Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Photo Story - The Runner Stumbles

The Runner Stumbles


The Albany Civic Theater produced the drama, The Runner Stumbles, in October and November 2016. The director, Kay Roth, allowed me behind the scenes access during closing weekend of the production. I was able to capture the comradery and professionalism of the nine person cast along with a very supportive and loving crew.


The Albany Civic Theater is an all volunteer, non profit community theater
that produces a year round season of entertainment in Downtown Albany,
Oregon. Located between the bridges It is one of the oldest
and best known community theaters in Oregon.


The small space in the theater allows all of the cast to prepare
for each production side by side with each other. The entire cast
is able to build friendships that help their performance on the stage.


Sister Rita in The Runner Stumbles was played by Sarah Roth, the daughter of Director Kay Roth.


The crew helps support the cast during all stages of the performance.
LaVelle Grandy-Brown helps cast member, Jeff McMahon put the final touches
on his suit for his performance as the prosecutor.



Prior to each and every performance Director Kay Roth calls the entire cast
and crew together to share final notes for the performance and to wish each other
the best performance possible. At the end of the discussion all hands
reach into the center of the room and they share last supportive moment before curtain call.


Monday, November 28, 2016

Week Ten Forum

Topic One - Your Best Photojournalism

The best photo I have taken this term was the closeup shot I took during sports week at the DSK Training Facility. This photo stands out to me because it is a different kind of shot than the normal volleyball pictures that I often see. I was wanting to do something very different and I was pleased with the final result. The photo reflects my ability to think outside the box and also observe my surroundings and take pictures that are presented to me at the moment. This show wasn't something that I could have planned out ahead of time but I was able to be creative in the moment which I struggle with. From the start of term to the end of the term I have learned to live in the moment during photo opportunities. We watched a film earlier in the term about a photographer that traveled to a different country and had a plan for his photo he wanted to take. When he arrived at location the photo opportunity was not going to happen. Instead of stomping away blaming all the reasons why he couldn't get "the shot" he slowed down and looked at the field in a different way. What he captured instead was a beautiful shot of "weeds" in a field that was breathtakingly beautiful. It is that lesson that I have learned the most over the past ten weeks. I have had the honor of taking pictures of the Commuter and at each event I attend I remember that story I work hard at not focusing on the negative but instead focusing on what is in front of me and living in the moment. I let the camera lead me and I have found great success in that approach. While not every event I have covered has led to an award winning shot, I have met great people, learned a lot and captured some great moments along the way.

Topic Two - Your Goals

My goals for this term were:
1) Better understand composition
2) Learn how to use the features on my camera so I don't always use Auto
3) Learn to look through the lens with a photographers eye

I feel as though I met those goals that I set out for myself. I have learned a lot of new techniques to taking pictures and understanding what makes good composition in a photograph. I have placed myself at different angles to try and capture a picture that a person wouldn't normally see by just standing in front of the event I am capturing. By changing camera angles I have been able to capture some really interesting shots.

When I began this class I didn't really understand all the buttons and settings on my camera. I have worked hard this term to really learn the difference between aperture, f-stop and shutter speed. I am much more comfortable taking pictures and capturing some really neat effects without always relying on the Auto setting as a crutch.

Being introduced to so many photographers and the ways they capture life moments has really increased my photography vocabulary. Having other students research other photographers and bring back that information to class to share as really opened my eyes to the different types of photography. I have enjoyed learning about sports versus news versus feature photography and understanding the complications of each style.






Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Week Nine Blog

Topic One - Turning Pro

Having now been introduced into the wonderful world of photojournalism I can say that I am very hooked. Back in high school (over 20 years ago) I had wanted to enter journalism and having now taken this class I can see why. I really feel like that part of me was always there but never fully realized. If I was much younger I could see going that direction in my career. As it stands now I will definitely be increasing my photography repertoire but actually pursuring this as a career option seems overwhelmingly challenging to me. To get a job in this field I would need to get yet another degree and spend years working my way up the journalism ladder. The jobs are few and far between and you really have to live and breathe it in order to realize a lucrative career.

I learned a lot of great skills in this class that I am already using every time I pick up the camera. My composition eye has improved and I have learned to use many more features of my digital camera. I still need to work on stopping motion and finding that perfect moment to click the camera.

As I continue in my photography adventure I plan on starting a little side photography business where I am not necessarily reliant on the financial piece and can focus on improving my art of photography.

Topic Two - Photographer of the Week

The photographer that stood out to me was Arthur "Weegee" Fellig. I loved that he was willing to go the extra mile to stand out and get his pictures printed. When other photographers relied on other means to get the scoop, Arthur bought a police scanner and would just about meet the police at the scene. He was able to capture photos when other photographers were still finding their way to the scene. Even more inventive he packed a mini darkroom in his car and would process his prints immediately. Showing up at the newspapers with prints still dripping wet he was able to stay ahead of his competition. I found that level of commitment very inspiring.

Arthur's style was a raw, gritty photos of crime, death and urban life. I liked that he wasn't focused on making pretty pictures and was more interested in capturing the real city life as he saw through his lens.

I took away from that while it is important to consider all four corners of the photo sometimes it is more important to just capture the moment at the time it is happening. Sometimes people get a little too wrapped up in technique and taking the perfect shot and while they are doing all that work they miss the shot and mean while a photographer like Fellig has already taken the print, began developing it and is on his way to the newspaper to have it printed.

Friday, November 18, 2016

Week Eight - Sports/Action Shot

For this week's assignment I visited DSK Training Facility in Corvallis, Oregon and captured images from teams training for their upcoming volleyball season. DSK is named after the owner, Dave Keller, and has been in operation since 2009. They specialize in training volleyball players all year round and it is the only facility of its kind in the Albany/Corvallis area.

The DSK Training Facility is housed within G3 Sports Complex
in Corvallis, Oregon. Teams train year round through the DSK Academy
which allows all players the ability to maintain their strength
and agility during the on and off seasons of volleyball.

Newly formed the 18U Volleyball Team from DSK has just begun
to practice and begin preparing for the upcoming volleyball season.
Coach Dave Keller opened the DSK Volleyball Club in 2009 and today it serves
teams from age 12 through 18. The 18U team will be traveling to Las Vegas,
Spokane and Denver this season to compete against other volleyball teams.


Topic One - Technology/Innovation



Topic Two - Photo Story
For the Photo Story I chose to take pictures at the Albany Community Theater during their production of The Runner Stumbles. I was given complete access to the backstage area prior to the performance and was able to capture images from the moment the cast/crew walked into the building up until the production began for the evening. Due to contract related issues I was unable to capture images during the actual production which allowed me the ability to focus on pre production solely. The cast/crew have a distinct and special camaraderie that came across on stage. They truly supported each other prior to the production and you can feel their devotion during their performances. It was a magical process to watch.
For the different shots I was able to get a close up shot of the main actress in the play putting on her makeup. For an overall shot I grabbed a ladder and took a long vertical shot of most of the cast preparing their look in front of the makeup mirror in the back stage room. For the medium shot I tried something completely different and laid on the floor during a special moment where the cast/crew put all hands in and cheer each other before the curtain opens.
This assignment was my favorite of all the assignments given in this class. I had such a great experience that the director has asked me to come back and take production photos of future productions at the Albany Community Theater which I am excited to have the opportunity to do.


Monday, November 14, 2016

Week Seven - My Hometown

For the My Hometown assignment I chose to highlight Albany, Oregon. I have lived in this town for nearly twenty years raising two kids with my husband. I have worked in Albany and participated in many community service activities and organizations.

Mayor Sharon Konopa was re-elected during the 2016 election
to serve her 5th consecutive term as Albany Mayor. Her position on
the City Council nets her $165 per month.
The Linn County Courthhouse was built in 1940 and was the third
Courthouse for Linn County. The Courthouse serves
as the work place of Oregon's 23rd Judicial District.
The Linn County Sheriff's Mounted Police joined the annual Veterans Day
Parade held in Albany, Oregon on November 11th, 2016. This year marked
the 65th year that the parade has taken place and it is the largest
Veterans Day Parade this side of the Mississippi River.




Topic One - Shooting Sports
There were two tips that stood out to me in this week's assigned reading. The first tip of the photographer checking with the team's statistician before the game and the second tip was taking the picture during peak action.

Checking with the team's statistician was an idea I had never thought about but that makes perfect sense. Teams track every movement during each game and they will typically know when a record is set to be broken or when a player is at their peak overall. By reviewing these stats ahead of time a photographer can be better prepared to capture moments in that particular game. Knowing where to position yourself in relation to key players can help the photographer get the shot they wanted and be close to the action.

The second tip of taking a photo during peak action is also something that I had never really considered before I read this chapter. For most sports as a player reaches the top of the jump they stop for just a moment before gravity takes over and brings them back to the ground. It is during that brief moment that you can obtain a great shot with very little movement. During these moments the camera can be set at a lower shutter speed but the photographer will still get a really sharp picture. This concept works great for track players jumping hurdles, basketball players making a jump shot or a volleyball player making a kill shot at the net. During all of these moments the player jumps as high as possible, stops for a brief moment and then falls back to the ground.

For my own assignments I can use these techniques to obtain even better sports photos. Before the game I am capturing I will be arriving early and talking to a team's statistician/coach so that I can glean key details to the upcoming game. By using this information I will be able to know who the key players are and where to position myself so that I can truly be at the right place at the right time. In regards to taking photos during peak action that will just take practice on my part. I am going to work hard at not working at taking a ton of photos but slowing down and taking really thoughtful and thought out sports photos. By focusing on peak action I can slow my shutter speed down and try and catch those special moments that the audience often misses.

Topic Two - Actions/Sports Photo
For my sports photo assignment I have contacted a local volleyball coach, Dave Keller, and am hoping to work with him to take photos during volleyball practice this week. His training facility is located in Corvallis and my plan is to take photos during one of his many practice sessions with the girls playing volleyball.

For my overall shot I am planning on getting a shot that includes the net with players on both sides scrambling during a practice game. For the medium shot I wanted to get a shot of Dave working with a player specifically working on a skill. Lastly, for the close up shot I am going to attempt to get a peak action shot of a player at the net making a kill shot.














Saturday, November 5, 2016

Photographer of The Week - Nigel Barker


Photographer Nigel Barker
(Source: nigelbarker.tv)
     For my Photographer of The Week project I chose to highlight the work of Nigel Barker. Nigel is a fashion photographer that really came to the fore front during his work on America's Next Top Model which was his claim to fame.
     Nigel was born in London in 1972. His mother was a former Miss Sri Lanka which ended up playing a large role for his own modeling career which he began by accident. Intending to enter the medical field Nigel attended Bryanston School. His mom entered him enter a model search on television called The Clothes Show where he ended up placing as a finalist which began his modeling career. That career lasted about 10 years and afforded him opportunities to travel to Milan, Paris and New York City.
     In 1996, Nigel opened his own photo studio and set off on his fashion photography career. He began making a name for himself in the fashion industry and eventually was cast on a reality show with Tyra Banks called America's Next Top Model. He served as judge and photographer on that show for 17 cycles which is where he became a household name. He made several guest appearances on a variety of Top Model shows. In addition to America's Next Top Model Nigel has expanded his career by beginning to direct and produce films, documentaries and commercials for different clients. He was awarded the "Film Heals" award for a film titled Dreams are Not Forgotten where he used his photography and motion picture skills to send a powerful message about humanitarianism. He has also produced two different books about the fashion and beauty industries.
     What drew me to Nigel's work is the way he captures photos. He as the ability to see the beauty in his models and capture their uniqueness. He pays attention to all four corners of his photograph and really helps tell a story with one single frame. Nigel is quoted as saying, "Someone who is comfortable, someone who is happy, you see them immediately sit up, stand up and feel better about themselves. If you're able to capture that in a picture, that's the most beautiful picture you can ever take of someone."

