Portfolio Volume One
An architecture shot of Algonquin College C Building, taken early in my first semester.
This project is a personal portfolio and a reflection on my work and progress during my first semester as a photography student at Algonquin College. I entered the program with limited knowledge, I’d taken a few classes in high school but most of my skills were self-taught up until this school year. My photos used to be comprised almost entirely of portraits, with some sports and minor wildlife photography. However, over the past few months in this program, I have further developed my skills and refined my photographic interests.
The following two photos, as well as the one above, were taken very early in the semester. They are primarily architectural shots. At the time I wasn't going for architectural shots, I was just shooting what I thought looked good. However, through these early photos, I developed an appreciation for finding, isolating, and capturing the interesting parts of everyday surroundings, such as the buildings and structures I pass by. They also, though unintentionally, helped me with my photographic style. Though I would like my style to be ever-evolving, these early shots, contain strong linear elements, which happened naturally as these compositions appeared most interesting to me. Such linear elements can be found in some of my later work.
Shot of a structure in Algonquin College court yard. Focus on linear elements and symmetry.
Photo of water fountain/waterfall on campus. Focus on the reflection.
Eventually, I moved from buildings to the streets outside. Through a few projects, such as my Lived In series and my Shoot In The Style Of project, I started taking to the streets. I was always interested in street photography but this semester I gained the motivation to go out and do it, and it's probably my favourite part of my photographic journey so far. Linear elements can be found in my street photography; however, the real growth was in my use of slower shutter speeds to create motion blur and a sense of energy in my shots. However, my creativity grew in other ways too, such as trying to incorporate more interesting foregrounds and rediscovering my old love for portraits in the form of candid street shots.
In this street shot I wanted to capture the graffiti, the context of which I can only assume is the war In Gaza, (As the shot was taken roughly 2 weeks after recent violence) and the striking indifference of passersbys.
I stumbled upon this building with a neon red sign, and complimentary bright green paint and knew I could visually interesting shot. I waited until the man in the picture who was postering stopped, and took a shot just as the bus went by to add more red and motion blur.
This Image was part of My Shoot In the Style Of, in the style of Saul Leiter. I saw this man sitting in the window and had to wait for a truck to move just to get the shot. I chose to frame the shot through a cut out of an athlete in a metal barrier on the sidewalk.
My candid street shots also went hand in hand with the more formal portraits I took. I’d done many informal portraits before, but this semester allowed me to grow a lot, being able to shoot in the studio, and organizing shoots where I have more creative control, leading to much better results.
Portrait of friend Kloé taken after class.
Two of my photos from a Halloween shoot, organized and shot by myself and classmates.
My biggest challenge this semester was probably my own confidence holding me back. Initially, I shot less with friends and didn’t go out on the streets as much. Though I’d say I’ve gotten better and am still improving daily.
Over all I’ve learned a lot and grown immensely as a photographer over the past few months, though there is still a lot I want to learn and do. Next semester want to challenge myself and use the studio more to push my creative limits.
