Journals

Journal #1
What's Truth? An Idea? Reality? Abstraction? Can it be represented in (an) image(s)?

TRUTH: "conformity to fact or actuality," "fidelity to an original or standard," "reality," "actuality," "supreme reality and the ultimate meaning and calue of existence," "real," "genuine,etc." I think truth is an almost unacheivable goal. I am thinking in terms of art, specifically photography. I think it is/would be very difficult to represent an image truthfully because when people see a camera they don't remain natural. And on the other end, if it is a still life or a landscape, etc. you generally can only capture a portion of it, which inevitably could leave out the whole truth. The only way to photograph the truth would be in a way to not have the camera seen, leave the object or content as is and resort to a Riis/Steiglitz way of picture taking. To summarize a long journal entry, truth is perfection. Perfection can be defined differently by almost everyone therefore it may be virtually impossible to capture truth. But then again, perhaps truth is in the eye of the beholder.


Journal #2
What is your earliest memory? Is there a photograph of it?

My earliest memory I can really only remember after looking at pictures of it. Once looking at the photos I can put myself and remember what it felt like and relive that memory. One of the earliest memories I genuinely remember before seeing a photo of it was one of my very early birthdays. My family was there, aunts, uncles, cousings, grandparents and my mom had made me the best birthday cake. It was in the shape of a cat and had chocolate frosting with whiskers and facial features made out of licorice and other candies. The photo of this is me at the head of the kitchen table surrounded by my family with the cake sitting in front of me.


Journal #3
What are some differences between a photograph of something and the thing itself?

Differences between a photo of something and the thing itself are the obvious. The photo forms the object into a two dimensional version of the real, three dimensional object. The photo is not reality but just a mock-up or duplicate of the object. The photo can never really be the truth because the truth would be the original, real thing itself. A photo of something could eliminate the REAL details, making it not the truth at all. A photograph could skew the real object differently then it really is also.

Journal #4
Are you better in front of or behind the camera? How does it feel to be photographed?

I am, without doubt, much better behind the camera than in front of it. I am very self concious and don't have the self esteem to be genuinely photographed and therefore am very reluctant about photos being taken of myself. Most times I avoid it at all costs and it kind of upset if someone sneaks one. To me, it feels awkward to be photographed. I feel like it draws out my insecurities and puts me on a new playing feel to be judged, which I simply do not enjoy or care for. In all honesty the only time I felt okay getting my picture taken was for my senior portraits, taken my a professional photograph. That is because it is a professional photographers job (at least in this case) to make you look good and eliminated the possibility of them being bad.


Journal #5
What do you wish you could have a photograph of?

There are two things I wish I had photos of. The more important of the two would be more pictures of my father. There are not that many of him with me or the rest of my family because he was usually the one that took them. Also most of the pictures I have of my father are from when I was very young. My family became less inclined to take pictures as the years went on and us kids grew older and not "cute" babies anymore. I wish I had a picture of me and my father laughing and happy together.

The other thing I wish I had several, series of photos of is my dreams. I feel like I have very vivid dreams and they are usually pretty cool, so it would be fun to be able to document what goes on in the head while I am asleep. That way I wouldn't have to worry about forgetting what happened in them either.

PR --- Stoughton Opera House

The Stoughton Opera House is located in a small hidden gem, Stoughton. It is a small theatre space bringing in acts from all over the country to the Mid-West. It is not very well known, but is a beautiful historical theatre space. I have spent time working there and realized that the website was lacking something, so pictures were taken. I hope to add more of the exterior of the building and continue to follow up with pictures of events that have taken place in the space and have them on the website to follow in the next couple of weeks.

