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MMS 173 | Assignment 3
Before taking this course, I reminded myself that despite lacking professional equipment and in-depth knowledge of photography's technical aspects, I shouldn't feel limited. Instead, I should embrace every insight I gain—not only from Prof. Al’s materials and explanations but also from my classmates’ perspectives. Now, after a few weeks into this course, I'm grateful that I am somehow doing it progressively. At this point, I've learned the importance of photographic composition in effectively conveying your story. I am also in the process of improving my technique in photography, by considering the elements and principles of design while learning from my classmates' posts. Lastly, I'm looking forward to exploring the post-processing phase, an area I have little experience with. I know this step will play a crucial role in enhancing the final look of an image, and I’m excited to see how it can further elevate my work.
PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPOSITION
A well-composed image does more than just capture a subject—it guides the viewer’s eye, evokes emotions, and creates a sense of balance and harmony. Understanding elements like framing, leading lines, and the rule of thirds has helped me see how composition plays a crucial role in transforming a simple photo into a compelling visual narrative. I may not have executed it perfectly, but in the activities I participated in, composing my photos thoughtfully helped me achieve the visual message I wanted to convey.
Take this picture of mine, for instance. I captured it a few weeks ago for my Assignment 1, shortly after learning about effective composition through the readings in Unit 1. It was challenging since some of the elements—the people in the market—were constantly moving. It took me more than 10 shots before capturing this image. I applied the use of leading lines, with the yellow tactile paving naturally guiding the viewer’s eye toward the center of the frame. Coincidentally, these tiles serve as a navigational aid for visually impaired individuals inside the market, and in this photo, they also guide the viewer’s eye in appreciating the composition. The structural lines of the ceiling and market stalls help evoke a sense of immersion in the busy atmosphere of the market. Looking at this shot, I realize how composition helps transform an ordinary moment into a more visually engaging scene.
Here's another example where I applied the lessons I've learned over the past few weeks in this course. I used this photo for the storytelling activity. In this shot, I utilized framing and leading lines to draw the viewer’s attention toward the center, where the interaction between the children and the audience takes place. Although unintentional, the placement of the building on the left and the greenery on the right naturally created balance. I relied solely on natural lighting, which, along with these compositional choices, helped produce a visually engaging image that tells a story.
TECHNIQUE
Currently, I'm still in the process of understanding photographic exposure. I was used to relying on smartphones that automatically adjust the exposure triangle—balancing ISO, shutter speed, and aperture without requiring manual input. Now, as I explore more advanced photography techniques, I realize how these settings work together to control light and affect the overall mood and clarity of an image. Adjusting them manually has been challenging, but I continue experimenting with different lighting conditions to improve my understanding. For convenience, I often use my smartphone (Vivo V30e) with its pro mode rather than the DSLR (Canon EOS 750D) I borrowed from my cousin. Since I frequently take spontaneous shots, my phone allows me to capture moments quickly while still giving me some manual control over exposure.
ADVANCING MY PHOTOGRAPHY SKILLS
Aside from improving my understanding of photographic exposure, I'm also looking forward to diving deeper into the post-processing phase of photography. Looking back at my shot in the market where I attempted to blur the faces of my subjects, I admit that I didn’t execute it well. This made me realize how crucial post-processing is—not just for refining an image, but also for ethical considerations like protecting people’s identities in street or documentary photography. That’s why I’m excited to explore how editing techniques can enhance composition, correct minor flaws, and ultimately strengthen the storytelling aspect of an image.
Through these continuous learnings, I’m beginning to see photography beyond just capturing moments. It’s a balance of technical precision and creative intent, where each element—lighting, framing, exposure, and editing—plays a role in conveying meaning. Little by little, I’m gaining a deeper appreciation for photography—not just as a technical skill, but as a powerful form of artistic expression that allows me to communicate stories, emotions, and perspectives in a visually compelling way. Through the following requirements, even the bonus activities, I am looking forward to push my creative boundaries even further. :D
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