Technical Skill: 2
Despite us not being in class for a Huge amount of this quarter, I've benefited a ton from instruction and the Photoshop Boot Camp. The few hours that it took me to explore the tutorials and try out composition challenges with the cameras have undoubtedly improved my technical skill for the class. In addition to helpful classmates, I was able to draw on my previous experience from other Adobe programs to be able to approach Photoshop confidently. I really didn't have a firm grasp on the utility of layer masks and editing, but experimenting has shown me the possibilities!
For this tutorial, I enjoyed the control I had over the perspective of the image. With the use of Blur tools, Spot-Healing, Patching, and several Adjustment Layers, the image is more focused and attention-grabbing.
Creative Process: 2
My creative process has benefited from this quarter mainly because it challenges me to take my vision and translate it to a different product than what I'm used to. For me, the goal is more about learning how to find what I actually want to deliver as art, whether it be through painting or photography. Sketching processes don't look the same, the questions I ask myself are different, and especially the time I decide to commit is altered. This all contributes to expanding my abilities as an artist and in turn expanding my audience.
Trial and error when figuring out the most dramatic and effective angle to take the picture and eventually introduce a subject. Each adjustment of the positioning teaches about composition of an image and how.
Design Influence: 2
Even halfway through the semester, I can see the influence my favorite photographers have on my work. I often find myself comparing my techniques to those of photographers I've seen in action, and even people I've watched working while I model. For example, trying to limit the distractions in the background of images is an must, yet Dani K. Monteiro has a specific style of composition that doesn't leave the background boring. Instead, the surroundings lend to the personality of the photo. I'm excited to input that into portraiture. In addition, I've heard many of my close friends who are invested in photography complaining about shutter-speed or aperture and it didn't make sense until now! Hilariously, I ended up remembering some of the ways my aunt was able to take pictures of the puppies at her house, and I was able to use the same tricks to get some adorable pictures of Archer.
Working with a difficult client! Photographing Archer helped me get a hang of the importance of White Balance settings and Aperture settings. It helped that I was holding a treat behind the camera.
Career Readiness: 2
In terms of readiness and responsibility, I feel confident. If I'm on schedule, I luckily am able to get a good amount of work finished, especially during the actual class hour. Now, I'm able to work at home as well, since I recently got a Creative Cloud subscription. While it is a commitment, I know that it is a valid investment for skills that my career will ultimately depend on. I've been genuinely enjoying class time and feel that I can comfortably approach most of my classmates for creative advice.
One of my long term goals is to value introspection and what that means for my art. Even simple activities like this graphic promote that. It helps maintain a healthy and productive learning environment for me.
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