Week 4 Forum

Environmental Portrait - Subject Information 

For my environmental portrait subject, my principle individual is Samantha Lew, the owner of Lumos Studio in Corvallis, Oregon. Lumos is a salon and tattoo studio, both of which Sam does as her career. I recently reached out to her via instagram to schedule a time to shoot her at Lumos Studio which happens to be down the street from me. We will be shooting there on Wednesday October 30th in the evening. The props that will work best is her tattoo set up and the studio itself. 

My secondary subject is Brenna Murphy, a hairstylist who works at Epic Salon in Corvallis, Oregon. Brenna has been working as a cosmetologist for about 8 years both as an artist and as a teacher. Her props will be the different hair color tones, toner, mixing bowls, foil and hair dryers. I recently photographed her doing somebody's hair, but in this portraiture we will be having her more poised in the environment instead of in action in her salon. 

The primary tips that I picked up from the "Shooting Stars" video would be about making sure to get a variety of angles and frames that work around the subject, clear, flattering lighting that envelopes the subject rather than spotlighting the subject, and getting to know the subject in a natural, personality evoking way. 

Gnarsh Mellow EP 'Double Overhead'

Gnarsh Mellow Ep Release 

" 'Double Overhead' - A wave twice your size. All you can do is shred or die." 

     Local band, Gnarsh Mellow, debuted their album 

"Double Overhead" on Saturday, October 19th, 2019 night at Bombs Away Cafe, 

Corvallis OR 

From left: 

Kurt Hagan (bass and tambo), 

Drew Johnston(drums)  

Danny Romero (guitar), 

                 

Gnarsh Mellow began summer of 2017 after Kurt asked Drew if he wanted to come jam with his friend Danny. Post session all hands were in.




"Early on we just played fast and loud, but now we are settling in and giving each other space to say what we need to say musically. It's been amazing" -Drew Johnston, Drummer

"Kurt really wanted to sing but we said f*ck no" -Johnston

Their new album "Double Header" holds a rifty surf rock vibe, inviting the audience to let loose and integrate a youthful, urgency of life into the environment. They played from about 10:00 pm to midnight with a full crowd of enthusiastic supporters. 


"This new Ep is more dynamic than the last one. We added acoustic guitars." -Kurt 

Listen to "Double Overhead" on Spotify and Bandcamp : gnarshmellow.bandcamp.com

Week 3 Forum

Shooting an Event :

I decided to shoot an EP album debut concert at Bombs Away Cafe. I chose this event partially because I really enjoy being able to capture candid photos in stimulated, inspired environments. I also chose this to challenge my technical skills with the camera. It definitely helped to have a newer camera compared to my 5 year old Canon.

Some challenges I faced were being able to get front and center to the band without "hindering" the viewers mobility. Most everyone was respectful of the camera and myself, I experienced some shyness about really getting out there. At the same time, I was surprised at how open and willing people were to having their pictures taken. I was able to get some really intimate, natural and passionate shots of people all around the bar.

If I were to shoot this type of event again, I would definitely be a bit more aggressive about positioning myself to where I truly can get the best shots, as well as collecting the information on the spot. I definitely was adamant about checking in with people who I was interested in capturing whether they were comfortable with it or not, and if they were getting their names, but over all I could practice on remembering, getting names and info altogether.

Self-Critique

I would say that my photo of Kelsey Elliot, opening the doors of the Benton Center in Corvallis, is my favorite and best photo for this term so far.

The lighting is perfect, highlighting her face, and I was able to catch some action in the shot even if it is simply opening the door. I think her personality shines through and is a balanced set up of environment, motion and purpose.

I think my least favorite or worst photo of the term was when I was photographing Mrs. Herring in the biology classroom. My camera skills and ability to smoothly adjust ISO and shutter settings definitely showed through. Though part of the light challenge is due to my camera, I am looking forward to strengthening my technical skills.