Friday, June 8, 2018

Photo Story


An illuminated sign hangs in the lobby at the Sweet Home police station located at 1950 Main St. 



Officer Keenan, a Sweet Home native and patrol officer of two years with the Sweet home Police radios dispatch to notify them that he is in enroute to a call in Sweet Home on Thursday June 7. 

Officer Keenan Responds to a call at the Sweet home high school parking, Marissa Kurtz a Sweet Home senior locked her keys in her car on Thursday June 7. 

Officer Keenan uses a slim jim to try and pivot the door lock on a locked car on Thrusday June 7 in the Sweet Home high school parking lot. 
Officer Keenan fills out an incident report form on the trunk of his police issue Dodge Charger after assisting Marissa Kurtz get into her car. 



Monday, June 4, 2018

week 10 forum

 



This picture of the a motocross rider catching air is my favorite picture I have taking during this class.
The picture stands out to me focus of the great angle and being in focus.
This photo is a great example of what I have learned about photojournalism including lighting, angle and focus.
During the photojournalism class I have learned to think about my shots before I take them. Also challenging myself to get the best shot possible. Also I was inspired by a quote by Dewitt Jones "Celebrate whats right, there is more than one right answer." 

Week One Forum Review
TOPIC 2- One of my goals for this course is to improve my photo taking skills by understanding focus on the subject. Also I would like to improve my communication skill while giving an interview. Another goal I would like to accomplish is improve my knowledge of internet blog sites.

After reflecting on my photos taken during this course its clear to see the my photo quality has certainty improved. I really tried to think about the shot before a took it, or i would take practice shots and see how they turned out.
My communication skills have improved as well, I now ask questions that are focus and to the point.
My knowledge of internet blog sites and improved as well i now have over 10 post on my blog.

Friday, June 1, 2018

week 5 forum

TOPIC: LYNSEY ADDARIO
Now that we're more than halfway through "It's What I Do," let's reflect on the work of photojournalist Lynsey Addario. This covers chapters 2-7. 
Similar to earlier in the term, in a NARRATIVE that's about 200 words (or more?!) ...
  • Tell what you think of Addario's adventures/work in chapters 2-7.
  • What two things have made an impression on you? Explain!
  • What lessons can you apply in Photojournalism? What techniques can you use? 
  • What personal sacrifices do see that Addario has made to pursue her profession? 
  • What's your favorite quote (copy and paste it!) and why?
  • What's your favorite photo(s) and explain why?

week 4 forum

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


  1. Which item in the "Code of Ethics” section do you find most compelling? EXPLAIN WHY that stands out.
  2. Next, look at the list under "Ideally, photojournalists should ...” Again, pick the item that most stands out for you and EXPLAIN WHY you think it matters.
  3. Write about an EXAMPLE that illustrates one of the principles you highlighted from the NPPA Code of Ethics. In other words, how would you apply the rule?


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


Go through the class blog and pick out TWO PHOTOS by TWO DIFFERENT STUDENTS other than yourself that you appreciate. 
1.)Taryn's Photo of a dirt bike doing a wheelie across a sand dune is outstanding. she did a great job a capturing her subject in action. angle is good as well. Tayrns Pic
2.) Sara Melchers shot of the roller durby is a great shot. the shot shows great emotion in the moment. Sara's pic 


Then tell why you like the photo (e.g. great subject, angle, use of light, details in the caption). Be sure to include LINKS to your favorite photos! If you like, POST A COPY of the photos, too.


NOTE: If somebody already has written about a certain photo, please pick another. Thanks.


