Looking Back…
I am glad this Graduate program includes a writing course. I did find the assignments difficult at times to complete, but this stemmed more from my own pressures I tend to put on myself. At the beginning of the course I really wasn't sure what to talk about. Maybe it was "writer's block" or just a fear that I would not sound intelligent. Well, I obviously had to get that insecure voice out of my head if I wanted to move forward in the program. As the course progressed I became more comfortable expressing myself and I am confident I will eventually find my voice.
In this particular course I learned how crucial it is to re-read and re-write (although I wish I had a little more time to do this). I also realized re-reading my work isn't as bad as I made out to be. I liked and I didn't like Twitter, but now I do understand the use for it. I am still going to try using it for a business tool. I liked that we were all required to have a blog and I found the Professor's feedback to be extremely helpful and encouraging.
I plan on continuing to work on my chosen niche of photography. I am sure it will look a lot different over the next several months. Overall the course and introduction to "pitching" online was useful and I anticipate my graduate proposal will continue to manifest the more I learn throughout the program.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Media Campaign Review
I did a Google search and found this social media campaign to spark an interest for me:
Social Media Campaign Critique
When I saw this campaign I thought it had similar concepts to the online photography pitch I had just done for the course. Blogger: Roderick Low's campaign is called, “Real People, Real Stories”. My pitch is called, "Untouchable Storytelling". Both ideas surround the main focus around photography and everyday people.
I like the idea that Low's approach to get his target audience involved. But, I'm not exactly sure how I would get that much money to give away. I'll have to think about that piece a little more. People want to be involved. This is quite clear from the public's overwhelming participation to all the networking sites that have developed over the years (especially with YouTube).
This is the gist of Low's campaign:
I would concentrate on Twitter because I feel like there is probably more regular activity by more everyday people on Twitter than You Tube. With YouTube, although there are many viewers not everyone has video recording equipment or may not know how to effectively use it properly. I may also coordinate with Flickr somehow, since their a popular photo sharing site.
Social Media Campaign Critique
When I saw this campaign I thought it had similar concepts to the online photography pitch I had just done for the course. Blogger: Roderick Low's campaign is called, “Real People, Real Stories”. My pitch is called, "Untouchable Storytelling". Both ideas surround the main focus around photography and everyday people.
I like the idea that Low's approach to get his target audience involved. But, I'm not exactly sure how I would get that much money to give away. I'll have to think about that piece a little more. People want to be involved. This is quite clear from the public's overwhelming participation to all the networking sites that have developed over the years (especially with YouTube).
This is the gist of Low's campaign:
With consumers in mind, the campaign invites AirAsia travelers to submit their stories on how the budget airline has changed their lives for the better.
Launched on eYeka platform, consumers are asked to submit a 30 to 90 second video or animation to share their AirAsia stories. Here’s the carrot: At the end of the campaign (29 August), a total of 35 tickets worth up to USD$30,000 will be given away.
Alexandre Olmedo, the CEO of eYeka Asia describes this campaign with the following words:
“By engaging real people to share their stories on how their lives have changed for the better demonstrates AirAsia’s authenticity, openness and appetite for innovation.”
I would concentrate on Twitter because I feel like there is probably more regular activity by more everyday people on Twitter than You Tube. With YouTube, although there are many viewers not everyone has video recording equipment or may not know how to effectively use it properly. I may also coordinate with Flickr somehow, since their a popular photo sharing site.
Blah-Blah-Blah...
Conversation in today's world has been redefined by technology and has encouraged more communication among people. Many alternative options have emerged over the last several years and as a result everyone is virtually connected with everyone. So, now that we are all talking, is anyone really listening? Is there some truth to Professor Kalm's statement,
Modern day conversation has become a 24 hour, 7 days a week activity. Social media supports conversation, but it also creates a social pressure within society. For anyone who may not have a particular passion in something, but wants to have a voice it forces the person to identify their belief; or passion; or niche. Before taking this course I never thought I had a niche in anything. I realize now how beneficial it is to have even just one passion and if one hasn't been established to at least be thinking about possibilities. There are many people out there who do not have a passion, or maybe they might have one and not realize it. A true interest in something is not only good for conversations, it also makes a person more well-rounded.
No wonder why conversation is difficult, but as long as communication continues evolving this will always be the case. Regardless, good conversation should still remain the standard with all forms of communication. Professor Kalm's list of things that deem conversation as being good(i.e., comfort, one-on-one situation, time, listening) are more than reasonable, and you would think it could easily be followed through. But why so difficult then? The mind needs to be actively engaged and this requires self-discipline. This is what supports a good conversation.
We will always be learning how to modify and adjust the ways in which we communicate with one another. This I am sure of. It is important not to get caught up in the inevitable change we experience each and everyday, and also to remind ourselves of our original intention for setting out to do something. While technology will keep producing new gadgets to "simplify" our lives, we need to have the insight to be self-disciplined enough to set our own benchmarks to achieve our goals.
