Social Media Trend: The #HobbyLobbyChallenge

TheArticulate Level 1

March 1, 2018, 2:17 pm

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Social Media Trend: The #HobbyLobbyChallenge

The #HobbyLobbyChallenge is a photography trend that's spreading across social media right now. Being that in the U.S., natural flowers are hard to come by for photography (it being winter and all), some photographers have taken to going to craft stores like Hobby Lobby and Michael's for their photography needs.

The idea is that you take photos of your model using the fake flowers and props at Hobby Lobby and try to make it look like you took your photo somewhere else, such as outdoors. However, when you post the final photo online, you're also supposed to accompany it with a "behind the scenes" photo showing how you staged the photo at the retail store. It's a really creative concept, and it's getting a lot of people out shooting which is great!

My girlfriend was excited to learn about this trend and has asked if we can go out tonight to try it, so it looks like I'll be producing content for the challenge shortly. I'll keep you updated as soon as I have photos to share!

What do you think of this challenge and how it's spurring the creativity of online communities? Do you think you will try taking part in the challenge?

Comments

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

Well, in my opinion pictures have a way of passing some kind of messages depending on the context of the picture. If snapped in a perfect angle and with fantastic costumes, it's definitely going to look exquisite. It's a shame winter is messing things up for you guys in US, over here we are pretty cool with good sunny weather.

6 years ago

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Steve5

Steve5

It's a cool concept. Most of us just like taking selfies. But this could be a fresh way of focusing on creativity instead of filters. It can be really funny if the photo ends up looking incredibly striking and professional. Especially, given the context of the challenge.

6 years ago

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nrnlss

nrnlss

I agree with you, one photo can paint a thousand words. Also, using a prop or fake flowers and grass is not a new thing. In our country we do it too and its not a big deal.

5 years ago

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Kakashi2020

Kakashi2020

I would say that in the absence of natural flowers due to weather conditions in your country the best thing for hobbyists and professionals alike is to improvise. It's likely that I would take part of it, if I where in your shoes also.

6 years ago

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TheArticulate

TheArticulate

You're very right. It's a really neat way to put people out of their comfort zone and try composing photos in an environment that they aren't used to. It also pushes your editing skills to new levels because you're editing photos that are taken in different light conditions than you may be used to.

6 years ago

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nrnlss

nrnlss

I agree with you, there's nothing can beat the nature and it's natural form, but if you took the right angle the fake ones will look like it's not fake.

5 years ago

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treecko142

treecko142

Yeah, I always like these types of creative trends which shows that there is a bigger story behind the picture itself. I think the reason it's trending is that of the unexpected twist where viewers have to keep on guessing what the picture really is.

6 years ago

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TheArticulate

TheArticulate

I love the idea of showing the actual photo and then how you made the photo was it was. For me, it adds such a human element to the process which is really cool. In a lot of the photos, you see other friends holding flowers or props into the frame for the photo, and it looks like they're having such a good time. It really gives so much more context to the original photo as well to see what was going on behind the scenes.

6 years ago

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DenisP

DenisP

This is why I love watching behind the scenes footage for films. When you're watching a big budget film, you find yourself enamored and mesmerized by the characters and special effects on screen--well that is if the filmmakers did their job right, at least.

You enter a realm of fantasy that is only made possible through film. But at the same time, it's equally as fascinating when the illusion is broken down by the behind the scenes footage, and you're able to see the inner workings of that fantasy.

It's a magical moment when you see an actor step out of the role of their character and back into who they normally are as a person.

6 years ago

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treecko142

treecko142

Yeah, all the stuff that happens behind the camera is really interesting to watch, especially when they introduce a new way of capturing scenes for movies. The most recent I can think of is the Valkyrie flashback scene from Thor: Ragnarok.

6 years ago

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nrnlss

nrnlss

Indeed, that the content is not what it seems like in behind the scenes.

5 years ago

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DenisP

DenisP

That actually sounds like a really cool challenge to try out. Definitely keep us up to date, I'd love to see your take on the challenge.

