My 30-Day Photography Challenge: Rediscovering the Beauty of Everyday Life
The 30-Day Photography Challenge
In the middle of August, during a train ride to Germany, I had a spontaneous idea: to start a 30-day photography challenge. With no internet access on the train, I was left with my thoughts and realized I wanted to push myself creatively by documenting my surroundings daily using only my cellphone. I thought about the countless photos I had already taken with my phone, most of which had never been shared, and felt it was time to give these overlooked images the attention they deserve.
The Challenge of Daily Photography
What began as an exciting idea quickly became a real test. There were days when I had to force myself to go outside and take photos, even when I was feeling unwell or simply tired. Late-night editing sessions often replaced the moments I would normally use to relax. Yet these challenges taught me how discipline and dedication are just as important as creativity.
Discovering Beauty and Renewed Inspiration
Despite the difficulties, the photography challenge brought unexpected rewards. I rediscovered the beauty of everyday life—the way light falls on a sidewalk, the fleeting expression of a passerby, or the textures of familiar places. It reminded me why I first fell in love with photography: a curiosity for the ordinary and a desire to see the world differently. Completing the 30-day photography challenge boosted my creativity, sparked fresh ideas, and renewed my passion for capturing the world around me.
Day 1 - Journey from Amsterdam to the Harz Mountains
On the first day of my trip, I took an exciting train ride from Amsterdam through Hanover to my hometown, nestled in the beautiful Harz Mountains in Germany.
Day 2 - Exploring Blankenburg, Central Germany
I made the most of the beautiful summer weather in my hometown of Blankenburg, Central Germany. I took a photo walk, capturing some unique and interesting spots around town.
Day 3 - Exploring the Picturesque City of Wernigerode in the Harz Region
On the third day, I took a short city trip to the charming and picturesque town of Wernigerode, located in the beautiful Harz region.
Day 4 - Photo Walk in Blankenburg Harz
I went on another photo walk around my hometown of Blankenburg in the Harz region. I visited Thiepark and explored the historic Regenstein area, which features numerous former GDR socialist buildings.
Day 5 - Attending the Klosterfest at Kloster Michaelstein in Blankenburg Harz
I visited the Klosterfest at Kloster Michaelstein in Blankenburg Harz. Although no longer functioning as a monastery, this historic site offered a unique cultural experience during the festival.
Day 6 - Exploring Nature in Blankenburg
I spent another wonderful day in my hometown of Blankenburg, enjoying the natural beauty of Schlosspark and taking in the stunning views from the castle.
Day 7 - Exploring the Heers Forest
I spent one more day in my hometown of Blankenburg Harz, immersing myself in the natural beauty of the Heers Forest and the scenic route leading to it.
Day 8 - Returning to Amsterdam After a Week in Germany
After spending a week in Germany, I took a short photo walk in the morning before boarding the train back home to Amsterdam.
Day 9 - Overcoming Low Motivation for a Photo Walk
My first day back in Amsterdam after visiting Germany, I pushed past a lack of motivation and ventured out to capture some new photos around the city.
Day 10 - Exploring Amsterdam by Bike
I spent the day cycling around Amsterdam for various appointments. As a result, my photos capture scenes from across the city, spanning from Oost to West.
Day 11 - Exploring Amsterdam Oost
I spent the day in Amsterdam Oost, enjoying a delightful walk through this vibrant part of the city.
Day 12 - Exploring Amsterdam Oost Despite Low Motivation
I further explored Amsterdam Oost, overcoming motivational challenges of my photo challenge to enjoy a pleasant walk through this vibrant area of the city.
Day 13 - A Relaxing Walk Along the Amstel River
After a long workday on Day 13, I enjoyed a peaceful walk along the Amstel River in Amsterdam Oost, taking in the serene views and relaxing atmosphere.
Day 14 - A Busy Day Ending with a Beautiful Walk
I spent a busy day exploring various parts of Amsterdam, ending the evening with a relaxing and scenic walk in Flevopark.
Day 15 - Capturing Amsterdam
Despite a busy schedule, I managed to capture some photos in Amsterdam's city center and in my local neighborhood near home.
Day 16 - Exploring Amsterdam’s East
I started my day in the city center of Amsterdam and enjoyed a beautiful afternoon walk in the eastern part of the city.
Day 17 - Recovering at Home
Due to feeling unwell, most of my photos were taken at home, with a few captured during a brief walk in Flevopark.
Day 18 - West Amsterdam and Oosterpark
I started my morning exploring West Amsterdam and ended the day with a relaxing evening walk in Oosterpark.
Day 19 - Cycling Tour to Waterland
I embarked on a scenic bicycle tour to Waterland, exploring the beautiful northern region of Amsterdam.
Day 20 - Overcoming Motivation Challenges
I faced some motivation issues with my photography challenge but still managed to push through and capture new photos around Amsterdam.
Day 21 - Capturing New Shots for the Photo Challenge
On Day 21, I took a long walk around Amsterdam to capture fresh photos for my photography challenge.
Day 22 - Capturing Photos in Amsterdam Oost
I snapped some photos while commuting to various appointments in Amsterdam's east, exploring the vibrant scenes of Amsterdam Oost.
Day 23 - Experiencing Typical Dutch Weather
The Dutch weather lived up to its reputation with alternating rain, grey skies, and bursts of sunshine, followed by more rain.
Day 24 - Enjoying Late Summer Weather
I embraced the late summer weather with a relaxing walk through Flevopark and around the beautiful Nieuwe Diep Lake.
Day 25 - Quick Photography Walk Amidst a Busy Day
I managed to squeeze in a short photography walk despite having an extremely busy day, capturing some interesting shots around the city.
Day 26 - Capturing Amsterdam
I took photos throughout the day at various locations across Amsterdam, showcasing the city's diverse scenery and vibrant atmosphere.
Day 27 - Cycling to Amsterdam City Center
I cycled to the city center of Amsterdam, taking photos along the route to highlight the journey through the city.
Day 28 - Day Trip to Utrecht
I took a trip to Utrecht, beginning my journey from Amstel Station in Amsterdam.
Day 29 - Another Day in Utrecht
I spent another day in Utrecht for appointments and took advantage of the afternoon to enjoy a walk and capture some photos around the city.
Day 30 - Final Day of the Photography Challenge
On the last day of the challenge, I spent my time in Amsterdam, feeling proud and happy to have successfully completed the 30-day photography journey.
Ready to Find Your Fine Art Print
Hi there, I’m Stefanie — the photographer behind Pietschy Photography and the heart behind this blog. Every word I write and every image I share is an invitation to pause for a moment, and discover the art of storytelling through fine art photography.
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