Final Exam

4. Transformative photo

I think that this photograph that I took at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in late January is my transformative photo of the school year. It has definitely changed the way that I think about photography and it has also broadened my knowledge on what a camera can do. This photo showed me that photography can create a three-dimensional image on a two-dimensional canvas. When I took this picture, the boardwalk in the background combined with all the sand on the beach really gave this image a sense of depth and feeling. After taking this on my iPhone, I think of photography now as something that can be both beautiful and unchanging at the same time. 

5. The difference between shape and form is that shape is based on flat, closed lines while form is an expression of shape that can have depth to it. Both shape and form can exude length and width, but only form can have dimension. Shapes can be both free-form and natural form, depending on the lines of the object. Form can also have these elements, but it also includes a three-dimensional feel to the shape. For example, a circle is a shape. On the other hand, a sphere is a form that has the three-dimensional shape of a circle. 

Shape

Form

6. Pattern is defined as the repeating of an object or symbol all of the work of art. Likewise, repetition is defined as something that works with pattern to make the work of art seem active. The difference between these two similar elements is that pattern is an object that repeats itself. On the other hand, repetition refers to the repetition of an element of art and not the repetition of a physical entity. When these two art forms are combined together, the photograph will seem more active and alive.The repetition of artistic elements in an image creates unity when combined with patterns of objects or symbols. 

Pattern

Repetition

7. Weebly about page

    Inspirational photographer's about page

8. Project #1

    Project #2

    Project #3

I think that project #1, the first commercial shoot, included my best works out of all the three projects. I think this is my best work because I really got to play around with film filters and experiment with new ways to take pictures. The results I got exceeded my expectations and the photographs ultimately became my best project works. The way this project changed me was that it helped me realize that certain objects can be placed in front of a camera in a way that it enhances the overall image. After shooting for this project, I learned to see photographs in a way that the original image can be altered, but it still contains the essential qualities of the original image. 

Final Photography Project

Student Website Reviews

Period 1:
http://aileenhhsu.weebly.com/uploads/2/0/8/2/20827434/6337907_orig.jpg
I think that this is Aileen's best picture because you can see the light that each individual spark is giving off. The dark background on the left really brings out the brightness in the sparks. The light purple flare in the bottom right corner adds a pop of color to this photograph, which really brings it to life. Lastly, the startled man on the right side also gives this image a sense of depth.
Aileen Hsu: http://aileenhhsu.weebly.com/

Period 2:
http://hsuphotos.weebly.com/uploads/5/1/3/7/51373167/661008_orig.jpg
I think that this is Ethan's best photo because of the lighting created by the grey clouds. The student that is leaping towards the football also creates a sense of movement in the picture. It is evident that a lot of planning and thought was put into this picture.
Ethan Hsu: http://hsuphotos.weebly.com/

Period 3:
http://ethahu123.weebly.com/uploads/5/2/9/0/52909555/7655609_orig.jpg
I think that this is Ethan's best photograph because the light fog that covers the mountaintop gives the image a really crisp finish. The mountain is also centered so that it only takes up about half of the photo. This extra space makes the photograph seem far away and gives the image a deep depth of feel.
Ethan Hu: http://ethahu123.weebly.com/

Presentation Photo Story (Nature) - Spring Expo Project

Weebly Blog: http://nicoleliphotography.weebly.com/

First Commercial Shoot

Photographer: Nicole Li

Photographer: Nicole Li

Photographer: Jennifer Liu

Photographer: Jennifer Liu

Photographer: Melissa Cai

Inspiration: https://www.myfdb.com/campaigns/4963-vans-ad-campaign-fall-winter-2009

Triptych

Original

 Camera Raw

Photoshop

My Best Photo

5 photographers that I like
Eric Ryan Anderson
Martin Lawrence
Nick Onken
Jeremy Cowart
Clayton Bozard

Photo Story MCW

The morning of the Multicultural Assembly, some senior performers warm up in their tinikling costumes.

