Hard Cider 101

For my final project I decided to capture a photo story of Blake's Hard Cider Co. This was an adventure and in the process I learned all about making a video. This was an interesting and challenging assignment for many reasons. One main reason in particular, was mastering the audio. Recording someone so they sound clear and learning how to edit audio, was a tough ordeal. Overall, I did enjoy this project because it taught me that I won't get anything perfect the first time and that this is a learning process.

Wood sculpting artist carving his own path since 2004

In his shop LaCasse concentrates sculpting away on his latest carving of a Native man.  

Alec LaCasse poses with his latest sculpture that he is working on.

 Being able to read emotion and feeling connected to a picture, is something I feel is captured throughout a series of moments. Moments allow you  preview into someone's personal life. A moment that needs no words, but yet relays a message.
   Pictures are moments in which we capture the beauty of those surrounding us.
   The portrait assignment was thrilling and extremely enjoyable for me. I felt this project tuned into my inner creativity and allowed me to think outside the box. Yet, this time I will say the feeling of unfamiliarity did not consume my emotions.

LaCasse focuses under the light while continuing to sculpt.

   The camera operations are still tricky, but overtime I feel that I will become confident and master them.
  The aspect that challenged me the most was the headshot. Between the lighting and trying to set the camera settings, I was having a hard time.
   Alec is a man of great character. He is quiet, yet radiates creativity and speaks words of wisdom. I captured pictures of him for this assignment because to me, he is such a unique human being, with an extremely beautiful talent.
   We pondered our way out to his shop. Once inside, we chatted for a few moments. Stooping to his knees, he tossed a few logs into the fire. Surrounding us was different collections of wood, wood shavings, tools and pictures. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting.
   I believe people and what they do for a living, tells a story about who they are. Alec's story is unique and crafted with genuineness. For a living, he handcrafts wooden sculptures of all sorts.
   Throughout the night, we exchanged thoughts about his journey and how he came about creating wood sculptures. A journey that started back in the fourth grade and has brought him here today.
   Aside from being frustrated with my camera settings and the lighting, this project was extremely fun for me. Portrait photography is an aspect of photography that requires you to be creative and have fun. Though I will say having people person skills is something that helped throughout this assignment. Without being able to interact with people, I feel that portrait photography would be extremely challenging.
   Overall, portrait photography, in my eyes, is an aspect of photography that tells someone's story through what they love doing.

Please stop running; so I can take your picture

Armada's fan section cheers on the Tigers. 

Head coach Russell Collins gives Armada 

player Adam Job direction on the next play.

   As I stepped into the gym of Richmond High School, my heat raced with excitement. This was my first time capturing pictures for a sporting event. A basketball game in particular.
   With a smile plastered on my face, I looked around the gym and thought to myself,
that I have no idea what I am doing.
   I normally feel like I have a great grasp on situations that I am un-familiar with. This time though, I was treading in some deep waters; that which forced me to take my life saving device off and swim.
   Within moments of capturing different pictures, frustration overtook my emotions. Picture after picture and blur after blur, I felt defeated and very discouraged.
   Capturing a sports feature photo was extremely challenging for me, in many different aspects. The main aspect that was very challenging, was my camera settings, and I kept capturing photos that did not turned out blurry.
   Taking a quality photo of the athletes was another extremely challenging aspect. For the most obvious reason; the players were running around.
   After the first two quarters had passed I felt that I had finally sometime mastered my technique, somewhat. I became comfortable after reassuring myself and learning that different camera setting will affect my pictures.

Adam Job defends the basket against Richmond player Dillon McInerney.

    Aside from being pushed outside my comfort zone; I was also challenged with capturing images that were visually appealing.
   Shooting pictures for a sports feature was way harder that what I thought it was going to be. I did not expect it to be an easy task, but I also didn't expect it to be so frustrating.
   Though my emotions did rise, I enjoyed being out on the court and taking pictures of the athletes in their natural environment.
   Another aspect I enjoyed, was being able to watch the athletes. I  admired the teamwork, passion, and support of a team that grew together throughout their season. The night boiled down with a lost for the Armada Tigers. It was the last game of their season.
   Throughout this experience, I learned that capturing pictures of sports takes time and effort. It is one skill that develops over time and creates a feeling of confidence when mastered. Also I learned during this event that fear of messing up will only limit my creativity and what I can accomplish.