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As I explored more or less 70 of my classmates’ ePortfolios, I couldn’t help but notice the hidden talents emerging from each collection of work. Some portfolios already showcase impressive skill and a strong creative vision, while others are still in the process of refining their craft. But that’s exactly why we’re taking this course—to learn, experiment, and grow as creators.
One thing that stood out to me was the diversity of experience among my classmates. Some are already working in the photography field, giving them a technical and artistic edge. Their understanding of composition, lighting, and post-processing is evident in their work. On the other hand, some are just beginning their journey, capturing photos without much thought about composition, the Exposure Triangle, or other technical aspects. I also understand that this can be challenging, especially when using a camera phone, which often lacks the manual controls that DSLR or mirrorless cameras offer. However, this doesn’t mean that great photos can’t come from a simple setup.
I was surprised to see that some randomly taken shots—whether from a phone or a basic point-and-shoot camera—had a unique charm to them. Sometimes, it’s not just about technical precision; it’s about capturing a moment, an emotion, or a perspective that speaks to the viewer. Photography, after all, isn’t just about having the best gear or knowing all the rules—it’s also about developing an eye for storytelling.
As I continue this course, I’m excited to see how my classmates and I evolve as photographers. Each ePortfolio, no matter the level of expertise, is a testament to creativity in progress. And at the end of the day, that’s what makes photography such an exciting and ever-growing art form.
One photo that immediately caught my attention was from Alexandra Nicole Agustin. Her image of the Lizares Mansion is visually striking, particularly with its elegant staircase and stunning stained-glass windows. However, there are a few areas where the image could be enhanced.
First, as she mentioned in her blog, adjusting the lighting could make the details stand out more. Right now, some areas appear slightly underexposed, and fine-tuning the brightness and contrast could bring out the architectural beauty of the mansion. Additionally, enhancing the colors—especially in the stained-glass windows—could make the image more vibrant and engaging.
Another aspect to consider is composition. While the shot has a strong sense of symmetry, the framing could be refined further. Cropping out some of the excess wall space could eliminate distractions and draw more focus to the staircase and windows. A slight perspective correction might also help balance the alignment of the architectural elements.
Overall, this is already a great shot with strong artistic intent. With a few adjustments in post-processing and framing, it could become an even more powerful and polished image.
Jalene Antillon’s photo of Colegio de San Juan de Letran Calamba effectively captures the historic charm of the building. The choice of black-and-white enhances the nostalgic feel, emphasizing the weathered textures and intricate architectural details. The contrast between light and shadow adds depth, making the structure’s features stand out.
In terms of composition, the use of an upward angle gives the building a sense of prominence, while the placement of elements like the signage and architectural details creates a well-balanced frame. The inclusion of clouds and the flag adds subtle movement, making the image feel more dynamic.
To further strengthen the composition, slight adjustments could be made. Centering the building symmetrically or experimenting with a stronger diagonal perspective might create a more striking visual impact. Additionally, fine-tuning the contrast or applying selective adjustments to highlight key details could enhance the depth and texture even more.
Overall, the photo effectively conveys the building’s historical significance, and with a few refinements, it could become an even more compelling and visually engaging piece.
This photograph by Renz Dictado beautifully captures a butterfly delicately resting on a vibrant red flower. While the image already conveys a strong connection with nature, a few adjustments could further enhance its impact. The lighting appears slightly underexposed, which could be improved by increasing the exposure or slightly raising the ISO, ideally between 100 and 300 if the weather conditions permit. Adjusting the aperture to around f/5 or f/6 would allow for a balanced depth of field, ensuring both the butterfly and the flower remain in sharp focus while softly blurring the background.
From a composition standpoint, applying the rule of thirds could make the image more dynamic by positioning the butterfly slightly off-center. However, the current framing also exhibits an element of radial symmetry, which naturally draws attention to the intricate patterns on the butterfly’s wings. A slightly tighter crop could further emphasize the details of the subject and create a more immersive feel.
