Final Reflection

Image Credit: Ian Meechan

Final Reflection

Technical Details

For this unit, I was asked to produce a body of work reflecting on the following photography guidelines and learning outcomes for Photography 2: Digital Image and Culture (PH5DIC).

Learning Outcomes

On satisfactory completion of the unit you will be able to:

1. LO1 demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of technical and visual skills through a portfolio of digital photographic practice

2. LO2 demonstrate how research has informed your digital photographic practice

3. LO3 demonstrate how experimentation has informed your digital photographic practice

4. LO4 situate, reflect and critique photographic practices and reflect on your own learning

   
   

   https://learn.oca.ac.uk/mod/book/view.php?id=15690&chapterid=1742

   
   

   Use of AI assisted programs

   
   

   Grammarly used for proof reading and checking submissions as accepted and confirmed by my tutor.

   
   

   Software

   
   

   Adobe Photoshop

   Affinity Photo

   Goodnotes V5

   Procreate

   Zotero (Citations/Bibliographies)

   Microsoft Word

   
   

   Equipment

   
   

   Canon R6 Mirrorless Camera

   Canon Pixima Printer

   IPhone SE2

   Macbook M1 Pro Laptop

   Mac M1 iPad

   Photix RGB Mini Lights x2

   
   

   Reflective Evaluation

   The final part of Photography 2 Digital Image and Culture (PH5DIC) asks me to provide examples of my learning log and outcomes, creative submissions, essays, tutor feedback, and reflective evaluation.

   Observing the difference from levels one to two was significant. The amount of writing involved was much more substantial, and as writing is not my strong point, I found the transition quite difficult. On a positive note, this has helped me improve my writing skills and prepared me more confidently for the escalation into level three.

   
   

   Working in a remote community school presented challenges, as the school did not have internet facilities. However, experiencing the desert allowed me to observe a different culture, which aided my studies and direction. Indigenous people believe that we are born from the earth and return to it when we pass on. Witnessing life and death in a different community was invaluable for my growth as a student and person. Although it is not immediately apparent digitally, it aligns with the cultural influences of the course.

   It's important to note my tutor's contribution to my completing the course. During the second half of my assignment submissions, I discovered I had precancerous growth, which had a consequential impact on my physical and mental ability to work. Affecting my studies, I could have decided not to continue the course; however, this was not the case, as I don't give up easily. My tutor's support and encouragement were invaluable in helping me work through the units.

   
   

   At some points during this time, I questioned why I was putting myself through the stress of continuing the course. The simple answer was that although I may have to face the challenge of not living as long as I had hoped, you cannot live your life on 'What ifs'. I've always believed that a positive attitude will provide a positive result. I used this for the course and to aid my health issues. My tutor informed me that, to the best of her knowledge, I am the last student in this discontinued course. As an incentive and a matter of principle, I can't leave the course unfinished.

   
   

   Comparing levels one to two, I see the difference in my approach to researching and producing creative work. However, I must work harder on my research abilities, as this is where I'm weakest. In an environment without the internet, access to libraries, physical or online, did have an impact. However, I'm now based at home for my degree and have full access to all available resources, which will help me with future assignments and units.

   
   

   My writing has improved considerably since the first time I did 'Expressing Your Vision,' which is encouraging, but there are still places where I can improve. The creative side of the course is the most pleasing, as I finally know which direction to take for the future challenges ahead.

   
   

   I've highlighted my learning outcomes in my 'notes to the assessors' submission, so rather than repeat myself, I'll summarise here.

   
   

   My expectations for this course were similar to those for previous units. I presumed much of the same format and breakdown of exercises and units. What I didn't imagine was not having the technical aids at the beginning of the course to help, which was frustrating. I still had my camera and could continue shooting scenes required for exercises and setting up the website's visual identity, but I did not have the means until later in the year. Although not ideal, my teaching experience puts me in a good position to handle this situation and plan.

   
   

   I now clearly understand my strengths and weaknesses in level three. I've always been more assertive on the technical and creative side and weaker on writing. The outcome of my health condition has made me understand more about the value of life and how we live it, not just in terms of timescale and physical terms but also culturally.

   
   

   My discussions with my tutor led me to the conclusion that I enjoy the storytelling aspect of the course. I have always been interested in learning about cultural differences and people's stories. Experiencing the natural life cycle has further encouraged me to develop my action plan for future projects for level three.

   
   

   (Word Count 710)

I currently work at an Indigenous remote community school in Western Australia with my partner who is a teacher there. I chose to do this unit as I believed that my location would offer me the perfect setting for assignments and exercises.