Today was an emotional roller coaster. I'm in this crazy period of my life at the moment where everything is about to change. College is just around the corner. I'm leaving home this summer for work. I'm about to leave Proctor Academy which has been my school, my home, my life, my playground and safe haven. It's just so sad that my younger years have flashed by before my eyes. On the other hand it's the most wonderful thing in the world. I have had so many great adventures and have so many to look forward to. This morning I cried. I cried and wept about how all things come to an end. Today I laughed at how much love I have in my life and tonight I cried at how much I'm going to miss this place.
I'm so thankful for everything and am also thankful that I have my camera with me to document the highs, the lows, the goods, the bads, and even the ugly.
It's the weighting moments that make life worth while...
peace
-Jax
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Day Eight: Oh Feels Great
Today I went to John's and learned how to back up my pictures onto a hard drive. This felt good to do because now I don't have to worry too much if my computer falls off of a cliff. After I learned how to establish a safety net for my pictures I learned how to categorize them on my computer for organization.
Afterwords we looked on the big screen at the photos I have taken and edited recently.
I'm excited to start gearing up for my art exhibit, which I will begin work on next week.
Short blog today, but I'm tired and need to take care of me...
Afterwords we looked on the big screen at the photos I have taken and edited recently.
I'm excited to start gearing up for my art exhibit, which I will begin work on next week.
Short blog today, but I'm tired and need to take care of me...
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Day Seven: Editing
Today I was confronted twice with the question, "Isn't that Cheating?"
"Is what cheating?" I asked both times.
"Editing photos. Isn't that cheating?"
What are the objectives in the piece?
What constitutes art
What is the quality?
Its the intent behind the work.
If the artist does not have a foundation to work from, it can't be created from technology alone.
You can't create Dot and her house. You cannot create Zada running around in the rain. One needs to go out and get the raw image.
I had never really thought about this concept before, that editing or manipulating a photographic image could be cheating. I'm also frustrated that I wasn't able to give a good response to this question, which I took as more of an insult at the time. With time to think about it, here is what I came up with today...
One of the many great things about art is that there are virtually no rules. Sure, there are guidelines one can follow to achieve a certain style of artwork. Overall, art can be a scribble on a piece of paper or a coat hanger bent in half. Point being, art is whatever one makes of it and is open to interpretation. People have different artistic styles that they find appealing. For instance a painter may paint a landscape and choose certain hues of paint and embellish certain elements within the scene to highlight what the artist feels is important in that work. The beauty is that no one needs to follow them in order to be right, because there is no right or wrong to art. Bringing it back to photography, if one believes that a picture should remain the way it was taken, than that is their personal choice that is neither right nor wrong. It is those choices that also bring zest and personality to an artist. The choices they make influence the piece and give it a style that is unique to any other piece of work.
Art is largely an interpretation of what the artist sees. In my editing process, which includes a bit of dodging and burning, I like to highlight and bring attention to what I see so that the observer can look at a picture through my artistic lens.
Above all, a prevailing theme in photography has always been to get the best image that one can. Going back to the origins of photography, different papers, grain, chemicals, lighting and shutter speeds were all taken into account when trying to produce photos for a desired effect. One might use Kodachrome to get deeper deeper reds and yellows, where Ektachrome gives more of a blue tone and Fugifilm gives a heavy purple influence in photographs. A photographer by nature will choose preferred materials in terms of producing the desired affect. This is part of the photography process. This is editing.
I'm glad I was confronted with these questions today, for it has helped me to define photography for myself and further strengthen my personal style in capturing the "Weight of the Moment."
Just something to think about...
-Jax
"Is what cheating?" I asked both times.
"Editing photos. Isn't that cheating?"
What are the objectives in the piece?
What constitutes art
What is the quality?
Its the intent behind the work.
If the artist does not have a foundation to work from, it can't be created from technology alone.
You can't create Dot and her house. You cannot create Zada running around in the rain. One needs to go out and get the raw image.
I had never really thought about this concept before, that editing or manipulating a photographic image could be cheating. I'm also frustrated that I wasn't able to give a good response to this question, which I took as more of an insult at the time. With time to think about it, here is what I came up with today...
One of the many great things about art is that there are virtually no rules. Sure, there are guidelines one can follow to achieve a certain style of artwork. Overall, art can be a scribble on a piece of paper or a coat hanger bent in half. Point being, art is whatever one makes of it and is open to interpretation. People have different artistic styles that they find appealing. For instance a painter may paint a landscape and choose certain hues of paint and embellish certain elements within the scene to highlight what the artist feels is important in that work. The beauty is that no one needs to follow them in order to be right, because there is no right or wrong to art. Bringing it back to photography, if one believes that a picture should remain the way it was taken, than that is their personal choice that is neither right nor wrong. It is those choices that also bring zest and personality to an artist. The choices they make influence the piece and give it a style that is unique to any other piece of work.
Art is largely an interpretation of what the artist sees. In my editing process, which includes a bit of dodging and burning, I like to highlight and bring attention to what I see so that the observer can look at a picture through my artistic lens.