http://www.stoughtonoperahouse.com/

Photo Essay --- Brewers On Deck

Sunday, April 2nd the Milwaukee Brewers rang in a new year with a pre-opening day baseball festival at Miller Park. “Brewers on Deck,” allowed fans to enter the stadium to get autographs from all active Brewers players, to watch the team practice, hear owner Mark Attanasio and coach Ned Yost give their two cents about the upcoming season, not to mention all the food (and beer), the people and other special promotions going on throughout the stadium. Players were seen in their natural habitat running, catching and throwing in the field and even were able to have some fun as many smiles became visible. All the fans that gathered, were also happy to be there, from infant to grandparent, kids seen playing catch as they waited in line to receive an autograph, hearing adults reminisce about favorable memories of past baseball seasons, know-it- alls predicting the Brewers fate and even those over ambitious people who get up far too early to camp out and wait in line just to be the first one in. Baseball is America’s favorite pastime and a joyous event that many people wait for all winter. At “Brewers on Deck,” excitement and fun for all ages buzzed as thousands of very different people gathered for one reason; baseball.

In the wee hours of the morning there were already hundreds of people

waiting at the door. They did not want to miss getting an autograph let alone being first into the building.

Lawn chairs, blankets, coolers, everything short of the kitchen sink

was brought to make this act of extreme fanaticism more comfortable.

Two hours before the doors would open the line had grown

all the way to the parking lot. Shortly after the line wrapped around winding between cars.

Who knew this event was such a big deal?

With less then an hour until the gates open the mobs of people grew restless.

An attempt to entertain was made when the infamous Milwaukee Brewers Sausages came out

and worked the crowd. It just seemed to rile everyone up more.

It's never to early to introduce sports or baseball into the lives of small children.

Kids covered in Brewers gear could be seen for miles as family and friends

helped teach and influence the next generations of Brewers fans.

There is nothing better to do while waiting in line then share opininons

about what was to come for the Brewers. Reminiscing about past seasons, spouting off stats,

facts and trivia was not uncommon for that day.

You don't become a Brewers fan, you are born one.

Small children did not stop many adults from coming out to support the Brewers.

At the very least it was a first introduction or memory

to the stadium and major league baseball as a whole for these newbie fans.

Starting pitcher, Chris Capuano, was one of the many players

that took time before practice to gladly sign autographs for the thousands of gracious fans

that continually take time to support the Brewers; win or lose.

Waiting in line for several long morning hours can work up quite the appetite.

Besides the autographs, players practice session, music and other promotions going on,

stadium food was more than enough to draw the crowds...

...Or beer for those of us over 21. You have two hands for a reason. Why waste it?

Even those providing the entertainment

were able to take a load off and enjoy the exciting enviroment baseball creates.

Several children and even some adults anxiously waited at the dugout

in hopes to get one last autograph from lingering players during practice.

"Brewers On Deck," created a light-hearted, entertaining and fun enviroment for all.

Even those in charge of the Brewers success; coaches Dale Sveum, Ned Yost and Robin Yount

were able to squeeze in a few smiles...

...Similarly pitchers, Justin Lehr and Rick Helling were able to have fun and laugh

after warming up in the bullpen and while continuing the rest of their practice.

Coach Ned Yost spent much time talking about the teams unity and how closely knit the players are.

He implied that that alone would help the Brewers succeed.

Much of the unity lies in being able to share senses of humour.

Derrick Turnbow is known for drawing out the laughs and during practice is no exception.

Jokes aside, Bill Hall and Corey Koskie worked on fundamentals

in their last practice before the Brewers opening game on April 3rd.

Rickie Weeks as part of the trio of youngsters

that will hopefully carry the Brewers to success speant much time over spring training

working on his fielding to bring down the number of defensive errors in the new season.

The motto of the day: Leisure smiles and a good time.

In the midst of practice, Bill Hall, Prince Fielder and Carolos Lee

could not forget what it is all about; Having Fun.

" I love you Damian!" This caught one of the veterans of the game, Damian Miller,

as he peeked over the dugout.

He graciously stopped to sign one last autograph for his number one fan before calling it a day.

Known....or Unknown???

Document

Feb 15- 12am

Feb 16- 830am

Feb 17- 230pm

Feb 22- 11am

Feb 23- 745am

Feb 25- 3pm

Feb 28- 530pm

Light

Sky Light

Castle In the Clouds

Blinded By the Light

City Lights