October 2024

Color Your October World!

Welcome, October, the first full month of the fall season!

When considering October from a photographic point of view, think “Color! “

The leaves are changing, holiday displays are going up, and the harvest has come in. How can you take advantage of all that color?

Consider the daily prompt and whether seasonal color could make a difference. Think fall festivals, farmer’s markets, school buses, and kids in costume. Take advantage of the warmer tones in the light as the sun’s angle lowers.

Practice using complementary colors and contrast to boost vibrance. Watch how much bluer the sky looks with the drier, cleaner air and the contrast of the autumn leaves. Notice how intense fall leaves look on drab, rainy days, and costumes look in the dark.

Get close. Fill the frame with your colorful subject!

Use editing tools. Increase the overall saturation or use a point color tool. To single out a color, drag the eye dropper symbol to the chosen color. Now you can adjust just the orange in those pumpkins or the yellow in the trees while leaving the blues and greens alone.

With Halloween on the calendar, it’s also a good month to play with black and white. Along with the above ideas, try altering the texture. Make those creepy photos creepier by increasing the grain, texture, or clarity. Lightroom’s portrait presets have one called “Gritty” just for this purpose. I’ve scared myself with a “Gritty” selfie!

Your part of the world might be on a different timetable, but you can still apply these ideas to any subject that is dependent on color for the story. Try them out and see how they can color your world a bit more!

Explaining the Prompts

This year we are pleased to announce a whole new look to 365 Picture Today. We asked! You answered! Instead of weekly themes, we will be featuring specific days with specific tasks.

Where I Stand

This prompt will occur on the last day of every month! You get to be as creative as you like, but the challenge is to include your feet in the photograph. It will be fun to see the different environments our photography journey takes us to.

Colour Day

Colour day is back by popular demand! Instead of a full week of colour we are introducing "colour day". It will be occurring once a month with a beautiful colour chosen by your creative team. It is completely up to you to include either a little or a lot of the specified colour.

Macro Monday

On Macro Monday we focus on the little details! On the 2nd Monday of every month we are asking you to use your macro skills to enhance the prompt of the day. We encourage you to get in close! You can use your macro lens, macro filters or simply crop your photos.

Challenge Day

This is an exciting, new and super fun challenge for 2024! On this day we will be offering you a photography challenge and ask you to recreate it!

Technical Day

This one is for the inner techies in all of us! On Technical Day we will be giving out instructions on specific photography technical skills. There will be a variety of skills explained to help you learn or enhance your abilities. We can all learn from one another.

Picture Me

It's selfie day! Once a month we will be asking you to include a picture of yourself in the daily prompt. This gives us a chance to let our community member know what we look like!

Scavenger Hunt

The scavenger hunt is a quarterly challenge. We will give you some specific words to use to go camera hunting with. This is a fun challenge that also includes your chance to make a collage.

My World

On the 5th day of every month you will take a picture in the same place. This will show the changing seasons, or just the subtle changes of the that environment. If you cannot be in the same place every month, just take a picture of where you are and what your world looks like on that day.

Guest Prompt

Once a month we honour a member of our community with a Community Profile and the chance to write a prompt with an accompanying photograph! It is a special day for community members and a chance for all of us to get to know one another just a little bit better.

OCTOBER

Day 275 - October 1 - Orange

Day 275 - October 1

Orange

Color Day

Colour day is the first prompt for October and it is orange.

Try to think of composition by putting the orange on a third.

What can you find that is orange? It's not usually too hard in October!

Lee

Day 276 - October 2 - Change

Day 276 - October 2

Change

“The Only Constant in Life Is Change.”- Heraclitus

Change is all around us, but especially in nature. My husband and I are regular bikers through these marshes. We watch as Nature changes the landscape, subtly but predictably as a clock advances the hour. On this day, we saw the seedheads of the rushes maturing, a sign that the seasons were changing.

Look around. Find a subtle change in your environment that marks time. It might be a plant, an animal, the weather, at the store, or in your house. Happy hunting!

