Outside the Box

Welcome to a new Critique The Community! September is usually a month for transition and we want to embrace change. For this month we want to see images that required you to think "outside the box" or use a clever approach that lead you to creating an interesting image.

For the entire month, we are hoping to see your fresh take on a common subject or genre. Whether that means a unique perspective, a complicated or challenging camera trick, a wild post production edit, or even a less photographed subject matter, this contest is going to focus on being creative and pushing your boundaries. Of course the final image needs to pay off and work for the viewer too!

This contest is open to any genre of photography including landscapes, portraiture, weddings, still life, portraiture, conceptual photography, and any style that showcases a clever approach. Each community member can submit up to 3 images for this contest. 

Rules

• All images must be submitted from now until September 29th at 11:30 PM Eastern Time. 
• Every image submitted must include a short story on how you took the photo, what were the challenges, how you used natural or artificial lighting, what gear you used, and any other interesting insight on the image itself. Photos that do not include some backstory on how it was taken will not be picked to be featured in the Critique the Community episode. 
• Each image must feature something that is clearly unique or fairly uncommon. Your story will help sell this creativity but it always helps if the photo screams it on its own.

PRIZES

This month's contest is sponsored by Skillshare.  Skillshare is the largest online learning community for creatives, and they offer thousands of creative classes in countless categories. You might already be a great photographer but if you want to brush up on other artistic skills such as design, video editing, or illustration, Skillshare is the perfect platform to learn from respected mentors who can get you up and running quickly! Skillshare also has thousands of other practical classes like entrepreneurship, marketing, wood working, and even music classes which makes it a great resource regardless for your hobbies and general interest. All Fstoppers readers can also get 7 days free and 20% off any Skillshare plan, anytime, without entering the contest. 

First Place - The first place winner of this contest will receive a full year's subscription to Skillshare. You will get full access to all the classes and resources offered on the Skillshare platform for an entire year. 

In addition to a full year of Skillshare, the first place winner will also win a $500 Amazon gift card. Together these prizes will not only increase your creative knowledge but also help you with some useful tools as you navigate your artistic journey.  Total Prize value: $669

Second Place - The second place winner will also receive a full year's subscription to Skillshare.  Total Prize value: $169

Third Place - The third place winner will receive a full photography tutorial from the Fstoppers Store Total Prize value: $300
 

Good luck to everyone who enters and we look forward to seeing images that required you to think outside the box!

Featured image by the talented Łukasz Świtek

BONUS DEAL!

For the entire month of September, we are offering a special discount sale on one of our most popular tutorials: The Well Rounded Photographer.  This tutorial features 8 different photography instructors and a wide range of photographic genres. We filmed and created this tutorial to help photographers think outside the box and explore different genres that they might not have considered.  The genres included in this tutorial include Headshots, Swimwear, Product Photography, Landscape Photography, Architectural Photography, Editorial and Fashion Photography, as well as a bonus lesson on selling your photography to a large market Art Buyer. 

For the entire month of September, you can get this tutorial for 56% off at $129 (normally $299).