Photo Challenge Week 10: Photographing Nothing

When I heard this week’s weekly challenge, I was a bit confused.  When someone photographs nothing, wouldn't that be something?  Then I started to think maybe Mr. Pinto just wants a photo of a pitch black room.  My mind was going all over the place.  Then I saw an example of photographing nothing.  It was a simple photo of an empty room with minimal lighting.  I thought this assignment was going to be easy, however by the end of my shooting I found photographing nothing is actually really difficult. 

I am so use to composing my photos with a subject in front of my camera and wanting light so you can see everything in my photo.  So, doing this assignment was definitely out of the box.

I wanted to shoot when it was dark outside so there was minimal light shining through the windows.  I decided to shoot after work which was at 4:00am.  This was a perfect time because everyone was in bed and I had the living room all to myself.  I turned on the porch light so there was some light.  It took me awhile to get a hang of shooting nothing. I tried different angles, exposures, lenses, and I was still unhappy.  Finally I used my standard lens, the 35mm, and shot real low and snapped the photo.  I loved it. At that point of time I realized what photographing nothing meant to me.  It was about the patterns of the shadows, the eerie feeling of wanting to know more.  Photographing nothing is about the emotion, not the subject.  That’s what I got from the experience and I believe I took a photo that best fits that description. 

EOC Week 10: Networking

Networking is an important aspect about a business.  Without networking, having a business and letting people know about a business will be rather difficult.  Networking is when you use certain ways to spread the news about your business and keeping your business alive.  For my business I will network through charity work, through my contacts, and a website.

One of my passions is charity work.  I have helped build a new playground/ garden for underprivileged children in Santa Rosa, CA.  I held a benefit dinner for the People Africa and raised money to build a water source for them; the benefit was held in Oakland, CA.  I also created and ran a scavenger hunt because I wanted to raise money for the cancer foundation in a creative and fun way.  I held this even in Las Vegas, NV and invited the younger generation, so they can give back and have a great day on the strip.  With all these said, I believe it would be a great idea to combine my creativity and talent to give back to the underprivileged people in Las Vegas, NV.  I want to hold a photo shoot for this groups\ of people to show that they are special and beautiful in every aspect.  I believe once I do these charities using my photography skills, then my name will travel from person to person.  Also, my company will be in people’s mind.

Not everyone knows about my great skills with photography (yet).  Once I spread the word to some people in my life, I know my business will be booming.  The Filipino community is huge in Las Vegas, NV.  Filipinos are very supportive people and also love to support other Filipinos.  Also, my dad is best friends with a man that has assisted for a local Filipina singer.  He also is currently assisting the lead singer of Journey.  Knowing my dad’s best friend will aid me to be involved with the entertainment/ event photography.

Once my name is spread around I would need to direct them somewhere, my website.  My website will showcase my portfolio, biography, and my contact information.  I believe once I have my own website people in the internet world will see my work and will tell their friends to tell their friends and so on.  Websites are so important because nowadays people are on their computers and their social networking site all day. 

These are three networking way to spread the word about my business; however there are so many more ways to network.  I know that charity work, my contacts, and my website are my first steps to network KMA Photography; and I cannot wait until my business gets around.

Photo Challenge week 9: Eye Self-Portrait

This weekly photo challenge is about a self-portrait through someone’s eye. I have never heard of this technique and I thought it was really interesting. I am always interested on doing something new. Little do I know how difficult this assignment can be!


First, I asked my dad to pose for me. My dad thought it was a little weird that I needed just his eye, but he surrendered and helped me out. I tried shooting with my 50mm first and it was so difficult to get my camera in focus. So I tried my zoom lens, 100 mm, and it actually took the photo! However, you could not see me because of how far away I was. So, I went back to my 50mm. I tried shooting him in the shade, in the sun light, him facing the sun, the sun hitting the side of his face, and me in the sunlight and him in the shade. I can see the outline of myself, however it was not clear enough. After being frustrated with the lighting, I just changed my settings and I got a better shot of myself through my dad’s eye. For post work, I just cropped it a little tighter, so the viewer can concentrate on my reflection and not on the eye. I brightened my dad’s eye and darkened my dad’s eyebrows.

