It's more than mechanics.

T-BOTS pep rally, February 19, 2013.

Senior photos, May 25, 2013

Why is my first photo so underexposed? I don't know, Smith. I don't know.
It was from forever ago. I can't remember now.

But that's not what this blog is about!

I can't say I've taken any difficult photos lately, and I don't think I can talk anymore about the mechanics of a photo if I tried. Let's face it, I'm a senior, and I'm at a changing point in my life. The last thing I'm thinking about is "how can I make a photo look like this?" I'm just in the process of getting the photos that will mean something to me now that I'm about to go out on my own.

This blog is about how photography has been one of the biggest life changing things in my life.

First, and most true, is that photography has made me a much more open and social. I can communicate with people much more easily to get an idea of what they need or want from their photos. I have much more patience when I'm working with others, but I'm also confident enough to instruct and lead when need be. I think that's a great skill to have all around.

Second, photography has helped me grow relationships with some of the best people I know - people who help me learn and grow not only as a photographer, but as a person.  Not only do I get to interact with other people who love and genuinely care about the same things I do, but I get to meet interesting, new people who have these endlessly fascinating stories that I get to tell.  The pictures above are actually to illustrate a very good friendship/relationship that I've gained from my photography. My friendship started with Caleb thanks to a photography assignment. I met him because I'd gotten sick with strep throat and I didn't get to shoot Into the Woods the way I wanted to. So instead of shooting, I went to assist the junior photographers when they needed it. I ended up sitting near Caleb, and he started telling me how he was CEO of the T-BOTS, and how, even though it's actually a very accomplished group for the school, they never get much attention. We hatched the idea that I would follow them around and take photos of everything they needed. So when they needed someone to shoot their pep rally, I jumped on it. I followed them to competitions, and I even followed them after competitions when they needed team photos, or had meetings, and when they got recognition from the school for their achievements. I spent a lot of time with Caleb, learning how to competitions worked so I could know what exactly happened and how to get the photos they wanted. We obviously ended up with a friendship/relationship that extended outside of photographer/subject. The best part is that he isn't the only one - I have a good standing relationship with that entire team, and that's started a relationship between THS Photography and T-BOTS that I hope will continue now that my time with them is over. I hope they always feel welcome to use us for their photos, because they are a very grateful group and they're great to work with. They were my first brush with the "photo story" kind of assignments. I'm grateful for my experience with them, and they've definitely bettered me as a photographer, and as a person.

Even though I might not be the BEST technical photographer. I may not always get an award winning shot. But I love what I do, and I know that, as long as I have a camera in my hand, I'm going to be happy. I'm proud to be able to tell people's stories for them, and to capture their moments. That's an awesome feeling.  I hope I always get out of photography what I do now.

Caleb's Award

Baseball Frustration

I was shooting for my brother's team, just for practice... and I knew I needed blog photos. So I start trying to take these baseball photos as the sun is going down, and it's hard. But I saw this moment coming, so I composed and got ready for it. And then the kid that threw the ball threw it a little too far to the left and I missed the kid catch the ball! It was super upsetting to me! This would've been a great moment, with the kid rushing to home at the same time the kid as catching the ball?! UGH!

I was so frustrated! SO. ANGRY.
But hey. It is what it is. Reminder, for the rest of forever: WAY. MORE. HEAD ROOM.

Pirate Single Photos

First, I asked to do this purely as a favor for the parents because they never did team photos. I figured I could use it as practice, and they aren't all that great, but I wasn't exactly prepared to do it, either. I happened to have my camera and they asked me to take them, so I said "Sure, why not?"

I didn't do the best job here, but it was a really good chance for some "real world" photo practice. The lighting was horrible because it was just late enough in the day that the sun was casting ridiculously large shadows, and I had no flash. So here's this kid and the sun is on home plate, and there would be parents in the background even if there wasn't. I'm rushing to get these done before the game starts.

AND I THOUGHT IT WAS GREAT! Because... maybe the pictures aren't exactly perfect professional quality, but the parents are really happy that they have these photos now! I had some experience with a "Hey, can you get this whole team shot in 15 minutes," and as it turns out, yes I can. They're getting the photos for free, of course, so this was purely good for the experience. I really loved working with the kids, and the rush, and getting the chance to do this kind of work!

Pirates Team Photo

Again, I was super rushing, and the sun was ridiculous... so, I rushed these kids to get in a formation, and the coaches jumped in the back. Naturally, the white guy was right in the sun.

There was pretty much nowhere to do this photo correctly with the time I had. But I made due, and at least got something that looks halfway decent.

For future reference, and a personal reminder: DON'T SHOOT INTO THE SUUUUN.

A Lesson in Posing

I realized, as I was trying to pose for my own senior photos, that I had NO. CLUE. HOW. TO. POSE. PEOPLE. We do photojournalism in this class... I forget how to do posed photography, for sure.

It's a reminder that I need to look into the more artistic aspect of these photos, because I know posing and portraits can definitely tell stories too. It's difficult to take a picture of someone looking comfortable when they are posed, and it's even more difficult to make yourself look comfortable.

Note to self: Look for poses prior to doing portraiture from now on. That would probably be helpful...

My best friend's photos.

Taking photos for Casey is always one of my favorite things to do, because she's my best friend. We already do everything together, so when I'm taking her photos, I'm not just taking them for her. I'm taking them for me. I'm taking photos of the way I want to remember her. I'm not thinking "What is the best shot?" I'm thinking "What's going to be most telling about her? What's going to show her personality, and her unique beauty?" It's not necessarily about the mechanics. It's about what will make her feel the best when she sees them. That's what I love about taking pictures of my best friend. It's a good experience to have, because that's how I think that's how I'll need to look at all of my subjects when taking their portraits.