My Homework - Thanks Class of 2016!

I haven't taken any pictures with my real camera or spent much time editing the ones I do take.  One of my students brought this to my attention, so I asked my TAs to give me an assignment.  They came up with about the most complicated thing possible--surrealism.  While I did do a few surrealistic photos, I'm not super excited with how they turned out.  Actually, I'm more disappointed with how my brain refused to get surreal with the pressure of a deadline looming.  It was helpful, however, to gain some perspective into what my students (especially those doing the AP portfolio) are feeling.  Below are some photos that I took over the last week (only one that follows the assignment guidelines, sorry Alec.)  The first few are from the YMCA circus in Redlands.  I am absolutely stunned at these kids' talent!  They were so young and up there doing flips and looking all cirque du soleil!  The light was absolute junk, but I just worked with it and did long exposures and explored the movement of the performances.

 Here is my surrealism attempt.  The cup is a new photo, and inside it are two older ones--one of two dolphins from a whale watching trip in Dana Point, and the other, an HDR sunset over a lake in Wisconsin.  I don't like how it cuts off so close at the wrist.  I'd like my arms to lead into the picture more.

Finally, I've been wanting to try this thing I saw on Pinterest when searching for concentration ideas for Ana.  It involved cutting up multiple portraits and piecing them back together in a weird way.  Looked super easy, but turned out not to be.  Still, though it's not AT ALL what I was going for, it turned kind of cool.  The edit is inspired by one of my student's style--Marek, you know I'm a fan.  The subject, though you can barely see her, is Ana.  Ana, I hope you approve!

The final photo is a test shot of Alec that I took while setting up my lights.  I ended up really liking it so I kept it.  Alec, thank you for giving me the assignment, and for making me so proud this year!