Kaelua Aoae

The Idea: Do 3 personal shoots per month; One self-portrait, one of a friend, and one of a model from a modeling agency

I feel this would be a good experience to add to my portfolio for many reasons, the main reason being to diversify my content. I got into photography through self-portraits, so that’s always what I’ve been most comfortable shooting; although it does come with its challenges, I only have to worry about myself and my abilities throughout the whole process. Working with friends and models opens up different dynamics. Working with my friends would be good practice to how I shoot people I already know and how to get them comfortable in front of the camera; especially if they’ve never modeled before or don’t like having their picture taken. Professional models would mean a more professional setting, and working with someone used to being in front of the camera and doesn’t need as much guidance; I feel the main issue or hiccup I would have with this dynamic is emailing an agency with my shoot idea, and finding a model that has a coinciding schedule with mine. I might have more anxiety related to having a model actually be down to shoot with me considering I’m a student who can’t pay them; The most I could do is get them good photos in a timely manner which also boils down to time management and putting the professional skills that I’ve learned from classes into action.

As for skills, working with different clientele is the main overarching one. Shooting myself is far different from shooting other people, and shooting models vs average people also has two different interactive challenges. I’m also just not the most outgoing person, so forcing myself to challenge that at least 3 times a month on varying levels of outgoingness (hitting up a friend- emailing an agency) will hopefully give me the confidence I need to start being more assertive in this field. But overall practice makes perfect, so dedicating a good chunk of time to my own personal shoots while also shooting for school will only help my photography in the long run

*Had a frustrating time uploading the screenshot annoyingly (had to copy and paste)

Brainstorm List

• Reach out to modeling agency each month to shoot every color of the rainbow

(Feb- Red, Mar- orange, etc)

• Do three personal shoots per month, one self portrait, one of a friend, one of model
• Each month, dedicate to immersing myself in a different style of photography; street, portrait, product, etc
• Create a portfolio cultivated around different styles, or different themes
• Dedicate a shoot each month to doing something I wouldn’t think to do, or don’t find to be my style
• Ask the model what photoshoot they would want, (have them send me reference pictures) and try to replicate it- at least 2 per month
• Base and stylize one shoot per- month off of a personal drawing/ one I’m inspired by
• Shoot one thing 30/ 31 different ways each month and document the process
• Create content like Kianna Naomi- niche vlog style like content that romanticizes my day to day so I can continue to stay motivated while practicing my carft.
• Create one short film each month based on my favorite song at that time
• Base shoots/ short films off of obscure words and document the process

BACKGROUND:

I got into photography during COVID 19; Making it very hard for me to branch out and get help from models or other photographers, or even want to. Because of that I relied very heavily on myself for being my own model, stylist, and photographer. At first I thought it was so difficult because I didn’t know what I was doing – learning what I know now however, in general, it’s extremely difficult for anyone to execute high end self portraits. So it was very intimidating for me when I had the idea of trying a self portrait shoot for the first time in the school studio. Previously I had always done my own shoots privately and had the luxury of not having to deal with anyone being around, however in a public space – especially that of which with other creatives – was more anxiety inducing than I expected it to be. I had no set in stone shots I wanted to replicate and didn’t have any other references besides hairstyle and outfit that I had to go by, so configuring a lighting set up, camera angles, and poses in all took about 5 hours.

ACTIONS:

From start to finish, the only reason I went about doing a self portrait in the first place was because it was the lighting midterm, and all through out that class I felt like I had delivered below subpar work. We had just learned about the different fundamental lighting set ups that are universal in the industry; Split, Rembrandt, Butterfly, loop, etc, and I really wanted to try and execute them. Going back to what I was the most familiar and confident in seemed like the best option considering how much creative freedom we had. From there I looked up concepts I would like to execute; for some reason I was really inspired by the old school woman with bonnet/ curlers in a night gown with cigarette in hand aesthetic and bought props, clothes, and wigs that would fit. In the studio, I set up a vibrant seameless to match my outfit (converted it to black and white in post), struggled with my camera set up since I couldn’t tether, and wasn’t comfortable using the saloon stands just yet, so ended up going with propping it up on a stool and connecting it to my phone through Bluetooth so I could use it as a mini tether essentially. I had a lot of frustrating moments, within the shoot, I felt very discouraged and confused on what to do; the reality of shooting aimlessly was pretty prevalent considering how confused I was on how to use the different lighting set ups I had used. I also felt extremely embarrassed in all honesty; being in a night gown, high heels, and a wig in the studio where other creatives are working seemed really intimidating at the time, especially since this was still at the point where we were all learning and getting to know each other.

RESULTS:

In the end though, when it came time to showcase to the class and get feedback, and critiques from Matt. I was pleasantly surprised when everyone in class expressed their admiration of the shots. The composition, catch light, and overall story of the shot came up frequently in the positive feedback I received. It was the first time I genuinely felt like I belonged in the program and deserved to be here based off of the work that I turned in. What I submitted as my project did fall short on a few requirements though; They weren’t shot in portrait, and I failed at submitting the RAW files. But the overall consensus was that they were good photos – and getting those comments and feedback from other photographers, as well as the mentor you’re learning from was a huge moment for me within this program.

