Becoming a Peace Corps volunteer is an extraordinary and unique experience! It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture. And you’ll meet incredible people, and contribute to positive change in a community. It’s a whirlwind of exciting moments. And here’s the exciting part. You can capture some of those incredible moments with your camera or smartphone! Welcome to the “Capturing Culture” 30-Day Photo Challenge for Peace Corps Volunteers. A tradition we want to establish for PCVs who want to share their amazing experiences.
Remember to use the hashtag #pcvphotochallenge when posting your photos.
Why Should You Try the Photo Challenge?
Photography can be a powerful tool that helps us understand different cultures. And that can bring people closer together. By participating in the “Capturing Culture” 30-Day Photography Challenge, you’ll have the chance to capture the some of the culture you’re living in. Your photos will show the beauty and challenges you encounter along the way. They offer a glimpse into the daily lives, traditions, and celebrations of the your community.
How to Undertake the 30-Day Photo Challenge
Instead of following a day-by-day format, we’ve designed this challenge to be flexible. We’ve created a Bingo-style table for you to complete within 30 days. Each square represents a unique topic or theme to capture. Take a moment each day to review the topics you still need photos for. You never know when an inspiring moment might present itself.
30-Day PCV Challenge Bingo Card
Here’s your “Capturing Culture” challenge Bingo card:
Photo Challenge Table of Suggestions
Below, you’ll find a breakdown of all the topics in the Bingo card. We’ve also given descriptions and suggestions to help you succeed. Remember to use the hashtag #pcvphotochallenge when posting your photos. Feel free to browse the hashtag for inspiration from fellow participants.
| Day | Topic | Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Self-portrait | Capture your unique personality and presence in a self-portrait. Experiment with different angles, expressions, and lighting conditions. |
| 2 | Circles or Triangles | Look for objects or scenes that contain circles or triangles as prominent shapes. Focus on composition and find interesting perspectives. |
| 3 | Village Scenes | Photograph the daily life and activities in the village. Highlight the community, architecture, people, or cultural events. |
| 4 | Hands or Feet | Showcase the stories behind people’s hands or feet in your host community. Consider capturing gestures, work, or traditions. |
| 5 | Animals or Pets | Photograph local animals or pets. Show their unique characteristics and interactions with people or the environment. |
| 6 | Road or Store Signs | Document the different road or store signs you encounter. Highlight their language, symbols, and cultural uniqueness. |
| 7 | Host Family Photos | Capture meaningful moments with your host family. Show the bond and cultural exchange between you and your hosts. |
| 8 | Landscapes | Explore the natural beauty of the surroundings. Capture landscapes that convey a sense of place or awe-inspiring views. |
| 9 | Textures or Patterns | Look for interesting textures or patterns in everyday objects or natural elements. Emphasize their tactile qualities or visual intricacy. |
| 10 | Fruits and Vegetables | Photograph a variety of fruits and vegetables. Show their colors, textures, and cultural significance in local cuisine and agriculture. |
| 11 | Shadows and Light | Play with light and shadows. Capture their interplay to create dramatic images that evoke mood and mystery. |
| 12 | Motion | Freeze or blur motion to convey a sense of movement, energy, or action. Experiment with different shutter speeds and techniques. |
| 13 | Transportation | Photograph various modes of transportation in your host country. Highlight the unique vehicles, infrastructure, or commuting culture. |
| 14 | Close-ups | Zoom in on small details, capturing the beauty or intricacies often overlooked. Focus on textures, expressions, or objects up close. |
| 15 | Women or Men at Work | Showcase the diverse roles, skills, and contributions of women or men in their daily work. This can be anything: farming, crafts, or other professions. |
| 16 | Flowers | Photograph different types of flowers, highlighting their colors, shapes, and delicate beauty. Experiment with macro or close-up photography. |
| 17 | Food on your plate | Capture local foods or meals you enjoy. Showcase the diversity and flavors of the region. Pay attention to plating and food presentation. |
| 18 | Reflections | Look for reflective surfaces like water, glass, or mirrors. Capture interesting reflections that add depth and visual interest to your images. |
| 19 | Trees or Greenery | Photograph trees, forests, or greenery in your surroundings. Show their beauty, diversity, or environmental importance. |
| 20 | Seasons | Capture the essence of different seasons. Show the changes in nature or weather that occur throughout the year. |
| 21 | Favorite or Bright Colors | Focus on capturing colorful subjects or scenes that evoke joy or happiness to you. |
| 22 | Architecture | Document interesting architecture in your host country. This can be traditional, modern, or a blend of both. Highlight unique design elements. |
| 23 | Roads or Paths | Photograph roads or paths, capturing the sense of journey and exploration they represent. |
| 24 | Still Life | Create an appealing still life arrangement using objects or elements. They should convey a story, mood, or cultural significance. |
| 25 | Water | Capture the beauty and significance of water. This can be rivers, lakes, waterfalls, or even people’s interactions with water. |
| 26 | Street Food or Vendors | Photograph street food stalls or vendors. Show the local food culture, colorful displays, or the energy of street markets. |
| 27 | Locations | Photograph significant or memorable locations in your host country. This can be landmarks, historical sites, or hidden gems. |
| 28 | Sports or Dance | Capture the energy and grace of sports or dance through dynamic action shots and expressive movements. |
| 29 | Urban or Street Scenes | Capture the energy of urban or street scenes. Highlight the hustle and bustle, architecture, or street culture. |
| 30 | Kids or Students | Photograph kids or students, inside or outside, with all the endless energy they all seem to possess. |
Conclusion
Get ready for an amazing adventure through your camera lens! Join us on this “Capturing Culture” journey. It will transcends borders and bring the Peace Corps experience closer to everyone’s hearts. Your pictures will be powerful proof of how capturing culture can make a big impact. And it will show the world the amazing things you’re doing as a Peace Corps volunteer. Remember to use the hashtag #pcvphotochallenge when posting your photos. Let’s get started, take your first photo today, and have fun!
The content of this post does not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Government or the Peace Corps.
