A Request

My lovely sister and I are competing in a contest. (The link will be at the end of this post)

You: What is this contest? Will you share the details?

Why yes, yes I will.

Thank you.

A radio station in DC has decided to run a contest where the winner receives:

• an all expenses paid trip to DC
• meet and greet with Muse (my favourite band EVER)
• seats to their concert that night
• not to mention that they pay for your dinner the night of the concert

Wow! That sounds phenomenal!

I know, dear reader. And so I want to plead my case for you all to vote for my sister and I to win.

I'm listening.... Technically reading.

It was around eighth grade when I first got into Muse. (I had probably heard them before, but never had I paid so much attention to the lyrics and the music they omitted.) My grandma had passed away the summer before I started my eighth grade year (I think... It's a little foggy since I had a difficult time dealing with it) so I was in a pretty bad place. I felt guilty and I regretted never speaking or writing to her in her last two years alive. A friend at the time told me to check out the music video for Uprising, and I fell in love. I loved the song. I looked at their other discography and fell in love with The Resistance and Black Holes & Revelations. Showbiz, Absolution, and Origin of Symmetry weren't far behind.

The thing is, they helped me feel okay. I could cope with the feelings I had. Nothing else had helped me as much as Matt, Dom, and Chris had that year.

The next year was my freshmen year - which was okay. Sophomore year was terrible - I turned to them again to help me out.

Then Junior year came. Bing was born and I learned that they'd be running the torch - I cried as I watched them run a mile with the expression I could only say as utter joy mixed with disbelief (They were running the Olympic torch, so wouldn't you be amazed and joyful and in awe of the action?). When Survival was released, I cried while it played - I was shaking. My boys were back. It had been four years.

They announced that they would be touring in the US. I looked probably five times a day at the tour date page of their site. My city wasn't there. Each day I lost hope. Then I woke up one day in December and read my local radio stations post about Muse being in my town in ONE MONTH. I started weeping and I ran to find whoever I could in my house to tell them. I called my mom, I told my sister, I cried to my dad, etc. I had been saving for 2-4 years to buy tickets.

I bought tickets. I was sick the day before and the day of. I met my friend in line and waited at least 8 hours. My sister joined us ten minutes before the doors opened - she drove almost 2.5 hours to see them. We weren't allowed to run or jog or speedwalk, but it didn't matter. We held hands and walked as fast as we could towards the stage. We. Got. BARRIER. My first Muse concert and I got the best spot in the whole area - right in front of the stage that went slightly farther than the rest of the stage. I almost puked the whole time but it was seriously the best experience I ever have had in my whole life...

They played some of my favourite songs.

Chris winked at my friend and I.

Matt winked at me, we had a conversation consisting of nodding, and he smiled at me - all the while holding a microphone out to me so I could sing to him during Starlight.

Dom was too cute when he said "Cheers!" and I was probably high on my  love for them and their music so I yelled it back to him.

I almost touched Matt's hand - my sister and friend did. :) (apparently it was clammy)

I spent almost $90 on merch afterwards.

I went to school and the post-gig depression hadn't yet set in. It took two days for me to fully comprehend what happened.

You see, this is the reason I want my sister and I to win. I might not be able to go to a Muse concert again because I became broke after their concert and still haven't recovered financially. It's been my dream to meet them since I first officially heard their music.

The rules about voting are simple:

1. You can use whatever devices with internet to vote - laptops, phones, ipods, etc.
2. You can vote once a day per device.

That's all.

Thank you for reading all of this and considering voting for me :)

Vote here

Portraiture

Anna
ISO 100
55 mm
f/7.1
1/125 sec
PAA yard
It was really enjoyable shooting Anna for this project and the weather was great that day

Francais

1. ISO 400, 55mm, f/5.6, 1/13 sec, PAA Band Room

2.

Francais actually doesn't play string base, but she borrowed Ellen's for the photo.

The canvas was borrowed from Joseph as well.

Joelle

1. ISO 800, 50 mm, f/5.6, 1/200 sec

2. ISO 800. 35  mm, f/5.6, 1/160 sec

Joelle and I have known each other for many years.

I've always thought she was one of the sweetest people and I hope I showed this in her portraits.

Kaitlynn
1. ISO 100, 37 mm, f/5.6, 1/125 sec
2. ISO 800, 55 mm, f/5.6, 1/10 sec
Sweet and simple, Kaitlynn has a unique elegance about her.

Lizzy
1. ISO 100, 55 mm, f/5.6, 1/125 sec
2. ISO 800, 42 mm, f/5.6, 1/125 sec
Fellow ginger (I was a ginger once), junior, and all around good person.
She's always full of energy.

