Assignment 6: End Blog

Over my time in this course, I've grown to view it as a phase of growth in which I gradually progressed in ways I didn't imagine. While the progress was not always visible, I noticed a gradual shift from then to now. Every step helped me become more conscious of the process and prepared me for new experiences. Over time, I began to observe how my perspective shifted, yet in little ways. It was more than just taking pictures; it was about learning to see differently and finding new ways to express thoughts through pictures. That's what made the experience difficult but fulfilling.

I chose the picture above to reflect my experience with this course. The delicately white bloom, standing out softly among the green leaves, tells me that progress can be small yet important. It does not demand attention, but it's there, different and steady. That's how I see my experience in this class: a steady improvement that may not be visible at first but is sincere nonetheless. Like the flower, I discovered moments of quiet, steady, and honest growth in the course of the process. This picture shows how even something small may represent something larger and how learning does not always have to be loud to be meaningful. In the end, it was the ongoing effort and willingness to grow that made the most impact for me.

The main goal I set for myself in this class was straightforward: do my best with what I had and complete every requirement in the best way possible. I didn't aim for perfection, but I did aim to demonstrate effort and improvement in every work. I attempted to make the best use of the resources and time I had available. Sometimes things didn't go as intended, but I learned to adapt, stay unchanged, and keep moving forward. Looking back, I feel I accomplished the goal, not entirely, but truthfully. I may not have produced the most amazing work, but I know I made an effort. And that's already something I'm proud of.

Looking back, one of the most meaningful experiences I had in class was going outside to take photos for our assignments. At first, my biggest focus was on applying lessons such as angles, lighting, and composition. However, as I continued to take photographs, I became more aware of my surroundings. I became more observant and began to enjoy the small details that I used to overlook. It shifted my perspective on everyday places and taught me that photography is more than simply technique; it is also about being present and aware of my surroundings.

It also made the lessons seem more real. Instead of just understanding topics in class, I was able to apply them and observe how they worked in everyday settings. That hands-on experience improved my learning and increased my interest in the subject.

I felt I could have taken more initiative with the picture activities. I mostly accomplished just enough to meet the requirements, but now I know I could have taken more pictures, experimented more, and tried out different ideas. That could have helped me gain more confidence and enhance my skills further. Looking forward, I plan on taking chances to learn and improve by going beyond what is expected of me.

I wouldn't say I'm deeply into photography, for one of the main reasons is that I don't have access to the necessary equipment to take it more seriously. Using limited gear made it difficult to properly apply what I was learning or create the photos I had in mind. Having said that, I do not dislike photography at all. I found the subject engaging and appreciated the process more than I thought. Something is rewarding about being able to compose a good shot with basic equipment.

This course helped me to better understand what photography means, not only the technical details, but also the thought and awareness that goes into every picture. It taught me that photography is more than just having expensive equipment; it is also about how you observe and interpret your surroundings. Even though I had to work within limitations, I picked up a lot and had a greater appreciation for the output.

If I ever have the opportunity to use better equipment, I will be more willing to experiment, try new techniques, and develop my abilities. So, while I don't see myself pursuing photography as a hobby or career right now, I'm not throwing it out. It's something I'd be willing to look into further in the future, especially with the correct tools and opportunity.

Not to mention, forums, email, Zoom sessions, and face-to-face sessions were a significant part of the course. It's a great way for us not only to share ideas or give guides for photography but also to stay connected. In particular, the forums were a great space for sharing outputs and seeing what others were doing. It made it easier to exchange ideas, give feedback, and learn from one another. Having these channels available makes the learning experience more interactive and supportive, as it encourages us to stay engaged and connected in different ways.

In the end, what stood out to me the most was learning to make the most of what I have and still give my best in every task. This class showed me that even if you don’t have an expensive camera or a good phone, you can still create something meaningful if you put in the effort. It reminded me that creativity isn’t always about having perfect conditions; it’s about how you use what’s available to you and the mindset you bring into the process.

Another important takeaway for me was learning to slow down and notice my surroundings. Through the different activities, I found myself paying more attention to small details and appreciating the things around me that I usually ignore. That shift in perspective didn’t just help me in completing the tasks; it also made me more mindful in general.

These lessons go beyond just photography. They’re about being resourceful, present, and intentional with what you do, skills and values that I know will be useful in other areas of life as well. Looking back, I may not be aiming to become a photographer, but this experience still gave me something valuable that I’ll carry with me moving forward.