Artist Statement: Final Project

The recent events here at the Pennsylvania State University have brought out the extremes on the emotional scale for everyone. Standing right in the center of all the swirling controversy has been Joe Paterno. Many people that live on the outside pointed fingers and placed blame on a man with a golden reputation. It's made me realize more than ever that this lifestyle and passion for my school is something that cannot merely be explained. It's just something that those on the outside will never understand. That idea is the basis for this book. I wanted to create a collection of reflections on what one man really meant to this community. Perhaps in some way, this work can give just a glimpse of understanding to those on the outside and also be a fond remembrance to those who really experienced being in the presence of a legend. Coach Paterno's reputation has in no way been tarnished for me and I can only do this small favor to honor his legacy.

Basketball Begins

One of my favorite parts of the year has just leaped into action. Basketball season at Penn State. Since I'm in the band, I have to go to every game and I just love being a part of all the action all season. It's gotten me thinking about all of the ups and downs we will have during the season and the amazing culmination with my favorite trip to Indianapolis for the Big Ten Tournament. It was a great way to start of the exhibitions by having a double-header. First, the girls beat Bloosmburg and I got to watch my favorite player, Maggie Lucas, once again drain three-pointers as they scored 101 in the game. The men played right afterwards and beat Slippery Rock. It was a long day but I'm glad to see everything back in action.

In the Studio

The worst feeling in the world is waking up, looking at the clock, and knowing that you slept right through something. That jolt of adrenaline you get is certainly more awakening than that cup of coffee. On Monday morning, that same feeling surged right through me. I slept through about forty minutes of my morning class by accident. I thought about just going back to bed, but I hate missing class and decided to just go in for the last hour. I'm really glad I did because only 2 of the 5 group members other than myself were actually in class that day. We are working on using light meters and studio lights which is one of my favorite things to do. I used to hate the idea of flash photography but I think that was mostly because I didn't know anything about it or how to use it. My strobe hero, Joe Mcnally, has really changed my thinking. Now I love to use the lights and create drama. Once I got to class , we were working on some really basic portraits with a very standard lighting setup...you know, boring. Once we got our metering right, we were allowed to do some experimenting with the lights. I really love to go to the edge and be a little dramatic with the lighting. Since we were in an all white corner of the room, I went high-key and blasted my other group member (and lovely model) with light to create a high-key portrait. I'm really happy with the results, but I've always been under the idea that I don't need to be the best photographer to make a pretty girl look...pretty.

I'm pretty glad I decided to go to class.

Image and Text; Reprise

Based on the review of what I created in the last project, I decided to create a new vision to really fulfill the assignment properly. I wanted to find something that could be continued and can really include anyone as a subject. Since the project is based on words, I decided to have all of my subjects focus on one single word. I asked them to write what they think the worst word is to them. Having photographed a few different people so far, it's become very telling of their personalities. It's been intriguing to see how just one word can say so much about a person. I started by using people I know, but it would be definitely interesting to be able to ask strangers along College Ave or other places as well.

This is my photo editor at the Yearbook and her word is "can't." This made so much sense since what she is in charge of is getting people to do things for our organization. When people say that can't, it probably gets her pretty frustrated.

My friend Ben has for some time been an observer of people in general and society. He always has insightful views on the things he observes and people's behavior. His word, very logically, is "pretentious."

A friend I've me through photography is Katie and she was my next subject. She is a little quirky and overall an extremely friendly girl. When I asked her what her word would be, she jumped immediately to "skeeves." It's not a real word, but when her roommate uses it, the word just crawls up her spine. A colorful word for a colorful girl.

My former roommate and one of my great friends from high school, Mike is not a typical guy. He is certainly unique but he is also very caring and pretty emotional. After thinking about his word for a few minutes, he chose "end." Saying basically that he just doesn't want or like when things end. Pretty special thought.

Lindsay is one of my best friends from the choirs I do here at school. Also a little quirky but it's lovely and special. Her choice of word was almost immediate and it definitely says a bit about her. She can pull a 180 on you if act on her peeves. He word makes her feel quite annoyed; "moist." Note the festive nail polish.

