This month’s Theme Challenge, May 2026, is Statue, Monument, or Landmark. Spring time we start to travel, the weather is a bit warmer and we want to get out for some fresh air and exercise. This challenge concentrates on the photographers choices to remove distracting objects from our frame helping us making a better Composition. As you travel around this month look for subjects and maybe learn a bit about it when you create your photographs. Consider creating a collection of images for a specific subject as one image may not be able to tell the complete story.
The image shown above is of the Lunenburg Fishermen’s Memorial located in Lunenburg Nova Scotia on Bluenose Drive. The monument contains the names of deceased local fishermen and mariners lost at sea since 1890, which was unveiled on August 25, 1996.
Images can be created in any light, you can work with what is available. It’s important to consider the direction of light to best complement the subject and position yourself in the best position. Take your time to consider the composition to eliminate unwanted objects in your image, and wait for the moment to include or remove people and distractions depending on the story you want to tell. Get out and have some fun and include us in where you went and what you found interesting this month, share some images you’ve created this month.
The following examples are; Lunenburg Fisherman’s Memorial, A Cairn at Whynaughts Beach dedicated to the settlers of St. Margarets Bay in the 1780’s, a Monument in Chester dedicated to Rear Admiral Desmond William Piers, The William E. deGarthe Memorial Monument, a detailed sculpture depicting 32 fishermen their wives and children at Peggy’s Cove.
The Swissair flight 111 Memorial Interment Site in Bayswater, in memory of the people who lost their lives, September 8th, 1998. While you visit, you may want to take a reflective walk along Bayswater Provincial Park beach.
A few examples; Statues at Park Cemetery in Mahone Bay, The Gazebo at the Halifax Public Gardens, the Cenotaph and the Parade Square Gazebo in Chester.
Additional Resources
As always with our monthly theme challenges we try to seek out additional instructional resources, below are some YouTube video links to help with some tips, hints and ideas:
■ Scott Kelby: What Makes a Great Travel Photo: by B&H Photo Video Pro Audio (1hr 1min 16sec)
■ The travel photography mistakes nobody talks about: by Rick Bebbington (15min 59sec)
■ 5 Tips for Travel Photography from National Geographic Photographer Jim Richardson: by B&H Photo Video Pro Audio (7min 39sec)
You’re encouraged to develop the ability to “tell a story or invoke an emotion“, as well as learn to plan and troubleshoot while creating images.
- It’s important to not only create an image but to also include a “Title”, this process helps with; determining your subject or story, and composition.
- Try writing a short paragraph about; how you came up with the idea, any interesting back ground that compelled you to make the image, and describe any techniques how you overcame any obstacles.
- Do some research and include any relevant information behind the subject of your image. This helps with planning and your approach for a story
An important part of improving your photography; practice, practice, practice one of the important aspects of the monthly theme challenge, in addition you have an opportunity to learn about different genres, techniques and tips that you may not be familiar with.
Share your images and stories experienced this month
Even though this website is not setup to directly upload your images, you can achieve something similar by commenting on the post; paste your social media or google drive link to your image in the comment, then type any additional message you’d like to share. Everyone who visits will be able to visit your link. Note comments are moderated so it will not show up right away. We do get notifications when any comment is posted, so it won’t take long to get approved and have your comment subsequently show up. By pasting your social media or google drive link in your comment, it gives everyone visiting the blog a chance to click the link to see your image for the challenge and also the ability to look at your other work by viewing your social media through your pasted link. We want sharing to be a positive experience and we hope you have fun with this month’s photo challenge.
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