12 by 12

Founder & lead curator

International photography challenge

12 by 12 was a year-long series of monthly photo challenges set by renowned photographers. Each brief invited group members to respond creatively and share their interpretations on social media.

I started 12 by 12 to push my own creativity and build a photographic community. I led on strategy, branding, design, marketing, copywriting and community management. Bringing together and guiding a team to deliver the project. Thousands of images were submitted, and the work was featured by the BBC and the Royal Photographic Society.

Behind the challenges

The project aimed to stretch members creatively, encouraging experimentation in both approach and aesthetics. Community was a core element of 12 by 12, and the group’s support played a big role in keeping momentum and motivation throughout the year.

Photo challenges are nothing new, but what set this project apart were the thought-provoking briefs, designed to push members beyond their comfort zones. The team and I worked hard to ensure challenge-setters came from a wide range of countries and photographic disciplines.

The project offered an insight into how respected photographers approach their work, as the challenges often reflected their personal practice. To build on this, I held interviews with challenge-setters, driven by questions from the group.

Member reflections

It was a pleasure to be a part of a community where so many talented photographers produced so many great images. The challenges were tough at times, but there was encouragement and constructive criticism from the participants. It was a good bunch. I feel that I have grown as a photographer since joining this group.
It’s taught me to be patient, reflective, full of self critique, responsive, idealistic, confident enough to critique other peoples work, the list goes on and on. Most of all it’s made me a better photographer.
Finding a way to respond to each challenge, and then receiving useful feedback has been a joy. I have learned so much from fellow members’ photographs, and following comments on them too. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the group for their part in making it what it is.
It has been an interesting journey which has been very challenging for me at times, but also extremely enjoyable. Thank you to all involved. I have leant a lot since joining this group and look forward to new challenges in the next project.
Have loved this project. Its really made me do different things with my photography and come out of my comfort zone, I’ve become more interested in trying new things so thank you for making this so enjoyable.
So many terrific images throughout the group, inspirational and a pleasure to enjoy. Thanks to everyone for sharing their work and being supportive to one another. It’s been a joy to take part.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed taking part in this. It’s forced me to try new techniques and shoot subjects that I wouldn’t usually. Getting just one image in the book would be a great achievement.
The project encouraged me to be a photographic explorer of the world. I have discovered the sheer joy and pleasure of image making.
I’ve learnt to be braver and to be more open in my photography i.e. “come out” as a photographer
The main thing I have learnt is to take risks…with technique and ideas /concepts and to try anything that may “work”.
The greatest memory of participating in will be the generosity, warmth and honesty of the members of the community. Particularly when for most of us each week was tackling an approach that was new to us and therefore confidence often was brittle.
The weekly challenge, discussion and the other members’ fabulous contributions have really helped improve at least my thought processes
It was a pleasure to be a part of a community where so many talented photographers produced so many great images. The challenges were tough at times, but there was encouragement and constructive criticism from the participants. It was a good bunch. I feel that I have grown as a photographer since joining this group.
It’s taught me to be patient, reflective, full of self critique, responsive, idealistic, confident enough to critique other peoples work, the list goes on and on. Most of all it’s made me a better photographer.
Finding a way to respond to each challenge, and then receiving useful feedback has been a joy. I have learned so much from fellow members’ photographs, and following comments on them too. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the group for their part in making it what it is.
It has been an interesting journey which has been very challenging for me at times, but also extremely enjoyable. Thank you to all involved. I have leant a lot since joining this group and look forward to new challenges in the next project.
Have loved this project. Its really made me do different things with my photography and come out of my comfort zone, I’ve become more interested in trying new things so thank you for making this so enjoyable.
So many terrific images throughout the group, inspirational and a pleasure to enjoy. Thanks to everyone for sharing their work and being supportive to one another. It’s been a joy to take part.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed taking part in this. It’s forced me to try new techniques and shoot subjects that I wouldn’t usually. Getting just one image in the book would be a great achievement.
