MMS 173 Blog 1

Photography is a field I never imagined getting into. People have always said it’s in the eye which made me perceive that I lacked the artistic eye to capture meaningful pictures and the writing skills to bring them to life. In my self-introduction, I mentioned how I admired people who could tell a story through their images. Until now, I’m still curious as to how they do it. However, through the course, I realized that photography isn’t just about having innate talent, it also takes practice, patience, and an understanding of how different elements work together to get the perfect shot. 

For outsiders, photography might seem simple such as finding an interesting subject, adjusting the angle, and simply taking the shot. Although it’s not entirely wrong, now I know that a good photograph is way beyond catching the right moment, it’s an intentional process involving composition, lighting, and storytelling. Every element within the frame contributes to the message I hope to convey. I also mentioned in my self-introduction that I wanted to learn how to express myself through photography. More than what I capture, I realized the importance of how I capture it by considering the way I frame a subject, the lighting I choose, and the mood I aim to create all shape the final output.

One of the most eye-opening parts of the course was Assignment 2. Seeing my classmates’ work brought a mix of relief and pressure. I felt relieved knowing I wasn’t the only one figuring things out, but at the same time, I couldn’t ignore how well some of my classmates were already doing. Even if their photos weren’t the best, their narrations stood out. Some could describe their images in ways that made them even more engaging which is something I still struggle with. There were also students whose work looked like it belonged in a professional portfolio. Their compositions were striking, and their narratives deeply reflected their photos. Seeing their outputs made me question my abilities. How were they able to capture their thoughts and emotions so well? At first, I felt small, both figuratively and literally. However, instead of letting that discourage me, I used it as motivation because if they could reach that level, so could I.

Moving forward, I feel both excited and anxious. I’m excited because I now understand photography in ways I never did before. I recognize how numerous elements shape a picture and how using them enhances the overall visual appeal. These were things I never really paid attention to before, but now I catch myself analyzing every photo I see. I observe how colors establish the mood, how forms and shapes create balance, and how the lines direct the viewer's eye. Additionally, I discovered how exposure regulates brightness, how ISO impacts image clarity and grain, and how shutter speed may either produce motion blur or freeze a moment. Whether it’s an image taken by a professional or a random photo online, I instinctively break it down such as the lighting used, how space is balanced, and the techniques used in the final result. It has become a second nature which I honestly find fascinating and funny like I’m some sort of professional.

Yet, I still feel unsure at times. When I go through my own shots, I cycle through different emotions. One moment, I feel proud of what I captured, then I start to nitpick every small flaw. It’s almost like an internal tug-of-war between my confidence and my self-doubt. Is it part of the process? Maybe. Perhaps that’s why the idea of matching or surpassing the work of previous students feel intimidating. I won’t pretend that I feel confident but it’s also an exciting challenge. I know my work needs a lot of improvement, and there’s more to learn but challenges can push people to grow. Maybe—just maybe—that’s what I need.

If I have one regret in this course, it’s missing the F2F session. I believe having that opportunity would have been great especially since it would provide more engagement and hands-on experience. Unfortunately, being an offshore student made that impossible. Nevertheless, I still found ways to stay engaged through the assignments and the forums which I have yet to participate in. If there’s one thing that I’ve learned so far, it’s that growth comes from stepping outside of my comfort zone. I may not have started the course with confidence, but I hope to finish it with a clearer sense of creative identity.