Free Choice Friday(#1): Intro to Computer Science

Hello everyone!

This is my first Free Choice Friday. This is where I talk about  something that isn't photography based.

Today I am going to talk about another new class I am taking this semester. I know I have been taking a lot of new classes. This class is called Intro to Computer Science. The reason I was interested in this is because my uncle is really good with computers. Another reason is that I realized that since I use a computer so often then maybe I should actually learn how programs are made. Computers are very interesting machines that, if you ever have a chance, everyone should learn about.

What is this class?
This class is about computer programing. The program you mainly learn is html. The beginning of the class you learn number system and problem solving. So if you really want to learn programming then you might be a little bored in the beginning.

How did you hear about this class? 
-I heard about this class because my math teacher in 11th grade is the teacher of the class. Since it is a new class this year she was promoting it last year.

Is there homework/tests? 
-There is some homework. If you don't finish you homework in class then you have to finish it in class. My teacher doesn't check the homework everyday but she does sometimes so you should always do your homework. There a tests too. The reason there are tests is because this class is preparation for the AP computer science class.

Do you like html?
-I do like html. Its pretty simple, the only thing that is hard about it is that there are a lot of codes that you need to know. What I do for now when I code is that I keep the note sheets that my teacher gave to me and whenever I don't know a code, then I look at my notes.

Do you want to do more coding in the future?
-I want to take coding classes in college. This is a skill that I want to remember so if I don't keep practicing it then I wont remember it. I might not take classes in college because I don't want to have too many classes to stress about so if not then I might join a coding club.

Do you like the class?
-There are a lot of things that I like about this class. One of my close guy friends is in the same class as me. I really like taking to him because he's really funny and can make me laugh. Also the teacher is my favorite Math teacher so I'm glad I can hang with her cause she's awesome. Then coding in general is just fun to me.

Thanks for reading my blog and please check out my other post on here. Also follow me on Instagram @Exposureyourself. Until next time, I'll see you at my next exposure.

-Jess

The fallen of a loved one...

Hello everyone.

Today is a very sad day in my life. I have learned that one of my beloved has gone and will never come back. But even though that is such a sad time that doesn't mean that we can think of a positive light of it.

I would like to send a message today to... protect all you SD cards!

Yes you read correctly, I have damaged one of my SD cards and all the pictures on it has been lost. I am really pissed because my next digital project was on that SD card so I guess I have to retake all those pictures. I don't even know what really happened to my SD card. All I know is that I kept it in my backpack for a few days. I kept it by itself with no protection around it. I had thought it was in a small plastic bag but I guess I took it out without remembering to put it back into the bag. The next time I went to use it in the camera it said that it has been damaged and I couldn't use it. I took me all period to figure out what happened to it. What I determined is that the SD card had been magnetized by my phone.

I am not really sure that is what really happened. All I know is that I have to take care of  of my SD cards with more care. So what I would like to tell all of you is to take care of your SD carefully if you are going to be taking the SD card in and out of your camera a lot. DO NOT make the same mistake I did and think that your SD card is indestructible. You might think that all your photos are crap but then when you lose them all you feel like a big fat loser. I would suggest to always keep it in a little plastic bag or you could put them in those SD card plastic cases.  Photo are important so keep them safe!

Sorry for not posting for 2 weeks. School and life has been crazy but hopefully I can get back into it.

Thanks for reading and I'll see you at my next exposure!

-Jess

Film vs Digital

Hello everyone!

So as you all know I have joined a new photo class this year called digital photography. If you didn't know you can read my post about it here.

Anyway, so one of friends form AP photo is in that class too. I was really excited because she is one of those friends that I don't talk to too much so I was happy that I could spend time with her in this class. BUT she wanted to drop that class. I didn't really understand why she wanted to drop because I thought she would like the class a lot. When I asked her this is what she said, "I think I'm so use to the film camera that when I take pictures for digital I don't get the same feel. I don't know I just don't like it."

First of all what? If you love photography then you should love all types of photography. I mean DUH.

But she ended up have to stay in the class because she is required to take a least 5 class. SUCKS.

Any a ways this got me thinking of the differences between digital and film.