Aylin
1. ISO 100, 44 mm, f/10, 1/200 sec, PAA Yard
2. ISO 100, 40 mm, f/5.6, 1/250 sec, PAA vineyard/garden
Sweet and creative, Aylin is a dedicated fan of Lady Gaga and is a very enthusiastic individual.

Ellen
1. ISO 400, 200 mm, f/5.6, 1/320 sec, PAA mini courtyard
2. ISO 400. 55 mm, f/5.6, 1/30 sec, Mr. Crosby's office
Fellow ginger, bubbly personality, and headed for big things.
Aspiring cadet in the police force.

Kelsey

1. ISO 100. 28 mm, f/5.6, 1/125 sec, PAA yard

2. ISO 100, 48 mm, f/5.6, 1/125 sec, PAA yard

I grew up with Kelsey.

We've had our differences, but have always resolved them.

I've gotten to know Kelsey much better this year - we went to NYC together.

Zachary

1. ISO 800, 55 mm, f/13, 1/11 sec, PAA bench area
2. ISO 800, 55 mm, f/13, 1/40 sec, PAA bench area
Zachary is a great human being.
I enjoy his ginger hair and inviting attitude.
A fellow Muser and resident of OC.

Architecture Assignment: Self Critique

Strengths

I feel that I excelled in the straightening and clarity of my photos. I feel that I also edited my photos very well - and I enjoyed experimenting with Lightroom. I also experimented with angles and enjoyed doing that. Travelling around Portland was an enjoyable experience, as I've never gone to some of the places I shot.

Constructive Criticism from Classmates

Some of the sun spots were distracting. The straightening could've been improved. The could've been more aspects in my collection.

Synopsis/Overview

I learned that I quite enjoy shooting architecture and people. It was difficult for me to get around - since I am not a licensed driver (yet). I also found it difficult to talk to strangers, since I'm a naturally shy person, but the stranger that is in my photos asked me to take his picture, so that was incredibly helpful. I really enjoyed this project and I plan on broadening my horizons in photography.

Thursday Thoughts (18APR2013)

18th of April, 2013 Edition

This week, we finished up our projects and reviewed them. I had mostly finished my project, but the day before the project was officially due, I went shooting. Some of my photos changed for the better, I think, and I had a lovely time.
On Thursday, we started going through the class' photos. We only got through three, but I can tell that the class in improving quite a lot since the last project, and I'm very excited to present mine. Wish me luck!

Urban/Architecture Project

01 Cityscape

9 March, 2013

34 mm

ISO 200

f/5.6

1/1250 sec

Location: Pittock Mansion (3229 NW Pittock Dr, Portland, OR)

I considered attempting a panorama shot, but I chose to first focus on teaching myself how to properly shoot wide-angle photos.

 

02 City

22 February, 2013

55 mm

ISO 200

f/5.6

1/320 sec

Location: Southeast McLoughlin Boulevard, Portland, Oregon

The cranes and the clouds caught my eye, so I quickly snapped a photo.

03 City

8 March, 2013

29 mm

ISO 200

f/5.6

1/320 sec

Location: Northwest Couch Street / Northwest Naito Parkway, Portland, Oregon

Some of the classic buildings by Waterfront Park that Oregonians know and love and tourists long to see.

 

04 Urban

8 March, 2013

27 mm

ISO 800

f/5.6

1/25 sec

Location: Powell's City of Books (1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR)

A few weeks previously, I found a magazine pictured here with a favourite person of mine. While was there, I noticed the nice textures magazines make, and I wanted a photo of the favourite person on a magazine, so this happened.

05 Urban

17 February, 2013

49mm

ISO 200

f/5.6

1/200 sec

Location: Pioneer Courthouse Square (701 SW 6th Avenue, Portland, OR)

A street sign with many direction points, both fictional and not. I think it may be the centre of Portland, but I'm not sure.

06 Urban

17 February, 2013

25 mm

ISO 200

f/4.5

1/50 sec

Location: Southwest Jefferson Street, Portland, Oregon

One day, public telephone booths will, sadly, be gone, Capturing them is a new hobby of mine, and I quite like them.

07 Urban

16 April, 2013

23 mm

ISO 100

f/5.6

1/400 sec

Location: Oregon City Fire Dept. (John Adams Street & 7th Street)

I love neon signs. The West Linn Police Department and the Oregon City Fire Department are two places that have them, and they bring joy to me (and I hope to you as well).

08 Reflective

17 February, 2013

43 mm

ISO 200

f/5.0

1/30 sec

Location: Cameron's Books and Magazines (336 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR)

I love cute, local bookstores. And the window reflects a Long brother checking their phone.

 09 Juxtaposition

8 March, 2013

40 mm

ISO800

f/5.6

1/1600 sec

Location: Powell's City of Books (1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR)

I've seen these at Powell's quite often, and I feel like they're always unnoticed.

