A Journey Through Photography, Social Media, and Multimedia Storytelling
Reflecting on my journey into expanding my digital skills, I recognize how social media and the internet have become central to our daily lives. Because they are so prevalent, I wanted to grow my knowledge, creativity, and technical abilities. My journey began with a genuine curiosity and enjoyment of photography. As a visual learner, I love capturing the essence of a moment and telling stories through images.
Social Media and Photography
I decided to improve my skills when social media platforms became more important for sharing creative work. That’s when I started my photography Instagram account, captures_by_cully, as a digital portfolio to showcase my work. I also use captions as learning tools—sharing life lessons, quotes that have inspired me, or positive messages to encourage growth.
Around the same time, I developed an interest in fashion as a way to express myself artistically through clothing. This led me to create another Instagram account, Cullys_Kicks, where I share photos of my sneakers and outfits, blending my love for photography with my evolving sense of style.
Video and Documentation
Recognizing the growing importance of video content, I decided to take a class at Wesleyan called Live Performance – Video and Documentation. In this course, I learned how to set up and break down Canon C200 camera equipment and gained valuable skills in camera operation. We covered everything from basic lighting, composition, and shot angles to audio quality and focus techniques. Additionally, I learned digital editing software such as Adobe Premiere and Adobe Audition, where we edited both video footage and audio tracks.
For my final project, I created a 5-minute documentary about my friend Kofi McFadgion, an outstanding dancer pursuing a career in dance. This project was a culmination of all the skills I had developed, and I felt proud of how everything came together. Check it out here: https://youtu.be/3AjcDLevufM
What’s most rewarding about this journey is seeing how these skills interconnect. Photography taught me to see the world differently, social media helped me share my vision, and Adobe Premiere and Audition allowed me to polish and expand my work into multimedia experiences. Each skill builds upon the others, and I’m excited to see where this learning takes me next.
