LOVE & LOYALTY

 Assignment #1 

The trusting smile of a loving wife and the shear excitement of a daughter who is absolutely obsessed with you is hard to describe with words. Loyalty and love bring fulfillment and joy! Moments like this can be remembered through a snapshot. 

Can you feel the love?

I took this picture yesterday while chasing around my daughter playing hide-and-go-seek. She loves to play and this picture was captured as I found her and my wife under a blanket. I cropped the picture down and adjusted the frame so that each of their faces would be on an axis (divided in thirds). The lighting was also brightened as to show the emotion and excitement on each of their faces. I also toned down the colors a little bit so the focus would be more on my daughters smile, with the picture gradually getting lighter to the bottom right to pull the viewers eyes to the focal point.

Assignment #1- Rebecca Harpster - A Man's Best Friend

I took this picture when I just recently adopted my dog and I thought it really captured the innocence and vulnerability animals can convey to people. A dog is a man's best friend, but to that dog that man is everything to it. I'm not trying to preach that "dogs are people too," but dogs convey emotions according to the situation they are in. In this photo my dog conveys his emotion of loneliness and unhappiness being locked up in a cage and is just waiting for someone to take him out and play with him!

Assignment #1: Austin DeLaMare - Summertime Serenity

I took this image at the City Creek Mall, and did so because I thought the design of the water fountains and the layout of the shot was unique. The way the light hit the water during sunset gave the water a majestic feel and I strove to capture the serenity of the moment. Water, being a representation of life, “danced” playfully amidst the spinning fountains. I felt this lively depiction of water was a good, symbolic representation of the several kids that can be seen at City Creek Mall playing in the fountains during summertime. The warm lighting provided by the sunset gives a sort of calm, nostalgic feel to the shot. I placed the fountains closer to the upper 1/3 of the shot since that’s where eyes tend to naturally fall on first glance. The darkened bottom half and blurred upper half leaves only the fountains in focus, telling the viewer that the fountains are the focal point of the shot.

Assignment 1- Skyler Street Be Grateful

This is Weston. He is our 7 year old West Highland Terrier. He was diagnosed with diabetes 5 months ago and since then has developed cataracts in both of his eyes. The condition has worsened and now he is completely blind. This photo is a reminder to me of how precious life is and how quickly life can change. Weston was very energetic before as he loved to run and wrestle with you, but since his diagnosis he has become very calm and quiet.  He spends a lot of his time staring outside, almost in a sense that he can feel what is out there but he cannot see it anymore. This picture makes my heart ache inside but is a reminder to be grateful for what we have.

Assignment 1 – Jenna Randle – Peeping Toes

I took this photo at this little baby's blessing Sunday. As Rilo James was being held by her father, I couldn't help but swoon over these little toes. They peek from beneath the blanket, squirm at the touch of cool air and curl back up to find warmth. They are innocence. And her un-socked feet show her vulnerability to the world and it's people. 

Assignment #1-Lindsey Peterson-Mom and Dad

I went home for the evening and I walked into my whole family sitting at the dinner table so I decided to take some pictures. I told them all to act like they love each other and this is what I got! Even though I told my family to 'act like they love each other', I still love this picture of my parents and how candid it is. In this picture, I think you can see how much they love each other even after a long day (as you can tell my dad looks really tired)!
I also like this picture and how it shows a typical evening for my family or perhaps many families across America-coming home after a long day and gathering around the table for dinner like a loving family.

Assignment 1 -- Heidi Ertel -- The Despair of Lost Keys

When I arrived home a few nights ago, I happened onto a scene much like the one in this picture.  On that day, my roommate had an important assignment due that made up a lot of her grade in one her classes.  She had left her laptop home and planned to come back after work and classes and look it over one last time before submitting it.  Unfortunately, when she got back to our apartment, she couldn't find her keys and no one was home, and our manager's office had closed for the day.  In her desperation, she completely turned out the contents of her purse hoping to find her keys.  Instead, of finding keys, she found wrappers, receipts, makeup, various pens and pencils, medication, her wallet, lotions, sunglasses, her uncharged phone--pretty much anything and everything but her keys.  Thinking she was going to fail her class because she couldn't get in the apartment, she slumped against the wall in hopelessness and despair.  And that's when I found her.  I was able to let her in the apartment with about 10 minutes left until her assignment was due so she could submit it.  Luckily, in her haste, she had left all of the contents of her purse scattered on our front porch, and remembering her many emotions, I asked her to help me recreate that emotionally charged moment as a favor to me for saving her from the despair of lost keys. 

