A Creative Workshop Idea for Teams: Long Exposure Mobile Photography
When companies look for fresh ways to spark creativity and improve team connection, they often land on activities that feel a bit too familiar. That’s why I started running mobile photography workshops for teams. They’re not just about learning photo skills. They’re about unlocking creativity, collaboration, and a sense of play.
One of the most surprising and enjoyable techniques I teach is long exposure photography. It’s a simple way to turn everyday office life into something visually striking, and it works perfectly as a team-building activity because people can experiment together and instantly share results.
How Long Exposure Works on iPhone
If you’re using an iPhone, the process is straightforward. Open your camera, set it to Live Photo mode and take your shot. Then open the photo in your gallery, tap Live at the top left under Effects, and select Long Exposure. One thing to keep in mind: your photo will zoom in just slightly after the effect is applied, so avoid placing your main subject too close to the edges of the frame.
Pro tip: keep your phone as steady as possible. A tripod is best, but even leaning your phone against a stable surface works well.
Long Exposure on Android
Many Android phones have built-in camera modes for long exposure (sometimes called Pro Mode or Light Trails). Select the mode, keep the phone steady, and capture moving elements like cars, water, or people walking by. If your phone doesn’t have the feature, you can download free apps that simulate long exposure with great results.
How to Practice Even in the Office
You don’t need waterfalls or night traffic to train this technique. In fact, I often encourage teams during workshops to use what’s around them:
Traffic seen through the office window
Bubbles in the water cooler
Running tap water in the kitchen
Colleagues passing by the cubicle
Even the movement of shadows across the desk
These small experiments help people notice details they’d normally overlook, and that shift in perspective is where creativity really starts.
Pro Tips for Better Results
Choose subjects that are big enough to be visible after blur.
Look for contrasting colors between subject and background.
Aim for movement that isn’t too fast (walking speed works better than sprinting).
Always steady your phone for clarity.
Why Teams Love It
When I run this exercise in my creativity workshops for teams, people get absorbed quickly. Some try to outdo each other with the most surprising results, others collaborate by staging mini “scenes” together. The activity naturally encourages laughter, problem-solving, and shared discovery that work like a charm in a team-building experience.
Explore More Creativity with Your Team
Long exposure photography is just one example of how smartphone photography can boost creativity and connection at work. If you’re an HR manager, employee engagement professional, or team leader looking for a hands-on, creative activity for your group, check out my mobile photography workshops for teams.
These online sessions blend practical learning with fun, interactive challenges that leave teams not only with better photo skills but also with stronger bonds and fresh ways of looking at their environment.