Business of Photography Self Assignment #1

For my business of photography class, our first self-assignment could be anything we wanted. As the semester progresses, my self-assignments will have a theme and hopefully become part of my portfolio. But for now, I shot this photo of my sister Katie drawing at her desk. I wanted to re-visit a film project I did in Black & White III which was about my home life. I mostly photographed the interior of my home, but I also photographed my family members going about their daily activities. I backlit Katie using a desk lamp to give the edge of her a nice glow.

Steve (Hot Lights Assignment)

Shooting in the studio is not something I have experience in or I'm comfortable with, which is exactly why I took studio photography. I'm also not used to posing people, so I hope to get more comfortable with that.  For the hot lights assignment I didn't really have any specific ideas. My goal was to just try to get used to the studio and what effects the lights have. I photographed my boyfriend, Steve. This was actually my first time shooting in the studio by myself.

Autumn Fest - Treasures in the Park (Feature)

Since this time of year is usually busy with fall festivals and community events, I decided to attend one and photograph some of the people and vendors. It's always interesting to see how communities come together and how they celebrate with these kind of festivals. I headed over to Leetsdale for their Autumn Fest - Treasures in the Park, which is a fundraiser for Leetsdale's Garden Club. The festival was from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Henle Park. There were artists, flea market items, food vendors, and kids' activities.

Louise Zagorski of Leetsdale prepares cookies with icing to be decorated at Autumn Fest on September 22, 2012 in Leetsdale, Pa. Her cookie decorating booth was part of the Children’s Area which included pumpkin decorating and face painting. 

Jimmy Gilbert of Leetsdale holds up an old sign for Bethlehem Steel that he purchased at Autumn Fest on September 22, 2012. Gilbert was an employee of the company as a welder and he wanted to pick up “a little memorabilia” to show his grandkids. 

Debbie Gaus of Butler, who runs Party Ponies and Farm Friends, watches over her petting zoo during the festival. The company, which is ran by her family, provides pony rides and a petting zoo where people can feed and learn about the animals. 

Jamie Johnson of Ambridge runs her own booth for her company, Flutter, at Autumn Fest on September 22, 2012. Johnson is an independent designer and creates knit apparel and jewelry.

Tina Caro of Pittsburgh helps run a booth at the festival for her cousin’s candle company, Apple City Scents. The company, run by Andrea Torrelli, sells hand-poured soy candles, votives, and air fresheners.