Internship.

So at the beginning of the school year Deborah offered me an opportunity to work as an intern for the magazine Steps which is the CSUSM alumni magazine. From this internship I have learned what is is like to be out on the field as a photographer. This has given me very important work experience because I often times have to introduce myself to people and ask their permission to be in the pictures. This has shown me what is like to take pictures for a living and help me build contacts with faculty including the CSUSM president. From this internship I have also gotten to attend many of the events on and around campus including the CSUSM Gala, the graduate forum, amongst many others. 

alexi lubomirski

Alexi Lubomirski is a fashion who has worked for companies such as GQ, Vogue, Harpers Bazaar amongst many other popular magazines. I first learned of him this year in GQ however it was not for his photography but rather for the way that he dresses. He was voted into the top ten best dressed americans as he is often times mistaken for a model rather than a photographer. 

After reading his article I began to look up some of his work, many of the photos I have seen in many issues of GQ. He has worked with many celebrities including Casey Affleck and Aaron Eckhart. If I were to describe his style it would be very clean and fresh with good use and attention with the light. On top of working for magazines he also exhibits his work showing that his work is not purely commercial. In his exhibits he goes for a more unclear look to the photos adding grain to highten the effect of his experimentation. Many of these shots are also seen as silohoutes or reflections which add to the mystery of the subject. 

Alexi has inspired me to stay with photography and use it as a way to reflect my own personality into the pictures. I would one day like to have a career similar to that of Alexi's.

battery park.

Battery Park/ Golden Gate Bridge

After a trip to New York, I was able to spend a few days in Lauren’s hometown of San Francisco. It was nice to be back in warm weather and take in some of the sights that Northern California has to offer. I was still in complete tourist mode and wanted to see all of the places I have never been such as Lombard Street, Castro, Chinatown and of course the Golden Gate Bridge. Surprisingly I had never even seen the bridge after all of the times I had been to San Franciso, so this was a main spot on the trip.

            After photographing the bridge we stopped at Battery Park, right next to the bridge, filled with plants many of which are Native Plants to California. We walked the trails and even off of the trails to get some great shots of the local plant life. I ended up so far in the I didn’t even know what type of plants I was surrounded by and when I got out I realized that a sign the read “Poison Oak Keep Out” Fortunately I didn’t get any of the oak on me and I was fine. One of the photo’s I took of a rose, was one of the pictures I ended up using as my Funes submission, just highly manipulated. The trail was long and windy and as we finished up I dreaded the walk back up the stairs to the car.

terry richardson

Terry Richardson is a fashion photographer I was first introduced to by reading GQ magazine. He is from California and now resides in New York City and has spanned a successful career working with companies that range from Gucci to Tommy Hilfiger. His work is very different in the fact that his pictures are not necessarily the most well polished photo's and they are often gritty and explicit in nature. They sort of look like polaroid snapshots which gives his work a unique feel. Some of his shots are just plain gross, such as a picture of Macalay Culkin spitting and others are completely unique and gives his subjects a new meaning.

funes.

      For the Funes competition I really wanted to submit something that was cohesive and showed a reflection of the style I often lean towards in my photography and sketches giving the work a sort of gritty, grunge type of effect. These photos were all taken on my trip to San Francisco over Spring Break. The first two were on a busy day in ChinaTown. I manipulated the colors and gave them both a unique lighting effect to draw the eyes in to certain areas of the pictures. By doing this it sort of shades the peoples so that they remain strangers to the viewer. 

     The last photo of the rose i created by trying to take something beautiful and give it a sort of darker appeal. By doing this the rose still looks beautiful and timeless, but has a sort of mystery to it.

      

balboa park. earth day.

EARTH DAY

On Sunday, May 19th Lauren and i took a trip down to Balboa Park to help volunteer our time at the Earth Day event. It was much more crowded than we had anticipated and it took nearly an hour and 20 minutes just to get into San Diego, and into the park. Thousands of people showed up for a day filled with people, food, and culture.