Leslie

Day 277 - October 3 - Junk

Day 277 - October 3

Junk

One Man's Trash is another Man's treasure. Search for some junk today. I found a nice pile at the dump! You might find some in your garbage can, shed, dumpster, or at the junkyard. You may keep a stash of junk just to photograph it. Have fun searching!

Garnett

Day 278 - October 4 - Droplets

Day 278 - October 4

Droplets

At this time of year, whether Autumn or Spring, you see lots of water droplets everywhere, usually first thing in the morning.

Try and find some natural droplets, if none are around, because it is unseasonal warm, then create your own, with straws in a glass of fizzy water, or get the hose out to create some.

What water droplets will you find today?

Lee

Day 279 - October 5 - My World

Day 279 - October 5

My World

Seasonal Photo

It's time for our 10th seasonal photo! If you've been taking yours in the same place each month, you've probably noticed both the subtle and predictable seasonal changes in your world. If you haven't been to the same place every month, no worries—snap a picture of your day.

You know Fall is here when the tundra swans start arriving in large numbers on the Outer Banks.

Amy

Day 280 - October 6 - Indulgence

Day 280 - October 6

Indulgence

It's that time of year when candy is everywhere in anticipation of Halloween trick-or-treaters. I find myself caught between buying it too early and running the risk of "indulging" or waiting too late and all of "the good stuff" is gone. A similar dilemma comes in how much to buy. Too little and we run out of candy before we run out of trick-or-treaters. Or, too much, and I am forced to eat it to keep it from going to waste. I think the moral of the story is not to overthink and just indulge this month!

How do you indulge? Do you have a favorite Halloween candy?

Kris

Day 281 - October 7 - An extreme close up

Day 281 - October 7

An extreme close up

You need to get out your macro lens. Don't have one? Use the one that is on your phone.

This orchid isn't that big, but the inside of it looks like an angel!

What can you show us, that you wouldn't necessarily see without getting in extremely close?

Lee

Day 282 - October 8 - Hello Fall

Day 282 - October 8

Hello Fall

I enjoy finding my still-life subjects just as they are. It challenges me to study the elements from different angles to create a pleasing composition rather than manipulate them. It also keeps me alert for subject matter. On leaving the grocery store, I was drawn to this colorful pumpkin display that cried “Hello Fall!” so clearly.

Is there a welcoming fall display nearby? You might find it while shopping, at work, or right on your front porch!

Leslie

Day 283 - October 9 - Concealment

Day 283 - October 9

Concealment

Have you ever played that game at the Fair called Whack-A-Mole? You know, the one where the mole pops out from the concealment of the box and you have to hit him over the head with a mallet before he pops back down. My reflexes are not quite quick enough to be any good at this game!

I chose this photo as the mole is concealed or hidden in the box. What will you come across today that at first glance might be concealed from your view?

Diane

Day 284 - October 10 - Heirloom

Day 284 - October 10

Heirloom

Heirloom - an object belonging to a family, something of unique value handed down from one generation to another, or an item surviving from an earlier time, especially one of historical interest.

My mom received these hand-embroidered pillowcases at her bridal shower more than 55 years ago and recently passed them on to me. I love that they are from my Grandma Jordan and the cute "Mine & Yours"!

Don't just share your daily photo...share the story of your heirloom, too!

Amy

Day 285 - October 11 - Imagination

Day 285 - October 11

Imagination

How about trying a little abstract photography today? Get creative and let your imagination run wild. Find an everyday object and see how you can use your imagination to turn it into an abstract photo. You can use any number of apps to help you out or you can get creative in camera.

This photo is a reflection of tree branches in a building with mirrored windows. I liked the abstract feel it gave to my photo. Give your imagination a workout today and see where it takes you!

Diane

Day 286 - October 12 - Colorful Trees

Day 286 - October 12

Colorful Trees

As a community, we are spread across the world. Some of us are just starting to see the leaves change and some of us may be at the end of the Autumn color. And still, some of us are just entering Spring time! Show us the colorful trees where you are in whatever season they may be.

Garnett

Day 287 - October 13 - Every Morning

Day 287 - October 13

Every Morning

What do you do every morning?

My breakfast here consists of a cup of tea and a plate of soft-boiled eggs. I put the teapot into the photo to have an odd number of items to help. It's best to photograph odd numbers when possible.

