Mountains

For this post, I wanted to show off the beautiful mountains found in Sedona, AZ. The red rock in Shadowy Days is quite breathtaking in person. The red rocks have such clarity and visible texture. To me, this mountain represents the diversity of life. At times it can go by fast and its hard to notice what passed like how the bottom of this mountain is less detailed, whereas other times you feel like anything is possible as long as you work for it. Rough Edges, stands for the irregularity of life and how things can be disorganized. Yet, these are the times where anything can happen. I like the textures and the shadows throughout this photograph. Some areas are bright, clear and concise, whereas others are darker and hidden.

Shadowy Days (2012)

Rough Edges (2012)

Into The Trees

Golden Woods (2012)

Branches of Life (2012)

For this photo-shoot, I was up in Sedona admiring the beauty of nature. It is amazing when the leaves on the trees change colors. I wanted to add these photos to my blog before winter. For the Branches Of Life photo, I wanted to capture abstract structure trees have. Trees in nature appear strange as their branches go in every direction. However, what makes trees even odder is the fact that every branch, even though different in appearance, essentially have the same structure. Trees are fractals, in which every one branch branches off into two more branches, and each one of those branches are branched off into two more branches. The amount of branches seems to be endless. This tree symbolizes life. Everything in nature, whether it be a plant or animal appears to be the same, but really is not. No two things in nature are exactly the same and at times, nature seems to be endless. For the Golden Woods photo, I wanted to capture the contrasts found in nature. The green leaves were starting to change to different shades of yellows, golds, oranges and reds. Also, I like how the trees are a dark brown with black. This combination of colors represents the diversity of life. Nothing is ever just black and white. Lastly, for Diverse Feelings, I wanted to capture the landscape of this area. It is fascinating not only for its diversity of colors and life, but also for its diversity in textures. Here, each tree has different types of leaves and this does well to contrast with the perfection of the blue in the sky. The mountains also added a rough feel to the photograph. This photograph represents the different emotions people go through in life. At times it can feel sooth and perfect like the blue sky, but other times it can feel rough and rocky like the mountain and the various leaves on the different trees.        

Diverse Feelings (2012)

More Justin Bieber Concert Photos

Blue (2012)

Since I took so many photos during the Justin Bieber Concert, I figured I would show more. These first two photos, Red and Blue, in particular focus on the set itself. I mentioned on the last post that he put on grand displays so here is a few of them. In Dance, I was trying to capture the complicatedness of his routines. I have no idea how he can remember this routies. but regardless, they look extremely awesome and are entertaining. With it All, shows a more grateful side of Justin. It is in this moment where Justin gets a good look at the crowd and gets to see all the fans there. Guitars shows him and his guitarist, Dan, just rocking out and enjoying performing music. In Clarity, once again Justin's passion is shown off. He sings with all his emotions and gives it all he can. Lastly, Gold, show some of the special effects/sets he used. This part of the show, was my favorite dance of the night. Behind this gold looking foil were dancers. Overall and once again, this show was amazing and an incredible night. His show deserves an A+.

Red (2012)

Dance (2012)

With It All (2012)

Guitars (2012)

Clarity (2012)

Gold (2012)

A Night With Justin Bieber

Heart and Soul (2012)

I decided to share more of the photos I took from the Justin Bieber Believe Concert. It was a great show and a wonderful memory. Each song he performed was so well staged and themed. He had such emotion during the show, and I tried to capture as much of it as I could. For the Heart and Soul photograph I wanted to capture how delicate and versed he sang. It was on of those moments where artists can get so focused in the music and pure emotion comes out. The Coming In photograph was taken right as the show began. I thought it was cool how elaborate it was and it was a cool entrance. For the Power Of the Crowd photograph, it captures not only his talent with performing but also the impact he has on his fans. He is a great role model and he really does a lot for his fans. He could have simply put on a show, but instead he went all out and put on a grand spectacle. Everything from the dancing to the singing was spot on and magnificent.  It was truly a fun night. Lastly, with Spaceship it shows part of the set on stage. Every single song he performed had a theme. With the themes there were great lights and special effects. In this photograph, it captures the fog and cool space themed he had.         

Coming In (2012)

Spaceship (2012)

Power Of the Crowd (2012)

The Fear of Pollution

Pile of Sadness (2012)

Twisted (2012)

We need to change our outlook on pollution. It needs to be drastically reduced. For this shoot, I shot varies places around my state. It is quite gross and heartbreaking to think this much trash can be so easily found. In Pile of Sadness, I was capturing a scene in which huge straps of machinery are in the open desert. This is awful. Instead of having a clean and open environment for animals to live in, huge bits of metal are siting everywhere collecting dust. For Twisted, I noticed the contrast between nature and our pollution. This huge dark shape is a tire from a construction vehicle. The problem here though, is that rubber cannot just vanish, it can take tens of thousands of years to decompose naturally. Those are years in which, the land can no longer be used by other animals and organisms. You could burn this rubber, but then toxic chemicals and more CO2 can be released into the air. Either way, simply dumping is not the right method for reducing pollution. Broken Dreams is a symbol of what happens when people simply give up on either goals, interests, or dreams. Instead of pursuing a dream of football in this case, the previous owner threw it out and it is now rotting away. This way of thinking should not continue. Just because someone does not want something, does not mean that he or she should simply throw it away. Perhaps another child or adult would have enjoyed this football. Also, people should not buy or take what she or he doesn't want. Simply getting something for the sake of having it, does not make sense. As we look into the future, we should all be thinking about having only the things we really want and need, and will use. Lastly, for the Dirty  photograph, I was hoping to once again raise questions about how we get rid of our waste. How did this objects get to the point that they are in this bad shape? Why and how has it become so stacked up like this?  

Broken Dreams (2012)

Dirty (2012)

Justin Bieber Believe Concert Tour 2012

Passion (2012)

For these shots, I photographed the Justin Bieber concert when he came to Glendale, AZ. It was a great night. I have never seen him live before and I was completely blown away. The level of production, talent and dedication he had was simply amazing. I was especially impressed when even being sick and throwing up, he was able to finish his show and even do an encore. It really shows how much he cares for his fans and how dedicated he is. The show was quite impressive and a special night for all in attendance.

For the Passion photograph, I wanted to capture the pure emotion he had that night. He sang with all his heart and it showed. For the Holding On photograph, he was singing one of my favorite songs by him called Fall  and once again his emotions were present. It was really cool how he sang it going across the arena. Lastly, the Joy photograph shows the pure fun he had up there on stage. He didn't simply sing some songs and leave, he put on a massive, wildly entertaining show. Great job Justin! I would highly recommend this show.

Holding On (2012)

Joy (2012)  

Honoring The Bold

For this photograph, I wanted to honor the service men and women of the country. They work extremely hard and everyone should be proud of them. I tried to get as many types of service men and women do. This shot was actually taken during a football game at my high school to honor 9/11. I decided to add the American flag and the brownish tint to make it look more patriotic. I also added the quote from John Adams, one of the founders of this country, because it sums up how grateful we should be to have such brave men and women. As the election nears, it is important to vote and think of everyone in this country, especially those who are willing to put their lives at risk.    

Back Lighting

House at Sundown (2011)

Looking through my computer, I found more of one of my favorite photo-shoots from last year: night photography. With these photographs I wanted to display the beauty and contrast of nighttime. I also wanted to capture the emotions of excitement and anticipation. Here, a man is eagerly looking at the moon, and a house's true colors are revealed in the sky.

Moon Man (2011)

Comparisons

Busy Times (2012)

I added these two photographs to point out all the differences from one place to another. It is amazing to  think how much everyplace varies. The first photograph is of New York at Ellis Island. The architecture is quite beautiful and complex. Its one of the places that you can so easily pass by it and not think anything of it. The other photograph is of Chicago, IL. I was quite amazed how a huge city as Chicago has greenery in it. It is near the Lincoln Park Zoo. I loved all of the shades of green in it. Also, I like how the lighting hits only part of the greenery. This can stand for how life is mysterious. Sometimes we can see what will happen, but other times, we cannot. I also added this idea to my Busy Times photograph, by adding the orange tint. While both of these photographs seem different, they are in some ways, similar. Things are not always what they may seem. Overall, Busy Times stands for industrialization and the modern world whereas, Untouched Life stands for nature and its beauty.

Untouched Life (2012)

Joe Jonas: Happiness

These are photographs I took during a concert last fall. The performer was Joe Jonas and the show was so much fun. He was a great performer and I loved how happy and energetic he was. I took these photos to display the emotion of happiness. He was clearly having a good time, and I was to. Great concert, great memory.

Life

These are photos I took hoping to show how fragile and beautiful life is. The "Hanging on" photography is a jellyfish. I was amazed with its strange colors and patterns. It is truly how remarkable life is on our planet. I used a shallow depth of field so only the jellyfish would be in focus. I also used ionic composition to show how important this jellyfish is. It stands for how all life is all important, no matter its size. As for my "In the Rocks" photograph, I was fascinated with how much this lizard blends with the background. It truly fits in with the rocks and if you don't look hard enough, you might miss it.

In the Rocks (2012)

Hanging On (2012)

     

A Day in the City

The Perfect Place (2012)

In A Rush (2012)   

     These are photographs I took in Chicago. I was hoping to show the beautiful of architecture. When I visit major cities, I am always surprised with how much detail and colors the buildings posses. These are all photos taken July 2012. Also, I notice how every building in Chicago is different. For the "Perfect Place" photo, I felt that when I was photographed it the scene was too perfect and beautiful. Nothing in the photo could cause harm and this seems almost too good to be true. "In a Rush," shows the speed and quickness of being downtown. The buildings symbolize this attitude that anything can be accomplished. "Out to Swim," is pretty literal. One thing that makes Chicago so unique is how there are swimming pools on the top of their huge buildings. I took this shot out side the window of my hotel. I like how there is the one brown building in the sea of blue. Lastly, "Just Business" shows the more serious side of cities. This photography symbolizes getting tasks done. It also represents being organized and knowing what you are doing. Overall, enjoy and feel free to comment.    