The period before the assembly, all the tinikling performers get eyeliner tattoos drawn on.

A junior in her tinikling outfit an hour before the assembly starts. 

A few performances before my tinikling performance, Wu Shu performs. 

My fellow tinikling performers showing off their tattoos after two successful assembly performances.

Story with a Photo - Bell Tower

On a foggy Monday morning, I snapped this picture of the bell tower. I was walking to second period when I noticed that the sky above the bell tower was covered by dark clouds. I walked over and took this picture because I think that the gray background allowed the brown tower to really stand out. The sharp lines of the bell tower give the photo a clean look in front of the bleak sky. I think that my last minute decision to take this picture really payed off because the photo turned out exactly as I pictured it that day. 

MSJMCW Story

As Mission's much anticipated multicultural week drew near, I got excited to experience multiple cultures and eat different types of food. So far, I started out every morning this week by waking up early every morning to attend Tinikling practice to prepare for Friday's multicultural assembly. When lunch came around, I walked towards the horseshoe to visit the many booths set up by the clubs. I make an effort to try a different variety of delicious foods each day. Waiting in the heavily crowded lines is always rewarded by a savory food or drink. After getting my desired food, I sit on the grass in the horseshoe with my friends to enjoy my meal and talk about all the festivities of multicultural week. I finish the long lunch period by throwing away my trash and trotting towards my boring classes.

I find that each year, Leadership II tries to improve multicultural week by implementing new ideas to help improve each student's experience. This year, the new meal ticket system eliminates the need for handling cash during transactions. This seems have made buying foods and drinks a bit easier and efficient since money can be a hassle to count sometimes. Overall, I think that the organizers of multicultural week are doing an amazing job so far at overseeing all the events that are happening.

Since this is my third multicultural experience, I have become familiar with all the mechanics of multicultural week. Nevertheless, I still greatly enjoy everything that multicultural week has to offer.

Shutter Speed and Everything After

Partners: Isaac Hong and Valerie Chuong

Lens Blog Photo

1. This photograph was taken with a fast shutter speed because there seems to be quick movement by the truck. In order to capture a photo with fast movement, the shutter speed must be fast as well.

2. This photo shows the rule of composition of balancing elements. The bright colors of the trucks really contrast with the clear gray sky. These balanced elements keeps the photo from not being too overpowering to look at.
Isaac: "The rule of depth presents itself in this photo. The highway winds endlessly for as far as the eye can see."
Valerie: "The rule of using lines  is demonstrated in the photo through the use of the lane lines on the road and the guard rails. These lines all converge (to a single point) and lead to the main focus of the picture, the fallen truck and the passing trucks. This is closely related to the element of art, line, but is different because it the element of art states that there is a usage of line, while the rule of composition of line says how it can be use to make the photograph more effective."

3. I think this photo shows the element of art of lines. The lines on the highway as well as the sharp lines that outline the truck give the photo a clean and crisp feeling. This keeps the photo simple yet appealing to the eye.

4. This photograph shows the principle of design of movement. The trucks on the right seem like they're moving while the truck on the left is stopped altogether. The fast movement of the upright trucks as well as the stillness of the toppled truck balances this picture.

"Tuesday with Farley's Kids"

I think the shutter speed is 1/250

Principles of Design - Variety

My group chose photo 6 from the Lens Blog post titled "Documenting the Blues in the Mississippi Delta." This photo exhibits variety because it uses several Principles of Design. The photo primarily shows elements of balance, proportion, and variety. The clutter in the background and pots of stew in the foreground help exhibit variety in the photo.

