MMS 173 Blog 1: Improving eye

At the beginning of this term, this is what I wrote as my expectation and challenge for the course. Since the writing of this introduction, I have engaged in discussions, experienced new activities, and learned new lessons from MMS 173. For this blog 1, I will be further dissecting my previous introduction and comparing it to how things are right now—including my progress, challenges, and future plans.

"As for MMS 173, I expect that I would find this course highly interesting and engaging since I’ve always loved photography."

The course met my expectations of being interesting and engaging. I think I made the right decision to join the volunteer study group because I thrive more in an environment that is active, where I can enthusiastically and promptly contribute to the discussions. The synchronous classes (particularly the photo critique/analysis exercises) helped me immensely in absorbing the lessons and applying them practically. If it weren’t for these exercises, I do not think that the lessons would have been effectively ingrained in me. The assignments and activities are also fun to do especially the Assignment 1b where we have to critique each other’s previous work. Because I am used to critiquing during the synchronous sessions, it became easier for me to accomplish this assignment. 

My love for photography is very much still there and growing. Because of this course, I am able to add technique and skill to this “love” for photography. An overall better eye for photography is my general assessment of myself coming into the midpoint of our course. Now, whenever I do my daily walks, I just randomly see beauty in the mundane, so if I have my phone with me, I just start taking photos. In a sense, it starts to become like an exercise for me to take at least one photo every day to document my progress and to see my improvement. So far, here are the photos from my walks (which are not part of the bucketlist activity). 

"I only have knowledge on the basics of photography so I would love to have a deep understanding of what it is and the intricate and complex processes involved."

Coming into Unit II of this course, we are starting to delve into the more intricate and complex processes involved in photography such as the exposure triangle (ISO, Shutter speed, and Aperture). These concepts are new to me. I have heard of them (and seen them on cameras) before but I do not necessarily understand the meaning behind them. While doing the bucket list activity, it was fun experimenting with these settings. If I’m being honest, it actually took me a while to grasp these concepts. Until now, I do not think I have fully understood them. Nevertheless, I am still continuing to explore these for the future photographs I will take. I believe that learning is a continuous effort. 

My outlook is still the same in the sense that I am still eager to learn more about photography. However, now, I have more knowledge of photography elements, principles, and compositions in my bag. Currently, I’m finishing up the bucket list activity and just waiting for the next activities in store for us. I feel excited for my photos to be critiqued by the professor so that I will know which parts I can improve on. I also generally feel excited about the upcoming activities because I get to have a brief and be creative in my photographs. If samples from previous classes were shared, I think I would be up for the challenge of equalling or surpassing their level of quality. 

"My challenge would probably be being creative enough to work with what I have, like the tools I have and the landscape I am surrounded with."

I would say that my present challenges would still be the same—learning how to work with the tools and landscape I have. I am currently working with my phone camera, as opposed to an actual camera, which I would say becomes a disadvantage in some areas of photography, especially in controlling the exposure triangle. I am learning how to make do with what I have and be creative enough to pull through. As for my current landscape, at this point, I have learned that it could be to my advantage since Japan is a beautiful country. 

Overall, I think I have improved since day 1. I am in no way near the level of the professor but my photographs have become more impactful and dynamic. The compositions are better and I have applied substantial principles. The class itself has a nice pacing and the professor is great at explaining concepts and giving exercises which helped a lot in my learning journey. Moving forward, I plan on continuing to be active in the discussions and apply my learnings to the photographs I will capture in the future.