Film

• when you are taking a picture it is all manually
• you can't see your pictures when after you take a picture
• have to learn to develop film and make the prints (the pictures aren't going to just print out for you)
• no color! black and white

Digital 

• Pictures are much faster because it's all auto. 
• You can delete pictures you don't like
• a lot more photoshop
• automatic if you don't like or bad at focusing 

Which one do you like better? 
- I like different aspects of each. For film you feel more satisfied when you have a good picture. Each picture for film is a lot of work so when you get a good picture and you print it yourself  you feel very good about yourself. For digital, all it take is as click and you have a picture right in front of you.
-What I like more about digital is color. After years of taking pictures that are only black and white, I am really happy that I can take more pictures in color. Also I really like photoshop.

Do you have to shot differently when switching from digital to film? 
-Yes you really do. I think now I'm so use to it that I know when I have to think film and think digital. For film you really have to think of the lighting. Different lighting can really change your photo a lot. Also you really have to think in a black and white. If you think in color there is not way that you picture will come out the why you want it.

Overall thoughts
Over all I think there really isn't a lot of differences between them. Yeah there is a lot of technical differences because of the way you use them but you do have to think in a very photographic way. I guess it makes sense if the only way you see it is in a film sense and can not grasp it(or the other way around) that it is hard for you. My last thought of it is that you should try out both because think that building up your photographic eye is very helpful exceptionally if you going into it in the future.

That is all for today guys! I am so glad that the weather is getting nicer so I can go out and take a lot more pictures. I will try and post more pictures on my Instagram so if you want to follow me there is a link on the side. Tanks for reading and I'll see you at my next exposure!

-Jess

Amazon Camera bag review

Hello everyone! Today I am going to review a camera bag I got from amazon.

This is the bag I got. I have been using it for a month or so. I had it for longer but only started to use it when I started to use my digital camera more.

I don't know if the picture shows it well but the back has a kind of sponge-y feel to it. I have felt this material before on backpack straps.

The side of the bag is where you attach the strap. Also on each side there are pockets. I don't really understand what the side pockets are for because they really cant fit anything.

This is the inside of the camera case. There are 2 velcro straps but I only like to use 1.  

This is the only pocket I think is useful. It have a special place put SD cards. 

First Impressions 

When I first got this bag I was so excited! I got a camera a long time ago and was always afraid to take it places because I didn't have a bag for it. I really liked the color of it. Black and orange is a really nice combination. I liked that it was light weight because the camera I have is quite heavy, 

Pros

-My camera fits well inside of the bag. I can fit my camera, camera strap, and camera charger inside of it. 

-It doesn't and any extra weight 

-It was inexpensive 

-The extra pocket for the SD card is very useful. 

-The bottom is made out of plastic that allow it to 

Cons

-It is a little bit annoying if you bring it somewhere and don't need your camera inside. Like when I went to the mall the other day I carried it in the bag. When I got to the mall I took out my camera to take pictures and the bag itself is annoying to hold. If you take out your camera to take picture, you don't really need the bag anymore to take pictures. In that case you then have to just hold the bag by itself.

Overall

Overall I give this bag a 4 out of 5. There were only minor things that really bothered me about the bag but I do really love it. I hope to take it to college where I will take more and more pictures. 

If you want to buy this bag you can get it here. 

Thank you for reading and please follow me on instagram @Exposureyourself. I post my own pictures and update when I have new blog post. Please share my blog with anyone you think that would be interested. It would appreciate it very much. 

Have a wonderful day and I'll see you at my next exposure!

-Jess 

(Note: comment if you see any spelling errors and I will change them right away.) 

Tips and Tricks Tuesday(#1): AP Photography

Hi hi everybody! Today is going to be my first feature for Tips and Tricks Tuesday. I will try to do this as often as I can so please leave suggestions down in the comment section below.

If you don't know what AP Photography is please check my other post here explaining what AP Photography is.

Tip #1
Before picking a concentration you should have at least 3 in your mind that you like. Before starting the school year you have to take 5 rolls of film in the summer. While taking pictures over the summer is when I was thinking about concentration ideas.

Tip #2 
When you finally decide on your concentration try and take at least 2 rolls of film early on. This will help you determine if you like taking these kinds of pictures. Also this will help you see if you are good at making these kinds of prints.

Tip #3
Always try and have extra paper and film with you. You don't want to be in the middle of a print and run out of paper. You don't want to not have film when you run out of pictures to make.

