What is your project about?
My project is about documenting my 23rd birthday, which was a very personal and meaningful experience for me. For years, my birthday celebrations were chaotic and centered around big parties. For example, on my 21st birthday, I rented a party bus ( chiva) , but things got out of control, and I promised myself I’d never throw a party like that again. The following year, I didn’t celebrate at all. However, this year, I wanted to do something different, healthier, and more intimate. I decided to gather a small group of friends for a creative activity, painting, drinking wine, and enjoying light snacks. It was a last minute plan, but it turned out much better than I expected. Everyone let their creativity flow, and it became a very emotional and beautiful celebration. This project is personal because it reflects my growth and a shift toward a more meaningful way of celebrating.
What was the most challenging thing about it? The most challenging part was selecting the photos because I took so many that I wanted to include. In the end, I chose four photos that I felt best represented the essence of the celebration. One photo shows the painting everyone created for me, which was special and meaningful. Another focuses on the table setup, with all the paints, brushes, food, and little details that brought the activity to life. I also included a photo of everyone painting and concentrating, as it captured the atmosphere of creativity and connection. Lastly, I chose a photo of my birthday cake because it symbolizes another year of life, growth, and celebration. It was difficult to narrow it down, but these images tell the full story of how unique and heartfelt this birthday was for me.
What did you learn from it? I learned that sometimes the simplest plans can be the most fulfilling. This experience taught me the value of slowing down, focusing on meaningful connections, and creating a space where people can express themselves. I also improved my ability to document emotions and candid moments through photography, which is something I want to continue developing.
Of all the things we’ve covered this semester, which have you enjoyed the most and/or would like to learn more about?
The part I enjoyed most this semester was exploring the different types and styles of portrait photography. I used to think there was only one way to take portraits, but I discovered that there are many approaches and a wide range of artists from whom to draw inspiration. I loved learning about their techniques and how they push creative boundaries. However, I wish we had spent more time practicing portrait photography to refine our skills further.
Which genre (or mixture of genres) do you think you’ll end up choosing for your final project?
For my final project, I’d like to create a mix of everything we’ve learned combining landscape, portrait, and documentary photography. I also want to incorporate techniques like blurred motion and stop motion. My goal is to design a project that captures the diversity of skills and concepts we’ve experimented with throughout the semester, blending them into a cohesive narrative.
