Expressive Self-Portrait

With years of dancing there must be dedication, and with dedication comes passion. That was what I was trying to portray in these photos. The pointe shoes I chose to use for this photoshoot was my very first pair from when I was 10-years-old. They are ones I hold close to my heart because they resemble the hard work and commitment I have put in ever since I was a little girl. Some photos show me tying the ribbons around my ankles or standing en pointe. This action takes me back to my childhood. As a toddler all I could remember was sitting there, in awe, watching the advanced girls prance around so gracefully across the room. All I ever wanted was to just touch the shoes or put a pair on, but I was never allowed to or was told I'll have to earn it. From that point on I was determined to make my way to the top. It only recently occurred to me that I've never actually held a pair in my hands until I was sitting in the fitting room, getting my very own. The process of slipping my foot in the pointe shoes was one I'll never forget. The satisfaction of actually obtaining something I have been deprived of for as long as I could remember. Actually standing or dancing with them for the first time was a painful, yet beautiful moment. 

The outfit I chose to wear for the shoot was a plain romper. I had the thought of using an actual performance costume, but I decided not to because it would take away from the main focus of the photo, which are the pointe shoes. So, I chose to keep it simple and casual. The location I went to for this photoshoot is right across from the "Historic Hawaii Theatre", the place I go to every year for the annual recital. That place holds so many memories of my childhood. Whenever I drive by I can't help but think about the years I spent on that stage showcasing all that I've learned in that year and the progression and development of my skills as each year goes by. 

Pinhole Camera!

Working with the pinhole cameras was definitely challenging and stressful but it was an experience unlike any other. Hawaii's bipolar weather made it hard to determine the perfect shutter time. To work around that factor I tried to find locations that weren't too sunny or shady so that I would know that the time could be generally the same throughout. 

Working in the darkroom was very time consuming. The entire class had to share two rooms and often times there would be a line forming. When it was time to load my camera I tried to do it as quick as possible so other people could have time as well. Developing the photos was the best part. Sometimes it was a happy moment or an exciting one, but others were just plain depressing as I see it slowly turn black or not at all. After waiting for it to dry its nice using my phone to change it to a positive because there are small details you can't see with just a negative. 

Interactive Ghost

This photo was taken in from of the student center on a very sunny day. It was taken on the fish eye opening. I directed my subject to hold out his hands and flick out his foot to show him leaning against himself. He held each position for 12 seconds, which meant my shutter time was 24 seconds in total. I wanted the framing to be slightly higher, but in this particular location the only place I could place my pinhole camera was a bench that was placed rather low. 

On Campus/ Off Campus

This photo was taken along the 2nd floor railing of L-Building over looking Salt Lake. It was a sunny day, so my shutter time was 15 sec. Nothing really went wrong with this photo. I think the contrast is vey good and the details really show up. 

Self-Portrait

This photo was taken in front of a fence by the SA room. The shutter time was 16 seconds on a cloudy day. The wind cause my hair to be blowing everywhere, which caused the blurriness. looking back at it the picture is very dark. I wish I could've kept the shutter open for longer.

 Free Choice 

This photo was taken on the second floor of M-building with the fish-eye opening. My goal was to have a double exposure with leaves overlapping his face, but unfortunately the camera was placed too far from his face and only one leaf showed up in the picture. Regardless, the contrast is very good which is why I chose to use it anyways. 

Overexposed Shot

This was taken in the staircase of F-building on a cloudy day. I had the model do a ghosting photo by hugging and kissing herself. It was a good concept, but the shutter time was too long. I guess i tried to overcompensate for the gloomy weather, but I might have over did it. 

Underexposed Shot

This was a photo to test the lighting. I had the subject sit on the stairs, but it is almost nonexistent. I had the shutter open for 14 seconds, but all that showed up was light from the holes in the wall and a shadow casted by the buildings. 

Recycled Fashion

My group and I chose to design our costume with the element, wind. We were also inspired by the spring season's bright and pastel colors. To create this we began by using trash bags for the skirt. It was cut vertically throughout the dress to create fringes. This allowed it to flow freely, which resembled the effortless movement of wind. We used ordinary trash bags along with blue table covers. For the top we began with a strip of a trash bag that would cover my entire torso. We hot glued crumpled pieces of tissue paper around the front and left the back empty. The head band was made with a long strip of trash bag with crumpled tissue paper along one side. It was then tied in a knot around my head. 

¡Expressive Masks!

The first step to creating this mask was going online and printing a pair of eyes. After that I cut it out and taped it to the backs of my model's hands so that when he places them over his face, it acts as his real eyes. After taking the picture I opened it on photoshop to add final touches. I adjusted the color balance and hues to change his skin color so that he takes the appearance of an alien.

 Here are some other Pd. 1 masks

By: Jonas Maestro

By: Huan Li Hu

Self-Portrait Influences

Photo Credit: Rosie Hardy

I like how this photo incorporates the use of props both on the model and in the background. The butterflies (like butterflies in your stomach) and the look on her face show she's in love. For my photo I could use the same method of using props.

