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the 100 step challenge

February 27, 2009 By Paige Balcer

I recently stumbled on a blog post titled “10 Ways to Break Photographer’s Block” on PhotoCritic.org. He’s got some really great ideas to kick start your creativity. But one in particular caught my attention and caused me to jump up and participate instantly. It’s called the 100 step challenge. The author describes it like this:

“It’s easy: Grab your camera and start walking. Count your steps. After 100 steps, stop where you are, and where you’re standing, you have to take a photograph.”

When I read this, I literally got up, grabbed my camera and started counting my steps. I headed toward the back door and ended up in my back yard. When I got to 100 steps I stopped and looked around at my options (It didn’t hurt that I had a little creature following me). This is such a great exercise because it forces you to create an interesting composition right where you stand. Turn your body 360 degrees and really look at your surroundings. Look high and low, look close and far. Find something interesting and show us what you come up with! If you aren’t able to participate today, please come back and share it with us when you can. I’ll be checking back often!

Comments

  1. camerashymomma says

    February 27, 2009 at 2:33 pm

    this is a great idea! i’ll post my 100 step photo later on.
    cutie kitty too ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. jess says

    February 27, 2009 at 3:15 pm

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/jesspunky/3314251340/
    this was in my living room.

  3. Vanessa says

    February 27, 2009 at 3:22 pm

    great idea! I’ll have to try this later. I live in Canada’s North country so it’s still super dark outside. Fantastic challenge.

  4. Tracey Clark says

    February 27, 2009 at 3:27 pm

    I LOVE it Paige! Can’t wait to try it today!

  5. Jamie says

    February 27, 2009 at 3:39 pm

    What a great shot and cute subject! Excellent idea too, looking forward to trying it!

  6. spread your wings says

    February 27, 2009 at 5:25 pm

    fantastic idea. i’m so excited to try this over the weekend.

  7. leaca says

    February 27, 2009 at 5:46 pm

    great idea.

  8. Lauren says

    February 27, 2009 at 6:29 pm

    Oh this is a FANTASTIC Challenge! And I LOVE the kitty photo!

    Here is my take just now:

    http://doublehdesign.blogspot.com/2009/02/do-you-see-what-i-see-100-step.html

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/18572605@N02/sets/72157614513300634/

  9. shelli says

    February 27, 2009 at 7:36 pm

    Great idea. Think I’ll try it when it’s not pouring rain outside.

  10. dutchican says

    February 27, 2009 at 8:07 pm

    Here’s mine: http://www.flickr.com/photos/12653720@N06/3313932877/ I’m a new reader, and have been desperately in need of some inspiration lately, thank you!

  11. Belinda says

    February 27, 2009 at 8:27 pm

    Wonderful idea! I had to take 100 steps in a big circle as it is dark here now, but photographed this just a few minutes ago. For some reason all my photos seem to come out as abstract…

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/selfsufficiencygirl/3314018221/

  12. Grey Street Girl says

    February 27, 2009 at 11:21 pm

    I read that same tip and did it at the lake a few weeks ago. It was so much fun!

    Here’s my shot from that day:

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/greystgirl/3264021321/in/set-72157608191349385/

  13. Crystal Chick says

    February 28, 2009 at 12:21 am

    awesome idea! i put it to the test at home, but i’m anxious to see the results when i try it away from home!

    http://flickr.com/photos/krstlchik/3314438713/

  14. Liz//Tipping Point Photo says

    February 28, 2009 at 3:47 am

    After 100 steps around the house tidying up today while home sick, I picked up the camera and finally got what I’ve been waiting for: that face that says, "love me, feed me, I’m yours."

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/tippingpointphoto/3314699067/

  15. Charlane says

    February 28, 2009 at 5:43 am

    I am definitely doing this tomorrow as it’s pouring rain tonight.

  16. Jennifer White says

    February 28, 2009 at 9:32 am

    What a fantastic idea…and a great shot was found!

  17. Crystal Chick says

    February 28, 2009 at 10:13 pm

    I went to the mall today with the purpose of taking this challenge. It was a lot of fun! Instead of walking around randomly looking for things to photograph, it was a fun challenge to stop at 100 steps and find inspiration there.

    http://flickr.com/photos/krstlchik/sets/72157614496330339/

  18. Alicia says

    February 28, 2009 at 11:05 pm

    Here’s my 100 step challenge. I took 100 steps more than just one time! Check out my small set here:

    http://aliandsethinthecity.blogspot.com/2009/02/100-steps-challenge.html

    Thanks for the challenge!

  19. cloudscome says

    February 28, 2009 at 11:44 pm

    This is just what I needed to get me up out of my chair and outside today! 100 Steps took me right to the back of the yard where I found this Lenten Rose in bloom: http://sandycovetrail.blogspot.com/2009/02/lenten-rose.html

  20. ~ kristina ~ says

    March 1, 2009 at 1:09 am

    Our first visit to a local arboretum yesterday and lots of new images to catch my attention – very appropriate, indeed!
    http://meadowlarkdays.blogspot.com/2009/02/beneath-our-feet.html

  21. Cyndi aka Sabine's fotos @ Flickr says

    March 3, 2009 at 1:55 am

    Thank you Thank you!!! What a great idea!

  22. KKH Photos says

    March 3, 2009 at 2:24 pm

    Fun idea! I plan to give this one a try soon as I can. Thanks

  23. Gayle says

    March 4, 2009 at 1:26 pm

    Paige, I know I’m a little late, but here’s what I came up with!

    http://planetmfiles.com/2009/03/04/one-hundred-steps/

    Thank you! This was fun!

  24. KKH Photos says

    March 5, 2009 at 3:42 pm

    Here’s my 100 step shot. I’m afraid I did not find anything as cute as a kitty! http://kkhphotos.wordpress.com/2009/03/05/100-step-challenge/

  25. Ulysius G. says

    March 20, 2009 at 2:09 am

    I suffer from pre-mature ewalkalation. I only made 62 steps. thanks a lot for reminding me of my short comings.

  26. Beryl says

    October 10, 2009 at 2:54 am

    I just stumbled upon your blog and was excited to see this post! I found the same link this week and want to make the 100 step challenge a weekly occurrence on my blog. I am hoping to start in the next week or so with the same starting point (my doorstep). Not sure how long I’ll keep it up but I am hoping to come away with an interesting set of photos.

    Lovely cat by the way. ๐Ÿ™‚

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