Going into Show 5, everything felt a little different knowing it was our last show. At this point, I feel like I’ve really settled into my role and don’t have to overthink every decision the way I did at the beginning of the semester. Instead of just focusing on getting usable footage, I’ve started to naturally think about storytelling, variety, and how my shots will actually help the final product come together.
One thing that stood out to me this time around was how comfortable I’ve become taking control of situations when needed. Whether it was helping guide movement during a live shot, suggesting framing, or making quick adjustments when something wasn’t working, I didn’t hesitate as much. For example, I found myself paying closer attention to the little details like making sure there were both tight and wide shots available, thinking about backgrounds more intentionally, and even planning out how certain moments could be used as transitions or setup shots. That’s something I didn’t fully understand at the beginning of the semester, but now it feels second nature.
I also had the chance to balance multiple responsibilities at once, which pushed me in a different way. There were moments where I was shooting for more than one person or trying to capture very specific shots while still staying aware of everything else happening around me. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I actually enjoyed it. It forced me to stay organized and think ahead, especially when there were certain shots that needed to be done a specific way. Having that kind of structure, while also leaving room for creativity, helped me grow a lot in how I approach filming.
Another area I’ve improved in is problem-solving in the moment. There were a few situations where things didn’t go exactly as planned, whether it was technical issues or limitations on where we could film. Earlier in the semester, something like that might have thrown me off or slowed the process down, but now I feel like I’m quicker to adjust and find another solution. I’ve learned that not everything is going to go perfectly, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still get a strong final result.
At the same time, I’ve also learned to trust my instincts more. There were moments where I had ideas for shots or small adjustments that could improve the overall sequence, and instead of second-guessing myself, I just went for it. That confidence has definitely been one of the biggest areas of growth for me this semester. It’s not just about knowing how to use the camera anymore; it’s about understanding how to make everything work together visually.
Honestly, Show 5 itself went pretty smoothly. If anything, the end kind of snuck up on me. It didn’t feel like the last show until it was already happening, which is kind of crazy to think about. Looking back, I’m really grateful for my time in this class. I was pretty hesitant at first since news and sports aren’t what I see myself going into long-term, but getting the opportunity to work as an ENG really gave my portfolio a huge boost. It pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way and helped me develop skills that apply way beyond just this class.
Overall, this semester has been a huge step forward for me. I’ve grown technically, creatively, and in my confidence working with others. Even though this isn’t the exact field I plan to go into, I can already see how much this experience is going to help me moving forward, and I’m really glad I took the chance on it!