Assessment and reflection

Over the past few weeks I've been looking at the various videos on preparing material for assessment on the OCA website, queried a few practical things with my tutor e.g. quantity of prints to submit and how to present these prints.

More importantly, I have been looking at the work that I've produced for each of the five TAOP assignments, judging what images would be best to send in  as being representative. Interestingly and maybe not surprisingly, I have become far more critical of my work and what seemed a good image earlier on the course now looks less so. Part of this reaction must be drawn from my tutor's critique I guess but I do think that my own inner critical eye has been developing over the months. Looking back at some of the images, I feel inclined to have another go to see whether I could achieve more of what I was looking for the second time round.

On the advice of my tutor, I have decided to submit 4-5 prints from each of the assignments.

Achieving a good quality print has been a challenge so far. To resolve the slight mismatch of colour between what I was seeing on screen with what came out of the printer, I have had a go at calibrating both screen and printer using Colormunki and different software. The result has been a slight improvement with some prints and a more strident colour with others. I'm not yet happy with the end result and will need to recalibrate. Little did I know that in undertaking the TAOP course, I would not only be developing my photographic eye and skills but also developing other IT technical skills...an extra bonus !!

Now at the end of my first course with OCA, I can genuinely say that it has been a steep learning curve for me but a very enjoyable one. I feel my horizons have been widened and I get so much more out of both taking photographs but also viewing the work of others.I shall make a determined attempt in 2013 to gert to more photgraphic exhibitions and if I can,  to go with fellow students from OCA.

I hope that my assessment submission will be successful but regardless, I shall go on determiningly  and enthusiastically to the next course with a great sense of excitement and expectation. An over the top reaction? Maybe but I think not....