This assignment was by far the most difficult to be successful in. I believe I did a great job at this technique and will be doing more to perfect the self-portrait through someone’s eye.

Photo Challenge Week 9: Food Photography

This week’s photo challenge is food photography. For this challenge I photographed mangos. I decided to keep it simple and I wanted to do two different versions; one photo with the fruit as a whole and the other with it peeled.

I went to the store to find mangoes and I made sure to look for the most vibrant and colorful one. I wanted color because I want my mangos to pop out more since it’s a simple food shot. Once I was in the studio I placed my mangos on a plixie glass table. Then I used a big soft box above my head and angled it towards the top of the mangos. I also had something to the side of the mangos to bounce light back into the mangos.

Once I felt successful with that shot, I went to the next. I wanted to shoot the mangos peeled. I knew once I peeled them open, I would not have much time before the mango “died”. I had to change the lighting a tad pit but basically kept the set up the same. Placing the mangos on the table was a bit difficult. The mangos kept on slipping and the peel was not bending the way I wanted it. After several takes, I finally had the shot.

Food photography is such an intense field. The photographer must adapt to the food’s environment. It is like the food has more control than the photographer.

EOC Week 9: 40 under 40

I am a 26-year-old woman living in Las Vegas, NV.  I still go to college and work at a place that has no relations to photography.  When I am not at school or at work, I am shooting, editing, or finding my next project.  I am a busy, always one the go, kind of woman.  Therefore, I never really thought where I would be when I turn 40.  In 14 years I will turn 40, which seems like a long time from now.  However, I have a feeling that being 40 years old is goring to be here rather quickly.  Therefore, I have goals for myself when I turn 40 years old.

Once I am 40 years old I will be a full-time photographer.  My clients will be CBS, ABC, MTV, FOX, and many more other networks.  For those types of clients, I will be given the opportunity to shoot for their television shows.  In addition to the television networks I will also be photographing for companies that need to advertise themselves, whether it is products to music to movies.  I will be famous for my work, however I will be better known for my charity work.  I will have several charities that I will create by the time I am 40.  The charities will consist of bringing creative people together to give to those who are in need of help.  While we give back to the community I will create my own photo books about the journey and give a percentage to its cause. 

Those are my goals and dreams that I will accomplish by the time I am 40.

EOC Week 8: Are celebrities fair game?

Being a celebrity has its perks; everyone knows their name, people look up to them, and they live the rich and famous life style.  Then there are times where being a celebrity is a nightmare.  Paparazzi stalks celebrities everyday and just shove their cameras into these famous people’s faces.  There is no privacy for the rich and famous.

As a photographer, I believe there is a blurred line when celebrities are fair game.  Celebrities should understand and accept that their lives are public domain once they dabble into the media industry.  If a certain celebrity decides to join a reality show for their drug addiction or is already known for wanting to be all over the entertainment news, then the media is going to hound that celebrity.  Photographers, reporters, and others will have no problem invading their privacy.

 Once someone becomes a celebrity, the word privacy does not exist.  I agree that celebrities are fair game, to a certain point.  I believe if a celebrity decides to be a very private person, then they should be left alone.  Paparazzi can take a couple photos (they do have to make a living) , however hounding and stalking is unacceptable.  If a celebrity is with their child, the media should leave the, alone.  All the chaos could scare the children or even harm them.

Being a celebrity foes mean they are fair game, however as I stated above, there are some blurred lines.

Photo Challenge Week 8: News Worthy

 

"Not So Sweet and Innocent Anymore"

My inspiration for a news worthy photo are the mug shots that are published for the newspapers, magazines, or the Internet. I researched on how mug shots are shot nowadays. I saw several photos and I was surprised on how many variations of mug shots are there. The expression from each person is a bit different. I found mug shots with people crying, smiling, dumb founded, and in pain. The only thing I found that was consistent was how it was shot. The photographer place the subject in front of a white background and had the subject in the center of the photo. As well, the photographer takes three shots: one with the subject facing the camera, another with the subject facing to the right, and one with the subject to the left. My favorite mug shot is of Heather Locklear. One of the most beautiful actresses in her time got arrested and had her mug shot done. Her eyeliner smudged, hair all nappy, and her expression were just blank. This mug shot made it to all of the entertainment news and magazines. People were shocked that there was a mug shot photo of the actress. I chose to recreate this epic mug shot.

