More Fun in the Santorini Sun...

As we wrap up or last week here on the island, I wanted to show you a few things that have kept us busy. Besides homework and daily work assignments!

We had a our long weekend break recently. A few of us took a ferry over to another island, Ios. It was a lot of fun! We traveled on our own (without the help of Peter..which we now do not take for granted at all!) and spend a night enjoying ourselves in another beautiful place. We were able spend the day on an actual sanded beach! We ate at a really fun pub just down the road from our hotel. The owner was actually our waiter and he loved us! He even gave us a few of his favorite drinks for free. We then spent the rest of the night playing games, cards, and enjoying each others company!

After the long weekend we had a really busy week. It was the  beginning of our last week, and we had classes, a LONG hike to the very top of Profitis Ilias (a mountain), another VERY long hike from the city of Fira to the city of Oia, a sunset shoot in Oia (where the sisterhood of the traveling pants movie was shot), a volcano trip...and a BBQ at the hotel with all of the students, professors, our host and his family, and everyone else who have helped make our trip so memorable.

I can't wait to actually show you all the pictures I have.. these are only a few and do not do the experience justice.

Post card view of Oia :)

But not a postcard...I actually took this and its really as beautiful as the real postcards make it look.

Old crazy Potter... :) SO MUCH fun. I successfully threw a bowl. 

Look Mom! This is the ferry we took back! I actually didn't mind this ride :)

The view from our Balcony in Ios! Shout-out to one of my besties Rachel Vosberg; Pelagos!!

Final Project :)

Our final project! Finally! :) It seems like we have been doing SO much work lately! But really, we have been quite busy; finshing up our daily assignments, our last major assignment, picking photos for our class slideshow, choosing photos to submit for the Gallery showing, printing photos for our wonderful host Marios, PLUS putting together this last assignment.

Not to mention, we've had our final lessons and oral exam for Greek this past week. We've been extremely busy! ...All while having fun though. We've also kept busy with day trips, our weekend excursions, LONG hikes, and many more exciting things.

Hopefully I'll be able to upload a few more blogs for you to read about all of that. But, for now I want to explain my final project for you.

This is how Tamara explained our project as we first began working:

For this assignment, we needed 30 images that would illustrate our perception of Santorini. They would need to be placed in an order that reflected a sense of narrative.

For each image, we needed to provide a title.(The text helps to bridge the gap between a narrative that is solely in the artist’s mind and one presented in the photographic image.)

Elements that we were to consider as we approached constructing our photo essay about the island of Santorini:

• The shapes (lines/patterns/textures/layers)
• The colors (in architecture/clothing/graffiti, etc.)
• The food (culture/restaurants/traditions)
• The landscape (geographical features, cityscape, rural)
• The people (faces that inhabit the island/characters of the story)
• The soul of the island
• Quality of light (at different times of day/different locations/the shadows and the light)
• The illusion vs. the reality of Santorini (its beauty vs. its darkness)

Considering this all together, we needed to figure our the story we most wanted to tell about the island and our experience of it. We were asked to call on our imagination in combination with raw lived experience in order to tell a story that would draw in our viewers. Keeping in mind as we constructed our photo essay how to create a sense of narrative progression as well as consider how color crafts a sense of cohesion.

We were also asked to put to work all the different elements that we’ve been working with across the past month in order to construct a sense of narrative/to shoot cinematically with an eye toward capturing moments worth freezing for eternity: rule of thirds; framing; composition; point of view (various camera angles—above, below, from eye level, from the subjective point of view); perspective (spatial relationship between objects, depth of field--aperture, establishing shots, long shots, medium shots, close-up, macro, use of various lenses if possible); capturing action (use of shutter speed for correct exposures); quality of light (to shape atmosphere and sculpt subject); correct and creative use of white balance; use of color (to create emotional impact and tension).

Sounds kinda tough right? Well, it wasn't easy! That's for sure. I'm not even sure I did it right :( BUT, I will explain to you the story/theme that I tried to create; My experience here on the island that I wanted to share with you..

I choose to do a daily life type of photo essay. Why? Well, I've been "living" here for a month and it began to feel like a new home after a while. I wanted you to see my life here; the things that I saw, the things that made me feel at home, and the similarities between (my) life here and life an entire world away from here...I had a daily routine, (like I do back home), I encountered many of the same people every day, I woke up in the same bed, went to the same grocery store, spent my free time with my Santorini family; it became home for a while. I felt comfortable, safe, and part of a community. After a while, I wasn't just another tourist here for a vacation. People on the boardwalk recognized us, greeted us, and always asked how we were doing. (And how much time we had left!.) I think you get what I'm saying!

