As I underwent a semester of Critical Media Practices, my hobby of taking photos and videos developed.

At the start I was worried about making sure my exposure and compositions were perfect, focusing on the nuances and basic technicalities. As the semester unfolded though, my “eye changed. I then started to think more about the narratives behind making media and focused on the story awaiting unveiling.

As I immersed myself in cinematic techniques, I became attuned to the nuances of visual storytelling. I learned that lighting, angles, and framing were not just tools for aesthetic appeal but potent instruments for conveying emotions and narratives. This realization sparked a shift in my approach.

Taking a step back and prompting myself to focus more on how to tell stories through media left me with a whole new realm of perception. Every shot became about the deeper meaning and narratives I could tell with it. During my Still Image projects, I would use different techniques each time, angles, lighting, and exposure. Each time I strived for the best possible photographs, focusing on anecdotes and emotions through still images. 

With the semester culminating, I realized my photographs and visual storytelling had grown. I was so focused on capturing moments to save, but now I could tell a story through these still moments. The viewers could think more critically about the meanings behind the stories in my photos, and the evolution of my skills as a digital media storyteller was visible through my media.