The project encouraged me to be a photographic explorer of the world. I have discovered the sheer joy and pleasure of image making.
I’ve learnt to be braver and to be more open in my photography i.e. “come out” as a photographer
The main thing I have learnt is to take risks…with technique and ideas /concepts and to try anything that may “work”.
The greatest memory of participating in will be the generosity, warmth and honesty of the members of the community. Particularly when for most of us each week was tackling an approach that was new to us and therefore confidence often was brittle.
The weekly challenge, discussion and the other members’ fabulous contributions have really helped improve at least my thought processes
It was a pleasure to be a part of a community where so many talented photographers produced so many great images. The challenges were tough at times, but there was encouragement and constructive criticism from the participants. It was a good bunch. I feel that I have grown as a photographer since joining this group.
It’s taught me to be patient, reflective, full of self critique, responsive, idealistic, confident enough to critique other peoples work, the list goes on and on. Most of all it’s made me a better photographer.
Finding a way to respond to each challenge, and then receiving useful feedback has been a joy. I have learned so much from fellow members’ photographs, and following comments on them too. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the group for their part in making it what it is.
It has been an interesting journey which has been very challenging for me at times, but also extremely enjoyable. Thank you to all involved. I have leant a lot since joining this group and look forward to new challenges in the next project.
Have loved this project. Its really made me do different things with my photography and come out of my comfort zone, I’ve become more interested in trying new things so thank you for making this so enjoyable.
So many terrific images throughout the group, inspirational and a pleasure to enjoy. Thanks to everyone for sharing their work and being supportive to one another. It’s been a joy to take part.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed taking part in this. It’s forced me to try new techniques and shoot subjects that I wouldn’t usually. Getting just one image in the book would be a great achievement.
The project encouraged me to be a photographic explorer of the world. I have discovered the sheer joy and pleasure of image making.
I’ve learnt to be braver and to be more open in my photography i.e. “come out” as a photographer
The main thing I have learnt is to take risks…with technique and ideas /concepts and to try anything that may “work”.
The greatest memory of participating in will be the generosity, warmth and honesty of the members of the community. Particularly when for most of us each week was tackling an approach that was new to us and therefore confidence often was brittle.
The weekly challenge, discussion and the other members’ fabulous contributions have really helped improve at least my thought processes
It was a pleasure to be a part of a community where so many talented photographers produced so many great images. The challenges were tough at times, but there was encouragement and constructive criticism from the participants. It was a good bunch. I feel that I have grown as a photographer since joining this group.
It’s taught me to be patient, reflective, full of self critique, responsive, idealistic, confident enough to critique other peoples work, the list goes on and on. Most of all it’s made me a better photographer.
Finding a way to respond to each challenge, and then receiving useful feedback has been a joy. I have learned so much from fellow members’ photographs, and following comments on them too. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the group for their part in making it what it is.
It has been an interesting journey which has been very challenging for me at times, but also extremely enjoyable. Thank you to all involved. I have leant a lot since joining this group and look forward to new challenges in the next project.
Have loved this project. Its really made me do different things with my photography and come out of my comfort zone, I’ve become more interested in trying new things so thank you for making this so enjoyable.
So many terrific images throughout the group, inspirational and a pleasure to enjoy. Thanks to everyone for sharing their work and being supportive to one another. It’s been a joy to take part.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed taking part in this. It’s forced me to try new techniques and shoot subjects that I wouldn’t usually. Getting just one image in the book would be a great achievement.
The project encouraged me to be a photographic explorer of the world. I have discovered the sheer joy and pleasure of image making.
I’ve learnt to be braver and to be more open in my photography i.e. “come out” as a photographer
The main thing I have learnt is to take risks…with technique and ideas /concepts and to try anything that may “work”.
The greatest memory of participating in will be the generosity, warmth and honesty of the members of the community. Particularly when for most of us each week was tackling an approach that was new to us and therefore confidence often was brittle.
The weekly challenge, discussion and the other members’ fabulous contributions have really helped improve at least my thought processes

