ASSIGNMENT 2: KNOWING WHERE YOU'RE AT
PART II

Overall, I have viewed around 20 introductions and ePortfolios. Based on the Unit I readings, I can say that most of those I viewed already have an idea of how to take a photo that is pleasing to the eye of the viewers. Furthermore, the majority of the submissions I viewed included the use of photography compositions “Rule of Thirds” and “Perspective” then the least composition used would be “Radial” and “The Golden Spiral”.

Among the 20 classmates I have viewed, multiple stood out to me which will be mentioned in the second part of the assignment but if I were given the choice to select my top two then first, would be Ma Francesca Santiago also known as SISKA. Her submissions are one of the few that leave a satisfying feeling after viewing them. Apart from this, I would also say that she may be up to par with the faculty-in-charge as her works already show that she is familiar with photography. The reason for this is that compared to those who would normally use the rule of thirds, she used frame within frame, radial, and did post processing edits which piqued my interest. Second would be Jermaine Lobo, her submissions also are evident of photography basics with post processing. Compared to Ms. Santiago, Ms. Lobo’s submissions lean toward somewhat like photojournalism. Photos that someone would see in a news blog, it showcase the subject’s emotion and situation. Although I would not say that she is on par with the faculty-in-charge, however, she may still be considered an asset with her knowledge and experience. In contrast to this, those who like to take pictures with the intention of posting them in their story are the individuals who need improving. 

Although this may not apply to everyone since we all have our own individual techniques when capturing something, it is important to get out of our comfort zones if the goal is to improve and learn more about professional photography. 

While viewing the works I have chosen and comparing them to my own submission, I have realized that I also have a long way to go through if I want my photos to look and feel as meaningful as those I have evaluated.

For my first submission, I could have improved my shot by zooming out to get more of the view and the mode of transportation as it is the main focus of the photo. Furthermore, taking the story out of context, the photo is plain and looks like something that I would put in my story just to show people where I am.

For my second submission, I could have improved this by picking a different background even with the initial intention that this would be edited in the post processing. However, besides that, I think that the photo is good on its own as it follows the rule of thirds and has a good emphasis on the subject.

For my third submission, one of my best shots however even though it is not cropped, it looks cropped and the area of the building is limited. If I did not know how this was taken, I would assume that there is a misuse of cropping. Apart from this, I would go to post processing and remove the colors of the photo to make it black and white. The reason for this is to give the photo a timeless feeling especially since the building itself has been standing for quite some time in the past already.

On top of this, as a student photographer, I have a long way to go as the majority of my photos are taken randomly without taking into consideration the elements, principles, and composition. Because of this, my photos look bland and lack the essence of life even if it is meaningful to me, it is not to others If I cannot properly display what I want the audience to feel.