers at various times throughout the year. The time spent with these kindred spirits feeds my soul and the challenges assigned always test my creativity.

The drive down County Line Road has become my metaphor for precious time dedicated and devoted to fostering deep friendships, enjoying stimulating conversation, and participating in engaging challenges that stretch and expand my personal growth in photography.  All that with a dash of ‘just plain ole FUN’ added to the mix!

Just a few of my 2018 Challenges –

1. The “Poem ” Challenge:

Select a poem and illustrate it with a photograph.

I selected Picture Puzzle Piece by Shel Silverstein. The selection of the poem was easy, illustrating it was a challenge.

2.  The “Texture” Challenge:

We took turns photographing things to use as textures.  Then we were assigned a task of using the texture with one of our images.  The texture for this image was particularly challenging, but the result ended up being one of my favorite images of the year.

3.  The “Downtown Nashville” Challenge :

OK.  This was really intended to be an outing, but if you read our posts on a regular basis, you know how much I really, really dislike going downtown!  I had to get out of my comfort zone for this outing and that was a challenge!

 

4.  The “Lensbaby” Challenge:

Anytime one gets a new piece of equipment there is a certain learning curve on the journey to mastery.  I have enjoyed experimenting and exploring this challenging lens.

5.  The “iPhoneography” Challenge:

Starting out as a challenge, it has been truly been a pleasure to explore more fully the hidden techniques and capabilities that one’s iPhone can offer.  There is a whole new world waiting to be discovered.  Count me in as an iPhoneography advocate.

6.  The “Seeing New Ways” Challenge:

Seeing in new ways.  Seeing more deeply.  Seeing in ways that others might overlook.  Showing the viewer a new or fresh perspective. That’s an on-going challenge that is not constrained with a time limit.  And a challenge I think about every time I look through the lens.

A couple of quotes to ponder:

 “Challenges are gifts in disguise.”  ~ unknown 

”If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.”  ~ unknown

Contributed by Sue Henry