The above digital art piece I did was created tonight from this photo that I took for my b/w photography class during my sophomore year of college. I was 20 back then, so 10 years ago to be accurate. Here’s that photo (it’s actually a photo of my photo on matte board, I tried tearing it off to scan it, but I ripped one and thought I’d just photograph them instead):

Back then, I started hitting my groove more toward my senior year of college (if you’re curious, I went to Murray State University in Western KY) and I created a lot of similar photo collages. I loved merging the computer with my artistic photography endeavors. I had a mild clue about composition and subject matter of my photography back then. I just knew what I liked. I liked a lot of reflection, light, introspection and emotion. For some reason, I also really dug this necklace. I thought it had raw symbolism…

My friend and suitemate Laura did a lot of posing for me. She had beautiful hands and features so it worked out quite well. She was always a good sport too and didn’t mind the task. That always made it a lot easier!

I have been thinking as of late that I’d like to get my old Pentax back out and start playing around with it. I always love the way the photos look with this camera. There’s something about it that just doesn’t compare to my digital camera (though I wouldn’t give it up for the world). There’s actually a LOT of people you can find out there that still prefer the look of film to digital. My friend Ima loves shooting in film and gets some really great shots like this I went in Urban Outfitters the other day and there were a ton of old school reproduction cameras, so if they carry it, you know it’s a big trend or the next big thing. Check out their stash of cool 35mm and point and shoots (along with film) here. It makes me really want to buy some and start playing around with new techniques.

And I finally leave you with this last image. I developed and processed them myself. I have since forgotten how to do that, which kinda bums me out. It’s a really cool skill to have that is not needed as much in the digital age. In college, I didn’t get a lot of feedback on my photos, but in one portfolio review my teachers told me that my photos were the strongest of my art skills. I wish I would have pursued it more (I never went past the introductory course), but I was totally overwhelmed with my other courses and yearbook, which was practically a full time job in its own. I’m glad I’ve continued to pursue photography. It’s a great creative outlet for me that lets me think outside my crafty box.

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa