tsis20

[tsis20]

Which assignment (or assignments) did you find most interesting, and why?        The last assignment way the most interesting fro me because being at home opened up so many more possibilities in my photography being in a different location and having an abundance of new content to shoot. I really felt that I could find the truth in my photography while being at home; and continuing the style of photography I have tried to maintain the whole semester. Through the semesters i have loves playing with lighting and colors in my pieces with the help of my Hue color lights and editing my pictures with basic iPhone adjustment features. All throughout the semester my photography had a cohesiveness to it through the different colors I was able to implement and I am please to have made this my brand for the course. My 5 pictures for this assignment are some of my favorite taken where the colors seemed to really pop.

How did this class influence the way you see yourself as a cultural producer (i.e. someone who puts visual information out into the world via social media)? If it did not influence you, why not?        It was interesting to me to see the differences of me as a cultural producer on my personal instagram account VS a photography account of mine. I often try to make my personal account somewhat of a reminiscent of an aesthetic that I enjoy or I guess good quality photos, despite 95% of my pictures being of me and friends. Having an account where I could just let my photography and aesthetics develop however I wished was very satisfying for me. 

Was this class what you expected when you signed-up? What did you like most about the class? And, what would you change?      When signing up for this class I was excited to post all the great pictures I had taken on my camera roll over the last couple years that I never shared on my regular accounts. I was a big disappointed when learning that we needed to take new pictures for this class, although that made total sense. Taking 25 pictures in a week was definitely a challenge for me and forced me to think outside the box for new ideas as the week was ending. The class structure was good and I wouldn't change much despite the class not being that I was originally expecting.

[tsis20]

Which assignment (or assignments) did you find most interesting, and why?

I really enjoyed the assignment where I got to play with photography as a language. It was interesting to be able to showcase the feeling of peace and serenity through the lens of a camera when times were initial very scary and unknown. Personally, this assignment really helped me connect with the overall theme I was trying to grasp on to because with all the chaos regrading COVID-19 it gave me something to do, and a creative outlet to rely on while I was coping with big changes in life too.

How did this class influence the way you see yourself as a cultural producer (i.e. someone who puts visual information out into the world via social media)? If it did not influence you, why not?

This class definitely helped me develop my eye for the camera. I used to think I was very bad at taking photos that focused clearly and had trouble matching collections based on mood, color scheme, and brightness; however, the weekly themes in this class were able to help get me focus on the art of photography itself. Through this class, I was really able to focus on getting the best images I could for our assignments and really felt like was really able to grow as a cultural, visual producer through the different prompts we had each week.

Was this class what you expected when you signed-up? What did you like most about the class? And, what would you change?

I knew a little bit about the class before signing up because I had a couple of my friends who took it last semester. They told me that we’d be doing weekly postings on Instagram with a final blog post on Tumblr at the end of the week. From there reactions, I was really excited about the class because they grew as photographers through the class and I really wanted to learn how to get better at that. Through out the class I really did love getting to post on Instagram as well as engage with the other students in our class and see their work. Overall it was an awesome experience to be apart of. This class showed me how we have the power to creative a positive space online for people to feel comfortable to create their truth and feel welcomed while doing so. I wouldn’t really want to change anything in this class because it such a great experience, but if you want to mess around with how the assignments are presented, it may be cool to have people post there five images a day separately. That way they can create a an aesthetic on their Instagram profiles rather then just in one post.

[tsis20]

1. I found the last two assignments the most interesting. These assignments were two for me that address the idea of home, whether I was actually in my hometown or around the feeling of home. I especially liked these assignments because they made me look at my home in a new light. Especially with times like this there is a lot missing from home right now but a lot of new sides that I have never dug deep into before. 

2. This class made me think about what I am posting online and why I am taking a picture in the first place. This class brought up a deeper meaning to photos and showed me that there is a story that could be told in a picture. This had me think about what I was posting online and how I could become an honest yet creative person when I do post. 

3. I expected this class to just be a simple photography course where we take pictures and that’s that. I did not expect to dig deep into the meaning of a photograph and the meaning behind a picture. I liked that we learned about what stories we can tell with a photo and the ideas behind photography. I liked that this class made us think about ourselves while also thinking about photography. The one thing I would change is maybe having a session when class first starts with everyone just so we can meet and make interacting on Instagram more personal. 

#tsis202

[tsis20]

1. I found assignment 4 “Photography as a Language” the most interesting. These pictures I feel express this in a unique way! I didn’t use these pictures for that week but I love how photos can tell a story! The way details can leave the viewer up to interpretation to image who or what a person, place, thing, or event is like. It’s amazing how photos can capture so many things and tell amazing stories!

2. This class influenced me to take pictures more intentionally. I sparked more of a passion for the love of photography and I learned more techniques! The fact that there are so many more aspects of photography than just taking a picture is beautiful and it changed the way I capture pieces of my life.

3. I thought this class was gonna be just capturing pictures in your smartphone. Then as class went on I started to learn more and more about photography as an art form instead of just taking pictures. It changed my perspective to become not excited when taking pictures. I liked the posting and sharing with others and getting feedback the most about this class. It allows you to grow as an artist and photographer. I would change the fact that we should provide more constructive criticism to each other and also add group projects in. Overall this class was amazing.

[tsis20]

The photos I posted this time were taken by me this week. I think they echo the purpose of Assignment Five, and Assignment Five is the most interesting, comfortable and comfortable assignment I think. Because the scope of this assignment is very wide, it can basically be said that we think of the subject of camera shooting, so for me, photographing what I am good at is the most interesting and relaxing.

Perhaps many people choose this class because of its entertainment. Compared with the essay-style and rigid assignments, the assignments in this class are obviously more interesting, and they can also record our lives at will. It is definitely easy for students to complete their homework. Through this lesson, I changed some ideas about publishing photos on the Internet. In the past, I would think that posting any photos and remarks is what I want, and no one can interfere with me. But every time I post a photo, I will become more careful in filtering the photos, with descriptions. Because at this time I know that someone will pay attention to me, and I should be responsible for my own words. This should be the most basic. At the same time, every time I post a photo, I hope that my launch will become more meaningful, give meaning to my photos, and give meaning to every release. I think this is a sense of ritual of life, and it is also to make life full of fun and Ways to express your emotions.

This course obviously surprises me more than when I registered, because every assignment and topic is meaningful. The articles I read and the artists recommended by my teachers are all enriching my knowledge in this area. What I like the most is that every time I shoot for a release, I want to make each release special, so each release is also very looking forward to, and I also look forward to seeing the release of the classmates, you can learn about the same topic, everyone Different opinions. I will change the way I create, I will take some photos in advance, compared to just five photos a day, I think this is more interesting.

#tsis201

[tsis20]

1. Throughout the whole semester I found the last assignment “Visual Veracity: The Truth in Photography” the most interesting. I think this was the most interesting assignment because of the different environment I was forced into because of the virus. It really forced me to express my truth of being positive while stuck at home.

2. I think this class really forced me to think deeper into things that I post on social media and how other people might feel about those pictures. I noticed that I really have the ability to influence someone else’s viewpoint of my pictures even if it may not be entirely accurate. It also gave me a new perspective into taking pictures, such as angles and lighting.  

3. I really wasn’t entirely sure what I expected when signing up for this class. However, I am really happy that I was able to partake in this experience. This class really opened my mind into the deeper meaning of the things we take pictures of and post on social media. Overall, it was an excellent class and I would recommend it to everyone else.

#tsis202

[tsis20]

1. When I reflect on this past semester, I would have to say that one of my favorite assignments was week #2 which was “Photography Then & Now.” I chose to emulate Helen Levitt’s work that week and I am forever grateful that I did because it forced me to travel outside of my comfort zone and photograph people on the streets of Philadelphia. Without knowing it at the time, the walk that I took from Temple’s campus to Northern Liberties would be the last time that I would be experiencing that route for a very long time. I am thankful that that assignment allowed me the opportunity to really take a moment to stop and appreciate my surroundings in the City of Brotherly Love.

