Social Issue Project Proposal

My social issue I plan to advertise is depression and suicide awareness.  I chose to do this because I know people who have been suicidal, and because I have had some issues with depression as well.  People need to be concerned about this so that the depression and suicide rate can go down.  Teens especially need to know that they are not alone and they can get help.  I can motivate people to care about this by showing them what teens especially and others are feeling and how important this issue is.

Statistics

• 17.5 million Americans struggle with depression
• 2/3 of people who suffer from depression do not seek help
• women experience depression twice as often than men
• 30,000 Americans commit suicide every year

Social Issue Ad Campaign Examples

Example 1:

This ad works technically because it was taken at a powerful angle.  The woman is looking straight into your eyes and makes you feel responsible for the issue.  I chose this ad because conceptually it really speaks to me.  Feminism and gender equality is a personal subject to me.  Also, I like how the ad was creative by using a search bar for what women "should" do.

Example 2:

this ad works technically because it was taken with a very high shutter speed in order to create the full effect. I chose this ad because I like the message it sends, and I think that the message was portrayed in a creative manner. the photographer went in a different direction then someone would expect.

Example 3:

This ad works technically because it has good composition and a nice color scheme. I chose this picture because I like the unique approach to this social issue. The photographer made the ad look like something from "where's Waldo" which was very clever. They made a serious social issue (pedophiles in public areas) into something comical.

Social issue ideas:

• drinking and driving
• drug abuse
• diversity
• abortion
• tattoos
• mixed families
• smoking / effects on children
• gun rights
• cliques
• stereotypes
• police brutality
• bullying / cyberbullying
• environmental concerns
• discrimination
• gender bias
• animal abuse/rights 
• child soldiers
• teen pregnancy
• slave workers
• get outside
• technology dependence
• hunger / poverty
• obesity
• health and eating
• eating disorders
• religion
• food industry
• child abuse
• domestic violence
• divorce / child support
• suicide / depression
• terrorism
• school shootings

Photojournalism- You Can't Take a Gamble on this Puppy Love!

 Link To Photo Album
Susquehanna Service Dogs Banquet

Photojournalism Shooting Assignment

I had a really good time taking these shots.  Everyone was really nice and willing to let me interview them.  I got a ton of information that I can use to write my article.  However, physically taking the shots was kind of difficult.  The room the banquet was in was pretty dimly lit.  That made it a lot difficult to take pictures that were in focus.  Hopefully I can batch the photos and make them lighter and sharper.

The American Teenager Project Overview

The American Teenager Project is all about empowering teens around the world through portraits.  The goal is to have young voices be heard in hopes of creating a better future.  The portraits showcase the teens and their stories.  Overall, the project wishes to fight social division among teens.

Examples:

 

Brief bio of Robin Bowman:

Robin Bowman is a photojournalist of 38 years who captures pictures of various social and political issues.  She got her start as a photographer when doing an independent study of photography after college and became more serious about it when working at Magnum Photos.  Her photos have been spread worldwide through different publications.  Bowman's most recent book is titled "It's Complicated: The American Teenager" and it has won several awards.  Photos from the book have been featured in many collections and exhibits.  The book has been used to promote tolerance and social awareness for teens. Bowman now resides in Brooklyn, New York.



Analyzing Bowman's work:
Looking at the provided examples, it is easy to tell where the teens are from and what their background is like.  Her portraits are very nicely executed due to the details incorporated and even the expressions of the subjects.  I like how her portraits easily express the message that she is trying to send about social divisions.  All of the portraits have great composition as well.  There really isn't anything I can find that I dislike about her style or her portraits.

This project falls under the category of photojournalism because the portraits are being used to tell the teens' stories. However, it is different than traditional photojournalism because there is not a certain event being captured.  Instead, the photos are various stories from teens all around the world.

Processing the News

The article discusses how much photoshop can poorly impact photojournalism shots.  It states how the photos you take should not need much editing, and they should be near perfect before you "edit" them.  The public is starting to not trust the media due to photo-manipulation.  People should not have to question if a photojournalist's piece is real or fake.  Also, now professionals are going to have to start making their photos verifiable.  The overall message of the article is that photoshop is only good in moderation. 