Of course, the heat was excruciating as it was nearly 100 degrees. As we made the long walk to our booth we took a few shots of the people and landmarks of the park. However the sun was so bright all of the pictures came out completely blown out and oversposed. The group we went to volunteer with is called "Plant with Purpose" who helps raise awareness about planting trees and plants in countries throughout the world to help farmers and bring in more money for the countries. We were outside passing out flyers and taking pictures for the organization. 

We wrapped up the day as the sun cooled by getting some good food from a hamburger stand and and ice cold water. Then we went to go check out some of the scenery that Balboa has to offer and the japananese tea garden.

moma.

Graduate Schools. Moma.

Over Spring Break, I finally got a chance to escape my overload schedule of 21 units, an internship, and 2 jobs to take a trip to New York City. Flying from San Francisco, Lauren and I were on a mission to see as much as I possibly could during my condensed trip of 4 days. The reason this trip was so important to me is so that I could see the future graduate schools that I am applying at next Spring. We visited Parsons and SVA both on the same day which I am hoping and praying that in the next few months I can construct a portfolio worthy of admittance for photography. The schools were really both amazing and gave me some great inspiration and goals to work towards in the next year!

            On a rainy day Lauren and I toured the city, visited Times Square and ended up on at the Museum of Modern Art! This museum was truly amazing. Five floors of artwork and tons of people packed the building. It was really cool to see so many people take such a passion for artwork. We were able to see work some of my favorite artists such as Dali and Lichtenstein, and admired great paintings, drawings, and of course photography. My favorite section was a magazine cover section with photography from the “    “ magazine. It had shots of some of the great celebrities and politicians of the past such as Mohammed Ali, John F. Kennedy, and Andy Warhol. What was really cool is it had a small section of the film stills that you could examine with a microscope to see each individual set up and shot with the people. You could also see the process of how photographers used to construct layers the old fashioned way(by littering cutting and pasting different layers onto the photo). It was interesting to see how much Photoshop has simplified our process but in a way limit our creativity on how to create an image.

            All in all it was a mind opening trip and I can’t wait to go back.

indian rock.

INDIAN ROCK

The Indian Rock field trip was the most different from all of the other feild trips because I did not no what to expect. It was not located on a reservation like the other field trips and was fairly close by. It was located in a residential area in Vista and would be missed by those who did not know what it was. Once you walked up a short path there was a giant rock there with traditional native american markings on it. Sadly covering up this was grafitti. 

After taking a look around and examing the rock, we were given a tour of the local plant life located around the rock. We found out a bit of information about how they were able to preserve the rock and the location. 

I was amazed by all of the lizards that lived near the rock and took a lot of pictures of them scruyying around. After we were finished with our short tour the community furnished us with some delicious sandwiches and fruit. It was really nice of them to give us food after a long day in the sun.

Pechanga

I am a little late writing this blog but this is about our visit to the Pechanga Indian Reservation. Pechanga is near and dear to me as I moved to Temecula when I was 14 have seen the evolution of the casino. I was happy that it was at this reservation because it does not require long winding roads to get to it so I volunteered to be the driver! 

Of course this was a day when I didn't think that it would be very cold, however it turned out to be freezing outside. I was only wearing a light thermal shirt so I was very happy to get into that warm bus and sit down. The bus began to drive us around the reservation for a little tour of some of the wildlife at the reservation. The first stop was my favorite because we were able to follow a path that lead into a giant tree. The tree was amazing, it would have been my dream tree house when I was younger. The light peered through the branches that made it almost seem like something that would be seen in the lord of the rings. 

After getting some good shots we hopped back on the bus to a small little pond where the tour guide showed us some of the different plant life and told us what type of plants were good for basket weaving. We then went up a short hill and saw some housing structures that the Native Americans used in the past. I thought they were very interesting because of the way they were built.  

Unfortunately we had to leave early because of class but I felt like the day was productive and got some interesting pictures.