2. This class really allowed me the chance to see the art of photography through a whole new lens. Before this class I was very careful about the content that I put forth on social media because I always wanted to showcase my happiest moments. However, social media can turn toxic when people are under the impression that people’s lives are as perfect as they appear on social media. As a result of this class, I don’t mind being a bit more goofy and transparent on social media and not taking myself so seriously. Not only that, but this class also taught me that photography stretches far beyond simply pressing a button on a phone. There are so many elements that are taken into consideration when preparing to capture that moment in time on camera.

3. It is safe to say that tsis201 far exceeded my original expectations. When signing up for this class, I figured that it was going to be an easier class to take during my last semester of college ever. However, this class ended up being the class that I looked forward to most each week! I loved the way that this class was always in the back of my head when I went about my days each and every week. It encouraged me to almost be on the outside looking in at my own life and I feel that I didn’t take as many moments for granted in Philadelphia during the first half of the semester (aka my last few months of life as we knew it at Temple University). I can honestly say I wouldn’t change a thing about this class - I really enjoyed the element of meeting up to touch base on Google Hangouts every few weeks as well.

It was incredibly hard to narrow all of my semester’s worth of photos down to just five but these are the ones that I have selected. It’s almost eery looking back and seeing those shots at Temple in black & white. The black & white gives off an incredibly nostalgic vibe and that is now exactly how I feel about my time at Temple University.

#tsis201

[tsis20]

1. When I look back at this semester I think that my favorite assignment was the week of “self design”. I enjoyed this week because it followed the week that was dedicated to emulating a specific photographer. The “self design” week was fun because we got to really focus on creating our own unique narrative for ourselves rather than try to follow specific guidelines like the previous week. I had fun shooting and figuring out what to post for “self design”.

2. This class didn't necessarily influence the way I see social media, content culture, etc. However, this class helped me focus on the “meanings” behind certain social content and think about my own online activity more critically. This class also gave me new respect for cellphone photography and what can be done with the devices in our pockets.

3. This class was more or less what I expected. The daily posts were a-lot at times given my busy schedule and general lack of participation on social media sites. My favorite part of the class would have to be seeing other students work. I enjoyed seeing everyones different creative approaches to each weeks assignments. Overall I enjoyed the class.   

[tsis20]

Which assignment (or assignments) did you find most interesting, and why?

The assignment I found the most interesting was Assignment 3, which was self design. I feel like that was the assignment I was able to come up with the most cohesive and visually creative theme for, with color coding each of my days.

How did this class influence the way you see yourself as a cultural producer (i.e. someone who puts visual information out into the world via social media)? If it did not influence you, why not?

I’m not sure if I can entirely credit this change to this alone or the combination of this and the current global pandemic, but I have been using my social media accounts more “share the truth” and post as much research-based information about COVID-19 as possible, since social media is full of some bogus claims right now.

Was this class what you expected when you signed-up? What did you like most about the class? And, what would you change?

Overall, this class is generally what I expected when I signed-up. I was expecting there to be at least one unit on the technical aspects of photography, but I’m glad there wasn’t since I felt like it gave me a bit more creative liberty. The one thing I liked most about the class is that I didn’t have to rely solely on photography alone to tell my narratives and I was allowed to do some photo editing and manipulation. One thing I would change is giving students the opportunity to discuss the assignments together and share ideas about what they were planning to shoot for the week.

#tsis201

[tsis20]

1. The most interesting assignment to me was Week 2. I thought it was interesting because we were able to show the viewers what it looks like through our lives. I decided to show my routine on my off day which goes from playing games to getting my coffee and washing my hand at work. Looking back on these pictures I realize how much I miss work and getting coffee before my shift starts. This pandemic has really limited me on things and makes things like working something to look forward too.

2. I did not think this course influenced me as a cultural producer. I think this because I have always taken pictures and posted on my main Instagram. I do it for fun and do not see it changing.

3. This class was not what I expected. I enjoyed how Professor Jamula wanted us to engage in this class everyday by taking 5 pictures daily. I would not change a thing about this class.

