"Challenge Accepted" assignment? - Opinions?

[theantiquetiger]

I have an idea for a new assignment thread.

It is "Challenge Accepted" assignment.

How it would work is a member would challenge another member to shoot something or some way outside of their comfort zone.

For example:

I could challenge Marko to shoot something that is not his usual subject matter (movement, the cat, and his wife). I could challenge him to shoot wildlife (or something).

You can make the challenge as easy or difficult as you like. It can be subject matter, technical (small f/stop, long exposure, etc).

The challenged member will have one week to post their final image and then would make the next challenge. If you are challenged and will not be able to do it, just simply decline (and streak the neighborhood), and make the next challenge.

Study the person that you want to challenge, see what they shoot and push them out of their norm.

[Runmonty]

Great idea. I'm happy to give it a try.

I am guessing there may be several challenges going at any one time? (otherwise it may be weeks before a person becomes involved).

But it is probably best that there only be one challenge at any time for any one particular person?

Is this how you see it working?

[Runmonty]

Just as an aside, I am keen for more of these type of things, rather than this just becoming a "gallery" site. There are plenty of those around the web.

It seems that lately, even the assignment threads seem to have become a "show us a photo you have taken some time in the past" rather than a monthly assignment. I would also like to revisit the processing thread (not necessarily the 4 x 4- just one image for others to play with would be fine). I used to love seeing the way people processed different images.

I know you (AT) tried a while ago to get a "play the numbers game" going. I think that is a good idea too.

I thought maybe a thread along the lines of the old canon photochains.

Please let me know if others agree or disagree. If there is some interest I am prepared to try to drive a couple of these ideas.

[theantiquetiger]

I totally agree, Run. Every website has a gallery, not many have assignments. Assignments are what keeps us thinking and growing as photographers.

I also would like to see more critiquing. I use to mostly post in critique section. It is the best learning tool (IMO). I have pretty thick skin, so a harsh critique does not phase me.

There have been a couple new members that posted a lot in the critique section and they are new photographers. I tried not to hold back (while staying polite) in telling them my critique.

[Runmonty]

OK lets kick this one off.

Antique Tiger I challenge you to give us a minimalist shot.

[theantiquetiger]

As for the "Challenge Accepted" assignment. I was thinking one at a time, but I see no reason for more than one at a time.

Maybe Marko can build an entire section on it, and each thread is a challenge (if it doesn't cost money to expand the forum.

[theantiquetiger]

OK lets kick this one off.

Antique Tiger I challenge you to give us a minimalist shot.

Go ahead and start a new thread in assignments section with this challenge and I will take it

[Runmonty]

Go ahead and start a new thread in assignments section with this challenge and I will take it

Done.

[Marko]

I think this is a good idea and I'm happy to add this and/or other categories to the forum.
As usual, the more people play the better....

I certainly don't mind if one person 'challenges' another - But would it be better to challenge the whole forum. (I'm always sensitive about people feeling 'left out' )
In addition, if the challenge is difficult (like me having to shoot wildlife) it will take me quite a while to drive to and even find wildlife to shoot.

But I'm up for it all!

[theantiquetiger]

I certainly don't mind if one person 'challenges' another - But would it be better to challenge the whole forum.

If the entire forum is challenged, it would basically be a 3rd level monthly challenge.

The thing about challenging individuals, the challenge is personal, making the person to go outside their comfort zone.

What we could do is if someone wants to be challenged, they can start their own thread, asked to be challenged, and maybe post their Flickr account (or a link to threads started in forum if they don't have Flickr), so someone can look at their images and decide on what to challenge them on.

Here is my updated idea on this challenge-

- Marko builds a "Challenge Accepted" sub-forum in Assignment section

- A member starts a thread and posts a challenge to a member, making the person go outside their comfort zone

- or a member can start their own thread, asking to be challenged. This member will link their Flickr acct (etc) or link to the threads they have started in the forum, so someone can see their work, and decide on what to challenge the person with

- There is no time frame to complete the challenge