Harrahs.

Today after a rough start(Lauryn lost her wallet, I bought a subway sandwich and dropped it on the ground) I scrambled to get in the car and jet off to Rincon Tribal road. After making a few wrong turns nearing ending up at the casino we arrived fashionably late and hopped out of the car only to realize we were right on time. A group of us began to gather and graze over to an field with a tremendous moutain view. The sun peered over the mountains casting a beautiful bright glow across the entire reservation. 

The weather was warm as I felt completely ridiculous wearing a sweater. Before I could even blink we were thrust into groups and I found myself with two plants in my hand transporting it to our plot. The goal was to arrange the plants in a way so that when they grow they do not dominate the other plants space. While most of us were completely lost, fortunately we had another member from another group who was eager to point us in the right direction and show us what we needed to do.  I started by grabbing my camera and taking pictures of everyone working. It was refreshing to see everyone take part in helping out the earth by planting a the different trees and bushes. After getting the shots I wanted I too picked up a shovel and began planting. It was kind of liberating, and I really felt like I was helping out the planet.

  After planting some of the classmates took a side trip into the reservation to look at native plant, where I saw native cactus amongst other plants. Past the tall grass and barbed wire we searched for a creek however it was dry. I noticed that it was getting late and Lauryn had to start heading back for her class so we headed out. Before going we chatted with our fellow students and got two free mugs for our help! To bad they didnt have any coffee because i was exhausted. This was my favorite of the field trips and had a great time. 

Wild Animal Park.

So before work, I was headed to the wild animal park for my of the elective class field trips. Equipped with my camera, and plenty of snacks in my bag, the class met in front of the park waiting to get in. The weather wasn't great as the light was constantly changing because of the clouds, but despite that I was able to get some good shots. Once we got in we met with a tour guide who first introduced us, to a pregnant elephant that was very close to giving birth. I checked back to see if the mother had given birth, and it did on March 13! The baby elephant is so cute!

Then we headed up a long hill to the plant section of the wild animal park. The guide described to us about the plant life at the park and the history of the plant life. Because the park was designed with an African theme many of the plants that were originally brought and planted here are not native plants in California and many replacements are currently being introduced to the existing plant life to incorporate a more natural feel.  The group is called the Conservation and Research for Endangered Species and they are trying to re-grow native plants. Some of the plants that can be seen at the park are various aloes, acacias. There is also at conifer forest.

We traveled down a winding dirt path, in the plant section, which felt as if you were almost disconnected from the park itself. However you were constantly reminded where you were when you looked up in the sky and saw the hot air balloon ride at the park.  I learned that the Wild Animal Park is really making an effort with the native plants and that they have about 1500 types of plants local to San Diego County. I thought it was interesting that the park is even trying to switch the grass to a more native grass which really shows their devotion to the project. 

 After seeing the plant life, a group of the classmates took the tour to see the giraffes and all o the animals, which was really fun. Then we all walked around to see the lions and gorillas. I hung around for a little longer before work on my own, relaxing and getting some last pictures of my favorite animals before I decided to head off to work. But before I left I made sure I got my girlfriend a souvenir, a solar powered light up key chain, before I left the park! Here are a few shots from the trip. I still want to to pull them into camera raw and work with them a bit, but I like the natural of these shots because the capture the day well.

I had to throw in the picture of this meerkat. They seemed so alert.

sally man.

For some reason I forgot how crazy Sally Mann really was. This added a whole new dimension to her as it went from more than just taking strange pictures of her kids and now moved into her pictures of her dead dog, its corroding body, its bones, and finally the last claw that remained. She clearly had a whole lot of unresolved issues going on which I think helped her as an artist because it made her different and showed her work from a new fresh perspective. 

While I respect Sally Mann as an artist, to me a lot of her work seemed the same and very formula driven. She would take something shocking like her naked kids or a dead dog and photograph it. An idea that was seen by the art world as new and fresh began to appear as just another strange picture. 

