Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Final Exam

4. A certain photo that I took this school year that changed how I viewed photography was:
This is my decisive photo mainly because of the simplicity of the photo.  Obviously, the white backdrop really brings out the subjects in the middle, as well as the quality of the photo itself.  But this photo looks stunning to me, and it consists of nothing more than just the same three iPhones.  The artistic placement of the phones and the angle of the shot are two factors that can be done by anybody, and once applied, makes something so simple very majestic.  I used to genuinely think that good photos had to be taken with an expensive camera of exotic creatures and heavenly landscapes, but after doing the many assignments in this class that eventually led me to take the photo above, I realized that even the most common things can be made into some of the best photos.  Aside from small factors, how good a photo is is solely based on the photographer, and with this mindset, I hope to be able to constantly improve on my photography.

5. Shapes are essentially 2D figures, while forms are 3D figures.  Though shapes can come in varieties and vary on size, bottom line they are a closed line that can express length and width.  Forms on the other hand, can also vary vastly, but instead they express length, width, and depth.

6. Pattern is "the repeating of an object or symbol all over the work of art", while repetition is a factor that works in conjunction with pattern, very similar, but works solely to "create unity within the photo", and make the work of art seem more vibrant.  Basically, patterns are the actual figures and any sort of markings that are constantly repeated intentionally in a photo and expressed artistically.  Repetition uses pattern skillfully, by making photos seem vibrant to attract viewers.

7. A photo I took that I believe best represents movement:
I believe this is my best representation of movement, mainly because of the leading lines of the trees through its structure and grooves, that leads the viewers eyes up and down the tree from the base of the photo to where its branches fan out in a beautiful leafy green.  The colors are an added bonus, but what really makes this photo stand out is the amount of lines that are placed strategically around the photo due to the angle of the shot.  The lines seem more outlined and obvious, and by taking this photo from under the tree, movement is easier to express because the camera itself is already looking up and down the tree.

8. Of the last three projects, I believe that the Final Project, the most recent one (http://ahsiaophotography.blogspot.com/2015/06/second-semester-photo-assignment.html), was my best work.  This project changed me the most because it truly showed me what it was like to be a photographer.  This was a solo assignment, so each photo had to be taken and edited by myself.  Taking a walk in my neighborhood and taking photos was more fun than I had initially thought it to be.  Being able to go through my photos later that night and reviewing photos was also one of the most exciting things about this assignment.  More importantly, not only could I immediately see which photos turned out well, I could see which ones didn't.  Some photos that I thought would turn out great didn't, and others I thought wouldn't did.  I realized that after more and more of this, my photography skills would slowly improve and I could hone them with just training myself.  Knowing that nothing else affects my abilities as a photography other than myself brings me confidence.  As long as I work hard, I'll be able to achieve the desired results I want!

Final Project





Monday, June 1, 2015

Project Proposal: Nature

Hey Mr. Farley,

For my final project, I would like to take photos related to the theme "Nature".

Personally, I've always thought that the best photos were in the form of nature; flowers and scenery truly are the best.  I hope maybe someday I'm able to produce these photos myself so others can enjoy my works of art.

Most of my photos will be set in the morning (dawn lighting), afternoon (direct sunlight), and at night (twilight lighting), but if it happens to rain, I would really love to have photos in gloomy lighting too.  My ultimate goal is to capture photos in as many varieties of natural lighting as possible.

Three nature photographers include: Patrick ZephyrJohn Shaw, and Bill Atkinson.

-Allen Hsiao Period 1

Friday, May 29, 2015

Participation Project: Weebly 5/29/15

Period 2: http://estellkim.weebly.com
The 3rd photo is the best because it applies the rule of thirds.

Period 3: http://rudriksutharmsjphotography.weebly.com/
The 5th photo is the best because the leading line down the middle makes this photo stand out.

Period 4: http://nehasaxena-dp.weebly.com/
The 5th photo is the best because not only does it feature the subject very well, the angle of the shot makes the outline of the modeler stand out.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Presentation Project: Skies

Edited by Michael Shen

Edited by Allen Hsiao

Edited by Anish Bhanot

Edited by Anish Bhanot

Edited by Anish Bhanot

http://ahsiao11.weebly.com/

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

PhotoStory #3 MultiCulti

Car Ride to Pacific Commons 

Having fun on the car with my friends

 Walked into restaurant; I have never been here before and the design looks intuitive

Even the napkins are unique
Our food arrived, and not only did it look delicious, it tasted amazing too! 