#tsis201

[tsis20]

My favorite assignments were the past two (assignment 4 & 5), as well as the assignment that had to do with self-design. I enjoyed assignments 4 & 5 because I really got a chance to photograph the things going on in my life, and how they were affecting me personally. Assignment 4 in particular was challenging, because it was right when the world started to go crazy with COVID-19 concerns, but my photographs definitely showed my challenges throughout the week by spending the majority of it in my bedroom and apartment. Assignment 5 showed the impact of the virus on myself and my family, and I found that I got some super cool shots. The self-design week was ultimately my favorite, because I got to post on the class instagram as if it were my “finsta,” and I really tried to incorporate the randomness of myself and my personality into my shots. 

This class has taught me that I should take a step back from the “norms” of social media which is only posting pictures that make it seem like you’re living a fun and care-free life. I want to focus less on posting selfies and posed pictures with friends, and focus more on the candid photos of real life in my future social media posts. What people think from my posts can be up to me because I have the ability to design how I’m seen. 

I did not think this class was going to focus as much on photography as it did, but I learned to appreciate it as the class moved forward. For the most part, I thought it was going to have a bigger focus on social media and how it can impact your life, but I’m glad that it turned out differently than I expected. I really liked the freedom the class gave me to take my own approach to each weekly assignment, and liked that for the most part I wasn’t told to shoot certain things each week. I would only change some of the required readings/questions, because in general I found some of them to be boring (particularly the ones with pdf’s from textbooks, I liked the article based ones). I really enjoyed this class and am glad I got to take it in my final semester of school! 

#TSIS202

[tsis20]

I really liked all the assignments we completed this semester, but I found assignment #3, photography and self-design as the most influential personally. After this assignment I thought about how I portrayed myself throughout the rest of the assignments. I think the concept is very relatable to people my age and a lot of issues that are pertinent in social media today. I chose these 5 images for my final post because I thought they mostly represented who I am without much design or direction. They represent activities I actually do and things that are actually in my apartment. 

I never really put much thought into what I post on social media, but always appreciated those who took extra time to show the truth behind their posts or remind their followers that what they see is not their whole reality. It made me want to be more transparent or honest with my followers all though I feel like I already am. It also made me want to share more content in general. I do a lot of photoshop and illustrator projects that I would love to share with my followers and also offer any illustrator work for fun to connect with more people. 

This class is what I expected since it was recommended to me. I would love to recommend it to others and already have to my little sister who will be starting at Temple in the fall. I liked seeing everyone else’s pictures and taking inspiration from them, and I wish I connected with my classmates more. A weekly zoom session with the whole class would be really fun and a great way to connect the pictures to people. 

#tsi202

[tsis20]

The assignments I found the most interesting are Assignment 4 “Unexotic Availability: Photography as Language and Assignment 5 “Visual Veracity: The Truth in Photography”. Both of these assignments focused on finding the meaning, truth, and personal connection through photography. I usually like images that give the audience to think and interpret their own way to have a more personal connection to an image. I think both of these assignments have pushed me to see an image in a more meaningful way.

This class influenced me as a cultural producer in many ways. It made me aware of what I should post on social media and how it can have a huge impact on others as well. It also made me realize that there are so many ways to tell a story through photography; however, what we see might not always be the truth. Sometimes, It’s on us what we want to see and take from an image.

I did not expect the class would be focused on finding the meaning of photography that eventually has a connection to social media. I really love the way the assignment topics are set. I think it’s a great way to learn the true meaning of photography and how it can have a connection to our everyday life. I wouldn’t change anything about the way the class is set because the class really prepared me to look around my surroundings and notice some details with meaning and true beauty.

#tsis201

[tsis20]

My favorite assignment this far was the last one about our TRUTH. I picked pictures from past assignments that I feel also relate to my truth. There are so many different things to say about myself that are my truth and so these images are a part of each side of me. I think diving deep into my truth and seeing everything from a deeper perspective is what I liked the most about that assignment.

Im not sure it had much of an influence on me. I have always been big on social media, but mostly instagram. I am not a fan of tumblr very much. I feel that this class did open my eyes to what I am posting, but it didn’t necessarily change my view of visual information in the world via social media. I have always felt that social media is an outlet that brings people together, but you can also put up a false image of yourself. It is a hit or miss platform, but something that can bring people together.

