The Last One- Faerie Bokeh

Welp. Guess who got swept up in studying and stressing? This girl. So this one's late. But I wanted to share anyways.

This is one of my favorite photos I've taken--so much so that I set it as my desktop background :P This photo was taken fairly unassumingly, just trying to capture some random shrubbery silhouetted by the beginnings of a rich sunset the other day. But I clearly got much more than I anticipated. This photo is unedited and I had no filters or special lenses or settings when I took it. I was intrigued by the sheer amount of variance nature alone provided in this shot, far beyond what I was expecting to see. What I love most is the splashes of color--pink and green. In lighting design, I feel like it's easy to shy away from using bold, vibrant, "unnatural" colors. But this photo puts me at ease with the understanding that something a pure a natural light source as the sun created such colors itself, vividly and beautifully in a setting I would not have otherwise expected it.  I also love the atmosphere that the colors and qualities of this photo create in my mind--antiquated and delicate, but magical, lively, and evocative of faerie play.

Saw this a couple weeks ago right before my 8am class. I loved that the sun was still rising so the light is coming from a pretty low angle and it created a very warm color. It was pretty early in the morning but it was much brighter outside than it usually is at that time, just this area in particular was pretty shadowy. I liked the long shadows the trees made because of how low this angle was. It was a nice mix of bright and sunny and kind of creepy.

Week 9/10

Continuing with the theme of "sun and trees," this morning I was astounded at the power of the sun and just how beautiful the whole morning was. The brightness of the sky really served to bring out the lush details and contours of the trees, silhouetted against the pastel sky. I also loved having soft clouds in the picture to serve as further contrast, aiding in separating the worlds of earth and sky.  The white winter sun always serves as an inspiring source of illumination. I'm so sorry for the tardiness!

Week 9/10

This is a photo of the Colorado River I discovered on my laptop while procrastinating...I mean studying for my finals.  This photo was taken around 7 am this past summer morning from a canoe trip my family and I took down the river.  This photo evokes a sense of happiness and accomplishment.  The canoe trip consisted of a 12 mile track down the river and was on one of the hottest weekends of the summer.  The temperature of the weekend was around 120 F and I remember feeling so incredibly tired and at times not thinking that we would make it.  But, we made it and this photo was a result of the morning after a very long weekend.  I love this photo mainly for the shadow at the bottom of the mountains and the reflection that is being created on the water.  I love that this picture was taken so early yet the sun source is already so powerful.  Reflecting back on when I took the photo, the sun reminded me of a very fast lighting cue.    

Week 9/10 - Chandelier

     I took this photo at a performance that I had this week at a faculty members friend's estate here in Irvine. Though the photo doesn't contain much, I really enjoyed the way that the family designed and lit the area above the chandelier. They created an inlet that allowed for the installation of lights and then had the upper ceiling personally engraved. I enjoy how the light from the inlet gently details the mural above the chandelier with a warm light without providing too much light that would warrant for the Chandelier to be unnecessary. I also like the positioning of the chandelier in regards to the rest of the room that were in and how the surrounding lights make each of the crystals glisten, leaving the reflection of the crystals on the surrounding walls, though it is not apparent here in the photo. Visiting this home inspired me to incorporate different lighting elements into my home when I purchase one in the future.

Week 10

This is a photo I took over thanksgiving break. It is from a lookout point in San Francisco. I really enjoy the pink painted sky of this photo. The sun is going down and it wasn't much of a clear day. The gloominess that is created in the image is interesting to look at as you have to search for the light source. The way the light sweeps across the landscape almost gives a sense of vastness and creates a nice carved out landscape separated from the water and sky.

Weeks 9/10: A Look Back

This photo is from my cousin's wedding over the summer. We were out on the patio at the hotel we were all staying at. There wasn't much light outside- most of it was either coming from inside or wall sconces outside. The light was fairly warm and cast everything in a sort of glow. I'm drawn to this picture because it looks like a Baroque painting; all darkness and dimension and carefully placed highlights. Everyone is so incredibly carved out. I find it stunning.