First I asked my model to put on black pencil eyeliner. The reason for pencil eyeliner is because I found that pencil smudges better than any other type of eyeliner. Then I asked to put on some dark lipstick, and also to tease her hair sporadically. At the end of the hair and makeup process, my model looked as if she got arrested for prostitution and drug abuse. After hair and makeup, I placed her in front of a white wall and did the same process as the mug shot photographers. I did color correct my photo to make it look “unprofessional” in post.

Photo Challenge Week 6: Paparazzi

Ron Galella has absolutely made an impact in the paparazzi world. His images are raw. He usually shoots in film with on camera flash. His work is mostly done in black and white. My favorite photos by him are the ones where his subjects are running away, putting their hand out, or just avoiding him all together. These are my favorite because the photo allows me to look deeper. I look for what catches my eye, and also look for the story.

I decided to mimic Ron Galella style. I set my camera to black and white. I also put a Canon 580 Flash on to my camera. I then told my best friend, Kimberly McClure, to model for me. I asked her to wear something that looks high class. She wore a pea coat, a nice blouse, slacks, and heels. Even though Kimberly is not a famous celebrity, her wardrobe and appearance is. I made sure that her wardrobe was different tones because I was shooting in black and white. After wardrobe was discussed, I paired her up with my dog, Zoey. Zoey did not need much direction.

When we were ready to start shooting, I gave Kimberly her direction. I just told her to walk down the sidewalk and block your face with the umbrella. I also told her to pretend I was the annoying paparazzo, trying to get a photo. Then Ironically, I got the shot!

EOC Week 6: Ron Galella

Ron Galella is a paparazzo photographer with a great reputation. “[He] is clearly willing to take great risks to get the perfect shot. As a result, he has endured two highly publicized court battles with Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis, a broken jaw at the hands of Marlon Brando, and a serious beating by Richard Burton’s bodyguards before being jailed in Cuernavaca, Mexico.” (http://www.rongalella.com/about-ron.html). I personally do not like his photography methods. I feel as if he is a stalker with a camera at hand. He invades people’s lives and shares his photos with the whole world. If I was the subject of his photos, I also would be very upset. Ron Galella constantly in my face with a camera is not a way I would like to live my life.

On the other hand, the subjects that he is shooting are famous people; famous people who should know that they are, and will always be in the public eye. Also, (even though I do not like this type of work) Ron Galella has made a name for him.

Ron's body of work exhibited at museums and galleries throughout the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in both New York and San Francisco, the Tate Modern in London, and the Helmut Newton Foundation Museum of Photography in Berlin. Ron's passion for photojournalism has also given rise to many highly acclaimed books including Disco Years (PowerHouse, 2009), which was honored as Best Photography Book of 2006 by The New York Times, and Smash His Camera, a documentary of his life and career by Oscar-winning director, Leon Gast (When We Were Kings, 1996), which premiered at the 2010 Sundance Film Festivaland received the Grand Jury Award for Directing in the U.S. Documentary category. (http://www.rongalella.com/about-ron.html)

The work that I have seen by Ron Galella is a fine art feel to them. His photos are not of celebrities coming out of the car with no panties on, it is more than that. My favorite one is of Jackie O riding her bike with her son, or the one with the woman walking into a building with an umbrella covering her face. Even though these celebrities try to hide their face or try to avoid him, their characteristics show through the photos.

As I reflect on what I have just blogged, I realize that I am on both sides of liking/disliking Ron Galella. To clarify, I respect Ron Galella on doing what he is passionate for. If being a paparazzo keeps him smiling and enjoying life, the so be it. However for me, I could not see myself doing what he does for a career.

Photo Challenge Week 5: Paint with Light

This week’s photo challenge is paint with light. I have never successfully painted with light before. So this time around, I wanted to do my best.

I was thinking of trying this photo challenge by myself. However, I felt that maybe that way would be more difficult. So, I asked my brother to, Kevin Alberto, to assist me. My brother owns these gloves with lights on the fingertips. Kevin waved his hands around which eventually would create shapes from the lights.

