Before deciding whether or not to select this picture, I knew this would not be the most technically impressive shot among all my shots. It is neither extravagant nor dramatic or filled with layers of complex composition. If at all, it may seem very plain at first sight. But it means a lot to me. 

I chose this picture not because it is perfect, but because it was very difficult to take. I took it entirely alone: setting up the shot, adjusting the frame, and using a shutter to capture the image without assistance from anyone. There were times when the process did become frustrating. I literally had to run back and forth, take repeated looks at the shot, reset the camera, change my angle, check the light all of this just to achieve the right composition. I remember being super tired, frustrated, and stressed, but also really satisfied because of getting the shot at the end. That's what made this photo special to me. It was not about how it looked but rather about what it meant and what I had to go through to take it.

This one photograph, in very many ways, depicts everything that I have been through taking this course. It is the effort, the trial and error, the learning curve, the frustrations, and the joy. It basically sums up my experience in one simple frame. The image may be quite simple, but behind it lies a somehow story about growth, resilience, and exploration.

I had some experience in the field of media even before enrolling for this class. Journalism has been a huge part of my life for a long time now. I joined the new campus publications by Grade 4 and worked my way through to editor-in-chief throughout high school. That taught me to be flexible, responsible, and creative, along with how to find stories from the ordinariness of everyday life. I have also been involved with video production, which of course fuels my interest in cinematography, and I really love that creating something from anything-shooting, editing, and weaving images and sound together to express emotion and meaning

But even with all of that experience, photography continued to pique my interest in the background. I was drawn to it even though I didn't fully understand it yet. In my opinion, it was a related of cinematography. It's somewhat similar but distinct, silent but potent, still but expressive. I signed up for this course because of that curiosity. I wanted to learn more about the true meaning of photography and how I could develop in it.

I had a very specific objective for myself at the start of the course: to become an unconventional photographer. I didn't want to mindlessly adhere to rules or simply copy styles. In order to see beyond what is visible through the lens, I wanted to find my own voice. That, to me, was what made photography meaningful. It's not just the technical aspects, but the soul and heart behind every image.

Although it wasn't always easy, some of the exercises forced me to think outside the box, break bad habits, and try techniques I hadn't thought of before. There were times when I questioned whether I could possibly produce anything worth presenting, each project turned into a chance for me to develop as an artist as well as a student.

Working on the themed photography exercises was one of the class's highlights. Trying to get one shot right would frequently take me hours. Setting the mood, figuring out the light, experimenting with angles, and making sure the picture expressed what I wanted it to were all more important than simply pressing the shutter. I was so engrossed in the editing process or simply brainstorming that I occasionally stayed up late, not because I had to. Those moments of creative flow reminded me why I loved visual storytelling in the first place.

Of course, I didn't always meet expectations. In the long run, I realize I could have done a better job of organizing my time and contributing more to class discussions and forums. It was simple to withdraw into silence thanks to the online format, particularly during hectic or demanding weeks. I regret not interacting with classmates more, exchanging ideas, and providing feedback sooner. I'll keep it in mind and work to get better at it in the future.

Even so, the Zoom meetings were extremely helpful. They allowed me feel grounded and provided me with something to look forward to, which helped to break the isolation that comes with asynchronous learning. I valued getting real-time feedback, seeing the teacher and other students, and hearing different viewpoints. I felt closer to the class and to UPOU overall as a result of those meetings, even if they were only a few sessions. In a sense, it served as a reminder that, despite learning online, we are not learning in isolation. Even though we don't always get to meet in person, we are still a part of the same community.

On top of that, this course altered my perspective on photography in general. I used to think of it more as a tool. As if its something to record, to go along with stories, to add images to a longer story. I now, however, consider it to be its own language. In my opinion, it is a self-contained form of expression that stimulates thought and interpretation. I've learned to pay closer attention to details, light, and composition in both my daily life and when I'm taking pictures. I now see the world through the lens of photography, and I've learned to value the amount of effort, passion, and intention that goes into each picture.

So, did this course make me want to give up on photography? Not at all. If anything, it made me want to pursue it even more. I’ve realized that I don’t need to be the best or have the most expensive gear. What matters is the story I want to tell, the message I want to convey, and the feeling I want to leave behind. I want to continue exploring photography not just as a hobby, but as a way of life, a way of understanding the world and expressing who I am.

My primary take away here as a student and aspiring photographer is that discomfort is where growth occurs. It occurs when you push yourself, try new things, and try again after failing. I learned to accept that process in this course. It taught me to appreciate even the smallest victories, to be patient with myself, and to take pleasure in my progress. I also discovered the importance of community, even if it is virtual. It made a difference to feel like I belong and to know that others are traveling this path as well.

This photo may not be the most striking image, but it’s the one that carries my journey within it. Every little bit of pixel it holds is a piece of my effort, my growth, and my passion. It’s proof that I tried, that I overcame, and that I learned. And in the end, that’s what this course was about—becoming more than I was when I started.