Night Sky

I am in the process of getting some new posts ready so while I am, I would like to share a few night photographs. For this shoot, I photographed the moon. It was absolutely beautiful and a complete full moon. Photographing the moon, is quite difficult as the brightness varies from night to night. Also, clouds and trees can make capturing the moon hard. Luckily on the night this was taken, the sky was clear and the moon was fairly bright. I love how the craters on the moon can be so easily seen. It is crazy to think that our home, Earth, is surrounded by planets, moons, and stars. I love this shot. My other photograph, Lighted Sky, is a long exposure of fireworks. I like how long exposures show motion throughout time.  

Moon (2013)

Lighted Sky (2013)

Michael Buble

Power (2013)

One word, stunning. Michael Buble's recent stop to Phoenix for his 2013 tour was simply breathing taking. His voice was as smooth as melted butter and his range is incredible. He did everything from singing the classics of Try a Little Tenderness and Can't Buy Me Love to fan favorites Haven't Met You Yet and Home to recent radio hits like Get Lucky. Buble put on a non-stop music filled night with a full orchestra and string sections. He went into the crowds and wasn't afraid to give hugs, handshakes and take photographs with adoring fans. He also had conversations with audience members and told the story of how Phoenix was the first place he ever played in America to a small crowd of just under 20 people, as well as how it is being a dad. A fan gave him a baby gift of a Phoenix Suns bib and he quickly responded with "I don't think this will fit me." He was quite funny and he wasn't afraid to chuckle and tell the crowd that they sang the wrong words to one of his songs. He was jolly and joyful on stage.

Sing It Out (2013)

Having A Good Time (2013)

His staging was impressive too. He had enormous screens that have difference scenes displayed on them during songs such as stars, fireworks and other cool graphics. I tried to capture some of the staging in Sing, Lights, and Green as well as Driven. He also had these screens that moved up and down as he sang that appeared 3D. My personal favorite moment of the show was his cover of Can't Buy Me Love. There was confetti cannons all throughout the arena and nice heart graphics on the screen. Another thing about this concert that surprised me was that there was not continuos screaming. I could actually hear all of Buble's performances. It was nice. Yet what was most impressive about his show was his pure powerful vocals. He belted out his notes as seen in Power and Sing It Out and his emotions were so clearly seen. He did not simply sing his songs, he relived the moments he first sang them and his emotions are so easily felt seen in With His Heart and Driven. He had a good time performing, just having fun and enjoying the stage as seen in Having a Good Time. Towards the end of the show, he did a quick change of clothes and came back out to sing a few songs including Mack the Knife as requested by a sign in the crowd. And right before he got off the stage, he removed his microphone and sang purely off his projection of his voice. It felt personal and intimate, a perfect way to end a show. Michael Buble is a class act with an incredible voice, perhaps one of the best of our generation.      

No Mics (2013)

With His Heart (2013)

Sing (2013)

Green (2013)

Lights (2013)

Driven (2013)

A Study of People In the Buzzing NYC

All Nations (2013)

For this post, I wanted to show off some photos from New York City. NYC is a great place for not only scenery and art, but also culture. It is estimated that each year New York City has over 40 million visitors, making New York City a perfect place to study people. I focused on how to perceive people in these photographs. All Nations, shows how diverse people are. One of the wonderful things about the United States is that we welcome people of all nations. New York is a melting pot of cultures. This photo also shows how different people not only by nationality but also by appearance. One of the coolest things about people is how everyone looks different. No two people look exactly the

Linear Side of Humans (2013)

same. Linear Side of Humans, shows how people naturally look for order. These girls are all skating in a line but why? There is an entire ice rink, yet subconsciously they all decided to go in a line. This willingness to skate in line, shows how people look for a structure and pattern in life without even noticing it. This is one of my favorite photographs I took in NYC and was taken in front of the Rockefeller Center. Waiting on a Train, however shows the chaotic side of people. While, we look for order, we also have the ability to move freely and explore. In this instance, these people are in the Grand Central station and just roaming about. There is no sense of rushing or worry. A Day in Life, however gives off the feeling of worry and stress, showing the struggles people can go through. Here, the street is filled and people are rushing. We don't know if they are going to make it to their destinations in time. It is also interesting to note that we can not see their faces, leading to mystery. How are they feeling? What are they up to? We will never know. People are mysterious sometimes and you never know what is going to happen. For the Better, shows the courage and generousness of people. In this photo, one person is taking the difficult job of building a skyscraper for the sake of the good of others. This is a dangerous job and could easily end in injury and possible death. His willingness to take this job, knowing its dangers, shows the courage and generousness of people. Replicating Art, shows the thinking and intellectual side of humans. People have the capability to think and wonder. In this shoot, these people are enjoying the art of the MET and engaging in deep thoughts. Another cool thing about this shot is how the people look like statues that they are looking at. Stillness is present in both the people and statues, making them seem similar. In a metaphorical sense, the statues could be studying the people just like how the people are studying the statues. Lastly, Shared Patience shows the calmness and order people can have. Here, a crowd of people are waiting on a boat to unload at dock. They are standing still and waiting their turn to unpack and get off the boat. When you think about this, this is an amazing feat. People are not told they have to wait, yet they are being courteous enough to do so. There is no rushing to get off first. This photograph shows how people can think about others first and less about themselves. If these people only thought of their own self interest, then they would have not waited for those located below them to give off the boat first.      

