Assignment 10: Any!

A chairlift at Massanutten Resort carries visitors above a colorful expanse of fall foliage on a clear autumn afternoon in Massanutten, VA on October 20, 2025. ©2025 Rubyanne Moley/SMU

A sweeping view from Massanutten Peak captures the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains under a clear autumn sky at Massanutten Resort in Virginia on October 20, 2025. ©2025 Rubyanne Moley/SMU

An AMC theater illuminates the cold night as patrons leave the night's showings in Addison, TX on November 9, 2025. ©2025 Rubyanne Moley/SMU

For this week's assignment, we were prompted with taking photos of anything! I decided to pull a picture from my trip to Virginia, as I was proud of the colors and composition. I also went out for a local shot of the AMC in Addison, TX. This photo was meant to kill two birds with one stone, as I'm trying to get a story published with The Daily Campus of my article about video game film adaptations.

What I did right: The layout within the frame is good for each of these. The theater is centered in the AMC one, with the interior "Hollywood" wall showing with a bright illumination. The ski lift has leading lines with the cables of the lift. The establishing view over the valley has depth, color, and composition. The angles of all of these are immersive, making you feel as though you are standing there.

What I did wrong: I wish I would've been able to capture some people in my photos. I wanted an unobstructed view of Massanutten Peak, which resulted in no people in my photos. Secondly, on the ski lift, there was conveniently nobody passing by when I click capture. The AMC one has people, but not all that visible. Some trees, branches and bushes obstruct the photo located on top of the peak. I wish there was a focal anchor in one of these photos.

What I did to fix it: Next time, I need to shift my framing and maybe try to take pictures from different vantage points. I shot in bright midday lighting to catch the colors right, but I could shoot at golden hour next time. I made sure to adjust the exposures on all the pictures to account for really bright or really dark lighting. I make some straightening adjustments, for some pictures were crooked. I also used a small aperture, and I wish I would've used a larger one.

Next time I'll mix perspectives, include motion, and tell a story with people subjects. I did what I could with the time given, as I had to work Friday to Monday, 6+ hours each day. I really wanted to go to an event, so next week I will make the time. Regardless, I am happy I got to share these pictures from Virginia and capture a cover photo for my story coming out!