The following was written as an enclosure with my assessment package.
I've just reread My History
of Photography, one of my early blog posts outlining my photography experience
as well as my interests in joining the OCA.
What strikes me is the naivete. By taking this course it seems I thought I
could produce a portfolio suitable for a graduate program in photography. While
I've produced work on this course that isn't embarrassing, I don’t know if I’m
ready yet for a Masters in Fine Art.
The past year has taught me a number of things. I've learned to see the whole frame, and not
just my subject. I've learned to think
about (thought I can’t say I always know) what I want to capture. I've learned
how to conceptualize and execute a project.
I've developed more respect for light and color. I've learned Lightroom and some
post-processing skills. I now have a
monitor profiling routine and have started wrestling with printing. Through the process of having to produce
assignments, and not through any deliberate planning, I have developed a
workflow. I have engaged with the local
photographic community. I have developed
the habit of shooting regularly and as a result have grown more confident in my
vision and ability. And I have begun reading, thinking, and
writing about photography.
Altogether it has been a marvelous experience and I look
forward to growing and developing in my skills in my next course, Digital Photographic
Practice.
But before I get started there, I need to clarify something
here.