The stage is full; the seats are empty.And if this is true, how should we avoid it?
Modern day conversation has become a 24 hour, 7 days a week activity. Social media supports conversation, but it also creates a social pressure within society. For anyone who may not have a particular passion in something, but wants to have a voice it forces the person to identify their belief; or passion; or niche. Before taking this course I never thought I had a niche in anything. I realize now how beneficial it is to have even just one passion and if one hasn't been established to at least be thinking about possibilities. There are many people out there who do not have a passion, or maybe they might have one and not realize it. A true interest in something is not only good for conversations, it also makes a person more well-rounded.
No wonder why conversation is difficult, but as long as communication continues evolving this will always be the case. Regardless, good conversation should still remain the standard with all forms of communication. Professor Kalm's list of things that deem conversation as being good(i.e., comfort, one-on-one situation, time, listening) are more than reasonable, and you would think it could easily be followed through. But why so difficult then? The mind needs to be actively engaged and this requires self-discipline. This is what supports a good conversation.
We will always be learning how to modify and adjust the ways in which we communicate with one another. This I am sure of. It is important not to get caught up in the inevitable change we experience each and everyday, and also to remind ourselves of our original intention for setting out to do something. While technology will keep producing new gadgets to "simplify" our lives, we need to have the insight to be self-disciplined enough to set our own benchmarks to achieve our goals.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Time For BP To Step Up
Social media campaigns thrive over the internet. The purpose for campaigns like these are to attract more people. What if the campaigning draws attention, however the attention mostly negative, what's the point then? BP oil needs a miracle to reestablish any amount of credibility they once had. Nevertheless, BP recognizes when the need for impeccable marketing strategies is critical. Recently, I read in Wired that:
I am thinking BP may be a little late with their campaign efforts. BP's campaigning attempts have only fueled (no pun intended) the media to mock BP with counteracting comical campaigns. An example:
It makes sense that BP would want to regain trust from the public, but it may be smarter to salvage the reputation of the business by focusing more on helping those that were directly affected by the oil spill. The resolution to the oil spill is so complex the answer for fixing the problem is not easily answered. Rather than focus on attracting more business (because I think BP has that part fully covered) with marketing campaigns, a more proactive approach is in demand and just take accountability.
BP didn’t begin its social networking campaigns in earnest until one month after news of the spill broke, says David Binkowski, senior vice president of word of mouth marketing at the MS&L Group. Wired
I am thinking BP may be a little late with their campaign efforts. BP's campaigning attempts have only fueled (no pun intended) the media to mock BP with counteracting comical campaigns. An example:
It makes sense that BP would want to regain trust from the public, but it may be smarter to salvage the reputation of the business by focusing more on helping those that were directly affected by the oil spill. The resolution to the oil spill is so complex the answer for fixing the problem is not easily answered. Rather than focus on attracting more business (because I think BP has that part fully covered) with marketing campaigns, a more proactive approach is in demand and just take accountability.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Pitching For Pictures
Elevator Pitch Idea A
The internet, an integral part of most aspects of our lives has become a necessary component in order for us to function from day to day. Undeniably, we have benefited from the internet, but while it has connected us globally it has also disconnected us in many ways also. Today, professional photographers are no longer necessary to hire, because availability and retrieval of images through online stock photos is so easy. As a result of this there is not such a demand for professional photographers, but should remain as a recognized skilled craft even though all of us have the means. Snappy Story, a useful online resource to professional photographers, offers as a hub for them to connect with businesses'. These businesses' are requesting for specific types of photographs to be created. The photographs typically will involve a strong message to be conveyed through a visual creation. The hub will foster and support an ongoing working relationships between the professional photographer and businesses'. Snappy Story meets with potential clients to further discuss ideas and all other possibilities.
Query Email Idea A
From: Julie Heffernan [mailto: julie.heffernan@quinnipiac.edu]
Sent: Friday, July 16, 2010 4:47 PM
To: _____(potential sponser)______
Subject: Images To Empower
Hi ________(potential sponser)_______,
As more and more content is received and delivered over the internet, our attention span for stories becomes shorter with each passing day. Professional photographers deliver images based on a code of ethics and standards. Snappy Story wants to link professional photographers and businesses' because as technological advancements continue to occur we are gradually losing professional photographers in today's world where everyone is a photographer.
I believe professional photography is a skilled profession that should be a distinguished group of its own, as well be given the opportunity to thrive. If you are interested in help making this possible, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you,
Julie Heffernan
(Business name and address), Hamden, CT
(Business phone number)
(Business email)
One Sentence Pitch Idea A
Snappy Story fosters working relationships between business and pro photographer. The outcome: a creative image with a telling story and an important message.
