MMS 173 Blog 1:

At this midpoint of MMS 173, I find myself reflecting on my experiences, expectations, and the challenges I have encountered along the way. When I first enrolled in this course, I was filled with excitement but also a sense of uncertainty about what it would demand from me. Based on my self-introduction, I had envisioned how I would engage with the course materials and collaborate with my classmates. However, after submitting multiple assignments and reviewing the works of others, I realized that my initial expectations were both ambitious and humbling. Seeing the level of creativity and technical expertise displayed by my peers, I felt both inspired and challenged to push my own artistic and conceptual boundaries further.

One of the most fulfilling yet time-consuming aspects of the course so far has been curating my photography ePortfolio. Over the past two years, I have accumulated a diverse collection of photographs, each capturing different moods, stories, and compositions. Selecting the right images for my portfolio was a meticulous process—not just in terms of quality, but also in ensuring that they collectively conveyed a strong, cohesive narrative. Beyond the selection, designing the final layout required careful thought. I wanted the presentation to highlight not just the individual impact of each photo but also how they interact as a visual series. Organizing the images in a meaningful way took time, as I had to consider elements like composition, lighting, color balance, and thematic coherence.

Adding another layer of complexity was the storytelling forum, which turned out to be an incredibly engaging but equally overwhelming experience. As I worked on my ePortfolio, I found myself revisiting my vast collection of photos repeatedly, searching for a compelling storyline. It was challenging to determine which theme would best represent my journey as an enthusiast photographer. One of my biggest dilemmas was choosing between street photography and portrait photography, as both styles hold a significant place in my creative evolution. Street photography captures raw, unfiltered moments of everyday life, telling stories through spontaneity and emotion, while portrait photography allows for a more intimate exploration of personality, expression, and connection. Each genre has influenced my growth, making it difficult to decide which one to highlight. Ultimately, I had to think critically about how my personal style and storytelling approach could align with the objectives of my ePortfolio.

Another interesting yet challenging aspect of the course has been critiquing my classmates’ work. While it was initially intimidating to analyze and provide feedback, I quickly realized that this exercise deepened my understanding of the technical and creative aspects of photography. Observing different styles, compositions, and techniques used by others helped me identify strengths and areas for improvement—not only in their work but in my own as well. Through this process, I have developed a keener eye for the nuances of photography, from framing and depth to post-processing choices. It also reinforced the idea that photography is more than just capturing an image—it is about intention, perspective, and emotion.

One unexpected yet valuable experience in this course was attending  the game photography activity meeting. While listening to the discussion, I debated whether or not to join, unsure if it would align with my photography interests. However, while being curious got the best of me, and I will give it a shot. One challenge that I am feeling is that I was uncertain about whether I would be able to submit my work on time, especially since virtual photography was an entirely new concept to me. Unlike traditional photography, where I am used to physically handling my camera and composing shots in real-world environments, this activity will challenge me to apply the same principles—composition, lighting, and storytelling—within a digital space. In the end, regardless of whether I completed the task on time, what mattered was that I stepped out of my comfort zone and gained a new perspective on photography. For I know that it will be an eye-opening experience that will make me realize that visual storytelling transcends the medium—whether through a lens or a screen, the artistic approach remains the same.

Looking back, I realize that I never mentioned in my introduction that one of the aspects I was most excited about in this course was post-production. While I have always enjoyed capturing moments with my camera, I have never had the opportunity to explore editing tools that could enhance my images and bring out their full storytelling potential. I have always admired how subtle adjustments in contrast, color grading, and composition refinement can completely transform an image. Learning about post-processing has given me a newfound appreciation for how much thought and skill goes into crafting a compelling photograph. It has also challenged me to rethink my workflow—not just in how I take photos but in how I bring them to life in the editing stage.

This course has already expanded my perspective on photography as both an art and a technical discipline. As I move forward, I am eager to refine my skills further, explore new techniques, and continue learning from the diverse approaches of my classmates. The challenge now is to apply what I have learned in the upcoming assignments and final project, ensuring that my work not only meets the high standards set by this class but also reflects my own growth as an enthusiast photographer.