The End of a Beginning

Next Tuesday, I will officially finish my first term of photography school. I can't believe how quickly the last nine weeks have gone by! I have learned SO much over that time and am feeling slightly overwhelmed because I know that the work ahead of me isn't going to get any easier. But, I am also so excited to see what is in store for me next term. Today, I spent the entire day finishing up final project for my last class. Other than final exams, my term is basically over. So, I figured I would share some of my favorite photos from this term with all of you! 

This was a project based on balanced light. I loved the background that the seat cushions gave though! 

I was given a project where I had to find a picture that inspired me to take a picture. I hadn't done any people photography yet, so I decided to look at some engagement pictures. This was the outcome of my "inspiration" shoot. I loved the color of the bridge! 

Another assignment was to take pictures of bold colors. I went to a outdoor market and there was just color everywhere! I spent a long time taking pictures of all the different foods that were at the market.

This image is from my favorite assignment. My professor gave me a list of words and I had to choose two and define the word in a photograph. This is my "DANCE". 

Another image from my "DANCE" session

These next four images are from my final project that I worked on ALL day today. I had to emulate a photographer who established his/her career before 1980. To challenge myself, I wanted to choose a photographer that took images that wouldn't typically be my style. I research Jan Groover who is most famous for images that she took only with items found in her kitchen. So, this morning I woke up early and started a photo shoot that confined me to my kitchen for hours. I learned that still life photography is HARD work!!

One thing I noticed about Jan Groover's work was that she only did partials of her subjects. She also had a reoccurring theme of green hues pop up in her images. I was so relieved that I had green dishes! 

Jan Groover also used a lot of shadows and reflections in her images. I had to really scrub and polish all my silverware and stainless steel to get some good reflections! 

Finally, Jan Groover just seemed to throw a lot of random things from her kitchen into one place and photograph it. I was standing on the counter to take this picture and slammed my head on the ceiling when I stood up too quick! 

This was from a composition assignment. This is an example of framing. I fell in LOVE with this picture! I was in downtown St. Pete with some friends who pointed out this archway. I quickly asked them if they wouldn't mind modeling as a couple in love for me and I'm so thankful that they agreed! 

Ok, so this picture wasn't from an assignment. I won tickets to the PBR that was being hosted down here in Tampa. What made my night was when I was able to go down and meet the top 15 bull riders in the country AND get their autographs!!

So there is a little peak of what I've been working on for the past several weeks. Hope you enjoyed the photos!

Dani Lee Photography?

I had an evening completely to myself tonight so I decided to grab my camera and head down to the beach. It was the first time I was at the beach by myself with my camera. I quickly learned that when people see you taking pictures, they suddenly are very eager to have your to their picture. What I thought would be a nice quiet night on the beach ended up being social hour for me. But, I really enjoyed it. I met some very interesting people- people that I would probably never talk to or approach because I'd be way too intimidated but theres something about the camera that pulls out a more outgoing side of me, I guess. Below is the first group of characters that I came across:

They were SO excited about their picture when I showed it to them!

After a quick convo with these fellas, we went our separate ways and I began snapping pictures here and there, trying to get a better feel for my camera and all of its settings. Below are just a few shots I took before I met my next subject:

 As I was getting ready to leave the beach, I noticed a guy who was skim boarding. He had gathered quite an audience since he was the only out there and he was a little bit of a show off. As much as I wanted to take photos of him, I figured I wouldn't give him the satisfaction of an audience and a photographer (I kind of have a thing about feeding into people's egos. It drives me crazy). BUT as I was walking away, he asked me if I was able to get any good shots. He then offered his services and said that he would do his best to give me a few good shots. I really wanted to take some pics soooooo I gave in. I'm glad I did. I'm happy with some of the shots that I got of him. Afterwards, he of course was curious to see how they turned out and I showed them to him. He was thrilled and even asked for copies- how could I say no? Next time, I'm charging for my services :-) But, shame on me for being judgmental because he ended up being a super nice kid and was very kind and respectful. Below are some of my favorites that I shot of my new friend Travis:

While I was taking pictures of Travis, another gentleman (with an EXTREMELY nice camera) joined me and my little photo shoot and even gave me a few pointers as the night went on. While I had expected a quiet night, I loved meeting and getting to know several different types of people. I think I will end up visiting the beach with my camera more often! 

I know some of you out there are incredible photographers already, so please don't judge me too hard with these pictures! Like I said, I'm learning and I've got a long way to go but I really do love being behind the camera. I don't know where I'll go with photography- maybe do some freelancing or work for National Geographic (BIG DREAM!) or maybe I'll end up starting Dani Lee Photography, who knows?! But I've got some time to figure it out. Hope y'all enjoy the photos! Oh and if you would like to have a little photo shoot of your own, just let me know;-)

Never Forget

I actually liked freshman spanish class in high school. I felt as though I was pretty good at it too. On September 11, 2001, Miss Parroquiano began teaching us how to say the family tree en espanol. She flipped on the overhead (remember those?) and a large tree appeared on the board. I remember scribbling down notes furiously and even drawing my own tree. Suddenly, that familiar "beep"of the intercom sounded in the room and our principal's voice filled the classroom. 

"Our nation is under attack."

I will never forget where I was or how those words silenced an entire school so quickly. The principal continued to explain the terrorist attack that was currently ongoing in New York City. He then said a quick prayer and the room went silent again. No one really knew what to do. Miss Parroquiano continued to teach, but I wasn't worried about taking notes anymore. What was going on? What was happening? 

I went on to my next class, but by this time no one was really focused on the school day. Every television that we had in the school had the news on. For the rest of the day we went from class to class watching all the events of September 11 unfold. When it reached the news that the Pentagon had been hit, I remember a girl began crying loudly. Her father was working in the Pentagon that day. Soon after, we heard about the plane going down in Somerset County, only about eight counties away from school. Thankfully, no one at our school was directly effected. The girl whose father worked at the Pentagon was able to get word to her that he was safe. But it will always be a day that I will never, ever, forget. 

While I won't forget about the horrible events that happened that day, I don't think I will ever forget how we came together us a nation. I remember driving down the streets in small town Pennsylvania and seeing the American flag fly from almost every home. I remember how kind and helpful everyone was. I remember our nation coming together in a way that I have never seen before. 

I wish our nation would be that way again. 

On this day, eleven years later, I still get teary eyed thinking about those innocent people who lost their lives that day. I think of their families who have to live each day without their loved ones. I think about those soldiers who have left their families and friends at home to fight for our freedom and protection. I especially think of those soldiers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for my freedom and my protection. I also think of their families who have to continue life without someone that they love. 

Finally, I think that we need to wake up as a nation. We say that we will never forget, but is that true? Where have the American flags gone? Or the appreciation for soldiers who die everyday for my freedom, for your freedom? Where is the kindness and the selflessness that was shown for weeks, even months after the attack? 

Please, America- Let's not forget.