Weeks 9/10

So like, here are some drama students doing the thing. What i specifically like about the lighting at this moment is that the overcast clouds are acting as a frost gel. They're softening the light and making it more cool and even a little bit less directional. While the softening of the light takes the directionality of it a little bit away, it is still clear that the source is the sun as the light is a cool, blue-ish white. The direction of the source is most likely from behind and out of the photographer's position given the shadows falling on the building in the extreme background. There is a siren nature to the lighting and the emotional context of it. But there is still a lot of life as it is well lit and the coolness of the light gives energy to the scene. I can not tell for certain if the subjects appear flattened by the camera quality or by the front light nature of the sun. There is not a huge amount of shadowing and carving going on on the subjects, but they are visible and their shape is defined. I personally love overcast lighting because it is very calming to me. 

Week 9/10 A brief relief from stress.

I took this photo the other day when I was on campus taking a break from my preparation for finals. I really loved the calming feel that the light gave. It helped relieve the some of the stress I was feeling. I imagine that recreating this same feeling could be very useful after a very heated moment in a play that you need to relax the audience for. To recreate this I would use a mix of warm and cool tones and use primarily back-lighting.

Week 9/10: Final post of this Quarter

Today, I took a picture of an apartment construction. This clearly shows it is sunsetting and the source of light is coming from the top right because of the shadows built where there is boards/ hood. I love the different shades of blue in the sky created with clouds. It is like grayish blue where it is further from the sun and light blue where it is closer to the sun. I love the shadow created of the tree on the brick color looking apartment. I like how there is a different intensity when the sunlight hits different colors. If you compare the construction apartment and the brick color looking apartment, the intensity is brighter at the construction apartment than the brick color looking apartment because it is lighter. Also, it is very interesting to see how it is so dark where there sunlight doesn't hit.

This class really open myself to light.  had limited view of lights but now that range has grown. Thank you, Karyn, Ebony, and Martha for all the help!

Final Blog Post

I took this picture at sunset on Wednesday night. I had just gotten home from a long day at school, and I took this picture just after the tragic events that took place in San Bernardino. Overall, I was feeling very down, but then I walked out of the elevator when I got to my apartment. I was immediately mesmerized by the sunset happening outside. I took a deep breath and realized that there is such beauty in life, in nature; although there is so much hatred and bitterness, I have been truly blessed in my life with love and friendship. This beautiful picture is a representation of the serenity we all should aspire to; our lives are so busy and distracted- we as a society are caught up in our screens. I think we should all take time to look up and appreciate the lives we have been given.

Week 9/10: My final Post

What I love about this image is the contrast, where the light is versus where it isn't. This was a very satisfying picture to take. I like the shadows from the trees, and I like how you get to see how artificial light reacts to the different surfacing on the ground. This was taken at the ARC at night from the 4th level of the parking lot. It is just a calming picture for me.

9/10

With the quarter coming to a close I was able to go back home and grab a drink from my local bar.

This beautiful bar which I also call my second home (no, I'm not a drunk.. I work here. Haha.) just brings me so much happiness.

When it gets late, I never really appreciate the restaurant/bar because it is 3am and I just want to get the hell home. But, this one evening I took it all in and got this picture.

Streets empty. The lights inside are out and and warm welcoming glow of "Magnolia House" and street lights shine on.

If you're ever in the Pasadena area, come in and grab a drink or some food.

Until then, cheers to an AMAZING quarter. Many thanks to Karyn, Martha, and Ebony. Lights are now much more beautiful than what I thought they were before I began this quarter and it is all because of you lovely ladies.

First round is on me! ;)

Week 9/10

I was sitting outside of the Little Theatre during my dinner break in between shows the other night and noticed the beautiful scenery of Aldrich Park that I'd never noticed before. It was slowly getting dark and all of the lamp posts which I had never noticed before were all on. It created such a beautiful and mystical atmosphere. I almost expected a low fog to roll in or something! I think that this captures a beautiful scenery with the tall, dark trees against a powder blue sky just beginning to go dark. The many lamp posts illuminate the scene. I love how the lights are sprinkled about the park. I love the magical and mysterious vibes that they give. They don't give a lot of light to the scene, but they give a real pretty glow. The fact that there are many posts gives an image of a lot of little bulbs, almost floating, illuminating the empty paths, kind of giving an aspect of loneliness and vastness, but in a really beautiful way. I would love to see this kind of look on stage with cool colors and shapes of the night slightly illuminated by the many unique lamp posts. 