Bill is also one of my best friends from choir. I don't think I'd make it very successfully through a choir rehearsal without him joking around by my side. His word actually even relates to jokes. He hates when people use the verb "fail," as is ever popular these days.

I've really enjoyed seeing the personalities of the people I know through a single word. I'd like to be able to continue the project and photograph some subjects that I've never met before to maybe see a little into them through this single hated word.

Final Project Proposal

My grandmother is a very special person. Not only to me, but just all of the things she has experienced and the tests she has been put to in the recent years. She was born in 1917 and will be turning 94 this November. I'd like to spend one of these upcoming weekends with her at her home in Schuylkill County. That's partially one of the special things about her; she lives by herself on a 30 acre farm. One of the things that was difficult to deal with was when she had cancer and needed to be hospitalized. The amount of medication she has to take these days has caused her a good deal of issues, but she pushes through. She is a courageous little lady who I intend to document over the weekend.

                My plan is to take one of the upcoming weekends and spend it with her at the house. There are also a few places around her little town that she enjoys going to like a local restaurant where she always gets the same dish where I'd like to take her. I want to take the viewer on a visual journey through the daily life of someone who has experienced almost the entire 20th century.  My strategy for this narrative is just to share the story of an atypical senior citizen. When I talk to my friends about the age of their grandparents the range is usually over 70 to around 85 years-old. My grandma is a truly special lady and I plan on photographing the rigors of daily life after 90.

                I don't foresee  too many challenges in this project since she is a family member of mine and loves to have company. The issues that could come up are perhaps her desire to not leave the house where she is comfortable, but she normally doesn't pass up a chance to go to her favorite spots. The challenges are mostly finding a weekend where I am available to spend that much time with her since she lives a few hours away. The best opportunity might actually be this coming weekend since there is no football and my responsibilities might be lighter.

                The method I plan on presenting this project in is through a book. I think images with captions or text on the opposing page would be the best method to really explain what is happening in the images. I am also thinking in my own personal perspective because I would like to document this portion of my life and someone I love for years to come. This would not just be an assignment for the class, it would be a personal intent to capture and remember something important to me. I think there is a story worth sharing, but I would also like to take this opportunity to do something special for my family. 

Image and Text: Photo 402

I had a great deal of difficulty real boiling down what I wanted to focus on for this assignment. I find many times that I can't personally come up with the coolest things to say but I've always heard someone else say the right thing for the situation. That was a slight basis for the inspiration behind this project. I decided to look to one of the people who has truly created some of my favorite modern day lyrics; Marcus Mumford of Mumford&Sons. I went through all of the songs and chose several of the phrases that really stand out to me. Taking these sets of lyrics from their album "Sigh no More," I attempted to weave a narrative through a character in the images. As a virgo, I've always been a little bit of a romantic. The story I created follows one girl on her voyage to freedom through finding love.

 "You'll be happy and wholesome again when the city clears and sun ascends"

This is, more or less, the preface to the story. The time when you are living with a broken heart. Still in that shell of hurt and everything seems down or dreary.


"Come out and see the world hanging upside down"

This is the beginning of the story where she is just starting to explore that whole new world of love and perhaps is ready to have her heart out in the open again. It's about trying to look at the world from a new perspective.

"I will hold on hope"

There is belief that some good will come soon. That she can be happy again.

"Lead me to the truth and I will follow you with my whole life."

That feeling of falling or reaching out off of a ledge to that person you know will be right there for you always. 

"Love; It will not betray you, dismay or enslave you. It will set you free"

Finding freedom through truth and love. 

A Day in the Life Photo 402

 I tired to think of subjects that would really be interesting to capture for a project like this. Recently, I have become friends with the drum major of the blue band. I actually started talking to Ian outside of band and during his shows as part of the band "Public Domain" which plays songs at Cafe 210 every Thursday. He recently joined the band and I've been going to their shows every week for months now since my roommate is the singer. Ian is the 'new guy' and I thought he would be a really interesting spotlight to show the difference between performance mode for a University staple and something he does on his own. The first set of photos are Ian at rehearsal preparing for an upcoming field show. 