Above all, a prevailing theme in photography has always been to get the best image that one can. Going back to the origins of photography, different papers, grain, chemicals, lighting and shutter speeds were all taken into account when trying to produce photos for a desired effect. One might use Kodachrome to get deeper deeper reds and yellows, where Ektachrome gives more of a blue tone and Fugifilm gives a heavy purple influence in photographs. A photographer by nature will choose preferred materials in terms of producing the desired affect. This is part of the photography process. This is editing.
I'm glad I was confronted with these questions today, for it has helped me to define photography for myself and further strengthen my personal style in capturing the "Weight of the Moment."
Just something to think about...
-Jax
Monday, May 16, 2011
Day Six: Rain Drops
On Sundays I usually don't plan too much. I wake up around nine and will then usually put on a comfy sweater, a pair of jeans and some boots for my usual sunday trip to the Co-op. I brought my friend Zada with me for fun and so that she could pick up a few treats for herself.
As we drive down route 11 listening to the static radio I decided I needed to go to the bathroom. We drove into the parking lot of an old baseball field that I remember watching games at as a kid. It was pouring rain and I did not feel like getting out of the car. Zada turned her face towards mine while still looking out at the rainy field. "Want to go run around?"
All of the sudden, an incredible childlike and enthused sense of awakening came about me as I stepped out into the pouring rain. I took off my wool sweater and cotton shirt and began to run around. With every lunge a wave of mud would splash all over my jeans, but in another they would already be washed clean by the down-pour of rain. Zada was far ahead in the outfield. Her red hair was matted, soaked, and darkened by the water. The color complemented the bright spring grass on the field. It smelled like wet dandelions. It was beautiful. While running around, and doing handstands we couldn't help but fall over and burst into uninhibited fits of laughter. We were having so much fun being outside, feeling the rain and letting it soak us.
We weren't doing anything in particular, we were just having fun with whatever we were doing. It was so refreshing and was the perfect way to begin the week. I am lucky that I brought my camera...
peace,
-jax
As we drive down route 11 listening to the static radio I decided I needed to go to the bathroom. We drove into the parking lot of an old baseball field that I remember watching games at as a kid. It was pouring rain and I did not feel like getting out of the car. Zada turned her face towards mine while still looking out at the rainy field. "Want to go run around?"
All of the sudden, an incredible childlike and enthused sense of awakening came about me as I stepped out into the pouring rain. I took off my wool sweater and cotton shirt and began to run around. With every lunge a wave of mud would splash all over my jeans, but in another they would already be washed clean by the down-pour of rain. Zada was far ahead in the outfield. Her red hair was matted, soaked, and darkened by the water. The color complemented the bright spring grass on the field. It smelled like wet dandelions. It was beautiful. While running around, and doing handstands we couldn't help but fall over and burst into uninhibited fits of laughter. We were having so much fun being outside, feeling the rain and letting it soak us.
We weren't doing anything in particular, we were just having fun with whatever we were doing. It was so refreshing and was the perfect way to begin the week. I am lucky that I brought my camera...
peace,
-jax
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Weekly Reflection: 5/9-5/13
I started off this week by researching other artists’ photos, who’s work was similar to the style of photography that I like. This style, which I have mentioned in other blog posts, is focused on capturing the raw emotion, psychology, feel and candidness to a moment. In doing so, I have also learned a variety on color and how it can either contribute or distract the observer from the true point and grit of a photo. Over the week I have been learning the functions in the editing program “Light Room,” which is used by many photographers to edit and manipulate photos.
I have thoroughly enjoyed working on my project this week. I’m so fortunate that I’m allotted these three weeks to do what I love; photographing the weight of the moment. I’m one who prefers candid photography and trying to expose and bring focus to something in a photo that others might not see otherwise. This style allows me to go on adventures with my camera to record moments of beauty in my life that I can then share with others in a picture.
Over this week I have surprised myself by how outgoing I have become with strangers in trying to hear their stories and educate myself on their lives. I have startled myself in my recent discovery of how attached I have become to each of my photos. Everyone of my photos contains a person who holds a story or a moment that they have shared with me. I’m reminded of these moments every time I look at the memories expressed in my photographs.
I learned quite a bit and have grown significantly in my first week on senior project. This knowledge I have gained will benefit me in the weeks to come. I have become more focused and aware of the path I want to pursue in photography over the next two weeks and into my life. My comprehension in “Light Room” is growing as is my understanding in camera theory. With two weeks to continue my project I’m looking forward to assisting and taking pictures in an organized photo shoot, meeting and learning the stories about people I photograph, and beginning the process of finishing up photos to be printed and matted.
Tomorrow I will be attending my first photo shoot!
Until tomorrow,
-jax
Friday, May 13, 2011
Day Five: Stayin Alive
Tonight is one of those nights when you crawl into your bed and you think to yourself, "what a great day!" I have bruises on my knees, cuts on my toes form walking barefoot all day, wet matted hair from swimming in the river and a full stomach from the venison tenderloin I cooked today.
