Last week I kicked off the #sharejOy campaign with a creative activity sharing art with seniors who are quarantined. If you missed that post, it’s not too late to join in!

This week, I have a new activity that I hope will spark some joy. I’ve created a photo challenge with daily prompts to keep you going. Anyone of any skill level is welcome to participate with any camera they have - phone, iPad, point and shoot, DSLR, film, mirrorless…doesn’t matter. The point is to try to see things in a new way, and to find little sparks of joy in the things around you. This would be a great activity for kids too!

Each prompt is open to your interpretation, so there are no rules, really. Get creative and see what you can come up with. You may choose to shoot a particular prompt in several ways and share your favorites. Or, you could limit yourself to one shot per prompt so that you really have to think it through before you click. If you are a seasoned photographer, you might consider adding a challenge like only using one lens, or shooting each prompt with off camera flash. If you miss a day that’s okay too. You can make it up, or just move on to the next prompt. It’s up to you.

Share your images on Instagram or Facebook with the hashtags #sharejOy and the initials #sj+promptname ie. #sjcheerful

I’ll be sharing on my Instagram @dayswithourdanes. I have also created a link up below, so if you decide to blog your images, you can come back here and share your post with us!

Let’s all spread some light and joy, and encourage each other to keep finding the good in each new day. Below the prompt list I’m sharing a few tips for creating compelling images, if you need help getting started. Be sure to check those out. I can’t wait to see what you create!

A few tips before you shoot:

1. Consider what type of feeling you want your image to covey and look for light that enhances that feeling (add or eliminate light if you need to - quality of light matters far more than quantity).

2. Consider how the angle of your lens, and your perspective to the subject, affects the look and feel of your shot.

3. Be mindful of what falls within the frame, and move yourself, or zoom in, to eliminate any distracting elements that don’t add to what you want to convey. Often less is more!

4. Consider leading lines, symmetry, color/tone, movement, balance and framing - how can you incorporate these to lead your viewer’s eye where you want it to go?

5. Think about how many ways you can interpret a prompt before you shoot - perhaps there’s a unique perspective you hadn’t considered before? Push yourself beyond the obvious if you are feeling stuck. You should be able to shoot these prompts safe at home or within close proximity to your home. If you feel too confined by your surroundings, remember that a selfie of you looking at a photo of a sunset, still includes a sunset. ;)

6. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Keep trying. Sometimes the magic happens a few frames after you thought of giving up!

7. Have fun and share the joy in your journey!

Link up your posts: