In 2023, I unveiled a lot about myself, especially through photography. Last year, I realized that I had to open up to new experiences and ideas. The projects we had pushed me to be more creative with my work. These projects included capturing the elements of photography, incorporating the rules of composition, and creating self-portraits. 

This is my favorite image of all my submissions in 2023. What really makes it different from my other pictures is the process I went through to take the photo. I simply went to close the blinds, then saw the perfect chance for an image that aligned with a rule of composition for my project. My favorite images are usually the ones that come to me rather than me seeking them out.

In 2024, I want to understand myself more. Often, I make impulse decisions because I see impulse as my raw, true self. I’ve decided to try and stop acting on pure impulse and to find a common ground between my emotional and rational selves. As a photographer, I want to think out of the box and be more creative with my images. I’ll use my surroundings, different locations, different lighting, different angles, and other factors to accomplish this. A short-term goal I have for myself is to change my style and experiment with clothes more. I want to try and wear a wider variety of colors and combine different colors to make outfits. A long-term goal I have for myself is to start cutting and retwisting my hair. I’ve already retwisted my hair multiple times, but I’ve been scared to bring clippers anywhere near my head. There are plenty YouTube videos I can watch to help me. I want to watch more thought-provoking movies. In my opinion the best movies are the ones that make you think, whether it’d be about a controversial ending, how you can personally connect to the story, how the events translate to the real world, or anything else that gets your brain gears moving.