It was a pleasure to be a part of a community where so many talented photographers produced so many great images. The challenges were tough at times, but there was encouragement and constructive criticism from the participants. It was a good bunch. I feel that I have grown as a photographer since joining this group.
It’s taught me to be patient, reflective, full of self critique, responsive, idealistic, confident enough to critique other peoples work, the list goes on and on. Most of all it’s made me a better photographer.
Finding a way to respond to each challenge, and then receiving useful feedback has been a joy. I have learned so much from fellow members’ photographs, and following comments on them too. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the group for their part in making it what it is.
It has been an interesting journey which has been very challenging for me at times, but also extremely enjoyable. Thank you to all involved. I have leant a lot since joining this group and look forward to new challenges in the next project.
Have loved this project. Its really made me do different things with my photography and come out of my comfort zone, I’ve become more interested in trying new things so thank you for making this so enjoyable.
So many terrific images throughout the group, inspirational and a pleasure to enjoy. Thanks to everyone for sharing their work and being supportive to one another. It’s been a joy to take part.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed taking part in this. It’s forced me to try new techniques and shoot subjects that I wouldn’t usually. Getting just one image in the book would be a great achievement.
The project encouraged me to be a photographic explorer of the world. I have discovered the sheer joy and pleasure of image making.
I’ve learnt to be braver and to be more open in my photography i.e. “come out” as a photographer
The main thing I have learnt is to take risks…with technique and ideas /concepts and to try anything that may “work”.
The greatest memory of participating in will be the generosity, warmth and honesty of the members of the community. Particularly when for most of us each week was tackling an approach that was new to us and therefore confidence often was brittle.
The weekly challenge, discussion and the other members’ fabulous contributions have really helped improve at least my thought processes
It was a pleasure to be a part of a community where so many talented photographers produced so many great images. The challenges were tough at times, but there was encouragement and constructive criticism from the participants. It was a good bunch. I feel that I have grown as a photographer since joining this group.
It’s taught me to be patient, reflective, full of self critique, responsive, idealistic, confident enough to critique other peoples work, the list goes on and on. Most of all it’s made me a better photographer.
Finding a way to respond to each challenge, and then receiving useful feedback has been a joy. I have learned so much from fellow members’ photographs, and following comments on them too. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the group for their part in making it what it is.
It has been an interesting journey which has been very challenging for me at times, but also extremely enjoyable. Thank you to all involved. I have leant a lot since joining this group and look forward to new challenges in the next project.
Have loved this project. Its really made me do different things with my photography and come out of my comfort zone, I’ve become more interested in trying new things so thank you for making this so enjoyable.
So many terrific images throughout the group, inspirational and a pleasure to enjoy. Thanks to everyone for sharing their work and being supportive to one another. It’s been a joy to take part.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed taking part in this. It’s forced me to try new techniques and shoot subjects that I wouldn’t usually. Getting just one image in the book would be a great achievement.
The project encouraged me to be a photographic explorer of the world. I have discovered the sheer joy and pleasure of image making.
I’ve learnt to be braver and to be more open in my photography i.e. “come out” as a photographer
The main thing I have learnt is to take risks…with technique and ideas /concepts and to try anything that may “work”.
The greatest memory of participating in will be the generosity, warmth and honesty of the members of the community. Particularly when for most of us each week was tackling an approach that was new to us and therefore confidence often was brittle.
The weekly challenge, discussion and the other members’ fabulous contributions have really helped improve at least my thought processes
It was a pleasure to be a part of a community where so many talented photographers produced so many great images. The challenges were tough at times, but there was encouragement and constructive criticism from the participants. It was a good bunch. I feel that I have grown as a photographer since joining this group.
It’s taught me to be patient, reflective, full of self critique, responsive, idealistic, confident enough to critique other peoples work, the list goes on and on. Most of all it’s made me a better photographer.
Finding a way to respond to each challenge, and then receiving useful feedback has been a joy. I have learned so much from fellow members’ photographs, and following comments on them too. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the group for their part in making it what it is.
It has been an interesting journey which has been very challenging for me at times, but also extremely enjoyable. Thank you to all involved. I have leant a lot since joining this group and look forward to new challenges in the next project.
Have loved this project. Its really made me do different things with my photography and come out of my comfort zone, I’ve become more interested in trying new things so thank you for making this so enjoyable.
So many terrific images throughout the group, inspirational and a pleasure to enjoy. Thanks to everyone for sharing their work and being supportive to one another. It’s been a joy to take part.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed taking part in this. It’s forced me to try new techniques and shoot subjects that I wouldn’t usually. Getting just one image in the book would be a great achievement.
The project encouraged me to be a photographic explorer of the world. I have discovered the sheer joy and pleasure of image making.
I’ve learnt to be braver and to be more open in my photography i.e. “come out” as a photographer
The main thing I have learnt is to take risks…with technique and ideas /concepts and to try anything that may “work”.
The greatest memory of participating in will be the generosity, warmth and honesty of the members of the community. Particularly when for most of us each week was tackling an approach that was new to us and therefore confidence often was brittle.
The weekly challenge, discussion and the other members’ fabulous contributions have really helped improve at least my thought processes
It was a pleasure to be a part of a community where so many talented photographers produced so many great images. The challenges were tough at times, but there was encouragement and constructive criticism from the participants. It was a good bunch. I feel that I have grown as a photographer since joining this group.
It’s taught me to be patient, reflective, full of self critique, responsive, idealistic, confident enough to critique other peoples work, the list goes on and on. Most of all it’s made me a better photographer.
Finding a way to respond to each challenge, and then receiving useful feedback has been a joy. I have learned so much from fellow members’ photographs, and following comments on them too. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the group for their part in making it what it is.
It has been an interesting journey which has been very challenging for me at times, but also extremely enjoyable. Thank you to all involved. I have leant a lot since joining this group and look forward to new challenges in the next project.
Have loved this project. Its really made me do different things with my photography and come out of my comfort zone, I’ve become more interested in trying new things so thank you for making this so enjoyable.
So many terrific images throughout the group, inspirational and a pleasure to enjoy. Thanks to everyone for sharing their work and being supportive to one another. It’s been a joy to take part.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed taking part in this. It’s forced me to try new techniques and shoot subjects that I wouldn’t usually. Getting just one image in the book would be a great achievement.
The project encouraged me to be a photographic explorer of the world. I have discovered the sheer joy and pleasure of image making.
I’ve learnt to be braver and to be more open in my photography i.e. “come out” as a photographer
The main thing I have learnt is to take risks…with technique and ideas /concepts and to try anything that may “work”.
The greatest memory of participating in will be the generosity, warmth and honesty of the members of the community. Particularly when for most of us each week was tackling an approach that was new to us and therefore confidence often was brittle.
The weekly challenge, discussion and the other members’ fabulous contributions have really helped improve at least my thought processes