The next thing I did was the set up. Kevin and I went to the garage because the garage is the darkest room in the house. I grabbed a tripod for my camera. The reason for the tripod is because the shutter speed is going to be a long one, and I did not want my camera to shake during the shoot.

After I set the tripod and camera up, I set my settings. I used the ISO of 100, and for the shutter speed, I tried 1.6 seconds all the way to 10 seconds. I found the 5 seconds worked the best. The f-stop was at 5.0 because I did not want to see the background.

Then, I just told Kevin to have fun with it. The photos that are up above are my favorites. The first one has that eerie look to it; as if it’s a spirit or a ghost. The other two, the heart and the peace sign, are also my favorite because of how crisp the lines are and the meaning behind those symbols.

EOC Week 5: Copyright Process for Photographers

“Copyright infringement is not a matter of if; it’s a matter of when” (Harrington John, Best Business Practices for Photographers, pg 321).  People steal images and it may be yours.  It is so easy to get access to photos (especially if it is on the web already, so being prepared for the ‘unexpected’ is very crucial to photographers.  After taking a photograph, you are establishing the point of creation, which also means you have the ownership once the photograph is taken.  However, to make it official you must but the little c with the circle, your name, and the date.  For example, © COPYRIGHT 2011 KRISTINE ALBERTO, is the format I use to copyright my photographs.  There are many programs that have a section to embed the copyright information into your metadata.  Another way to make it official is to create a narrative about the photograph.  I did not know about this way until recently, and all that is needed is a small paragraph.  And in this small narrative paragraph it should include information about when you did the photograph, who modeled in the photograph, who was involved with the photograph, where the photograph was taken, the who, what, when, where, and how; and also all the other little details about the photograph.  By doing this, it proves that you are the owner of this photograph and that you created it.  

Photo Challenge Week 4: Wedding Photography

I have never shot a wedding, as of yet. I am going to shoot my first wedding February 19, 2011! I am really excited for this because one it is my old high school friend’s wedding, and two because I am going to do my first wedding! I have done some research and found that a lot of wedding photographers do macro shots of the wedding accessories; for example, the take macro shots of the wedding cakes, rings, invitations, centerpieces, and so much more. Therefore, with this assignment I decided to think of it as a practice run. I went to my mother’s room and searched through her jewelry. Since both my parents have lost their rings constantly, and buy new ones (granted they get it from the pawn shop or at Avon) I had a few to choose from. My dad only had a gold ring, and my mother had a silver ring with lots of diamond (or should I say rhinestones!). Then I went into my prop closet and found some fake flowers to put in the background, and in my room I found my bible that my grandmother gave me. I composed this shot in various ways. I found it difficult to showcase both rings properly. The rings kept on falling, the flowers were just too big, and the word ‘Holy Bible’ was not lining up right. Then finally I found a great composition, and just kept on shooting with my macro lens. I felt like I was shooting a product shot. In actuality, I was. I was representing and/or selling the love between two people. I felt that I needed to make the photograph to pop more. Therefore I went into Photoshop to play with the colors and cropped it into a square. I lost the 'Holy Bible', however I feel that the 'Holy Bible' wasn't too important to this shot. The importance to this shot is the rings. The bond between the newly weds. I feel that I have successfully accomplished the photo challenge! I did a great job for my practice run/assignment!

BOC Week 5: Competitive Analysis

I searched through Google for 'Las Vegas Portrait Photographers' When I look for the four websites to analize, I looked how they designed their website and what photographs or on there.  The reason is because the website and what photos they chose to put on the Internet is a representation of who they are personally and as a business.   

The photography website that I enjoyed the most was

Kelsey Anderson Photography http://www.kelseyandersonphotography.com/index.html#/home/).  Once I clicked on her link, it directed me to the home page; very clean and organized.  The white background really made me focus on her photographs.  The links to her galleries, contact, investment, blog, and such were easy to find.  The design of her page is simple and provided that 'down to earth' feeling to it.  What I also love about her site is that she included a Kelsey link.  She talked about her likes and her personal life.  I definitely felt like I had a really good representation of her through her website.  I also loved her photos.  It's a style that I would love to shoot my portraits.  I like how she separated them from senior portraits, love, and boudoir; very clean.  I liked how the people look 'real' (like the liquefy tool is nonexistent); I feel if it's a portrait there should be minimal post work.  She is obviously talented with using the overexposed or the sun glare effect.   