1: Camera

2: Laptop/ iPad

3: Hard Drive

4: Studio Space

5: Connections

6: Story Telling understanding

7: Body composition/ modeling understanding

8: Lighting

9: Editing Software

10: Drive

Luckily I’m in a fairly privileged position where my program offers me an abundance of resources I can utilize basically whenever I want. Things like a computer and editing software, are things I walk into the classroom with almost daily. Within our studio space, I’m granted access to multiple lighting, backdrop, and set design options. So in short, all the fundamental technical elements of what I need are here. Not to mention the connections I’m making with my fellow classmates and peers who are learning and practicing the same things I am.

But I am in this program for a reason, because although I have all this equipment, I am still being taught how to use it in accordance with the things I want to pursue. How to pose models for certain shoot (Both people and objects) isn’t a straightforward task, especially when you add in extra elements like the set, the lighting, the camera: along with the camera settings. Story telling in relation to both video and photography; Within video, knowing how to drive a plot with camera angles, lighting, sets, props, etc, all while trying to keep the viewer engaged and sympathetic is a big thing that still intimidates me. As far as storytelling with photos, being able to utilize a single image and have it speak to the viewer, or make them forget its a singular captured moment in time and not apart of it’s own universe that takes years to learn how to do.

When it comes to tools I don’t have and need to learn, a lot of it boils down to personal hiccups. Being more social and extraverted when it comes to marketing myself and reaching out. Not procrastinating or prioritizing the things I need to prioritize. Balancing multiple projects at once and being able to not have to sacrifice the quality of one or the other. “Learn,” isn’t the word I would use to describe my short comings in these because after all, these are traits we all know how to do to some degree. It’s just not letting them come and go and being consistent with these characteristics that I need to learn, because without them, regardless of what I have around me, it will go to waste.

For my game I decided to play the Roblox game Natural survivor. The general goal of the game is to survive different natural disasters (ie. Flashflood, earthquake, acid rain, social virus, tsunami, thunder, snow & sand storm, fire, volcanic eruption) in different locations varying from barn houses, to race tracks, to prison.

You start off at a tower spawn point where you can overlook the current game, and also see the score board of people who have survived the most. Once in the game you have a good minuet or two to explore around the environment your in, and prepare for the ND (Natural Disaster). One “flaw” that I noticed is that the skyline can a lot of times give away what the disaster will be, which can also help you deduce what the other disasters will be as well. From what I’ve gathered – when the sky turns white, it’s either a snow or thunder storm; yellow would be a sand storm; grey would be acid rain or flash flood; and a clear sky means it’s a ND that will directly start from the ground vs the sky. Surviving each disaster also falls within a pattern; however, it gets slightly more technical when factoring in the different locations. Luckily, the game only has a set number of locations it cycles through, so you’ll get a lot of repeats.

A fun aspect of the game that I think can be underappreciated is the multiplayer aspect. You’re put into a game lobby with up to 50 other random people who are all going about the game in similar or drastically different ways. There is a chat feature so you can communicate with everyone, but unless you’re on a computer, it can take away from the experience since the text screen takes over the entire screen; prohibiting your ability to move around (which is not ideal). And the keyboard is annoying to use since the keys are so small, so unless you’re a 10 year old, you’re going to click on things you didn’t mean to.

On that note, in terms of who this game is for; Roblox in general has a fairly young demographic. however, I’m hesitant to say that the demographic for Natural Disaster is more so in the mid teens range since it’s such an og game on the platform, and also hasn’t updated much. It was quite nostalgic for me since I used to play with my bother all the time when we were younger. But the biggest difference I noticed was the lack of interaction within the chat that used to be there.

Overall, although the game play does get repetitive, and the challenge of surviving each disaster gets easier. The concept and digestible execution of each disaster makes up for a constant stimulus the player may be lacking. Playing with friends and playing on your own but still around people make the solo and multiplayer experience equally enjoyable and it’s just such a simple but fun game and I’d always highly recommend it

It’s hard to sell yourself and your uniqueness in this industry, when you haven’t been in this industry for very long. I’m still trying to define my worth within my own words and that’s going to be forever changing as I progress and grow, but for right now I decided to ask the people I’ve worked for; The people who scoped me out because they saw something within my personal work; even the people who’ve never worked with me, but they’ve seen my Instagram post or my website. Another reason I took this approach was because all these people I’m asking input from are possible or repeater clients. I need to make sure the market I’m reaching out to is receiving me and if they are, I want to know the reasons.

In this process, the main repeating comments I got were that I had a unique perspective. I’m not just coming from a photographer perspective, I’m coming perspectives in painting, writing, singing, sketching etc. I have multiple trades in which I conduct my artistic abilities and being able to put all of those towards my photography/ videography, and even postproduction give me an edge on people who don’t have those perspectives.

