Photography skills had always appeared innate to me and as a skill set I did not possess. I had tried acquiring these skills through online resources, but failed short in doing so. Opting for digital media at school allowed me to explore this curiosity under a facilitator’s guidance and seek feedback. The goal I had in mind was to acquire technical skills as well as develop creative thinking skills in context of photography. During this experience, we were taught different types of photography – nature, portrait, architectural – and skills to include while clicking photos.

LO1 – Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

Through this experience, I was able to identify that my strengths lie in thinking of different angles, perspectives, and night photography. Knowing such strengths helped build confidence and motivate me continue this experience since initially I was uncertain about taking it up. My weaknesses were focus, lighting and frame. I can work on my weaknesses by continuing with photography and reflecting on them. I’m also better at nature and architectural photography than portrait photography due to my hesitation to approach people which I can work upon.

LO2 – Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

The challenges that I undertook was developing creativity in context of photography. This experience required me to be creative in deciding composition, angles, lighting, frame, etc. This was challenging as these were new concepts that I had to focus on while clicking pictures which I overcame through commitment to this experience. Undertaking this challenges helped me hone my photography skills.

LO4 – Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

Commitment through the two months of this experience was necessary as it helped me become focused and consistent in my task to acquire photography skills and complete the assignments given by the teacher. However, focusing on how good the pictures were, the outcome, sometimes made it difficult to persevere. I was able to overcome it since it was an in-school experience where I was required to attend classes and submit my work.

LO7 – Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions

The ethics in photography was acquiring permission before clicking pictures of other people. Acquiring consent was an important ethical consideration in photography as it necessary to inform them about the purpose of clicking their picture and how it will be used. I agree with this but it affected my photography as I was slightly hesitant to approach people.

The learner profile characteristics that I developed in this activity are:

• Thinkers – I employed creative thinking skills while clicking photographs as I had to think about picture compositions, frame, etc.
• Communicators – When coming up with creative ideas, we discussed them with peers, ask them for help and give each other feedback.
• Reflective – After clicking photos, we reflected on the problems and improvements of the photos or what components make the photo good.