Monday, May 9, 2011

Day One: Intro

My name is Jess. I'm a psychology major and my intended focus is school counseling and/or family counseling. Currently an upcoming senior, I'm looking forward to graduating from Meredith in December.

I'm taking this class because I love photography. I've always loved taking pictures; my love expanded whenever I was in Italy and was even nicknamed "the photographer." I'm very interested in tuning my Photoshop skills. I know how to edit a little bit so for the most part Photoshop will be a great learning experience. Also, specifically this class I find particularly interesting because I don't know much about animal shelters. Within the first couple of days, I've already learned a lot and I'm looking forward to the class. From this class, I hope to expand my knowledge about animal shelters procedures, differences and expectations. I'm most looking forward to seeing the animals and developing a relationship with them; although, I am a bit intimidated by the bigger animals. I think it will be really exciting when the animals get adopted and find a loving home.

This is my first online class. My expectations of the class are hopeful. I expect to spend a decent amount of time in the animal shelter as well as editing the pictures. I've taken a photography class in high school editing with Photoshop; so I know how time consuming it can be. I'm also a perfectionist so I tend to pay close attention to detail and take as many pictures as needed to get all the elements correct. I'm 'ready and willing' to learn and grow from this class.

The picture is of Harley (my dog) and me. He is a collie-lab mix. Although he is five years old and much bigger than me, he is still my puppy!

9 comments:

  1. Ahh, I would say you can't be too intimated by large animals. His head is larger than yours :) CUTE dog! Great blog title—iniziare al meglio la classe!

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  2. Love your dog! Very cute. I always love classes like this where so many different majors and interests come together. Makes for a great dynamic. Looking forward to working with you.

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  3. I really liked what you said about taking lots of shots to get the elements correct. I learned years ago that sometimes out of a roll or two of 36 exposures I may get one or two frames that are usable, much less amazing. That has been one of the most helpful things anyone ever taught me about photography as it helps me be patient. I like to have it all turn out the first time I shoot. Sometimes the first is the best shot but so often what I get as I keep looking and shooting adds much more texture and nuance to the visual record.

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  4. @Professor Johnstone I think I should add a clarifying statement about large animals; I think I'm more intimidated of those animals who are aggressive. Also, I have a little confession to make I used to be afraid of dogs until I had one of my own. When I say afraid, it's more like terrified. Harley helped me overcome that. He's such a good puppy and now I'm not nervous to be around animals at all. Amo il mio cane!

    @Karen Thank you; I love Harley and I love the arts. Although, I'm a psychology major, I've found my way into the art department for several classes. It's a great way to balance out all the book work from my major.

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  5. @Georgia Yes, I must agree. Patience is certainly necessary but that final result always makes the time spent completely worth it!

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  6. Ummm... I want your dog because he is a big dog and he has Collie in him!!! I am really excited to see your work since you are a ways away from our class! I was scared of big dogs when I was little. It wasn't until a little while ago that I got use to them being around. Thanks to my roommate Magan's huge dog called Lavrick. He is a mix of a Saint Bernard, a large Collie and a Bloodhound. Safe to say he's huge and adorable.

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  7. Harley is so handsome! I'm afraid of aggressive large dogs as well, but I'm sure we'll both get over our intimidation as we take the class. I'm glad we have a class together!

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  8. @Kiba Glad we both got over our fears. :)

    @Chris I totally agree. Looking forward to this class with you!

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  9. @Kiba Glad I wasn't the only one who used to be afraid.

    @Chris I'm glad we have a class together as well.

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