Image taken by Nigel Barker
(Source: nigelbarker.tv)
Source: www.nigelbarker.tv

Friday, November 4, 2016

Week Six - Editing Your Photos

For week six the theme was "Free Shoot" and I took the opportunity to capture images from the Dia De Los Muertos event held at LBCC on November 2nd.

Dia De Los Muertos is an event where everyone can honor the memories of deceased friends/family. The event included sugar skull painting, face painting, tamales and was completely free for those that visited.
Kylie McLoude and Bianca Pulido intently paint sugar skulls at the Dia De Los Muertos event.
This event is held annually at LBCC on the Albany Campus.


First year LBCC student Keyna Hurd paints the face of Mextli Palacios at the Day of the Dead festivities on November 2nd while Obed Aguirre watches after he had his face painted. Keyna learned about the opportunity to do face painting at this celebration when she checked LBLive on her phone. She is a Psychology Major and was able to express her creative side at this event.

Topic One: My Hometown
For the "My Hometown" photo shoot I will be capturing photos in the City of Albany. I have lived here for nearly twenty years and truly consider Albany my home. For the portrait shot I am going to try and get a picture of Mayor Sharon Konopa on the steps of court house. A visit to the local skatepark is where I am headed to obtain an activity shot. There are always skaters down there and I am excited to try and get some stop motion action shots. The final shot is a landmark shot and I am going to try and get photos of Hasty Freeze in downtown Albany. My biggest challenge will probably be the Hasty Freeze shot because I want to get photos of people that don't know I am there taking pictures. People tend to start posing or hiding when a camera shows up so I am going to have challenges with that shoot.

Topic Two: Photo Editing
Chapter 7 of Photojournalism: The Professionals' Approach is on the subject of Photo Editing. Two tips that I found most useful were in regards to cropping. It is important to "crop ruthlessly" but also be mindful not to change the story by cropping. As a photographer you want to cut out anything that is not essential to telling the story so that the viewer is not distracted by unnecessary images. At the same time, you don't want to crop out the story that the photo is telling. A crop can change the overall feeling of a photo and change the viewers final perspective. It is important to not deceive the viewer with a crop.
For the rest of this term I am going to try and be mindful of my cropping techniques. I will be always try to balance getting rid of the unnecessary part of a photograph but also stay true to the story that I am trying to tell.

Friday, October 28, 2016

Week Five - News/Feature

Cascade Chautauqua visited LBCC on October 18th and brought Ben Franklin with them. Event attendees were able to watch Ben Franklin perform a monologue where he brought everyone up to speed on his life up until 1776. The audience was then invited to ask Ben questions that pertained to the life that Ben had lived up until that moment in time. The Cascade Chautauqua movement used to be very strong in Albany due to its location and the train depot. Slowly over years the movement has subsided but this organization is trying to bring it back to Oregon and specifically Albany. They try to make history come alive for generations through historical interpretations.


The Nousen Brothers play music prior to the Benjamin Franklin
performance. Part of the Cascade Chautaqua experience is a musical
interlude followed by a portrayal of a famous historical figure.


The audience at LBCC was able to interact with Steve Nousen, portraying Benjamin Franklin,
and learn the complete history of Franklin up until 1776.

Steve Nousen, a.k.a. Ben Franklin, speaks to a large crowd at LBCC on October 18th.