Something interesting I learned was from Reuter's Brief Guide to Standards, Photoshop, and Captions.  It listed all of the things that are ok to do to photojournalism pictures.

This article will help me with my project because now I know to only use photoshop when necessary and to not go overboard.  The shots should remain realistic, and I should only do things like cropping, brightening, and sharpening.

Student Yearbook Guide

Student Yearbook Guide

Reporting

1.     Good Reporters

a.     Look and listen to their readers

b.     Ask participants about their experiences

c.     Seek out individuals with a variety of viewpoints

d.     Information gathering: who, what, when, where, how

2.     Research

a.     Find background information

b.     Look at previously published material

c.     Use interviews, polls, surveys etc. to gain knowledge

3.     Interviews

a.     Different types of questions: open-ended, closed-ended, follow-up

b.     Make sure to actively listen

c.     Take detailed notes

Writing          

1.     Notes

a.     Figure out what the story is about through the questions

b.     If there aren’t enough notes, you may need to do more reporting

c.     Keep organized notes

2.     Stories

a.      

                                               i.     Lead – intriguing opening paragraph

                                             ii.     Quotes –word for word statements that relate to the story

                                            iii.     Transitions –details that give context to the quotes and make them more meaningful

                                            iv.     Conclusion – tie the story back to the opening

3.     Good Writing

a.     Provide specific information

b.     Lively writing and straight to the point

c.     Write the article like a narrative story

d.     The story should be fresh and original

Read the article by Mallory Summers & see all the components working together

Writing effective headlines requires creativity, effort, and attention to details

What can you take from this page to help in writing creative headlines?

Describe the 3-step process to writing dynamic headlines

1.     List 10 to 15 key words that describe the story topic; make them interesting

2.     Find rhyming words for the key words you found

3.     Create phrases from the key words that capture the story

Captions                        

1.     Content

a.     Use effective verbal elements and give detail

b.     Answer the readers’ questions about the photo

c.     List names and other essential information

d.     Incorporate direct quotes from individuals

2.     Describe the 3-step process to writing captions

a.     Answer the questions: who, what, when, where, why, and how

b.     Create a list of attention grabbing words

c.     Write a summary caption (short) or an expanded caption (long) using the list of interesting words

Photography

We will be discussing this section in class

Penn Live Article

This is an example of a photojournalism article from Penn Live

Article title: Plane Crashes into House in Chicago, Killing Pilot
Writer: The Associative Press
Link: http://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2014/11/plane_crashes_into_house_in_ch.html#incart_river

The article was about a small twin-engine cargo plane that crashed into a house at 2:40 AM in Chicago.  The event was fatal for the pilot, but the couple living in the house made it out alive.  The plane crashed 8 inches away from the couple and they were not physically harmed in any way.  The plane was headed for a runway about a quarter of a mile away from the accident.  Luckily, only one person was in the plane.  The neighbors claim that there wasn't a loud crashing sound, they only noticed their houses shaking.  They were very surprised to see the sight when they walked outside.

I liked how the photos showed the crash from different angles rather than just one.  Also, I liked how pictures were taken right after the crash and the following day as well.  I thought that the article was very interesting and I think that it will help me to do my project.

Photojournalism Project Proposal

My idea for the photojournalism project is to shoot at a service dog banquet and fundraiser for Susquehanna service dogs. The banquet is going to be hosted at the Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel.  I decided to do this for my project because my mom works at the hotel and I can get access to this event that other people can't.  Also, I think it would be fun to shoot this event because I love dogs.

Portraiture

Final Piece

Edit 1:

Edit 2:

Edit 3:

Edit 4:

Edit 5:

Edit 6:

Edit 7:

My model for the project was my best friend Lucy Hummer.  I showcased her personality through the portraits because she is a genuinely happy person.  Also, she loves nature and being outdoors, so I took pictures in trees and in wooded areas.  One of Lucy's hobbies is rock climbing, so I thought it would be cool to try to incorporate that.  I posed her on the rocks in the black and white picture to create an interesting variation of one of her favorite things.

I really enjoyed this project.  It was probably one of my favorites that I have done so far in my time as a student photographer.  I liked going to different locations and having my model change outfits.  I thought that my project turned out very well in the end, and I am proud of my work.  Lucy loved the finished piece and the class responded well to it too.

Some tips I would give to other people who are doing  assignment are: watch out for sun spots, pose for the model so they know what you want them to do, and shoot during the prime lighting hours.

The most challenging part of this assignment for me was definitely creating the expression panel.  It took a while for me to decide what I wanted to do, and it was annoying trying to make sure all of the photos were spaced out evenly.  One thing I think I did well on was having a variety of angles for my shots.

Expression Panel Plan

this is a rough sketch of what my final piece will look like

Editing

1. Actions for regular shots 

2. Actions for artistic shots

3. Actions for black and white shots

Senior Portait Article Notes

Tips to keep in mind:

• sunlight can be used to portray warmth and emotion
• take photos of the model that showcase their personality
• be creative, don't only take generic portraits; make them interesting
• use different lighting effects and various angles
• use props to describe the model through the photos
• listen to the model's ideas*
• incorporate new trends in pop culture and fashion
• teens tend to want shots that look like they could be featured in a magazine
•  natural lighting is key
• use social media to market photos
• contrast what the model is wearing to the location (big trend right now)

Portrait Examples

photo by Jen Baltgalvis



expression: smile

I liked this photo because it incorporates props that describe the model.  I can easily tell what the model enjoys doing, which I think is important to showcase.

 

photo by Jen Baltgavis

expression: smile

I liked this photo because of the different shades of blue.  I think the repetition of blues creates a more interesting image to look at.

 

 

photo by Jen Baltgalvis

Expression: serious
I chose this photo because I liked the pose that was used.  I also liked the select focus and composition.

photo by Jen Baltgalvis

Expression: smile
I chose this photo because I liked how the blue dress contrasts with the all green background.  Also, I liked how the bushes lead your eye to the model.

photo by Jen Baltgalvis

Expression: smile
I liked this photo because of the unique angle used. Her outfit and the background bring out her eyes which is nice as well.

photo by Jen Baltgavis

expression: smile
I chose this photo because I really liked the backdrop and the select focus.  The color of the models shirt makes him stand out too.

photo by Elaine Gates

expression: smile
I chose this photo because I liked the angle used.  I also liked how her dress matches small parts of the background.

Photo by Elaine Gates

Expression: smile
I chose this photo because of the flattering higher angle that was used.  The background and her outfit makes her eyes stand out too.

photo by Elaine Gates

Expression: candid
I liked this photo because of the genuine smile that the model has.  This smile looks much nicer than a forced one.

photo by Jen Baltgalvis

Expression: serious
I liked this photo because even though there is a sun spot, I think that the lighting made for a more interesting photo.  I also liked the black and white because it makes the texture of the background more distinguished.

Portrait Contact Sheet

I really enjoyed taking pictures of Lucy for my project.  She was a good model because she would do everything I asked.  I liked being able to pick out different locations and clothing options because it made the project more fun to do.  I would definitely take portrait shots again.

Elaine Gates Recap

I thought listening to Elaine Gates was very beneficial.  I learned many new techniques on how to take portraits that I had never heard of before.  For example, I liked how she said that she will model the pose that she wants the subject to do for them, instead of just telling them to do it.  Elaine said that the pose will turn out less awkward if it is demonstrated first.  Also, I learned what times are the best to take portraits outside.  Elaine further explained that you can get the best lighting when the subject has the sun directly behind their head.  Another technique I learned is that you should photograph someone who is actually interested in getting their picture taken.  If you take pictures of someone who doesn't, then you will be able to tell within the pictures that they don't want to be there.  My favorite thing that she taught us was that if you want someone to give you their real smile, then just ask for a serious face, and most of the time they will burst out laughing.  Overall I really enjoyed listening to what she had to say and will definitely use the advice she gave us when taking portraits.

