Until just yesterday, I had not reviewed any assignments. In response, I overcompensated and browsed through as many as possible, totaling approximately 25 sites. I really wish I could’ve reviewed more, but I had to postpone this assignment until nearly the last minute due to personal circumstances. I’ll compromise and casually review the remaining sites in my spare time as I genuinely enjoyed seeing the different selections!

In the more casual or amateur realm of photography, of which I would place myself under (as mentioned in part 3), people like taking pictures of scenery, particularly in natural settings. City/urban environments tend to experience less of the "sameness" factor due to the presence of city dwellers often caught in the photographs, in contrast to nature being just that. I can’t blame them, natural scenery is the easiest subject to focus on when it’s right there, you don’t have to seek it out. Though, it does get repetitive. Given that these areas are ‘open source’ (for lack of a better term), these photographs aren’t always unique. Chances are, someone else has that same, if not just really similar, photograph. 

An example - in general, not necessarily from the assignments viewed - would be the Oblation statue in UP Diliman. A well-known photography spot, but there is only so much one can do with that as a subject. I assume the same can be said about other popular scenic locations. It is also worth noting that some may have misinterpreted the assignment, picking out photographs that they did not personally take. But even then, I believe they’re open to improving provided they be open to (constructive) criticism.

On the more intermediate-to-professional side, WOW. Some of my classmates are way too humble or straight up showing off, and rightfully so! I am genuinely impressed by the expertise and knowledge many of them possess. I genuinely feel this strange mix of jealousy, admiration, and determination to reach such a level of proficiency. I’m in absolute awe. 

From Unit 1, which is pretty straightforward about its content, I have noticed several techniques utilized in my classmates’ photographs. The lessons definitely boosted my understanding. I believe the sample size showcased a balance in terms of skill. There’s also the added fact that many of us grew up with the advent of social media, so many of us are prepared with the basic understanding of photography and aestheticism. Regardless how inexperienced we claim to be, the privilege of growing up in the digital age has equipped us with essential skills. For another instance, I’m certain a lot of us are familiar with concepts like the rule of thirds, even if we might not refer to it by name. That, specifically, is the most frequent technique I’ve observed in many of my classmates’ photos; it’s one I also default to in my work! What I mean by this is that we are not starting from scratch, not totally at least. 

I feel adequately in the middle. After reviewing my classmates’ assignments, I felt a range of emotions measured up against my own skills;  I felt as though I was either overextending myself, underperforming, or doing just enough. One of my biggest weaknesses is my carefree attitude, which sometimes causes me to overlook the actual composition of my photographs. I tend to focus too much on the memories associated with the image rather than devoting myself to effectively showcase them in the picture itself. My ideal of “living in the moment” glaringly shows in the amateur quality of my work - but I view this as a personal expression. It’s how I want to emulate myself to others. 

There’s a clear difference between authenticity and carelessness, and I feel as though I toe the thin line between such zones. Just as I know my strengths, I’m moreso aware of my weaknesses. I don’t aim to be overly critical of myself, being aware of such things helps reduce the emotional impact when/should I receive criticisms from others; a form of exposure therapy, if you will, that allows me to take feedback less personally.

There’s a lot I can improve upon. I believe my progress is hindered by a lack of spatial awareness and patience. Quick snaps often lead to low-quality images, seldom producing a "perfect shot" since they are executed without much thought. This is a significant pitfall for me, as I often rush the compositional process. As I have mentioned in previous discussions, this approach is part of my creative style. I feel that overly meticulous attention to detail can sometimes detract from authenticity (I’m also aware of how this appears to be an easy cop-out, but it is how I feel).

There definitely is a grey area, a balance I need to find that satisfies both ends of the spectrum, avoiding extremes. I should be able to find a style of photography that is not so inconsistent and poorly done, while also keeping true to the authentic nature that I want to capture. This something that will take time and consistent practice, which is exactly what this course is for! Another area with room for improvement is my strong preference for, well, my preference. Rather than being versatile, my photography style does not have much development. I need to be more open in experimenting rather than sticking to what I know, in the name of ‘consistency’, or actually, stunting my own development. 

Now that I am aware of techniques, aspects, and their functions, I should put that into practice and genuine consideration when taking photos. Onto the next assignment and modules!