12 Faces in 12 Frames, a creative project for July 2026.

This year, I’ve been doing little photo challenges here and there as a way to change things up and do something different. For several years a long time ago, I did a 52 challenge where you take one photo a week based on a weekly theme and I guess I’ve been missing that kind of thing.

The idea for this project was to capture 10 faces in 10 frames. Meaning, that the 1st frame taken is the one I’d use. That sounds easy, but it certainly doesn’t always work out that the first frame is great. This crew made it so easy!

The challenge was more on my end to make sure everything was set and working properly and of course it did not. But we still managed to have really fantasitc 1st frames, which you’ll see below.

And yes there are 12 photos. Of course I couldn’t stop at 10, and so it evolved into 12.

I explained to each person the plan and that they could do whatever they wanted for their first take. Any expression, any mood and I’d try to be ready and get it.

I’m claiming this a total success.

What I loved most about doing this project:

I had the idea and jumped on it before I had any details figured out.
Everyone that signed up was absolutely amazing.
I got to catch up with some and meet some new faces.
Kids are always a blast to photograph.
And so are grandmas.
Guys stepped up so it wasn’t all women.
Each person’s personality shows through a bit.
I totally nailed my lighting so there was no glare in glasses.
This entire project was scheduled and photographed and wrapped up within 1 month.
I had at least 12 conversations with people that I wouldn’t otherwise have had.
It reminded me how much I love doing photo challenges.
Even on the day a studio light malfunctioned, we still nailed.
That 12 people (and two more that ultimately weren’t able to schedule for this one) trusted me to photograph them not even fully knowing the details.