It was a pleasure to be a part of a community where so many talented photographers produced so many great images. The challenges were tough at times, but there was encouragement and constructive criticism from the participants. It was a good bunch. I feel that I have grown as a photographer since joining this group.
It’s taught me to be patient, reflective, full of self critique, responsive, idealistic, confident enough to critique other peoples work, the list goes on and on. Most of all it’s made me a better photographer.
Finding a way to respond to each challenge, and then receiving useful feedback has been a joy. I have learned so much from fellow members’ photographs, and following comments on them too. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the group for their part in making it what it is.
It has been an interesting journey which has been very challenging for me at times, but also extremely enjoyable. Thank you to all involved. I have leant a lot since joining this group and look forward to new challenges in the next project.
Have loved this project. Its really made me do different things with my photography and come out of my comfort zone, I’ve become more interested in trying new things so thank you for making this so enjoyable.
So many terrific images throughout the group, inspirational and a pleasure to enjoy. Thanks to everyone for sharing their work and being supportive to one another. It’s been a joy to take part.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed taking part in this. It’s forced me to try new techniques and shoot subjects that I wouldn’t usually. Getting just one image in the book would be a great achievement.
The project encouraged me to be a photographic explorer of the world. I have discovered the sheer joy and pleasure of image making.
I’ve learnt to be braver and to be more open in my photography i.e. “come out” as a photographer
The main thing I have learnt is to take risks…with technique and ideas /concepts and to try anything that may “work”.
The greatest memory of participating in will be the generosity, warmth and honesty of the members of the community. Particularly when for most of us each week was tackling an approach that was new to us and therefore confidence often was brittle.
The weekly challenge, discussion and the other members’ fabulous contributions have really helped improve at least my thought processes
It was a pleasure to be a part of a community where so many talented photographers produced so many great images. The challenges were tough at times, but there was encouragement and constructive criticism from the participants. It was a good bunch. I feel that I have grown as a photographer since joining this group.
It’s taught me to be patient, reflective, full of self critique, responsive, idealistic, confident enough to critique other peoples work, the list goes on and on. Most of all it’s made me a better photographer.
Finding a way to respond to each challenge, and then receiving useful feedback has been a joy. I have learned so much from fellow members’ photographs, and following comments on them too. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the group for their part in making it what it is.
It has been an interesting journey which has been very challenging for me at times, but also extremely enjoyable. Thank you to all involved. I have leant a lot since joining this group and look forward to new challenges in the next project.
Have loved this project. Its really made me do different things with my photography and come out of my comfort zone, I’ve become more interested in trying new things so thank you for making this so enjoyable.
So many terrific images throughout the group, inspirational and a pleasure to enjoy. Thanks to everyone for sharing their work and being supportive to one another. It’s been a joy to take part.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed taking part in this. It’s forced me to try new techniques and shoot subjects that I wouldn’t usually. Getting just one image in the book would be a great achievement.
The project encouraged me to be a photographic explorer of the world. I have discovered the sheer joy and pleasure of image making.
I’ve learnt to be braver and to be more open in my photography i.e. “come out” as a photographer
The main thing I have learnt is to take risks…with technique and ideas /concepts and to try anything that may “work”.
The greatest memory of participating in will be the generosity, warmth and honesty of the members of the community. Particularly when for most of us each week was tackling an approach that was new to us and therefore confidence often was brittle.
The weekly challenge, discussion and the other members’ fabulous contributions have really helped improve at least my thought processes
