My Journey Through This Photography Class

This course has taught me so many things—not just about camera settings and compositions, but about myself as a creative. I went into it thinking I had a decent grasp of photography, but I quickly realized there was a lot more to learn. It was not just about pointing and shooting anymore; it became about being intentional with every frame.

Even though I had the basic knowledge of the exposure triangle, and I was able to apply those during photoshoots, learning it on a deeper level made a huge difference. Understanding how ISO, aperture, and shutter speed truly work together—like gears in a machine—helped me take more control over my shots. Now, whenever I go out with my camera, I am more confident adjusting my settings on the fly. I feel like I have leveled up. In fact, as I am writing this, I am already thinking about where to go next—maybe another mountain trip or a new street spot in the city, or maybe try another portrait session. There’s always a new moment waiting to be captured, and now I feel more ready to take it on.

Another big turning point for me was learning about composition techniques. It is not just about what is in the frame, but how it is in the frame. I found myself paying closer attention to balance, leading lines, framing, symmetry, and even negative space. The Bucket List Challenge was a great way to practice this—I did all the required shots in one go, and the hardest part was not taking the photos but thinking of a single location where I could apply all those composition techniques. I was so tired after that shoot, I literally passed out when I got home. But the sense of fulfillment I felt, especially with one photo that had long been on my personal bucket list, made it all worth it. It still is not perfect, but it is closer to the image I have always wanted in my portfolio. A small goal reached is still a goal achieved, right?

That particular photo had slipped my mind since I got my camera. I remember the first time I tried to capture it—it was during a trip out of town. Everything felt wrong: the light, the angle, even my mindset. But now, with more knowledge and a trained eye, I was finally able to translate what I had envisioned into an actual image. That kind of progress is what I truly treasure from this course. It’s proof that I’m growing—not just as a student, but as a visual storyteller.

The Game Photography activity was another unexpected learning moment. While capturing shots in a virtual setting, I found myself slowing down and asking, “What story am I trying to tell here?” That simple question stuck with me. Whether it is a person’s expression, a scene from a trip, or even a still life, there is always a story waiting to be told. As a multimedia student, that clicked for me. It is not just about visuals—it is about the narrative behind them. Even at work, while analyzing data and creating presentations, I have started asking myself, “What story is this telling?” I never realized photography would affect how I approach other aspects of my life like that.

Now let us talk about the self-portrait assignment. That one tested my patience and creativity. I did not expect it to be that hard! Between setting the frame, running back and forth for the timer, fixing my posture, and adjusting lighting—I was sweating like I had just done a workout.

But despite all the effort (and exhaustion), it was also one of the most rewarding experiences. I ended up diving deep into post-processing. While we only tackled the basics in class, I pushed myself to explore masking and light retouching for future reference. It felt like I was getting a glimpse of what it might be like to do creative direction and post-production professionally. I now appreciate self-portraits not just as practice but as an art form in their own right.

I also realized that when I did photoshoots before, I was actually thinking of a concept. Like thinking of what time of the day should I do the session? I realized that it was already creative thinking. Because every time I went on a trip, I always wanted to take photos of golden hour, or during night to capture all those lightings from the street. During the day time, I wanted to capture candid photos, or to do landscape photography. That I finally realized, I am already thinking creatively. I was unconsciously making aesthetic decisions based on light, mood, and emotion—and I have been doing that all along.

One more thing that stood out to me was the peer critique activity. At first, I thought it would be just another class requirement, but it turned out to be something I genuinely enjoyed. Browsing through my classmates’ work felt like visiting a virtual photo gallery. Because there were so many entries, I started using a random number generator to select which ones to view. But I got so into it, I ended up checking out almost half the class! Through this, I realized how much I have grown in understanding the technical aspects of photography. I could see what made an image strong, what could be improved, and how to appreciate someone’s unique perspective. It felt collaborative, even though we were all behind screens.

Seeing all those different interpretations of the same exercises really opened my eyes. Photography is deeply personal, but it also speaks a universal language. Just like music, which is another form of art, photography has the power to communicate across cultures, emotions, and experiences—without needing words. A single image can tell a story, capture a fleeting emotion, or preserve a memory in a way that transcends language. Some classmates took breathtaking landscapes, and some went experimental. It made me feel like I was part of something bigger—a creative community, even if we never met in person.

In terms of communication, I think I did okay. I appreciated the Zoom session, even though I was only able to attend once—those were super helpful not just for lesson clarity, but also in feeling like I am not doing this course alone. As an online learner, it is easy to feel isolated, but the way this class communicated helped form a small sense of community. That made a difference.

Being part of UPOU, I’ve come to appreciate the effort required to build connection in an asynchronous learning environment. Forums, occasional Zooms—they were more important than I initially thought. They weren’t just tools for instruction; they were lifelines for staying engaged. Knowing I could ask questions, give feedback, and even just read through discussions made the whole experience feel less solitary.

This whole experience reminded me why I fell in love with photography in the first place. It is both technical and emotional. It is about capturing a moment and giving it meaning. I invested in a camera, and a few accessories before the term started—a new lens, extra batteries, even a tripod—and I do not regret a single purchase. Every trip I take feels like a mini photo mission. I may not pursue photography professionally yet, but I will definitely keep at it as a serious hobby. Who knows, maybe one day I will be confident enough to offer it as a side hustle.

At the end of the day, this class was not just about getting good grades. It was about rediscovering what it means to see. To be present. To tell stories.