ONE SHOT SUMMARY

Before taking this course, I told myself that I wanted to improve my visual storytelling, especially through photography. I’ve always admired how some people can capture a single moment and make you feel something with just an image. For me, it wasn’t just about making photos look good, it was about making them say something. I knew it wouldn’t be easy because aside from lacking professional equipment, I understood that photography is a highly technical and practiced art. There are principles and techniques that must be learned, rules that guide composition, lighting, and timing. That’s why I already anticipated that this course would be both challenging and insightful, especially if I committed myself to engaging with it genuinely.

The photo I chose for this one-shot summary is an image I took at a public market—one of the shots I submitted for Assignment 1. It captures the dynamic, often chaotic atmosphere of the space: the vendors, the goods, the tiled flooring, and the architectural lines that naturally draw the viewer’s eye deeper into the frame. Even before studying the concepts in the module, I had already experimented with leading lines and symmetry—initially as a technical exercise, but also as a way to introduce visual interest and, more importantly, to express something greater. To me, the photo reflects the energy, routine, and organized chaos that define everyday life in a typical Filipino market.

This image matters to me not just because of its composition, but because it represents me. Outside of class, I work in this vicinity, the Mutya ng Pasig Mega Market, as an inventory clerk for my relative’s business. Markets are places I am intimately familiar with. I’ve witnessed how people tirelessly work to earn a living just to provide for their families. At the same time, I’ve seen how their efforts sustain the lives of many others, as the goods and services they offer are essential to everyday survival. This picture, for me, captures more than just the literal space; it reflects the world I live in and navigate daily. Choosing this photograph feels like choosing a mirror that shows both my learning as a photographer and my reality as a person.

As I mentioned earlier, when I enrolled in MMS 173, my goal was clear: I wanted to become a better visual storyteller. I wanted to learn how to be more intentional with how I capture moments—to improve my framing, and to understand how elements like light, shadow, and perspective can shape mood and meaning. Throughout the course, I was introduced to a wide range of concepts—from the exposure triangle and composition principles to post-processing techniques, as well as creative explorations like in-game photography and environmental portraits. Gradually, the camera—or in my case, even just my smartphone—began to feel like an extension of my thoughts. I became more mindful of what I wanted to express and how I could communicate it visually.

One of the most eye-opening parts of the course was realizing the difference between simply taking a photo and actually making one. The readings and activities helped me understand that photography isn’t just about capturing what’s already in front of the lens—it’s about constructing meaning. The same space can evoke completely different emotions—busyness, loneliness, warmth, or even tension—depending on how it’s framed. Learning how to guide those emotional cues, even in subtle ways, was something I found incredibly powerful. I’ll admit that I’m still in the process of developing my composition skills, but I know this is something I can continue to improve, especially once I get the chance to practice more with a DSLR.

Of course, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. There were moments when I felt limited by my equipment or constrained by my environment. There were activities I wish I could have approached more creatively if I had access to better tools or more time. For example, I initially hoped to borrow my cousin’s DSLR for my photography activities, but she ended up being unavailable, so I continued using my smartphone instead. Perhaps that’s also part of the lesson: creativity often thrives under constraints. I learned to make the most of what I had. I learned to be resourceful—to find angles, lighting, or subjects that could elevate a shot, even in ordinary circumstances.

One of my most memorable experiences in this course was the photography challenge that required us to apply different camera settings while using a single object as the subject. It forced me to slow down, observe more carefully, and be intentional with every detail. Since I could only shoot inside my room, I had to be resourceful, particularly with lighting. I used a mirror to reflect light from my room’s ceiling bulb, as I didn’t have a portable LED light. For the background, I used colored paper to create negative space and emphasize the subject, applying the principle of emphasis. I also experimented with my smartphone’s manual camera settings to highlight the differences in shutter speed, ISO, and white balance. Despite the limitations, the activity taught me how much control I could have—even with minimal gear—if I approached each shot thoughtfully.

In terms of communication, I appreciated Prof. Al’s posts on photographic techniques, and especially the feedback he provided in the Critique Corners. His insights were clear and constructive, and I found myself subconsciously applying many of the points he raised when working on my later activities. His feedback helped me become more mindful of my framing and more intentional about avoiding unnecessary elements in my compositions.

As an online learner, one of my biggest takeaways is that learning photography isn’t just about memorizing rules—it’s about applying them in ways that resonate with your own experiences. It’s about trial, error, and observation. And sometimes, it’s about understanding yourself a little better through the images you choose to take—or not take. Photography helped me connect my world with academic learning. It gave me tools not just to take better pictures, but to be more observant, more empathetic, and more expressive. And for that, I’m grateful.