Unfortunately they don't really have craft stores in the country I'm currently living in, at least not similar to ones like Hobby Lobby back in the States. But as for my thoughts on the challenge, I think any time a creative challenge comes out, it's a positive thing.

It sure beats challenges like eating Tide Pods or spoons of cinnamon.

6 years ago

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TheArticulate

TheArticulate

I thought the same thing when I saw this trend. I was glad it was something fun and creative for people to do instead of something really ridiculous (however, I will admit that in 2012, as a senior in high school, I did take part in the cinnamon challenge).

I should have some photos ready to go in the next couple of days or so. It's been really fun!

6 years ago

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DarthHazard

DarthHazard

Yeah, I can't think of any craft stores over here in London, United Kingdom either. I'm sure there are loads but just near where I am living. Who knows, maybe there are some near me but I may just not have noticed them since I'm not that into crafts and hobbies.

Like you said, a social media trend/challenge like this is a lot better than the Tide Pods one that was popular a few months ago.

6 years ago

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nrnlss

nrnlss

Same in our country too, well there are few but it is an exclusive stores.

5 years ago

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Kakashi2020

Kakashi2020

What could be a good addition to this challenge is if businesses where tapped to fund a contest, that would surely be a hit, having a photo contest in different categories using craft flowers.

6 years ago

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TheArticulate

TheArticulate

If Hobby Lobby were on top of their marketing game, they'd probably use this opportunity to start hosting challenges. It's great publicity that people started using the stores for this challenge alone, but if the company opened its doors to willingly participating and hosting challenges, it could bring all kinds of people flocking to the stores to participate.

6 years ago

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DarthHazard

DarthHazard

I presume they don't want to do it to avoid a lot of people just coming into the store for these pictures and challenges and actually not buying anything from the store itself. At the moment, with the social media trend, it's probably not too bad for them and is probably enough marketing for them

6 years ago

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aeon

aeon

I'm sure if there're a lot of professional photographer will join to that contest if that happen. But right now, I think they are trying to inspire some photo addict in social media site for this contest and build up their talent in just simple social media contest.

6 years ago

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nrnlss

nrnlss

I agree with you and the fact that it will showcase people's talent on creativity.

5 years ago

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vinaya

vinaya

I have not heard of #HobbyLobbyChallenge. However, I once participated in nature photography challenge on facebook. You will be nominated by a participant to post a nature photo when you are posting, you will have to nominate another person to participate in the challenge. The challenge continued for 5 days and there were submissions from amateur, hobbyist as well as professional photographers.

6 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

I have got introduced to something similar like this contest but a little bit different. It's getting one's best childhood memories uploaded in a Facebook page where several people vote for the best uploads. These was a cash prize at the end of the contest but unfortunately I didn't win it.

6 years ago

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vinaya

vinaya

I have never participated in facebook challenge where there was a cash prize for the winner. However, Once I participated in a contest, where the winner would be chosen by the maximum number of facebook likes. sadly, I could not pull likes and I did not win.

6 years ago

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nrnlss

nrnlss

I haven't heard of it too, until I saw this post.

5 years ago

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aeon

aeon

I like the concept, how to make it real the flower photo. But honestly, I never heard that hobbylobbychallenge. I wonder what is the price for that photo. The Editing skills need for this kind of photo I think. That's the good thing about the social media, there's always new idea.

6 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

Definitely there would be a good prize attached to contest because I strongly doubt that one would dedicate time to getting best photos with lots of editing work to upgrade the pictures just for nothing. If I'm to participate in the #hobbylobbychallenge, I would definitely be expecting to win something off of it.

6 years ago

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aeon

aeon

Yeah you're right, the effort should have equivalent price in return. Maybe that's the reason why its become trending. Well good luck to your entry.