Replicating Art (2013)

For the Better (2013)

Another Day in Life (2013)

 

 

 

Waiting on a Train (2013)

Shared Patience (2013)

Central Park

Curved Thinking (2013)

Easily one of the prettiest parks ever constructed, New York's iconic Central Park is breathtaking. Filled with greenery and autumn colors, Central Park shines at this time of year. For this posting, I want to share some of the photographs I took on my last trip to NYC. My favorite photograph of this shoot is Curved Thinking. The instance I say these benches, I just knew they would make a great abstract photograph. As a photographer, before I take any photographs, the shot is visualized in my head. I do not just point and shoot. What I really like about this shot, is the angle from which it is shot at. One of the unique things about photography, is that it allows a person to see objects and things from different perspectives and focus on details. Here we can see the roughness of the wood and the slickness of the metal. Also a contrast between man and nature with the man made bench is present. This raises the question of where is man's place in the world. As seen, the trees and greenery start to over rule this bench, indicting that nature does rule supreme. We are just living in the wonderful place we call Earth, nature runs it. Yet having these pathways and benches in the park are stunning. I hoped to capture some of the park's beauty in Pathway, Siting Among the Trees, Empty Pathway, and Manufactured Beauty. Central Park is 2.5 miles long and 0.5 miles wide and one of the amazing things is that each park of the park is different. The trees are varied, the greenery is scattered about and there are different features to look at. In some places there are these marvelous bridges such as the one seen in Manufactured Beauty and others you will find art work such as the one in Man in Nature. Every place you look, there is something new to discover. You also find lots of small animals such as squirrels like the one captured in Scavenger. For Park Life, I saw these funny look police cars so I had to capture it. This also ensures a sense of safety. Central Park is a safe place to be at during the day as it is filled with tons of people. With these photographs however, I did not want to photograph people because I was focusing more on the Park and nature itself. Lastly, for City Among the Trees, I wanted to capture how the park is in a city. It is quite amazing to think that one of the most populated cities in the United States has a gigantic park in the middle of it. Industrial cities do not usually have much space or room to spare, yet in NYC there is an enormous park. I hope you enjoy these photographs. If you are looking for a place to run or just walk around and view nature and you are in NYC, definitely go to Central Park.    

Siting Among the Trees (2013)

Pathway (2013)

Park Life (2013)

Empty Parkway (2013)

Man in Nature (2013)

Scavenger (2013)

Manufactured Beauty (2013)

City Among the Trees (2013)

New York Subway

Underground (2013)

Narrow Ends (2013)

     For this post, I wanted to share a few photos of the  New York subway. The New York subway was first opened on October 27th, 1904 and is run by New York City Transit Authority. It is one of the most expensive public transportation systems in the world with over 460 stations and provided over 1 billion rides in just 2012 alone. It operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and has a reasonably low prices to ride. The New York subway is the largest subway in the US and the 7th largest in the world. It is extremely convenient and easy to use. For these photographs, I wanted to capture the underground feel of the subway. It feels enclosed and when there aren't many people around kind of spooky. The lights are hazy, the tracks are endless and the colors are faded. The first thing that I wanted to capture for these photos is walking down into the subway. Underground depicts this. As you can tell, it is very narrow and dirty. It is also spooky with there being no people. You do not know where the stairs stop, or where the stairs lead. Narrow Ends, gives off this tight, and endless feeling also. As you walk down the walkways, it seems as though, the tracks never end. You once again do not know where the track ends or where it begins. Looking down the lines, it is impossible to see where it begins and where it ends. For Endless, the feeling of aloneness is present. There is a hazy yellow filtering the air, and a smell of rusted metal mixes in the air. The track is curved and there is several different textures: a grim solid concrete platform, a sharp poignant metallic track, a beat up ground below the track, and a silky smooth white, purple, and black title. I like how this shot, captures all the textures and contrasts. There is also a good sense of colors here, the subway may be grim and dirty looking here and there but it is not black and white. You feel as though you have been left behind and left in the dust. For Still Lines, I wanted to capture that sense of stillness that the subway is without the people and trains. In this shoot, the lines seem so defined and perfected. Everything is straight looking and the lighting is white. Compare to Endless, the subway seems organized and no longer spooky. It is a more optimistic view of the subway. Instead of wondering where the train went like in Endless or feeling left behind, you now feel the anticipation for getting on and arriving at your destination. Putting all this together, the subway can be viewed as both spooky and exciting.            

