About

ABOUT THE HOUSTON PHOTO CHALLENGE

SEE SOMETHING. MAKE SOMETHING. TELL A STORY.

Photography has a way of changing how we see the world.

A great photograph doesn't require the most expensive camera or the newest lens. It starts with someone who notices something other people might have missed.

The Houston Photo Challenge was created to give middle school and high school students an opportunity to develop that ability to see.

Each month, students are given a new photography challenge designed to encourage creativity, experimentation, storytelling, and technical growth. Students submit their best photograph, receive recognition from professional photographers, and compete throughout the school year for individual and school awards.

But this is about more than winning.

It's about giving young photographers a reason to pick up a camera, walk outside, look around, and ask:

"What do I see that is worth photographing?"

WHY A PHOTOGRAPHY CHALLENGE?

Today's students have cameras with them almost everywhere they go.

We want to encourage them to use those cameras creatively.

The Houston Photo Challenge gives students a reason to:

LOOK CLOSER.

TRY SOMETHING NEW.

TAKE CREATIVE RISKS.

TELL STORIES.

LEARN FROM OTHER PHOTOGRAPHERS.

BECOME BETTER AT THEIR CRAFT.

Whether a student has been photographing for years or is just discovering photography, there is a place for them here.

And you don't need a professional camera to compete.

Bring your DSLR. Bring your mirrorless camera. Bring your phone.

What matters most is what you see.

MORE THAN A CONTEST

The Houston Photo Challenge is designed to be a year-long photography experience.

Students compete in monthly challenges while building points toward

PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

Recognizing the most successful and consistent student photographers throughout the season.

PHOTOGRAPHY PROGRAM OF THE YEAR

Recognizing schools that demonstrate both photographic excellence and student participation.

THE TRAVELING TROPHY

The winning school earns the Houston Photo Challenge Traveling Trophy and its place in the competition's history.

Along the way, students have the opportunity to see their work featured, learn from professional photographers, and be recognized for their creativity.

BUILT FOR STUDENTS. SUPPORTED BY ADVISERS.

Photography teachers, yearbook advisers, media advisers, and other educators play an important role in helping students discover their creative voices.

The Houston Photo Challenge gives advisers another way to challenge their students, celebrate their work, and connect their programs with other schools throughout the Houston area.

We want schools to compete against one another—but we also want students to learn from one another.

Because when one photographer takes a great photograph, everyone gets better by seeing it.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is simple:

To inspire the next generation of photographers through creativity, competition, education, and recognition.

We want students to leave the Houston Photo Challenge with more than a few awards.

We want them to leave with a better understanding of photography, greater confidence in their creative abilities, and a desire to keep making photographs.

WELCOME TO THE CHALLENGE

There are thousands of stories happening throughout Houston every day.

Someone just has to notice them.

That someone could be you.

SEE SOMETHING.

MAKE SOMETHING.

TELL A STORY.

Welcome to the Houston Photo Challenge.