Out To Swim (2012)

Just Business (2012)

Frustration

Why (2011)

For these photographs I wanted to show an emotion that normally does not appear in plain sight. It takes a lot for most people to be frustrated and these happen to be movements when it appears. For my first photo, I was at a school play. They did the play One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest and I was struck with how much some of these characters went though daily. For my other photograph, I was at a football game. I thought it was pretty amazing how much heat some players could take before they would fall. Emotion is something that I always look for as a photographer, because you never know what you can find if you look hard enough.

How Long Can I Stand (2011)

Circles

Spirals (2012)

 For these photographs, I noticed the patterns of circles, ovals, and other circular shapes. I was hoping to show how the normal perception of circles can be altered. For my first photograph, I liked how colorful it was and how many different shapes there is. for my other photograph, I liked how many different types of circles there are, and how they are all different sizes. Light also, once again, plays a major part of this photograph. With the light, this object is seen as shinny and dull. In reality, this is the inside of a washing machine. The light tricked the viewers into believing this is really a shinny metal, but the truth is it is not. It is simply a washing machine.

Circular Shine (2011)

Washington D.C/Virginia

These are photographs I recently found on my computer. I took these in 2009-10. I was in Washington D.C., where I took the first photograph. I was in the Capital and I was just amazed by all the details everything had. I also loved the colors, it felt so homey. For my other photograph I was in Virginia, on my way to visit Thomas Jefferson's home. I stopped at this little place, where the architecture was older and they had a little pub. They sold the best fried chicken and southern food, I have ever had. I really enjoyed this trip and this was when I began to get into photography. These may be older photos, but I still enjoy them.

Lines

A Look into the Trees (2011)

For these photographs I wanted to highlight lines and their appearance in everyday life. To me, I find it amazing how such complex things are made from simple shapes and lines. Everything to me has either details we too often ignore or never notice. One of the reasons why I love photography is it allows a person to capture the unthinkable. For my trees building photograph, I felt it looked like a ship's front. I also felt it was a good illusion, because it looks like it is coming towards the viewer, but at the same time, it looks like the building is really falling back into the building itself. The lines in this photography really pop out and they take on a personality of their own.

Steps to Nowhere (2011)

As for my Steps photo, I wanted to show how something as simple as a staircase can be complex. Every angle, line, shape and part of the staircase has importance. I also wanted to show how confusing things can be if they are shown only in parts. Where are these stairs going? Anywhere? These are questions that can never be answered based off of this photograph.

Night Time

Space Voyagers (2011)

One of my favorite photo-shoots of year: night photography. Looking back, this photo-shoot taught me the most about my camera. Up to this point, I did not realize all the great features and settings it has. Also it showed me how simple these types of photo-shoots are. I like to photograph at all times of the day, however, night photography, to me, produces some of the coolest photos. With the dark sky, a contrast between lights is now apparent. I wanted to display how man made objects like light rails or fountains really look alien or foreign in nature.      

Splash Of Life (2011)

Sedona

Into the Valley (2011)

For these two photographs, I was hoping to show nature as it is, and I was also hoping to show how beautiful and strong lions are. I was on a class trip to Sedona, Arizona, and I had a lot of fun. I liked how the lion was looking straight at my camera. This could symbolize the strength of a lion. Its stare is so bold and distinct. We ended up going to a nature persevere. It was really nice and the animals there were just so cool.

The Strength of a Stare (2011)

As for my other photo, I was hoping to show how big and beautiful nature is. The mountains in Sedona are just spectacular. The colors are almost fictional. It is as though, a painter added the different shades. This photography however, also shows the power of sunlight. Sunlight can be tricky. Here, the rocks on the mountains look like they are all different colors and shades. The truth is, it is really only one color on these rocks. The sunlight plays tricks and the shadowy areas make the rock appear darker in some areas than others.

Close up

Abstract Beads (2011)

 These are photographs I also took in 2011. For these photos, I was focusing on details and looking up close. With "Abstract Beads" I photographed a display in my school built to celebrate art. I particularly liked the contrast between the white clear beads and the purple background. I also like how the lines on the background points towards the beads. This stands for being a whole. Every thing is made up of parts and each part has significant, no madder how insignificant it may seem. Lastly, I really liked how the lighting hit the beads. This lighting manipulated the background, tricking people into believing that the purple background has different shades. The truth is, the background is really only one color of purple. Also, this lighting has meaning. Like anything we do, things are complex. They can be deceiving or simply misleading. 

Ribbons (2011)

As for my "Ribbons" photograph, I wanted to show how even the smallest things are beautiful. This photograph also stands for all of the things people take for granted. Here, something as small as little ribbons people put on top of gifts are unqiue. They are not only well made, but so vibrant. The sad part though, is most people past these by and do not realize how beautiful these ribbons are. These ribbons were on the bottom shelf in a store. On the larger scale, this message can be applied to anything. Try not pass things by, because you will never now what you could miss.