This is the typical beginning for the rehearsals of a new Blue Band show. The whole band gathers together to watch an animation on the screens of the drill that they will be putting together for the week. The next home show is going to be a collection of Sinatra pieces. Ian watches as the drill unfolds. 

In these rehearsals, Ian really doesn't have too much to do since he mostly conducts the music and makes sure the tempo is on track. He stays in one place, where the band is always moving. So in these practices he mostly watches from the tower. 

The tower is actually a brand new addition to the practice field. The director, Dr. Bundy gets to take the highest view, but from where Ian stands, it is a pretty decent view of the formations. 

Since this is just a practice in finding all of the right spots for the band members, the instruments stay on the sidelines. 

From a great height, Ian really has a great view of what is going on down on the field. He always follows along closely with the drill. 

  I talked with Ian a bit while he was overseeing the operations and one tool that never leaves his side is the baton. When he is down on the field, he is always twirling or tossing it. It is given to him traditionally by the Lion at every game after he completes his second flip. 

At rehearsal, Ian commands over 300 students and there is a very strict attitude in his behavior. He can definitely laugh and have fun, but all of these kids need to look up to him. I can definitely attest to his seriousness regarding Blue Band and most of all, the flip. The other side of him I wanted to portray was the fun that comes out when he plays the bass at his other band's shows. There is definitely a different side to him at these shows. 

Before & After: Photo 402

I spent quite a bit of time trying select what stories to tell for this assignment. I tried to think of things that were pertinent to myself as well as the pictures I take. There is always always always construction going on at Penn State. Sometimes all those closures get in the way. Especially the protuberance on the HUB lawn where there used to be awesome concerts and good times spent basking in the sun. I used to walk alot down Bigler Road and the construction there was a big inconvenience because it took up the whole sidewalk and just caused all sorts of problems. Now though, there is a gorgeous building in place called the Millennium Science Complex and I just love the architecture of it. My first before and after represents all the frustration before but the amazing building that came out of it.

The second set of photos just came out of something that I pass everyday lately and one of my favorite subjects. I love flower photos because, well, flowers are just plain pretty. I ride along Park Avenue to get to class and a house along the road has a small sign that inspired me for the set. My initial plan was to have the sign paired with a flower, but when I went to the arboretum to find some subjects, I was pleasantly surprised to find a different type of plant that seemed perfect for the season.

I have some extra images which were in the style of a single image telling the whole story. They are both similar concepts. The idea is explaining what was once there through what was left behind. For the second image, I got a little lucky by having the story tell itself a little more clearly.

Agee

When one starts to read "Let us Now Praise Famous Men," it is certainly a struggle to adapt to such a writing style. There is certainly an excess considering most of the pages consist of an individual sentence. Then as you read on, there is an understanding that is developed. I see now that this wordiness and excessive detail is not something that comes out of lack-of-skill, pompousness, or extravagance, but of passion. He points it out himself regarding how these people, being real, are more fantastical or extraordinary than any fictional character simply because they really exist and thus deserve much more than even he could provide. Now, step back for a moment and realize that this was just a journalistic assignment studying families of sharecroppers during the depression. He was legitimately passionate about these people and later in the third area of our assigned reading he even says flat-out that he felt (as they felt too) that he was one of them and as close to family as he could be. He even fell in love with one of the girls. Not in a journalistic fashion for her tragic story, but in a legitimate heart-felt way. This story is no way simple and all Agee could do is write and write and write because he felt that it was all necessary to try and describe the minute details required to create an understanding for the reader. It is just amazing to me to see that someone could take journalism that far and become that embedded in a story.

Paradox

This article raises some interesting points but they are all very relative. It seems almost that if there is any sort of artistic intention behind a photo that it isn't a documentation of the real. It makes me imagine what the accurate representation of real must look like. I see a straight-on non-color photo of people standing around. Of course, that's not totally true. I believe photojournalists today are the people who really document actual events and they have the ability to be somewhat creative with their frames in the digital age. Whether or not the truth of the event depicted actually matters is really all about the audience. The example provided about "The Kiss" shows exactly this point. When people found out that it was staged, it didn't make them like the image less. As an emotional being, we just enjoy what the image makes us feel and whether or not it was a real moment doesn't always detract from the feelings the viewer associates with the picture.