Movie Monday Half Past Autumn Part 3 and 4

1. What is your definition of successful?
   I define successful as being able to persevere through hardships to achieve an ultimate goal. I believe that hard work is what makes people successful.
2. What have you given up to become successful?
   I have given up lots of time to study and do homework to be successful in school. I spend lots of my free time working on education-related work to be successful.
3. What did Parks give up to become successful?
   Parks had to give up his African American pride to be the first black man to work as a staff photographer at Life Magazine and produce a film. 
4. Who was Gloria Vanderbilt's father?
   Reginald Claypoole Vanderbiltoo 
5. How much was Parks advanced to write his first book (and eventual best-selling autobiography)?
6. How much money did Elijah Muhammad offer Parks to do a story on The Nation of Islam?
   $10,000
7. Why did Parks refuse the money?
   He did not agree with Muhammad's philosophies. 
8. What was significant about the movie The Learning Tree?
   The Learning Tree was the first major Hollywood film to be directed by an African American.
9. What was significant about the character Shaft?
   Shaft was a black superhero that was a reflection of Gordon Park's character. He inspired other African Americans to not be limited by racial stigma. 
10. What was Gordon Parks' choice of weapons?
    His camera
11. What reason did Genevieve Young give for the divorce?
    She stated that life with Gordon was too hectic and unorganized for her. 
12. In 1984, Parks directed Solomon Northrup's Odyssey. What recent feature film told the same story?
    The recent feature film that told the same story as Solomon Northrup's Odyssey is 12 Years a Slave. 
13. Who was Gordon Parks, jr?
    Gordan Parks, jr was the son of Gordon Parks and a Hollywood film director that produced the film Super Fly. He was following the footsteps of his father but died in a tragic plane crash. 
14. What is your favorite Gordon Parks photo?
    My favorite Gordon Parks photo is the one titled Segregation Story. I like this photo because it accurate depicts the racial segregation that African Americans faced during Gordan Park's time. 
15. What will you remember about Gordon Parks in ten years?
    In ten years, I will remember that Gordon Parks was a successful African American photographer that stood up against racial stigma. 

Principles of Design - Rhythm

Camera Raw Edits

Highlights: -3

Vibrance: -5

Principles of Design - Variety

Camera Raw Edits

Shadows: +5

Saturation: -2

Principles of Design - Proportion

Camera Raw Edits

Temperature: +7

Highlights: +1

Principles of Design - Pattern

Camera Raw Edits

Exposure: +11

Saturation: +4.5

Principles of Design - Repetition

Camera Raw Edits

Exposure: +1.4

Contrast: +9

Highlights: +94

Blacks: +4

Principles of Design - Emphasis

Camera Raw Edits

Temperature: +2

Contrast: +7

Principles of Design - Movement

Camera Raw Edits

Temp: +4

Contrast: -2

Highlights: +1

Clarity: -10

Vibrance: +17

Principles of Design - Balance

Camera Raw Edits

Temp: +34

Exposure: +2

Contrast : +2

Highlights: +25

Elements of Art - Form

Camera Raw Edits

Tint: +2

Clarity: -1

Elements of Art - Space

No camera raw edits

Elements of Art - Color

Camera Raw Edits

Highlights: +0.5

Contrast: +1.3

Clarity: -0.5

Elements of Art - Shape

Camera Raw Edits

Clarity: +6

Vibrance: +5.5

Elements of Art - Texture

Camera Raw Edits

Temperature: +7

Contrast: +15

Exposure: -2

Half Past Autumn - Gordan Parks pt 1

1. On the day Gordon Parks was born, how did the doctor save Gordon's life?
   The doctor dumped Gordon into a bucket of ice water and rubbed him against the ice.
   Gordan started wailing afterwards.
2. Where was Gordon born? (what state?)
   Gordon was born on a farm in Kanas.
3. What did Gordon's class adviser, Ms. McClintock, tell him about college?
   Ms. McClintock told himthat he was wasting his parent's money if he wanted to go to college. She also said that very few Negros went to college and that he was not college material.
4. How old was Gordon when his mother died?
   Gordon was 15 years old.
5. Where did Gordon move after his mother died?
   Gordon moved to Minnesota to live with his sister after his mother died.
6. Did Gordon graduate from college?
   Gordon never graduated from college and didn't even finish highschool.
7. How did Gordon begin his fashion photography career?
   Gordon began his fashion photography career by convincing the owner of a women's clothing store in St. Paul to hire him as a fashion photographer. His work impressed Marva Louis who later encouraged him to move to a larger city.
8. What is a "double exposure?"
   Double exposure is the superimposition of two or more exposures to create a single image.
9. Who was boxer Joe Louis?Joe Louis was a famous boxer who was also the husband of Marva Louis, the owner of the women's clothing store in St. Paul.
10. What instrument did Gordon play?
    Gordon played the piano. 
11. What was the purpose of the Farm Security Administration?
    The FSA was created to educate society about the conditions that people lived in during the Great Depression. 
12. When Roy Stryker hired Gordon for the FSA, what was Stryker's first assignment for Gordon in Washington, D.C.?
    Stryker's first assignment for Gordon in Washing, D.C. was "American Gothic," 1942. 
13. Who was Ella Watson?
    Ella Watson was was the women who Gordon Parks photographed for his most famous photograph, American Gothic. 
14. What was the inspiration for Grant Wood's American Gothic?
    The inspiration for Grant Wood's American Gothic came fom what is now referred to as the American Gothic House.
15. What did Gordon learn from Stryker about photography?
    Gordon learned how to fight the evil of poetry as well as the evil of racism within a camera.

Elements of Art - Lines

Camera Raw Edits

Temperature: +9

Exposure: +1.3

Contrast: +2

Highlights: -2.7

Blog List

Alyssa Zhao
Isaac Hong
Jonathan Luo
Melissa Cai

Top 5 Photos

1. Photo 15
2. Photo 2
3. Photo 12
4. Photo 9
5. Photo 3

Multimedia Fest Poster 2015 #2

1. Why is this poster good?

This poster is good because it is a good improvement from our last poster. It shows the great amount and effort and time we put into Photoshop to create this masterpiece.

2. Why is it better than the last one? 

We made various improvements to our poster such as making it more appealing to the eye. We changed some of the fonts so the words look more coherent. The background colors were adjusted a bit to make the poster look not as cluttered.

3. What did I do to create it?

In making the poster, I worked together with my group members to choose the background, font, and layout of the poster. After we created the poster, we all double checked the image and pointed out things that we didn't like. Overall, my group worked cohesively together to create this festival poster. 

The Photo League

1. What was The Photo League's credo? 

The camera was more than a means of recording reality. It was a device with the potential to change the world.

2. What organization did The Photo League separate from? 

The Film and Photo League

3. What was the workshop? 

The workshop was the Photo League’s school. It offered photography classes to anyone with a camera and $5 tuition. Director Sid Grossman insisted the goal of the photographer was to achieve an emotional connection with the subjects.

4. Who taught "the workshop?" 

Sid Grossman

5. If you were to devote one year of your life to one project, what project is worth your time and energy?

I would devote my time to a project that would have to do something with stem cell research. I want to research different possibilities to cure cancer.

6. What was The Harlem Document? 

A portfolio of photographs that reveals Harlem’s poor living conditions and neighborhood in the 1930’s.

7. Who started The Harlem Document?

Aaron Siskind.

8. A photographer discusses a photograph where "the children looked like they came out of a __________ painting. Who was the painter? 

Caravaggio

9. Why did the photograph mentioned in #8 look like it was by the painter? 

The lighting of the photos looked similar to that of the paintings.

10. Who was Lewis Hine? (name two significant contributions)

He photographed child labor which showed young children working long  hours under dangerous conditions. Later in World War 1, Hine served as a photographer with Red Cross. He was also hired to record the construction of the Empire State Building.

11. Who was Weegee?

He was a photojournalist who took images of the aftermath of New York street crimes and disasters.

12. How did The League change when The Nazis took power?

They became focused on supporting the war effort. They helped and showed patriotism in America and gruesome descriptions of the war. 

