There’s a big fat lie floating around in the photography world that no one wants you to know. And I’m here to tell you what it is.  But before I do, consider this. What if I told you that you could create beautifully stunning pictures with nothing more than the camera you carry with you all the time? Yep, I mean your phone. What if I told you that you could learn a few simple techniques that would take your photos to the next level and make them truly swoon-worthy? What if there was a place where you could forget about the laundry and the dishes and your next meeting and take a few moments each day to explore the world around you in a mindful and creative way? Well, that’s exactly what the members of the Summer Twilight 30 did. Have you figured out the big lie yet?

Ok, I’ll tell you. The lie that the photography industry would like you to believe is that you must own a fancy schmancy camera and spend lots of money on lenses and other gear in order to take good pictures. This is a flat out, bald faced, pants on fire lie. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love my big girl camera with a burning desire that probably shouldn’t be allowed of an inanimate object, and there is certainly a place and need for it.  BUT, let’s be real. It’s not the camera that makes a picture, it’s the person behind the camera. Owning an expensive camera won’t make you Ansel Adams any more than owning a canvas and paints will make you Picasso. So that’s it. You (yes YOU) can learn to take amazing photos with your phone.  See?

Yup, these were taken with camera phones! #SummerTwilight30 Student Photos

Since I’ve been on my own photography journey this year with my 365 project, I felt compelled to help others do a challenge of their own. I created the Summer Twilight 30. A 30 day challenge to take a photo each day with nothing but your phone. To add to the challenge, I provided a prompt for each day. Most people found the prompts to be fun and challenging and enjoyed seeing how others interpreted the same words. We used our very own hashtag on instagram and there was a private Facebook Group for sharing ideas and photos. I partnered with Artifact Uprising so each member could create a beautiful heirloom book of their images at the end of the 30 days. And holy cow, did they ever rise to the challenge! I felt like a proud mama seeing all their images each day.

My validation came in earnest when I started hearing them ask me when the next challenge would be! To be honest, I hadn’t even thought about another challenge. My validation came from their excitement in completing the challenge and creating their photo books. My validation came from knowing that I have been able to share my knowledge and passion with others and to see them flourish in their own photography journey. And that’s awesome.  How about you? Will you join us for the Fall Frenzy 30 day challenge? Of course you will. Go ahead and sign up now. I’ll wait.

OK seriously, enough of my chattering. I bet you want to see their photos!

Here they are! A sampling of the amazing photos produced by the members of the Summer Twilight 30 photo challenge! (Show them some love in the comments!)

I love yellow. Seriously. It makes me so happy. Doesn’t this collection of photos make you happy??

Love the interpretation of our prompt : Stairs

The prompt {rustic} resulted in many cool barn photos!

Nothing else says SUMMER quite like a towel-superhero cape.

Slow down and take a look around. There is beauty everywhere.

Cityscapes from across the country…do you see your city?

Beautiful colors of summer.

One of my favorite days. {Shadow}

The many faces of the Summer Twilight 30!

Aren’t they amazing?! I bet they’d love to hear it. Give them some love in the comments. If they’ve inspired you to capture the world around you, I hope you’ll consider joining us at the end of October for the Fall Frenzy 30. Sign up today before you forget. I promise you won’t regret it.

be joyful,

michaela

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