Photography, for me, has always been a tool for capturing moments—snapshots of life that hold meaning and emotion. Yet, through the course, I realized that it is much more than that. It is a blend of technical skill and artistic expression, a way of communicating perspectives, stories, and feelings without using words. Looking back, my photography journey in this course has been one of growth, learning, and self-discovery, both as a photographer and as a person.

I chose to feature a photo I took at the Erawan Museum in Bangkok for this reflection, as it perfectly encapsulates my experience throughout the course. The museum is well-known for its grand elephant structure and striking architecture, but I found myself drawn to a hidden corner—a staircase that many would likely overlook. It was an inconspicuous spot that required curiosity and a willingness to explore deeper. This image, taken in that unremarkable space, symbolizes my approach to the course. Just as the museum had more to offer than its famous attractions, this photography course revealed layers of learning and discovery that went beyond the surface. By embracing the deeper, less obvious elements of photography, I discovered new perspectives and techniques, and in the process, I learned more about myself. When I first enrolled in the course, my goal was clear: I wanted to become more technically proficient with my camera. I aimed to go beyond simply tweaking settings until something looked good, and instead, I sought to understand how each adjustment impacted my images. I wanted to be able to make intentional decisions based on knowledge, not just luck. This desire to gain control over my craft was driven by a need to push my abilities to the next level. As I progressed through the course, I learned not only how to adjust aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, but also how to make these changes with a clear artistic vision. While there is still much more to learn, I now approach each shot with a sense of purpose, knowing exactly why I’m adjusting a setting and how it will affect the final image.

However, as much as I sought technical growth, I also learned that my approach to photography was rooted in feeling. Despite my efforts to improve technically, I found that I often captured moments based on emotion rather than principle. I gravitated toward photos that evoked feelings rather than focusing solely on technical perfection. This was a realization that took me by surprise, but it also taught me something valuable: my perspective as a photographer is unique, and it’s this perspective that gives my work its character. Embracing this aspect of my photography allowed me to feel more confident in my style, knowing that my emotional connection to a scene was just as important as its technical execution. Along the way, I learned from my peers, too. One of the most eye-opening experiences was seeing how other students approached assignments, particularly the self-portrait project. The diverse interpretations of the assignment, ranging from the highly technical to the deeply personal, showed me that there’s no one “right” way to approach photography. It was inspiring to witness the creativity and innovation that others brought to the table, and it encouraged me to take risks in my own work. It also highlighted the importance of feedback—whether from classmates or instructors—in refining my skills. Sometimes, it wasn’t just the photos themselves that mattered, but the conversations and insights that came from discussing our work with others.

One of the highlights of the course was the "bucket list" assignment. This task felt like a creative scavenger hunt, where I was challenged to find images that fit a series of themes. It pushed me outside my comfort zone and forced me to take photos I wouldn’t usually consider. I remember feeling both excited and a little apprehensive as I worked through the prompts, unsure of how my images would turn out. But looking back, I’m proud of the results. It was an assignment that required both technical skill and creativity, and it made me realize how important it is to approach each assignment with a sense of playfulness. The sense of accomplishment I felt after completing the bucket list remains one of my proudest moments in the course. Of course, there were challenges along the way, and not everything went as smoothly as I had hoped. One of the biggest hurdles was timing. Photography often depends on being in the right place at the right moment, and there were times when I felt that time constraints hindered my ability to fully capture the scene I envisioned. Whether it was coordinating with people for portrait shots or waiting for the perfect lighting conditions, I often found myself racing against the clock. Despite this, I was proud of the work I produced. While there were moments when I wished I had more time or more opportunities to perfect a shot, I realized that photography isn’t always about capturing perfection. It’s about seizing the moment and making the most of what you have.

This course also helped me see photography in a new light. Before, I viewed it primarily as a technical skill, something that could be mastered through practice. While that’s still true, I now see it as much more than that. It is a marriage of technical expertise and artistic vision. A great photograph requires not only the right settings and timing but also a creative perspective that transforms a simple moment into something meaningful. This realization has deepened my appreciation for photography and made me more excited to pursue it further. I no longer see it just as a hobby; it’s a craft I want to continue developing, with the knowledge that mastery takes time, patience, and persistence. Throughout the course, I also had the opportunity to engage with different communication channels—forums, email, and Zoom sessions. I found these tools to be helpful, though I do regret not taking full advantage of them. While I appreciated the opportunities to connect with my peers and instructors, I could have been more proactive in reaching out for feedback or engaging in discussions. Nevertheless, these platforms played a key role in fostering a sense of community, even in an online setting.

Reflecting on the course, my most important takeaway is the understanding that photography, like any skill, takes time to master. I learned that growth comes with practice and that there is always something new to explore in this field. Whether it’s a new technique, a new perspective, or a new way of seeing the world, photography offers endless opportunities for discovery. I’m excited to continue my journey, knowing that each shot, each moment, and each lesson is part of the larger picture. As an aspiring photographer, I feel more confident in my ability to take risks and experiment with my work. But I also recognize that there’s still so much to learn. The path to becoming a great photographer is long, but it’s one that I’m eager to continue walking, with the knowledge that each photo I take brings me one step closer to mastering my craft.