Attention to detail, was another prominent one. I call attention to the smallest of things but in the context of the overarching theme, it works in the end because all of those little things come together. Being able to spot them in the moment before they’ve turned into something bigger cuts down on production time and brings attention to the fact that I’m able to identify and fix both large and small problems

I’m Versatile. I have vast experience considering how short of a time I’ve been in this field with both freelance and mainstream work. On top of that within those mediums I’m always able to push myself to do a project I’ve never done before, and if I’m working with someone, takes notes and pay close attention to how they conduct themselves in an area I have little to no experience in. I’m aware that just because I’m familiar with the fundamentals, does not mean I’m able to comfortably fit anywhere without a little guidance or help.

I have a clear emotional attachment to all my work. I care deeply about each and every project I work on and take each one very seriously. If it’s not up to my code, it will be redone until it is. Not wanting to put out work I’m not proud of is something I think everyone can relate to, but I always make sure I’m taking every step necessary to avoiding feeling that way at the end of the day. I’ve been told it can be intimidating and boarder on a perfectionist mindset, but I feel like it’s something fundamental in my process.

Lets ignore the fact that this is a Handicap sign in the Dick’s Burgers parking lot 🙂

Ireland has always interested me as a place to live outside of the United states. It just has way more to offer to me personally and I’ve always wanted to live there so I could go on and on about the reasons why not only for personal reasons but as a photographer as well, it would benefit me.

 1. Inspiring Landscapes: Ireland’s landscapes are a photographer’s paradise, offering a rich tapestry of natural beauty. From the rugged coastal cliffs to rolling green hills and ancient ruins, the country is a never-ending source of inspiration. The breathtaking scenery provides endless opportunities to capture unique and captivating images that would enhance my portfolio and expand my creative vision. 

 2. Rich Cultural Heritage: Ireland’s rich cultural heritage is deeply woven into the fabric of the nation, offering photographers a wealth of subject matter to explore. From ancient castles and historic sites to traditional music sessions and vibrant festivals, the cultural tapestry of Ireland provides a unique backdrop for storytelling through photography. Immersing myself in this vibrant culture would not only enrich my work but also broaden my perspective as an artist. 

 3. Networking Opportunities: Ireland’s photography community is renowned for its warmth, talent, and supportiveness. By working in such an environment, I would have the opportunity to connect with local photographers, attend exhibitions, workshops, and photography clubs. Collaborating with like-minded individuals would not only foster professional growth but also create a sense of camaraderie and inspiration.  

4. Professional Growth: Ireland’s thriving creative industries and growing economy make it an enticing destination for photographers looking to expand their professional horizons. The demand in areas such as editorial, commercial, wedding, and travel photography provides ample opportunities for career advancement and diversification. Additionally, the chance to capture the unique beauty of Ireland’s landscapes and cultural heritage would position me for exciting projects and collaborations.

 5. Quality of Life: One cannot overlook the impact of Ireland’s renowned quality of life on the overall living experience. The warm and welcoming nature of the Irish people, coupled with their strong sense of community, would create a supportive environment where I can thrive personally and professionally. The slower pace of life and emphasis on work-life balance would allow me to immerse myself fully in my creative pursuits while enjoying the beauty and charm of Ireland. 

In short; I love Ireland 🙂 (If that wasn’t obvious)

**Monday-Friday**

7:00-7:30: Wake up, Shower/ Do my hair

7:30-8: Breakfast

8:00- 9:00: Pack what I need/ Head to school

9:00-12:00: Attend Classes

12:00-1:00: Lunch

1:00-4:00: Finish up class and use studio to shoot either personal or school projects

4:00-5:00 Bus/or Uber home

5:00-7:00: Plan for upcoming assignments with Bullet Journal/ Finish assignments 3 days away

7:00-8:00: Dinner

8:00-10:00: Laundry/Dishes/Clean Up

10:00-11:00: Start night routine/Go to bed

**Saturday**

2:00pm: Wake Up (If I didn’t pull an all-nighter)

2:00-3:00: Get ready for work

3:00-5:00: Bus to work

5:00- 1:00AM: Work

1:00- 3:00: Bus home

3:00: Pass out

**Sunday** (Rinse and Repeat)

2:00pm: Wake Up

2:00-3:00: Get ready for work

3:00-5:00: Bus to work

5:00- 1:00AM: Work

1:00- 3:00: Bus home

3:00-3:30: Prep all assignments/ Gear for school

4:00: Pass out

The Point of interest we chose for this assignment was Thrift Stores; They were an easy and accessible medium for all of us to be able to get to and interact with. We went about creating our panels by first figuring out what we wanted them to be made up of. In the end we decided on an image of the outside of the building, our best finds and their price points to get people excited to what they might find if they went there, and the address.

We decided to use Adobe Illustrator to create the panels, which admittingly was a challenge for me since I had never used it before, however my teammates were really nice and understanding in guiding me through the basics so I could complete my part.