Many of the great artists have had issues within themselves and this is often times their claim to fame. I think that because she was so strange, this made her unique and ushered in her success. I think it was cool at the end where she was doing a piece that she did for herself that was not for money or commercialism but rather for her own piece of mind.

QUIZ

1. 2. and 6. SEPIA. BLACK AND WHITE W/ EDGY TEXT. COMBINED IMAGE

3. FRAMED IMAGE

4. PERFECT COLOR(Natural)

5. SPLIT TONING

tierra miguel.

On Monday the weather finally permitted our trip to Tierra Miguel so after shortly after class Lauryn and I rushed to her car and began our journey to the reservation. Thankfully I did not have to drive for this particular trip because it was a long route to an unfamiliar location, tucked away from the city. A long, winding road lead us towards our destination as we passed wild landscape that alternated with booming casino life and back to wild landscape. I wished I would have gotten some coffee before leaving because I was beat! When we got there we were greeted by fellow students, all of us seeming to have felt a sort of accomplishment for at least finding the place, and all of wondering what comes next. I looked around at blank faces and mountain ranges thinking, "Whats Next?" 

The mob of us then looked around trying to see where to go, hoping we did not show up to late. Were we supposed to walk around and take pictures? Are we even in the right place? Around the corner in an old shed we found the rest of the group all sitting down preparing to listen to a powerpoint presentation. As we were being seated the speaker began to tell us about the Tierra Miguel Foundation and what it stood for. I thought it was interesting to learn about the environmental friendliness of the program and their mission to produce local grown foods and distribute it amongst the communities of Southern California. With all of the resources we have here many of our fruits and vegetables are grown and brought in from other countries despite our ability to grow many of the mentioned produce. I admired their dedication for trying to get people edcuated on the region and the things that we can grow here locally. However if you want to buy from their service you have to pay ton of money! $2000 a year, upfront, must be payed in order to get your fruits and vegetables delivered to your doorstep each week. I think I will be sticking with Trader Joes and Ralphs. 

After the presentation we were able to walk about the farm and take pictures of the plant life. I began taking pictures of my classmates with the sky and mountains as a backdrop. Lauryn pointed out a tiny lady bug on a leaf so I crouched down and got a shot of it right before it flew away. To bad I had the flash on and it overexposed the leaves. O well! Not knowing the first thing about plant life I found myself just taking some completely random shots of things I saw growing from the earth.

A guy from the organization lead our group of students and explained what some of the plants were. He even told us to pick some and try and eat it. I got some pictures of Zane and Matt eating what I think was called "Kerabi". I thought it looked kind of gross so I didn't eat any and from the pictures they don't look to enthusiastic about the taste. As the sun began to set I took and few pictures and then put my camera away so that I could just soak up the scenery and enjoy my presence in the great outdoors. Then it was back to CSUSM to round out a llloooonnnngg day of class and homework.

Here are some of the original pictures from the Tierra Miguel site, with more to come as I begin to edit them within photoshop and camera raw.

sepia.

I just got the opportunity to finally work with some images and get some interesting shots from the bike competition that Lance Armstrong just finished up in Escondido. The event was downtown in Escondido and featured a ton of people, reggae, music and a ton of people. Lauryn and I fought for a good spot because we got there late because I was doing my internship before going, but we clawed our way up to the gate and saw a lot of the racers. I got a lot of shots of the back of heads but ended up with a few cool ones. Here is one I did in sepia. It almost looks black and white but still has that slight sepia tint that I like. I also added text of the word "zoom" which is exactly what I think of as I saw the rider whiz past me.

ZOOM!

framed images.

I am not particularly a fan of the onOne option to use the frames on the pictures. I feel like it would possibly work with maybe a postcard or something to a family friend but otherwise I do not really like the look or feel of the frame. If I ever were to use a frame for an image I would rather make one myself on photoshop so that it were uniquely mine. 