Elevator Pitch Idea B
Do Gooder is an online community portal for the amateur photographer who wants to be part of a social cause to promote positive change in the world. Idea B is slightly similar to Idea A in that it is also an online portal for photographers to use as a networking community. Do Gooder however is aimed towards an amateur photographer and is more like a source for photo contests that are solely focused on social change, which their will always be a need for. Do Gooder website will have most of the global issues that exist today and will be organized in categories. Any amateur photographer can link to a desired cause and then just follow the instructions. Each cause will have different requirements for its contest. The winner of the contests will be guaranteed a public spot on Do Gooder website for 1 full month. This spot will be their own space on Do Gooder webpage to display personal work samples. Also, Do Gooder would feature a story on the up and coming photographer on one of the major photography websites Do Gooder is affiliated with. In addition, the winner may also receive a separate prize from the organization of the featured cause.
Query Email Idea B
From: Julie Heffernan [mailto: julie.heffernan@quinnipiac.edu]
Sent: Saturday, July 17, 2010 4:47 PM
To: _____(potential sponser)______
Subject: Doing Good Things With Your Photos
Hi ________(potential sponser)_______,
Many social issues are addressed by a number of charities, but the need for support for social change is never enough. Do Gooder is a non-profit website that provides opportunity for everyone involved. The target audience: amateur photographers will have the opportunity to select from a number of affiliated organizations that work for a cause to change. The idea is to provide opportunity for an important cause and also for an aspiring photographer.
If you are interested in help making this possible, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you,
Julie Heffernan
(Business name and address), Hamden, CT
(Business phone number)
(Business email)
One Sentence Pitch Idea B
Do Gooder is an online non-profit organization that supports both amateur photographers and various social issues. Creating opportunity and recreating images. Addressing issues and making change.
The internet, an integral part of most aspects of our lives has become a necessary component in order for us to function from day to day. Undeniably, we have benefited from the internet, but while it has connected us globally it has also disconnected us in many ways also. Today, professional photographers are no longer necessary to hire, because availability and retrieval of images through online stock photos is so easy. As a result of this there is not such a demand for professional photographers, but should remain as a recognized skilled craft even though all of us have the means. Snappy Story, a useful online resource to professional photographers, offers as a hub for them to connect with businesses'. These businesses' are requesting for specific types of photographs to be created. The photographs typically will involve a strong message to be conveyed through a visual creation. The hub will foster and support an ongoing working relationships between the professional photographer and businesses'. Snappy Story meets with potential clients to further discuss ideas and all other possibilities.
Query Email Idea A
From: Julie Heffernan [mailto: julie.heffernan@quinnipiac.edu]
Sent: Friday, July 16, 2010 4:47 PM
To: _____(potential sponser)______
Subject: Images To Empower
Hi ________(potential sponser)_______,
As more and more content is received and delivered over the internet, our attention span for stories becomes shorter with each passing day. Professional photographers deliver images based on a code of ethics and standards. Snappy Story wants to link professional photographers and businesses' because as technological advancements continue to occur we are gradually losing professional photographers in today's world where everyone is a photographer.
I believe professional photography is a skilled profession that should be a distinguished group of its own, as well be given the opportunity to thrive. If you are interested in help making this possible, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you,
Julie Heffernan
(Business name and address), Hamden, CT
(Business phone number)
(Business email)
One Sentence Pitch Idea A
Snappy Story fosters working relationships between business and pro photographer. The outcome: a creative image with a telling story and an important message.
Elevator Pitch Idea B
Do Gooder is an online community portal for the amateur photographer who wants to be part of a social cause to promote positive change in the world. Idea B is slightly similar to Idea A in that it is also an online portal for photographers to use as a networking community. Do Gooder however is aimed towards an amateur photographer and is more like a source for photo contests that are solely focused on social change, which their will always be a need for. Do Gooder website will have most of the global issues that exist today and will be organized in categories. Any amateur photographer can link to a desired cause and then just follow the instructions. Each cause will have different requirements for its contest. The winner of the contests will be guaranteed a public spot on Do Gooder website for 1 full month. This spot will be their own space on Do Gooder webpage to display personal work samples. Also, Do Gooder would feature a story on the up and coming photographer on one of the major photography websites Do Gooder is affiliated with. In addition, the winner may also receive a separate prize from the organization of the featured cause.
Query Email Idea B
From: Julie Heffernan [mailto: julie.heffernan@quinnipiac.edu]
Sent: Saturday, July 17, 2010 4:47 PM
To: _____(potential sponser)______
Subject: Doing Good Things With Your Photos
Hi ________(potential sponser)_______,
Many social issues are addressed by a number of charities, but the need for support for social change is never enough. Do Gooder is a non-profit website that provides opportunity for everyone involved. The target audience: amateur photographers will have the opportunity to select from a number of affiliated organizations that work for a cause to change. The idea is to provide opportunity for an important cause and also for an aspiring photographer.
If you are interested in help making this possible, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you,
Julie Heffernan
(Business name and address), Hamden, CT
(Business phone number)
(Business email)
One Sentence Pitch Idea B
Do Gooder is an online non-profit organization that supports both amateur photographers and various social issues. Creating opportunity and recreating images. Addressing issues and making change.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
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.
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.
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
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