6 years ago

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kammy143

kammy143

The #HobbyLobbyChallenge is really aesthetically appealing and not to mention the creativity of people are really impeccable. The thing is when one gets in a store and try to make a photo shoot out of it... people will notice. My friend got noticed alright and almost got almost got into trouble because of of it. I don't know about other countries, but in our country, stores really doesn't really allow that.( we also do not have any Hobby Lobby Stores) Anyway, the challenge is really good unlike other challenges that make people hurt themselves such as the salt-ice challenge, cinnamon challenge and specially the Kylie Jenner Lip challenge. Still don't know why people would do that to themselves but still did.

6 years ago

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TheArticulate

TheArticulate

I know, you have to be careful when you're shooting in businesses. My girlfriend and I kept hearing someone at Hobby Lobby making security pages while we were there shooting, and we kept thinking they were coming to kick us out. Luckily that didn't happen.

I usually don't have a problem with people noticing as long they don't bother me while I'm trying to do my thing. It's probably not the best thing for me to say, but my method has always been to start shooting somewhere until I get kicked out, if that happens at all (which it never has).

6 years ago

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kammy143

kammy143

I hope that you and your girlfriend got really nice shots. Just like you, on of my motto is "live and let live.", as people doesn't bother me and I don't bother them, all is good. It is really a good thing that most shops in your country doesn't really mind people doing their own thing in stores. In our country on the other hand doesn't really permit that. The stores here such as home embellishment stores are not that big so people especially the owners find it very bothersome.

6 years ago

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TheArticulate

TheArticulate

Everything went well, we just wished we'd had a third person with us to help hold props and take behind the scenes photos. It was pretty late in the day and I'd already had a full day of work, so we were ready to shoot photos quickly then be done and have dinner. Definitely hoping to get out again soon and try the challenge for a round 2!

I'm still working on editing the photos we took, but I have a couple I can share right now:

Social Media Trend: The #HobbyLobbyChallenge

Social Media Trend: The #HobbyLobbyChallenge

6 years ago

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kammy143

kammy143

Wow! I love the pictures you have taken specially the one at the bottom. It has a lot of character and really feminine.

6 years ago

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Judas2018

Judas2018

Not something I'd personally be interested in but it certainly sounds like one of the healthier and more sane, social media challenges out there. In a time where we have nonsense like 'the tide pod' challenge.

6 years ago

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kammy143

kammy143

True. I really don't like trends that causes harm to oneself. Some people got rushed to the hospital or makes temporary or permanent damage on their bodies because of some necessary things. On the other hand, I love trends that are productive and brings joy to many.

6 years ago

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hazelandrea

hazelandrea

I think that this challenge is wonderful in a way that people are trying to be more creative and they do not just depend on the natural setting of things. This improves craftiness through utilization of objects around us. I would like to try this challenge and see if my photography.

6 years ago

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TheArticulate

TheArticulate

That's what really stood out to me about this challenge. I loved that it encouraged people to go out and be creative, especially in an environment they may not be comfortable in. I think things like this can encourage people to grow in their passions and develop their skills in ways that they may not have done on their own.

Not to mention I love seeing the creativity of people come out when they take part in this challenge, and it's always great to see my photographer friends get excited about something! You should definitely give the challenge a try. Post your photos here so we can see them if you do!

6 years ago

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aeon

aeon

Right. I think this challenge is just simple teaching to all selfie addict to become more creative and aware about their photos. And social media is the best way to teach them in just simple competition. It's not about the face, it's also how to use the backgrounds and simple things like flowers to make the photo looks great.

6 years ago

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edencaga

edencaga

I am not familiar with that trend since I am from Asian country. We don't have that trend but I think it's a good idea trying out new things you haven't tried before. It seems to be fun and enjoying I think. Even if your props and flowers are fake, they seems to be useful also for photographers as an improvise props. Just don't mind your props even if it's fake its still be useful just execute it right to make it real even if not and as long as you enjoy taking photos with good props then it's okay. It is not necessarily to have real flowers since it can be edited tho (if you want to make it more real).

6 years ago

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TheArticulate

TheArticulate

Absolutely! If you're a photographer, you should try starting up a similar challenge in your country! I know you don't Hobby Lobby or Michael's chain stores, but maybe there's alternative you could use to try your hand?

