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I. General Assessment
I. General Assessment
The MMS 173 Pilot group is the closest experience I could get to a synchronous class in UPOU. I was pumped up, thrilled, and excited for the opportunity to know more about my peers and experience their creative vision in an academic setting.
I've seen 22 entries so far for Assignment 1a, I would say that the majority of the class (85%) are on par with each other in terms of expertise and skill in photography. There are a few beginners and even fewer who take really good photos.
I hold the same sentiment regarding diversity in the images and individuality. Most of our images are pretty much similar in one way or another. However, this thought of mine may be partly because I still haven't seen enough from my peers to truly encounter their individual voices. And in my experience as well, I still haven't found the opportunity to properly share my "way of seeing" with the class—since we still haven't done any actual photography.
The images that made the biggest impression on me are the ones taken by Ciphia Molina. From someone whose weapon of choice is also a smartphone, it is inspiring to see the quality of her output. My favorite image in this class so far is also from Ciphia, "Summer in Banff, July 2017" (discussed below).
The standout entry for me in Assignment 1a is from Rajan Llaguno—specifically his three photographs, "Wacky is My Element," "Totally spies," and "Pattern it up!" The energy he tries to evoke in these images is also reflective of his presence in the room, very electric!
Lastly, I do not think there's anyone in the class who will need a lot of work to pass the course—even the beginners show promise already.
II. Critique
II. Critique
"Summer in Banff, July 2017"
by Ciphia May Molina
"Summer in Banff, July 2017"
by Ciphia May Molina
I love the (1) tall crop composition of the image, the (2) juxtaposition between the rough texture of the mountains and the free-flowing cloth of the subject, and the (3) muted colors that emphasize the "blacks" in the picture (and consequently, its details). The photograph is a showcase of scale wherein a human is situated within a humungous slab of hardened soil and debris yet remains free and valiant. The warmth of sun and skies agrees with the warmth of open arms—hello world! I am alive!
Although if I were to make an adjustment, I would frame the photo where there's a bit more negative space (more breathing room) at the top of the sun and readjust my position to ensure that the subject is vertically matched with the sun. Additionally, it's not clear to me what the purpose is of reshaping the sun's figure into a hexagon (is this because of the lens?).
Aside from sun-related criticisms, this is such a great capture of a moment!
Untitled Photograph
by Katherine Jane Certeza
Untitled Photograph
by Katherine Jane Certeza
Neona and his Kuya, an intimate photograph of siblings. By design, the way the image was naturally lit (and taken with SONY-DSC T200) evokes a sense of nostalgia.
If I were to take this picture, I would frame both subjects on the left-hand side of the image using the rule of thirds instead in the center of the frame. This is done to cover up the minuscule leading lines of the river(?) pointing towards the horizon, as it does not contribute strongly to the image and serves as a major distraction. Furthermore, it would give more space to the row of houses and enclose the subject's head (Kuya) in a more geometrically pleasing manner.
"Baguio Overview"
by Anna Porsche Gutierrez
"Baguio Overview"
by Anna Porsche Gutierrez
Color is a strong factor in this image. If someone asks how cold it is in Baguio, just show them this photograph (and then the actual temperature).
I also find it interesting that the letterbox crop hints at me that this scenery can be used for a spy noir film set in the one of coldest tourist attractions in the Philippines. My name is Bond, Juan Bond.
If I were to take this picture, however, I would find the proper angle wherein the houses at the front all show a 3D form or a flat shape. This is because the lower-left side of the foreground (houses) is shown as shapes while the lower-right of the foreground is shown as forms—resulting in an unbalanced composition that works against the image.
III. Self-assessment
III. Self-assessment
Relative to my peers, I see myself as someone who is more knowledgeable than most in terms of composition and storytelling. However, in terms of gear knowledge and the managing of an actual camera—I would rate myself as a beginner. With this in mind, I'll utilize my strength to help others and focus on improving what I lack as a photographer and to a much wider extent, as an artist. Generally speaking, I'd remain open to all kinds of criticism but give the final say to myself.
I received two feedbacks from the class, both of them from Sir Al. One for "Seeing something" and the other for a photograph that I'm still working on.
Although the critique I received is minimal, I have learned much from it and so much more from the other feedback that I have read in photos that are not mine. Additionally, I find that giving critique serves as a great exercise for my mind and eye.
Finally—for continued improvement—I will focus on showing my individuality in the next activities to come. So far, I have refreshed my design fundamentals from weeks of discussing composition, and I had profound discussions with some of my peers in regard to the topic of storytelling, photography, and collective trauma.
MMS 173 Assignment 1b: Knowing Where I'm At (Part 2)
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