The other three I found are three strong photography businesses in Las Vegas.  However, they have some weaknesses. 

Red Rock Studios (http://www.redrockstudioslv.com/) has some great photographs.  The wedding photographs are beautiful.  However, the website was a little confusing.  I had to click on the portraits link to find the pricings.  I believe that every link should be on the homepage to be more convenient and user friendly.  Also, the toggles for the photographs to each link are different.  And the portraits link is the only one that has music.  I learned that consistency is very important to a site, and this link lacks that. 

TNG Photo (http://www.tngphoto.com/), has some great work.  He has a photo with 15 plus people in it, which is a hard thing to do.  To light 15 plus people and provide a good quality photo, is a difficult task; and he accomplished it very well.  However, his site is more of a glamour site.  TNG Photography lacks the pricing; if there is one I could not find it.  I only found a link to contact him.  I also feel that shooting different ethnicity is important.  He only has presented photographs of Caucasian families.  There is nothing wrong about that, however showing that you shoot different ethnicities might market yourself a bit more.  Also, shooting different skin colors means different lighting schemes.  Overall his website is good, but does not show that he is well rounded.  

Wayne Wallace Photography (http://waynewallace.com/photoblog/) was some good photographs.  However, I feel that he could have put more of his work on his site.  On each category there is only four photographs.  I feel like he needs more photographs to showcase himself.  Also, I could not find any pricing.  Therefore his site is more of a glamour site, than a business site. 

EOC Week 4: Writing a Contract

Writing a contract for your client(s) is an important step before you do an assignment. It will protect you and set everything in stone. It also can generate revenues for you. However, each contract may be different. A contract for an editorial client can be different for an event job. If a client comes to me and asks me to shoot a birthday party for them and is also willing to pay me $500, a contract is in need. Some of the factors I would include in this contract are the signatures and circumstances if there is a change to the job.


According to Best Business Practices for Photographers by John Harrington, all contracts must have my signature and the client’s signature. The reason of signatures is due to protection for the client and me.  A contract is to put everything on paper; so nothing is a surprise or someone else claiming they are pulling a fast one.  Therefore the placing of the signatures is very important; “the assigning client’s signature appears on the bottom of page two of our contract and above the signature are all of the terms and conditions”.  Therefore, if a client says ‘I do not remember this on the client’, you can show your signed contract and say ‘you signed at the bottom indicating you have read the contract’.  Signatures are a very important detail to have in a contract.

Another element I would include would be an agreement for the circumstances if there is a change to the job.  The client in this situation wants me to shoot a birthday party. If the clients want me to photograph more than a party it would cost more.  If the clients wants more prints than he agreed upon would cost more.  If the party goes longer than what is on my contract, then I can charge more.  However the only way I can charge more like this is because of the contract.  The contract should be in precise detail.  That way the client cannot attempt to pull a fast one, and I have a better chance to earn extra money.

Photo Challenge Week 3: Sports Photography

I have only shot children sport photography, and the photo above happens to my third time shooting sports. I would like to say shooting sports is an easy job. However, with my experience, it is not! While I was shooting this soccer game, I noticed what sports photographers endures. They must know the game, be quick with capturing the moment, and be prepared for any type of environment.

To be honest, I am not familiar with most sports. I have played before, however all i know is ball, goal, and points! It is best to know the sports you are shooting. The reason is because you can predict the next move, 'the ball is here, so the player will be there, and the defense is going to hit strong at this time'. Once that thought is processed, compose the shot before the that thought plays out. Another good reason to know the sport is to know where to stand. In baseball, players usually slide to home plate. Therefore, you know where to capture that moment (keep in mind that you want to compose the photo to the point where you can see the face). When I went out to shoot this soccer game, I just followed the ball. I mostly watched the game through my camera. I figured that most of the action on the field is going to be around the ball.

Being quick to capture the moment is the most important tip that I learned for sports photography. With sports photography, it is not a shoot where I can tell the teams 'Hey! Do that again, I didn't quite capture that'. You must know when to click that button. On the other hand, you can do what I did and just shoot continuously. I just followed the ball through my camera, made sure it was in focus, then I clicked the button shooting every 1/100 of a second. The downside of my method, there was just too many photos to look through!

