It is that time of the semester again. The acad rush can be overwhelming and the thought of failing one’s subject can make beads of cold sweat form on the foreheads of many students. If you ask me, the thought of failing is indeed a real scare however it will be more regrettable for me to finish a class I didn’t learn much from.
This is why this exercise given by our professor as the last installment for our series of assignments mean much to me. I will revisit my old photos, the favorite ones, and see how far I have come.
These photos I took from Bohol all follow the basic composition guidelines. Leading lines are evident on the photo from the top left. The rest of the photos display the rule of third. If I were to improve any photo from this set, it would be the lone boat. It needs a bit of trimming from the top.
For the second set of photos, I will definitely be trimming these as well. On the left photo, I will crop a bit from both the top and bottom and then place my daughter’s face on the upper right point of the rule of thirds grid. Meanwhile on the right photo, I will trim the top and make sure to stick to 3:4 ratio.
And lastly, for the the third set, I think I like them as they are and I wouldn’t dare touch it even post process. I admit at first glance they do seem to have a lot of space on top. But there is a layering of color by the clouds and the sky that I’d like to maintain. I take photos not only for leisure but also as insurance in case my memory withers as time passes. I want to remember my favorite moments as they are. The bright sunshine that is hot on the skin, the cool breeze gently leaving droplets of moisture on my face, the sea that couldn’t make up his mind on what color can best show his grandeur — would it be glass, silver, teal or royal blue — and finally, the sky whose vastness mystifies and prods anyone who dares to look to dive in their thoughts and memories.
MMS 173 under the helm of Dox has been a wonderful experience for me although I earnestly wish that I could have participated more. There were many times I wanted to jump in on a thread and share thoughts with other students but then one of my kids will begin to cry or ask for something really random and if you know me, you’ll understand I would always put my kids first regardless if it means another lost train of thought. Then came an exception. When Dox opened up the topic about the professionalphotographer who took a photo of our Ms. Universe 2018 – Catriona Gray and failed rather miserably, I felt I had to comment and share. Needless to say that moment was important to me too because it made me come out of my shell and engage in a conversation with my professor and my classmates.
For this reason, I choose this photo of a lone seed hanging by a thread. It embodies how I felt while taking my photography class. I wanted to reach out and do more but I have limitations brought about by major changes in my life. My family has always supported me in all my endeavors and it will hurt them to know I’m being held back by walls I have set for myself. However, I wouldn’t say my entire effort these past months were futile because I have still learned a lot in terms of technique and best practices regardless if I may have lagged behind my classmates. I avoid being technical when it comes to my output and I’m thankful Dox encouraged us to do our best and get out there. Give out critique that has meat and can be learned from; steer away from that touchy-feely comments which I couldn’t resist giving out during the start of class. The kid gloves must go off so I can grow, in the truest sense of the word, along with everyone else in class.
Like the seed, I intend to break free from the thin thread – that which is almost invisible yet strong enough to hold me back – and fall into the rich soil so I can take in whatever the seasons will bring and grow. Armed with a better mindset and more refined skill from this production class, I’m looking forward to the next semesters with my eyes on the stars, my feet on the ground and my heart full of hope.
You get in life what you have the courage to ask for.
Oprah Winfrey