HDR Final Project

asymmetrical balance

ISO 400 f/22 1/50, 1/200, 1/13

 I chose to shoot here because Chic is a family owned business and I grew up spending a lot of time here.

framing

ISO 400 f/22 1/250, 1/1000, 1/60

 I shot at Hershey Stadium, because going to concerts in the summer is my favorite thing to do.

symmetrical balance

ISO 400 f/22 1/250, 1/1000, 1/60

 I chose Hershey Park because during the summer I go there a bunch of times with my friends.

vertical/leading lines

ISO 400 f/22 1/250, 1/1000, 1/60

 I took photos at the pergola in front of my house because I take my photos before every dance here.

different perspective

ISO 400 f/22 5s, 1.3s, 20s

I picked this location because the music room in my house is very special to my family.  My mom always plays the piano and I practice my violin.

repetition/pattern

ISO 400 f/22 1/250, 1/1000, 1/60

I picked the ride "Skyview" because I have made many memories on it.

HDR is my favorite type of photography that I have explored so far.  I love how it adds a ton of detail to a shot.  I also like how you can choose from different filters and make the photos look less realistic.

These images don't exactly tell a story, but they do all have a sentimental value.  They are all locations that mean something to me.  The images I created partially changed the relationship of what I like to photograph, because I found that I enjoy taking pictures of things that have meaning to me.

The lighting affected the photographs because for HDR, each image is created using 3 photos (each with different lighting).  When the layers are combined, it creates an immensely detailed photograph.

HDR Shooting Assignment

HDR Examples

Leading Lines

I liked how the photo was taken from a lower angle and how the sky was incorporated

Symmetrical Balance

I found the architecture of the building very beautiful and you can see all of the details of it
 

Different Perspective
It is interesting to see this shot taken from an aerial view

Asymmetrical Balance
I liked how the vibrancy of the balloons contrasts with the black background

Repetition/Pattern
I liked how the photographer took the shot from an interesting angle instead of taking it straight on

Framing
I liked how this picture was laid out, and you can see all of the details of the tree limb

Personal List of HDR Locations

1. Hershey Stadium- My favorite thing to do is go to concerts during the summer in Hershey
2. Hershey Park- I spend a lot of my time in the summer going to Hershey Park with my friends
3. Skyview- This ride has a lot of memories, and I have had great conversations on it
4. Chic Hair Designs- My uncle owns this salon, and I grew up going there all the time
5. Pergola- I take my homecoming and other dance pictures here.
6. My Room- This is my favorite room in my house, and I spend my time here

Sketchbook Cover/Identity Project

The quote I chose was "It's just a spark but it's enough to keep me going" which is featured in the Paramore song Last Hope.  This relates to my life, because I interpreted the "spark" as music, and music is a very big part of my life and it keeps me strong.  I also love the band Paramore, and the lyric tied in with the musical theme for the cover.  I would describe myself as unique, and I like to express myself with the music I listen to.  I used photos I took at Maroon 5 and Bruno Mars concerts, pieces of confetti from a Lorde concert, and various concert tickets to convey a message about who I am and what I'm interested in.  I am very pleased with the end result of the cover.  It is exactly what I had envisioned in my head.  If I were to do this project again, maybe I would add more pictures, but I am happy with how it is now.

HDR Article Notes

HDR Shots at CV

ISO 100 f/22 shutter speed: 1/30 1/125 1/8

I took this photo of the scoreboard because football games are a big representation of school spirit.  A large part of CV is dedicated to sports, so I wanted to show that through this.  This photo was my favorite because of the vibrant colors.

ISO 400 f/22 1/50 1/100 1/20

I chose to take this photo at this location because of the incorporation of symmetrical balance.  I loved how when the photo was edited it was given a painting effect.

ISO 100 f/22 shutter speeds: 1/30 1/125 1/8

I liked this photo because of how it was laid out.  It also features the track and football field, which is something I think of when I picture CV.