Things to improve

- Set my camera white balance for each scenario 
I usually set my  camera to auto white balance and not worry about it then, knowing I shoot in RAW this will be modified in post processing. But I soon realised that for speed or space availability it is sometimes only possible to shoot in JPEG. When this happens I'd better get my settings right from the start to prevent from damaging the JPEG format if processing is required. Plus, having the picture on the LCD screen of the camera the closest possible to reality would help in making adjustments for the next pictures.

Things I have learnt through this module

Not only have I learnt alot from the course content but even more putting in place the projects. Here are a few things I've learnt:

- Don't rely on the weather: Having around 6 months of Winter, short days and cold weather a year in Switzerland I can't just wait for it to improve. I've also discovered the most interesting picture can be taken in those harsh conditions, after all, not so many people are keen on taking pictures in those conditions. By just going out and then dealing with the elements is the only way to do it. I started enjoying it even more, Bad weather can bring unexpected surprises.

- Keep it simple It's very easy to go overboard when trying to make a triangle or any shape look attractive on a picture but in my opinion, trying too hard to make a simple shape look attractive can be too demanding on oneself. I first had many ideas in mind but never put them to plan as it always lead to missing something or wasn't the perfect timing. When planning projects in the future I think it's best to start simple and maybe then grow more complex from then.

- Colour does make a difference  When processing my pictures in black and white it did make me realise how colours can be a total distraction in some cases. That doesn't mean a black and white picture is less complex than a coloured one, it just means both are to be treated in a different manner. In black and white the composition is more essential and I believe contrast has to be looked at carefully.

- I'm not in love with my tripod. Taking my tripod with me to unknown territory is a complete turn off. I've had the occasion to take it with me on several trips but never did. it's too cumbersome, takes away valuable luggage space (important when flying with easy jet) and restricts my mobility. I'm already making restrictions on the lens level, by choosing only one when going out on a spontaneous photo walk or when travelling.

However, I think I should try bringing it more often for night photography and as I understand, handling light will be dealt with in the next courses of TAOP.

- Shapes matter After going through the exercises and assignment it became clearer to what extent shapes can be a very useful tool in controlling or composing a picture. I'm not yet comfortable when using shapes and composing the frame accordingly but now I'll be looking at pictures in a whole different way. By observing the way shapes have been used in images or paintings will help me improve my own understanding on how to effectively use them. I have no doubt that with time it will help my photography alot and come more naturally to me.