So, I start this photo essay with what I feel is a strong image..one that creates for you a new life and takes you through what could be a day, a week, or even a lifetime, at home; not just some beautiful vacation destination. As it closes, I hope that you get a sense of what life here in Greece is like; Probably very close to your day back in your home but also special in the same ways you find home special to you.

The last photo may seem a bit odd to you, but I felt that the older style, flannel, night wear could help you create a sense of age from the first photo to the last.

Just follow this link...

Greek Myth

Our assignment was to pick a Greek myth and the create a photo story with it.. taking into consideration light, symbolic light, costuming, and etc. I chose Aphrodite.. the Goddess of love, beauty, pleasure, and procreation. Rather than just trying to portray those aspects of her I decided to choose her famous love affair with Ares--the God of war. In much of classic art and literature that is whom she is paired with. However, through many centuries she is paired with numerous lovers. (I mean, she is the Goddess of love..pleasure..beauty..) Her affair with Ares lasted her entire marriage to Hephaistos and even longer... P.s Big shout-out to CHARLIE for being a wonderful Ares. Here is one of the photos that I took for the assignment. I also have added the link for the pdf with all the rest of them for you to see :)

This is my story line, the pdf I mentioned earlier.

Sky Brothers, Mr. Green Jeans, & Low Light

Based on our reading from last night we had to take pictures in different types of lighting.. A lot like yesterday's assignment but in different types of light.

Sky brothers for blue; basically you meter your camera at the sky, and then use that exposure to create an image. It works especially well on things like landscapes (especially winter), black puppies, bright flowers.. There are also brother backlit, brother dusky blue sky, and brother reflecting sky..

Mr. Green Jeans helps expose the best of greens. (Hence the name I suppose?)

Low light photography is always a challenge to gain correct exposure. In my photographs, I increased the ISO on my camera to gain better exposure in the available light I had.

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Light Assignment

Today's reading/assignment was based on a few different types of light used for shooting photos; Front light, Back light, Side light, and Overcast lighting. We were asked to use the different types of light with our pictures. They seem like pretty simple concepts and they are! I don't do the methods enough justice... as soon as you're done reading this.. Google the different types and I bet you'll get a MUCH better idea as to how they can "make" a photograph in its own story.

:)

Front Light

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Front Light 

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Front Light; Reading Notes Option 1:

Peterson says, "Imagine for a moment that your camera lens is a giant spotlight. Everywhere you point the lens you would light the subject in front of you." Simple right? Very. With front light, we are able to light almost all of the subject evenly; In turn, making correct exposure fairly easy for any photographer. This photo gives a good example of that. The dogs entire face is almost evenly lit, along with his (white) belly. Front light, as in this photo, also gives off a warm color tone if done at the best parts of the day; early mornings or later hours of the day before the sun goes down. Our furry friend here, was photographed early in the morning. It gives him a warm look, one that (hopefully) creates a warm response and enhances his highlights and different hair colors. 

As for the other photos in this assignment, the lighting is meant to compliment the subject as well as helping make the photograph unique to view. Sidelight proves viewers with both light and shadows to create a strong photo and response. Back light helps create silhouettes--which can become very strong pictures. 

Why are these important? Well for one, they produce entirely different photos; even of the same subject. They help create different emotions and perspectives. And, they enhance the response(s). 

What makes them important? Creative exposure! Correctly exposing what you want exposed, in order to create the emotion via your type light. 

Side Light

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Side Light

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Back Light

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Shelter Trip :)

Today we took a morning trip to the SAWA dog shelter here in Santorini. They currently house approximately 95 dogs of all sizes. Its actually really cute..they have pens where they are kept; the A-team, TerrorVille, MiniClub, and Pointers. :)

After learning a bit about the shelter we were able to visit each ville/club, a donkey/mule/horse area, and then able to walk dogs down to the beach!

We each got to choose our size dog, (I chose a little guy, so he wasn't dragging me the whole way!) and we were able to spend about an hour or so walking with them to the beach. There was a group of 30+ of us so I'm sure you can imagine a large group of kids/dogs walking along!

Anyway, there is SO much more to tell you about. The shelter is brand new. In fact, its one of the only in Greece and the only on the island of Santorini.