Exploring different perspectives, such as capturing the butterfly from a slightly lower angle, could add a sense of depth and make the image more engaging. Additionally, enhancing the contrast and clarity in post-processing would help bring out the fine details in the wings and flower petals, making them stand out against the background. Converting the image to black and white is another creative approach that could highlight textures and add a timeless, artistic quality.
With thoughtful adjustments in exposure, framing, and contrast, this already stunning photograph could become even more striking, fully showcasing the beauty of nature in both color and form.
This stunning photograph, taken by Kenth Hanielle Domondon, captures the mesmerizing beauty of a sunset in La Union. As someone who deeply appreciates golden hour, I find this image particularly captivating. The way the sun bathes the sky in warm hues and reflects on the gentle waves creates a serene and almost poetic atmosphere. While I love witnessing golden hour at the beach, I also find the way the sun rises or sets over mountain peaks equally breathtaking. There’s something magical about watching the sun slowly emerge from or disappear beyond the horizon, casting golden rays across the landscape—especially when the weather cooperates to enhance the scene.
The image itself already tells a compelling story, with the reflection of the sun shimmering across the sea, adding depth and tranquility to the composition. If I were the one capturing this moment, I would experiment with exposure settings to emphasize the contrast between the sun’s glow and the darker tones of the waves, possibly enhancing the dynamic range to bring out more details in the highlights and shadows.
In terms of composition, I admire how the he utilized the rule of thirds, positioning the horizon strategically to allow the sky and sea to balance each other while keeping the sun as the focal point. This thoughtful framing adds to the image’s visual appeal, drawing the viewer’s eye naturally to the sun and its reflection on the water. The movement of the waves also adds a dynamic element, making the scene feel alive rather than static.
Overall, this photograph beautifully gives the gist of the peaceful yet powerful essence of a sunset by the sea, making it a moment worth appreciating.
This final photo that caught my attention was taken by Archiles Juntilla, featuring a striking green jumping spider. Although I’m not particularly fond of spiders, this one mesmerized me. I have always been fascinated by macro photography, and this image perfectly captures the intricate details of the tiny creature.
It’s clear that this was a spontaneous shot, taken in the moment without much focus on the technical aspects. Despite that, I admire how the depth of field was managed, effectively drawing attention to the spider. However, some minor enhancements could further improve the image. Adjusting the exposure could help make the subject stand out more. Given that this was likely taken on a bright, sunny day, using an ISO of 100 while fine-tuning the aperture and shutter speed would enhance the clarity and detail. That said, given the circumstances, I completely understand how technical settings might not have been the primary focus at the time.
From a composition standpoint, he effectively used leading lines, as the parallel edges of the surface naturally guide the viewer’s eye toward the spider. This technique enhances depth and perspective, making the subject stand out. Additionally, the use of depth of field helps isolate the spider from the background, ensuring that distractions are minimized while emphasizing its vivid colors and intricate features.
Overall, this is an impressive photo that showcases the beauty of macro photography, bringing attention to a tiny creature that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Over the past two years, my journey in photography has been a continuous process of learning and self-improvement. While I still have a lot to work on, I am always open to feedback and eager to refine my skills. Looking back at my early photos compared to my recent collections, I can see significant progress. Even though I don’t travel frequently for photography, each experience has contributed to my growth.
One major realization I had after exploring my classmates’ ePortfolios is that there are still many aspects I need to improve. Their works have inspired me to be more intentional with my shots and pay closer attention to detail. One of my biggest challenges is that I often get overwhelmed by breathtaking locations. I become so captivated by the scenery that I sometimes forget to focus on the technical aspects, composition, and storytelling elements of my photos. It’s only after reviewing and enhancing my shots that I recognize what I could have done better.
Moving forward, I want to push myself out of my comfort zone. Staying composed and mindful while shooting will help me make more deliberate creative decisions. Instead of overthinking, I aim to trust my instincts and develop a more thoughtful approach to photography. Growth in this art form is a never-ending process, and I am excited to continue improving, embracing challenges, and finding my unique photographic voice.
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