Backstage with Cirque Ziva – Port Angeles, WA (January 31, 2014)

365 Project: Photojournalism homework – black & white environmental photograph

In my photojournalism class I learned what an “environmental” photograph is, which has to do with paying attention to your surroundings and background of a shot, to help define the context of your photograph.

I took several photos during a movie shoot here in Port Angeles and for my homework assignment I chose this photo of director Dickie Flicks because I captured a commanding expression on his face, catch light in his eyes, the texture of his shirt, skin, and tatoos,; the courthouse building behind him is defined by the doors, pillars and the sign.  However, during my class critique, the photo did not give enough context about what was happening at this moment.  The photo would have been stronger if I included a camera, or anything that gave me context explaining that a movie was being shot at this location.

I included additional photos which MAY have been better choices to illustrate an environmental photograph.   I’m enjoying my class and happy to be learning what it takes to capture a photojournalistic shot. 🙂

Director Dickie Flicks outside Clallam County Courthouse – Port Angeles, WA

Director Dickie Flicks “seeing” his shot outside Clallam County Courthouse – Port Angeles, WA

Actor Dave Schecter at the podium with director Dickie Flicks

Actor Dave Schecter at the podium with actress Allison Weathers. Cinematographer Domenic Barberi in glasses with David Gardner.

Makeup artist Jamie Scott with actor Dave Schecter

Makeup artist Jamie Scott with actress Allison Weathers

Actress Allison Weathers with co-director Ryan Herring, stepping in as an actor.

Camera operator Dave Gardner taking a break with co-director Ryan Herring behind him.

365 Project: Rockin’ tall boots…what I love about fall!! ;) (iPhone pic)

Just playing with my iPhone apps. Used Camera+ to set up the timer for 30 seconds to capture these selfies. Then, I used PicFrame to make the collage.  Fast, easy and fun FREE iPhone apps.  Even blurry pics can tell a story.   Rockin’ tall boots…what I love about fall!! 😉

365 Project: Photojournalism homework – black & white portrait of a stranger

I’m taking a photojournalism class and our first photography assignment was to take portraits of strangers then print one 8×10 to be critiqued during class.  Suprisingly, my photo received the most votes in regards to technical and aesthetic merit.  Eek! (that was a happy squeal, by the way…LOL)

How I shot this photo: I chose this vendor who was working during a local street fair because he was in the shade (the sun was bright and overhead), the backdrop of his white tent was sparse creating a simple (eg. not distracting) background, and I thought the textures of his face would make for a good black and white photo.  I used my Nikon D7000 with 50mm/1.4 lens.  I shot at ISO 200, F/5, 1/320 shutter speed.  Our assignment was to have the eyes looking at us and filling the frame with the face.  In Lightroom, I converted the photo to black and white and bumped up the black until the histogram was at a bell-shaped curve.  No other post-processing. The only improvement that was suggested was trying to get more catch-light in his eyes.  I was pleased as punch about this capture. 🙂

 

About the assignment:  Although I’m not typically afraid of talking to strangers, initially it felt awkward for me to walk up to strangers and ask to take their photo.  Especially since I had to get up really close using my 50mm lens!  After the first ask, the assignment got easier.  In general, the men were more willing to let me take their pics.  The women were concerned about how they looked, wishing they put makeup on or did their hair.  When I assured them they looked fine and the photo would be for class and my photo blog, they let me take their pic.  Out of the twelve strangers I approached,  no one refused letting me take their photo. It was a good photojournalism exercise!

365 Project: Me and Graham Kerr, the Galloping Gourmet (October 15, 2013)

This was taken Sunday at the 2013 Dungeness Crab and Seafood Festival in Port Angeles, WA.  I grew up watching Galloping Gourmet with my mom so I was thrilled to see Graham Kerr, who was giving food demonstrations and signing autographs of his book.  He was super approachable, sweet, and generous with his kindness.

Me and Graham Kerr, the Galloping Gourmet!

365 Project – 177: Spiritually Fit Yoga (June 27, 2013)

My latest project involves launching a new blog and facebook page to share info about myself as a yoga instructor, my yoga schedule, and just anything I love that I relate to yoga.  After my recent teacher training with Baron Baptiste, I was fired up to get my business going so, with the graphic design help of my friend Kristen Johnson, I now have  http://spirituallyfityoga.com and a new facebook page is http://facebook.com/SpirituallyFitYoga.  Please stop by, check it out, and give me a *like* to help me launch this new business venture in Port Angeles, Washington. This is just one of many steps I will take to realize my dream of growing our yoga communityin my hometown.  I absolutely love yoga and am happy I have a dedicated space to share it with everyone!  Here are a handful of pics my hubby took of me in my backyard, using my Nikon D7000 . Enjoy!

365 Project – 154: Nora at 1.8 aperture – in color and b/w (June 3, 2013)

This was another shot I took of Norita. Couldn’t decide which one I like better, color or black and white?

365 Project – 152: Nora at 1.4 aperture :) (June 1, 2013)

I haven’t subjected my daughter to my camera in awhile so I thought I’d snap a few shots while she was playing in her “clubhouse.” Grateful she at least looked at the camera for me. 🙂

365 Project – 363: My monkey on da Big Island (December 28, 2012)

Just minutes after landing at the sweet outdoor airport on the Big Island of Hawaii, Nora was barefoot and climbing this plumeria tree. Let the vacation begin!!

365 Project – 347: “sweet” – Day 12 iHeartFaces photo challenge (December 12, 2012)

These pics are from a photo shoot this last weekend and I thought this brother and sister were sooo sweet with each other. There’s about an 8 year difference between these siblings and they loved having their picture taken together, whether they were leaning against each other, or him sitting on her lap, or putting a hand on a shoulder. It was so nice to see that sibling love between them.

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And, I just love this pic so I’m including it too. Doesn’t this look like a CD cover or something? Well, I just think it’s sweet! 😉

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These photos were NOT straight out of the camera. They were post-processed in Lightroom applying MCP Actions Preset True Colors then manually, adjusting and editing.

See more of my 365 Project: Untouched photos from my Nikon D5000 with 50mm lens