
My final project is due next Sunday for my photography class. I need to tell a story in six to 10 photos. Above is photo one and I’ll let you have a look at the final project that wasn’t.
I spent most of a week working on it. Then I got my prior week’s assignment graded with comments. That was the assignment about composition and aesthetics. I thought I had done really well. The instructor liked my work, but offered one suggestion:
“Change the ISO to 200 or 400 and use a faster shutter speed.”
He said he could detect movement in my photos. The photos I had worked on all week to tell a story for my final project are all shot at the same ISO and shutter speed as last week’s assignment — which he said I should change. I could have said, “Hey, I’m done” and turned in the final project as is. But then I would be ignoring the instructor’s advice, which doesn’t seem smart. He wants me to get better and offered a solid tip on how to do so. He was very encouraging and said he saw improvement in my work.
I’m starting over and took a bunch of photos today with the suggested settings. And darn, if the guy isn’t correct. My new photos are sharper. Thankfully, he gave us an extra week to complete this assignment along with a research report, which will be posted online tomorrow.
Here’s the story I’m not turning in — without words:









Are you able to follow my storyline through pictures without words?
Would you feel discouraged to start over after completing a project — or view it as a new opportunity and why?

I can follow this story. The chipmunk is worried, as evident by the way he’s holding his hands to his face. He’s worried that someone’s going to discover his seed stash. Then the quail starts showing interest, so the chipmunk dashes away, hoping the quail won’t follow. But alas, the quail did follow, and now the chipmunk appears even more worried. The quail has discovered his stash, and is now eating it. Poor chipmunk.
It is fun to watch the wildlife and create stories from their interactions. I’m glad you could see the story from pictures.
I enjoyed the photos, by the way. Very nice.
Thanks!
I love that story EA! No words needed for me. I really admire you for the choice to start over so you can utilize the advice.
Thanks! At first I wasn’t happy about starting over. But not taking his advice seemed insulting. He’s trying to help us improve. I spent hours yesterday working on a new story.
Super cute! But like you said… “darn if he wasn’t right”. Now you’ll be that much better for having taken his advice and gotten some practice with it!
If I’m going to all the work to take this class since January, why not do it correctly and take the advice?
It’s a very good photo story Elizabeth. But as you want to improve your skills, I’m sure the next one will be even better.
Thank you! I can see a difference in the photos already by changing the settings.
How wonderful.
😊
Ah, they found their way to having a meal together! So sweet, Elizabeth. I love your photographs. And your professor seems helpful with clear advice. I love that you have learned so much and we have been able to come along! Happy Monday!
Thanks! I thought the story worked out well. My new version introduces a new character. Of course, I spent hours trying to recreate this story, but the chipmunk was a no show until late afternoon!
Love it…no words needed! Cheers to you…beautiful, beautiful! 🥰
Thank you so much! Of course, this is the version I’m not turning in. The new one has a few twists.
Right, right! Be sure to share the final version! 🥰
Will do! I have until Sunday to turn it in, so I may play with it for a few days.
King of the hill. Oh heck you can join me too. Ha. ha. Love the photos.
Thanks! The new version has a bully bird in it.
Gotta watch out for those bullies. Ha ha
The bird looks like a bully, too. Yellow eyes and mean looking curved beak.
Need to research how to get rid of bully birds. Ha, ha.
I have a yard full of them between the Mourning Doves, White Winged Doves and Curve Billed Thrashers. They all want to hog the bird seed and feeder.
Time for sling shot. Ha, ha. I’m joking. But yes, I’ve heard horror stories about bully birds hogging all the food.
😅
Bring a “friend” to dinner.
Good title. I completely reshot the story and a new character emerged who is a bully.
You’ve come so far in your photography class that I’d take the instructor’s advice and try again too. I like your story.
Thanks! spent the better part of a day retaking the photos. I like the final results. Now I need to write about the photos and turn it in.
I can follow your story easily, Elizabeth, and would probably feel discouraged. But with any art comes constructive criticism that will only benefit. Love your photos and the story!
Thank you! I took several days and retook photos which turned out better than the first round. I turned it in this afternoon. The new story took some twists from this one.
Good luck with the second round! I’m rooting for you!
Thanks so much!
You’re welcome! 🙂
💕
I think your story comes across very well! I love all the poses of the squirrel and quail that you managed to capture. On one of my genealogy class assignments, it got rejected not once, but twice! I got a little irritated the second time. All the errors should have been pointed out the first time, you know?
Definitely! Twice is too much. My problem was the corrected assignment from the week before came out after I had spent a week working on this. I redid the assignment with the correct settings. My creatures refused to pose exactly as they had before. So it’s a new story.
Well those stinkin’ critters will have to forfeit their SAG cards! 😆
You are amazing! I applaud your persistence to start over again and try and improve. Your photos are stunning. They delight, inspire and make me want to buy a camera! Keep up the fabulous, professional work! A+. Hugs, C
Thank you for your encouraging words!
I would have felt frustrated, but, like you, would have redone my work. That’s why you are taking the class, and your teacher obviously knows what he’s talking about. Using the correct shutter speed can really make a difference. I love your story without words.
The story made me smile! I am glad you have such a helpful instructor and good for you in not giving up!
I’m waiting for my grades and I have this fear, he’s going to assign something more.
I hope you get a A plus! 🙂
Thanks!