Portfolio Volume I
Brianna Ming
My Journey
My journey in photography throughout the semester has been an interesting one. I came into this program not really knowing what to expect. I had very little prior knowledge of photography but I knew that it was something that I really enjoyed as a child. At the beginning of the school year I came in with nothing but an eagerness to learn. I have enjoyed learning about how to properly use the camera and equipment, how to take a photo with appealing compositional elements, how to edit my photos, and then finally how to print them and bring them to life! I definitely still have a lot to learn but I am excited to see where this journey takes me next.
Left: This image was taken at the very beginning of the semester. It represents the starting point of my journey in the photography program. I took it during a class and it reminded me how much I enjoy capturing images of nature.
Right: This image shows some growth in my skills. I used some composition elements that I had learned about in class like the rule of thirds and colour schemes.
Significant Moments
Some significant moments for me have been mostly in the classroom. The first one was the first day we went out to shoot some photos. After studying at university for the last four years I was used to being lectured for hours and having to figure things out for myself after class. I was excited about school for the first time in a long time that day. Another was when we were learning about composition, it brought me back to my highschool art class where we learned about similar ideas. This day reminded me how much I enjoy looking at and creating art.
These photos were taken on my reading week break while I was in my hometown. I visited my old university campus where I studied for the last four years. I took this opportunity to walk the campus with a new mindset and try to capture the beauty of the buildings and the changing seasons.
Challenges
I have encountered a few challenges so far. The biggest one being trying to figure out how I can incorporate photography into my life after school is over. I am not quite sure yet if I want to try to make it a part of my career or if I want to keep pursuing it as more of a hobby. This is an ongoing question in my mind and I think I will continue to go back and forth as I continue to learn about the different types of photography. I currently have a strong aversion to photographing people. I don't like doing it, and I will avoid doing it at all costs. As of now I enjoy taking a camera out by myself and taking images with no one around. Although, I hope I gain some more comfort in portraits as I progress my learning.
This is a photo I took one morning when I woke up early and decided to go out for a walk. It was one of the first frosts of the winter and I noticed how it was visible on all of the greenery that was still out. I like the depth of field in this photo and how detailed the few leaves are that are in focus.
My Perception and Approach
My perception and approach to photography have definitely changed since the beginning of the semester. Before this program I didn’t have any approach to it at all, so finding that was sort of difficult for me. At the start I didn’t like the idea of other people seeing my work, especially if it wasn’t 100% perfect in my own opinion. Now I have come to realize that photography really isn’t that serious. My images will never be perfect and that’s what makes it fun. I can take photos of things that I like, share them with others, get feedback, learn from that feedback, and improve the next time.
This photo was my favourite photo that I have taken so far this semester. It wasn't originally my favourite but after the editing process, it really came to life. Originally the photo looked quite calm but after putting it in black and white and playing with the density of the image, it turned into a more dark and ominous image. I like the contrast of this image and the strong vertical that the building provides. I also this that the off-centred pathway adds to the creepy vibe of the photo.
My Artistic Vision
This portfolio is a showcase of the very beginning of the development of my vision as a photographer. It represents the first steps I have taken to get back into the swing of being artistic in my life and also the first steps of trying to push myself outside of my comfort zone. I think it is a great starting point to measure the growth that will inevitably take place as I continue to learn and progress through the photography program.