TOPIC 3: FAVORITE LYNSEY ADDARIO MOMENT: 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?

on page 186 I love lynsey addario quote" Every i would push myself to do something i didnt want to do...The philosophy extended to work; I allowed myself to enjoy life only if i worked hard, if i tested my limits, if i created a lasting body of work." I really appreiate her outlook or approach to life and work. I personally try to push myself to my limits and i think thats important because it helps us find out who we really are.

week 3 forum

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; Scotty Mckee
  2. Your subject's "claim to fame” (What is their passion? What are they best known for? Job? Creativity? Achievement?) Scotty is a social worker by day and a budtender by night. scotty is know for being a hard worker and a compassionate person as well.
  3. The best environment in which to shoot this person. At work tending buds at Going Green Albany.
  4. Props that would work best. Cannabis product that are on display.
  5. How you plan to contact this person. Personal contact



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: Cj Stephenson
  2. Your subject's "claim to fame” (What is their passion? What are they best known for? Job? Creativity? Achievement?) CJ is a hard working family man that works at the post office.
  3. The best environment in which to shoot this person. At home with his daughter or at work.
  4. Props that would work best. boxes and labels at the post office.
  5. How you plan to contact this person. facebook or text message.


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 think my best photo is of the racer jumping his dirt bike at a local race track.picture link
  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 is probably my overall shot on diversity day. There was just no focus on those shots.
  3. What SKILL do you feel you have to improve the most to raise the quality of your photos?
    1. Getting closer to people in the moment.

week 9 blog/ book report

Mitchell Banks
JN 134 RP
Lynsey Addario Book Report
5-30-18

                  I recently read a book titled It’s what I do by Lynsey Addario, an American photojournalist that documents the true human cost of war in Afghanistan for the New York Times. I admire Lynsey Addario’s bravery, ambition and determination to capture photos of such dangerous environments and grim situations. Her passion for photography and capturing the story is clearly shown through out her work. Her work gives viewers a unique perspective on the realisms of combat situations and the long-lasting effects that it has on people as well as their communities. I believe one of her most compelling photos is of a young Afghan boy named Khalid, after being hit with shrapnel fragments from a bomb dropped on his village. The picture shows Khalid’s innocent face bandaged and his bloodshot eyes are filled with fear and confusion (Its what I do, Lynsey Addario, chapter 9 photo). Lynsey Addario’s ability to capture both sides of the story set her work apart from other photographers. She is eager to capture all aspects of war, from taking pictures of high ranking U.S. military officers in tactical operation control rooms to villagers and Taliban fighters on the mountain sides of Afghanistan.
                  I really admire Lynsey Addario’s ability to challenge herself when it comes to her life and her work; she makes it her mission, like a navy seal commando journalism super hero woman. One of my favorite quotes from the book is “Every day I would push myself to do something I didn’t want to do…The philosophy extended to work: I allowed myself to enjoy life only if I worked hard, if I tested my limits, if I created a lasting body of work.”(It’s what I do, Lynsey Addario page 186.) That quote inspired me to get out of my comfort zone on a sports and action assignment for my photojournalism class. While I was taking pictures of dirt bikes practicing at a local raceway, I wanted to get closer to the action and the jumps. I found myself on the edge of the track kneeling down just a few feet from the racing motorcycles going down the track. I was nervous being that close and I looked around and wondered to myself,” Am I allowed to be here?”  Soon after a group of racers came by and I started snapping pictures, I realized I was in a great spot and my only focus was to capture the action happening in front of me. I’m glad that I pushed myself to go where I didn’t feel comfortable, because I quickly overcame that when I saw how great the shots were.

I would certainly recommend that other people read this book. The stories are eye opening and are so interesting that you just want to keep reading. The book does a great job of showing the everyday life and struggles of war on both sides of the fence. I think it’s important for people to realize and understand the effects of war on people and their communities. 
photo credit: LynseyAddario.com 

Friday, May 25, 2018

action/sport motocross



Racers round the corners during practice at Gran Prix motocross track in Albany off of I-5 on Wednesday, May 23. Gran Pix was founded in 1989 by a local professional rider.



Racers ride their dirt bikes as fast as they can to get into position and maintain track bragging rights at Gran Prix in Albany. 





A racer pushes his dirt bike to the limit, sailing through the air after hitting a jump on the Gran Prix track. Grand Prix host practices on Wednesday and race events on Saturdays.