Project #6: The Final Frontier

WOW! It's only 3 weeks till the end of the quarter already. Time flies! Almost finished with my first quarter in this crazy adventure that I've been enjoying so far. With the end approaching it also comes the time for Final projects, and Studio Craft is not the exception.

For the Final Project we get to choose basically what we want to do. I decided to work with portraits again. I liked that from the last project and I really want to get good at working the strobes light. The concept will be "Childhood Memories", recreating common scenes from childhood, but instead of using kids, I'll be using adult posing like kids. My sweet friends accepted my offer and idea and they'll pose for me. I have three basic poses to start with:

1) One of my friend, Jen, has this cute, fluffy sheep and I imaged her holding it close to her eyes. Something like this:


2) Another Friend of mine, Vanessa, loves candy. So it will be fun to use that to make a picture something like this:



3) Jorge and Aida will be recreating that time when boys tease girls. I image a shot in which Jorge is pulling Aida's breaded hair.

4) I would like to try to work with bubbles. I know its going to be a little hard, but maybe if the first shots turned out well on time, I'll play with the bubble to try something like this.

I'll be using the strobe kit and the Canon 5D for this shot. Tomorrow I'll be checking my models wardrobes and some of the prob (lolly pop, sheep, etc) to determine the kind of background I'll need (at least color wise). Since its a "kidish" shot, I think bright colors would set up a better mood...We'll see!

The making of a Portrait

This past Wednesday, Beatrice and I had the opportunity of directing a Portrait Shoot as part of our project #5 for the Studio Class. As you already know, our model was my friend Goñi. We set up the studio like this:


The professor helped us set up the lights since there was our first time working with them. We made our light readings (60 secs @ f11) and set up the main light with the soft box in front to get a glamour like shot. Some of the examples...

We changed the main light to try out other types of shot. We did some with that lighting but decided that we like the glamour best.

We had a lot of fun and learned a lot about how to meter light and work them out. I found out that I love to work with people and expression more than working with things. It harder but I like it! I can't wait to start working on the final project that will be portraits too. But that's another post...

Project #5 - Portraits ...some changes

There have been some changes since my last post about my next shoot. Instead of painting the self-portrait in the hand, we decided to make some sort of half mask. The background will be a white flat sheet. First, We'll take 3 photos using the 3 basic lighting styles: Glamour/butterfly, Broad and Short. To see the effect, there will not be a change in the pose. Then, we'll play with different poses all of them including Head & shoulder area. Some ideas for the poses:

Project #5 - Portraits

For this assignment, I think I'll work alone. I'm interested in explore my capabilities of producing a great shot by myself. It sounds kind of selfish but I want to loose the fear to unknown and new things...all by myself.

For this I asked my friend, who is an Illustration Grad Student here at SCAD, to pose for me. I asked him because I think we could mix our skills to make a good work. He'll will draw part of his face in his left hand and then will put it in his face. Something like this:



His painted hand will complete his covered face. I'm not thinking in changing the pose but the lights. Maybe try different angles or difusion of the light.

Project #4 - Electronics

This last project was about shooting a desk with a constant light source like a lamp, a clock, etc. I was teamed up with David and Richard what makes me feel a little bit overwhelm since both of them have a lot of experience doing shots already. Our theme for the shoot was a "Photographer's Desk". We set up my MacBook and a Light box as the sources, and strobes kit as our lights. Since we had different light sources and each one had it's own intensity we had to figure out a way to make them all show good. Click here to see video of Richard explaining the process.

Here are some shots from that day:


And the Final product...

Some examples ...

Here are some tests of my assignments for Studio Craft class: one digital and two scanned 4x5 polaroids from the projects so far. All the set up was done by us. We learned pretty good tricks on the way, like that sand is no so photogenic, so you use breadcrumbs instead. The same with the dirt, coffee looks better. We used both for the #2.

Proj#1 Monochromatic: White on White

Proj #2 Metals

Proj #3 Glass

I'm pretty excited with this class. I never thought it was THAT amount of work on a studio, so many details that have to be taken care of. But I like the experience...Next project: Recreate a desk of someone ( A writer, a doctor, etc)

Project #3: Glass

The third project for the Studio Class consist in taking a picture of Glass. We thought about taking a picture of Wine glass. Here are some ideas for it:



We decided to something similar to the last one. I like the composition in it and how the wine makes a contrast with the background. White Zifandel will look good in it. It kind of soft color, It'll look good not to dark in the picture.