Is Photography Dead?

Photography is an art that is constantly changing due mostly to the fact that it is created using a medium that is, well, constantly changing. There are many areas of thought regarding what photography "should" be. There are purists who think only film is the true form of art and reality for photographs. One of the reasons that I am such a fan of the photographer Joe McNally is because he started working at a newspaper using film. He developed his skills and understanding of photography using film and became quite talented. When digital started to blossom, he accepted it and saw the benefits of using that kind of technology. Now he shoots with the top-of-the-line equipment from Nikon and brings a whole SUV filled with equipment for a shoot. His portraits are nothing short of amazing and just because he uses a digital camera and edits the files, does that make him less of an artist? Not to me it doesn't. I have always used a digital camera. Mostly because that was what I was given to start with an it's really all that I know. While on the sidelines of the football game, I thought about whether or not I was cheating by using the "burst" mode and shooting a ton of pictures in important moments. From the purist standpoint, I'm wrong and my photos don't count. Did soldiers in Vietnam who used the "spray and pray" tactic still hit an enemy? Were they not soldiers because they didn't land their man in one shot? Technology changes and if you don't embrace it you are just missing opportunities sometimes. There is absolutely a truth and reality to film which I totally love and would like to explore someday. On certain assignments though, I'm a digital guy. Photoshop is an entirely different realm. I'm hardly for the way photographs are treated today on the computer. I'm alright with boosting the contrast or helping my exposure, but I rarely try to make my subjects look any different than they really do. I think the best statement that really shook my core regarding my own abilities and how I view my work was said by a man known only as "Emerson" for he now lives in subsistence out in the woods. He said, "Photographers need to get away from hyper-connectivity, and all this internet s**t. It’s making the work all look the same . All these anxiety ridden photographers hustling for attention. Tweeting frivolously, talking about their shows, or what stupid blog they’ve appeared in. Oh, you have a Blurb book! You’re an amazing visionary! Destined for immortality. The whole thing is whacked. Never before in the history of humanity have so many people been so delusional about their creative talents.”

Where I don't belong- Photo 402

Reading, Pennsylvania is on the top 10 per-capita most dangerous cities in America.

 Living just a few miles away for my whole life, I have grown with the understanding that this is not the place I want to be. I feel much more at home in Philadelphia then I ever have in Reading. Based on the nature of this assignment, I thought going into the city for an hour only accompanied with my camera would be the perfect thing to do. I set out to capture people in the environment, but with the tropical storm there were not too many people in the streets. I decided to present an overall feeling of this place I have never really called "home."

 

 I've never learned any Spanish in school other than the extreme basics. I can order a beer if that comes up, but mostly I'm lost when it comes to the language. The majority of the population in Reading is either of a Latino descent or flat out speaks mostly Spanish. There is enough of a demand that most of the signs on buildings are in both English and Spanish. It doesn't make me uncomfortable, but it certainly is difficult to understand just what you overhear while walking around.

  

 It's funny to remember one of the things that made this town so populated and important is on the Monopoly board game. I like to think about all of the people who must be mispronouncing the "Reading Railroad" spot on the board. The things that makes me feel out-of-place while following along the tracks are the vast amounts of scattered trash and the graffiti. Again, it's not something that makes me feel uncomfortable, just not something that feels like home. It just makes me consider the mindset of the residents when they can feel alright with just throwing their things on the ground. What kind of respect do they have for their "home?"

   When the rain opened up again heavily, I took refuge for the sake of the camera underneath a bridge. Something about fire escapes running alongside buildings just screams "city" to me. There are certainly many brick buildings in Reading which points to the age of the city.

 Getting yelled at by the cars driving by while trying to get shots along the roadside especially completed my experience of feeling like an outsider. The one thing one can notice though is the attempt in the "nicer" areas to create a feeling of home are the trees scattered along the pavement.

  In one of the older sections, it was refreshing to see the brick-lined alleyway. It reminds me of "Old City" in Philly where even the roads are brick.

