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Introduction
We are now about halfway through the course, and I’d like to share some thoughts on my experience so far. Photography, I’ve learned, is not just about pressing the shutter but about the outcome and the story each picture tells. This course has been incredibly valuable in introducing new techniques and elements that elevate an image and make it truly stand out. My primary goal for this course is to enhance my skills and learn from the expertise and experience of our MMS 173 Faculty-in-Charge (FIC).
So far, the learning experience has been excellent. Our FIC has done an outstanding job of presenting and explaining the material in a way that has made it easier for me to grow and improve. I’ve found our Zoom meetings particularly engaging, as they feel like collaborative sessions where we’re all striving to improve together. The assignments, which require applying the lessons from the first unit of MMS 173, have been crucial to my learning. They’ve helped lay the foundation for my progress and improvement.
One significant benefit of this course has been the opportunity to view my classmates’ work. The ePortfolio system, combined with the convenience of Google, has made accessing their sites much faster and easier than searching through individual profiles. This has allowed me to evaluate my peers’ progress and gain inspiration from their incredible photos and projects. So far, I’ve seen numerous works that have inspired me, and I am confident that there are many more elements to learn that will further enhance our images.
Body
Assignment 1: Knowing Where I'm At (Part 1):
The first assignment marked the beginning of my journey into photography. I discovered a few photos in my gallery that aligned with the standards of good composition. Upon reflecting on these casually taken photos, I noticed certain flaws, which inspired me to practice during my free time. This consistent effort brought noticeable improvements to my images, thanks in large part to Unit 1 of MMS 173. I also learned the importance of describing photos beforehand. My FIC often emphasized that every image must have a subject and a story, as their absence can leave the result feeling flat. For example, when analyzing the UP-Fun Run photo, I needed to explain its composition as well as the experience behind capturing it. By detailing the roads, objects, and people’s actions, I was able to bring a fresh layer of context to the viewer. This task taught me a lot about the course and helped me reflect on my journey moving forward.
Assignment 2: Knowing Where you're at (Part 2):
The second assignment of the course provided an opportunity to see what my classmates have been working on. I genuinely enjoyed viewing their work as it served as a source of inspiration for me. Navigating through everything was made simple thanks to the ePortfolio system on Google Sites. Our teacher shared an Excel sheet where we could all list the links to our portfolios, making it accessible to everyone. Admittedly, I came across both impressive and less effective images. This is why having critiques as part of the task is so valuable it encourages improvement. Everyone has their perspective on what you create, offering insights from diverse viewpoints. My FIC explained that critiques are influenced by the person receiving them. They aren't meant to belittle you but to show that others care and want to see you grow. It is essential to evaluate the feedback, apply it to your future work, and observe whether your results improve. Ultimately, this is how the process of feedback is intended to work.
Conclusion
I am aware of my current progress and future ambitions. I consistently apply essential design principles and composition techniques to elevate the quality of my images. My primary objectives remain unchanged as I strive to learn and grow with every experience. However, I am now prepared to explore uncharted territory, venturing into styles that challenge me and push me out of my comfort zone. This long-term goal feels attainable thanks to the knowledge and skills I have accumulated.
I am sincerely grateful to the FIC and my peers for offering fresh perspectives and valuable feedback. As I have mentioned many times before, I am eager to continue progressing. My aspiration is to create images that I can genuinely take pride in. Since the very beginning, I have reflected on the style I wish to develop as a photographer. At this point, that vision is gradually coming to life with every press of the camera.
My experience with the FIC and my classmates so far has been incredibly humbling. It reminds me of every creative class I’ve been a part of before. Their works and words inspire me, shaping the future images I aspire to create. Reading through their interactions has been not only engaging but often amusing, as their personalities come through in their exchanges. These dynamics underscore the value of collaboration and connection, which is far more enriching than working solo.
The photography course, much like any other art-related discipline, is a journey of constant learning. This is the mindset I aim to embrace to continuously learn and improve. Achieving my goals through a step-by-step process will undoubtedly be rewarding, as it reflects both patience and humility along the way.
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