For my first genre, Studio Lighting, my favorite photo is number three. I’m really proud of how this shot turned out, it has a professional and dramatic look, which was exactly what I was aiming for. Choosing a black background instead of white enhanced the overall mood and made the image feel more striking and engaging. I particularly liked centering my subject with a balanced background, creating a clean and intentional composition. Through this photo, I wanted to show that a strong image doesn’t need to be fully lit. In fact, experimenting with light and shadow is what gives a photo depth and uniqueness. I also love how specific features, like the model’s eyes, stand out so clearly.

For my second genre, Architecture, my favorite photo is picture number one. I’m in love with the design of the building, it’s visually stunning, and I think the angle I chose captures its elegance well. While the gallery is quite large in person, the photo doesn’t fully convey its scale, which is something I wish I had emphasized more. Looking back, I would have avoided zooming in too much on certain details, as this limited the ability to showcase the building’s full character, especially its size and structure. That said, I’m happy with how sharp and clear the photo turned out, and I like that you can see some of the art inside. I also wish I had included the sunset in the background, since it would have added warmth and atmosphere. Overall, I’m pleased with how the photo feels, the building itself is very cool, and I’m proud of the result.

My favorite photo in the Black and White genre is number four. Although it didn’t turn out the way I originally planned, I ended up liking the result even more. My goal was to have clear raindrops against a blurry background, but instead, the photo captured a clear, wet road through soft, unfocused raindrops. That unexpected twist made the image feel almost like a puzzle. At first glance, it’s unclear what you're looking at, but with a longer look, the scene comes into focus. The black and white filter enhances the moody, night-time atmosphere and complements the gloomy weather perfectly. I love how trendy and unique the photo looks, and I think it really shows how post-editing can enhance the aesthetic of an image. The message I want to convey is that filters and effects can elevate a photo's mood, and that art is often best appreciated when you take the time to look at it from different perspectives. If I could change one thing, I would have adjusted the angle to avoid capturing the streetlight, it’s a bit distracting. Overall, this genre was my favorite, and I really enjoyed shooting photos that fit its tone and emotion.

For street photography, my favorite photo is the third one featuring my friends, Annie and Brianna. I’m very proud of how it turned out, especially considering how difficult it was to capture the shot without other people walking into the frame. The photo gives off a dreamy vibe that I really love. What makes this image stand out to me is the way the light interacts with the scene. The sun rays and light orb add a unique, almost magical quality that enhances the mood. I also appreciate that the photo feels natural, since my subjects didn’t know I was taking the shot. Their unposed expressions add to the authenticity. If I could change one thing, I would have adjusted the angle to either fully include the Ottawa sign or exclude it entirely. Having only the "A" in the background feels a bit incomplete. Still, I’m very happy with how all my photos from this genre turned out, especially this one, and I really enjoyed the process of capturing candid moments in public spaces.

For my fifth genre, Portraits, my favorite photo is the first one of my brother. I’m very happy with how it turned out. The background adds a warm, cozy aesthetic, and I love how my subject is admiring the flowers, it gives the image a natural, candid feel. The overall tone reminds me of Christmas and gives off a joyful, comforting vibe, which is exactly what I hoped viewers would feel. I used the rule of thirds technique to draw attention to my subject and help the composition feel balanced. One message I want to convey is that creative backgrounds can make a portrait more impactful. In this case, the background is visually interesting without being distracting, which helps keep the focus on the subject. If I could change one thing, I would have taken the photo from an angle that didn’t include the bicycle wheels. They feel out of place and slightly disrupt the mood, even though they do add a bit of character to the shot. Overall, I’m proud of this photo and really enjoyed exploring the portrait genre. 

In the Still Life genre, my favorite photo is number seven, which I took at the mall. I really enjoyed capturing this image because of the unique black and white cartoon-style scenery. The photo almost looks like a drawing or painting, which gives it a surreal, artistic feel. Some elements even appear a bit trippy, which makes the image more intriguing. I’m especially proud of how I positioned the chairs. The message I want to convey is that thoughtful object placement can draw attention and spark curiosity. While the background is slightly distracting, it doesn't overwhelm the main subject. If I were to redo the photo, I would move in closer to better emphasize the chairs as the focal point. Overall, I had a lot of fun working with this creative black and white theme, and I’m really happy with how the final image turned out.

For my last genre, Candid, my favorite photo is the first one. It’s a humorous shot because some of the chess pieces are out of place, making it clear that my models aren’t actually playing the game, yet their expressions are intense and focused, which adds to the charm. The message I want to share with viewers is that candid photography captures an authentic and natural feel that posed shots often miss. There’s something uniquely genuine about capturing people in the moment, unaware of the camera. While I’m happy with the overall result, I do wish the background had been less distracting and that I had adjusted the DSLR to sports mode. Because the subjects were in motion, the chess piece Annie was moving came out blurry. The yellow-orange lighting also made it difficult to get a perfectly balanced shot. Still, I think the photo turned out well, and I really enjoyed exploring the candid genre.