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Awaken 2.0

20 photographers, 14 days, Unlimited creativity

By Tineke Ziemer

February 11^th, 2020

unleashing creativity

Two weeks ago, 20 photographers joined me for a photo challenge unlike any other. The goal: dig deep and access our emotions, beliefs, memories and life stories and turn them into unique visual images.

Every day started with an email full of questions to get them thinking, ideas to expand their brainstorming process, and tips for improving their photographic skill. They had the rest of the day to see how far they could take their project in just 24 hours.

Let me tell you, they did not disappoint. It was most certainly the most invested, honest, raw and creatively expressive group I have worked with for a 14 day challenge. Their willingness to open their minds, explore the past, embrace differing views and think MILES outside the box had a ripple affect on everyone else. The result is truly a collection that I am dying to show the world.

I've picked some favs from each daily project. Please take a look through and leave a comment for these hard working artists. Tell them which images impacted you. They deserve a lot of credit for their collections.

I pushed them WAY outside of their comfort zone, I worked them hard and I saw them all expand their way of thinking about art. In turn, they taught me a lot of things too.

#1 - Inner Glow

All image credits are displayed top to bottom, left to right

"The Man Who Makes Me Glow" by Kayla O'Flynn
"I Got Pickled" by Michelle Taylor
"Life Blood" by Andrea Abercrombie
"Forever" by Kathy Philbrook
"A Perfect Combination" by Shannon Stevens
"Cafe Latte" by Sonya Speirs

#2 - Opposites Attract

"Fire and Ice" by Christine Halls
"The Many" by David Webb
"Untitled" by Amanda Kirsh
"Full & Empty" by Sharon Sterling

#3 - Garbage In, Gorgeous Out

(Repurpose garbage or recycling into a photo backdrop!)

"Owly Bird" by Patrice Karey (egg cartons)
"Northern Lights" by Kathy Philbrook (decorative cardboard box)
"Cool Story Bro" by Amanda Kirsh (wool scraps)
"Ice Palace" by Sharon Sterling (water bottles)
"A Bird's Home" by Mattias Abercrombie (old propane bottles)

#4 - Attached

"Just Don't Look" by Andrea Abercrombie
"A Connection of Two Souls" by Donna Davis
"Attachments" by Amanda Kirsh

#5 - The Right Frame of Mind

(Framing the subject)

"My Beauty" by Kayla O'Flynn
"Ethel" by Amber Guldbransen
"Crucified" by Kathy Philbrook
"Outer Glow" by Michelle Taylor

#6 - Left to Your Own Devices

(Light the subject with an electronic device)

"African Sunset" by Keri Parkinson
"GRAPES!" by Shannon Stevens
"Shocking" by Melanie Dydynsky
"Untitled" by Juanita Curtis

#7 - Do Me a Flavour

"Three of a Kind" by David Webb
"Everyone Loves This" by Sherry White
"Warm Up" by Amanda Kirsh
"Sweet and Spicy" by Donna Davis

#8 - Choose Your Words Wisely

"Relax...Need I Say More?" by Jenylyn MacDonald
"Love" by Amber Guldbransen
"Blessed" by Sherry White
"Done" by Melanie Dydynsky
"Outside the Box" by Patrice Karey
"I Choose to Be Me" by Christine Halls

#9 - If Money Were No Object

"It's Time" by Christine Halls
"Don't Quit Your Day Dream" by Donna Davis
"The Root of All Evil" by Kathy Philbrook
"Beach More Worry Less" by Juanita Curtis

#10 - Props

(Create unique photos using an assigned household item)

"The Phone Call" by Michelle Taylor
"A Pregnancy Journey" by Kayla O'Flynn
"Imagination Seeds" by Kathy Philbrook
"Big Shoes to Fill" by Jenylyn MacDonald
"Bubble Tea" by Christine Halls
"Let the Tea Rain Down" by Christine Halls
"Light it Up" by Kayla O'Flynn
""Good Night" by Melanie Dydynsky
"No 388 Locked Up" by David Webb

#11 - Change Your Tune

(Create an image inspired by a song)

"Kiss From a Rose" (Seal) by Amanda Kirsh
"I Swear" (John Michael Montgomery) by Jennifer Herman
"Honey in my Tea" (Reeves) by Andrea Abercrombie
"Sorry" (Liam Espinosa) by Keri Parkinson
"When you were here before, couldn’t look you in the eyes." (Radiohead) by Mattias Abercrombie

#12 - Chasing Rainbows

"Let Your Colours Shine" by Keri Parkinson
"Abstract Rainbow" by Shannon Stevens
"JOY" by Jennifer Herman
"Double Rainbow" by Kayla O'Flynn
"Scissor Bouquet" by Jenylyn MacDonald
"Untitled" by Christine Halls
"An Array of Emotions" by Amanda Kirsh
"Revelation 12:11" by Andrea Abercrombie

#13 - Pivotal Moments

"Perceived" by Andrea Abercrombie
"Truth be Known" by Kayla O'Flynn
"Growth" by Amber Guldbransen
"You Are My Avocado Toast" by Mattias Abercrombie
"Emerge" by Patrice Karey

#14 - Growth

"Choose Your Words" by Michelle Taylor
"Milk & Spiritual Growth" by Andrea Abercrombie
"Forever Together by Hand & Heart" by Kayla O'Flynn
"Light My Fire" by Amber Guldbransen
"Potential" by Christine Halls
"Self-Love" by Jennifer Herman
"See it Through" by Amanda Kirsh

It was so hard to narrow it down when all of the submissions were so unique and thought-provoking. If you want to see more next time or be involved, consider signing up for one of our 14 day challenges. These photographers range from complete beginner to seasoned pro, using cell phones, point-and-shoots and digital SLRs. Anyone can create beautiful imagery when they open the doors to their creative mind!