We will be shooting next Monday, using a 4x5 camera again with a 64T chrome color film. The team this time is formed by Jason and me only. If we accomplish the goal for the class, maybe I venture a little more further and try to shoot couple more making a close-up to the glass as the second example. Let's see!

Project 2: Shiny Metals

For the next assignment, we will be shooting metals, new or like-new work tools. I'm teamed up with Beatrize and Jason and our basic idea is to take pictures of wrenches. Some ideas of the setting are:





My personal favorite is the last one (Maybe I like symmetry too much). Instead of a white or solid background, we will be using Bread crumbs as sand, Ground Coffee as dirt, and some decorative rocks.

I will have the opportunity of use a 4x5 camera. We will use polaroid to test our shoot, and 64T chrome 4x5 film for the real ones. It's my first time using this camera and I'm pretty excited about it. This camera always remind me of the classic image of a photographer: someone behind this box, under a black cloth. I can't wait!

First Studio Assigment: Monochromatic

Last Wednesday, I had the opportunity to make my first studio shoot. The purpose of the project was to select objects, paint them in white and take pictures on a white background using a Hot Light. There should be 6 shots: Hot Light front, side and up and Hot Light Difused front, side and up. We were divided in groups of 3 each. My group members were: Beatrize, who is from Puerto Rico too!, and Rebecca. We came up with the idea of get some probes with very strong shapes: cones, eggs, palm trees, etc.

Here are some pictures of the hole process:

A little twist

My blog is taking a little twist. Now, it would include a more detailed journal of my research on photography as part of my Studio Craft Class. I'll be posting here things I would like to try, photos I like, or elements in photos that I like. This is also an experiment. I'm making a simultaneous journal: one blog and the other in paper and see which one I enjoy the most. The winner will be my journal not only for the class but for my masters years. So, let see how it goes...

To start with this journal, today I went to Borders and figured out that my magazine readings could be more focused into research. As you know, magazines are filled with all kinds of photos: fashion, ads, etc. So, I bought a bunch of them, and started my research. The only problem is that I have to scan them in order to post them here. But I'll do that later. I also looked through my collection of photos and found a photo of a very very dear friend of mine.
This photo was taken by a friend of us, with a D40 under a Tucson Restaurant light. I love how my friend looks in this photo. I would like to recreate his look but using studio lights. Looking at his photo I also figured out that I like taking pictures of human expressions, specially of their eyes. I'm curious about how I can capture those things on a studio.

What Birthdays reminds me...

Today It's my birthday! I'm 28...and very proud! I'm a having a great one! It all started with a great meal on Sunday with my parents, my in-laws and my boyfriend @ Macaroni's Grill. They brought me a Tiramisu with a little candle and sang the Happy B-day in italian! Yesterday, I went with a bunch of my long-time friends on a Catamaran's trip. I had a great day that was ended with 7 stuffed people at Chilli's and another Happy Birthday song, this time with a Molten!!! Today, I stayed at home. It's been a long time that I have spend a birthday at home. I think this Atlanta moving is getting to me. And tomorrow...another dinner with some other good friends...You know me, I like to celebrate my birthdays BIG!...

With this year birthday, I thought a little bit of what birthdays reminds me. Each year I'm reminded of how loved I am. I'm so blessed with friends, family, people...who love me and will do anything to see me happy. Enough love to make wake each morning with a big smile, enough love to get me going, no matter how dark or confusing the times may seems.

That's enough reason to celebrate another birthday...

Turning the last page...of this chapter!

Today is my last day at work.
Looking back, I see a very insecure collage hire that was thrilled about getting her dream job: working in a very relax and friendship environment. I remember my interview as it was yesterday, the old office had a crystal elevator. After my interview was over, I remember thinking: "I want to be here...I wish to work here...God, it's in your hands now". 3.3 Years has passed since that day. 3.3 Years full of a lot of experience from hiking, to working in the middle of an hurricane. We shared a lot!

I learned things that I can use no matter the profession, things that will be with me always. I'm a very different woman because of that. No matter what, I have to give thanks for that. So, To all of you who shared with me this adventure, in one time or another, THANKS for helping me grow!

Aventuras Tierra Adentro 2004

Job Fair Week 2004

BBQ @ CEO House 2005
Christmas Party 2005

Photo for the Newspaper! 2006

Today I'm turning the Last Page of this chapter...It was quite a ride!...But Another Chapter will begin...

I quit!

This past Tuesday, I officially resign to my job after 3 years. This brings very mixed fillings. I'm ready to go and try something new but I leave with a sense of disappointment. I remembered the first day I arrived to the old office. I felt a sense of fun and adventure, "This is going to be fun!". And it was! I liked it here so much that I didn't mind staying late.