13. How did The League change during WWII?

Photo League members enlisted with the armed forces and took part in battles on every theater of WWII. 

14. How did Siskind change after WWII?

Siskind sort of turned away from the social and political world after WWII.

15. What was the Saturday Evening post?

The Saturday Evening Post was a photojournalism magazine that was similar to LIFE.

16. Who was Barbara Morgan? What did she photograph?

Barbara Morgan was an American photographer best known for her depictions of modern dancers.

17. What eventually undermined the Photo League?

The Photo League was put on a list of possible totalitarian, communist, or fascist organizations, created by Tom Clark.

18. What was the "Growing Menace" mentioned in the film?

Communism

19. Who agreed to serve as President when The League was under investigation?

W. Eugene Smith

20. What happened to the league?
FBI agent Angela Calomiris testified that Sid Grossman had recruited her from the Photo League into the Communist Part. People became scared and stopped going. Due to the loss of members, the Photo League closed down in the summer of 1951.

Multimedia Fest Poster 2015

Poster Assignment

Period 4 Semester Final

PART 1

1. My favorite photo from this slideshow is photo number 9. The dark leaves and shadow of the deer really stand out from the white, foggy background. I also like how the focus is predominantly on the head and antlers of the deer, giving the creature some character. Finally, the dark morning mist gives a refreshing as well as eerie feeling. 

2. I think that photo number 6 is the best from the slideshow. The presence of the car coupled with the bare landscape shows motion in the picture. The blue and cloudy sky complements the deep blue car while also contrasting the brown terrain. Lastly, the simple background of this photograph allows the car to become the main focus of a bland landscape. 

3. I believe that this photo has been my best work this semester. This is a good piece of composition because the trees blurred out in the background really give this image a shallow depth of field. Also, the two main subjects of the photograph, Melissa and Isaac, are in the foreground sitting at a table. The clarity of these two gives the image a sense of life and relaxation. Lastly, Melissa's bright pink shirt subtly adds a splash of color and depth to this overall green-looking picture. I would improve this project by adjusting the color and temperature in camera raw more. 

4. My three rule of composition are: rule of thirds, viewpoint, and background. 

5. This photo demonstrates my rules of viewpoint and background. 

  

Jumping up

6. Your first rule is to "get closer."

7. Working in groups can be beneficial to all the members. First, it helps improve the communication skills of the people involved. People can also help each other in a group when one person is confused or lost. The group members can also give feedback on each others' works. When there is a large project at hand, group members can divide the work up evenly to get it done much more efficiently. Lastly, working in groups is a great way to improve one's knowledge by sharing information within the group.

8. Working in groups can also be disadvantageous because one person might slack off, while another person does more work than everyone else. Group members might be distracting at times by talking ab out things that are not concerned with the project at hand. People in groups can also shoot down another person's ideas, which limits creativity. Another difficulty of working in a group can be that two or more people in the group are not cooperative and don't work well together. Last of all, group work can result in a finished product that is not liked by everyone in the group.

9. I really like this photo that my group member Melissa took. This portrait of Alyssa gives the viewer a sense of joy and happiness. 

A LITTLE HISTORY

10. My master photographer was Julia Margaret Cameron. She contributed to the field of photography primarily in her work of portraits. Her closely cropped portraits of people influenced and impacted more the more modern photographers of today. 

11. Dorothea Lange's most popular photograph was called Migrant Mother. The photo was taken in Nipomo, California during March of 1936. At the time, she was employed by Farm Security Administration, which was initially created as the Resettlement Administration.

12. Henry R. Luce was the creator of Life Magazine. The magazine first began publishing on November 23, 1936. 

13. Robert Capa was a founding member of Magnum Photos. The organization started in 1947.

14. Robert Capa took the photo known as "Falling Soldier" in September of 1936. He snapped the picture in Cerro Muriano during the beginning of the Spanish Civil War.

Album Cover Recreation

 The album is Parallel Lines by Blondie.