Take 10 Photos Without Looking at the Screen: A Fun Photography Challenge
Photography is all about capturing moments, but in the age of digital cameras and smartphones, we often get caught up in perfecting the shot through the screen. We zoom, adjust, and obsess over every detail before even pressing the shutter. But what if we took a step back—literally and figuratively—and let instinct guide us? That’s the idea behind this playful challenge: take 10 photos without looking at the screen. It’s a fun way to reconnect with your creative instincts and see the world through a fresh lens.
Why Shoot Blind?
Shooting without looking at the screen or viewfinder forces you to rely on your senses and intuition rather than overthinking composition or technical settings. It’s a liberating exercise that can spark creativity and help you break free from the perfectionist trap. Here are a few reasons to give this challenge a try:
- Rediscover Spontaneity: Without the screen to guide you, you’re more likely to capture candid, unposed moments. You’ll focus on the feeling of the scene rather than how it looks framed.
- Sharpen Your Instincts: Guessing where to point your camera hones your spatial awareness and understanding of angles. Over time, you’ll get better at predicting how a shot might turn out.
- Embrace Imperfection: Not every photo will be a masterpiece, and that’s the point! This challenge is about play, not polish. You might end up with unexpected gems—or at least a good laugh.
How to Take on the Challenge
Ready to dive in? Grab your camera or smartphone, and follow these steps to take 10 photos without peeking at the screen. Keep your device powered on, but resist the urge to check your shots until you’re done.
- Set the Scene: Choose a location that inspires you—whether it’s a bustling city street, a quiet park, or even your own backyard. The goal is to immerse yourself in your surroundings.
- Adjust Basic Settings: Before you start, set your camera to auto mode or pick a general exposure setting based on the lighting. If you’re using a smartphone, just leave it as is. The idea isn’t to fiddle with tech—it’s to focus on the moment.
- Hold and Shoot: Hold your camera at different angles—hip level, above your head, or even behind your back. Point it toward something that catches your attention through sound, smell, or just a gut feeling. Click the shutter without looking.
- Move Around: Don’t stay in one spot. Walk, turn, or crouch to change your perspective for each of the 10 shots. Let curiosity guide where you aim.
- Review Later: Once you’ve taken all 10 photos, sit down and look through them. Be prepared for blurry messes, accidental masterpieces, and everything in between. Reflect on what surprised you and what you might try differently next time.
What You Might Discover
This challenge isn’t just about the photos—it’s about rediscovering the joy of photography as play. You might find that some of your “blind” shots capture raw emotion or quirky details you’d have missed while obsessing over framing. Maybe a photo of your dog’s wagging tail from a low angle feels more alive than a posed portrait. Or perhaps a crooked shot of a street scene reveals a hidden story in the background.
Even the “bad” photos can teach you something. They might show you how often you underestimate your instincts or remind you that not every image needs to be gallery-worthy to be meaningful. The real win is in the process: letting go of control and embracing the unexpected.
Share Your Results
Once you’ve completed the challenge, don’t keep the fun to yourself! Share your favorite shots—or even the hilarious flops—with friends or on social media. Use a hashtag like #BlindPhotographyChallenge to connect with others who’ve tried it. Photography is often a solitary pursuit, but sharing these playful experiments can build a sense of community and inspire others to step outside their comfort zone.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your camera, turn off the screen, and take 10 shots purely on instinct. You might just capture something magical—or at the very least, have a blast trying. Where will you start your blind photography adventure? Let us know in the comments!