The photography study taught me how to view photos as art and in turn take meaningful photos. While photography was a hobby of mine before this studio, I was not aware of my style of photography. Through mimesis, where we had to mimic the style of a photographer, I learned what I was drawn to and tried to step out of my comfort zone. Mimesis taught me that essentially copying peoples style without plagiarising, is the best way to discover your own unique self. I started looking into other artists who imitated others, most notably David Bowie and Banksy.

Since we are always taught throughout our education that plagiarism is wrong, it took me a lot longer to understand how imitation or stealing is not in the art world. Through my own practice, I saw that no matter how much I try to perfect technique or use the same camera and software as the original photographer, our work would still look different. No two persons can produce the exact same work for the simple reason that we see the world differently. We perceive colour, light and contrast differently so no matter how hard you try to create a replica it will not work. The process in learning how to imitate is essentially how I discovered what I was capable of.

The most interesting exercise this semester was probably photographing strangers. It was as difficult as I expected and I knew right away street photography was not my style. The exercise in itself was useful as it taught me not to be afraid of strangers. I took 16 photographs of 16 individuals and was rejected easily by another 12 people. After the first few rejections, I learnt that rejection is not so bad but rather thrilling in its own way. I was frustrated that people were so freaked out but enjoyed the weird stares, as for the first time it was directed at me because I was asking to take their photo. I had no chance of being shy or think too much about it, as I wanted to finish the exercise as quickly as I could. This exercise also geared me up for our next major project.

While steph introduced me to Anthony for project brief 3, she was not actually present. I had to learn how to deal with a stranger, who did not want to be photographed. This was a challenge but it taught me that patience and waiting around is how you get the work done. I walked around the warehouse of antiques several times, acting like I was taking photos but really I was trying to show how interested I was and get in the good graces of Anthony.

The last project brief presented me with its own set of challenged and that was being lucid. I photographed my home but one of the most difficult things to do is see beauty in the usual/normal. I had to see what was beautiful about the street I grew up on or my local park, where I would play most summers. I had to look at these places with a different eye and try to imagine missing this place and how I would like to remember it most.

This semester has really taught me the virtues of patience and understanding. I did not let my frustrations show when I was rejected many times or when Anthony refused to be photographed, or when my borrowed camera decided to not work but instead I thought that all these frustrations and overcoming them is what makes the end product better. When I look back on all the photographs I took, the hours of thought and editing that went into them, I can see how much I have grown both as a photographer and media practitioner.