Photo Credit: Rosie Hardy

The pastel sky and not-so-sharp lines gives the photo a calm and relaxing feel. I like how she took advantage of her surroundings and used a creative approach. I would like to make use of a large, outdoor space for my photos

Photo Credit: Joseph Hernandez

I like the contrast and neutral colors with these two photos. The location plays a big role in how the subject looks. In the top one she is dressed in light colors to match the reinvented buildings while the other girl is dressed more dark and grunge-esque to fit in with the distressed buildings. Looking at them I feel adventurous and free. Architecture is something I could keep in mind as I choose my location for my shoot.

Blog Recommendations

1. Charlynn Adversalo
Charlynn's fleeting moment photo emphasizes how in the midst of a chaos there is always a moment to be calm and still. That is something I think is very rare to see nowadays. Everyone is so caught up in what's going on around the world that they forget about something more important, themselves. This photo resembles our thoughts and how it can get lost amongst a crowd. The shadows and black and white filter bring out the mysterious side and enhances the fleeting moment. Not sure if this photo was staged or not, but either way, it looks amazing!

CHECK IT OUT!-----> http://charlynna.blogspot.com

2. Hope Yuasa
Hope's fleeting moment photo shows the skill and meticulousness that the sport of cheerleading requires. She does that by snapping a shot unlike any other, with the girls hitting a position that only lasts a second (which is what makes it a fleeting moment). The people towards the bottom with their hands out, ready to catch the girls, resemble that timing is everything. A misinterpretation of time would a messed up routine, or more importantly, injuries. Hope did a good job at capturing the photo where some parts are focused and other are blurred to show movement.

CHECK IT OUT----->http://hyxphotography.blogspot.com/

Macro Experiment

All taken with 50mm macro lense

Fleeting Moment

This picture was taken in the middle of a ballet class as the girls are demonstrating a developpe. This particular picture stands out amongst the rest because their legs reached the same height at the same time. A fleeting moment is present because it's only a brief period that they're in this position until they have to transition to the next move. 

Miniature Worlds

For the final image I chose to use two pokemon toys and act out a battle. I added a lifeline to the two corners of the photo to look even more like the real thing.

POW WOW HAWAII 2015!

Spray it don't say it

A large supply of spray cans are given to the artists to bring their wild ideas to life. Different nozzles and colors are used to create depth and dimension to the murals. 

Get Up

Artists use this piece of machinery called a lift to reach the highest parts of the wall in order to complete their master-piece. It was nerve-wracking watching them up there as it would shake back and forth while they were leaning over the edges.

We're All in this Together

Whether they're siblings or from different parts of the world these artists come together to work on the same mural. By utilizing each other's techniques they are able to create an intricate piece of art.

Stuck on You

All over the Kaka'ako area you will find a variety of handmade stickers made by artists themselves. They can be found on benches, poles, or trashcans and gives a passerby a quick idea of what POW WOW artists have to offer. They add a little extra flare to the average roadside structures.

Say Cheese

These local artists were able to take a break from painting their futuristic treehouse (that has a half-pipe!) to snap a quick photo.

Check out their instagram @wooden_wave

The Decisive Moment

Photo Credit: Henri Cartier-Bresson

This photo is a good representation of a fleeting moment because it shows people, jumping. Some with straight legs, some bent, and others jumping out of the shot. The hard light creates shadows that provide more contrast to the photo. With jumping there is only a brief amount of time where your feet can be off the ground, so it shows everyone has their own timing. 

Photo Credit: Henri Cartier-Bresson

This photo is a good example of a fleeting moment because of the black and white filter. Although this picture was taken in the 1940's, Henri Cartier-Bresson probably had no other choice but to make it black and white, but I feel it adds more emotion and depth to it. The framing also plays a role. He follows the rule-of-thirds by allowing our eyes to go straight towards the woman and her dramatic racial expression. 

Haiku Photography

Siblings

-Jazzleen Ramirez

Little Brothers

They are so much work but,

I still love you, bro

Taking care of siblings can be a time-consuming process. This photo involves a long hallway to resemble the unpredictable journey. Once you embark, there is no telling how long or the conditions that may occur. The eldest must stand behind him, making sure things go smoothly while still allowing him to live his life. He will drain your energy and make you want to give up, but you don't because you love him and you want to keep him safe. There comes a point where you have to take a break and allow him to continue the journey on his own with hopes you've instilled only the greatest qualities that make you proud to call him your little brother.

Like, Literally Literal

Paint to Town Red

Blog Recommendations

Jeanine Guasch
http://its-worth-a-shot.blogspot.com

Through Jeanine's ITSO and winter blog post I can get a clear sense of what type of photographer she is. Her photos reflect her mature, yet fun-loving personality. She takes pride in her work and gives each photo the attention it needs. To make even the boring objects seem fascinating shows her articulation and value in the little things in life. Her ITSO photoshoot caught me in awe. I found myself looking back and forth at the two pictures only to find that they are very similar. Definitely check out her blog to see the world through her perspective.

Dori Nakayama
http://dorinakayamaphotography.blogspot.com

Dori's blog shows her laid-back, simplistic side. She has a good eye for framing and the lighting was nicely used to her advantage. I was fascinated with her Rep Yo Self photos and how she was able to use a simple object and be able to find so many similarities with it. Her final ITSO photos very closely resemble the original in terms of contrast and body alignment. With all these projects I love the way she incorporates her family as models. It's nice that I get to see another side of her life. Check out her blog for something eye-opening and refreshing. 

Not Necessarily to be Taken Literally

Someone in water

Your favorite possession

Your best friend

A mundane moment

Something timely