Hi! My name is Courtney Dolan and I am a senior at Temple University. I originally came to college to major in Pre-Pharmacy, but I now am currently own my way to receiving my bachelors in Advertising. After this June I will (hopefully) be graduating! I have two brothers that I am pretty close with as well as a small Yorkshire Terrier. She is my everything. A huge passion of mine is cooking, as well as exploring new places. I am really excited for this course because looking at photography is like a peaceful escape for me. With that said, I would love to learn more about what goes into the intention of a picture, as well as how I can learn how to take aesthetically pleasing pictures. For starters, I definitely need to invest in a better camera!
Hi Courtney! It was nice reading your introduction and looking at your photos! Oddly enough I came to temple as an advertising major and then transferred to Kinesiology/Pre-Health...so we're almost backwards! But I loved advertising and often regretted my decision to switch. I like the photo you selected for your self portrait. The sepia effect (I believe that's what it's called) was an interesting choice and really emphasized the highlights created by the lighting in the photo. I also like the you chose to only expose half of your face. It gave the picture a much for artistic look and created some mystery. Your other pictures look fun and I enjoyed the use of the blue flower. It complimented your shirt and eyes very well and think any of those shots would have been great for your self-portrait as well. Finally I agree with what you said about why you like looking at photography. It is an escape for me as well and I too hope to learn a lot during this course!
ReplyDeleteHello Courtney! Your photo stands out me. It screams shy, curiosity. Congratulations on your pending graduation, and having the strength to realize that you needed to change your major. Being in the world of advertising is very exciting as well as fulfilling. I always sit in amazement at how people like yourself come up with ideas for commercials, magazine ads, or radio shots. I don't know if you did it on purpose, or if it was your camera, but i like the black and white tone of the photo, and if you have seen my photo you know I am a fan of the half face shot. Its like you want to show the world who you are, but you want to keep a piece of yourself for those that are a part of your inner circle.
ReplyDeleteHey Courtney, cool photo! I’m also and advertising major, and I’m jealous you get to graduate soon – I have one more semester left.! I think the choice to reveal only half of your face definitely gives the photo a sense of mystery. The sepia effects also adds to that, as it puts more emphasis on the light hitting on the wall and your left side of your face. By revealing only half of your face, I was forced to concentrate on that part more, and making eye contact with the photo make for a striking and powerful effect. I’m excited to see more!
ReplyDeleteHi Courtney,
ReplyDeleteI think this photo really portrays how you can be possibly shy, hiding half of yourself away from people to see; but the light shining behind you gives a sense of brightness, intelligence and kindness. The slight smile also plays into the shyness, as if you are not ready to show your true smile; but the direct gaze you give to the viewer, again, shows intelligence and a hidden sense of confidence. All in all, you fulfilled the assignment by giving the viewer what would possibly tell them something about you, or a persona you wanted to portray.
I enjoy symmetry, so seeing the perfect split you accomplished is already a plus. It is also a very aesthetic take on the self portrait, only allowing the viewer a partial look at your face instead of the common full view. Full view portraits will always be beautiful, but different approaches to portraits are always great to see.
The only thing I want to critique is the lighting on the left end corner (possibly from the camera flash?). It is a little distracting and takes attention away from the image of your face. The lighting behind you, though, creates a great contrast to your dark hair and really brings out the photo. Even though you mentioned in your intro that you feel you need a better camera, you still did an excellent job with the one you have. I look forward to seeing the rest of your work.
Hi Courtney. This is a great start to the short semester here. I wonder where the yellowish tinge came from, gives it a low fi quality which can defiantly be worked with. Not abandoned. I can see how not using a great camera could get frustrating as I was there for ever until just a day a go. i would suggest renting something nice just for a minute.
ReplyDeleteAnyways good luck on the semester can't wait to see where you will go from here!