Yes this class was what I expected except I didn’t realize we had to post so many pictures. Personally thought that 5 pictures for the week was more than enough, so when I found out it was 25 I was confused. That is the only thing I would change. The amount of pictures we had to post.

#tsis201

[tsis20]

#tsis202

[tsis20]

I personally really enjoyed the last two assignments. I feel like when I look at the images I took, they best represent me and my life. For assignment four I got to really analyze my bedroom space in ways I never did before. Choosing a specific place to photograph was a little challenge because I thought I would feel a little limited. But actually, it allowed for a more in detail exploration. Being an architecture student, I get really excited about the small details, and it was interesting to think of this in terms of photography. The last assignment and learning about how to photograph a truth was fun. My life and my health has been changing a lot within the past four months and this assignment allowed me to showcase that change. I have been connecting with myself more and really honing in on my mental and physical health, especially in the morning time. The truth assignment also taught me that there will be bumps in the road, and it will be difficult to one hundred percent stick to your idea of truth, but those bumps in the road can offer a learning experience.

This class ultimately taught me that photography is much more than the push of a button. As a cultural producer, I will use these methods of focusing and truth to really push a narrative on what I want to display. I think these ideas will be especially helpful when thinking of presenting my design work. Oftentimes as a designer we are told to tell a story, and if I can use what I learned through photography to do so, I think I will be very satisfied. In terms of my personal and more intimate postings, I think I will now sit back and think more intricately about what I specifically want to show my audience. I am so used to seeing the positive parts of people’s lives, I would be interested to see if gears shifted a little bit. I want to not be afraid of being vulnerable because ultimately that is how a person grows. I am curious to see how I develop upon these ideas in my own social media. 

This class was what I expected when I signed up, but I learned a lot more than I thought I would have. I signed up because as an artist I wanted to better understand photography. I found myself not as in touch with photography before this class. I really like the freedom of the class, whereas all the students tackled each assignment in their own way. It was really pleasing to sit back and scroll through the social media and see the different scales and topics and imagery. I really felt accomplished when others would compliment or relate to my work in some manner. I think it would be interesting to have some class discussions to talk about the subjects addressed. Also, maybe there is a way to incorporate the short lived idea of showcasing photographs through Instagram stories. I think this feature is super interesting because it puts a time limit on getting an idea across. With that, I think maybe having a separate hashtag for outside the class could be interesting so students can post photography that might not align with the course that they’re proud of to share with classmates. Overall, the class was very informative and fun!

#tsis202

[tsis20]

Which assignment (or assignments) did you find most interesting, and why? I found the first assignment, emulating another photographer, to be one of my favorites. I loved the artist I chose and really enjoyed trying to recreate her photography style throughout Philadelphia. Although it was difficult, I embraced the challenge, learned a lot, and had fun with it. Another assignment I enjoyed was photography as a form of self-design. This was pretty eye-opening in terms of discovering how I, along with my friends, design our public lives and what we choose to share on social media. I tried to photograph parts of my life that described me best and that I would want to put on social media to help people learn more about me. I loved how my photos turned out at the end of the week and continue to think about this assignment as I use social media now.  

How did this class influence the way you see yourself as a cultural producer (i.e. someone who puts visual information out into the world via social media)? If it did not influence you, why not? This class influenced me to be more aware of what I’m posting and why. Before I post on social media, I catch myself thinking about why i’m posting and what purpose it’s serving. Often times I realize i’m only posting to gain the approval of others, although I’d like to not be that way. 

Was this class what you expected when you signed-up? What did you like most about the class? And, what would you change? This class was definitely more than I expected in terms of what I learned. I expected and was prepared for the amount of assignments we did, but I didn’t expect to learn and gain as much knowledge about photography and social media as I did. It helped put a lot of things into perspective and gave me things that I still think about as I post on social media currently. I’m not sure I would change anything, I think the class format works well and is just enough work for an elective. 

#tsis202