I was drawn to this class by the simple five letters: photo. I have always found a creative outlet and expression through photography. When I saw that Tualatin was offering this class it instantly sparked my interest. Though this semester in photo I have learned many things, not only about cameras, and photo shop, but also the depth that is offered through this expression of art. I have come to a realisation that photography is conceptual, no matter what the photo presents. I have also discovered that photography brings forward various emotions. I have found that many different people can feel countless diverse emotions through the same photo. Whether that is sadness, defeat, struggle, love, anger or fear. Emotion is displayed in the most purposeful or not, representations. Within myself I have discovered countless things while taking this course. First, I have found that photography is a way of displaying and portraying art. Art is defined one way but is conceived differently by everyone. One piece can make you feel and experience something so different and unique than the person beside you. Because photography is art, it is completely possible to get lost in a project. I believe art is free, discoverable and imaginative, something that can be transformed, with anything possible. It allows many connections through the brain, mind and heart. One of the most important things photo has taught me about myself is that some of the most horrific, disgusting, screwed up things can be found beautiful. I have also discovered photography is affected by perspective. Photography allows a changed mindset, and a chance to see things differently than ever before. This semester, the most challenging thing I came across was inspiration. I am always striving to feel inspired and challenged in ways I haven't felt before. Whenever I was given a project temporary inspiration was placed upon me, but when I actually completed the assignment I became rushed, and many of those feelings became lost and abandoned. My favourite project that I completed was the final self portraits. I felt free and was able to achieve and put forward creative pieces I am proud of. My mind was able to brainstorm and roam free with inspiration and concepts. I did not feel restricted or limited to my creativity. If there was one project I could redo It would be light writing. I was in a hurry to finish it and was not satisfied with my results.
In my self portraits I hope to portray many ideas. In my favourite picture, (in the bathtub) I am placing forward many concepts. First, the idea of being isolated and struggling in a difficult situation. I am wearing all black, whilst in an all white tub, the back syboling fear and the unknown. I placed a photo filter on the picture to add color, adding an unique tone and light. The sunlight from outside is distintivly positioned on my face as to illustrate hope, a ray of sunshine while in the midst of the roughest times. The words are stationed, representing inner thoughts to simulate struggle and self worth. To me, this picture is about achievement, self value and emotions. When someone comes across my photos I want them to relate. I want my ideas and pictures to connect with others and hopefully they can discover or find something they had not come to relisation with before. I plead that they can find perspective and look at the photos with a clear mind, allowing freedom; straying from the outside world.
And lastly to my fellow, future photo 1 students,
You are meant to be in this class. I encourage you to run free. Soak up as much inspiration as you can and enjoy challenging yourself. Strive to be different. Attempt to be susceptible to inspiration and uniquity. Don't hold back. The worst judgement is your own. Be open minded, some of the most well known art is found in the strangest and unknown places. Enjoy learning, and what you will find is that this class is way more than just photography. In order to get the depth of the class, I will offer you one tip: the secrets are found behind the frame.
Uniquity. Don't be afraid. The worse judgement is your own. Learn as much as you can and remember: this class is way more than just photos.
