Red has been hanging out in the backyard. He’s often with the Mrs. Every time I try to get a photo of the two of them, they fly off. Once they were sitting together on a rock and I watched Red feed her birdseed!
I woke up yesterday with a sore neck, shoulders, back and hands. I attribute it to photography. I spent hours over several days working on my final project. Then, yesterday I went golfing with a friend. We haven’t been out for 18 months. We figured the lapse in time, because we drove to a public course with a driving range and were told the range is for members only. We asked when that happened and they said “17 months ago.”
Waking up today, my arms are hurting along with the other parts. No longer am I achy. I feel achy breaky.
I’ve completed my redo of my photography final, but the instructor threw in another twist. He added a research report due on Sunday. I’m supposed to find a photograph or photographer whose work has been taken out of context from the original intent. I’ve googled various phrases to try and find something.
I found an iconic photo of The Beatles with Muhammad Ali. The context is that it was during The Beatles first trip to the US after the Ed Sullivan show in 1964. Ali was known as Cassius Clay and he had an upcoming fight with Heavyweight Champion Sonny Liston. Clay was 22 years old and not the famous person he would become. The Beatles wanted a photo with Liston but he refused. The Beatles publicist arranged the photo with Clay. Today, it’s a photo of some of the most famous people in the world. But back then, it was not.
I wrote it up, but I don’t think it’s really hitting the right note. Not so much out of context. So, back to research. If you have any ideas — I’ll be forever grateful!
Here are two photos with settings my photography instructor suggested. FYI, these aren’t part of my redo of my final project, just photos:
A Gila Woodpecker landing on the fence.
A House Finch on a cacti lawn ornament.
Any ideas for my research report?
What difference do you see with the new settings my instructor suggested, including the photo of Red above?
They are sharper! Great pics! I really like the one of the woodpecker landing on your fence. Sorry, no ideas for your research report. But congrats for almost finishing!
Thanks! Like I said, the instructor was right about changing settings.
The pictures are very focused on the subject and show clear details, and of course Red always looks good because he is so regal and important! Why did you instructor add another assignment at this late date? It wasn’t an optional thing? I think that’s going to be difficult for people to accomplish maybe?
Thanks for the encouraging words on my photos. The instructor let us know in advance about the two assignments due on the same date. We normally have one week to complete work. But he gave us two weeks for the story through pictures.
That’s a tricky topic to research. I’m not sure where I’d start. A candid photo of a rock star backstage doing something out of character? Or a famous couple caught arguing in public? Or one person giving another person the side eye instead of looking into the camera? Good luck, will enjoy seeing what you find.
It is a tough assignment. But once I figure it out, I’ll have a new blog post. 😬
Maybe try Christa McAuliffe. She intended to use her space flight experience in the classroom, but instead became a history subject.
Thanks for the idea.
I’m glad the golfing helped. I love your pictures, Elizabeth. I’m sad to see the course end although I hope you will continue to share your stunning pictures.
How about the Afghan Girl picture from Nat Geo? It’s such a memorable photo but one that seems out of context from the situation of refugees affected by the Soviet war in Afghanistan.
Thank you for the kind words about my photos. I’m ready for a break from the class, but may take another one in the fall or winter. It’s been a ton of work and takes a lot of time. But I appreciate how much I learned. Thank you for the idea of the Afghan Girl.
Yes, I can see how much time you’ve put into it!
Thanks! I turned in my redo of my assignment yesterday. Otherwise, I’d keep working on it!
These photos are much more focused and the central focus is popping out very nicely.
Thank you! 😊
You’re very welcome
💕
First, I think that’s my favorite shot of Red. Every pic is better than the last, but I really like how close it is and how you can see his face. I like your Beatles/Mohammad Ali Photo … but you have me thinking about others. I thought of the photo of the couple kissing in the middle of the street during the riot in Vancouver in 2011, when they lost the Stanley Cup. They’re lying in the middle of the street. Only when you look close do you see the riot. I remember that pix but I can’t remember what I ate for breakfast. Ugh. I thought too about O.J. Simpson’s mugshot when he was on trial. I vaguely remember it being controversial because of the editing, but I’m not sure it’s really out of context. You have a tough assignment. Good luck.
I’m excited with the latest Red photos, too. He was sitting right outside my window and I managed to get quite a few shots — with the suggested settings. I have found a few ideas for the research paper. I appreciate your help, too!
Red is so gorgeous, so photogenic! I was on a walk last night and saw a Red and his bride, enjoying the evening in a neighbors front yard and I thought o you!
I wish I could help you on your project, but I think what you found seems to fit the bill. No?
I understand the achey brakey part; stretch yourself out and after a few days, you’ll be back in business.
Hot showers and stretching are helping. Also putting down the golf clubs and heavy telephoto lens is making me feel better, too. I am always so excited to see Red and the Mrs. I’m glad you have one nearby, too.
Your pictures are really improving… well done! That sounds like an interesting research topic. I’m curious what you (and others) come up with.
Thank you so much! I turned in my final FINAL and will post it Friday. After looking at it today, I wanted to redo more photos. I’m glad I let go! Maybe next week, I’ll discuss the photographer and out of context photo he got caught up in.
Hum? Out-of-context photos are a powerful low-tech form of misinformation. One example I found after a global warming protest in London’s Hyde Park in 2019, photos began circulating as proof that the protesters had left the area covered in trash. In reality, some of the photos were from Mumbai, India, and others came from a completely different event in the park. If someone wants to get there point across they’ll go to other sources to drive the issue in the media. I guess it happens more often then we think. I usually believe what I see. I might have to rethink that. Hugs, C
I did see your example while doing research. I found a photo of a junior class in WI where a professional photographer was a dad of one of the students. Parents asked him to take pre prom photos. He had the boys line up on steps. He asked them to raise their hands and wave good-bye to their parents. Months later the photo went viral and it was said the boys were doing a Nazi salute. Even the school district went public against the boys. The boys received death threats and the town was divided in support for and against the kids. You’re correct about out of context photos being a powerful low-tech form of misinformation. There’s many cases these days.
Wow, people can be so cruel, that probably changed the lives of all those boys forever.
What a shame.
Wow, amazing photos. That one of RED, is stunning. The other two as well. I think your class has been well worth it.
Thank you so much! Yes, the class was a lot of work at the end, but so worth it. I have skills now that I can use.
It’s always tough doing new physical routines and getting the body used to it. Hope you’re feeling less sore now. Your photos are really popping into focus now, even with movement. Seems like you’ve found some good subjects for your report, especially about the boys waving. I attended a protest once with a sign I had made. The media showed me with my sign, but cropped it so what it seemed to say was contrary to what it actually said. The same type of editing occurred with the TV interview at that same event. Made me really distrust the media ever afterward!
Wow! Thank you for sharing your own experiences. Talk about out of context photos and media. It makes me wonder how often it happens and what we can believe? Tomorrow morning I have schedule my final project on WP. I had to turn it in early, or I’d still be out there trying for better photos. I bought some epsom salts to help with my aches and pains!