The Station
Tucked away in our subconscious is an idyllic vision.
We see ourselves on a long trip that spans the continent. We are traveling by train. Out the windows we drink in the passing scene of cars on nearby highways, on children waving at a crossing, of cattle grazing on a distant hillside, of smoke pouring from a power plant, of row upon row of corn and wheat, of flatlands and valleys, of mountains and rolling hillsides, of city skylines and village halls.
But uppermost in our minds is the final destination. On a certain day at a certain hour, we will pull into the station. Bands will be playing and flags will be waving.
Once we get there, so many wonderful dreams will come true, and the pieces of our lives will fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. How restlessly we pace the aisles, damning the minutes for loitering—waiting, waiting, waiting for the station.
“When we reach the station that will be it!” we cry. “When I’m 18!” “When I buy a new 450 SL Mercedes Benz!” “When I put the last kid through college!” “When I have paid off the mortgage!”
Sooner or later we must realize there is no station, no one place to arrive at once and for all. The true joy of life is the trip. The station is only a dream.
It isn’t the burdens of today that drive men mad. It is the regrets over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow. Regret and fear are twin thieves who rob us of today.
So stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles. Instead, climb more mountains, eat more ice cream, go barefoot more often, swim more rivers, watch more sunsets, laugh more, and cry less.
Life must be lived as we go along.
The station comes soon enough.
--Robert J. Hastings
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Using Logic in Writing
One of the inevitable facts of life is we eventually grow out of childhood and into adulthood--some earlier than others. More often than not innocence and curiosity, which invoke passion and interest, are left behind. Instead, our focus becomes more narrow with each passing year as we continue to search for the pinnacle moment when all our questions are answered.
We ascribe to a life of "algorithms", based on logic and reason. I for one am glad we have not yet found the missing piece to the Logic Puzzle. For now I can at least rest assure "we are still unique" as individuals should be; we have not been stripped of this just yet.
Maybe it is a good thing that" imagination is now practical". Our unique experiences shape each and every one of us and this is the foundation for the developing of our own logic.
Even though it is true that "all catastrophes force innovation", it is a necessary part of the creative process. It gives us a reason to be creative. Otherwise it is a skill that seems to gradually diminish once we enter adulthood.
We ascribe to a life of "algorithms", based on logic and reason. I for one am glad we have not yet found the missing piece to the Logic Puzzle. For now I can at least rest assure "we are still unique" as individuals should be; we have not been stripped of this just yet.
Maybe it is a good thing that" imagination is now practical". Our unique experiences shape each and every one of us and this is the foundation for the developing of our own logic.
Even though it is true that "all catastrophes force innovation", it is a necessary part of the creative process. It gives us a reason to be creative. Otherwise it is a skill that seems to gradually diminish once we enter adulthood.
Friday, June 25, 2010
How To Take Pictures That People Remember
The Focus: Intentional Picture Taking
When a picture is taken with intention, your viewers will be that much more intrigued. By doing this you are adding dynamic elements to your work, to which those viewing will most likely take notice. A picture can be much more than just visual aesthetics, conveying meaningful messages. ideas. The objective for this kind of artistic expression is to tell a story, whether it's your own or someone else's. Applying some sort of origin or story to your photos is by no means mandatory, but it does make for a more interesting picture. The experience for both the photographer and the person being photographed becomes more of a creative collaboration.
Prior to picking up your camera, take time to think about the premise for the pictures you'll be taking. It will help to clear the mind and make room for more productive thoughts and ideas. Try using the following mneumonic whenever you take a picture.
POISE
'P' stands for Panoramic. What is the scene that lies in front of you? Take a Panoramic stance when considering the image you will be taking.
'O' stands for Object. --How does the Object interact with the subject?
'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 the OBJECT INTERACT with the SUBJECT (or vice versa)? WHat is the EMOTION is being conveyed to set a particular mood?
For example, maybe the person being photograghed (subject) is reading (interacting)a book (object). Integrating details such as these will naturally implicate a story that its viewer can interpret the story behind the image, from a more personal standpoint based on their individual experiences.
Every time you take a picture and you address these things you are also learning to develop your photographer's eye. In a way you're simply critiquing your own work and applying the basic rules related to photography.
