Week 4 Forum

Topic 1

1. (6.) Editing should maintain the integrity of the photographic images' content and context. Do not manipulate images or add or alter sound in any way that can mislead viewers or misrepresent subjects.

This specific section stands out to me because simple editing to take a shadow away can quickly turn into completely changing the color of the entire photo. Photojournalism should be raw, unedited work to show real life. It can be easy to edit that way because viewers won't know the difference, however, that would be misrepresenting the meaning of the photo.

2. (3.) Strive for total and unrestricted access to subjects, recommended alternatives to shallow or rushed opportunities, seek a diversity of viewpoints, and work to show unpopular or unnoticed points of view.

This section is like rooting for the underdog, which I am all about. Some views go unnoticed or just unrecognized because they are thought to be "wrong", and this section protects that from happening.

3. I would apply different viewpoints to every photoshoot I did. Making sure I get correct information is always my number one priority. I would hate to tell someones story wrong or make someone come off as "the bad guy" when I'm simply just trying to relay what is happening. Always looking for different angles and views can be very beneficial to photographers.

Topic 2

I love this photo of Sarah Melcher's. Her overall photo looked really cool. I like the way the light was shining in a triangle at the top and you can really clearly see her subject as well as the car. It was an awesome angle. fullsizeoutput_19e.jpeg

Samantha's photo of her environmental subject is outstanding. I was watching her have trouble editing because of the bad lighting in the coffee shop and it turned out really great. I love the expression of Holly's face and the background of the coffee machine really compliments the photo. Samantha you did a great job with that photo! Holly.jpg

Topic 3

My favorite part of the book so far doesn't really have a lot to do with photojournalism, but I love learning about different countries cultures, especially those that we hear about in the media, but aren't sure what to believe. On page 57-56, "...It is not only the women who suffer...wearing a burqa is not a problem, it's not being able to work that is the problem." This really stood out to me because what the media has led us to believe about Afghanistan is that men are the rulers over women and women have to conform to men's orders. This is not the case at all, even men suffer. They said that wearing burqas wasn't the problem, they just wanted to work. I always thought 'they must hate that', I guess I didn't even stop to think that wearing an extra piece of clothing is really not a big deal. Addario later stated, "The women also put my life of privilege, opportunity, independence, and freedom into perspective." As American's we really are spoiled and don't know it. We take for granted all of the freedom we really do have. What I learned about photojournalism from Addario was to not be scared to take chances. I have incorporated that into my recent shoots and it really changes the game.

Environmental Portrait: Austin Chatwood

Austin Chatwood is a 22 year old diesel mechanic at Pape Machinery. He graduated from Linn-Benton through the diesel mechanic program. Starting in May, Austin will begin working at the Eugene Pape location. When Austin isn't working he enjoys learning how to line dance.

Austin Chatwood

Environmental Portrait: Bradley Baker

Bradley Baker is a 26 year old fabricating fanatic. He recently got a new job at FM sheet metal where he will be entering in an apprenticeship as well as attending school starting in February. When Brad isn't welding, he enjoys working on his cars, trucks and riding dirt bikes with his wife Taylor Baker. 

Bradley Baker

Week 3 - Civil Discourse Club discussion: Gun Violence

Bert Guptill discusses his thoughts on gun laws with the Civil Discourse Club on Wednesday, April 18. Amy McGill (left) and Frank (right) and Paul Tannahill listen to Guptill's point of view.

Bert Guptill listens intently at the Civil Discourse Club's discussion on gun violence on Wednesday, April 18th.

Students, faculty, and former students find seats to begin taking about gun violence with the Civil Discourse Club on Wednesday, April 18th.

Week 3 Forum

TOPIC 1: TWO PORTRAIT SUBJECTS

Brad Baker, Austin Chatwood

Brad: fabricator, FM sheet metal, Koffler boats. Austin: Pape, diesel mechanic, studied at LBCC

Brad: garage with welder next to him, welding helmet, a project in the background. Austin: wearing

Pape uniform, next to a combine or excavator, holding tools.

Brad: welding helmet, welder, project of his. Austin: tools, uniform

Brad: call. Austin: call.

TOPIC 2: SELF-CRITIQUE --  Now that you've been committing photojournalism for a few weeks ...

1. What is the BEST PHOTO you've taken for this class, and WHY is it your best? The best photo I've taken so far is the one of Sydney LaVoie holding the "I love you" sign. I captured what she was trying to accomplish. Along with the meaning, the lighting was good and her expression was just perfect.

https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2675511907805316613#editor/target=post;postID=6250870914172002551;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=2;src=postname

1. What is the WORST PHOTO you've posted on your blog so far, and WHY did it turn out that way? The worst photo was my first interview photo of Brandon Whaley. I didn't want to take up too much of his time so I quickly snapped a few photos and didn't look at the quality until later that day. I was also really embarrassed to be taking his photo so I just wanted to get it over with.

https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2675511907805316613#editor/target=post;postID=8239065015618509816;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=4;src=postname 

1. What SKILL do you feel you have to improve the most to raise the quality of your photos? I really need to learn how to better operate my camera. Sometimes the shutter speed changes and I don't know how to get it back or the photo turns out too dark. I need to spend some time researching and practicing in all different lightings.

Week 2 assignment

TOPIC 1:

Walker Evans 

"He could see the present as if it was already the past.", he photographs life on the streets of NY, within 31 year span, Evans contributed more that 400 photographs and 45 articles published in Fortune magazine. His work reminds me of Addario's. He captures the emotions of street walkers and small cafe workers. Some happy, others sad. He initially started with painting, then worked his way into taking snapshots of his family. Evans eventually dropped out of college and picked up the camera again and began to bring the strategies of literature to photography by photographing The Depression years (1935-36).

TOPIC 2:

So far, I love the book! The detail she provides on her experiences makes it so easy to picture while reading. I feel like I am right there with her as she is photographing in war zones. What impressed me most was her perseverance. With all of her childhood experiences and being shot down so many times when she was first starting out. Not to mention when she almost died a handful of times photographing in Pakistan. Addario's work is astounding. The emotions that she captures are eye opening. Living here in a free country we have no idea what it is like to live in absolute poverty with no water, no food, and the constant fear of being kidnapped or bombed. I think that since we don't experience or know a lot about what is happening in third world countries, we often forget it's real. Addario did an amazing job at photographing reality. The lessons I learned was to not be afraid to get your shot. Addario was never afraid to take photos of people and that is was I am most scared to do. I often think people are going to get mad at me or yell at me. The last sentence of the prelude reads: "I am sure there are other versions of happiness, but this one is mine." This quote tells you so much about her feelings of her career. While reading about her being kidnapped and in the middle of hails of bullets, I am thinking, why on earth is this lady doing this? Is a photo really worth it? But it is worth it to her, and the photo is definitely worth is. She photographed history. Choosing just one favorite is going to be hard. My favorites are the ones she captures of active war and the injuries. That is when it sunk in that this is reality. The photo's of the kids playing around a burning car was just mind boggling. In the states, that would be considered child abuse! I have to say my all time favorite was the photo of the woman with a tear rolling down her cheek. It was just breathtaking with so much raw emotion and reality. I don't know why she is crying, though I know she has many, many reasons to.

Humans of LB week 2

Sydney LaVoie

"I saw a challenge on facebook called the 'I love you' challenge and I wanted to take the day to spread some love on campus. The simplest things can make someone feel better so I wanted to let them know that I love them. I have gotten a couple responses, when I was at the bus stop this morning I saw people just smiling at my sign or just in my direction. It makes me feel good, it makes me feel like I am  able to make their day brightened by the simplest of words. There is so much hate and negativity in the world going on right now with everything that has happened. The way we battle hate is not through hate itself, but through love."

Abby Hardin

"I started here at Linn Benton fall term initially wanting to be a Human Development and Family Studies major but recently I decided to change my major and become a surgical tech. I started working here at the advising center in October. My previous career goal was to be an advisor so this was a good fit, however my goals have changed, but I still like working here. My favorite part about working in the advising center is all the people that work here, they are really funny."

Week 1 Forum Questions

I am studying to be a home appraiser, which is a long process but worth the wait. I took this class because it sounded interesting and I needed the credits if we're being honest. I used to be really into photography, which doesn't mean I was good at it, I tried really hard but I eventually gave up and sold my camera. I consider myself and expert iPhone picture taker though. 

While taking this class, I hope to improve my photo skills, interactive skills while talking to other students here at LB and computer skills. So far, I am having a really great time in this class and I think it will be really fun.

I think photos of people working at LB, either students or adults would make for good photos and stories. Some people don't know all that goes into working at the financial aid desk or the admissions desk. So providing a short story about what they do and how it has influenced them would be eye opening.

Another would be student stories. Finding someone with a special story, maybe the first person in their family to go to college. It will be difficult to find that person because you obviously don't know by looking at them, but it is a good thought. 

Sports photos with focus on a student. Asking how they balance school and sport and the road that got them to where they are today.

Humans of LB

Brandon Calhoun

"I've been here at Linn Benton for 2 years now studying political science. With this degree I hope to eventually be involved in the grander scheme of politics. I am the the president of the civil discourse club at LB as well as a peer leader. My most memorable moment at Linn Benton was when my civil discourse club held the debate on artwork. In my spare time I love to train in MMA fighting, and also teach women's self defense. My dad is my hero, he has supported me in everything I have wanted to do and is the strongest person I know."

Brandon Whaley

"This is my 3rd year at Linn Benton and I am the new student outreach director. I am studying pre-business. My favorite class I have taken so far has been Business Administration 101. It was the class that made me want to go for a Business degree. My future goal is to be the CFO of a major company."