But, it's time to leave...to search new things and explore new areas...So I quit!

When to leave...

If you have been reading my post lately, you've already know about my current situation. I thought I was over the bad mood and bad feeling for the company. Recently, a good friend of mine and co-worker announced that another company made a better job offer...And he is leaving! Our bosses were in shock and have been trying to make him change his mind. I know him...He is a goner, and I'm very happy for him...HE DESERVE IT!

This situation makes me wonder, Why I haven't received such a commotion when I announced my departure? Then, It hits me! I realize...I'm making the right choice. I'm not appreciated here anymore, so It's time to leave! Time to go and clean myself from this place. It was a good experience and you bet I learned a lot...But It's over. Only another month and I'm a goner too.

It's time for Happy Thoughts!

I was reading my past posts and notice that the last three were a little sad. So I decided to post something more cheerful! Work situation still bad, but I'm leaving it, so it's a good thing to look forward to. But interesting things are approaching and FAST. Things like:

1. Goñifer (Goñi and Jennifer) Wedding is on July 7, and for the wedding I'm doing a change of image! Yeap, I need it...I think I'll cut my hair...
2. Disney/Universal Trip - After the wedding, I'll be leaving for my so deserved vacation to Orlando. I'll be staying @ Animal Kingdom lodge for 7 nights and then I'll move to Hard Rock Hotel for 4 more nights. My Dear Sweetie will be with me in this Summer Bash!

3. Everything is taking shape for my moving to Atlanta. I got an apartment and I rented my home. My moving day: Sept 1.

As you see...after bad things there is always a bunch of good thing waiting...It's time to lift the black cloud and start smiling again!!!

Deception

It's so sad when you put your trust into something, and you feel that it's betrayed. Nop, I'm not talking about a love relationship. I'm talking about my job. Well, it's in some way similar to a Love relationship. You put so much of yourself in it. You are happy so you don't care. I was happy to found a job in which, although the long hours, I felt good in it. I LOVED IT! But then, one day, it betrayed me. It let me down. And I gave it a second chance, for the good times. Similar to a Love Relationship, once the love is gone...the inevitable separation approaches. I'm ready, but It's not. So, I'm trying to make it easy for it. But it is desperate. It talks about more stocks, and more work, and more money...."Please Don't go!" it cries. Why it can see is not about the money anymore? I don't care if it can pay me more right now. The enchantment is gone. IT'S TIME TO MOVE ON!

The End is near...It's time to leave

Am I then really all that which other men tell of?
Or am I only what I myself know of myself?
Restless and longing and sick, like a bird in a cage,
Struggling for breath, as though hands were
compressing my throat,
Yearning for colors, for flowers, for the voices of birds,
Thirsting for words of kindness, for neighborliness,
Tossing in expectation of great events,
Powerlessly trembling for friends at an infinite distance,
Weary and empty at praying, at thinking, at making,
Faint, and ready to say farewell to it all?

- extract from Who am I? by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Today was one of those days in which I wish to be somewhere else. The work is sinking, I know I'm leaving in July to study. It doesn't make sense to be here anymore. But I have to, just a little longer, for the money...

Am I selling myself?

"Congratulation on your acceptance to SCAD!"

That was the words of my Admission Counselor this afternoon. I've been accepted to SCAD to study my Masters in Photography. I'm so exited and scared at the same time. But sure that this is what I want to do NOW! So, let the Ride BEGIN!!!!

What kind of Mythological Creature are u?

I found this in the internet...It's cool.

You Are a Mermaid

You are a total daydreamer, and people tend to think you're flakier than you actually are. While your head is often in the clouds, you'll always come back to earth to help someone in need. Beyond being a caring person, you are also very intelligent and rational. You understand the connections of the universe better than almost anyone else.

What Mythological Creature Are You?

Is that a Student ID #?

Today, I received an email from the SCAD Financial Aid Department asking me to mail two forms for the loans. But reading the letter I noticed a 9-digit number. It looked like a student number. Could it be?


I called Goñi, my mentor in this process, and asked him how his student ID looks like. And guess what? Mine looks like an official student id # number from SCAD! I know, I know I should wait until the Admission Package arrive but I couldn't help it. I have to know. So, I called my Admission Counselor. She just told me that I'm still been reviewed, that I have to wait. Bummer! Did I mention that I hate waiting? Well, maybe this is my lesson. LEARN TO WAIT!

A 9-digit number. How much a 9-digit number can mean for someone...