When I went out to shoot the soccer game, it was important I was prepared for anything. When I arrived to the field, I was only allowed on one side of the field. I could not walk around due to the other games that was going on. Gratefully, I had my zoom lens with me. Therefore, I can be standing anywhere on that one side, and get enough information in my photo. Also, with the clouds out that day, I shot with the white balance of cloudy, and saturated the colors on my camera. By doing this, I turned the gloomy day into a bright day.

Shooting sports photography is definitely something I did not think I would be doing. Then once I went out there and shot it, I enjoyed it. And along the way, I learned a few tips!

EOC Week 3: Where are you now and where are you going?

I am a young 25 year old woman.  Everyone tells me I have so much to look forward to.  I have everything I need.  I may be young; however I have been faced with some difficult obstacles.  I am also the first generation to be born in the United States.  I believe that fact is very important because I was my parents “guinea pig”.  It was that and a combination of learning on my own which caused many mistakes.  Without saying too much personal information, I have been faced with financial issues that were not caused by me.  I have spent nine years trying to clear my name; to give myself the first opportunity to be financially stable.  I have had good credit; however that was taken from me.  Since then, I have had high payments in everything I encounter.  I live paycheck to paycheck, living with my parents, and trying to save money here and there.  I have put away 20 dollars every paycheck to save up for a rainy day, however it always seems like a financial emergency just comes up in my life every time I get some where.

I hope I do not sound too negative in the previous paragraph.  I believe adversity makes you stronger.  My financial status is just a part of my life that will keep me fighting and searching for ways to make my financial issues to be small.  If I keep on working hard, and keep focus, I can be at a point where I can say ‘I am stable’.  Then from there I, again, will work hard and keep focus to put money away for a retirement plan.  I believe retirement is a place to relax and not worry about money. Well, I hope.

Photo Challenge Week 2: Crime Scene Photoshoot

Photographer:Kristine Alberto
Set Designer/Make-up Artist/Photographer Assistant: Jeannine Green
Photographer Assistant: Kimberly McClure
Model: Melody Veltman

The crime scene photo shoot was something I thought I could not accomplish successfully.  I felt this way not because I thought of artistic abilities, but because of the time constraints.  However with the help from my loving friends, I accomplished what I thought was the impossible.

I wanted to do a crime scene photo shoot for sometime now.  So, when Mr. Pinto assigned us the assignment I was ecstatic.  Then, Mr. Pinto announced it was due next week; I instantly felt the stress.  To plan the photo shoot that is in my mind would take two weeks tops.  I have to find a model, a location, make-up artist, equipment, and so much more.  Thankfully, I have some amazing friends that were willing to help me!  Two students from the Art Institute, Jeannine Green and Melody Veltman, and my best friend, Kimberly McClure, volunteered to help.  Jeannine Green made the blood, did the make-up, and helped design the set; Melody Veltman modeled, brought the wardrobe, and make-up; Kimberly McClure made the evidence markers and helped with the planning; I provided the equipment, the location, photographed the photo, and did the post work on Photoshop.

In this photo shoot, I placed Melody on the mattress, once placed Jeannine did her magic to recreate a brutal crime scene.  I used one strobe with a grid, and directed it straight onto Melody to create that on camera flash effect.  During post work, I just converted it into black and white, and darken some areas. 

Overall, I believe I have accomplished the impossible and delivered a photo that looks like a brutal crime scene.  

EOC Week 2: Sacrifices

In the movie "Rear window", the main character sacrifices his relationship to continue to be a photographer in the photojournalism world.  If I am ever put into a situation like his, I will also do the same as he.  I am willing to sacrifice love, time, money, sleep, and anything else that I may have, to keep my dream alive.

It may sound a bit bizarre that I am willing to sacrifice what keeps me going day by day.  However, I am a strong believer that no matter what happens love, time, and money will always be in my life no matter how many times I push it away.  There will always be another lover, or time to be with family, or other opportunities to make money.

