I’ve been constantly thinking about what have I learned about photography, what have I learned since I came to US.

Three years ago, I had no idea what photography is. To me, it was just sth interesting & fresh, compared to my graphic design job. I had the opportunity to change myself again. I came here to learn photography, honestly, I was hoping I could be a “real photographer”. By “real” I mean someone with professional skills, who can make money with more freedom (like the photographer in “Blow-up”). I had no idea what kind of photos I wanna take, I just wished I could take good photos no matter what I shoot, where I shoot.

Then came a series of surprise, confusion & collision. I was surprised that photographer should think more than they see. I was confused to talk about my photos as art work. & I definitely didn’t think myself as artist. “Photographers are not artists.” That was my firm belief. To me, art is sth too far away.

Thanks to all the teachers & fellow students & other friends here, I am changed. I shoot photo projects & almost projects only. I start looking at other artists & try to be one of them. I learned more about myself psychologically thru my photographs.

But have I learned how to photograph? Have I achieved my initial goal? I’m afraid not. I’m still struggling with my techniques & my image quality. & I’ve never ever made any money from photography & I don’t even see the potential. I’m making photographs & enjoying them but I don’t see them being useful to anyone else. The worst part is I don’t wanna take pictures that can sell, & I can’t.

So til now, photography has become my self-healing process.

Will this medium be my final choice? I don’t know. But right now I’m into it.