Final Project

The Antioch House heads to Suttle Lake near the Sister's area for the weekend. They labeled this house event as their "Spring Retreat" which is an annual house retreat they do every spring. This trip was a change-up from other retreats as they chose to travel to Suttle Lake instead of Lake Shasta which is a 5 1/2 hour drive instead of a 2 hour drive. 5/31/19.

The group gets to the campsite around 4pm on Friday and begin the process of unloading. The camp began getting set up and putting up their sleeping areas using tents and hammocks to get the desirable sleeping area. 5/31/19

Members of the group get loads of time to hangout and explore before dinner starts around 6pm. There was many activities the group did including, hiking, swimming, playing camp games and swinging on this swing that they found. Above house members watch as Joel Schmidt and Gage Reeves take their turn trying to swing as far as possible. 5/31/19.

The house food manager was in charge of cooking on the retreat. He cooked hamburgers for the guys for dinner along with other snacks and drinks for everyone. His only downside was sacrificing his time to cook for the guys while others hung out and went off exploring. 5/31/19.

A camp fire was lit to kick off the camp feel and boost the moral of those gathered around after a long hike near the Metolius River. Soon after S'mores were brought out and the campfire stories and conversations began that went long into the night. 5/31/19.

The sun rose over the campground around 5:36 in the morning. The morning light shot rays across Suttle Lake on the left hand side of the image. Black Butte stood tall on the right under the shadow of the morning glow. As the retreat wrapped up, many took in the beauty of the area before a few more weeks of school until the freedom of summer. 5/32/19.

Week 10 Blog

TOPIC 1: YOUR BEST PHOTOJOURNALISM -- Consider the photos you posted on your blog this term:

1. 
    My favorite photo I've taken this term, was my one of the court house building in Corvallis.
2. I like the composition of the low angle shot and also of the sun rays shinning through the trees.
3. Through this assignment I had to research what the courthouse represents and what happens inside the building.
4. I would say at the beginning of the year it was hard for me to walk up to random strangers and take photos of them but I think over the course of this term I gradually got a little more comfortable with it.

TOPIC 2: YOUR GOALS -- Go back to the Forum for Week 1 and you'll find your response to this prompt:

My goals for my photojournalism class is understand how to better capture someone's story in a single frame. I want to understand the background, mid-ground and foreground of the shot and use those to tell the story of the persons life.

I think these goals of capturing a story in a single frame was something I really tried to work on this term. I still need to work on this goal and really be aware of the background when shooting photos. I need to still push myself to capture a scene that explains the story of the person I am shooting.

Addario Book Report

Lynsey Addario Book

One of the most harrowing and death-defying times for Lysney Addario in the book is when she went out with a patrol group into enemy territory knowing there could be an ambush anytime waiting for them around the corner. When the rebels did finally ambush her group, she was caught off guard and was separated from her group. As the bullets flew, she dug her body into the ground hoping the bullets would continue to miss and fly over her head. Adrenaline pumped through her body while her life was on the line, desperately praying that she would get back to her group alive. This chapter unfolded with lots of close calls for Lynsey, she made out alive, but it was one of the first times she witnessed the after math of war. One of the soldiers she was with was shot and killed, and she was burdened with the full weight of war as she watched the other soldiers openly weep over their friend. Through all of this moment, Lynsey was gripping her camera and was focused and showing the public photos of the events she witnessed.

 This is truly what sets Lynsey apart from another photojournalist. She fully pursues the story, no matter what the circumstance is and how dangerous it might be. She laid her life on the line constantly for her work. She did this in order to create a story that few around the world witness. She always tried to be as close as possible to the action in order for her to capture shots that really feel like you are experiencing what is happening in the photograph. One quote that really explains her thought process throughout the book was "An experienced conflict photographer would know to stay, to shoot the wreckage, injured, and dead, but I was young" (122). This understanding of her role and desire to present a story no matter the danger really changes from the beginning of her career to the end.

 In my mind once she became married and had a kid, the risk she took of going back into war zones to shoot a story was not worth it. Once she shared and committed her life to another person, I don't believe the risks she took were necessary. But whether or not it was a good risk, she made really compelling images and was really good at what she does. My favorite photo is the one of the Arab women wearing the blue burka in the middle of the desert with a really big blue sky. Like most of her she does an amazing job of composing her work and making you feel like you're really there witnessing what she is seeing. 

This book was a very good read and one of the quotes that really stood out to me while reading it was, "Many smiled back, calling me by my title: 'Sahafiya.' Journalist. It is who I am. It's what I do" (341). This quote wraps up the entire book very neatly by just explaining, Lynsey Addario is a photojournalist by heart and it's what she absolutely loves to do. 

Marc Adamus

Marc Adamus

Marc Adamus was born and raised in Corvallis Oregon. He went through high school and into culinary school after graduating. However, at culinary school Marc lost a sense of passion for food and really wanted to explore the world of photography, specifically landscape photography. At the age of 19 Marc obtained his first camera and by the time he turned 24 he really jump-started his career in being a professional photographer. Marc masters in the realm of landscape photography. He has revolutionized what a landscape masterpiece is with his use of light and scenery. He has managed to create a very distinctive style for himself, that few have been to recreate. Marc uses strong foreground elements like wildflowers to pull his viewers into the image towards his main subject. He then wraps the entire image in beautiful light and color to really recreate a scene that unfolded between his eyes.  Marc spends 200 days out of the year in order to capture his breath-taking landscape photos. He is very committed to his career as a photographer and goes to remote locations that few dare to venture of the path and go. He is able to view these locations and witness place that few eyes have seen to photograph and show them to the world. Marc leads groups of people to different continents, providing gear and food and will teach you all about his process for taking the perfect photograph. He will also cook you some gourmet meals from his culinary experience from years back in college when he went to culinary school. Marc continues to pursue landscape photography as a career as he's ended up in many National Geographic books and magazines and has won many awards along the way.



Above is my favorite image of Marc Adamus. I love this image because of the scale of the mountains compared to the guy standing on the rock. It creates a strong sense of depth. Marc finishes the image by wrapping it in a great since of light to make the image feel complete and powerful.


All information has come from Marc Adamus' website and his biography. 

My Hometown

Landmark:

The Benton county courthouse stands tall in the city of Corvallis. This is one of the most iconic buildings in the city as it serves the people and the people get to state their voice in decisions the city has to make. The classic clocktower stands taller than the surrounding buildings, making its statement of justice and human rights in Corvallis. May 23rd, 2019.

Portrait:

Colton Fuller is a Forestry student at OSU. He is a sophmore this year and is hoping to take a summer class to get into Pro-School next fall. He moved from a small town called Days Creek to complete 4 years of college in Corvallis. May 28th, 2019.

Feature Photo:

Members of Corvallis gather on a Saturday afternoon to buy fresh produce at the farmers market. This market is open every Wednesday and Saturday, downtown Corvallis for anyone who wants to come and buy fresh produce and food. May 25th, 2019.

Lynsey Addario Chapters

TOPIC: ADDARIO MEMOIR - PARTS THREE AND FOUR --

Most Compelling Chapters:

1. "You Will Die Tonight"

To me this chapter is the most compelling part in the entire book, because of how adrenaline pumping it was. This chapter really shows the dangers associated with the job Lynsey has been assigned to. Her photojournalist friends and her were kidnapped by rebel soldiers and were held hostage for a couple of weeks, being physically and sexually abused as well as being laughed at, cursed at and mocked. They bounced around to different checkpoints until finally later in the chapter they made a deal with the embassy and were later released by their captors. The photojournalist suffered from attacks by the rebels at each checkpoint as stated in the book, "At each checkpoint one of us was beaten. I heard the thump of what I imagine was a AK-47 or a fist to the back of my colleagues' heads, and a whimper of contained agony" (287). This quote puts the harrowing experience to life and really shows the terrifying experience of the photojournalist. 

2. "The Most Dangerous Place In The World"

This chapter was about Lynsey going on a mission with the U.S. troops to enemy territory in order to photographer whatever situation that might occur. During this time her group was ambushed by rebel soldiers and she almost didn't make it out alive. For one of the first times she was able to witness the horrific events of what war can be and how a friend can easily be killed in the firefight of a battle. It was a sobering moment for her, as she now understood the full cost and sacrifice of being in a battle. 

As a photojournalist I learned through these chapters that in order to get the most compelling shots, you have to be in the moment of whatever action that is taking place. You have to be passionate about your work and truly love what you do in order to express that through your photography and really get some quality photos. 

Sports/Action Shots

A softball intramural team takes the field to practice batting and pitching after winning another game, after their opponents forfeited. (Left: Blake Peterson, Pitcher: Hayden Lent, Outfield: Colton Fuller) May 13th, 2019.

Left: Blake, Right: Hayden take the outfield to switch out the batting and pitching with the outfielders. May 13th, 2019.

Hayden Lent throws a softball to the batter during Monday nights intramural practice with his team.

May 13th, 2019. 

Week 7 Blog Questions

TOPIC 1: MY NEIGHBORHOOD/MY HOMETOWN --

1. I am going to photograph McMinnville because that's where I grew up for a good amount of my life, and it's the closest thing to home to me.
2. List 3 ideas for photos that you could take: A person in front of their business; downtown area; festival or farmers market.
3. My biggest challenge will be photographing a portrait of someone, because I'm not sure who I will want to photograph.

TOPIC 2: TWO PHOTO STORY IDEAS (See assignment explanation below) --  

Outline TWO photo stories that you could do for your final assignment.

First, answer the questions:

• Who: People in Corvallis
• What: Portraits of students
• When: During the day
• Where: OSU campus

I will go on campus to shoot different portraits and get a little bit of background from them.

First, answer the questions:

• Who: House event
• What: House Retreat
• When: Last Weekend in May
• Where: Suttle Lake

I will make a story out of the trip, taking pictures of the parking, driving, camping and different activities we do there.

Photographer's Choice-Free Shoot

Meet Alisha Van Vlack, an employee working at G3 Sports and Fitness, located on HWY 99 heading North. Alisha works in the cafe/front desk in the gym making drinks, receiving phone calls and providing customers with answers to any questions they may have about the facility. May 10th, 2019.

Alisha Van Vlack an employee of G3 Sports and Fitness, May 10th, 2019.

Feature Event

The Mother's Day sale, for plants and flowers, at the greenhouse on the LB Campus, May 5th, 2019.

Linn Benton student looks at different tomato plants, deciding which ones to pick as a gift, for this upcoming Mother's Day. May 5th, 2019.

The Mother's Day sale remains a huge success, as many LB students pick different plants to give to their loved ones on Sunday. May 5th, 2019.

Sports/Action Ideas

1. Intramural Softball at OSU
2. I'm going to do my shoot Monday night at the OSU turf fields.
3. I think it will be a difficult to stop the action and really capture the expression of the players. Also, it will be difficult to capture the faces because it will be a low light situation, which means i'll have to crank the ISO a little higher and not be afraid to move around and get different angles on the field.
4. 
   
1. OVERALL -- Referee explaining the rules to players.
2. MEDIUM -- Person running to a base.
3. CLOSEUP -- Pitcher or batter in action.

Lynsey Addario

Lynsey Addario Book

So far Lynsey's adventures have been a straight adrenaline rush. I wouldn't even begin to imagine capturing the war-torn countries of Iraq and Afghanistan following 9/11. Every capture it seems like her life gets put on the line in order to show what is happening around the world. This could be anything from missile strikes, kidnapping and dehydration while walking through a desert in Africa. I think the things that have caused the biggest impact on me have been her stories of the U.S. military in Iraq and the devastation that took place in Africa with the rebel group. The U.S. soldiers was disheartening when hearing Lynsey's firsthand experience with them. It was hard to read about them abusing their power and treating the people with no respect and caused a lot of turmoil with the people there. With the rebel group in Africa it's very hard to hear about the stories of many of the villagers and women there who were killed or sexually assaulted by the rebel organization. I think Lynsey brings a different perspective to the lives of many of her viewers reading the book and truly shares the story of those suffering in other countries, to help bring awareness to them.  