Endless (2013)

 

Still Lines (2013)

Statue Of Liberty

     For this post, I want to share some photographs of the marvelous, grand, Statue Of Liberty. The Statue of Liberty was gifted to the United States by France in the late 1880s to celebrate their friendship developed from the American Revolution. It is one the world's most iconic momentums and a huge symbol of the United States for freedom. To see the Statue of Liberty, you take a ferry over to Liberty Island. Ferry shows what a typical ferry looks like. This is one in particular is not the one I took, and it might be a ferry used for business purposes but it is still very similar to the actual ones. What makes this photo interesting is also the fact that the ferry has gas coming off. This makes a statement on pollution and points out its importance. We need to find eco-friendly ways to transport. In this scene, a beautiful sea is invaded by a bulky piece of metal, trekking across the water. There has to be better ways to transport without causing so much harm to Earth. 

     For Can't Be Stopped, I wanted to show the enduring power of the Statue of Liberty. The Statue of Liberty is not just simply a beautiful statue, it is a symbol of the United States and its strength. The U.S. is a place of opportunity and dreams. With hard work, and positivity, these dreams can be attainable. In this photography, Lady Liberty is looking up, showing optimism. Without optimism and believing in yourself, life is not living. Everyone is important and has something in them. Everyone has a talent or something special that makes life brighter. With this mind set, you can't be stopped from achieving your dreams. Another thing that is cool is that I saw the Statue of Liberty during the government shutdown. The State Government was able to open the Statue and this action shows how important this Statue is. 

     For Dress and Side, I wanted to focus on the individual details of the Statue. A big amount of time was put in each line and curve of the statue. These should not go unnoticed. Another thing that is quite amazing about the Statue is that as you walk around this island and look at her, different emotions are expressed on her face. The angling of where you are looking at her is important. For Persevere, Lady Liberty looks like a woman of determination and hard work. She is not giving up and letting anything go. As you move, she looks different.   

     For Tired, she looks sad and exhausted. She has been holding this torch for so long and just waiting for action. The sunlight casts dark shadows under her eyes. As you can tell from Can't Be Stopped, Persevere, and Tired, how she looks is dependent from where you are standing when looking at her. Lastly, for City View, I wanted to show what NYC looks like from Liberty Island. I like this photo a lot as it represents all that is NYC. There is nature such as parks, represented by the grass; people, represented by the crowd; transportation, represented by a helicopter in the sky and boats on the water; and huge skyscrapers, represented by all the buildings. All together, these photographs represent what the US is and what NYC is. If you visit NYC, definitely visit the Statue of Liberty.    

Ferry (2013)

Can't Be Stopped (2013)

Dress (2013)

Dress (2013)

Persevere (2013) 

 

Tired (2013)

City View (2013)

A Night in Brooklyn

Overhead (2013)

Hostel (2013)