When the class of 2015 students were underclassmen, I remember multicultural fondly as the week where people ate good food provided on campus and enjoyed an extended lunch.  Now during our senior year,  these same things are present and the week is the same as before, but many seniors and some juniors haven't even seen the tents set up let alone buy food from the horseshoe.  We realize that now we are able to leave campus, we might as well buy what we want to eat, rather than buying the overpriced foods.  Due to Multicultural Day airband practice, I had to stay on campus one day (out of the four days of extended lunch) to rehearse choreography.  Afterwards, I didn't have time to go out to eat like I had originally planned, so I decided to buy food tickets and exchange them for food.  I realized that despite the food not tasting exceptionally good for its price and the long line I had to wait in before I got my food, I had a great time.  Multicultural Week is about spending time with your friends and celebrating various cultures, and everyone, even upperclassmen, should spend at least a day on campus to appreciate what others worked so hard to provide for the students of MSJHS.

Friday, April 17, 2015

PhotoStory #2 MultiCulti

Pre-Performance Squad picture!
Taken while performing for Multicultural Bollywood


 
Friend Pic #1
Friend Pic #2

Tomorrow is Friday, which is when all of the Multicultural performers perform their respective acts in the middle of the gym for the whole school to see.  Each performer has been preparing for a month to two months so that they can provide the best entertainment and live up to the past Multicultural events at MSJHS.  Personally, I am performing in the Bollywood and Tinikling airbands, and I am very excited.  I waited until I was a senior (my last year of high school) before I participated in any Multicultural airbands, despite being actively involved in Homecoming.  I regret not taking more opportunities when I was an underclassmen, but to make up for it, I will make it up tomorrow and have as much fun as I can!

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

PhotoStory #1

The two arguably biggest events at MSJHS are Homecoming and Multicultural.  With Multicultural Week coming up, I start to remember fond memories from Homecoming Week.
Homecoming Kick-off: Gatsby Day

Nerd Day!

Superhero Day!
Performance Day!

Post-performance Photo




Thursday, April 2, 2015

Tuesday



Shutter Speed and Everything After - Questions

1. Fast, because this photo was taken on a highway where trucks are traveling at high speeds.
2. My rule of composition that I thought fitted this photo best was Symmetry and Patterns.  The median in the middle is a pattern of rectangles going all the way down the highway, and the main subjects, the trucks, are also rectangular.  Taken at a slanted angle, many types of rectangles and squares are evident.
3. The element of art that I thought best suited this photo was Form.  The dimensions on each of the 3 trucks shown are represented blatantly, with each three-dimensional storage container on the truck enclosing a set volume, satisfying the conditions of Form.
4. I felt that Variety was the best Principle of Design shown in this photo of the Dutch highway.  The first thing viewers generally notice are the subjects; the 2 trucks traveling down the highway on the right, and the collapsed truck on the left.  Afterwards, they may notice the bold lines drawing the boundaries of the road, or the median with its unique pattern.  Everything from the visually appealing background with cascading colors in the sky to the contrast between the left and right of the photo keep viewer's attention captured.  The left side of the photo depicts negativity, with a brown expanse of dead landscape, a red "wrong way" sign, and a truck accident, while the right side of the photo exudes prosperity, with two rapidly moving trucks and a green pasture in the background.

Friday, March 27, 2015

"Unity" 3/27/15








"Documenting in the Blues in the Mississippi Delta"

http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/03/27/documenting-the-blues-in-the-mississippi-delta/?module=BlogPost-Title&version=Blog%20Main&contentCollection=Multimedia&action=Click&pgtype=Blogs&region=Body#slideshow/100000003595848/100000003595856

My group chose this photo as our favorite mainly because so many things are happening in the scene at once.  Both men are actively participating to bring in the new haul of fish, and the photo captures both their seriousness of getting the job done, as well as their satisfaction for being able to net so many fish.  Another aspect of this photo that I love is the texture of Moon Lake; the ripples of the water's surface especially characterize the photo because it's the main focus of the whole right side.