MMS 173 BLOG 1: Fragments of Time, Framed in Light
MIDPOINT REFLECTION
This assignment is a deep dive into my journey through MMS 173 so far. As I reach the midpoint, I reflect on my growth, challenges, and evolving perspectives. Have I met my expectations or have they shifted? How have class discussions, assignments, and my peers influenced my understanding?
Beyond looking back, this is also about looking ahead. With the final project approaching, I question my readiness and commitment to pushing my creative and analytical boundaries. Every choice I have made in this course, whether engaging in discussions or opting out of activities, has shaped my experience. Now I take this moment to assess, recalibrate, and move forward with purpose.
Fragments of Time, Framed in Light
Seeing Beyond the Lens
Photography has always been more than just a way to capture moments. It is a way to see the world differently. It is an invitation to slow down, to notice the unnoticed, to find beauty in the mundane. When I was a freshman, I didn’t yet understand this. I only knew that I was drawn to photography, that there was something magical about freezing time with the press of a button. But magic alone wasn’t enough. I lacked the knowledge, the confidence, and most of all, the means. Without a camera, my curiosity remained just that, a distant fascination rather than a real pursuit.
The Moment I Had Been Waiting For
As the trimesters passed, my anticipation grew. Finally, the time had come. I was about to take MMS 173, the course I had long been looking forward to. While preparing my self-introduction, I set high expectations for myself. I wanted to deepen my understanding of photography fundamentals, refine my artistic eye, experiment with different editing techniques, and challenge myself beyond my comfort zone. I wasn’t just looking to take photos. I wanted to tell stories, evoke emotions, and capture fleeting moments in ways words never could.
Unlocking the Foundation of Artistry
The first lesson finally began, and that’s when I realized just how crucial the basic elements, principles, and composition are. As I read through the lessons, I immediately started applying them using my phone’s camera. The concepts weren’t overly complicated, yet they were enriching, meaningful, and transformative. I was amazed. It felt like discovering the building blocks, the roots, the very foundation of photography. It was in these small, seemingly simple details where the magic lay. Every rule of composition, every shift in lighting, and every thoughtful framing decision carried an invisible weight, elevating an image from ordinary to extraordinary.
A New Way of Seeing
From that moment on, I became more intentional with my shots. I started experimenting with different angles, perspectives, and compositions, striving to be more aware of my surroundings in case I stumbled upon a moment worth capturing. Unlike before, I was no longer easily satisfied with my photos. The knowledge I had gained pushed me to seek improvement. I explored my phone’s camera settings, experimenting with features like Supermoon and Astro modes. Instead of fixating on the gear I didn’t have, I learned to appreciate and maximize what was available to me. I discovered that photography wasn’t about having the best equipment. It was about seeing, about observing the unnoticed, about feeling the pulse of the world and translating it into a still frame. That was when photography, not just as an art form but as a powerful storytelling medium, resonated with me on a deeper level. Even though only a few weeks had passed, I could already feel myself getting closer to the goals I had set in my self-introduction.
Inspired by the Eyes of Others
As the course progressed, I immersed myself in assignments and browsed through my coursemates’ portfolios. Their work left me in awe. Their creativity, artistic vision, and storytelling abilities were remarkable. Some had truly unique approaches, producing photographs that inspired me to push my boundaries even further. Their talent humbled me, serving as a reminder that there is always room to grow. Each image told a story, evoked an emotion, or captured something so deeply personal that I felt privileged just to witness it. It made me question what story I want to tell and what emotions I want my images to stir in others.
Facing the Unknown
At this point, I find myself reflecting on the journey ahead, wondering how to tackle upcoming assignments and the final project. There’s still so much to learn, so much to explore. I know the road ahead will be challenging, but I hope it will all be worth it in the end. Right now, I feel a mix of emotions. I am anxious about whether my performance will be enough, excited about how this course will shape my creative vision, and a little scared of the hurdles I will face.
Embracing the Struggles of Creativity
Frustrations are inevitable. There will be times when my work doesn’t turn out as I envisioned, when creative blocks hit, and when self-doubt creeps in. Technical issues may arise, and moments of disappointment will surely come. But I remind myself that these struggles are part of the process, essential for growth and improvement. The best artists were once beginners too, fumbling through trial and error, questioning their worth, and fighting through doubt. I remind myself that every click of the shutter, every failed attempt, and every lesson learned is a step forward.
A Legacy in Every Frame
As I move forward with my assignments, I hope to approach them with courage, passion, and an open mind. My goal is not just to keep up but to discover my own style, my unique voice in photography, and to refine my skills along the way. I want to create images that move people, that tell stories, that hold weight. After all, this isn’t about being the best. It is about becoming better than I was yesterday. True victory isn’t measured by competition but by the growth I cultivate, the discoveries I embrace, and the moments I immortalize. Not just as fleeting images, but as stories that transcend time.
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