Warm Ups

Warm Up 20
This is a deep, introspective photo. It is emotional, and gives an interesting picture of human connection. Focusing on the hands brings our attention away from the baby and towards the relationship between the baby and the parent here. Generally, black and white has the potential to make an image more emotional, with the increased contrast. Just look at films like Schindler's List or American History X.

Warm Up 21
While both these pictures depict similar subject matter, they are quite different. The image featuring the golden retriever is quite calm and subdued, however the one featuring the German shepherd is much more dynamic and aggressive. In the second image, the dog is in motion and is very close to the camera, making it seem much closer and more imposing to us. In the first image, the dog is in a relaxed position, and does not take up much of the frame, being less aggressive. This difference in framing and motion makes all the difference.

Warm Up 22
This photo does appear to be captured during a quiet moment. In reality, it could be quite loud. What makes an image appear quiet is stillness. The water is still, no boats or tides are visible. The large mountains in the background are still. Fog is suspended around the image. The empty dock in the foreground is motionless and unoccupied.

Warm Up 23
Most of the time I find myself outdoors, I am swimming. I've been swimming seriously for about ten years now, and casually for longer. Whether I am training for competition, or relaxing with my friends, I feel very natural in the water. I love open water swimming, hot tubbing, and pool training. Maybe I don't necessarily love the crazy sets in the pool, but the rewards of improved performance and being in great physical shape make up for the hardship.

Warm Up 24
Sunrise and sunset are ideal for capturing silhouettes naturally. Because the sun is low in the sky, it shines against more grounded forms. This gives a much greater photo opportunity than at any other time of day. I've tried taking silhouette photos in the middle of the day and it simply doesn't work as well as I'd like it to. I will revisit silhouettes in the future and try to capture them at a more ideal time.

Warm Up 25
A shadow is cast by an object. A silhouette is the darkened shape of an object as it is blocking light. An object which is silhouetted likely casts a shadow, however the shadow is not the object of the picture. Shadows and silhouettes are connected, but not interchangeable. I personally prefer photographing shadows.

Warm Up 26
I've completed my winter break, and it has been eventful. I committed to swim and study at Occidental College this fall. I am very excited to be living in LA and being a part of a competitive, NCAA team. Some friends from Ann Arbor visited, and I enjoyed showing them around San Diego and showing them what California life is like. I went to go see the Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm, with Washington State and Michigan State. Michigan State won by a large margin, which while I am not a huge fan of MSU, I was still happy for them.