It was a pleasure to be a part of a community where so many talented photographers produced so many great images. The challenges were tough at times, but there was encouragement and constructive criticism from the participants. It was a good bunch. I feel that I have grown as a photographer since joining this group.
It’s taught me to be patient, reflective, full of self critique, responsive, idealistic, confident enough to critique other peoples work, the list goes on and on. Most of all it’s made me a better photographer.
Finding a way to respond to each challenge, and then receiving useful feedback has been a joy. I have learned so much from fellow members’ photographs, and following comments on them too. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the group for their part in making it what it is.
It has been an interesting journey which has been very challenging for me at times, but also extremely enjoyable. Thank you to all involved. I have leant a lot since joining this group and look forward to new challenges in the next project.
Have loved this project. Its really made me do different things with my photography and come out of my comfort zone, I’ve become more interested in trying new things so thank you for making this so enjoyable.
So many terrific images throughout the group, inspirational and a pleasure to enjoy. Thanks to everyone for sharing their work and being supportive to one another. It’s been a joy to take part.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed taking part in this. It’s forced me to try new techniques and shoot subjects that I wouldn’t usually. Getting just one image in the book would be a great achievement.
The project encouraged me to be a photographic explorer of the world. I have discovered the sheer joy and pleasure of image making.
I’ve learnt to be braver and to be more open in my photography i.e. “come out” as a photographer
The main thing I have learnt is to take risks…with technique and ideas /concepts and to try anything that may “work”.
The greatest memory of participating in will be the generosity, warmth and honesty of the members of the community. Particularly when for most of us each week was tackling an approach that was new to us and therefore confidence often was brittle.
The weekly challenge, discussion and the other members’ fabulous contributions have really helped improve at least my thought processes
It was a pleasure to be a part of a community where so many talented photographers produced so many great images. The challenges were tough at times, but there was encouragement and constructive criticism from the participants. It was a good bunch. I feel that I have grown as a photographer since joining this group.
It’s taught me to be patient, reflective, full of self critique, responsive, idealistic, confident enough to critique other peoples work, the list goes on and on. Most of all it’s made me a better photographer.
Finding a way to respond to each challenge, and then receiving useful feedback has been a joy. I have learned so much from fellow members’ photographs, and following comments on them too. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the group for their part in making it what it is.
It has been an interesting journey which has been very challenging for me at times, but also extremely enjoyable. Thank you to all involved. I have leant a lot since joining this group and look forward to new challenges in the next project.
Have loved this project. Its really made me do different things with my photography and come out of my comfort zone, I’ve become more interested in trying new things so thank you for making this so enjoyable.
So many terrific images throughout the group, inspirational and a pleasure to enjoy. Thanks to everyone for sharing their work and being supportive to one another. It’s been a joy to take part.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed taking part in this. It’s forced me to try new techniques and shoot subjects that I wouldn’t usually. Getting just one image in the book would be a great achievement.
The project encouraged me to be a photographic explorer of the world. I have discovered the sheer joy and pleasure of image making.
I’ve learnt to be braver and to be more open in my photography i.e. “come out” as a photographer
The main thing I have learnt is to take risks…with technique and ideas /concepts and to try anything that may “work”.
The greatest memory of participating in will be the generosity, warmth and honesty of the members of the community. Particularly when for most of us each week was tackling an approach that was new to us and therefore confidence often was brittle.
The weekly challenge, discussion and the other members’ fabulous contributions have really helped improve at least my thought processes

