The assignment was to take a total of 12 pictures throughout the semester of the same location with different times of day, weather, etc. based on the Rouen Cathedral series by Monet. I think the ones on the bottom row with the car in front of the buses was a nice change.

Rebecca's Style 2

Rebecca's Style 1

Series Statement: Rebecca's Style

Initially, I wanted to take pictures of clothing in general, but that was too general (obviously). Then the idea progressed to show how people express themselves through clothing. I was happy with that, but I never had the time to ask other people other than my twin sister, Rebecca, to model for me. So this series represents her style of clothing, which is mostly preppy, but also comfortable and casual.

I wanted to capture her style as well as the environment that might fit well with it. Several of the pictures show her in her bedroom, on the computer, with her backpack, etc. These only made sense because, as a student, she spends a lot of her time doing homework in her room. I tried to switch things up a little by moving her outside, which she handled well, despite the colder weather.

I don't mind doing portraiture; I actually enjoy it. My main concern with it is finding a model who is willing to be shifted and prodded, and who can sit patiently through all my preparation, set-up, and adjustments. Another problem I have is that I sometimes don't know how to vocalize what I want the model to do, how I would like her to stand, where she should place her hands, how she should turn her head, etc. It often happens that I move away from the camera and adjust the model myself because I'm unsure of how to instruct her. I also have trouble with making her smile or hold a certain face long enough for me to capture it. In part, I think I just need to work with people more so I can practice different techniques and find what works best for me. This series has helped me a little to do that.

Journal, Day 14

I don't really know what the subject is in this picture. I don't remember taking it, I'm not sure where I was, what day it was, I just don't know. I guess I was in the car, on the way to take another picture of the buses on Friday, but...  None of that matters because this image is interesting to me, despite the fact that I don't know anything about it. But that's what abstract/non-objective work is all about! Am I right?

Journal, Day 13

On Sunday, the 4 of us who were still here were really bored and not ready to go to sleep, so we had a manicure party! We all did our nails together and had fun. It was a rare occurrence for me to paint my nails, partly because they don't always turn out the way I want them to, but this time actually worked out well! I thought I'd take a picture of them, but apparently I can't reach my hand out far enough from my camera to get a sharp picture. This is out of focus, but I kind of like it that way, especially how the nail polish reflects the light.

Journal, Day 12

Ahh, Saturday. And not just a regular Saturday, but one leading to an entire week off of school because of Thanksgiving. The week before break was crazy busy, as you can see from the to-do board. There was more stuff that didn't make it on the board (or is cut out of the picture), so it was nice to be lazy on Saturday. Except for the fact that I didn't get to bed until 3 am after seeing Twilight, then I woke up at 6 am to have breakfast with the guys before everyone went their own ways for break. But I've got all week, and an apartment to myself, to catch up on sleep, so no worries!

Journal, Day 11

I know I've missed a few days, but I at least I still took pictures everyday! So I'll catch you up now. On Friday, I went with my 5 roommates to Idaho Falls to hang out at Alicia's house until 11 pm, when we saw TWILIGHT!!! I took some random light pictures during the 1/2 hour ride from Rexburg to IF. This was the coolest one!

Journal, Day 10

No, actually I didn't forget that I had to upload a picture today; I didn't really have any subjects to use, so I didn't take any pictures. This is pretty dark and pixelly, but I sort of like it at the same time. If only I could've gone to sleep at this time...

Journal, Day 9

I had a lot to do today. I didn't really have time to pull out the camera and spend a lot of time making a good photo, nor did I want to interrupt what was going on to do so. I guess I just wasn't a photographer above everything else today... But this is descriptive of a typical day in the life of me. At least once a week, either Monday or Wednesday before Art Readings, I get a sandwich from Café McKay. However, I usually get an "Animal Farm on a croissant," but I decided to try a "Secret Garden on wheat" today. I have to say it was rather good, but I'm an omnivore, so I really missed the meat element of the sandwich that the "Secret Garden" didn't have, which I definitely appreciate in the "Animal Farm." I also got the incredibly tasty Orange Fruit2O because I was really thirsty and totally sick of water. Anyway, I really like the dash of orange in the picture that accents the blue. Of course, orange is a good color by itself, too. Then why is it that it always gets passed up by all the other colors when it comes to choosing favorites? It's just not fair! Whoa, that's enough commentary for one photograph! I'm just rambling now!

Journal, Day 8

The University Choir performed tonight with Women's Glee. We sang 10 songs, 4 of them being Christmas songs that we will also sing for the Christmas in the Snow concert, along with 2 new songs. I think we sang well, but we could've been better. Here, we were hanging out in the Recital Hall while Women's Glee was singing. Some were taking turns at the piano, a couple was dancing, others were eating, etc. I like the motion in this image. It is a little busy, though...

Journal, Day 7

I studied French for 5 1/2 years, and I just started learning Latin and Spanish. As of today, I have the Book of Mormon and LDS Hymn book in English, French, and Spanish. I'm so excited! What can I say? I'm a language nerd...

Journal, Day 6

I'm in University Choir. We have a concert next week, so we had a rehearsal in the Barrus Concert Hall this morning at 11 am. We all sang like we were still asleep! It could only sound better after that!

Journal, Day 5

My dinner tonight. It was Chicken Helper Fried Rice with egg and a little soy sauce in it. I don't usually burn stuff, but this pan is well-used, so it's starting to burn easily...

Journal, Day 4

As I was walking home from class this afternoon, the sun was shining among the dark, interesting clouds. In the Ricks Gardens, I saw this tree reflecting the light like it was made of copper or bronze. I've never seen a tree that looked like this one! So I thought I'd share my discovery!

Journal, Day 3

Twice a week, my last class gets out just before 5 pm, so during my 15-minute walk home, I watch as the sun disappears behind the "mountain" to the west of Rexburg. Today the brick buildings, usually a boring reddish-yellow color, were illuminated by the setting sun. This is part of the Snow Building, which houses the performing arts classes.

Journal, Day 2

I didn't really sleep last night, so I thought I'd try to express the longing I had to sleep through the day and night, and how foggy my brain was all day... I missed my pillow...

Photo Journal, Day 1

Family Home Evening at the Ward Clerk's house in Idaho Falls

Tyler, Mark, and Sandy (the dog)

We made Sandy the happiest dog ever. She was running all over getting attention from everyone in the room, and getting her fur all over everyone!