Some important key points to remember are to carefully observe the composition of your subject, as well as consider the rule of thirds. Positioning the subject or object dead center does nothing more than make a picture just as ordinary as before. Experimenting with differnt angles and center points will help to set your own preferences related to your intention. Also, the surrounding space of the photograph should not distract the person from the the picture's main focus, rather it should enhance it.
How does the picture look when you take a step back? Is it too cluttered? Is it too empty. Always do a quick mental rundown of standard things that may be factors for your desired outcome.
And most important step to remember is to just have fun.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
When a picture is taken with intention, your viewers will be that much more intrigued. By doing this you are adding dynamic elements to your work, to which those viewing will most likely take notice. A picture can be much more than just visual aesthetics, conveying meaningful messages. ideas. The objective for this kind of artistic expression is to tell a story, whether it's your own or someone else's. Applying some sort of origin or story to your photos is by no means mandatory, but it does make for a more interesting picture. The experience for both the photographer and the person being photographed becomes more of a creative collaboration.
Prior to picking up your camera, take time to think about the premise for the pictures you'll be taking. It will help to clear the mind and make room for more productive thoughts and ideas. Try using the following mneumonic whenever you take a picture.
POISE
'P' stands for Panoramic. What is the scene that lies in front of you? Take a Panoramic stance when considering the image you will be taking.
'O' stands for Object. --How does the Object interact with the subject?
'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 the OBJECT INTERACT with the SUBJECT (or vice versa)? WHat is the EMOTION is being conveyed to set a particular mood?
For example, maybe the person being photograghed (subject) is reading (interacting)a book (object). Integrating details such as these will naturally implicate a story that its viewer can interpret the story behind the image, from a more personal standpoint based on their individual experiences.
Every time you take a picture and you address these things you are also learning to develop your photographer's eye. In a way you're simply critiquing your own work and applying the basic rules related to photography.
Some important key points to remember are to carefully observe the composition of your subject, as well as consider the rule of thirds. Positioning the subject or object dead center does nothing more than make a picture just as ordinary as before. Experimenting with differnt angles and center points will help to set your own preferences related to your intention. Also, the surrounding space of the photograph should not distract the person from the the picture's main focus, rather it should enhance it.
How does the picture look when you take a step back? Is it too cluttered? Is it too empty. Always do a quick mental rundown of standard things that may be factors for your desired outcome.
And most important step to remember is to just have fun.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
LinkedIn Resume
Julie M. Heffernan
Summary
At this point in time much of my work experience relates to healthcare fields. However, I am exploring new avenues related to social media in the graduate program I am currently in. I hope to integrate my future degree with the various other disciplines I am experienced in.
Specialties
Non-profits, Storyboarding, Photoshop, Adobe CS4, HTML, usability, SPSS
Education
University of Arizona
BA Psychology
1998 – 2002
Quinnipiac University
Masters Interactive Communications
Mental Health Worker II
Yale New Haven Hospital
Non-Profit; 5001-10,000 employees; Hospital & Health Care industry
November 2005 – Present (4 years 8 months)
-Practice direct patient care within the range and scope of a psychiatric emergency department
-Involved in collaboration with a team of psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, social workers, and other various hospital professionals
-Involved in helping patients through psychiatric related crisis', ranging from patients with behavioral issues to patients with chemical imbalances
Responsible for networking with other psychiatric facilities in the community related to patients treatment
Critical Care Unit-Clerk/Multi-Skilled Technician
Griffin Hospital
Non-Profit; 501-1000 employees; Hospital & Health Care industry
September 2005 – January 2006 (5 months)
-Transcribed patient medications
-Assisted medical staff with patient bedside duties
Program Counselor
Vista Vocational and Life Skills Center
Higher Education industry
July 2005 – November 2005 (5 months)
-Assisted students with life skills related tasks (i.e. finances, problem solving)
Child Protective Specialist II
Youth, and Families Child Protective Services
Higher Education industry
March 2004 – April 2005 (1 year 2 months)
-Allegation screening and investigating allegation of child abuse and neglect
Carried out child assessments related to child safety along with any other imminent risk of harm
Attend court hearings related to the abused child or children
Case Manager
COPE Behavioral Services
Higher Education industry
October 2002 – March 2004 (1 year 6 months)
-Monitoring and documenting clients' compliance with medications, attendance to therapy groups and medical appointments, and employment attendance.
-Advocating for individuals who are seriously mentally ill and/or substance abuse related issues.
