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.