Reflection
During the few months of ignite, I have completed and learnt a lot, not only about my topic, ‘Nature Through a Lens,’ but also about myself and how I learn best. Ignite, being passion-based learning, offers an opportunity to extend your knowledge and skills on a particular subject. In doing so, the process has taught me many physical techniques, taking photos, designing and editing as well as time management and planning soft skills.
Throughout the time given, I came across many challenges. My first big one was finding a passion. I have had hobbies and interests, but never things I would consider passions. When people ask what my favourite subject is, I struggle to answer, as I am generally well-rounded and don’t stand out particularly in a certain area. Finding a passion was hard, so once I settled on photography (which I did a bit of in lockdown last year) I had to try to consolidate it into passion, which I still feel I have not fully achieved. I have learnt that personally, to turn interests into passions, I need to focus on the process, not as such the end goal, because generally that is what consumes me into taking the joy out of the passion. When you have a passion, sometimes you must let the passion lead you to the product. With artsy projects, I don’t always give them time. I like to think of an end-goal, when realistically projects never end, they can always evolve along with your own passion and persistence.
Due to the large time frame for the project, I felt quite lost. I wasn’t too sure where to start and my subject, ‘Nature Photography’ was broad, making it hard to plan. When given a planning sheet, I didn’t understand the importance of planning out my tasks, which is something I regret. I quickly filled in the sheet, but it wasn’t detailed so didn’t provide me with much assistance throughout. My lack of planning made it hard to feel like I was progressing.
I found photography much harder than expected as it is a subject which no one can ever ‘master.’ There is no right nor wrong, it comes from everyone’s own creativity. I chose to learn basic functions of a DSLR and play around with that. Half way through the unit I decided to add in iPhone photography as I had taken some very good photos with an iPhone, some as good as those I had taken with a DSLR camera. I found it very interesting to compare the difference in functionality and end quality of both photos.
Through this unit, I learnt that I learn best visually, in this case physically going and taking photos. It wasn’t as helpful to research and watch videos as I felt I wasn’t retaining that information compared to when I just went and did it. If I was to do this program again, I would plan better from the start and get lots done at the start (and utilise holidays well) so that the end game doesn’t feel so stressful.
For my final presentation, I made a WIX website where I compare between a DSLR/SLR camera and an iPhone. I have a section in which I show case a range of photos, some being before and after of edited photos, some being the comparison between an iPhone and a DSLR camera and some photos which aren’t being compared. All photos are showcased with an analysis. The photos take up three sections, ‘A Closer Look,’ ‘The Coast’ and ‘Objects in Nature.’ Throughout the unit I under took many photo shoots but chose photos from a few of my favourites.
Another feature of my final presentation is that I made Pinterest Boards regarding the final photos and website. Two boards are for inspiration of the website and photos and then the third one is the aesthetic of the final website, giving people an insight into what the website is about. The final board consists of all photos from the website (which I took) so viewers don’t have to navigate through the website and read analysis’ if they wish not to and rather view all the photos on the one page.
This unit has offered me something which I don’t believe any other unit could do, as it is a very self-directed task. I have learnt how to organise my time better, which I will be able to carry through every subject and task in the future.
My First Reflection
16/5/21
During the first week of Ignite, the student teachers talked to us about their passions and what they would have accomplished with an opportunity like Ignite at our age. In the second week, I created a mind map om my topic which I decided was going to be photography. In my mind map I wrote that I wanted to focus on nature photography: flowers, sunsets, etc. taken with a professional camera. My Mum has done a few photography courses before so I could use her as a good source for help and advice. Next, I filled in a planning sheet to sketch out the uni, but it was too brief, as I wasn't sure exactly what that would look like for me. I am planning my final product to consist of printed pictures in frames which I think are my best. I will have a book of all my work and my journey, of all the photos. I will also hopefully have a website of pictures, which is simple and basic.