Reaction Paper Eight

I chose to compare two very different photos that I had taken; a portrait taken early in the semester and a landscape photograph taken towards the end of the semester. Although these photos are very different, they really show what this class has taught me. This class made me look at things differently, I was known for photographing people;














however this class has made me look at many other things as subjects. I can create a beautiful photograph by changing the angle, creating depth and showing the gradient of colors or tones. These types of things are what will change an ordinary photo of a tree into something much more interesting. After researching the many photographers that we did showed me that a ordinary door or a broken tree can still be art. It is all in the way we look at things as well as the technique used when photographing these areas.


I have always been more of a spontaneous photographer. Although I may have an idea of how I want to photograph something, the outcome, setting and angle always seem to change in the last frame. This is the case with my self portrait that I photographed. My original idea was to have dramatic lighting and I wanted to be under the truck. The lighting technique that I wanted to use was something that I learned many years ago, painting with light.







I found that by switching things drastically I had a better outcome. I ended up using a normal flash with a slow shutter speed, and I put myself in front of the lens. I found that learning photography using digital versus film is much easier. A person should never have to go back to the drawing board. A person can see things immediately and switch things up if necessary.

I compare myself to Jodie Keefe, a photographer that I located on www.mnartists.org. Jodie is currently employed as a band director, yearbook advisor, photographer and vocalist at Holy Name of Jesus School. She received her BA in Music Education from the College of St. Benedict and later went to Hennepin Technical School to study photography.

Flower Photo taken by Jodie Keefe.

Leaf Photo taken by Me.

Portrait taken by Jodie Keefe.

Portrait taken by Me.

I am currently employed as a Human Resources Personnel Specialist at Mount Olivet Rolling Acres. I received my Photography degree from Ridgewater College and am now working towards completing my Business Administration degree.

Although Jodie received her BA prior to studying photography, I see that our style of photography is similar. We both look at a moment and tell the story through photography. This is more than just taking a photo of a subject with a prop. There is a story to be told, this can be done with a close up photo, or a portrait.

This course reminded me why I went into photography as a career many years ago. Although I miss it a lot, I don’t see myself making a full career switch again. I will continue to create beautiful photographers; perhaps after I am completed with my business degree I will go back photography as a side business. Photography is a true art form. I have really missed seeing the art after the photo is taken. The last few years I have viewed my camera as a job. Even when it has come down to taking photos of my family. I felt it was a hassle to take photos at a family event; it was easier to get a CD from my sister than to be the one to take the photos myself. I do think this class has reminded me that everyone sees things differently and if I want to have photographs with my point of view, telling my story, I have to be the one behind the viewfinder. I will continue to have my camera by my side.