Digital Photographic Practice - Reflection

I've now submitted my final assignment for DPP and have ordered my next module. People and Place

As I look back through my blog for DPP I make the following reflections:

1. My work has improved in my opinion but I am also becoming much more critical of it. I suspect that this cyclic nature applies to even those at the top of their game

2. I have benefited from research into photographers and their work. This has been something missing from TAOP and resulted in formal assessment marks that I would have liked to have been better. For DPP under the kind direction of Russell Squires I have explored this so much more and to be frank have not only enjoyed these but but felt the benefits of this research. I have tried to use this on my submission of images for Assignment 5.

3, I have explored tools such as Photoshop, Silver Efex Pro and Photomatix much more and as a result my desire to learn more has increased. There is a definite value in exploration and I think using the sliders to their extremes will develop greater understanding of what these tools can achieve. However I make adjustments to images with caution subject to my intention

4. I am much more aware of the ethics around digital image manipulation and this awareness enables me to recognise much more where this is taking place

5. I have begun to establish a more definitive workflow and this slow down of thought goes hand in hand with definition of intent

6. I have began, at least in attempt, to introduce some emotional intent within my images and define a greater visualisation of what I want to capture in my image to present to the viewer. Stieglitz in particular emphasised this to me

7. I have read / still reading a number of books which have helped me:

 - The Photographer's Vision by Michael Freeman
 - Infrared Photography by Hugh Milsom
 - Adobe Photoshop CS6 by Scott Kelby
 - Practical HDR by David Nightingale
 - Digital Infred Photography by Cyrill Harnischmacher 
 - The Digital Photography Workflow  by Gulbins and Steinmueller

8. I have followed a number of DPP blogs including:

http://freedomtolook.blogspot.co.uk/  (Jeff)
http://lerpysphotographylogs.wordpress.com/ (Eddie)
http://www.nineelmsphotography.com/blog/  (Rob)
http://dpp.nathanadams.org.uk/ (Nathan)

I participate in OCA forums including:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/252645814938031/270076216528324/?notif_t=group_activity  
OCA Photography Level 1

https://www.facebook.com/groups/150854984953713/759573300748542/?notif_t=group_activity
OCA Photography Students

http://www.oca-student.com/forum
OCA Student forums

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/threads/oca-the-art-of-photography-course-discussion-part-2.508113
Talk Photography Students

Finally I'd like to thank Russell Squires my tutor who I think has gently pushed me, and most certainly encouraged my further research in to photographers and their work. His constructive critique has further developed my skills, understanding and has enable my photography to improve and has strengthened my work flow.

I'd also thank all fellow students making posts and comments as I read and learn from the questions and answers from others. This will continue to be a place for me to find and also give help.

My People and Place folder has arrived so onwards and upwards !!