Semester II Begins

A very belated Happy New Year! This semester really changes things. I'll be taking Color 1, Studio 2, Photojournalism and Digital Media (Final Cut Pro Video Editing).


_{Xrite ColorChecker Passport}

Color 1 so far has been nonstop science. It's really interesting and exciting, but there is no photography involved in this class. So far we've studied everything from positive and negative particles of light, the science behind light creation and wavicles to the electromagnetic spectrum and the physiology behind how our eyes interpret light and color. Soon we will begin learning about color profiles, calibration and how to make RGB = CMYK for printing. Last night we listened to a webinar on the X-Rite ColorChecker Passport. Wow. Need. I knew about these before, but I had never used one for anything other than white balance and definitely did not consider all the other possibilities of this wallet-sized utility. I am extending my grant money to purchase one, because I don't think digital photography can be professional without one at this point!


_{Mamiya RB67}

Studio 2 will be quite a bit like last semester, accept no 4x5 viewcameras. Instead we are going to use the Mamiya RB67 with digital leaf back. This one I am way more excited for, but we'll see once things start happening. Otherwise all the photography I take this semester will be largely practice, and I doubt I will post any work.

Photojournalism so far does not have my hopes up. Our teacher, Craig Schreiner, works for the Wisconsin State Journal as a full time photojournalist. That is really exciting, but from what I gather the entire classes first impression was that he is extremely disorganized and monotonic. I am really nervous for our assignments. The first of which was to take a candid photo of someone we DO NOT know and then ask them their name and what they're doing so we can write a caption with it. I never photograph people and I am very anxious about talking to people I do not know, so this first assignment as not gone well for me thus far. I guess I need to get over it! Hopefully I will have some good results from this class worth posting.

Digital Media has me a little curious and excited.. I have never worked with Final Cut Pro, or really, video at all. Why video editing in a photography program? I guess because most clients in commercial areas like weddings and events often require or at least request professional video as well. I am excited to do some video editing, and curious to see if this will open a new avenue for me. I will post any videos that turn out well, possibly including the required public service announcement I need to create by the end of the semester. It really will be used as a public service announcement in my area!



_{Posted: January 19, 2011}