On the other hand, if a situation ever comes my way where I am given an ultimatum (it's 'blank', or the job, or nothing at all), I will do my best to have a win win situation.  However, if a win win is not applicable then I choose my dream.  I want to be a professional photographer, therefore if anyone gives me an ultimatum, then they are definitely people (or situations) that I do not want to be around.  Who would want someone to drop their dreams and live a life they never wanted?

In conclusion, I will sacrifice any situation for another, so I can pursue my dreams.

Photo Challenge Week 1: My Photo of Me

Photographer: Kristine Alberto
Model: Kristine Alberto

To understand this self portrait I must explain how I made the choice to shoot it and what the photo represents.

To do this shoot, my brother and our friend came along with me.  They kindly chose to help me with the shoot.  They kept me company and made me laugh to accomplish my vision of my self portrait.  I chose University of Nevada Las Vegas as the location because of its quiet, secluded, and open setting.  Usually, UNLV is a loud university filled with students walking around from class to class.  However, I shot this early in the morning during the weekend.  At that time of day on a weekend, UNLV is a nice quiet place to sit and reflect.  When I found the perfect location for my self portrait, I set up my tripod and placed it in front of me.  Since it was early in the morning I just used ambient light.  Then I set the camera on timer.  My next step was to sit in front of the camera and just laughed at what the boys had to say.  In the series of photos I took this photo best represented who I am.

This self portrait is about who I am today and who I was in the past. The columns behind me represent the journey I have taken. There has been ups and downs, and being lost and confused. I thought I would never figure out what I wanted for myself. Then finally, a couple years ago I had a breakthrough. My breakthrough was to throw everything aside and do what I want to do. I want to be a photographer. I ignored the ridicule of leaving the business degree and just followed my heart. Since then, I have been happier than I have ever been. I have been enjoying everything I do and having the time of my life.

 Save as Draft

EOC Week 1: My Voice

I am a photographer and what I love about photography is with every photo, the photographer captures a story. With that same photo the viewer creates their own story, or even remembers something from their past. I love how photography can trigger something for someone, and how photos capture different types of emotion, interpretation, and beauty. I have worked in different kinds of photography, from food to landscape, people to still life. I have experience with photography equipment, editing, and on location or studio environment.  I also have the ability to revamp an old photograph. I can recreate someone's memory and put life to it once again. I find enjoyment in photographing a series of photos; a set of photos that tells a story. One day I would love to publish a book with my storytelling photographs. Eventually, I want to get into advertisement. It’s a field where I can promote movies, artists, and companies through my creativity. I love the thought of using my talents to promote other people’s creations. I love using my talents to promote other people’s creations.  I also want to travel the world and photograph places that no one has seen. I want to take adventures to the unknown territories and capturing photos to share with everyone.  In addition, I would also love to find a way to incorporate my photography skills and charity work together.  I would love to give back to the community, especially with something that is so special to me.

EOC Week 1: Haute Couture

Haute couture is a French word for ‘high dressmaking’.  The word haute couture refers to fashion that is created to be exclusive and trend setting.  At times, people use the term as a label for fine art and music.  Haute couture has influenced the world tremendously, with the clothes, accessories, and style.  It has contributed culture to or society and to the photography world.

In society today, haute couture garments are made by hand that is fitted for just a specific person.  When looking at haute couture clothing line, it is very elegant and extravagant.  At times, it may also be over the top; something that you would not see someone wear during their everyday life.  The people that do wear it are people from the upper class.  The upper class can afford these expensive garments.  Also, you can see haute couture on the runways.  Majority of the runways are in Paris, New York, Milan, London, Tokyo, and Madrid.  The costume and fashion history would not be the same without Haute Couture.

In the photography, haute couture is very important.  Fashion Photographers are surrounded by haute couture.  During fashion shows, hundreds of photographers surround the runways to capture a glimpse of the next trend setting style.  Once captured it is sent to magazines to display to the whole world what is hot this season.  In my opinion, haute couture garments is a great opportunity to shoot creatively.  Haute couture garments are made with the finest materials, and have that fine art quality to them.  I want the opportunity to shoot haute couture garments on models, and shoot them dramatically.  I want to capture the uniqueness of the garment while I artistically shoot in different angle and odd poses.

Overall, haute couture is a huge impact not only to the fashion world, but also to the photography world.