Group Home Staff
Catholic Community Services
Non-Profit; 51-200 employees; Non-Profit Organization Management industry
February 2000 – July 2002 (2 years 6 months)
Independent Study
University of Arizona
Higher Education industry
September 2000 – May 2001 (9 months)
Summary
At this point in time much of my work experience relates to healthcare fields. However, I am exploring new avenues related to social media in the graduate program I am currently in. I hope to integrate my future degree with the various other disciplines I am experienced in.
Specialties
Non-profits, Storyboarding, Photoshop, Adobe CS4, HTML, usability, SPSS
Education
University of Arizona
BA Psychology
1998 – 2002
Quinnipiac University
Masters Interactive Communications
Mental Health Worker II
Yale New Haven Hospital
Non-Profit; 5001-10,000 employees; Hospital & Health Care industry
November 2005 – Present (4 years 8 months)
-Practice direct patient care within the range and scope of a psychiatric emergency department
-Involved in collaboration with a team of psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, social workers, and other various hospital professionals
-Involved in helping patients through psychiatric related crisis', ranging from patients with behavioral issues to patients with chemical imbalances
Responsible for networking with other psychiatric facilities in the community related to patients treatment
Critical Care Unit-Clerk/Multi-Skilled Technician
Griffin Hospital
Non-Profit; 501-1000 employees; Hospital & Health Care industry
September 2005 – January 2006 (5 months)
-Transcribed patient medications
-Assisted medical staff with patient bedside duties
Program Counselor
Vista Vocational and Life Skills Center
Higher Education industry
July 2005 – November 2005 (5 months)
-Assisted students with life skills related tasks (i.e. finances, problem solving)
Child Protective Specialist II
Youth, and Families Child Protective Services
Higher Education industry
March 2004 – April 2005 (1 year 2 months)
-Allegation screening and investigating allegation of child abuse and neglect
Carried out child assessments related to child safety along with any other imminent risk of harm
Attend court hearings related to the abused child or children
Case Manager
COPE Behavioral Services
Higher Education industry
October 2002 – March 2004 (1 year 6 months)
-Monitoring and documenting clients' compliance with medications, attendance to therapy groups and medical appointments, and employment attendance.
-Advocating for individuals who are seriously mentally ill and/or substance abuse related issues.
Group Home Staff
Catholic Community Services
Non-Profit; 51-200 employees; Non-Profit Organization Management industry
February 2000 – July 2002 (2 years 6 months)
Independent Study
University of Arizona
Higher Education industry
September 2000 – May 2001 (9 months)
Monday, June 21, 2010
A Story of Truth
At this point in my life I am pretty sure I want to incorporate photography to some degree into my professional career, I am just not sure yet in what capacity. Photojournalism covers an array of topics, tailoring to specific audiences. At times it is mind boggling to think of how much power and influence the media has. Photography has become a highly used tool for controlling and manipulating the media. Visual influence has become an integrated part of our everyday society. Nearly all modes of communication, from flat screen television sets and net books to magazines and newspapers, are grazed with images that consume us, both pleasing and horrifying to the eye.
It seems like the most talked about news these days either relate to celebrities and their publicized "private" lives. I think that is an oxymoron. I started to wonder if the paparazzi were considered photojournalist. The suppose the two do have similar characteristics, but when I think of any form of journalism I'd like to think it always tries to obtain the closest version of the truth. Paparazzi i are the polar opposite of this. Knowing the truth is not relevant to getting the job done. Whereas with photojournalism I imagine that uncovering the raw truth through a visual expression is main objective to the profession.
Their seems to be this relentless craving for this need for attention that exists, which is evident through the media's contents I chooses to make public. It is almost as though our personal lives are not fulfilling unless their is some shock value attached to it. Hence, the reason for the popularity of reality shows. Drama continues as long as different media platforms continue to supply and distribute.
Have you heard the latest hollabaloo surrounding Miley Cyrus? Celebrity Gossip Blogger: Perez Hilton apparently posted an inappropriate photo of the 17 year old tween singer, and may possibly be considered child pornography. Besides the fact that the young star seems to be just fine exploiting herself to the public, with racy music videos. Miley Cyrus's recent music videos for song 'Can't Be Tamed' portrays the star as this seductress black bird in a cage, who provocatively plays with the other fellow bird friends of hers. Besides being an odd concept, the contents of the video minimizes the implications connected to this sort of behavior, especially for young females.