Losing your keys seems like such a small, insignificant thing, but as my roommate so beautifully portrayed, it was a lot more than that.  Losing her keys could have changed her life for years.  It's in the small things that we usually find the most meaning. 

Assignment 1- Sterling Addison Randle "It's just an illusion caused by the world spinning round"

I took this photo while coming home from Salt Lake last week. We passed right through a rainstorm and looked back to see both of these rainbows. It made me think that all of the cars represent each of us in our lives on a road to our different destinations and different lives but collectively we all have experiences that bring us joy and to see them all we have to do is look behind us.

Assignment #1-Sydney Walton-There is Beauty All Around

I feel like every time I go to the temple I take a picture because the beauty never ceases to amaze me. However, most of my pictures are bright and sunny, but today was different. I tried to apply the concept of rule of thirds when taking it, and I loved the way it turned out! Having the Angel Moroni and the American flag in the same frame reminds me how blessed I am to be in this gospel and live in this country. This picture carries a lot of meaning because as cheesy as this may sound the temple was such a light in my day and I loved being able to see its beauty in a different way than I normally do. 

Assignment #1-Dania Rice- Levels of Learning

Everybody needs to experience life in alternate views.  How do you know what you like if you do not allow yourself the opportunity.  A majority of class lives in fear of sitting in the balcony. (Yes, fear of Callahan)  Taking chances may be what you need to become a better person.  Taking your turn to sit on the top can allow you to become a better student. Detaching yourself from the class is possible wherever you sit. It is all about what kind of student you are.  Are you there to learn or sit and be distracted by outside thoughts and Pinterest.  If you aren't there to learn, don't waste your time.  If you come to learn, what level of student are you?

Heaviness by Mandy Facer Project 1

"Heaviness" by Mandy Facer 
September 27, 2014

The trials, afflictions and aches of life often weigh on us. When we find ourselves drooping, it can be tempting to wallow in doubt and self-pity. We don't have to be trapped in our heaviness though. Instead we can follow the example of the rose and choose to look past our present pain; we can soak up the lessons and blessings only available in this difficult period. If we do, we’ll bloom stronger when the rain does pass. 

Asst #1- Clarissa Oliphant: Just Chillin'

This photo demonstrates a story we have all had at some point: 
Long day.
Finally home.
Get comfortable.
Feet up.
Do what you love.
Relax.

I chose this photo because the vibrant colors reflect the energy from this moment and the angle allows you to take the perspective of the individual having this experience.

Assignment #1 - Hannah Childs - Never Forgotten

Everyone remembers where they were on 9/11. September 11th is a day that will never be forgotten in the hearts of Americans. The people who died and those who continue to fight and die for our country will never be forgotten. I took this picture at the BYU football game on September 11th. This picture has more than one emotion. The main emotions I want to point out from this picture are the feelings of somber and hope. The somber feeling comes from the darkening around the flag. It sends the message that many people are putting their lives on the line daily so the American people can raise the flag. It is a reminder to the American people to never forget what price has to be paid for freedom.The light on the left corner of the picture brings in the feeling of hope. Hope that one day we will live in a world without war. It also shows hope to Americans that one day the fight for freedom will come to an end. I hope we will always remember the somber past and use it to bring a brighter light to a hopeful future.

Brett Bertola - "Benny and the Jets"

As I was cooking dinner my roommate came home and started dancing toward me. We both started laughing and then I made him do it again so I could get a video of the happy moment. This was the best still shot from the video. Enjoy. I cropped and edited the photo to make his smile stand out. 

David Rowe Assignment #1 "End of the Day"

This is the view outside one of my windows. It represents to me a day coming to a close—giving me feelings of relief that I'm comfortable at home. Illustrated by the illuminated windows, others, however, are still at work. I think we can all relate to this emotion of being home at the end of the day and not being envious of those still toiling away at their jobs.

Assignment #1 - Tyler Evenson - Chamba Living

I was able to snap this picture last summer while I was in India. I had a few to choose from, but the rays of light coming down on the mountain I thought best represented the beauty in this small town in the mountains of the Himalayas. The idea is the joy and beauty of service. I got the opportunity to help teach english, work skills, and hygiene to some of the cutest orphans you'd ever meet. On top of that, we were able to do service for many people we'd never met. Being able to help people in a country so beautiful (despite the awful smell) was a blessing beyond words. Also I truly think it's impossible to take a bad picture in India. Also Indian food is good every now and then, but not every day three times a day.

