Coursework

Intro to photography Reflection

Photography…what a great subject; these last few months, with the help of my instructor, photography became in a way demystified and became more attainable in a sense. I have always loved photography and had a few basic ideas of how to do it (I suppose art classes from the past helped me with some of the compositional elements), but this course definitely pushed me to a new level and can honestly say that I am satisfied with my work and most certainly excited about the future of my photography. Now that I am confident with the use of my camera and its controls, and enhanced with the discovery of those little lines that form the light meter, I can more freely express and try to capture the vision I have when I feel like I must photograph something.

All the assignments helped me set a foundation, and it most certainly paid off at the end of the semester. Two instances made me realize that. The first was when I headed to down town armed with a tripod, camera and extra batteries, to the new mall, City Creek, and had the opportunity to do some night time shooting. I felt in control and for the first time with night shooting I wasn’t guessing about the exposure or the correct settings! I specially had a great time photographing one of the water fountains, which I previously saw and had the desire to capture photographically; at the end my vision was realized for that night. The second instance was for the final assignment, where after I chose the theme, I was able to set up a little homemade studio with a back drop and a few lights and finally capture the beauty and craftsmanship of the guitars I owned. Like in the previous experience, I felt in control and could guide myself and capture what I had in mind. It was a relief to have some of the basics internalized and not worry about them.

After This class, I know I have a long ways to go with photography, and a lot to learn. After all this class didn’t cover using a flash; so I will have to venture there next and also incorporate and learn more about studio like lighting techniques and so forth. In short this semester I scratched the surface of a subject that I hold dear to my heart, and hope to continuously improve. It might not be my future career but it will help me capture dear moments of my life better, and continue to provide me with the joy and satisfaction of seeing an idea materialize and be in a sense immortalized, whether it be in paper, film, or ones and zeros.

I can proudly say I am a photography “amateur”.