ePortfolio - Knowing Where You're At: Part 2

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KNOWING WHERE YOU'RE AT: PART 2

This assignment requires a blog entry containing a general review and reflection of how the whole class responded to the previous assignment by choosing 10 photos, each from a different student.

MMS 173 Assignment 1b: Knowing Where I'm At (Part 2)

For this assignment, we were assigned with the task of choosing ten photos from almost 80 ePortfolio links. As a frequent mobile web dweller, I initially assumed that I would be able to visit every single one during my free time, especially during the weekend. Disappointingly, however, I don't think I made it through half. On the flip side, browsing through the photo sets of around 30 students was still able to give me general ideas and insights of where the class was at, and it was quite overwhelming, to say the least.

Coming from someone who had zero background with the basics and technicalities of photography (before I explored the course manual), most of the photo sets I came across were quite impressive. Upon reading Unit I though, it became more interesting to examine them further. Despite some displaying conscious efforts to apply basic photography principles, I felt as though the general trend (at least within the smaller group of 30 students I examined at random) was leaning more over what instinctively looked good or captured a memory fondly first, and then realizing how theory and technical rules came into play second.

There were a few students who made a great impression on the first assignment. My personal standout was Maria Aimee Cabingao due to her striking use of color and negative space. A lot of the entries I came across had a common theme of posting travel photos, which was what made it a bit refreshing to see a photo compilation of family photos from Ivy Dadios; in terms of technical elements, the photos weren't as well thought out as the others, but it moved me to see a strong involvement with familial interactions.

Browsing through certain photo sets can be quite overwhelming, especially since I personally think that I am likely part of the bunch who will have to step up their game, but it can be a great source of motivation as to what level of photography I can aspire to arrive at in the long run.

Chiyo Santos

The surface surroundings and the mirror image both contribute unity as two identical parts that still manage to appear different. It may have been better to not crop out the top too much for better balance.

David Saguin

I like the use of bright but muted colors, as it lightly enhances emotions conveyed in a photo of a mother holding her child's hand in a small, seemingly empty part of the street.

Jilianne Lucido

The use of pattern and form is evident in this picture of a simple Christmas hallway. I also like the contrast provided by the color scheme, between how festive the holiday can be versus how simple the hallway appears. I do think though that the photo may look better from a less slanted angle to increase the uniformity of the image.

Maria Aimee Cabingao

Emphasis is the main principle that draws me to this photo. Aside from the vibrant colors that effectively enhance the focal point, texture is also accessible despite being a secondary feat.

Aly Regine Miranda

I'm under the impression that the background involved colors blending in with the subject. This makes it likely that the use of black and white has strengthened texture and detail, which is commendable.

Rayn Bagaipo

Amidst the evident use of linear elements, it would have been more ideal to have everything pointing towards a singular direction. Nonetheless, the contrast in the lines pointing to one direction versus passengers heading towards another is still interesting.

Erwin Uñada

The effective use of diagonals in this photo help create a sense of tension and motion. You don't just see it from the photographer's perspective; you can likely also feel the boat tilting with him.

Kristelle Adami

The composition of the photo helps me make sense of two main aspects; the distance of the lighthouse, and the texture of the seabed. Although I'm quite satisfied with how the photo turned out, I feel as though it would have been interesting to try a tall crop to draw more attention to the lighthouse.

Ivy Dadios

Although the image could have used less cropping, as part of the photo set where every photo mainly featured people instead of scenery (particularly family), it was moving to read a brief but personal story behind it.

Maria Xenia Yacat

Similar to one other photo I chose for this assignment, I particularly like the action conveyed through the image. There is a lot of stationary emphasis on the jeep that at the same time, relies on the motion blur of the background.

If I were to review my own work in relation to the rest of the class, I would say that even though I might have the basic eye for providing simple critiques on the work of others, there is a long way for me to go in terms of my own execution. It is however, extremely encouraging to see certain photo compilations taken with simpler cameras and phones that still manage to achieve a decent effective level of technical application.

Upon looking back at my previous assignment, I can definitely say that my work lacks conscious delivery. Although I found one photo that had good use of color and balance, everything else was either half-hearted or completely lacking. In examining half-hearted photos, I noticed that I would pay attention to one aspect such as lines, shapes, or emphasis, but still snag a couple of distracting and/or poorly shot elements here and there. After learning about the Rule of Thirds and seeing how the Golden Ratio was incorporated into the art form, I realized further how much of a challenging and technical art form photography can really be.

I've devised a couple of steps I can take to take slow but sure steps to applying as much as I can learn from this course. Firstly, since taking photos isn't my first instinct on a day-to-day basis, I can start by taking more photos; in a week, I would say 10 photos can be a good place to start. At the end of the day, I can review these photos just like I did with these assignments and determine my strengths and my weaknesses. Once I determine my weaknesses, I can move on to consciously trying to give myself more specific photo prompts per week. If it's necessary for me to try and take a photo using the Golden Ratio or the Rule of Thirds, it may give me a better understanding of how to concretely apply the art form.

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