In a Huffington Post interview Cyrus is quoted saying, "when you're 11, the word you would use to describe someone is definitely not sexy, and as you get older I think you grow into that. And I think I've done that but that's not my schtick. That's not what I'm trying to do to sell records. I want people to buy my record because of my music." Statements like this, along with her actions is suggestive to young women coming to age that sexual element is correlated--saying it's okay to explore and experiment. It is important to address the potential consequences that all forms of media has on the general public, because people are so easily influenced.
Often the paparazzi are the ones to take these scandalous photos we see in the news. The truth is
these images that once shocked us seem to have only desensitized us even more. So you see it is unnecessary to continue photographing for shock value, because it has no real relevance in a
world where we've become immune to these types of images.
Just as celebrities have a responsibility, so do photographers. 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.
It seems like the most talked about news these days either relate to celebrities and their publicized "private" lives. I think that is an oxymoron. I started to wonder if the paparazzi were considered photojournalist. The suppose the two do have similar characteristics, but when I think of any form of journalism I'd like to think it always tries to obtain the closest version of the truth. Paparazzi i are the polar opposite of this. Knowing the truth is not relevant to getting the job done. Whereas with photojournalism I imagine that uncovering the raw truth through a visual expression is main objective to the profession.
Their seems to be this relentless craving for this need for attention that exists, which is evident through the media's contents I chooses to make public. It is almost as though our personal lives are not fulfilling unless their is some shock value attached to it. Hence, the reason for the popularity of reality shows. Drama continues as long as different media platforms continue to supply and distribute.
Have you heard the latest hollabaloo surrounding Miley Cyrus? Celebrity Gossip Blogger: Perez Hilton apparently posted an inappropriate photo of the 17 year old tween singer, and may possibly be considered child pornography. Besides the fact that the young star seems to be just fine exploiting herself to the public, with racy music videos. Miley Cyrus's recent music videos for song 'Can't Be Tamed' portrays the star as this seductress black bird in a cage, who provocatively plays with the other fellow bird friends of hers. Besides being an odd concept, the contents of the video minimizes the implications connected to this sort of behavior, especially for young females.
In a Huffington Post interview Cyrus is quoted saying, "when you're 11, the word you would use to describe someone is definitely not sexy, and as you get older I think you grow into that. And I think I've done that but that's not my schtick. That's not what I'm trying to do to sell records. I want people to buy my record because of my music." Statements like this, along with her actions is suggestive to young women coming to age that sexual element is correlated--saying it's okay to explore and experiment. It is important to address the potential consequences that all forms of media has on the general public, because people are so easily influenced.
Often the paparazzi are the ones to take these scandalous photos we see in the news. The truth is
these images that once shocked us seem to have only desensitized us even more. So you see it is unnecessary to continue photographing for shock value, because it has no real relevance in a
world where we've become immune to these types of images.
Just as celebrities have a responsibility, so do photographers. 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.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Niche Searching
The term: niche remains to be this abstract idea I am unable to wrap myself around. Determining a niche is more difficult than I thought it would be. I wondered if everyone had a niche or if it was just for those in marketing. Even though I am not sure what my niche is, I am going to do my best in coming up with some interesting topics for future discussions.
I thought about things I am interested in and it boiled down to photography, people and their life story, traveling, and art. Right now my dream job would be a photographer for National Geographic. I figure I could create photographs into beautiful pieces of art. The subjects' would be from all over the world (this is where National Geographic might help me with this component). I can combine all my favorite things into one profession.
I suppose a marketing niche would be photography. Although I am not sure how specific one's niche would have to be. Would I have to identify with some subcategory of photography? These are all things I will have to look into more in depth. I am content for now because I am a little closer with finding my niche today than I was from yesterday.
I thought about things I am interested in and it boiled down to photography, people and their life story, traveling, and art. Right now my dream job would be a photographer for National Geographic. I figure I could create photographs into beautiful pieces of art. The subjects' would be from all over the world (this is where National Geographic might help me with this component). I can combine all my favorite things into one profession.
I suppose a marketing niche would be photography. Although I am not sure how specific one's niche would have to be. Would I have to identify with some subcategory of photography? These are all things I will have to look into more in depth. I am content for now because I am a little closer with finding my niche today than I was from yesterday.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)