Why Exercises Are Better Than Challenges for Learning Photography

Challenges: Fun, Fast, and Motivating—But Limited

Let’s be honest: most photography challenges are designed to be entertaining. They add a burst of excitement to your daily routine, give you a goal to aim for, and offer the thrill of completion. You might even feel a surge of pride when you finish a week-long challenge and share your results with others.

But here’s the catch: challenges are often rushed. We tend to focus more on completing them than on learning from them. There’s little time (or incentive) to pause, reflect, and ask ourselves meaningful questions like:

• Why did I shoot this subject this way?

• What techniques worked well—and which didn’t?

• How could I improve this image next time?

Without this reflection, challenges risk becoming shallow experiences. Fun? Absolutely. Educational? Not always.

Still, challenges have value. They can:

• Nudge you out of your creative comfort zone

• Spark inspiration

• Connect you with a community of like-minded photographers

• Create memorable, shared experiences

But if your goal is to master photography—not just dabble in it—challenges alone aren’t enough.

Exercises: Intentional, Reflective, and Built for Growth

Now let’s talk about exercises—the real workhorses of learning.

A well-designed photography exercise is more than just a task; it’s a focused opportunity to grow your skills. Unlike a challenge, an exercise is meant to be done slowly, thoughtfully, and with clear purpose.

Here’s what makes exercises so effective:

• They encourage reflection. Exercises ask you to think critically about what you're doing. You consider your results, analyze what went wrong (or right), and plan how to improve.

• They support experimentation. Exercises invite you to test new ideas, make mistakes, and adjust your approach—all of which lead to deeper understanding.

• They create habits. When you regularly practice exercises with intention, you build routines that drive long-term improvement.

• They provide structure. Good exercises are designed with clear goals and measurable outcomes, which helps you stay focused and track your progress.

Let’s say you’re practicing exposure control. An exercise might have you shoot the same scene using different aperture settings, then review how each change affects depth of field. You’re not just taking photos—you’re learning how to make informed choices with your camera.

The Power of Reflection (and Sharing)

One of the most important aspects of learning through exercises is self-reflection. Ask yourself:

• What worked well in this shoot?

• What challenges came up?

• How did I adapt?

• What would I do differently next time?

Even better: share your insights with others. Talking through your process with fellow photographers can lead to fresh perspectives, valuable feedback, and collaborative learning.

So, Which Is Better—Challenges or Exercises?

The truth is, you need both—but in the right balance.

Use challenges to stay inspired, to keep things light, and to connect with your community. Let them motivate you and make photography feel fun and playful.

But rely on exercises to build your foundation, refine your skills, and develop the kind of thoughtful practice that leads to real mastery.

If you're serious about growing as a photographer, don’t just chase the thrill of a challenge. Start incorporating structured exercises into your routine. Slow down. Reflect. Experiment. Ask questions. And most importantly, keep learning with intention. While challenges might entertain you for a moment, exercises are what will carry you forward for a lifetime.