Influenced by the Masters

Yousuf Karsh, a very well known, successful photographer died on July 13 of 2002. Although Karsh is no longer alive, he was sure to leave his imprint behind with the meaningful, self-expressing portraits he took of thousands of other significant figures that have also left their footprint on the face of this earth. The people Yousuf Karsh focused on and photographed didn't literally leave their footprint behind, these people made a change to this less-than-perfect world we live in. Among the people he photographed, Yousuf captured images of the Brave Martin Luther King, the Great Albert Einstein, as well as the effective Winston Churchill. Karsh takes these images of "those mean and women who leave their mark on the world" and presents them in an intimate manner.

The group, as a whole, was inspired by Yousuf's protrayal of human beings, as these pictures are able to speak for themselves, they are not like any other photographers, they are unique. Karsh is able to make the subject look as if they are see through, although not literally. The images are capable of making one see what the individual was all about, making them easy to read for all spectators. While thinking of someone who has left a mark in my life, the first person that crossed my mind was  Steve Nordenstedt. Coming into high school, my freshman year, the first member of Pittsburg High School that I built a bond with was Nord. Aside from being a phenomenol teacher, and I dont mean to be a cheerleader, but that truly is what Nord is, Nord has dedicated his sweat and time with us students even after the bell has rung. Nord isnt just an English teacher, he has inspired me to shoot for the stars because the sky is no limit. Nord has made me realize a lot about myself and it is because of Nord that I have contemplated pursuing a career as a teacher, like himself, I would like to leave the same imprint he has left on my life, although I dont think I will ever be as great of a person as Nord is. Thank you Nord, I know this may sound a bit cliché but I mean it when I say it, there are not enough "Thanks Yous"in the world that can stress how much I appreciate all that you have done. Once again, thank you!

For more pictures click the link below.
My Webpage

                             

 

Yousuf Karsh

Yousuf Karsh, a very well known, successful photographer died on July 13 of 2002. Although Karsh is no longer alive, he was sure to leave his imprint behind with the meaningful, self-expressing portraits he took of thousands of other significant figures that have also left their footprint on the face of this earth. The people Yousuf Karsh focused on and phototgraphed didn't literally leave their footprint behind, these people made a change to this less-than-perfect world we live in. Among the people he photographed, Yousuf captured images of the Brave Martin Luther King, the Great Albert Einstein, as well as the effective Winston Churchill. Karsh takes these images of "those mean and women who leave their mark on the world" and presents them in an intimate view.

Portraits- How Can You Take Better Portraits

Photography Tips on Taking Portraits

1. Ways to Take Stunning Portraits

2. Where is Your Subject Looking and Why Does it Matter?

3. How to Take Portraits

4. 101 Portrait Photography Tips

5. Portrait Photography

6. How to Take Excellent Portrait Photos

7. Top 10 Tips for Great Portraits

8. How to Take Great Portrait Photos

9. How to Shoot a Portrait Photo Like a Pro

10. 3 Tips for Taking Beautiful Portraits

Often times we ask ourselves, "What does it take in order to capture amazing portraits?" The links provided above will help all those who ask themselves these types of questions and help improve the quality of the portraits. From the links, I, myself, have picked up a couple of tips that were given on behalf of taking portraits. for instance, I discover that simplicity is more. The simpler, the better. Simplicity makes portraits more valued and places the focus on the subject, and the subject only. 

Website- Artistic Review

The class was given the option to review a student website or a teacher website. As a class we decided to review, Bryan Farley, our advanced photo teacher's photography website. Farley was one of the new members to be integrated into Pittsburg Senior High School and has been a photography teacher for several years although he doesn't quite consider himself a photographer but rather an agent of communication. Farley began taking photos because he had a difficult time reading as a kid and he found a new form of understanding things and communicatign through pictures. Farley emphasizes the importance of making history and that is what he manages to do in his pictures.

In his website Farley captures images of all kinds of things which is his primary purpose, he wants to portray to the world what else is going on around them, to make them aware that the world is full of amazing things and that these things are just as important as the photographs of what are known to be "stars." Farley wants the unknown to be known and that is exactly what he does with his website.

In Farley's website, underneath a couple of photos he specifically states his purpose, that of "uncovering the truth." Farley is able to view the world with a different perspective and enjoys every little detail and it is through his images that he allows people to see the world through his eyes. Farley lives with epilepsy which is why I think he views the world in such a positive way, with such gratitude. It is this gratitude that contributes to the effect given off to the photos he takes which lead to the uncovering of the stories within.

Farley began taking photos because he had a difficult time reading as a kid and he found a new form of understanding things and communicatign through pictures. Farley emphasizes the importance of making history and that is what he manages to do in his pictures.

Cropping for Better Composition, Part 2.

Before

After

This cropped photo illustrates texture rule of composition because the columns provide the textural effect in a way in which a three dimensional effect is given off. The three-dimensional appearance adds to the picture itself by making it more appealing to the viewer.

Cropping for Better Composition

Before

                                                                         

           

After

This cropped photo illustrates the leading lines rule of composition. The road along with the palm trees leads the viewer's eyes to the actual entrance to the bridge and makes the main focus the presence of the bridge which then later leads to the appreciation of the gradual change in the color of the sky.

Before

After

As for this photo, this pictures illustrates foreground background because it emphasizes both the actions in the nearest part of the picture as well as the far most actions. 

