Blog Entry 10: Final Reflection – Towards the Photobook
After nine blog entries and several rounds of testing, refinement, and reflection, I feel that my project “The Taste of Home: Chinese Food in Everyday New Zealand” is finally taking a clear shape. What began as a broad interest in food and cultural identity has now developed into a layered visual narrative that explores how Chinese culture is embedded in ordinary, everyday spaces—from supermarket aisles to kitchen counters and restaurant tables.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned during this process is that photography is not just about capturing what is visible, but about revealing what is felt. Each decision—from lighting and framing to sequencing and layout—affects the emotional tone of the project. I’ve also come to understand the value of working iteratively. My early shoots were more observational; now, I’m more intentional in how I frame each image to tell a story about place, memory, and identity.
Looking ahead to Assessment 4, I plan to refine my image selection and focus on the emotional pacing of the photobook. I want the book to move the viewer through different emotional spaces: curiosity in the supermarket, comfort in the kitchen, and warmth in the restaurant. I’m also considering adding short captions or bilingual labels to further ground the photos in my personal perspective.
This project has become more than a documentation of food—it’s become a documentation of belonging. I now see photography not only as a creative tool, but as a way to connect with my own cultural identity and share it with others.