Viewfinder

Life is all about trial and error. The challenge is not to dwell on the mistakes we've made, because this only clouds our focus; keeping us in a kind of stagnated realm of state. This is easier said than done. Writing and re-writing is self searching. It parallels with the discoveries we encounter throughout life.

When I began thinking about my online presence and how I wanted others to view me I really had no idea where to begin. I was constantly changing my ideas even before I put it down on paper. I wanted to get it just right in my mind first, and then I could ascribe my thoughts in any formal way. For me, declaring a pseudonymous identity meant I needed to evaluate myself and I don't think I ever looked at myself in such a truthful way.

I started with a Biosketch introduction of myself: I am Julie Marie Heffernan, a photographer and artist who sees the real world every night shift in the Emergency Crisis Unit where I provide mental health assistance. I have a BA in Psychology from the University of Arizona and am pursuing my Master’s in Interactive Communications at Quinnipiac University.

Over the next several weeks I would think about the kind of online presence I would exemplify and how it related to the niche I had not yet discovered.

A Sample

The sample writing I chose to use at the beginning of this writing course: Holism Helps Others was a paper I did when I was in nursing school. The premise of the paper was synergy. After reviewing this written sample of mine I realized it only highlighted things about myself I didn't want highlighted, such as being too wordy. I did not write in my own voice because this was never asked of me. My writing was predictable and safe. This is seen below in the excerpts I've extracted from my writing sample.

The Synergy Model helps the patient identify personal intention, providing a higher sense of awareness, internally and externally. Integrating aspects of one life area to another is important, because immediate competing demands and/or preferences may arise, and one’s well-being is dependent on environmental factors (social influences), which may involve interaction (interpersonal influences), and potentially prompt a response; affecting the outcome.

The larger ideas from each theory contribute meaning to the term of Holism. Holism is the idea of a “sacred space” that is so impressive that it permeates a certain kind of confidence. I hope to reach this pinnacle point someday by maintaining a positive outlook on life’s unexpected events; seeing them as opportunities.

As I continue searching for, essentially my identity, I start to worry that I will not find it anytime soon. Nevertheless, I just kept peeling away my many layers, one layer at a time.

For the Love of Research

As I began my research I realized it fostered self learning. It reflects self-autonomy and a desire and permits for self-growth.

Today's Modern Painter

Enriching images help us to understand the societal changes as they occur. Applying photography with painting is just another visual way to tell a story from a different perspective. Although recognized as separate disciplines, photography and painting combined bring a new kind of mode for expression that reflects our everyday evolving world.

In 1827, photographs were first produced by a device called the camera obscura. It was the beginning of an optical revolution. The idea of using both photography and paintings to create a more realistic expression is a practice that's been in place since the invention of the camera.

My Photographer's Eye

The topic of interest I selected focuses on the subject of photography. I always hear a good picture is all in the "photographer's eye". I consider myself a serious photographer and I appreciate the creative variety it brings to light. Not only does it allow for creative self expression, it also helps to develop my eye for art.

The People's Eye versus The "Photographer's Eye"

Photographs allow us to always remember a certain memory of someone or something; maintaining a legacy. Today, paprazzi dominate photography, but it is important to recognize that they are not the ones to choose what to photograph, the people are. Paparazzi just deliver the goods. Photography is considered art only when the photographer's intentions for taking the picture in the first place is of their own motivation.

Story of Truth

Visual influence has become an integrated part of our everyday society. Today, there is a relentless craving for attention that seems to exist. Images that once shocked seem to only desensitize us more.

The things we choose to photograph tell a story. The question is: is it going to be a photograph that tells a story of truth or one that bends the truth? I think in this day and age-the truth may actually be more shocking.

Memorable Pictures

When a picture is taken with intention, your viewers will be much more intrigued. An image is much more than just visual aesthetics, you want it to convey a meaningful message. The objective for this kind of artistic expression is to tell a story.

Try using the following mnemonic:

POISE

'P' stands for Panoramic

'O' stands for Object

'I' stands for Interact

'S' stands for Subject

'E' stands for Emotion

Start by PANNING the scene of the location of the shoot. Then observe how either how the OBJECT interacts with the SUBJECT (or vice versa)? WHat is the EMOTION being conveyed?

The composition, the surrounding space of the photograph, should not distract the person from the picture's main focus, rather it should enhance it.
 
More Niche Pondering

I like the idea of editorial photography because it delivers a story through a visual medium with the goal to evoke emotion among its audience. Macro photography, also referred as micro photography, is a type of close-up shot. Even though this type of photography requires a lot of time and patience, the end result is a magnificent closeup shot that is precise and accurately focused.

From this point on I have made the decision to live my life with eyes wide open. I have many interests and am curious about many more. I am an honest writer who likes to learn new things and share new found knowledge with others. I will focus on writing about editorial and macro photography, but I will not limit myself to other areas of interest if it appropriately fits with my niche.

Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.
Ashley Smith