Graffiti laced dumpsters lining the street definitely have the feeling of a non-homelike place. Walking past the men on the street corner all speaking Spanish added the additional touch until one of them was wearing a Penn State shirt. I guess that might help me feel at home most places across the country anyway.

 I did find this an interesting sight as there was hardly anyone on the street for several blocks. Normally there are people all over the corners and sitting on stoops. Kind of interesting to see a moment of almost solace in this busy place.

I enjoyed the pattern of the crates and took this picture without realizing that I was being watched. The man came out asking me about the photo and I just talked about the building for a moment. I actually felt a little more at ease speaking to someone because he asked me about my Phillies hat and how much I paid for it. I felt a little native when he asked me for directions to a local place! Don't be fooled by the grass there though. That was the very end of the patch in all directions.

  I saw this area as being quite representative of the town. I first noticed the little shed in the back but then the condition of the building around it just speak for the style of Reading. There is not much interest in beautifying. That is partially one of the biggest things that certainly makes me feel out-of-place.

"Stranger" Photo 402

In the spring semester of last school year I took one of my favorite classes to date. Basketball. When we were doing a drill, I had two guys throw the ball to me at once. I caught one with my hands and one with my face. My glasses broke right down the side completely cracked. So several months later now, of course, I headed into the store downtown to see about repair or new frames. The woman helping me with my new frames was extraordinarily wonderful to work with me on my adventure to new glasses. Just earlier that afternoon I was assigned to photograph a stranger and here I was with a nice young lady who I thought might be able to help me out. I posed the question and she says..,"now!?" With reluctance, she agreed to be photographed. I learned a little bit about her while we shopped. Her name is Rachel and she certainly has a keen eye for fashion flair. I didn't want to ask her her age, seeing as that is just generally polite to stay away from. We mostly talked about different designers and tv shows like project runway and America's Next Top Model. I think this experience was mostly a lesson in how to create comfort with an unfamiliar subject. I made sure not to take out the camera even after she agreed. We just kept talking about everything else. I started to divulge things about my majors and what I like about photography. I talked especially about all the little ads they have set up around the store and just how difficult it must be to do lighting for a glasses advertisement. This was one strategy I had to gain her confidence that I know what I'm doing. The next was to actually show her the camera and take pictures of other objects around the store and show her what they looked like so she could get a sense of my work. I was also trying to gather photos that set the mood for the encounter like this:

I showed her this photo and she said, "it looks better than real life!" I figured she was getting more comfortable with me and she must have been because she started making some suggestions for what might look cool. She must have read my mind for suggesting the next shot. 

While Rachel answered the phone, I tried to find something that could really show the essence of the shop. There is a large chandelier in the room and I thought it would be perfect. The store is filled with elegant yet modern leather sofas and chairs as well as crazy designs on everything, even the coasters. It works well when you're promoting brands like D&G, Vera Wang, Kenneth Cole, and Michael Kors. 

We went and made some final decisions on the frames I would like to get. New glasses can always be so exciting, but I think I'll just be sticking with the same old style. If someone lets me photograph them like this, I usually like to give them a copy of one of the prints just to maybe thank them for their time somehow. I was particularly grateful for Rachel to allow a stranger to take her photo. Can't wait to head back in soon. 

Happy Birthday to Me

Many people were asking me what the big plans were for my birthday. I really didn't feel too much like celebrating since 22 is that first of the the truly meaningless birthdays. I had the most amazing 21st birthday so I don't mind having gone out with a bang/free Hanson concert at school...yeah, Hanson. I actually treated myself by going to my first ever PSU women's soccer game with the long Sigma lens. Definitely a fun sport to photograph. Plus they won 3-0 which was stellar to say the least. Out to Kildare's for a couple of drinks with the guys after and I'd say this birthday wasn't so meaningless after-all. 

Return to Sports

After a summer away from Penn State, it feels good to get right back in the swing of things by playing in band at a women's volleyball game in the first week of class. The band only had one rehearsal before performing in front of over 6000 fans two nights in a row. We did lose the first night which was heartbreaking considering we haven't lost at home in four years. The good thing that came of it was the return of my favorite player Darcy after an entire year out with an injury. Coming back from two sets down and winning against #2 USC the next night wasn't bad either.