Topic One - Favorite Photo Story

In Chapter 11, Photo Story, of the textbook Photojournalism: The Professionals' Approach I was particularly moved by the Face to Face with Breast Cancer photo story. A photographer documented her personal experience with breast cancer from the initial diagnosis through recovery. It was an intimate photo story that was just captured by a third party but was captured by the subject actually enduring the situation. The two challenges she faced was going through this process is often painful and she had the ability to set her own pain aside and think about capturing the moments for her audience. Often times we see breast cancer from an outside perspective but her intimate approach leaves the audience feeling something a little more powerful at the end of the story. Breast cancer is not a pretty process and she was willing to set aside her own personal vanity and capture moments that are so powerful and really impact the viewer. The visual consistency of the photo story was that of a selfie photo book. She wasn't worried about overall composition she was more focused on journaling the process from the patients perspective which gave an intimate feel to the story. Beyond taking photos Annie Wells, the photographer, had to work on capturing not just the ugly moments but also the moments that the audience doesn't typically get to see. Her approach of being vulnerable and making something so beautiful out of such a tragic process in life was amazing to see.

Topic Two - My Photo Story Ideas

For my upcoming photo story I have two ideas that I am bouncing around. The first is my favorite which is making a photo story of the upcoming play at the Albany Civic Theater. I am planning on contacting the theater and asking for permission to photograph rehearsals, back stage, set build, actual performances and then the after math of the shows. My second idea is to follow my nephew at his job at Regal Cinema in Salem and capture the day in the life of a theater worker. I would capture those moments that a typical customer has no idea are even happening while they watch a movie. For both of these ideas I plan on contacting my subjects and beginning by asking permission to take on this task. I also plan on offering the final product to them so that they can use the images as they want. I am excited about this project and will be starting to work on it this week.


Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Week Four - Environmental Portrait


For this assignment I chose to capture the LBCC mail room delivery driver. Pete McDanal has worked at LBCC for many years and is almost an institution on campus. He delivers all the campus mail and packages all around Albany campus and his personality is something staff look forward to seeing every day.


Pete McDanal is the LBCC mail room delivery driver.
He handles all the Albany campus mail and packages and ensures
they arrive at their designated delivery locations timely.



Pete McDanal has worked in the LBCC Mail room for nearly ten years
and serves as the delivery driver for all on campus mail and packages.



Topic One - NPAA Code of Ethics

The National Press Photographers Association has a Code of Ethics. There are 9 different standards that they suggest all photojournalists follow. The most interesting code for me was number 5 which states: "While photographing subjects do not intentionally contribute to, alter, or seek to alter or influence events." This particular code can be a bit tricky to manage as a photographer. Often times we are met with a particularly impactful subject that pulls on our heart strings. There is the choice to just photograph the scene as is without impacting the subject(s) or to choice to render aid, change, alter the situation before taking a photo. It is important to remember that a photojournalist needs to be able to tell a truthful story as if they are a fly on the wall and not become part of the story or impact in anyway as that would only water down the end product for the viewer.

The NPAA also publishes a list that says "Ideally, photojournalists should:". The overall list was very useful but the most impactful item to me was number 7 which states, "Strive by example and influence to maintain the spirit and high standards expressed in this code. When confronted with situations in which the proper action is not clear, seek the counsel of those who exhibit the highest standards of the profession. Photojournalists should continuously study their craft and the ethics that guide it." I found this interesting because it points out that following the Code of Ethics is a daily challenge and struggle and should be considered heavily when you choose to become a photojournalist. It is important to find that mentor that will help guide future decisions as you are faced with new circumstances on a daily basis. It is important for all photojournalists whether new or in the field for 20 or 30 years to constantly remind themselves of these core values and set out to follow them and model them daily.

An example of following a specific guideline from the NPAA Code of Ethics would be if you choose to photograph an event in the local community and someone offers to pay you for your service or sends you a gift afterwards. While it might be tempting to accept such an offer it is important to remember number 8 on the list and not accept those gifts as it may influence the coverage you give to that event or subject. It is important to maintain a sense of neutrality when photographing any event/subject so that the reader is able to focus on the photograph but not be unduly influenced by your own thoughts/opinions.