Week 9/10

Yesterday, I visited my parents down in Dana Point. We had a great time: ate a great dinner, drank some good drinks, talked, just enjoyed each other's company. We had a little too much fun and decided it was best to get some fresh air. Now, around this time of year, this city decides to put up a few festive lights and allows you to walk around under them; it's really fun and magical. However, I noticed that this lighting event really sparked something in my parents and it was lovely to see them in love and happy. I love my parents dearly and I wanted to share how this experience - which revolves around lighting - made me feel happy and warm. 

Also, I really loved how sweet it felt to be walking under the lights and feel so joyful. I simply love this tradition. Definitely something I needed right before finals week and the holiday season. 

Week 9/10

I took this picture over Thanksgiving break while on my way to work. It just seemed so picturesque and interesting. The color gradient and the very interesting pattern of light really captured my attention. Also I like how the road seems to run off into that larger pocket of light at the bottom of the sky. I have been waiting and hoping for the weather to get colder for some time now and this cloudy image makes me very excited for it to come!

Week 9/10 Blog

Today while driving home, I noticed the sunset looked particularly beautiful. The clouds are so far out on the horizon and the last rays of sunlight are reflecting off of them. The sun's reflection makes the clouds look like pink wisps of cotton candy. The horizon is lit in a golden glow which fades and gives way to the dark blue in the sky up above it. I was struck by the beauty that is created by the vast difference between the dark blue sky and the golden orange horizon.

I'm usually not a morning person, and I typically never pay attention to sunrises or sunsets, but this guy was full blast in my face at the bus stop this morning. This picture is a bit dark, but the area was really bright and illuminated when I took it and it was quite beautiful to look at and be in. Yesterday, I had a Lyft driver pick me up from my apartment, told me was from the LA area and never been to Irvine before and kept saying that this was such a nice neighborhood. It wasn't until I saw this sunrise this morning that I really saw the beauty he was talking about.

Today my roommates and I decided to put up Christmas decorations. I know I know its too early. Anyway, these lights provided a very warm and home-y glow to our entire house. It really set the mood for the holidays. It made me think of how if we lived in a different country, the lights we would use would have a different hue.

Week 7/8

This photo was take this past Thursday before my formal for my sorority.  There are many things I love about this photo (other than being surrounded by my best friends) in regards to lighting and color.  The first thing I noticed was the light in the upper left corner of the photo.  This is coming from a ceiling light and is shining so bright that it reminded me of an indoor version of the sun or even a par that could contribute the same kind of effect.  The second light I noticed was the light coming through the door from the florescent outside.  I thought this light made the outside look very eerie and creepy in regards to the warmth of the indoor lights.  As far as color pallet, I loved that we all happened to wear either blue, black or red!  I think this gave an overall cohesiveness to the photo and really tied in all of us as if we were ensemble members in a show.  This showed me that these color tones work very well with the warm color coming from the indoor lights.  Overall, this photo gives me a feeling of extreme joy and happiness.  This was one of the most fun nights I have had in a while with my best friends.  Pure love and joy.    

Over the weekend I went on a party bus with a few friends for a birthday party. After taking this picture and attempting to take many other ones, it became apparent that the green lasers and dark atmosphere was not the place to take a picture.

It made me think about the fact that party busses and limos always have a dark/club atmosphere. Of course it being a "party" bus makes that not surprising but it's interesting that the lights incorporated in different clubs or bar scenes can also be put into a big vehicle that drives all over the place. 

Just something I pondered on. 

This is a picture I took last week when I was visiting San Francisco. It is was about 5pm and the sun was setting. I was almost to the south tower of the Golden Gate Bridge when I noticed the clouds in my sight ahead. I love the contrast between the light in the sky and the darkness of the cars and bridge. We get a strong source of light in this picture, as the light is prominently coming from the right. It is really interesting in this picture how we can see the many hues that the sun is reflecting into/onto the clouds.

Lighting Blog Week 3/4

Today's post involves 4 different pictures and situations with a common theme: window/other reflections all taken at the Irvine Spectrum center. The first one was created when the mesh walkway cover semi-shadow was reflected in a storefront window, I just thought it was interesting how the details showed but it was distorted by the glass. The second one was from A window with the word "restroom" written on it, and I found it interesting how the sun reflected in that particular window. The third is from some glossy store lettering that said "Cotton On" in big block letters, and it's interesting how the blockiness of the letters doesn't show but it rather looks like it was sloppily hand written. The final one I found the most interesting. It required me to stand in the sunlight in order to see the window reflection, which wasn't as bright as the direct sunlight, and I found it unique how when you and your shadow moved, the pattern also changed.