Compositon- Simplify the Theme

While outside in the quad, our group was assigned to pick a rule of composition. When we finally came to an agreement we decided to take photos of simplyfing the theme. As a group we decided to take a picture of the columns and focus only on one of them, rather than all of them. Taking a picture of columns wasnt the only option we had, we could have also taken a picture of one of the benches out in the quad, or perhaps even the trees. To simplify the theme one should really only have the main focus or sight of interest on one specific object so as to create an emphasis on the object.

Canon Rebel T3i Review

The Canon Rebel T3i is an easy-to-use, compact DSLR, equipped with an 18.0 megapixel CMOS Sensor camera. According to CNET the camera is very good when it comes to videos and picture quality. It does its job and captures the essence adequetly. The only thing that was a bit frustrating and deceiving was the lack of ability to video record and take pictures at the same time, it appears the camera isn't that easy to operate afterall. 

As for this review from Canon, the writer seems to like the camera very much. Apparently its durable, and very efficient. The operating temperature is set at 104 degrees but it actually has been proven to withstand higher temperaures, meaning there is more variability as to the conditions in which the camera can snap photos. Aside form its abilities to facilitate the act of using the camera, the battery life is very great and can take up to 500-600 photos on a weekend with only one battery. It also has nice features and settings, its portable, lightweight, and provides excellent image quality.

According to Digital Camera Review, the camera is great and received a four star rating out of 5 from reviewers. It has good video quality as well as pictures but it seems have a slow AF.

Overall, the camera seems to have many positive notes on behalf of its functions. Many people have a difficult time adjusting the settings to their cameras but this doesnt seem to be such of an issue when it comes to this camera. It's known to be one of the best cameras for beginners but despite being a "beginner" camera, it can produce magnificient far-from-beginner photos. 

Edits

                                            Original                                            Black & White

Defined/Saturated 

Yosemite and Photography

On October 1st, 1890 Yosemite held its grand opening as a national park. To this day Yosemite is closed due to the government shut down which was put into effect on the exact same day Yosemite National Park held its 123rd anniversary. 

Both Ansel Adams and Pop Laval, a Central Valley photographer, were best known for their images of Yosemite. Yosemite provided these photographers one of the most breathtaking sites that provided a mountain-and-valley scenery for all those interested or intrigued by this view. As more and more people  realized the talent within Pop Laval and his keen eyes fro jaw-dropping images, the number of contractors began escalating and escalating. Laval was hirede over and over by many companies as well as individuals for his work on displaying teh beauties of the world that are often times overlooked. 

AS of right now, Michael Frye makes the most interesting photographs of Yosemite by capturing the natural essence. 

Photo Booth Images

For this assignment we were suppose to pick 5 different effects on Photo Booth. From the optionis provided I chose to use Rollercoaster for my first, Comic for my second, Glow for my third, Pop Art for my fourth, and Thermal Camera for my fifth. I chose the following effects presented below because of their color schemes. They were fun and went with my mood at the time.

Review Elements of Art

The art of photography consists of many elements which serve as composers of an image. Over the time, photographers have learned to manipulate different elements to portray a certain message and display a strong image for its viewers. Among this elements are: lines, texture, shapes, forms, space, color, and tone. All of which were mentioned work to balance out the image and cast a certain feeing that has been pre-selected by the photographer himself. The whole point of photography is to be able to show the viewers one's perspective of life and see the world through their eyes. The art of photography is capable of many things which is what is so special and unique about this type of art, as well as its capability to transmit emotions and its multiple meanings within. I will manipulate the factors which help compose the image and cast the emotions/reactions desired by creating a balance. Our next project as a group will be to focus on both humans and nature, both in their natural sense without imposing an influence on the subject.

Concert Photography and Composition Rules

                      Before             

                             

                                                                                   
                                                                                   








          

After

Compositon of Photography

Different artists utilize distinct tactics to display their arts. Composition being the building block of photography is often overlooked but also one of the main elements in fine arts. In photography composition ranges from the pattern being displayed to the depth of field. All around the world there are million of photographers whom attempt to portray different things and in order to do so, they "play" with the objects surrounding them to sway the viewer in a certain direction. This direction often leads to the ability to view things through the photographers eyes. As a photographer, there is no ideal direction in which I prefer to lean towards, I sort of just got with the flow when it comes to taking photos. Much like a chief, I like to try new things and hope they turn out good, after all, if it doesn't come out good the first time there is always a next.

For more information go to:
5 Elements of Composition in Photography
10 Top Photography Composition Rules
Art Of Composition In Photography- Tips And Examples

Assignment #1 - Observing Matters of Light

While observing the matters of light, each of the five people in my group, including myself, took turns stepping under the skylight to see the effect that light casts on varying objects and people. Depending on what each individual is wearing, the lighting that is being reflected onto their bodies differs based on their clothing, their skin tone, their height, and their hairstyles as well. When one individual stepped onto the spotlight, the light would bounce off their bodies and project their shadow onto the glossy floor in the hall. For those who were wearing dark clothing, not much light was bouncing off onto their face, this is explained because black serves as an absorbent of light. As for those were wearing lighter colors, more light was being reflectd on their faces. This experiment made it possible to understand the effects of the objects surrounding us and the impact they have on the lighting that is being produced.