Final Reflection

The purpose of this project, 20:1 Grateful, was to see if being grateful builds creativity. Through our own blogging experience, I believe that each of my classmates and I noticed some change in our photography when finding something grateful to capture. In my personal experience I found myself excited to take pictures and show others what I was grateful for. At first I was hesitant because I was not to sure what to post, but once I thought about what I was grateful for, it became easy.

The most difficult part of this project would definitely have to be staying on schedule. Through my experience that was difficult for me because some days I would not get an opportunity to take a photograph to post. I was also absent and that threw me off the most, because not only did I have to catch up, but the farther we got into the project the more difficult it became to find something grateful to take a photo of. 

The most valuable part of this project was being able to express my gratitude through my photography. I loved being able to show my gratitude in any way I wanted to, it gave me creative freedom. I could find a photograph and explain it with a quote that would correspond to the photograph, as well as why I was grateful for the certain subject it was illustrating. 

Even though this 20:1 Grateful project was a great experience I believe there are several different themes that could be used instead. One theme that I believe would be interesting is to take a photograph of the same subject for twenty days and see how much it changes. It would be an interesting theme because it is simple, and the results could be quite astounding. Another theme I believe that could be applied to the 20 day project is 'What inspires you'. It would be interesting to see where each student gets their inspiration from.  

Day 20: Taking Silly Photos

Taking silly pictures with my friends is lots of fun, its great to look at them after and see the different expressions everyone is making. 

Day 19: Fishing

Fishing is lots of fun, especially with my youngest brother. 

Day 18: Going on Walks

I love going on walks through Verbena Fields because it is right across from where I live and you never know what you will see there. I was walking through Verbena once, and a deer ran right in front of me, glad I had my camera. 

Day 17: Sushi

Sushi is my favorite type of food. Its bite size and yummy!

Day 16: Piano

I love to listen and play the piano. I'm not very good at playing it, but I think it sounds really beautiful.

Week 3: Reflection

Over the course of the three weeks I have been posting on my blog, it has become difficult to stay on task and complete each assignment on time. I like being able to work on my projects instead of having to fast pace through them. I feel with this blog I'm no longer worrying about my project look, but if I turn it in on time.

Day 15: Making Shirts

For my friends graduation, a couple of friends and I made shirts. I had never made a shirt before and I thought it would be difficult, but it was really simple and fun. My friend was really happy that we made shirts spelling out his name. I'm thankful I was able to be apart of his graduation.

Day 14: Curly Hair

I love being able to curl my hair, and style it any way I want.

Day 13: Giving and Recieving

Giving people small gifts is fun, a small gesture can mean so much. Its nice to know they are appreciated.

Day 12: Silly Texts

I love getting silly texts from my friends, and its fun sending them as well (:

Week 2: Reflection

The more I post pictures onto my blog, the more I notice how gratitude has been affecting my photography. Instead of taking pictures of things that are pretty, I find myself thinking ahead..."What am I grateful for?" "How can I show it through my photography?" During Week 1, it was simple to take photos of what I am grateful for, but the farther along I get with this project, the harder it becomes.

Day 11: Facetime

I'm thankful for Face Time because it allows me to keep in touch with those who live far.

Day 10: Fieldtrips

Field trips are a lot of fun, but less common in High School. I'm happy that the Juniors got an opportunity to go on a field trip to see The Great Gatsby.

Day 9: My Bestfriend

My bestfriend, Mikayla (white/black dress) is the most amazing person I have ever met. She is caring, kind, and silly. I am very happy to have her in my life, even though she lives two hours away.

Day 8: Mothers Day

For Mother's Day, I made my mother a poster and a video. As a surprise I put balloons and flower petals on her bed. When she came home from working the night shift, my brothers and I pretended we forgot it was Mother's Day, so when she walked into her room she was very surprised. I am grateful to have a day to show my mother that I appreciate her, but moreover, I am happy to have such a wonderful mother.

Day 7: Parents

"Your parents may not be perfect but they are the most perfect gift God has ever given you"

Day 6: Drawing

Drawing is my second favorite hobby, aside from photography. It allows me to create or recreate scenes and characters. 

Week 1: Reflection

Through this blog I have been able to realize what I find important in my life. The quote
"Count your blessings not your sorrows" has a new meaning for me. By counting the things I am grateful for, I find myself in a more positive state of mind.

Day 5: Youth Group

I am very thankful to be apart of such a wonderful youth group. It's like my second family.

Day 4: Hiking

I love going hiking, especially with a group of friends.

Day 3: Maple

My cat, Maple, definitely has her own personality. She is unique beyond explanation, she even acts as if she is human at times!

"Cats are absolute individuals, with their own ideas about everything, including the people they own."
-John Dingman

Day 2: Younger Brother

"Sibling relationships outlast marriages, survive the death of parents, resurface ater quarrels that would sink any friendship. They flourish in a thousand incarnations of Closeness and distance Warmth, Loyalty, and distrust." -Erica E Goode 

Day 1: Friendship

“The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, not the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when you discover that someone else believes in you and is willing to trust you with a friendship.”

-Ralph Waldo Emmerson

Pursuing New Heights 

WELCOME! 

My photography class is starting a new project called 20: One Grateful.

We will use photography to explore the effects of recognizing things for which each of us is grateful. We will see if making art significantly affects our outlook and view of the world.  Brain research shows that compassion and gratitude activate creativity. Can we use our art form to develop creativity through gratitude?