Redefine reality.
The skyline of Manhattan, as seen from the top of the Empire State, is one sight to behold. To try and fit this entire urban beauty into only one image is quite a daunting task, as from this height, roads, skyscrapers, and the one-of-a-kind city energy stretch on for miles. However, hopefully, this photo, from the perspective of a pair of binoculars, perfectly frames even a small portion of New York City’s beauty.
This photograph was my favorite moment from the production day of our humor project. For this assignment, myself and freestyle students Tai, Nick, and Milo, decided to create a music video for a rap song we produced. We decided to buy props such as chains/jewelry as well as clothing to really sell the generic rapper look. We even wrapped tin foil around our teeth to look like grills. In our song, our humor came from poking fun at the generic tropes of gangsters while making fun of bay area stereotypes that stem from the privilege we have living here. Overall this project was incredibly fun to create, and was a great way to cleverly incorporate props into a film.
As a photographer, depth of field has always been a creative element that I have strived to use to elevate the quality of my photos. However, out of all the pictures I have taken, I think that this photograph taken in Los-Altos hills is the quintessential example of the perfect depth of field. The way that Nick’s outfit juxtaposes the surrounding calm environment makes this picture incredibly captivating.
When we go about our day-to-day lives, we sometimes get too caught up in the present moment and are unable to take a step back to realize our goals and ambitions. When you reframe your perspective, that can be a catalyst for positive change, you just need to take the opportunity to soak it all in. I think that this photograph metaphorically embodies that powerful message.
The city of San Francisco is a vibrant one, not just because of its colors and infrastructure, but because of its unique cultures and communities that all coexist with one another. Only in this city can you go from a place like North Beach, an area immersed in centuries of Italian heritage, to Chinatown, a neighborhood that’s exploding with Asian culture, within a one-minute walk. A world like this is truly something straight out of a movie and is a true pleasure to be able to experience.
In the rare absence of downtown Mountain View’s nightlife, I was able to capture this mesmerizing picture that accentuates the street’s architectural symmetry. Because the rule of thirds wasn’t used, the image has a very polarizing angle that makes it stand out. I think the different vibrant colors mixed with the composition techniques I used for the crow (which is the only thing that breaks the symmetry) make for a captivating photograph.
Growing up, some of us remember trips to the ice cream parlor as one of our fondest memories. I think that the colors and framing of this image speak to the idea of joy and helps us relive that nostalgic childhood excitement. As I reflect upon the earlier days and reminisce over those simpler times, I can’t help but feel sad that they’re gone. But at the same time, Im also happy about what the future holds.
Using the fill frame is a great way to bring focus to your subject. Using the mundane environment of this brick alleyway, we are able to juxtapose this stranger’s colorful outfit, specifically his gold ear piercing. This was one of my favorite photos to take; I think the unique environment and positioning of the subject makes for a very captivating photo.
Nobody is perfect, although some of us strive to be. Whether it’s with our appearance, representation, or habits, setting unrealistic expectations can be unhealthy. This composition image, which flips both the left and right side of Tai’s face to show “perfect symmetry,” highlights the beauty in imperfection (the original image looks the best). This image stands as a reminder to love ourselves, and accept our flaws, as that is what makes us human.
Our world is immersed in geometry, sometimes you have to take a step back and look at things from a different lens to realize it.