Downtown Phoenix

Last weeks assignment was Downtown Phoenix.  Our downtown is not the same as other downtowns.  We have some pretty cool buildings, but not a lot of life.  My mom, sister and I were there on a Saturday, mid morning and it was like a ghost town.  Except for the many homeless people who make their home there.  That being said, I get bored taking photos of architecture.  Just not my favorite thing.  I was interested in photographing the homeless, but did not have anything to offer them.  I didn't feel comfortable just taking their picture, as though they were on display.  I ended up with two photos from this shoot and one photo from a different time that I was downtown.

Ghouls and Goblins

Oops, I forgot to post the pictures from our last class assignment.  It was a Halloween assignment - Ghouls and Goblins.  Halloween isn't a favorite holiday of mine, so I didn't really get out there and get anything too ghoulish.  Instead I took pictures that I had and had fun in photoshop.  Some I did more to than others.  Enjoy! 

This weeks class project was portrait of an artist - where we emulate the work of an artist.  I wasn't as interested in the artist, Liechtenstein, so decided to use my Wild Card and do my own thing.  I took a big step and went way out of my comfort zone - photographing myself and not just myself, but my big ole' belly.  I am very self conscience and critical of myself, so it is hard for me to portray myself like this.  I did get good feed back from my instructor and the rest of the class, so that helped.  There are things that I would change and will probably do so.  Go back and try other things.  I am happy with this, being my first ever photo shoot of myself and in what I consider a vulnerable way.  I hope you enjoy.

Showing and stopping motion

This weeks assignment for class was showing and stopping motion in the same photo.  I really didn't get any great shots showing both - mainly because the week went by super fast and before I knew it, it was Tuesday and I had two days to try to get some photos.  So, I tried to get some at the zoo water pad - but the ones showing and stopping motion weren't that exciting to look at, no faces or expression visible.  So I went with more cute ones of the boys, with some stopped motion.  I guess basically I didn't really complete this project.  But I did get some cute photos of the boys!  I did take in an old photo, the last one, that sort of showed both.  But it's just OK too.  Anyway, here's what I took to class:

2 more for contentment

We made it to the zoo one more time before class last night and I thought that maybe the flamingos would exude contentment.  Here are two pictures that came close.  The last one I used in class and everyone seemed to like it.  I also used the sleeping lion and Papa and Aidan walking together- they seemed to be liked as well.

Contentment

We are starting up our next photography class and our first assignment is one word description - contentment.  I haven't had much time to shoot, but did get a few photos.  Hopefully I'll be able to shoot some more before Thursday!

It's been quite a while since I last posted.  I've been feeling a bit better lately and have gotten the camera back out.  This weekend I had fun shooting an Oriental Lily.  The first picture has obviously been played with in photoshop.  The others are as is.  Nothing too exciting, just thought I would post something.  Not even sure if anyone really looks.  Enjoy if you do!  And please feel free to leave comments, it's how I learn.

Flower power

I do enjoy taking pics of flowers.  I found these at the store and thought they would be fun.   On a few shots I tried to my hand with high key.

I would love any thoughts!

My portfolio

For the last class of this session, we were asked to put together our portfolio.  This was probably the hardest project of all for me!  I know that we are our own worst critics and I try to remind myself of that.  I'm afraid that I will embarrass myself by choosing a photo that I thought was portfolio worthy that really wasn't.  SO, I took in several photos and asked for our instructor and our class to be completely honest with me and help me choose photos for my first portfolio.  They were all helpful and here are the winners (most of which you have all probably seen):

Scenic Pictures from the cabin

These pictures were taken during our stay in Munds Park. We had a great weekend and I think I got a few decent shots.

Rose

21 Day project

(Explanation at bottom)

Our latest class project is to shoot 1 photo per day, for 21 days.  Our topic is minimalism.  It's been challenging for me to shoot this way.  I am so used to being able to shoot, look at the picture, make adjustments, shoot, etc.  This really has been helpful in making me slow down and really think things through.  I still make lots of mistakes and still see improvements after the photo has been taken.  But I've been good and have only shot each subject once.  In regards to minimalism, I've tried to think creatively.  Which can be hard when you have limited amounts of time and are usually exhausted. :-)