Despite that here are my 5 images with frames. I think they turned out o.k.

now off to tierra miguel in about an hour!

edward burtynsky.

Edward Burtnsky is a photographer who used settings that in real life may be looked at and appear like a dull place for example the photo above is in a factory in what would seem to mant to be a boring job, but somehow the photo evokes alot of life and character to the factory which makes it interesting. He uses a sort of HDR quality in some of the photos which I feel is done tastefully because it does not distract form the work or look to fake. His photos are often from elaborate settings with many things going on from the factory that is shown above to the highway which is shown below. Color also plays a big factor in the photos by bringing out the focal interest for the subject in focus.

food choice.

today for breakfast i had a bowl of cereal for breakfast. The cereal I had chex cereal with milk with an apple on the side. I also had some breakfast tea with it. The apple and the soy milk was organic. Then for lunch I had a 6 inch sub for lunch with turkey, tomato and lettuce with a bag of chips on the side. I had the sub for lunch because i wanted something with meat that would help fill me up. I also had a bottle of water. I am pretty hungry right now and when i get home I will probably grill a chicken breast on the George Foreman with some rice on the side. I am so hungry. 

I think I eat well because I am pretty  health conscious and love to exercise so I want to eat things that help my body. I am pretty lucky because i don't like sweets or junk food.

mark dion.

mark dion is an artist who uses installation to express himself. his work was internationally known and through it he takes a pointed look at how common ideologies shape our knowledge on different subjects. i think it was cool to take a look at someones work who was not really a photographer so that we can examine the art of the photo through another medium, which his was installation and sculpture. through his work you are able to find a deeper meaning than what meets the eye.

scott calhoun.

scott calhoun is a photographer who uses his writing as an accompaniment for his photos. in the article "a lake of pure sunshine" calhoun recalls a trip he took hunting poppy's and other wild flowers in the california outdoors.

his writing documents the highlights of his trips and refers to not only what he is taking a picture, but also other things that happen along his adventure. my favorite part of the article is what he said referring to the motels that he stayed in and how they always smell like smoke, even when you choose a non-smoking room. this adds humor to the article and explains his entire experience in a way that you can relate to it. when describing the wildlife he uses detail in the imagery to show exactly what he was seeing at the time when he went to go photograph.

an-my-le.

an-my-lee's work was pretty cool because of the lengths she went to in order took get her pictures. she spent time with re-enactment soldiers in vietnam in order to get the shots. i like this project for her because it seemed as though she was personally connected to the projected. i think it shows an interesting perspective for the photos she was taking because she was never a soldier in the war and neither were the people who were doing the re-enactments. i though that her black and white photo that she was talking about the most because i thought that the darks really brought out the emotion of the photo.

robert adams.

it seemed like robert adams seemed very much like an outdoorsy person. i thought his comment was a bit absurd how he said "if you never go up to a tree and hug it, i feel bad for you" but i think that he really means it and at least he is sincere and highly interested in what he photographs. it made it look like colorado has some really nice places to see. i liked that his wife played a part in his work and that he trusted her the most for opinions and helping him with the work. i also like how he said that a book is at times more ideal than an exhibition because not only does it get your work to a larger audience, but it also gives people more time to think about the work.

the photo i liked the most was of the woman standing in the window in silhouette. this was a cool picture because she was in the window and looked like the shadow of a person while the sky was bright white in color. 

the removal act.

i thought the music video from this artist was very powerful. it combined traditional outdoor settings that were tranquil with the harshness of manmade machines and helicopters chasing and catching the wildlife. the message in the chorus asks "what in the world have we done to deserve this" and i think this has a strong meaning as she links this question to her native american heritage and the destruction of american land and wildlife. i like the way the video was filmed and my favorite part is when it cut to her performing a traditional dance because i feel like the shot linked her to her culture. i also like when she did the chalk drawing because it looked as though she was channeling her anger into something positive which was her artwork. 

music is a way to express oneself and i think she got definitely her point across.