For this post, I wanted to contrast Day in Brooklyn. At night time, the Brooklyn area is lit up with grand buildings and is very beautiful. The first two photographs are of the hostel my group stayed at. Overhead depicts the common area outside the rooms. The shades and lights create a good contrast between contemporary art and the old architecture of the building. I also like all the textures. Everything from the grass to the speckled wall to the tiled walkway is present. Hostel, shows the outside of the hostel. It is very urban and looks a little spooky at night. The building gives off a yellowed light, similar to ones given off in horror films. Also, the fact there are are no people or sense of movement in this photograph, gives off the idea that building could be abandoned. In particular, I liked the lines of the building the most. There are off several different thicknesses and colors. The pattern of lines is disorganized, raising the idea of controlled chaos. The building may be perfectly rectangular in shape, but the lines that make up the walls and windows are not. For Night Sky, I was standing by the water looking over at New York City. I like the boat that is visible and moving across the water. The city is busy and buzzing. The buildings are packed and each one has its own character. Compared to Brooklyn, New York City is populated and alive. For The Bridge, I was once again capturing New York City. The Brooklyn Bridge is what connects the two and it is smashing. The bridge is simple but beautiful with strings of lights that look like those on a christmas tree. I also like the trees that are present. One of the amazing things about being in these urban cities is not only the enormous skyscrapers, but also the invading present of greenery and nature. In a place filled with so much pollution and overrun by mankind, you would think that trees and greenery would not be able to survive, but this is false. There are several parks and greenery found in both New York City and Brooklyn. I hope you enjoyed this post, I plan on uploading some photographs of Central Park and New York City very soon. Make sure to check it out for the next coming week.      

Night Sky (2013)

The Bridge (2013)

A Day in Brooklyn

Escalating Art (2013)

Color Adds Life (2013)

For this post, I wanted to share some photographs from my recent trip to New York. I went with my school: Barrett, the Honors College from Arizona State University. For the first few nights, we stayed in Brooklyn and took the subway to get to New York City. I took tons of photographs and plan on sharing quite a bunch for the next posts or so. I went with a group of wonderful students and had a great experience. Brooklyn, New York is home to over 2.5 million people and is considered the 4th most populous city in the US. It is extremely urban and covered with art. The streets are not clean and the walls are covered with graffiti. The pavements are old and the roads are worn down. It feels spooky, as though it is every one for themselves. I tried to capture these feelings in my photographs. For Escalating Art, a once red wall and steel platform have been invaded by graffiti and transported into a symbol of urban life. It is tough, it is rough, it is hard to survive. These artists had to fight for the space and make do with what they have.

Covered Walls (2013)

 For Color Adds Life, I wanted to show how graffiti can help a place and be good. In this scene, the pavements are worn and trash is about, but there is one thing going for this area, the rainbow wall. This wall of colors adds a sense of happiness, pride and free expression. This once depressing area has now a shining light. Art and color can really bring life to an area. On the other hand, graffiti can also hurt a space and make it appear broken.

For Covered Walls, the building appears to be run down and trashed. The art takes away from the structure and the structure has not been cleaned in ages. Broken Down also gives off this vibe. Instead of graffiti being art and adding liveliness and character to a building like in Color Adds Live, the builds are invaded by pointless markings. Writing a name or word to mark up a building does not help the building. Instead, markings such as those trash up the building and prevent others from properly cleaning the buildings. The markings are permanent and symbolize the everyone is for themselves ideas. Not thinking of others, this markings are thrown across the buildings and the beautiful of the brick work is diminished.

Sadness and Freight (2013)

Sadness and Freight also captures the spooky, alone feeling in Brooklyn. In this shot, no one is outside and only a hanging stuffed animal is seen. It is very grim and unsettling. Why would someone hang a stuff animal and why are there no people? Spooky.              

Broken Down (2013)

Water

Rocky Side (2013)

Masked (2013)

Rush Down (2013)

For these photos, I wanted to capture one of life most fundamental necessities, water. It is something so beautiful and majestic. For Rocky Side, I wanted to show how fast water flows. Water is one of the  of the most deadly and dangerous elements of life. It can rush down mountain sides or streets faster than one can escape sometimes. I like the contrast of colors from dark to light browns, and I like how there are multiple textures visible. This photography demonstrates the pure power of water. For Rushing Down, I wanted to slow down the motion of water and relish in its beauty. Water is so clear that is glistens. This photography also displays how water flows in chaos. The water does not simply flow straight down, it curves with the foundation and out past the rims. There is no order, just how in life there is no exact order. For Masked, I wanted to show that water can be found in the most unlikely places. In this shot, water is hidden and covered by barren, dry, rocky cliffs. One could easily walk by and not notice the water. This symbolizes that sometimes the best things in life are hidden away, hard to find. Lastly, for No Mercy, I wanted to show the pure power of water. It is mighty and bold. In this shot, water is bursting through the air, soaring to unpredicted highs. It towers over ever the trees and humans ruthlessly. As beautiful as water is, it is uncontrollable, wild and free. With enough pressure, this water will reach any height and travel any direction. With these photographs, I wanted to convey the idea that in life, sometimes the most beautiful things are the most dangerous and unpredictable things. Other times, is it what is not easily seen. Beauty is a mighty thing.

No Mercy (2013)