But get this; they don't  have animals as companions here. Animals are work animals, not play mates, or friends, or...anything like what we have our animals for back home. Think about your pet? You don't stray them because they become useless for you do you? Well, here...they do. It baffles me!!

It makes me sad thinking about it, so I better just go ahead and show you my photos.

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Weekend Life :)

Another, much needed weekend off after a long week of homework :)

Its only Saturday but I've had such an amazing weekend already that I thought I would share now!

Last night we had another one of our famous Friday night feasts and boy was it good! We once again started with appetizers; Greek salad, fried feta cheese, bread and dips, and a delicious pork sausage with green peppers and a red sauce, and then finally after a few hours of wining and pre-dining, we enjoyed our full course meals. I decided on the Gyros this week. They were SO yummy. Marios told us we are going to schedule another feast for us because our group enjoys them so much ;) ha

Anyway, this morning I got up and took a walk down the boardwalk for coffee; the waves were small and quite relaxing. I found myself picking out books at one of the bookstores along the beach, luckily (? or not so lucky)..we have a nine hour flight from Paris to condone my much to large euro exchange with the bookstore lady!

From there, I started one of them next to the pool with Hilary :) we snacked, talked, read, and just enjoyed the sunshine!

For those of you that don't know, I really dislike ferry rides and small boats. BUT, a group of the girls (plus Tanner and Andrew) magically talked me into taking a "like five minute ride", according to Julie (more like 20 minutes in a really small board with 2 large non-English speaking Greek men) to Perissa. It's only just around the mountain point and has a beautiful black sanded beach. We sipped on ice cold drinks, laid in the sun... swam, walked the boardwalk. Some played volleyball.. and made the much faster (thanks to the waves) trip back to our home stretch of Kamari Beach. A really wonderful and relaxing day.

It's almost dinner time for us now, I'm sure most of us will enjoy a little something from our favorite spot; Navy's. (I featured it in one of my earlier assignment posts.)

Tomorrow I plan to spend my day shopping in Fira. I still need to find Adyson and Stella something fun to bring home. Another nice day in the city might just cap off the weekend :)

Miss you all. In exactly TWO weeks I'll be landing in Fargo. Love you!

Peace & Blessings!
Aims

Levi, Andrew, & Spencer singing while Sydney plays "Wagon Wheel.." at Friday's feast :)

Bri, Courtney, Myself and Kristi on our ferry ride to Perissa :) 

Kristi and I enjoying beach time in Perissa!

Black sand beach in Perissa! Lady shot!

Julie, Megan, Colleen, Myself, Kristi, Courtney, & Bri on the beach of Perissa. Only a few of girls went so we figured a good lady photo was in order! :) (Thanks Andrew!!)

Portrait Photography

Thursday's assignment was to take portraits of our assigned partners... We were to take them in a sort of secrecy. :) They weren't allowed to know what we wanted to portray--which was how we see them. Not as they see themselves; they weren't allowed to have input in the way we photographed them. It was a fun experience--to be paired with someone in the class.

I was able to spend my time with Julie. She's a very fun, kind, smart, and sassy 22 year old. And not sassy in the teenage drama queen way. More like, outgoing, clever, witty, humorous, and likable way! Taking in a couple hours of the Kamari live with Julie was really nice. Not only did we talk about our experience here and the very different lives we live back home, we were able to learn a lot about each other. Just like everyone else I have met and spent this wonderful experience with, I consider her a very good friend.

Oh and...She's beautiful!

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The Decisive Moment

"Instinctively knowing the split second to press the shutter provides the opportunity to 'fix' eternity in a moment.." Cartier-Bresson

Our second major assignment was to capture a moment in time...sounds hard right? I really can't explain it but, I hope the photographs will be able to.

Strangers

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Dedicated 

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Young at Heart

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Forever & Always

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Mommy & Me

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Work or Play

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A life of Laughter

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Sweet Serenade

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Street Portraiture

Today our assignment was called Street Portraiture. (Very different from yesterday's assignment..;) We were told to introduce and create a rapport with 4 total strangers. After we felt comfortable, we were asked to ask them...to take their portrait. :)

NOT EASY! Not even for someone like me...who loooooves to talk! I had a tough time starting, but once I got going it also got easier. 

The overall task for us was to take a portrait that made a statement about them; not just what they do but find something powerful about them/their features, tell a story about their personality. 

We also had a lot of work on our next major assignment that we have due tomorrow... which you'll see soon enough!

Love ya'll. 

Aims

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Street Photography & Panning

Today's assignment took us on an field trip back to Fira. :) Despite the exciting city bus ride and long mid-morning/early afternoon journey through the city, this assignment was hard.

