The Creative Aperture Challenge: Framing, Colour & Bokeh
Challenge yourself to approach scenes and subjects in a new way!
Welcome to this creative challenge with The Travel Photography Club, one that’s all about seeing the world through a slightly softer, more playful lens.
Whether you’re picking up your camera for the first time in months or you’re already in the habit of looking for creative frames everywhere you go, understanding how to use aperture will completely transform your images. In this challenge, we’re exploring how a wide aperture can blur the foreground, enhance colour and light, and create those dreamy pops of bokeh that add atmosphere and artistry to your photographs.
Think of this challenge as a little nudge to look for scenes that invite you to play with depth and composition. It’s about more than just technical settings, it’s about experimenting with how you frame your subject, how you use your environment, and how you draw attention to what matters most in your photo.
Challenge Details: Enter by July 31st to be eligible to win
Throughout the challenge, you’ll learn to:
Frame creatively: Use natural elements like leaves, flowers, branches, or even textured fabrics to add interest and lead the viewer’s eye.
Enhance colour and light: A wide aperture allows colours to blur together, creating soft, glowing backgrounds that make your subject pop.
Incorporate bokeh: By placing elements close to your lens and focusing beyond them, you’ll create those signature circles of light that make an image feel magical.
It’s all about getting closer, looking for pockets of colour or light, and allowing a little blur to work its magic in your compositions.
How to Join The Challenge
To help you get started, download the challenge PDF guide filled with step-by-step tips, inspiration, and creative prompts.
You’ll find everything you need to experiment with aperture, try new ways of framing, and see how bokeh can completely change the mood of your photos.
Sharing Your Photos
Capture your images using the tips and prompts from this post (and don’t forget to download the full guide for step-by-step inspiration).
Post your favourite photos from the challenge on Instagram before 31 July. If you’re a Travel Photography Club member, you’re also welcome to share your entry in The Gallery. (Limit 5 entries per person.)
Use the hashtags #CreativeApertureChallenge + #thetravelphotographyclub and tag @thetravelphotographyclub so we can find your work.
All images shared before the deadline will go in the running to win one of three prizes and be featured in a dedicated Instagram post about your work.
Prizes:
• 1st Prize: $100 Voucher (for eBooks, Courses, or Club Membership)
• 2nd Prize: Enrolment in The Creative Composition Course (Value $82)
• 3rd Prize: $50 URTH Voucher
*There’s also a little surprise for everyone who enters an image…you’ll find out what it is once you’ve entered!
Whether you’re new to using aperture creatively, or are just looking for a reason to pick up your camera again, this is your chance to experiment, play, and share your results with a supportive global community of like-minded photographers.
We can’t wait to see what you capture! Remember to enter by the 31st of July!
Here’s to capturing colour, creativity, and a little extra blurry goodness this week. Happy snapping!
Your invite to join our creative community of travellers! If you’re not already a member, come and join The Travel Photography Club where we’re having discussions about topics just like this! The club is an exclusive online space filled with creative resources, challenges, and travel advice for photographers.