Week 7/8 - Photogenic Puppy

       I went home this past weekend to have an early Thanksgiving with my family when I captured this photo. It had been raining all morning so the lighting outside was overcast. I put my puppy in my room and was just watching TV when I looked over and saw this photo opportunity. I really enjoy how the subtle light from outside of my window reflects off of my blanket and my puppies coat. It  is really stunning to see how not having direct sunlight makes the photo and object appear regal or even angelic in some ways. I also really enjoy how the light does not enter every crevice of the blanket so there are some strong shadows that lead to and from my puppy. The photo overall provides a nice transition from dark shadowy lighting to a nice bright reflective lighting.

Streaks and Trees

These three pictures reminded me of the usage of Gobo patterns that can be used in a Leko. I really like the diagonal streaks that show through a window particularly through blinds, its a great visual of sunlight creeping in. The one that is of my closed blinds but show the shape and shadow of the tree outside is also very cool because its showing an exterior world without having the blinds open. The third one I took is when I was driving  out of my complex and the shadow on the garage from the tree was so awesome and large it made the tree so much more striking. Sunlight, nature and settings would be fun to light with Gobo patterns, lights and angles. I believe it creates a mystical lively world that still can be realistic.

Week 7/8 silken light

I was walking by campus and I saw the varying light falling upon this bush and liked the transition from light to dark. The position of the sun in relation to the photo created this line of light which I was intrigued by. I feel like if I wanted to recreate this effect I would need to use a silk which is something we haven't dealt with before and that could be a lot of fun to experiment with. This photo evokes the idea of light from the sun piercing into our lives and bringing joy with it which I think isn’t a very powerful. With our ever changing world I find so many people lacking joy and I like the idea of being able to bring joy to others and brighten up their lives.

Week 7/8?

I love the ocean. I think it is the most refreshing thing to sit in the sand and listen to the waves crash for hours on end. I used to visit San Clemente State Beach back in high school. Last week, I cracked from all the pressure to make more money, to get good grades, to submit the perfect project, everything. So, I decided to take a trip to my favorite location. Being Tuesday, the beach was pretty vacant - a few people walking here and there, but not really getting in my way. For the longest time, I just sat, staring at the ocean and letting the sound of the crashing waves engulf me. It was truly revitalizing and wonderful; almost as good as an hour long massage, but I'm broke. 

I wanted to share this picture because I feel it captures how peaceful the ocean can be. With the sun hitting the ocean just right, I feel a sense of calm settle in me and I instantly feel better. The warmness of the picture also brings this calm. I also love how the sand is completely scattered with footprints, indicating that so many people have come and gone on this beach and that I am not alone. 

Week 7/8: Mason Park

I took this in Mason Park, just as the sun was setting. I love the contrast between the trees and the sky. It reminded me of a show I saw last year (I forget which). The set had cutouts of a landscape that were set against a colorful cyc, and it produced an effect just like this one. I also love the colors of the sky in this photo. My camera couldn't quite capture them properly- in reality, there was much more of a gradual fade between colors instead of a stripe of bright light close to the horizon.

Blog Post 4 (Week 7/8)-- When the Sun Works in Your Favor

As a photographer, I thought it would be interesting to go back and analyze some of my paid gigs for the lighting composition of successful photos and to extract elements that are working in favor of the project that I may not have even consciously thought about at the time.

Being a photographer who both shoots and edits/retouches their own work, I of course have the power to not only shoot what I perceive as the optimal lighting, but I also then get to take the time to go back and manipulate it to achieve the ultimate composition.