In regards to my last post, today I tried to not go looking for photographable moments. Instead, just bring my camera with me wherever I go. My intention going into today was to go with the flow and get lost in the moment. I believe I did just that and I have great pictures to prove it. Bleeding feet, grassy fields, games of wall ball, salad greens, cold river swimming and picking ticks off bare limbs. Good thing I had my camera with me!
Today was fun. It was very very fun. Tomorrow is going to be an incredibly long day of processing, uploading and editing pictures. It is time to look at these moments on the blown up screen and pick out the magic. It's there, I just have to expose it!
-Jax
In regards to my last post, today I tried to not go looking for photographable moments. Instead, just bring my camera with me wherever I go. My intention going into today was to go with the flow and get lost in the moment. I believe I did just that and I have great pictures to prove it. Bleeding feet, grassy fields, games of wall ball, salad greens, cold river swimming and picking ticks off bare limbs. Good thing I had my camera with me!
Today was fun. It was very very fun. Tomorrow is going to be an incredibly long day of processing, uploading and editing pictures. It is time to look at these moments on the blown up screen and pick out the magic. It's there, I just have to expose it!
-Jax
Day Four: That Old House
I apologize that this blog is one day late due to technical difficulties. Anyways...
Today (as in yesterday) I found myself following my daily routine. Wake up around eight, go for a run, fry up some eggs, drive past that old house that I have been driving past for about thirteen years to head down the hill and go to John's. I don't know what caused me to stop at that house that could literally be pushed down with my pinky. The house is so dilapidated and rotted. The old woman who lives there was walking to her mailbox at the end of her driveway to get the newspaper. I drove by the house at about ten am on my way to "get away" in hopes of finding inspiration or a good story to capture on camera. I'm glad that in doing so I didn't miss the story of Dot.
Driving past the house and watching it grow smaller behind me I knew I would be late to John's yet again. Something in my gut told me I should go back and introduce myself to the stranger who has been my neighbor for thirteen some odd years. It's funny how easy it's to go on with the days, months and years without stopping to hear the stories of the ones you drive by every day. Turning around awkwardly in the skinny road, the old woman turned her head around to see this stranger in a pickup truck pull up beside the mailbox. I introduced myself and told her I'm the boy who lives in the shingled house with the stone wall out front. The older woman, wearing a heavy trench coat with the fur of an animal wrapped around her neck on the warmest day of the year, introduced herself as Dot. Dot has been living in this deteriorating red farm house since birth. She was born in the living room and has been watching the world go by through those warped kitchen windows for eighty-three years.
These days I have been bringing my camera with me wherever I go. Looking back at my truck with my camera resting in the front seat I asked if I could take her picture. I said she didn't have to smile or anything. "Good," she said. "I don't have any teeth left to smile." With those words she gave the cutest grin revealing the one remaining tooth in the right corner of her mouth. It was perfect.
On any given day I would have driven past that old house without giving it but a moment's worth of my time. Today I took a moment to stop. In doing so I took a risk, learned a story, made a connection, a friend, a moment and a memory. The next time I drive by the farmhouse I will continue to think of that beautiful woman with that ever-shining tooth. There are so many little possibilities and opportunities that are presented in a day. I'm glad I got to experience this one. Dot gives a hell of a smile.
-jax
Today (as in yesterday) I found myself following my daily routine. Wake up around eight, go for a run, fry up some eggs, drive past that old house that I have been driving past for about thirteen years to head down the hill and go to John's. I don't know what caused me to stop at that house that could literally be pushed down with my pinky. The house is so dilapidated and rotted. The old woman who lives there was walking to her mailbox at the end of her driveway to get the newspaper. I drove by the house at about ten am on my way to "get away" in hopes of finding inspiration or a good story to capture on camera. I'm glad that in doing so I didn't miss the story of Dot.
Driving past the house and watching it grow smaller behind me I knew I would be late to John's yet again. Something in my gut told me I should go back and introduce myself to the stranger who has been my neighbor for thirteen some odd years. It's funny how easy it's to go on with the days, months and years without stopping to hear the stories of the ones you drive by every day. Turning around awkwardly in the skinny road, the old woman turned her head around to see this stranger in a pickup truck pull up beside the mailbox. I introduced myself and told her I'm the boy who lives in the shingled house with the stone wall out front. The older woman, wearing a heavy trench coat with the fur of an animal wrapped around her neck on the warmest day of the year, introduced herself as Dot. Dot has been living in this deteriorating red farm house since birth. She was born in the living room and has been watching the world go by through those warped kitchen windows for eighty-three years.
These days I have been bringing my camera with me wherever I go. Looking back at my truck with my camera resting in the front seat I asked if I could take her picture. I said she didn't have to smile or anything. "Good," she said. "I don't have any teeth left to smile." With those words she gave the cutest grin revealing the one remaining tooth in the right corner of her mouth. It was perfect.
On any given day I would have driven past that old house without giving it but a moment's worth of my time. Today I took a moment to stop. In doing so I took a risk, learned a story, made a connection, a friend, a moment and a memory. The next time I drive by the farmhouse I will continue to think of that beautiful woman with that ever-shining tooth. There are so many little possibilities and opportunities that are presented in a day. I'm glad I got to experience this one. Dot gives a hell of a smile.
-jax
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