#4: Reflection

So far this semester I've learned a good bit of practical, hands-on knowledge for working on an actual production set. I've picked up a number of terms that I hadn't heard before like "dead soldier" for an assembled stand sitting unused off set. The readings for this class have been very interesting and I'm really enjoying delving deeper into not only the technical aspects of the craft, but the psychology behind why certain visual concepts work in the way that that do. Most importantly, I've learned that if I'm the last one to get into the classroom, then I have to sit in one of the uncomfortable black plastic chairs.

I think the biggest challenge for has been simply maintaining focus when it comes to class and working on the set. While I'm very interested in the material, my brain just naturally moves in about 100 directions at once at any given time so it's very easy for me to get distracted. As a result, I often feel that I'm not quite on the same page as the rest of the group.

Also, I'm having some difficulty dealing with finding the time to work on shoot assignments since I have a very busy schedule that includes full-time classes, two different jobs on campus, and a good bit of freelance work outside of school. Just today, I was on campus from 8:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M., and that's a fairly typical day for me.

My current schedule doesn't really leave any time for me to develop and work on my own projects, which is frustrating. I'm really looking forward to Spring Break, during which I will sleep late every day and hopefully manage to get some rest for the first time this semester.

While this may all read like a litany of complaints, I'm honestly quite happy to be a part of TCF and I feel lucky to be spending my time working within a field about which I am passionate and thoroughly enjoy.