Week 1 Photojournalism

 About me

Currently I am a freshman in college studying business. I took this class to improve my photography skills in a field that I don't have very much experience in yet; photojournalism! Prior to taking this class, my photography skills have been used in controlled settings like senior or couple photo sessions. I would like to chase new experiences that could someday turn into intriguing stories.

I, like many, am drawn to a good story. In grade school I would write my own fictional stories and poems about various different things. As I got older, I started to appreciate movies even more for their unique plots and themes. Fast forward into my freshman year of high school, I received my very first camera for Christmas. At first, my photos lacked depth and composition. Slowly but surely, I improved. A few years down the road, into my senior year of high school, I was taking pictures for couples. 

Opening my laptop to complete the final stages of the editing process, I realized something. Every photo is a snapshot of a moment. Looking at the photos gave me the same feeling that reading a good book or watching a movie did. I realized that each picture captured a moment shared between two people. Whether it be couples, sports,  or pedestrians on the side of the road; each photo tells a story.

Cellist plays live in church 
following the loosening of covid 
restrictions in Lebanon, OR (2021).

Goals for this class

I have three goals for this class.

First, I would like to brush up on my storytelling skills. How can my images better fit a written narrative?

Second, this class gets me out of my comfort zone. Inserting myself into unfamiliar scenes to get the right photo and asking strangers for their names and/or permission to use their photo does not come naturally to me.

Third, I would like to improve my communication skills. Communicating with teachers, editors, or event planners will be a good challenge for me.

Photos taken this week:

McDonald's worker prepares to drop fries in the fryer 
for some hungry customers.

McDonald's employees enjoy the calm 
before the storm. (11:00am, 
Friday afternoon).

The Spring sun summoned many people out of their houses
Thursday afternoon. This woman prepares to enter
her car after an eventful day at the dog park.