10 Street (Candid)

3 March, 2013

55 mm

ISO 1600

f/7.1

1/125 sec

Location:Crystal Ballroom (1332 W Burnside St, Portland, OR)

My groovy cousin who walks on stilts for a living at his band's concert.

11 Street

17 February, 2013

30 mm

ISO 200

f/4.5

1/125 sec

Location: Waterfront Park (Southwest Naito Parkway, Portland, OR)

Candid family portrait minus one.

12 Street (Stranger)

17 February, 2013

21 mm

ISO 200

f/4.5

1/200 sec

Location: Pioneer Courthouse Square (701 SW 6th Avenue, Portland, OR)

He didn't give me his name, but Joseph has his email. He asked me to take his photo and was very nice.

13 Street (Environmental Portrait)

17 February, 2013

55 mm

ISO 200

f/5.6

1/100 sec

Location: Pioneer Courthouse Square (701 SW 6th Avenue, Portland, OR)

An uncle and nephew meandering about.

14 My Choice

8 March, 2013

55 mm

ISO 200

f/5.6

1/800 sec

Location: Union Station (Northwest 6th Avenue & Northwest Hoyt Street, Portland, Oregon)

One of the most famous photography locations, but lovely nonetheless.

15 Architecture (Exterior Architecture)

8 March, 2013

55 mm

ISO 200

f/5.6

1/1600 sec

Location: 1200 Northwest 10th Avenue, Portland, Oregon

I was walking around and decided to take this shot on the way back to my car.

16 Architecture (Exterior Architecture)

8 March, 2013

55 mm

ISO 200

f/5.6

1/1600 sec

Location: Hawthorne Bridge

Driving in a car with my dad, we were stopped in traffic.

17 Architecture (Interior Architecture)

3 March, 2013

40 mm

ISO 1600

f/4.5

1/125 sec

Location: Crystal Ballroom (1332 W Burnside St, Portland, OR)

I was at my cousin's concert and The Crystal is a ballroom, and ballrooms are exquisitely detailed.

18 Architecture (Exterior)

8 March, 2013

40 mm

ISO 200

f/5.0

1/500 sec

Location: Crown Point Highway & Historic East Columbia River Highway

A beautiful, complex bridge that is green. It took lots of help from Ellen to make the background less bright.

19 Architecture (Interior)

3 March, 2013

35 mm

ISO 1600

f/7.1

1/100 sec

Location: Crystal Ballroom (1332 W Burnside St, Portland, OR)

I was at my cousin's concert and The Crystal is a ballroom, and ballrooms are exquisitely detailed - especially the chandeliers (of which I found to be most groovy).

20 Architecture (Exterior)

8 March, 2013

55 mm

ISO 800

f/5.6

1/640 sec

Location: Laurelhurst Theatre (2735 E Burnside St, Portland, OR)

I've always been attracted to older theatres, and this one has a most elaborate sign which I quite enjoyed on a car ride home.

Thursday Thoughts

12 APR, 2013 Edition

We focused on the aspects of portrait photography today. Here are the notes:

http://www.mediacollege.com/lighting/three-point/

The Three Point Lighting Technique is a standard method used in visual media such as video, film, still photography and computer-generated imagery. It is a simple but versatile system which forms the basis of most lighting. Once you understand three point lighting you are well on the way to understanding all lighting.

The technique uses three lights called the key light, fill light and backlight. Naturally you will need three lights to utilise the technique fully, but the principles are still important even if you only use one or two lights. As a rule:

• If you only have one light, it becomes the key.
• If you have 2 lights, one is the key and the other is either the fill or the backlight.

~Key Light~

-This is the main light. It is usually the strongest and has the most influence on the look of the scene. It is placed to one side of the camera/subject so that this side is well lit and the other side has some shadow.

~Fill Light~

-This is the secondary light and is placed on the opposite side of the key light. It is used to fill the shadows created by the key. The fill will usually be softer and less bright than the key. To achieve this, you could move the light further away or use some spun. -You might also want to set the fill light to more of a flood than the key.

~Backlight~

-The backlight is placed behind the subject and lights it from the rear. Rather than providing direct lighting (like the key and fill), its purpose is to provide definition and subtle highlights around the subject's outlines. -This helps separate the subject from the background and provide a three-dimensional look.

If you have a fourth light, you could use it to light the background of the entire scene.

Posing techniques

- Body Turns

- Creating a base

- Tip and Turn

- Composition

-Straight on

- hair

(less hair on part is usually the better side of the face)

- texture

- eyes

(if there's no part, focus on the eyes)

(larger eye back, smaller eye forward)

- ⅓ + ⅔ turn

- forward tip

- feminine

- straight

- serious, more dramatic

-sideways/back

- masculine

- a photo with knees must include feet