Lost For A Photography Project? Try A Scavenger Hunt

Recently we published Why You Should Buddy Up with Other Photographers as a way to infuse energy and other creative perspectives into your photography. Hanging out with other photographers is fun, cool, rewarding and compliments the never ending learning curve.

Another project you can do solo or as a group is to create and/or participate in a photography scavenger hunt. Day or night, the possibilities are limitless!

by Sheen Watkins

I'm not talking about the traditional scavenger hunt that's short-lived and encourages speeding from one destination to another.

Instead, you, your photography buddies or camera club can develop many different varieties of a ‘photography scavenger hunt' that's designed for a small or large group.

Why Do Photography Scavenger Hunts?

To hone your eye, take cool photos and have fun!

We'll explore ideas on:

Different types of scavenger hunts,
Contest guidelines and rewards and 4) How to coordinate.

But First, What Exactly Is A Scavenger Hunt?

In the traditional sense, a scavenger hunt is a group game where participants need to collect or see a number of various objects.

There's a specified start time and deadline. The objects may be specific or the objects may be uncovered by using a series of clues that lead you from one subject to the next.

In a photography scavenger hunt, the same principles can apply.

1. Scavenger Hunt Types

There are many types of scavenger hunts you and your crew can pull together quickly. Search the web and photography hunt ideas range from children's games to adult activities. Here's a few examples:

1) Themed – that is based on a theme such as modes of transportation, spooky sites, historic locations, sporting events, nature subjects, architecture, etc. Participants are challenged to photograph a number of different subjects within a theme.

2) Power of suggestion – this one requires a bit more thought but can be quite interesting. Indicate a specific theme. Consider the following ideas for inspiration and each photographer's own interpretation:

Diversity in nature – 10 different subjects that have fur or feathers
Diversity within a subject – 5 different forms of transportation. Yes, our feet are a form of transportation. Since it can be up to interpretation, how about a pair of blue shoes?

Forced creativity – 8 images from sun up to sun down on the same street.
Local events – 5 images from the county fair, rodeo, airshow or farmers market.

by Paul

3) Treasure photography hunt – provide a series of clues that lead the photographer to the next destination where they have a photography assignment.

4) Post processing scavenger hunt – find five old raw files and process them using color creative techniques (this is great for cold, wintry weekends!).

5) Specific subjects with post processing flexibility – create a list of subjects and allow the photographer to have creative liberty in the post processing.

20160416-81swnaturephotoapr16-DSC_1833-2

by Sheen Watkins

Whilst we're on the topic of trying new things in our photography, how about looking over at the eBook Guide “Creativity Catalog” where you'll learn how to bring fun and creativity to your photography to keep it fresh! Plus extra Bonuses…FOR FREE.

2. Contest Guidelines & Rewards

Establish Clear Guidelines

The organizers need to establish guidelines for the contest. The key to success is to keep the contest guidelines simple including:

Start date & time,
Submission deadline,
Subjects allowed/required,
Post processing flexibility,
Submission and judging process.

by Pat Guiney

3. Rewards/Prizes

In a scavenger hunt, everyone is a winner just by participating. Our personal rewards will easily outweigh ‘prizes'. That doesn't mean you shouldn't have some incentives too.

To create prize money, require a participation fee. The fee could be based on general participation or for each submission. By requiring a nominal fee, it encourages photographers to have a little extra skin the game. The total pool can fund:

Some of the contest costs (if there are any)
A financial reward to the overall winner
Winner per category
A party just celebrating photographers hanging out together

How to Get the Scavenger “Party” Started

Pull together a group of photographers and share the scavenger hunt concept. The group can be a group of friends, members of a camera club or even a group from social media.

If local, hold a quick group session to review the contest or send an email with the criteria, guidelines and rewards.

The outcome will be cool images, shared perspectives of other photographers and a good time!