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If you have a passion for taking unique, beautiful or quirky photos, and are looking to spark your imagination this year, then grab your camera and get ready to take part in a new 52-week photography challenge which is underway now.
The challenge, titled ‘52 Creative’, is organised by talented photographer and Galbally native Catriona Corrigan through her photography training platform, ‘The Photo Academy NI’.
Now entering its 4th year, 52 Creative encourages participants to take one photograph each week in response to a creative theme, helping photographers stay motivated, build consistency, and develop their skills over the course of the year.
The challenge is free to take part in and is open to anyone of any age or experience level, with participants welcome to use either a smartphone or a camera.
Each week, a winning image is selected and at the end of every month, the top five images are shared with followers, who are invited to vote for their favourite.
Monthly winners go forward for a chance to be crowned ‘Image of the Year’ at the end of 2026.
This year’s overall winner will receive an Instax Mini camera, a professionally printed copy of their winning image, and a one-hour mentoring session with Catriona, offering both a creative keepsake and personalised guidance.
Speaking about the challenge, Catriona, who has been a professional photographer for over 15 years, said that ‘52 Creative’ is designed to help photographers grow in confidence while feeling part of a supportive community.
“Signing up to the challenge is a great way to grow your skills and connect with fellow creatives,” she said. “Each week brings a new theme, and the weekly email is packed with practical tips, creative ideas, and encouragement.”
Now living in Clonoe, Catriona explained that the challenge was created to reignite people’s love of photography and make creativity feel achievable.
“The reason I established 52 Creative was to rejuvenate people’s passion for photography and help them feel part of a creative community. You can join at any point during the year, but the earlier you start, the better your chances of winning the top prize.”
One participant from 2025 described the experience as transformative, saying, “This challenge has been an amazing opportunity for me to kick start my hobby and take my photography more seriously.”
The Photo Academy NI is the training arm of Catriona’s photography business, Divine Photography, and offers workshops, mentoring, and creative challenges for photographers across Northern Ireland and beyond.
For more information, visit The Photo Academy NI on Instagram or Facebook.
