Feature photos are what you make them

Rebecca Friedman, 24, Wayne State student studies for midterms in The David Adamany Undergraduate Library.

Ahmed Taqi, 30, Wayne State student admires the art located in the Elaine L. Jacob Gallery.

   I was frustrated, worn out, and done with visually creating how my feature pictures should go. I trudged around campus with my camera in hand, hopeless for capturing a feature picture.

This assignment was very challenging for me. I consider myself to be a creative visualizer, and yet I could not find my groove when capturing pictures.

   Aside from my negative feelings overwhelming me, I wandered my way into Undergraduate Library. I walked my way up the stairs to find an abundance of students. Filled with joy and happiness, I knew that I could finally capture my pictures for this feature assignment.

 This assignment was challenged my comfort zone. This assignment challenged me to go outside my box and talk to students in different settings.
   Approaching slowly to the cozy study corner, I introduced myself, and explained why I needed to capture her in this moment. Rebecca Friedman, 24, Wayne State University student was studying for midterms in The David Adamany Undergraduate Library.

“ This is my last semester at Wayne State. After graduating I am taking a trip to California to see my sister and my childhood best friend," said Friedman.

   Gabbing away, Friedman explained that she has enjoyed her four years here at Wayne State, but is excited to see what the future has in store for her. Wrapping up her chapter here, she will be graduating in May with a Bachelors degree in Media Arts and Studies.

   For my next picture, I attended an open art gallery called Blood Sport. Plastered on walls were different pieces of art that were emerged the beauty of blood. Going to into the art gallery I had expected a decent amount of people would be there. Allowing me to capture the picture I needed.    Low and behold, there wasn't more than one person in the gallery, who so happened to be the receptionist. I simply asked him to wander around and look interested in the art. Within moments, I had my planned picture and I was more than satisfied. Small talk was exchanged between us about art and what it means to him.

"Art, it's like uh, how someone interprets their internal feelings and sensation and transform them into a form of creativity," said Taqi. 

   This assignment pushed me out of my comfort zone in many different aspects. From talking to new people and taking a small glimpse into their lives, I learned the importance of taking down proper names, and having proper camera settings. I started off with a negative attitude towards feature photos, but then over the course of time, I learned feature photos are what I make them. 

A gander through a little eye

Student waits for the light.

   This assignment required us to take use our creative minds and capture a newsworthy event somewhere on Wayne State's campus.
   With the rapid development of technology, cell photography is booming. At first, I thought this was going to be an easy task. Over time though, it really pushed me out of my comfort zone and required me to think outside the box. I enjoyed capturing moments on campus that, I felt allowed other people to peek in and see what we are all about.
   For Twitter, I captured this picture of a local student riding his bike. Transportation around and to campus always amazes me. Prior to this, him and I had both turned onto the same street and he was riding his bike next to me. Then when we both stopped at the light, I asked if I could snap a picture of him. Surprisingly, he was all for it.
   I used this picture as a newsworthy event, because I often think sometimes we take things for granted, like having a car or how we get around campus. I also find it interesting how using bikes on campus is a part of the university, up until snow fall. Capturing this picture was an adventure and I learned a little about the ways of transporting around on a bike at Wayne State University.

Walk ways to be plowed or not?

   My second picture that I captured, was on a cold snowy day while trudging from building to building. I found this picture to be newsworthy because I thought it was interesting how most of the walk ways on campus do not get plowed. I do give Wayne State some credit for removing some snow, but for the most part all of us are trudging through snow that has not been removed. As snowfall continues, I wonder if they will actually take the time to remove it.
   What I learned from this assignment and through the tutorials is it's okay to feel uncomfortable and to go outside my own comfort zone. Also, that being creative is important.
   Though these two aspects contribute greatly to capturing moments. Another aspect I learned was how important it is to promote myself through hashtags, my blog, and Twitter. This is what exposes us to other fellow bloggers, and gets our name out there, along with our pictures. Capturing different moments on campus was interesting. This allowed me to be creative with my cell phone which was fun as well.

A little about me

   Trinkets and pictures of my family fill my room at home, accompanied by string lights, stacks of books, and empty coffee mugs.  
   I am a down to earth gal. I find joy in saving worms off the sidewalks and groovy steals from Salvation Army. Though still discovering who I am, I have learned that everything in life is a season that I will grow through. Sunflowers and friendly people make me happy.

   I am currently a junior at Wayne State University, pursing a degree in journalism and minoring in public relations. 

   Aside from being at school, I am a nanny to a child named Peter. We enjoy our time together, from attending music classes to walks to the park. 
   After I graduate, I am not sure what doors will open up for me. I do plan to move out of Michigan to see what the world has to offer. But for now I will continue to pursue my career.