one student loan down... one line of credit to go!
I got into a ridiculous conversation about a unibrow last night. It really was a dumb topic of conversation because it was destined to go nowhere... as both parties involved are extremely stubborn to a point of "mule-ishness". The conversation did make me think about my photo editing processes though... because I do edit a lot of my work (the majority of which I post online anyhow)... editing which sometimes involves simple levels or curves adjustment and may include skin retouching to create a flawless complexion or *gasp* the removal of stray eyebrow hairs that have taken over the bridge of a nose (and I still stand by my humourous claim that a unibrow causes snoring as a result of the pressure to the sinuses). Anyhow, I remembered reading an interesting explanation of the editing process from one of my flickr contacts. I really liked how he had described things when I first came across his photostream because it captured a lot of what I felt about editing and photography.
If I offend you by altering the colours of a photograph or giving you flawless skin or space between the eyes... well I don't know what to say. For me photography is a multiple part process... as much love and energy goes into taking the photograph as it does in the editing process. And the process is always different. I don't edit every photo as a rule... sometimes I am very happy with what I am able to achieve just with the camera alone, but don't think that photo hasn't been edited... it has, just perhaps with my lens(es).
three more sleeps until Spring Break!
Many people have asked about how I arrive at the image that gets shown and I think it's important to make a distinction about at least one thing. I post process almost everything.
I am working towards an image not a purist ideal. I will edit where I see an edit and change where I see a change.. until the image is what I see in my mind. I feel strongly that you aren't coming here to see a picture of a tree in my backyard in the literal sense, or I could give you my address and you could see it for yourself--rather that you are coming to see my view of the tree. The way I wrap my experience, tastes, biases and baggage around a tree, as it were.
Following that line of thought to its logical end means I post process as an extension of the camera, not a pollution of it. The image is the point not the camera.
I believe all photographs are inherently lies. There is no more truth in an ansel adams sky than mine. Neither truly reflect the subject as it existed and both accurately reflect the feelings and beliefs of the photographer
If I offend you by altering the colours of a photograph or giving you flawless skin or space between the eyes... well I don't know what to say. For me photography is a multiple part process... as much love and energy goes into taking the photograph as it does in the editing process. And the process is always different. I don't edit every photo as a rule... sometimes I am very happy with what I am able to achieve just with the camera alone, but don't think that photo hasn't been edited... it has, just perhaps with my lens(es).
three more sleeps until Spring Break!
I swear I'm part feline... as I can nap like the best of them. This evening after dinner I felt absolutely exhausted and I lay down for a moment to rest my eyes and fell fast asleep. I didn't sleep for too long though, as I was woken by the sounds of two very loud teenage laughs... and by that I don't mean just "ha ha"
rather two voices laughing loudly.
I had a good day at work today... I think it helped that the weather was fantastic (very mild and wonderfully sunny) and nearly all the students seemed to be in good spirits. I'm hoping that it stays like this all week. It will make the days go by faster.
In other news... I'm trying to figure out a better method of dry skin therapy. The combination of weather and hard water in the north is really terrible and I would like to figure out some kind of moisturizing method that is very effective. Anyone have any secret creams, lotions, or emolients that they would like to share? I'm currently trying a trick that one of my sisters uses... the classic Vaseline. The other day I was experimenting with Vaseline with my photography (reflections of light and such) and I noticed that my skin stayed incredibly soft... so I thought why not throw caution to the wind and combine small amounts of vaseline with my current lotion and see if that helps retain some moisture in this dry climate. My limited online research suggested that this particular method of dry skin combat might be successful, but I thought I'd pose a general query anyhow... perchance someone might have some advice to share.
rather two voices laughing loudly.
I had a good day at work today... I think it helped that the weather was fantastic (very mild and wonderfully sunny) and nearly all the students seemed to be in good spirits. I'm hoping that it stays like this all week. It will make the days go by faster.
In other news... I'm trying to figure out a better method of dry skin therapy. The combination of weather and hard water in the north is really terrible and I would like to figure out some kind of moisturizing method that is very effective. Anyone have any secret creams, lotions, or emolients that they would like to share? I'm currently trying a trick that one of my sisters uses... the classic Vaseline. The other day I was experimenting with Vaseline with my photography (reflections of light and such) and I noticed that my skin stayed incredibly soft... so I thought why not throw caution to the wind and combine small amounts of vaseline with my current lotion and see if that helps retain some moisture in this dry climate. My limited online research suggested that this particular method of dry skin combat might be successful, but I thought I'd pose a general query anyhow... perchance someone might have some advice to share.
I'm just off to bed after a relaxing night of photo editing accompanied by an evening of Mozart on the CBC and checking for progress of the Academy Awards on the internet.
Today I heard the an excerpt of a most interesting rendition of Led Zeppelin's Kashmir, performed by a cello quartet led by Matt Haimovitz. It's on a cd called Goulash, that unfortunately has a really unattractive cover.
anyhow... must sleep. One more week and it is Spring Break. I'm hoping not to be sick during the 10 day vacation... bon nuit.