The top photo is an example of my headshot work. At the time of shooting, this was one of those locations that seemed to have everything going for it right at the moment we were there--indirect sunlight and shade but also sunlight bouncing off warm toned walls. So I shot it, hoping that my assumptions would translate. And in going back through the days photos on the computer later that evening, this one jumped out at me immediately and I knew we had a winner. One of those fantastically satisfying and somewhat rare photos that does all the work for you--minimal editing required (sans retouching, of course haha). I think this photo epitomizes some key qualities that you want to look for in most headshots (it, of course, also depends on your brand as an actor). It is bright enough that it opens up the face and bring light to all the important features, namely the eyes, allowing the viewer to literally see and also initially connect to the subject. But it also has that element of warm lighting that can really highlight the inner warmth of an individual that invites the viewer in and allows them to potentially connect on a deeper level, bringing them to feel comfortable about the person they're viewing and curious to know more. It's the perfect balance of warm and cool tones to even out the facial tone, and it is neither washed out/over exposed nor too shadowy so that you get a clear image of the person on the page.

The bottom photo was, clearly, a joint graduation shoot for two friends. The sun was burning super bright in a clear sky that day which made it incredibly hard to shoot. I had to play a lot with finding shaded areas that also provided a lot of surrounding bounce to light their faces. Ultimately, despite the frustrations of finding just the right lighting, I think the sun ended up giving me an awesome gift this day. If you compare the two photos, you notice that the bottom is a lot more bright, clear, crisp, and clean. I think that this actually works really well for an outdoor graduation shoot. I think it speaks to the future that lies ahead of these individuals and is represented in such photos. Bright individuals with bright futures. The subjects are still well lit and inviting to the viewer, but they have a certain rejuvenating vigor and energy that is telling of the journey they are about to embark on.

Shameless plug time: Yes I will happily take photos for you (I also do show shots). Yes I am cheaper than any other amateur photographer around UCI (comparatively speaking to the quality that you will get and the time I put in). Please contact me if you want to  speak with me further or set up a time to shoot--I'd love to work with you!! (And winter break would be a great time to do it ;D )

Week 7/8

The sun was setting outside my apartment the other day and I loved what the light was doing for the view. I love the amber/orange color of the sun reflecting onto the silhouette of the leaves of the trees. It is setting a warm glow for the atmosphere and I like how this picture captures a harmony and kind of relationship between the sun and the trees. The nature and the sun are enhancing each other. I love how the sun and its glare are peaking through the trees. I love the bright and kind of harsh presence of the setting sun and the glare against the organic feel of the trees and all the branches and leaves. I think the light and the physical atmosphere establish the peace and pleasantness of the time around sunset.

Week 7/8 Second Home

This picture was taken from my home in the morning. Usually, I wake up in the morning when it is dark and the weekend is the only days where I get to wake up with the sun fading in through the blinds. Sun is a huge source of light that brightened my dark apartment. I love the long shadows that created on my floor. Despite the time being 10am, the sun was pretty low then it usually is.  By looking at the picture the words I thought of was force and power because the sun is using its power to force itself through the blinds.

Week 7/8 blog

 

I took this photo at my birthday dinner with my family on vacation over the weekend; my aunt and uncle are two of my favorite people and they have a gorgeous backyard, with an herb garden, avocado trees, fire pit,and barbecue- I have many happy memories here. I was sitting outside talking with my uncle when I saw the opportunity for this photograph and snagged it; the  sun setting and the garden lights provided a sense of comfort, warmth, and family. I love how there are multiple sources of light in the photograph: it is full of life and depth.

Week 7/8

So obviously this isn't the best quality picture ever, but I felt like the subject matter was interesting. It seems like every year the holiday season starts earlier and earlier. It is crazy to me that in the beginning of November shopping centers are already geared up and already decorated for the holidays. The decorations they use also seem to be getting more extravagant with every passing year. I couldn't help but stop and take a picture of one of the decorations the Albertsons' shopping center on California and Campus was using. Giant LED bows seem really ridiculous to me considering it's a tiny shopping center with literally no retail stores and therefore no real reason to need to draw people in specifically for the holidays. Don't get me wrong, I love the holiday season, I just don't understand the need to make it into a spectacle.

Week 7/8

I find the running theme with my blogs has become finding interesting ways for sunlight to interact with trees. Something about having such a powerful source of light filtering through and reflecting off of the complex shapes created by trees is absolutely fascinating. I looked at this tree from many different angles, but this was my favorite because of the way the light seemed to turn the leaves into little lights themselves. This back-lighting was really beautiful, and brought out the vibrant green coloring of the leaves. I also liked that the leaves against the building really seemed illuminated. This really reminded me of the effects that the back PAR would have. The sun almost seems like a portal to the heavens. I also loved that this picture had the light blue of the sky in the corner to balance out the complex textures happening in the rest of the picture. 

