• LO1: Increased awareness of strengths and areas for growth 

I only did photography once when I was in elementary school, and I really enjoyed it. However, I didn’t really remember anything when we started learning how to use a camera, so everything that we were doing was new to me. This being a new activity for me, I think one of my strengths is perseverance, and adapting to a new activity. I also think that another strength is picking up a skill quickly. I would like to improve my attitude towards this activity because I usually don’t try any new activities, so getting involved with something I haven’t ever done before is something I want to keep doing to get out of my comfort zone.

My involvement with this activity has made me see that art doesn’t necessarily always have to be drawing and painting, but it can also be performance or photography. Because I don’t really like to draw, I usually don’t involve myself in ‘art’ related activities, and this was a very needed eye-opener. Firstly, it has made me see photography in a different light and has made me see that there are so many new skills involved with each different activity. It has also made me realize that I am resilient, and can persevere through challenges that I face. Being aware of this is also really important, and this activity has helped me do that.

• LO2: Undertaken new challenges and developing new skills

I think my photography skills have definitely improved, not only taking better pictures but my mindset. Before, it used to be just about capturing the scene, but now I also think about how the viewer is going to be affected when I take the photo from this angle, or how the scene of the photo conveys different messages to the audience. I know I have improved in this area, because now when I am taking photos, I take into consideration the different techniques that I can use to change the meaning and message in the photo. I have struggled in some areas I think because I haven’t exercised the skills in a new environment. Doing something new is quite hard, and adapting to a new environment also makes it difficult in that I have to constantly remind myself that I can keep going – so that has been something I am working and improving upon.

I will approach a challenge like this in the future with an open mind, by reminding myself that until I have tried something once, and given it a chance, I don’t have to immediately repel from doing it just because I think that I won’t like it. Some skills that are and were easier to develop were the ones focused on photography itself, and the harder ones are the ones that are more in general, and focusing on the mindset and overall actions.