Portrait/Mug Lab

Kyle Nelson, employee at Home Depot, works in the front loading center, helping customers load and unload their vehicles for supplies and building materials. April 26, 2019.

Kyle Nelson, April 26, 2019.

Week 4: Media Blog Forum

TOPIC 1: NPPA CODE OF ETHICS -- Look at the National Press Photographers Association Code of Ethics posted on Moodle.

1. Code #4, stands out to me the most because you see it played out heavily in the Lynsey Addario book. Treating and be compassionate towards others after taking heartbreaking images, is human nature. You must recognize you're not just taking pictures of a subject, but the person in front of the lens has a life, a story and is going through pain.
2. Code #6 is a great one to take to heart. When approaching others and learning their stories to photograph, make sure you are being respectful. You don't want to sit down and be rude or interrupt them. BE there because you genuinely care about their story and want to here what they went through.
3. I would apply the rules that I picked above by trying to remain unbiased when talking to a group or individual that I don't necessarily agree with. I need to remain polite and show respect to someone else's ideologies even if I may disagree.

 

TOPIC 2: FAVORITE PHOTOS -- As we approach the midpoint of the term, let's do a shoutout for some of your fellow students' work.

One of my favorite class photos was one that Brady took for the LBCC part 2 assignment of Quinn Bohlen. I love the lighting and different colors in the shot. I also think the composition of having him in the center behind the cash center makes it clear who the subject of the photo is. You can tell that he works in a clothing/skate store due to the background which adds to the story of the photo. I just think the photo draws the viewer in and is a quality photo.
Link: https://bradyford33.blogspot.com/2019/04/humans-of-lbcc.html

Another really great photo taken by Will, is of Jacob Orsmby. I think the photo is a quality image. The composition takes a lower angle which switches it up from the cliche portrait photo. I like the landing and also the brick wall creates a nice back drop for the scene.
Link: https://willreddekopp.blogspot.com/

TOPIC 3: FAVORITE LYNSEY ADDARIO MOMENTS: Describe your favorite part of the book so far, identifying the page numbers of the passage; include a quote; why did this particular story stand out to you; what have you learned about photojournalism from Lynsey Addario?

My favorite part of the book so far is when Lynsey describes her first car bombing experience. The scene itself is a horrifying read and is a very intense moment, but I love reading her thought process through the whole thing. I think her most powerful thought is as quoted, "An experienced conflict photographer would know to stay, to shoot the wreckage, injured, and dead, but I was young. This was my first bomb" (122). I think this quote begins the process of a huge mind shift in Lynsey. It shows that she recognizes the cost of her profession and the sacrifes she needs to make in order ti capture what is truly happening around her, even that means going against her very instincts to flee.

The Lucky in Love String Band

The Lucky in Love String Band gathers in the Benton Center, April 4th, to play a few of their originals, as well as some classic singalongs. Members from the community as well as students stopped by to watch and enjoy the bluegrass and folk music style. 

The band members Pete Kozak, Mark Weiss, Ron Green and Jeff Hino, lead the community in the song "This Land is My Land." Community members and Linn Benton Community College joined in to raise their voices in song. 

Lead vocalist and guitarist Ron Green, plays a solo guitar rift for the audience during one of their original songs. 

Portrait Subjects and Self-Critique

TOPIC 1: TWO PORTRAIT SUBJECTS --  Write about TWO possible subjects for your Environmental Portrait and Mug Shot.  For each subject note:

1. His or her FULL NAME: Kurt Morgan Tristan Smith
2. Your subject's "claim to fame” (What is their passion? What are they best known for? Job? Creativity? Achievement?): KM: Financial Adviser/Skier TS: Police Officer
3. The best environment in which to shoot this person: KM: Office or on the slopes TS: Police Station
4. Props that would work best: KM: Computer, stack of coins or ski's TS: Police car, city sign
5. How you plan to contact this person: KM: Phone TS: Phone or email

TOPIC 2: SELF-CRITIQUE --  Now that you've been committing photojournalism for a few weeks ...