Show us maybe what you have for breakfast, what exercise you do, or what book you read every morning.

Lee

Day 288 - October 14 - Potential

Day 288 - October 14

Potential

Macro Monday

Macro photography is all about taking the time to appreciate the little things and getting up close and personal. One of the things I absolutely love is going on a leisurely photo walk - it's such a relaxing activity. It only takes a few minutes to explore the flora and fauna around your house, yard, neighborhood, or maybe a nearby park.

When you find that detail with potential - zoom in and fill the frame!

Amy

Day 289 - October 15 - Prompt Free

Day 289 - October 15

Prompt Free

Today is a blank canvas for which all of the other prompts have prepared you.

Keep your eyes open and have fun!

Prompt Free

Day 290 - October 16 - Look Down

Day 290 - October 16

Look Down

Capturing images from a birds-eye perspective can be a unique way to highlight architectural details, showcase nature's beauty, and emphasize interesting shapes and patterns. It's also perfect for snapping pictures of food and flatlays. Just make sure to keep your camera level to avoid distortions or skewed objects.

I'm excited to see what you’ll discover when you look down!

Amy

Day 291 - October 17 - Turning

Day 291 - October 17

Turning

I think this is just about the most perfect prompt for this time of year in this part of the world. The fall brings about such beautiful colours as the leaves start to change. Mid-October seems to be the prime time for capturing the best that fall has to offer. If the leaves are turning where you live, grab a photo and show us the beauty in your neck of the woods.

If it's not leaves, find something else that might be turning in your world and capture it.

Diane

Day 292 - October 18 - Leading Lines

Day 292 - October 18

Leading Lines

Leading Lines are one of the most effective tricks in the photographer's tool chest. Taking a photo with leading lines draws in the viewer. Their eyes follow the lines directly to the subject or right out of the frame. What can you find with leading lines today?

Garnett

Day 293 - October 19 - Relax

Day 293 - October 19

Relax

I find drawing these mini mandalas relaxing. Though they are small, three to four inches, I draw them freehand with no rulers or compass needed. Drawing the repeated patterns and embracing their imperfections is a path to relaxation for me.

Is there something that you enjoy as a means of relaxing that others may find tedious or even stressful? With today's photo, share something that you enjoy doing to relax.

Kris

Day 294 - October 20 - Foliage

Day 294 - October 20

Foliage

Guest Prompt

The noun "foliage" refers to leaves — either individual leaves or the collective leafy canopy of many trees or plants.

I think of foliage as a gateway to Earth's beauty. We are heading into the fall season where I live and the colors will be or are already amazing. Let's find some foliage today. It can be green, red, orange; brown, or in any combination.

Dolores Duff

Day 295 - October 21 - Romantic

Day 295 - October 21

Romantic

Oh, those crazy, creepy Victorians! Look up the Romantic Period of the 19th century and you may be surprised that they romanticized death. (Follow link. It's a bit graphic.) When you’re done with your homework assignment, choose whatever symbolizes “romantic” to you! I chose to use these languishing roses. Getting in touch with my Victorian-style romantic side, I guess!

Leslie

Day 296 - October 22 - The night sky

Day 296 - October 22

The night sky

Taking great night photos can be tricky. Adjusting the ISO, aperture, and shutter speed can be daunting. If the thought makes you feel overwhelmed, consider using Aperture Priority mode. Simply select a wide aperture, and you're all set. I’ve found this mode works best when capturing still objects such as a skyline and landscapes. However, if you're including moving subjects at night, it's best to utilize Manual Mode. This allows you to make precise adjustments to the ISO and shutter speed for the perfect shot.

Remember, there's no harm in playing around with your settings! It might take a few attempts, but night photography can be pretty fun.

Amy

Day 297 - October 23 - All of us

Day 297 - October 23

All of us

Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving in October. It's the time of year for family gatherings and awesome meals. It's a time to give thanks for all the blessings in our lives. We are so blessed to be able to gather with our family to celebrate. I always try and capture a photo of all of us whenever we get together to share a meal. It's important to me to capture these moments. You just never know what tomorrow might bring.