member's Book

12 by 12 was the final instalment in a three-year series of photo-challenge projects that attracted some of the world’s most respected contemporary photographers, including Edward Burtynsky, Carolyn Drake, Nadav Kander, Steve McCurry, Terry O’Neill, Martin Parr and Alec Soth.

At the end of each year, the team and I curated a shortlist of standout member submissions. I designed and edited a book to showcase a small selection of the 3,500+ images submitted, capturing the diversity of styles, formats and approaches that emerged throughout the project. A percentage of profits from the book went to the charity PhotoVoice.

Challenge setters

Over the course of three years the project featured briefs from some of the world’s most respected contemporary photographers.

At the outset, we couldn’t have imagined attracting such a high calibre of international contributors, or that the standard of responses would be so consistently inspiring.

Alec Soth
Alain Laboile
Alejandro Cartagena
Anastasia Taylor-Lind
Andrew Zuckerman
Anouk Kruithof
Benjamin Lowy
Bieke Depoorter
Bryan Schutmaat
Carolyn Drake
Chris Floyd
Christopher Anderson
Dan Winters
David Chancellor
David Maisel
Donald Weber
Edward Burtynsky
Elinor Carucci
Erik Kessels

Evzen Sobek
Fabrice Fouillet
Gerd Ludwig
Harry Benson
Ian Teh
Jaap Scheeren
Jim Naughten
Jon Tonks
Julia Fullerton-Batten
Laura El-Tantawy
Marcus Bleasdale
Mark Neville
Martin Parr
Max Pinckers
Michael Reisch
Nadav Kander
Nick Brandt
Nicolò Degiorgis
Olivia Arthur

Patrick Willocq
Peter Dench
Phillip Toledano
Remi Chapeaublanc
Roger Ballen
Simon Høgsberg
Simon Norfolk
Simon Roberts
Spencer Murphy
Steve McCurry
Sue Flood
Terry O’Neill
The Caravan Gallery
Tom Broadbent
Tom Hunter
Vanessa Winship
Zun Lee

12 by 12 challenges

Take a route you’re familiar with but have never photographed along and photograph someone or something every 100 or so steps.
Vanessa Winship

Find a place where you live where history made its mark. Allow yourself to breathe, feel, contemplate and react with a photograph.
Laura El-Tantawy

Build something with the intention of photographing it. After you have photographed it disassemble whatever it is that you created.
Dan Winters

Photograph the interior of a building without going inside. Choose a place you’ve never been in before.
Nicolò Degiorgis

We have tested and tasted too much, lover – through a chink too wide there comes in no wonder.
Eamonn Doyle

Take a photograph that will embarrass you and make your audience uncomfortable.
Erik Kessels

Take what you believe will be the final series of photographs before you die.
Nick Brandt

Photograph something that you have had in your mind for years and you just can’t let go.
Alejandro Cartagena

Don’t see photographs as an end result, rather as a source.
Anouk Kruithof

Try to tell the truth by taking photographs that lie about it.
Max Pinckers

Make the story behind a photograph as important as the image itself.
Jon Tonks

Reconsider the selfie.
Patrick Willocq