Today I heard the an excerpt of a most interesting rendition of Led Zeppelin's Kashmir, performed by a cello quartet led by Matt Haimovitz. It's on a cd called Goulash, that unfortunately has a really unattractive cover.
anyhow... must sleep. One more week and it is Spring Break. I'm hoping not to be sick during the 10 day vacation... bon nuit.
I'm up far too early for a Saturday. I should be sleeping in but I woke up before 6 this morning and have been tossing and turning since then. I am on my second last day of antibiotics and I'm anxious to finish them. It's odd, but it seems that the better I get the more difficult it is to actually swallow the damn pills. But that's just a casual observation of me - don't pay any attention to it.
My chum of all chums is having an Oscar party on Sunday... It saddens me slightly that I cannot go as I am in another city entirely... but also because I am a not-so-secret (another mennen product) pop culture fan, and I would like the opportunity to soak up a lot of useless knowledge about the cinema and hollywood for use in future games of Trivial Pursuit - Pop Culture Edition. It's not a time sensitve issue I guess, since in the game you can't be asked questions relating to events that happened after the game was released to the masses, but I've got the future in mind.
I laughingly considered this morning while reading my RSS feeds that had such a thing as a VOIP/Skype speakerphone exist (and such a thing does in some parts of the world) I'd be raring to be patched in to the "meeting" through teleconference. It wouldn't be much different than if I were actually there you know, I'd be antisocial and listen to everyone else... and occasionally mutter something slightly funny to me and the one or two people with hearing good enough to pick it up.
okay, I think I can sleep some more again. 5 more pills until the antibiotics are done, and 6 more sleeps until Spring Break.
My chum of all chums is having an Oscar party on Sunday... It saddens me slightly that I cannot go as I am in another city entirely... but also because I am a not-so-secret (another mennen product) pop culture fan, and I would like the opportunity to soak up a lot of useless knowledge about the cinema and hollywood for use in future games of Trivial Pursuit - Pop Culture Edition. It's not a time sensitve issue I guess, since in the game you can't be asked questions relating to events that happened after the game was released to the masses, but I've got the future in mind.
I laughingly considered this morning while reading my RSS feeds that had such a thing as a VOIP/Skype speakerphone exist (and such a thing does in some parts of the world) I'd be raring to be patched in to the "meeting" through teleconference. It wouldn't be much different than if I were actually there you know, I'd be antisocial and listen to everyone else... and occasionally mutter something slightly funny to me and the one or two people with hearing good enough to pick it up.
okay, I think I can sleep some more again. 5 more pills until the antibiotics are done, and 6 more sleeps until Spring Break.
Today I'm trying to learn about colour temperature in an effort to understand white balance more.
I will also be spending the evening trying to enhance my photoshop skills.
I will also be spending the evening trying to enhance my photoshop skills.
ask me about the state of today's educational system... if you dare.
please be advised that I had a long and lengthy meeting this afternoon and that my response will be coloured by this event.
I need a relaxing soak, alas I have no bathtub.
please be advised that I had a long and lengthy meeting this afternoon and that my response will be coloured by this event.
I need a relaxing soak, alas I have no bathtub.
This morning the class I work in/with went to a presentation by BC Hydro. It was a pretty informative session and nicely balanced. The BC Hydro rep had a lot of information about the different types of energy sources that are available - and gave excellent explanations of the benefits and negative qualities of the various types of energy generating sources... I was rather pleased with the information that he had to present to the students and I thought how there are so many people in this area (and province) who have no idea how their power is generated and really have turned a blind eye to any possible problems that we might face regarding our consumption and generation of electricity.
The Hydro rep introduced the class to the concept of NIMBY... the ever so popular "Not in My Back Yard" response that people tend to use regarding the development of any new power generating projects. It was refreshing to hear this coming from BC Hydro directly, as this area has been caught up in the controversy over the proposed Site C hydro electric dam for many years - and there have been many people arguing for the benefits of alternative forms of power like wind or tidal energy, or the development of electricity generating stations in other parts of the province (dam somewhere else they say). However, merely pushing energy generation to another part of the province doesn't really solve our problems. The Rats of NIMBY have proliferated everywhere... we all want power, but how many of us are really willing to mar our landscape with another dam or row upon row of giant windmills?
The Hydro rep introduced the class to the concept of NIMBY... the ever so popular "Not in My Back Yard" response that people tend to use regarding the development of any new power generating projects. It was refreshing to hear this coming from BC Hydro directly, as this area has been caught up in the controversy over the proposed Site C hydro electric dam for many years - and there have been many people arguing for the benefits of alternative forms of power like wind or tidal energy, or the development of electricity generating stations in other parts of the province (dam somewhere else they say). However, merely pushing energy generation to another part of the province doesn't really solve our problems. The Rats of NIMBY have proliferated everywhere... we all want power, but how many of us are really willing to mar our landscape with another dam or row upon row of giant windmills?
back at work... would rather be at home going for a full recovery, but a girl only has so many sick days, although technically it is a new month. I must weigh my options.
