Reflection

Reflection: First Semester
I)
Quality of Your Work-> The quality of my work is overall pretty good. Far better than last year. Some of the projects I didn't have a lot of time to do some of them, (shadow project and emotion project in particular) but the rest are pretty good. Im very proud of the Sub-Framing project and both my concentrations. I've put far more effort in than last year and I'm relatively proud. Theres always a true white and black in my photos and the colors are always nice. They have the proper format and resolution and they're always completed on time. I stopped using my first idea as you recommend and i'm working on improving the quality of my photos overall.
Effort-> I'm putting in a lot more effort than last year. I've taken more risks this year and have actually traveled outside my neighborhood to find a subject. I've also started to shoot over the 24 required photos for the index print, and from more angles.  I need to work on not abandoning an idea just because its difficult to achieve, and maybe do some more conceptual risks with my photos.
Participation-> Im always on time to class and I work independently on my photos. I don't always come prepared with photos, which will be easier to accomplish with my practice times being earlier, I can get more accomplished after. When I have my photos completed, I work diligently until the project is accomplished.
Improvement-> Ive started to develop more of a style in my photos using lower exposure and higher contrast with shadows and color. Ive improved on my technique and how I go about taking the photos, and have a steadier hand. My compositions also have improved, but they still have a ways to go. Ive definitely created more compelling images which helped me gain more confidence in my work. My photos are conceptually and visually stronger than they were.
Adjustment-> Next semester I would like to try to stray less from snapshot looking images and start to create scenes using lighting, tripods and other equipment. I'd also like to start spending more time in class instead of not liking an assignment and just doing it to get it done.

II) I think a cool assignment would be micro photography.

Midterm: Abstract

Black and White Qualities

Composition: With the color gone from the image, the lines in the leaves are more pronounced. You can also notice the where the branches intersect rather than the color of the sky or the leaves.
Expression: theres no person to show emotion
Distracting colors: Instead of bright reds and blues, the photo is simplified by not having color. It helps you focus on the composition.
Texture: The texture of the leaves is more pronounced. You can see the little cracks between the veins of the leaf.
Shadows: Shadows under the veins of the leaves are way more prominent than they would be in color. It gives the leaves a more interesting look.
Contrast between subject and background: The background is mostly dark with the branches. This draws focus to the leaves, which have a lot of light shining through them.
High contrast light: The true whites in the sky and the light

Concentration

Black and White Photography

Displacement