What was the point of the Photo Essay we just completed?
The point was to get a point across to the viewer (haha I used point two times, okay nevermind it wasn’t that funny). We to chose a problem something we care about. For example, some people chose LGBTQ rights. We didn’t have to stick with the topic we chose in the beginning, we had the option to change. The points was to do a photography masterpiece about something we care about.
What was your best moment during standing up as a photographer? Describe it in detail.
I feel like photography can be very loud, even though photos don’t make noise/sound. It’s hard to fight, speak out, and/or help the things you care about. Of course there are protest and other “social” acts to help, but I think it's hard for those who have small voices and can’t speak up ( I kinda want to put that out there). Anyways, for me the best moment was probably taking the pictures (a lot of people probably have said this). This is different, you know between taking pictures for fun and for a project. Taking it for a project is hard, well for me. I wanted to make sure everything was on point perfect. One mistake and the whole thing is ruined. For example, I tried my best to make sure every picture as straight, and none of them were tilted. I just want to say this was difficult because I had my dog with me and he kept pulling on me.
In my photo essay I felt like it was very straight forward. One side is “good” and the other is “bad”. Especially with the stop sign. One side has graffiti on it (right) and the other is very nice and shiny(left). By default people would the left side is the nicer neighborhood. I think it just shows how vast San Diego is. These two places are about 15 minutes (maybe 10 depending on traffic) apart.
These photos will probably not make a difference in the community, (because my photos are so tiny and the community is so big! I’m not talking about the size of the photo) but I think it’ll make a difference in somebody’s point of view (which is probably big depending on the person haha).
What was your lowest moment during standing up as a photographer? Describe it in detail.
Lowest moment? Lets see, I think maybe my photos(?). I mean like I love them don’t get me wrong! I just feel like I could have taken more. I did have this cool idea where I stand in the middle of these dividers close to my house, and the ones in Coronado. I’m talking about the trees in the middle of the road( there are some near my house). That was a little risky though, because one, I had my dog and it was hard to control him with one hand with a camera and two, it would be weird if I do that. People would be staring at me like I’m crazy a tourist! I guess true photographers are willing to get out of their comfort zone. I’m probably not going to be a good photographer!
What would you do differently if you could start at the beginning?
To take more photos( I’m pretty happy with the ones I have though).
What have you learned that you will be able to take with you to future projects and classes?
Knowing what I’m going to do in the future/planning ahead. I didn’t really know what I was going to do in the beginning, so I just chose something “simple”. I knew what to do and what to take. My photos were hard though. I didn’t know how I was going to get a lot of people in suits. That was on a Friday. I had all weekend to think of a new topic or sick with people and suits. I got into a conversation with my dad about poor and rich neighborhoods. He was saying how there are a lot of liquor stores around the poor neighborhoods. In the richer ones there aren’t as many. I thought about it and BAM! I had my photo essay idea, it was official. I knew exactly where to take the photos and everything! I was really happy and excited because I knew what I was doing and had my life together.
Would you recommend the Photo Essay to future students? Why or why not?
Yes, I would because I think we really get a voice in this project. In this generation who isn’t into photography too. Maybe you’ll be lucky next year and get someone who’s going through a photography phase, and takes the project to the beyond. Also, this photography really makes you think about what you care about (the photography is fun too!).