Topic Two - Favorite Fellow Student Work

Looking through our students' pages in my photo journalism class I was immediately drawn to two pictures. The first picture was taken by James Dewey looking at a security camera and I thought it was a very creative and different way to take a picture. Security cameras are often overlooked and to have someone not only notice it but use it in a creative fun way I thought was really intriguing.
For more pictures by James check out his blog at: http://jdewey13.blogspot.com/


Photo by: James Dewey
The next picture I was really drawn to was taken by David Buresh. This photo had a strong emotional impact on me. It was a photo that was captured at just that right moment and the expression on the young child's face coupled with the texture of the woman's hand and the younger child cradled by a father just left me with a happy, positive feeling.
For more pictures by David Buresh check out his blog at: http://davisburesh5577.wixsite.com/jn134







Friday, October 14, 2016

Digital Photography Class

Digital Photography

In addition to the photo journalism class that I am taking at LBCC, I am also enrolled in a digital photography class this term. Here are few of my favorite pictures that I have shot so far this term.

This is my son, Kolton Bouse, who recently earned his Eagle Scout award. In this photo I was experimenting with depth of focus.

In this photo I was excited to play with shutter speed. This photo was taken from my front yard facing Highway 20. I kept the shutter open as long as possible and enjoyed the final result.

I enjoyed looking at this plant from underneath and capturing the details in the stems of the little plant.

Week Three - News and Feature Photos

Feature Photos

Members of the LBCC American Association of Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC) attended a monthly meeting on October 13th in the CC Building of Albany Campus. The theme for this month's meeting was coloring and door prizes included art themed coloring packs.

LeAnne Trask and Kristi May, members of the LBCC AAWCC Chapter, work on coloring skills during their monthly member meeting during the month of October.

LeAnna Trask adds color to her chosen design as she mingles with colleagues at the monthly AAWCC members meeting at LBCC. Members enjoy soup along with learning about current happenings within the AAWCC local chapter.


Week Three Blog Forum Questions

Topic One

Two possible subjects for my environmental portraits are Mindy McCall and Pete McDanal from the Mailroom at LBCC. Mindy McCall works in Public Safety at LBCC and Pete is the delivery man for the LBCC Mailroom. Both subjects have jobs that lend themselves to a great environment portrait. With Mindy I would shoot her from above and below surrounding her with the public officers. I would take the picture on campus with their mini golf cart in the photo. With Pete I would take the picture in the mailroom with him holding boxes and mail bags. I can contact both of these subjects by walking to places of employment at campus. Mindy is located in the Public Safety office and Pete works in the LBCC Mail Room from 9am-1pm every day.


Topic Two

So far in this class my favorite picture I have taken was at the Benton Center Ceramics Studio. The composition on this photo was very pleasing to the eye and I really liked the detail that the image held. 

My least favorite photo was the photo I took this week at the AAWCC monthly meeting. I was generally unhappy with the composition with the photo and felt like it was a boring photo that held no creativity.

The skill I need to work on to improve my overall picture ability is to take more pictures and really make people uncomfortable as I invade their personal space. Getting closer to subjects and taking photos at very different angles and from different perspectives will really help the final picture quality.

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Week Two - Shooting News and Feature Photos

Photo Credit: www.charitybuzz.com

Topic #1 - Photographer of the Week

For this assignment I have chosen to research photographer, Nigel Barker. Nigel served as a photographer and judge for 17 seasons of America's Next Top Model which is where I was introduced to him. In addition, he has his own show on VH-1 called The Shot and was awarded the "Film Heals" award for humanitarianism at the 6th Annual Manhattan Film Festival for Dreams Are Not Forgotten.

Nigel's claim to fame is his relationship with his models. Nigel began his career as a model and that seems to influence the choices he makes behind the camera lens. He is able to make his models look timeless through his ongoing ability to look at the bigger picture and makes sure that the model or subject of his photo is comfortable.

