Shooting Challenge: R&amp;RS

Labor Day Weekend is almost upon us, which means that I'm putting you to work. This week's Shooting Challenge is to capture R&R.

The Challenge

Take a photo that captures the essence of rest and relaxation. That's it.

The Method

Last week we had a technical challenge, so this week we're going with a topical challenge. (I'm trying to ping pong between technique and style, fwiw.) In other words, the method is any method.

However, the first thing that comes to mind when I consider a truly successful manifestation of R&R in the media is Corona's TV spots. (No, this plug isn't paid, sadly.) The ads work in large part because of sound design (the ocean and very little else), but also through the use of icons: sand, palm trees, chairs, an umbrella. By the time the Corona makes an appearance, you're already sold by association with iconography. And the message becomes inevitable: One's brain cannot absorb Corona as anything but a pillar of relaxation.

With only one static shot, your challenge is tougher, because icons can quickly devolve into cliche. I know there will be a lot of hammocks turned in next week. The question is, will they all look the same? Will they be something we've seen before? Or will they manage to be familiar thematically but exciting aesthetically?

The Rules - READ THESE

1. Submissions need to be your own.
4. Email submissions to, not me.
6. One submission per person.

Send your best photo by TUESDAY, September 7th at 8AM Eastern to with "R&R" in the subject line. Save your files as JPGs, and use a FirstnameLastnameRR.jpg (800px wide) and FirstnameLastnameRRWallpaper.jpg (2560px wide) naming conventions. Include your shooting summary (camera, lens, ISO, etc) in the body of the email along with a story of the shot in a few sentences. And don't skip this story part because it's often the most enjoyable part for us all beyond the shot itself!

[Lead photo by anyjazz65, Argentina 1955]

If you're in need of even more stuff to photograph, my site Life, Panoramic would love to publish your portrait of your hometown. We could use tiny cities, too, so don't fret if you don't live in NY!