Genius Hour Post #6 - It's Showtime!

Well, we made it! Throughout the course of this Genius Hour project, I experienced the highs and lows of learning something new - highs when I would get that just right shot and spend an afternoon in my "flow," and lows when that perfect shot wouldn't pan out how I envisioned in my head, coupled with a lack of motivation to keep practicing after a long week. But at the end of the day, the highs and lows I experienced were all part of the process, and I'm proud of myself for seeing the project through, and for carving out some time to learn something that I've been wanting to for years!

Yes, I've learned some photography basics like the components of a proper exposure. Did you know that the aperture of a photo is how much light is let in, and that the larger the F-stop, the smaller the aperture, and that smaller aperture results in less depth of field? Or that an increased ISO gives you a brighter shot? Or that the faster your shutter speed, the less light is let in? Or that concepts like the rule of thirds or the Fibonacci Swirl make photograph composition more pleasing to the eye? Well now you do, and so do I! The online photography "masterclass" that I took through Udemy taught me how to get the right exposure and composition, and while this may all sound like another language (trust me, it is!), I feel like I'm finally understanding these terms and what they mean to the outcome of a photograph.

Also, I absolutely loved exploring Chicago with my camera over these past several weeks, and, in doing so, I noticed places and things I never have before, despite living downtown for over 13 years. I loved taking my camera with me on a walk on a Saturday afternoon and dipping into a local resale shop, cafe, or corner store. Whether I was perusing the galleries of the Art Institute or just enjoying a late morning cappuccino with a good book, I was able to capture beautiful moments that I can look back on for years to come. Below is a video compilation of what I consider to be some of my best "never before seen" shots.

However, beyond the photography jargon and the hidden Chicago gems that I have gained as a result of this project, perhaps the most valuable lesson that I've learned is what it feels like to have grit, determination, failures, and successes as a learner myself. We ask these qualities of our students on a daily basis, but I had forgotten what it felt like to struggle through learning something new myself. I have a reinvigorated compassion for students as they persevere through learning something new and coming out on the other side better for having tried it, and that may be the most valuable takeaway of all.