"Someone who is comfortable, someone who is happy, you see them immediately sit up, stand up and feel better about themselves. If you're able to capture that in a picture, that's the most beautiful picture you can ever take of someone". Nigel Barker

Topic #2 - Feature Photos

Two suggestions I particularly liked from the 22 Ways To Find a Feature list were:

1) Keep an idea book
2) Shoot from a unique vantage

These suggestions stood out to me because as I work my way through campus as a part time staffer and as a student I encounter many great story ideas and suggestions. Not always are they happening at that very moment so keeping an idea book would help me capture those thoughts and ideas and allow me the ability to preserve them when I have the time in the future to really process the ideas. Shooting from a unique vantage point is something I am working hard at doing this term. I want to make sure and not take the standard photos at eye level (or at least my eye level) and work to show my audience a different perspective that adds drama/emotions to a photo.

Over the next many week in this term I plan on implementing both of these strategies immediately. With all of my future photo assignments I will be making sure to take pictures with a unique vantage point whenever possible. Since we are required to turn in 3 different shots each week I am planning on making sure at least 1 if not all three really try to incorporate a unique vantage in the shot.

Weekly Photo Assignment


LBCC Benton Center offers multiple open studio hours for students currently enrolled in at least one ceramics class. Students can practice a wide variety of clay skills and firing techniques during these times.
Benton Center students Debbie Vandersomen and Susann Underwood (left to right) work on their clay skills during an open lab studio time at the LBCC Benton Center ceramics studio.

LBCC student Rebecca Suing adds design elements to a project for her ceramics class during open studio hours at the LBCC Benton Center. The state of the art facility includes stoneware kilns, raku kilns, electric kilns for bisque, salt kilns and motorized and kick wheels.




Thursday, September 29, 2016

Week One - Campus Life at LBCC


Assignment #1

TOPIC #1 - ABOUT ME
My name is Leta Howell and I am working on earning my second degree at LBCC. Back in the mid-90's I earned an Associate of Applied Sciences in Visual Communications and immediately entered the printing industry. After twenty years in the industry I have gotten tired of hitting my head on the glass ceiling. I have been unable to move up to the next step in my career due to the lack of a management degree so I am here at LBCC to earn an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer Degree with a Business Administration focus. I took this class because it fulfills my degree requirement but also allows me to expand my photography experience. I have always enjoyed taking photos and am excited to learn all of the ways I can improve my overall skills. I have always been the photo mom for all of my kids events and our families live as well as our Boy Scout troop. Lately I have been asked to take senior pictures for multiple kids and currently my son who is a senior is requesting that I take his pictures. I want to learn new skills to make his photos really awesome.

TOPIC #2 - GOALS
My three goals for myself during this term are: 1) better understand composition 2) learn how to use the features on my camera so I don't always use Auto 3) learn to look through the lens with a photographers eye

TOPIC #3 - LBCC PHOTOS
Three subjects that would make good subjects at LBCC would be:
1) Veterans - pictures of veterans taking classes, participating in classes
2) Chess Club - attending chess club meetings it would be interesting to take pictures of members playing chess, talking about chess and learning. Could position them outside on the courtyard grass.
3) LBCC Board Meeting - would be interesting to attend one of the monthly board meetings and take some shots of the overall room along with closeups of the various board members. With negotiations happening with part time faculty I could see getting shots of them in the room.


Students Noah Shelton and Forest Gilpin try out the pool table in the Hot Shot
Cafe during the first week of Fall Term classes at LBCC. Forest is working
on earning his Associates of Science degree with a History focus.
Forest is a Theater Arts Major at LBCC.
Barista Rebecca Fewless makes a customers drink at the LBCC Hot Shot Cafe.
Rececca has worked at the Hot Shot Cafe for three years.

A student at LBCC finds a quiet spot to study
during Fall Term at LBCC.