Start your year with joy: January Photo A Day Challenge

There’s something special about January, isn’t there? It feels like a deep breath – a clean slate and a chance to begin again. ✨

This month’s theme is Fresh starts – because that’s exactly what January is made for. Whether it’s trying something new, slowing down after a busy season, or simply noticing the little joys that make up your everyday life, this list is designed to help you start the year gently, with curiosity and creativity.

Each prompt is a tiny invitation to pause, look around, and capture the moments that make your world yours. You don’t need to be a photographer (promise!) – just grab your phone, snap a pic, and join our lovely community of photo-takers.

Let’s kick off 2026 together — one photo, one day, one fresh start at a time. 🌞



How to play Photo A Day

Playing Photo A Day is super simple, and an easy way to get creative.

📷 Look at the list for the daily prompt.

📷 Take a photo using the prompt as inspiration. For example, if the prompt is ‘SOMETHING FRESH’ so start the month and share a photo of something fresh – on your plate, an idea, the breeze, a dip in the water!

📷 Once you’ve taken your photo, it’s time to share it! You can share to Instagram, or Facebook (more details below).

📷 Enjoy the community. On both Instagram and Facebook (especially in our private Facebook group), we have a beautiful community. Each day we pick our favourite four photos to put a spotlight on. You can spend time liking and commenting on other people’s photos, and maybe your photos will get picked for the Fab Four!


How to play on Instagram

Simply check out the list for the daily prompt, and then snap a photo using that as inspiration. Share your photo, and be sure to include the hashtag #FMSPAD in your caption so the community can see your photos. We also have a daily hashtag list (see below) so that we can find your daily photos easier.

Follow our @fms.photoaday Instagram account. We love showing off photos from our community. You can look at the #FMSPAD hashtag to see all the great photos from the challenge.

How to play on Facebook

We have a fun, private FMS Photo A Day Facebook Group that you’re welcome to join. It’s a dedicated place to share your daily photos. We also have a beautiful team who selects four photos every day (the Fab Four) from each daily prompt.

You’re also welcome to share to your own personal feed, whatever suits you best.

How to remember the Photo A Day prompts

Remembering the daily prompts can sometimes be a challenge. You can bookmark this blog post to refer to, save the Photo A Day list to your camera roll (or even make it your screensaver), or you’ll find the list at the top of our Facebook Group. We have also added the prompts to our calendar, so you can download for an easy reminder.

For the calendar prompts: You can download the prompts automatically into your phone or PC calendar. For Smartphones & Mac Calendar, click here. For HTML for web viewing, click here.

A little more about the prompts

1. Something fresh
Kick off the year with something that feels new, bright, or refreshing — like clean sheets, a morning breeze, or a fresh idea.

    2. My word for the year
    Choose a word that captures the energy or intention you want to carry into 2026, and share it in a creative way.

    3. A new habit
    Show us a little glimpse of something you’re adding into your life this year — a walk, a journal, more water, less rush.

    4. Morning light
    Capture the soft, hopeful light of the morning. It might be sunrise, or just the way light hits your kitchen bench.

    5. A quiet moment
    Find stillness — a pause, a deep breath, or a moment that feels peaceful before the day takes over.

    6. My shoes today
    Snap your shoes wherever you are — on the move, at home, on an adventure, or somewhere new.

    7. Something inspiring
    It could be a quote, a person, a space, or something that simply makes you feel motivated.

    8. A good start
    What does a good start look like for you? It could be breakfast, an organised desk, or a smile.

    9. A shadow
    Play with light and dark. Capture the way a shadow falls — on the ground, a wall, or across your face.

    10. Out the window
    What do you see when you look out? It could be a view, a neighbour, the sky, or just your world in motion.

    11. Something I bought
    Share something new — big or small — that found its way into your life recently.

    12. A favourite place
    Somewhere that feels like home, peace, or happiness. Indoors or outdoors, near or far.

    13. Something colourful
    Look for a pop of colour that catches your eye — the brighter, the better!

    14. What made me smile
    A person, a moment, a funny text — share what brought a little joy today.

    15. In my hand
    What are you holding today? A coffee, a pen, a memory, a moment.

    16. A corner of my home
    Every home has its own charm — show a little corner that feels especially you.

    17. Something soft
    Find something comforting to the touch or the heart — a blanket, a cloud, a cuddle.

    18. Today’s vibe
    How does your day feel? Calm, chaotic, busy, relaxed — capture it visually.

    19. My desk
    Show us your workspace — neat, creative, messy, or full of personality.

    20. My reflection
    A literal reflection in a mirror or window, or a more symbolic one — how you see yourself right now.

    21. A little chaos
    Life isn’t perfect — share a playful or real glimpse of the beautiful mess.

    22. A snack
    Sweet or savoury, simple or fancy — what’s your go-to snack today?

    23. Looking down
    Change your perspective — what’s happening below your feet or in your space when you look down?

    24. A plant
    Something green and growing — in your home, garden, or out in nature.

    25. A favourite thing
    Something that brings you joy — a keepsake, a mug, a photo, or anything that makes you happy.

    26. In the kitchen
    It could be cooking, cleaning, or just the heart of your home — share a kitchen moment.

    27. Something tiny
    Look closely — small details can be beautiful too. A button, a flower, a moment.

    28. The sky today
    Wherever you are, look up. What does the sky look like right now?

    29. A moment of joy
    Big or small, planned or unexpected — share a little burst of happiness.

    30. A goal I’m working on
    Something you’re focusing on — big dreams or small daily steps.

    31. A fruit
    Bright, colourful, and fresh — capture a piece of fruit and all the goodness it represents.