I can't quite explain what street photography means for you, but I will tell you it has everything to do with people; catching moments, capturing stories, creating stories...

We were also asked to try panning--a technique used in motion photography. I had a hard time with this, BUT I tried. And will continue to try in order to provide you with a better photo than the one I have for you below. This was my first try, so I hope that you can cut me a little slack. ;)

My attempt at the panning technique...

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Set Sail for Kamari Dining

This assignment was quite difficult. It wasn't what I expected for a Monday, that's for sure. Especially starting a new topic. However, Tamara must have had some strong faith in us as she gave us our "options" to approach our five daily photos.

Today, unlike our previous week where we learned to use our cameras and its features, we did things a bit differently. We were given 4 magazine options and their websites. The concept was that with our five photos we had to "illustrate" an article. :) We imagined that we were taking the photos for a written article that was being published to their website. Our options were; Wine Spectator, Bon Appetit, Conde Nest Traveler, and Architectural Digest.

Based on the URL, we were to research the site; find out its purpose, its ideas, topics, audience, things like that. Stuff that we would need to know if we really were writing/photographing for them--things that would help our photos succeed in the eyes of their viewers.

I chose the www.cntraveler.com and my imaginary article was one of those "secret spot", "hidden treasures" "must try this" type writings. I'm sure you've all read something like that; the "can't pass this place up while (here)" things.

Anyway, I chose to photograph one of our favorite places here in Kamari--Navy's. :) A local restaurant, cafe/bar. After very politely asking the owner (who knows Peter pretty well) for permission to shoot his treasure, I began to wonder around and take in all the nook the little place had. It was quite tough, figuring out what "stood" out, what would draw me to the article if I was scrolling through the webpage.

After quite a bit of frustration (and a very large, delicious, piece of chocolate cake), I settled on a few photos.

Set Sail for Kamari Dining: Navy's Restaurant, Cafe, & Bar. 

To Die For Chocolate Cake

Aperture 4.5

Shutter Speed 1/20

ISO 200

Greek Salad 

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Wine Selection

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Reading Notes Option 1:  The Importance of Shutter Speed

First, to introduce you to my reason behind choosing these photos I want to remind you that I chose to "write/photograph" for Conde Nest Traveler. I was drawn to Navy's because of its delicious food, dessert, drinks, and its welcoming/exciting atmosphere. I wanted to illustrate to my "readers" what intrigued me; why I like it so much. Now, this might seem silly because the general demographics of Conde Nest Traveler are as follows: Median Age 42.6, Median HHI $93,259, Gender - Male/Female 47% / 53%. 

Yet, I believe that because of these numbers I was able to choose photos that were mature, appealing, sophisticated, classy, and interesting; while trying to convey my "secret spot, must try, hidden treasure" idea.  

As mentioned before, shutter speed is important in gaining the correct exposure because it allows for light to hit the media/film for a certain amount of time. Peterson states that shutter speed should be made a priority for photographers because of its ability in working with low light shooting when a tripod is missing.  This is significant because all of the photos from this post were taken inside Navy's dining area--not a very well lit place at that time. There were some light fixtures, but to set the tone/mood of evening dining, it was more of a romantic light; dim and more sepia-like. All of which adds to the ideals listed earlier; mature, classy, sophisticated, unique, etc. (And I didn't have a tripod...)

 In order to capture the already dark bottles, (without a flash and its ugly glare) I had to increase my ISO (but not too high because if I ever wanted to blow this baby up and place it a wall somewhere, I would want a clear photo) and my shutter speed; allowing what light I did have onto my digital media for a longer period of time. Notice the shutter speed for the wine photo was one 1/2 of a second. This means that my camera allowed what provided light there was to hit my media for one half of a second--a slow shutter speed. I was able to "lighten" my photo by manipulating the camera rather than flicking on a bright florescent light and avoiding an ugly flash reflection in the glass bottles. 

How did I do this without causing a dramatic amount of blur to my photos? (Which is what usually happens to photos if the shutter speed is quite slow and a tripod is absent.) With the low light, I was able to lower my shutter speed, but also creating a tripod/stand with my arms, my table, the floor--a solid surface under my arms. Don't think I'm a expert yet though, I did have countless blurry photos to go along with these ones. And, my camera has an IS--image stabilizer to help me out. 

:) 

Like The Comfort Of Your Own Home

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Sit, Dine, Drink, Enjoy. 

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