Assignment #1 Alex Skinner - "The House Among the Pines"

I went home this weekend for a wedding. I am from Northern California, which is current resident to the King wildfire. One of my friends took me to his parents house where an ominous cloud of smoke moved toward his home. I took the picture in the one area where there was a hole among the trees to get a shot of the smoke. Unfortunately the sun was shining on many areas and provided distracting lighting (like the light that showed the three cars parked at the house. While editing I had to eliminate the lighted areas that distracted the eye from the central focus of the picture: the house that leads to the trees that point upward to the smoke. I love the trees as the only line of defense between the fire and the home. I brightened the image in the center of the house and around the edges of the smoke to make the blue sky a more perfect outline of the smoke. The rest is basically a tree sandwich with the grey house and smoke as the bread. This picture is so frightening and real.  Close up the scene is peaceful and beautiful, but simply look to the sky and the immanence of destruction is real. The house among the pines is safe for now, protected by the trees and nameless heroes fighting the blaze.

Assignment #1 Bryan Pearson Comfort

I chose to take a picture of this pie because to me it represents american comfort. To many americans a homemade strawberry pie is a symbol of home and mothers cooking. This I why I chose to use a pie to demonstrate the concept of comfort. Most Americans are familiar with the idea of a woman in the kitchen baking a fresh pie, pulling it from the oven and setting it on a window sill to cool. This are strong images that have been written in our cultural DNA thanks to cartoons, and shows like Leave it to Beaver. This image of comfort proceeds beyond all borders because whether or not an individual likes pie or not they most likely will be familiar with the concept of a pie freshly baked. Comfort is an interesting concept that is routinely depicted with a blanket and a teddy bear or something similar.

Assignment #1- Nicole Hale - Finding Peace

Sometimes Provo can be overwhelming and life gets a little too complicated. All I want during these times is serenity. I find that changing my perspective and getting some air helps me find peace. This view is one of my favorite spots to get away and help get a different perspective on things. Where do you go to find peace?

Assignment #1 - Courtney Johansson - The Depths of Anxiety

The emotion I wanted to capture is anxiety. It can be triggered by many factors, and can make those affected feel trapped. Anxiety is a very common issue and many of people struggle with it. The thought bubbles are meant to represent the daily stresses that can cause anxiety, and the yellow rope is symbolic of the grasps that anxiety can have. The face that the subject is making shows contemplation and nervousness and helps capture the overall feeling of anxiety. I think this photo can help those who don't struggle with anxiety to know what it can feel like to those who do. 

Assignment #1 Samantha Williams: The Baby Fan

This shot fell into my camera at a BYU Football game last fall. I don't know who this adorable baby is, nor the person (I hope a father figure of sorts) that is throwing the child. However, this random moment I caught has resonated with me and I can't seem to glance at it without smiling. If you look closely there isn't a single fan around her cheering. The faces, although mostly blurred, are serious and somehwat somber. Also, you cannot see the face of the man (or woman I presume) throwing her. But, you can almost hear the giggle pouring out of this little girl. In a sea of blue and tan, this pink covered tot exudes joy over the bustle of this shot. It reminds me that sports games, yes BYU Football included, are just that, games. And this little girl seems to encompass what's really important and that is finding and keeping love, trust and happiness in our lives.

Project #1 | Stefan van de Graaff | "True Happiness"

Look at that smile. Any time I see my wife's pearly whites it just brightens my life. She has this beautiful innocence about her. Originally, I snapped a ton of pictures of my wife laughing uncontrollably while I pinned her with my knees and tickled her. Needless to say, she was adorable, but it was a controlled environment and lacked the naturalness that this image contains. This image is real. It's almost as if the camera isn't even there. Her giggle, her shining face, the squinted eyes, and that diamond that secretly dances from her nose past the sides of her mouth, down to her chin, they combine to show true happiness.

Assignment #1 - Jordan Wheeler "Exhaustion"

There are many emotions that we experience as humans. I chose to exemplify this emotion because it is one that every hard-working person can relate to. Everyone has experienced this scenario or makes decisions in their life to not experience it. I wanted to show what each of us looked like in those moments from an out-of-body perspective. Not that any of us cared what we looked like when we were passed out on the couch like this, but we can all know and feel this emotion as clearly as any other. I relate to this emotion more than I'd like and that's why I chose it.

Assignment #1 - Giulianna Collato: "Love is an open door"

By now, most of us know that scene in Frozen where Hans and Anna sing the now famous "Love is an open door" and find out that they are “in love” (after a couple of hours of knowing each other). Since we are all grown-ups, we have learned that love is something that grows with time, and that getting married on the next day is not an option anymore (like Disney is clearly showing in its most recent movies). 

