The word observe means to notice or perceive (something) and register it as being significant. Photography is an art of observation. It has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them. In photography, observation takes on a deeper meaning, going beyond merely looking at subjects to truly seeing and understanding them. This can be understood in terms of the standard process of a scientific inquiry using observation. Firstly, there is the fieldwork (which is where you have to capture the object of your inquiry and collect the data). In photography, this is the shooting part. Photography here is taken as a method, partly incorporated into the camera and partly implemented by the photographer. Secondly, you have to analyse and interpret the data. This translates into photography as shown: How do we read photographs? What do we see (or fail to see) in them? Lastly, you have to write about your findings, a doctoral thesis or a scientific article to be published in a well-ranked journal. Scientists using photography do exactly that. Artists show their work in exhibitions or publish books, trying to please their audiences or otherwise offer them an interesting experience.

The word seek means to attempt to find something. Similarly, it also means attempt or desire to obtain or achieve. Seeking in photography is about exploring deeper layers of meaning, expression, and connection through the lens. It involves experimenting with different styles, techniques, and subjects to uncover a unique perspective, while engaging with both the technical and emotional aspects of the medium. By reflecting on your work, studying the work of others, and pushing boundaries, you can discover new ways to express ideas and capture moments that resonate with you. Ultimately, seeking in photography is a continuous journey of self-discovery and creative growth.

The word challenge is a call to someone to participate in a competitive situation or fight to decide who is superior in terms of ability or strength or to dispute the truth or validity of something. Challenge in photography is an opportunity for people to address a question, tell a story, or convey meaning through an image they have created. 

The theme observe, seek and challenge refers to humankind’s desire to seek and explore the unknown, driving artists to constantly seek new inspirations and materials to use. For example, artists used to create cave paintings which is now translated into graffiti. However, graffiti is actively looked down upon and covered up whereas cave paintings are seen as sacred and preserved, despite the two being closely related. This theme also involves peoples desire to unravel the working of the human psyche and understand the nature of consciousness, resulting in the creation of challenging and contentious images. Other artists are often inspired by the actual physicality of the human body, such as the South African artist Walter Oltmann whose piece Bleeder explores the body’s myriad networks of blood vessels. The diversity, complexity and geometry of nature also inspires artists and designers. For example, Richard Diebenkorn’s aerial inspired landscapes explore the macro world of colours and forms, created when nature is manipulated by agriculture and industry. Artists have also challenged the ideologies and conventions of their respective times through their work. Many revolutionary movements have generated specific, politically motivated artwork, primarily for propaganda purposes. Communist posters from the beginning of the 20th century, used imagery that championed notions of equality and working-class power. These illustrations generated a potent archive that continues to inspire contemporary graphic illustration. Producing art that questions the authority of kings, dictators, religions and political ideologies is a risky endeavour. Artists frequently use metaphors in their work to disguise the messages; some of these are blatant, others are obscure. Artists may also undertake hazardous journeys to capture the imagery of exotic and unusual locations. Some documentary photographers continually place themselves in dangerous situations, such as war zones, to record and capture the reality of these conflicts. For example, the work of photographers Tim Page and Dick Halstead has completely dispelled the myth of the glory of battle. In contrast, wildlife photographers have often captured the struggle of life and death that surrounds us on a daily basis.