I am at a point in the semester at which I think it is time to wrap up my twenty percent project and focus on my digital pedagogy project (DPP). For my DPP I will share some of what I've learned about photography and about the Nikon D3100 through video tutorials and links to helpful tools and guides.
The goal of my twenty percent project was to learn how to better use my DSLR camera - to become more familiar with its tools and features and learn how to shoot in manual mode. I did learn a lot about my camera and about taking pictures in manual setting, but more than that, I learned about myself - about what motivates me and the importance of carving out time for activities and projects I want to do. I felt excited every time I took out my camera. Despite many moments of frustration because I didn't get the lighting right or my hand wasn't quite steady enough to avoid blurring, my desire to get better grew. My own enthusiasm for the project also resulted in overwhelming support from friends and family who provided encouragement, sent along websites or links that they thought would be helpful, and who, when we went out together, waited patiently as I fiddled with my camera to find the right setting.
One of the other exciting features of the twenty percent project was getting to be in charge of my own learning. Over the last few months I had the chance to test out different methods for learning. Utilizing blogs, photography groups, videos, cheat sheets, and podcasts I was able to identify how I learn best. This gave me the opportunity to reflect on my teaching style and think about how I could use the insights I gained about my own learning to improve my trainings and workshops. I have already begun trying out some new tools with very positive results!
While I plan to continue my learning, I have developed a collection of pictures in manual setting that I am proud of, and that I am sharing below as the culmination of my twenty percent project. Thank you to all of you who have been following my process, and who have provided encouragement, ideas and support. I really appreciate it!
The goal of my twenty percent project was to learn how to better use my DSLR camera - to become more familiar with its tools and features and learn how to shoot in manual mode. I did learn a lot about my camera and about taking pictures in manual setting, but more than that, I learned about myself - about what motivates me and the importance of carving out time for activities and projects I want to do. I felt excited every time I took out my camera. Despite many moments of frustration because I didn't get the lighting right or my hand wasn't quite steady enough to avoid blurring, my desire to get better grew. My own enthusiasm for the project also resulted in overwhelming support from friends and family who provided encouragement, sent along websites or links that they thought would be helpful, and who, when we went out together, waited patiently as I fiddled with my camera to find the right setting.
One of the other exciting features of the twenty percent project was getting to be in charge of my own learning. Over the last few months I had the chance to test out different methods for learning. Utilizing blogs, photography groups, videos, cheat sheets, and podcasts I was able to identify how I learn best. This gave me the opportunity to reflect on my teaching style and think about how I could use the insights I gained about my own learning to improve my trainings and workshops. I have already begun trying out some new tools with very positive results!
While I plan to continue my learning, I have developed a collection of pictures in manual setting that I am proud of, and that I am sharing below as the culmination of my twenty percent project. Thank you to all of you who have been following my process, and who have provided encouragement, ideas and support. I really appreciate it!