I visited some family in Japan last year, and I took photos of a friend in the heart of Tokyo, and we were able to find a really cool plant shop on a little side street. Tons of character, and the old couple who owned it seemed so happy to see us using their plants to take photos. Maybe that's what you could do! Find a small "mom and pop" store and use it as your backdrop!

Social Media Trend: The #HobbyLobbyChallenge

6 years ago

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MomoStarr16

MomoStarr16

Hey I know this one. I saw a lot of people doing this. My fb's newsfeed is currently full of this trend. Some of them looks like a professional photographer. Having the right kind of elements to make their photo make realistic. But when you see the backstage pic of while they doing it, it will make you laugh.

6 years ago

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Kakashi2020

Kakashi2020

I think the HobbyLobbyChallenge is a great idea. It gives people the opportunity to be creative at the same time having fun with this activity.

6 years ago

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Rumu

Rumu

Such a brilliant contest I must say. It sure will produce a tremendous amount of creativity from all over. Only wish I had a love for photography, wus have joined the contest too. Wish you all the best at the competition.

6 years ago

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Tronia

Tronia

I haven't heard of the Hobby Lobby Challenge before reading your post but it really sounds creative and fun. I love such little challenges because they bring people from all over together and allow them to express their creativity. I would probably participate if I had more spare time!

6 years ago

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nrnlss

nrnlss

me too, I haven't heard of that but I think it is really fun and I would love to participate in those kind of challenges.

6 years ago

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Kakashi2020

Kakashi2020

I think It could also be monetized on site and off site by getting sponsors and ads. This idea can also be used by other establishments like restaurants, theme parks and even clothing lines all one needs are out of the box ideas of doing it.

6 years ago

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TheArticulate

TheArticulate

Theme parks would do great to incorporate an idea like this. Take Six Flags, for instance. They could develop a hashtag of their own, like #ShootSixFlags or something like that, and they have someone in their marketing department choose one photo every week or so to win a prize. A voucher for discounted tickets, free food/drink. etc. That would be a really great way to get people involved with the theme park experience, I would think.

6 years ago

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Judas2018

Judas2018

With the current climate in America about guns, gun control and gun violence - a ShootSixFlags hashtag would be a public relations nightmare for the company. Could also wind up being a dog whistle for any maniac looking to go on a shooting spree this Summer in a heavily populated area.

6 years ago

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MomoStarr16

MomoStarr16

This sounds fun and I like to do one for me. Just need a good place to start and a good subject. I need also to search about that trend because It is really new for me. Thanks for letting us know it.

6 years ago

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esteban123

esteban123

Yes I agree on you, this trend is also new to me and I haven't tried this before. It really looks nice and interesting to have. Maybe If I have some time then probably I will give it a try to fully experienced how it really works and what makes it fun to everybody.

6 years ago

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ballyhara

ballyhara

And I need to check it out too, because this is the first time I read something about it. It seems like a funny challenge, comparing to the creepy challenges young people are doing these days. For sure I rather see people challenging themselves, taking pictures of fake flowers, than to see them walking on the edge of roof tops and bridges. I only hope Hobby Lobby don't get angry about it, and starts banning people for taking this challenge way too far.

6 years ago

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nrnlss

nrnlss

I agree with you.z It sounds really fun.

6 years ago

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esteban123

esteban123

Social media is I think one of the latest trend now a days, many millennial are very addicted in using this platform since it bring much joy and happiness to them. Many people now a days are being addicted to this social media sites which sometimes forget to do their responsibility just to be in this social media platforms. Although it has a lot of uses , but I think it has also some disadvantages especially if the use of this would be too much already since everything that is too much is bad.

6 years ago

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nrnlss

nrnlss

Yes I agree with you, it has a lot of disadvantages.

6 years ago

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esteban123

esteban123

I think we need to be responsible at some time not just to focused on the latest trend or to some pleasure that we will gain since the young generation nowadays is only giving much weight on fun activities which should not be the case all the time.

6 years ago

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