Gather whoever you are around today and grab that photo. Who makes up 'all of us' in your world today?

Diane

Day 298 - October 24 - Vision

Day 298 - October 24

Vision

Think out of the box today! It can be something as literal as wearing glasses.... or photographing eyes. It can also be a vision you have! Don't overthink it!

Garnett

Day 299 - October 25 - Escape

Day 299 - October 25

Escape

Challenge Day

It is Challenge Day and our task is to capture some of those ghouls, ghosts, and goblins that lurk at this time of year before they escape! You will definitely need a tripod to accomplish this.

Capturing the Great Ghost Escape:

Find a location where ghosts like to hang out. At my house, it was in the hall.
Spot your escaping spirit. If the ghosts are elusive, find a human friend who is willing to help you impersonate a ghost.
Camera settings are tricky with this and will likely take some experimentation. The important thing is that you need to use a very long shutter speed, at least ten seconds. It is easiest to shoot in low light. If, however, you want to try this outdoors during the day, you'll definitely need a ten-stop Neutral Density (ND) filter. My camera settings were SS 10", f//10, and ISO 400. I had very minimal ambient light.
Place your ghost in the scene. Once you press the shutter, you'll want them to stand as still as possible for half the duration of your SS. Then they need to escape from the frame as quickly as possible.
This may take several attempts. Play with your settings until you get the image you want.
If you are feeling like a ghoul yourself today, set the timer on your camera and float through your photo!
Most of all, have a little fun!

Kris

Day 300 - October 26 - Straggler

Day 300 - October 26

Straggler

Picture Me

This is why I am the straggler in a group because I stop to take photos, though usually not of myself!

Today is Picture Me Day, so you should try and get yourself in the photo. Show why you are the straggler, or show why others are stragglers, but remember to include yourself in this photo.

Lee

Day 301 - October 27 - Tempt Me

Day 301 - October 27

Tempt Me

I’ve never met anyone who could resist my homemade cinnamon buns including me! For that reason, I don’t make them often!

Anything that tempts you? Go on and photograph it. Then see if you can “Say No” to the indulgence right in front of you!

Leslie

Day 302 - October 28 - Careful

Day 302 - October 28

Careful

When taking photos of critters, pets, kids, and sometimes spouses, it's important to approach with care. I happened to notice this little green lizard perched on the windowsill staring down at me; I had to ever so slowly raise my camera and snap a photo before he scurried off!

Show us the something or someone you approach carefully!

Amy

Day 303 - October 29 - Swirl

Day 303 - October 29

Swirl

Do you have words that you just love? For me, "swirl" is one of those words. It just makes me happy! So many things swirl and twirl. What will you find? Whatever it is, I hope it makes you smile.

This statue stands in the lobby of our city hall. I love the way the colours just swirl all around the statue.

Diane

Day 304 - October 30 - Free Lensing

Day 304 - October 30

Free Lensing

Technical Day

Today is Technical Day and you will have to stretch your creative muscles! (I can already "hear" the collective groans.) Have you ever heard of free lensing?

Freelensing is "exposing an image while the lens is removed from the camera body". You can get the same effect from free lensing as some of our Lens Baby lenses. Selective focus is achieved by hand-holding the lens close to the sensor and moving the lens to get the effect you want.

You will need to be very careful. Don't do this outside on a windy day!

Choose a subject. The easiest subjects for the technique are flowers or other objects that don't move.
It's best to put your camera on a tripod, then remove the lens and play around with focus.
My subject above was taken with my 50 mm lens removed from the camera.
You'll probably want to use your viewfinder so that you can adjust the lens accordingly.

Garnett

Day 305 - October 31 - Where I Stand

Day 305 - October 31

Where I Stand

Happy Halloween to those who observe. Today is our monthly Where I Stand prompt.

I love to run, but I can't keep up with my normal routine during the heat of the Texas summers. In September, I get back to my regular training schedule with the goal of running a 10K pumpkin run on Halloween. Do you have any goals set for this time of year? Fall cleaning or planting? Holiday preparations? Exercise? Baking? Photograph where you stand with regard to setting, working toward, or achieving a personal goal.

Kris