What makes the photo?

To be honest I am not a great photographer. 
Photographs mainly are taken during travel and events for me, taken carelessly, without much thought, just spamming the shutter button whilst adjusting minor details in focus.
I think rather than recklessly pressing that button I should consider a philosophy and what it actually means to take a good photo.
So what is photography actually all about? I decided to compile a list of questions that I personally should be asking myself each time I hold the camera to my face and take another snap.

Image: Amanda Luu

What is the condition in which the photo is being taken? 
Justify why the photo is being taken and have a cause.

How should the photo be taken?
Carefully consider the composition of the photo, the equilibrium and balance of the photo, foreground, background and the best angle it should be taken at.

Where is my light?
Consider what is the focus and how the lighting can effect the subject, in both good and bad terms. Lighting is generally crucial in terms of taking a photo, cloudy days are generally best for outdoor shots as the light is spread and filtered through the clouds, however sunny and angled lighting could add varying degrees of drama into a shot.

How do I want to express my photo?
Figure out what it is that needs to be portrayed through the image. Whether it is an emotional picture or a dramatical or image to display, have a view about the subject and know what message needs to be described through the image about the subject.

It's all about what needs to be said about the subject of capture, how you want both you and your audience to see the image and the message and emotions behind it.

The Beginning of the end

Something must have clicked in my head, it's uni break, the day after my birthday, the nearing of another year. I'm bored, let's start a blog.

So who am I?

Amanda, the silent type who sits in the corner, listening, observing and watching the class, thinking I'm alone and that nobody will notice me.. however I have learnt that that is definitely not true. Sadly I am not a ninja. So I may as well make a entrance into the world of the cyberspace.

Why am I here?

Honestly? I thought I might at least try do something else with my life more than reading manga, anime and the latest season of Project Runway. Yeah, great start for a wanna be architect. It's the end of a year, maybe a start of something else. This could ultimately be a way to get my name and style out to the world. Perhaps to introduce myself to more than just that girl who may just design your house later on in life. 

So what's this all about?

At the very least, I'm an architecture student, starting my 3rd and final year of bachelors in 2015. So hopefully I'll be able to get myself writing on architecture, my life, my inspiration and my hobbies. No, this is not going to be only about architecture, pity.

Hopefully something will come out of this wonderful new world. Let's break out of that inner shell of comfortable living and step out into the world. 

So here's me to you, greetings, the world of cyberspace, my name is Amanda Luu and my sketches are cringe-worthy.

I hope you aren't my future employer who somehow found this blog and is reading this to figure out what type of employee you're hiring.

Merry Christmas folks, let's hope this year ends on a new note. 

Image: Amanda Luu