Photography newbie

I recently got a new camera for my photography class which pretty much cost me an arm and leg to buy (in college standards) but all in all I was pretty excited when it arrive in the mail (despite the FedEx guy being dumb and leaving the nice expensive camera box in front of my apt door).

It's nice but as of today I'm completely stumped as to what to take pictures of. My professor is having us come up with a project of 10 pictures taken throughout the semester about what theme we want. Only problem is, I'm a total beginner, having issues with how to work the camera right (it's so totally different from my Canon powershot!) and don't know where to start.

The proposal for said project is due today at noon. I know I should have probably thought it out more before today but I am clueless as what to do. I figured looking at other more knowledgeable photographers would help so here's some I found amazing.

Ted Szulaski
website: http://www.digital-photo.com.au/






Walker Evans
website:http://www.artic.edu/aic/collections/search/citi/artist%3AWalker+Evans



Since Walker Evans did documentary (which is what I'm being taught and what I have to do for my project), he serves as more of an inspiration.

Jacob Riis work is also incredibly wonderful and some of his work can be found on this website. Just a warning: the website is slightly archaic but then again the emphasis is really on his work.

Another site that might have a lot familiar and wonderful photography is Famous Photos that Changed the World. I came across several photos that are absolutely stellar and as far as photography goes, it's worth a look.

Until next time!

Finding Time to Make Intentions Reality

Flicker time

"Scary and difficult and painful don't have to stop you. Scary and difficult and painful are the very things that transform you into your best self."
- Sally Hogshead from her book "Radical Careering"

Since probably sometime in high school, my life has been set on high gear with prospects of college, life, studies, work, family, etc.. At times (sometimes quite unintentional) these things that make up my life pull away from what really matter: dreams and those intentions I never seem to have time for.

I have tried to find every way to bring back the focus to what I really want to later accomplish in my life, those goals and those dreams, those intentions that seem miles and miles away. What I have initially done to combat the distractors is making lists in my free time of what really matters in my life, a personal "mission" statement if you will.

There are essentially three parts to this type of this modified mission statement.

Focus
First, identify what is it that I want to focus on. I keep the list at five or less to make to keep from overwhelming myself. The following is a sample of a list I composed.

I want to focus on...
1. writing
2. graphic and web design

Purpose
Second, I ask why and what do I want to accomplish with these goals. What benefits will I derive from making these intentions a reality. This part can be divided into two lists.

I want to accomplish this because....
1. I enjoy writing and it helps me relax
2. I'm interested in this field and wish to make a career out of this
I want to...
1. Write stories and poetry, have a better mastery of the English language
2. Create a better portfolio, be more aware of various choices in design

Game Plan
Third, I ask how I want to accomplish this, keeping in mind that I want to be realistic and brief when I'm writing these down. Keep in mind that all this "mission" statement is in list format to provide a clear, more concise view of these intentions.

I will accomplish this by...
1. Writing at least an hour a day
2. Keeping an idea sketchbook and studying various designers on the web and in print

My whole plan with this statement is to later make these goals an essential part of my life. Starting simple is more realistic that trying to dramatically change your life overnight and therefore making the change come more naturally rather than forced.

Also, it's tough knowing that listing these goals, intentions, and dreams is one thing but actually accomplishing it is another. I found that cutting out bad habits that consume much of my time helped me redirect that focus onto what matters. Time can't be bought or wished into thin air but it can be cultivated and worked on.


A cool suggestion I found on Steve Pavlina's site called the 30-day trial period. It basically sets your goals or intentions on a 30-day trial period. Check it out!

Until next time!