This couple is my roommate and her fiance, who I see as an example of growing love. I saw how they built their whole relationship from the beginning and they showed me the true meaning of opening the door for love. It's not about finishing each other's sandwiches, or finding someone who thinks like us... it's about opening ourselves to new opportunities and accepting whatever may come with a good attitude. 

Assignment #1 CC Keller "Natural Focus"

I took this picture this past summer on my honeymoon to Mexico. It represents the idea of focus, particularly what we focus on in life. When you first look at this picture your eye is naturally drawn to the colors in the sky and the fading sunset. You notice the tropical palm trees with their textured shapes. After a while you finally notice all the darkness in the picture. About half of the picture is black with barely-noticeable shapes and objects in the blackness.  We naturally gravitate and focus on the sky in this picture which can be harder to do in real life. If we focus on the light in any picture or situation it is much easier to not pay any attention to the darkness. Your eye naturally acknowledges the darkness is there but it is the last thing you really look at. That’s the way we should live our life- focusing on the light or good things and paying little or no attention to the darkness that is out there. 

Assignment #1- Erin O'Sullivan

This was a picture I took on my way back from a weekend of snowboarding last season. I remembered a lot was on my mind, it was a Sunday afternoon, and I was alone. I remember feeling a little bit of sorrow with the sunset. In fact, although I absolutely love sunsets, I feel a sense of melancholy each time I watch a sunset. It's funny how we're taught from a very young age that sunsets are supposed to be romantic and somewhat exciting- yet I have never truly felt this way. To me, a Sunday sunset in particular is exceptionally sorrowful. The end of a weekend, the end of a beautiful day- simply the end. Also, it appears that the reflection in the snowboarding goggles shows a remembrance of the fun times that will now forever be nothing be memories.

p.s. I was listening to sad country music when I wrote this so we can blame the slightly depressing thoughts on that ;)

Assignment 1 Aaron Hastings "Bridging the Generation Gap"

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to say hello to my first nephew, Caleb, who is just under a month old. This is a picture of Caleb with his Grandpa, who is meeting him for the first time. I love the eye contact and physical contact between the two, touching fingers almost like the "Creation of Adam," picture by Michelangelo. The innocence of Caleb looking into the experienced, mature face of his Grandpa really impacts me. They span two generations and years of hard work and nurturing, and represent the continual progress of us both as individuals and as families.

Assignment #1 Hailey Topham "A princess and her castle"

From the time we are young, most girls have the fantasy of meeting a prince and getting married in a castle. We see story after story where the princess endures hardships only to be swept off her feet by prince charming.  Throughout my life I have viewed castles and temples with dreamy eyes hoping for the same. This sculpture of Prince Charming and Cinderella was placed by the cake at my wedding. It symbolizes the happily ever after I received by going through the temple (my castle) with my husband (or prince).

Assignment 1: Lexi Erickson, Venezia

About a month and a half ago, I had the opportunity to go to Europe. While I was here, I was able to visit Venice, Italy.  It was so surreal to me because I have seen all these pictures of Italy, and different places, but it was so amazing to actually be there in person. I learned it is almost impossible to take a bad picture of Venice. There is a main part of the city that is always super crowded and really busy. We took a tour of the city, and our tour guide took us to places where no one even was. I love this partially because how quiet it is.  I like the converging lines as well as the contrast of the brightness of the sky, and the darkness of the water. 

Assignment 1 - M'Leah Ricker - Strong

The concept I chose to display was “strong.” Strong is a concept that is often associated with great physical strength, athletic ability, or being tough. In deciding how to portray something or somebody strong, however, I came upon a few slightly different definitions.

      

        Strong: to able to withstand great force or pressure, not easily affected by hardship

        Strong: showing determination, self-control, and good judgment

        Strong: firmly held or established

These definitions stuck out to me. “Strong” suddenly became a character trait, and a certain person came to mind. My mom. My mom is, in essence, a living, vibrant example of the word “strong.” Though she may not be physically “strong,” she carries with her a presence that radiates strength. She stands as an example to those around her. Though the storms of life have beaten her down time and time again, she doesn't bow or break. She stands firm and tall. She is immovable in her character and unshakable in her faith. She wakes up every day with a determination to smile and keep moving forward. She really is the strongest person I know.

So even though this picture isn't of a weight lifter at the gym or a toned runner on a track, it portrays, in my eyes, strength. I chose to edit the photo to be simple, in black and white; this allows the viewer to more clearly focus on the lines in her face, the freckles on her neck, and the depth of her eyes. It is the simplicity of the photo that allows us to see those traits – those scars – of the trials she’s gone through. The scars that have made and continue to make her strong.