1. What is the BEST PHOTO you've taken for this class, and WHY is it your best? (Post a copy of it! AND A LINK!): I would say my best photo that I've taken in this class was my photo of Daniel Thomas, when I was taking the portraits of LBCC students. I love the lighting and shadows on his face. I like the composition of the scene, showing his ideal study location and setting. I think the lower angle really brought the scene together, giving it a new perspective.
2. 

   What is the WORST PHOTO you've posted on your blog so far, and WHY did it turn out that way? (Post a copy, or not ...): The worst photo I've posted so far on my blog is the one I posted of Sean Moran outside of the Benton Center. I'm not a huge fan of the lighting or the background of the scene. The environment around him doesn't tell the story of an LB student. To me the picture is very cut and dry, with not a lot of exciting things happening around it.
3. What SKILL do you feel you have to improve the most to raise the quality of your photos?
I believe the skills that I need to work on are just finding the right angles and setting for the photos. I really need to try and tell a story based on the props and environment around them. I think I just have to ask more questions, and really get to know them a little better before taking a photo of them.

Lynsey Addario

Lynsey Addario

So far the Lynsey Addario book I've been reading in class has been fantastic. I knew hardly anything about photojournalism before reading this book, and it really opened my eyes to the life of a war photojournalist. The book started off very intense so I was hooked right off the bat. It's a really cool experience to understand and look at what it takes to be in that line of work. It amazes me that she was over there risking her life to show the world how war can destroy a country.  The things she learned like getting closer to her subjects to really see their emotions and reactions to the events going around her. That is the biggest lesson I've taken away from the book so far. You have to get up close and personal to your subjects in order to really capture and tell a story of the subject. I want to try and incorporate this more into my photos when taking images of the students here. My favorite quote from the book is when Lynsey is questioning the work she does and is wondering if it is worth it to risk her life. She says, It is the way we make a living, but it feels more like a responsibility, or a calling. It makes us happy, because it gives us a sense of purpose" (15). I love this quote because it shows the heart of a photojournalist who loves what she does.

Photographer of The Week

Marc Adamus

Facts:

1. He is an adventure/landscape photographer from Western North America.

2. Has had images posted in many famous photography industries including: National Geographic, Outdoor Photographer, etc. 

3. Has been a professional photographer since 2005. 

Stands Out:

His photographs stand out to me because of how majestic and beautiful they look. He has an amazing talent to capture light and use it to create powerful imagery of vast landscapes.

Claim to Fame:

Marc's claim to fame is being a National Geographic landscape photographer. He is very proud of being able to spend months out in nature to capture the beauty and glory of it. 

Faces of LB Part 2

Sean Moran

Meet Sean Moran, a dedicated part time student at Linn Benton Community College. Sean is going to school for mechanical engineering and will hopefully transfer to a university once all of his back core gets filled up. The reason he is only going to school for part time, is because Sean is a Frozen Department Manager at the Safeway in Corvallis. He works the night shift, so that he can do schooling during the day. He told me that on average he only gets 45 hours of sleep per week, that is Sunday-Sunday. So, when most students are home sleeping, Sean is working until the early morning hours. Sean originally is from Southern California but moved up to Oregon for school and because it is his dream place to live. He is a PNW guy at heart, enjoying activities like, mountain biking, camping, hiking and photography. When asked he said that his favorite place to go camping is Utah, because of all the nice weather and amazing rock formations.

Grace Mahr

This is Grace Mahr, a dual enrolled OSU and Linn Benton Student. Grace is currently studying English Education, with a dream of teaching to high school students. She told me she was a little undecided whether she wants to be teaching literature or music education. Grace really enjoys music and loves to listen to all different kinds on a daily basis. She also enjoys reading, writing, camping and enjoying her friends company. One of Grace’s favorite things is traveling. She loves exploring the world and seeing all the different cultures and people. She told me that she has been to Mexico, California, Italy and Austria. She said she wants to continue to travel and see as many places as she can in her lifetime. Grace is from a small coastal town from Coos Bay, so she said that being in the valley is very different, but she has enjoyed it so far.