MMS 173 Assignment 6: End Blog- 

One Shot Summary

     As I sit down to write the final blog piece for MMS 173, I am drawn to a sunset photo I took one calm evening. The vision of the golden sun dropping behind the horizon, framed by palm trees and mirrored in placid waters appeals to me in ways that words cannot. I chose this photo to reflect my experience in this course, not because it is technically great, but because it has the deepest significance for me. (The original shot was captured in portrait mode but cannot be placed here on Google sites, so I've decided to make it landscape)

     The sunset, to me, is the perfect symbol for the end of this trimester. This course is nearing its end, much like the sun's gradual descent.   But, just as every sunset promises a sunrise, the end of MMS 173 is not a goodbye to photography or learning; rather, it marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.  I remember the exact moment I shot this photograph.  I have a particular place in my heart for the sunset. It represents the bittersweet experience of completing a significant task. Knowing that this experience is coming to an end, there is a sense of success mixed with a slight sadness.   Sunsets, however, are always transitions rather than actual endings. The hues that permeate the sky at sunset serve as a reminder that, despite the passing of one day, another is always approaching.

The sky was painted in orange and red, the environment was silent, and I felt at ease and reflective. It was a chance to pause, breathe, and appreciate the beauty of both what had happened and what was to come. That is just how I feel about this course.  When I first enrolled in MMS 173, the objectives were straightforward: to enhance my technical skills, have a deeper understanding of the art of photography, and discover my own unique aesthetic.   I wanted to learn how to convey tales with photos, to record not just what I saw, but also how I felt.

     Looking back, I am proud of how far I have come. I've learnt to perceive the world in new ways to observe how light falls, colors shift, and how a single moment can communicate a thousand stories. I've gained patience, perseverance, and the willingness to try. I've also learned that every photograph, like every sunset, is one-of-a-kind and transitory, which is what makes them valuable. Some of my most memorable experiences in this semester were the assignments that pushed me beyond my comfort zone. Whether it was creating an individual portrait or experimenting with in-game photography, I was encouraged to think imaginatively and adapt swiftly.  One task that jumps out was when we were instructed to take a solo portrait. I struggled at first, scared that my images wouldn't "measure up." But with each effort, I understood that with pure determination and trial and error, you can overcome the difficulty. That lesson has stuck with me, both in photography and in life.

     I also learned so much from my peers. Seeing their work, reading their reflections, and sharing feedback made me feel part of a community. It reminded me that photography is both a personal and a shared experience.  If I'm being honest, there were times when I wished I had asked more questions, participated more actively in conversations, or taken greater risks with my projects. Sometimes the pressure of deadlines caused me to speed through the creative process. If I could start over, I'd give myself greater room to experiment and fail, understanding that mistakes are frequently the source of progress.

     I learned that photography is as much about connection as it is about observation during MMS 173. I found myself connecting with my subjects, my classmates, and my own feeling of purpose whether I was documenting the excitement of a demonstration or the serene beauty of a sunset. I came to understand that I am not traveling this path alone as a result of the conversations in forums and the interactions during Zoom meetings. We are a group of storytellers, each with unique interests and viewpoints.

      Before MMS 173, photography was primarily a hobby for me, used to chronicle holidays or special moments. I now see it as an effective tool for storytelling and self-expression. The course has taught me to value the quiet moments, subtle details, and stories that occur in everyday life.

Rather than making me want to give up photography, this course has pushed me to pursue it even more enthusiastically. I am more secure in my abilities and thrilled about the opportunities ahead. Despite the difficulties of navigating an online course, the forums and Zoom meetings helped to close the gap. The lectures came to life and I felt like I belonged, especially during the Zoom meetings. I valued the opportunity to interact with peers, exchange ideas, and gain insight from their viewpoints.

     This is the lesson I would like to remember the most: every ending is also a beginning. The conclusion of this course marks the beginning of a new chapter in my career as a photographer, much like the sun rises and sets. I've improved my abilities, self-assurance, and appreciation for the art, but I'm aware that this is just the beginning. I recall feeling a mixture of hope and despair that evening I took the sunset picture. Hope for tomorrow, yet sadness that the day was coming to a close. I feel just like that right now. I'm thankful for all I've learned, for the struggles and the victories, and I'm eager for the next journey.

     The fact that I captured the sun setting in my picture serves as a reminder that endings are equally as beautiful as beginnings. Even though MMS 173 has ended, I will always remember the motivation, memories, and lessons I learned. In the voyage ahead, I want to see many more sunsets and take many more pictures.

I'm grateful to MMS 173 for giving me an entirely new perspective on the world and myself.