Week 7/8

I get to look through this little alley right outside my house almost every single day in Newport. But, usually due to scheduling, I'm always in Irvine in the evenings. However, this week I was fortunate enough to just be hanging around my house and cooking dinner when I looked out the window and saw this moment. A dark cold shadowy black on the left and then this simultaneously warm and cool pink/orange sky. What I love most about this photo is the reflection of the sky on the window towards the right/center of the photo. We may not have the craziest sunsets in the world, but when you're cooking dinner after a long week of work and school, looking out the window and seeing something as small as this, just gets you thinking a little.

Week 7/8

Last week, I came to campus on Veterans' Day for a rehearsal.  The campus was pretty empty since it was a holiday, but it meant I was better able to enjoy the serene beauty that I rarely take the time to notice.  As I walked through Aldrich Park, I noticed how the sun was shining so beautifully through the trees.  It was a perfectly clear, sunny day and the trees created a filter to the sunlight.  The blueish-warm light was given a light green tint as it reflected off of the leaves.  The shadows spread across my path and created patterns that mingled and blended together.  It is so beautiful to be able to go to school in an arboretum.  The visual displays are calming and enchanting.

Blog Post 3 (Week 5/6)-- Just a lotta sky

             

Excessive amounts of sky. These were taken at different times-- the top 3 in San Diego (the top two were within an hour or so of each other), and the bottom one in Julian.

First off, I love the various textures of the clouds in each of these, from the wispy wind-blown of the top two, the strange and excessive cover of the middle, to the thick looming storm clouds on the bottom. I also enjoy the brooding quality that each of these has, some enticing, some menacing, some a bit of both. For me, this is created both by the depth of colors and the shadows. Each is rich in its own way.  Speaking of shadows I really like how defined the source of light is on the bottom two. The sunset has it's source from below which creates an awesome color gradient near the bottom of the photo and gives such a drastic color difference between the highlight (pink) and shadow (purple) in the clouds. The storm however has it's source from above since it was midday when I took the picture. Emotionally speaking, it gives a really ethereal or 'holy' kind of vibe. But I also love how the light streaming through really catches on the two little clouds at the bottom of the photo and really carves out and defines their features, really making them a central focal point for me.

video project

I'm late!! But its about time I post something so here it is. This is a screenshot from a project I did for my dance & video class. My partner and I chose this location, which is on the 3rd floor of the CAC, because of all the light and shadows the rails create. The sun hits this area directly around 3pm and it creates a really beautifully lit and zen-like place. There's something about gritty, metallic, and industrial looking architecture that I like, and combined with the right lighting it brings life to a lifeless environment. Enjoy!

Week 5/6

Twinkly lights mean christmas time! Fashion Island put these guys up the other week. I personally enjoy the red bow-shaped lights. Twinkly lights are just so distinctive and everyone sees them and thinks "Christmas!" Also, enjoy that headlight bouncing off the white Toyota ruining my picture because Spectre just let out and the parking lot is a nightmare. I just heard some very violent honking from upstairs...

The Scenic Route 5/6

So, if you live in Newport Beach, you know that Superior Avenue offers possibly the best view when driving. It is the "Scenic Route. On Sunday, I was able to capture this wonderful picture alongside my roommates after purchasing our new grill for the house. The Sun is behind a thing blanket of clouds and I was able to take this picture right between the towering palm trees Far off in the distance the ocean and sky meet in harmony. On tough days coming home from studying countless hours on midterms and working on projects, one feels rejuvenated when cruising back home.

Week 5/6 Erupting Sky

Last week I walked out of my movement class and saw this. I rarely feel like I am out and about during a sunset, particularly one this beautiful and so I felt the need to take a picture of it to save the memory. Sights like this always remind me of how much natural beauty our world has to offer and that we need to find time to stop and appreciate it. I really like the way that the light erupts from its center and has a such a variance in color. It has an inviting quality to it which I enjoy. When I look at this photo I feel calm and alive. It seems like I could use a back par to replicate the source of this light. It gives a glow to the clouds similar to the halo feel we have been getting in class.