Digital Photography (WK1) - Creativity: “Opposites Attract” Photo Challenge

“Opposites Attract” Photo Challenge

Welcome back to another creativity blog post! I've decided to gear these exercises towards photography to hopefully help with this class. I found this exercise really helpful when working on the composition assignment. While I didn't actually practice this, it helped me to think about how my surroundings would work with each other - hence why I went with the subject I did for that assignment. I actually started that assignment with a different subject - a crystal - and using this exercise, I ultimately decided it was the incorrect subject to use in the setting available (taking lighting and setting where the subject would be sitting into consideration). 

Goal: Spark creative ideas by mixing two opposite concepts in one photo.

Steps:

  1. Pick two random opposites.

    • Examples: soft vs. sharp, light vs. dark, motion vs. stillness, natural vs. artificial.

  2. Spend 5 minutes brainstorming how to show both in one frame.

    • Jot quick ideas, don’t overthink it.

    • Example:

      • Light vs. dark: a candle burning in a shadowy room.

      • Motion vs. stillness: a blurred car passing a person standing still.

  3. Shoot your interpretation.

    • Use whatever camera you have accessible (a phone will work just fine!)

    • Try at least 3 variations—change angle, light, or focus each time.

  4. Review your shots.

    • Pick one that captures the contrast best.

    • Ask yourself: Which side of the “opposite” feels stronger? What happens if I reverse that next time?


Let me know if you try this exercise and how it worked out for you! 

Until next time!

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