Tip #4
When making prints try to at least make 2 prints a week. 1 print a week is ok but you might fall behind. Having my prints to show is better than having not enough prints.

Tip #5
Try to scan your prints as early as soon as possible. Maybe take a day in class where you have no prints to make and just scan everything. You don't want to be scanning everything in the last minute.

Tip #6
Make an AP account early. Even if you aren't uploading your prints yet make sure you have the username and password set up.

Tip #7
Try to remember when you are going to different places so you can ask to borrow a camera. Always try to bring a camera if you go away over the break or the weekend.

Tip #8
Talk to your teacher. Ask them any question you have because they probably have the answer. If they don't have the answer then they could find it out for you. Don't be afraid to question but you want to get the highest grade you can.

Tip #9
DON'T FORGET TO GIVE IN YOUR CHECK! If you don't hand in your check on time then you won't be able to send in your prints.

Tip #10
Have fun! This class is really enjoyable if you just do your work. It's fun being in a class with other photographers that are working on the same project as you. You get to go on fun trips and learn a lot about photography. It might be an AP class but that doesn't mean it's all about working.

Thank you for reading my post today. I hope it was helpful for all of you going into AP photography. I hope you all have a wonderful day and I'll see you at my next exposure!

-Jessica

(Note: If there are any spelling/grammar errors then please tell me and I'll change them as soon as possible)

Class: AP Photography

Hello everyone!

Today I am going to be talking about a class I am taking in school. It is called AP photography. 

What is the class?

-This class is about taking pictures with a film camera. You have to develop the film manually with chemicals and such. After making the roll of film you then I have to make each picture individually. To print each picture you have to use photo printing paper for film. To change the contrast of each picture you have to use an assortment of color filters to change the look of the picture. 

What is required before I take this class?

-To take this class you have to had taken photo 1, 2, and 3 before you request taking the class. 

-Before starting school, you have to take 5 rolls of film over the summer. 

Do I need you need your own camera?

- At the school that I go to, they supply us with film cameras already. I do not have my own film camera. Ask your parents because they might have one. (Note: all schools are different so your school might not have their own film cameras to lend out.)

-If you are planning to pursue photography as a career then I highly suggest that you get a film camera of your own. The problem with the school supplying the cameras for you is that at times they might not have a camera available for you to borrow. Note that there are other classes that need to take out cameras. 

Do I need to buy anything for this class?

-Yes you do have to buy some stuff for this class. You have to buy all the rolls of film to take pictures and all the paper use to print your photos. 

What kind of paper/film do I buy? 
-The film for the cameras I use is the Kodak Tri-x400 135-36 36mm Black and White.

-The paper is Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Resin Coated VC Paper, 8x10. You can either buy glossy or pearl paper. I usally buy glossy. 

Where can I buy film/paper?

-If you ask your teacher there might be a photo store around you that you can buy film from. I usually buy my film and paper online. In my school they have a school store where they sell film but it is more expensive there. 

-I find that buying online is cheaper because you can buy in bulk but it does take a while to come so try to buy early. 

How do you like the class?
- I do really enjoy being in this class. It is very stressful at times because I always feel like my pictures suck (lol) and making enough pictures every week. We have to take a roll of film every other week and sometimes my teacher collects prints to collect. The only thing that really bothers me about the class is the people in the class. Sometimes I feel like that the people in the class are not serious so it is kind of annoying to see them not doing anything. But other than that, nothing else really makes me hate the class. 

Well that all for today! Please leave anymore questions down in the comments below. Have a wonderful rest of the day and I'll see you at my next exposure.

PS- Happy Lunar New Year to anyone celebrating! Happy year of the ram/goat! May there be good luck and prosperity for your new year.

-Jessica

(Note: sorry for any spelling/grammar problems. If you see any please contact me and I'll change them right away.)

Class: Digital Photo

Hello everyone!

Sorry I haven't wrote a post in a while but I will try to start writing more post.

Anyway, the conversation of the day is the new class I am taking in school. In my school we have just finished the first semester and we are transferring to the next. This means I have new classes and have to start my PIG paper -.-. But enough about PIG and onto the post.

The new class I am taking is called Digital Photo.

What is this class?
-This class is pretty self explanatory. You will be taking picture on a digital camera based on different projects that the teacher gives you. We also learn to photoshop our photos (it is very minimum photoshop based on my advertising and design class).
-you are aloud to use a DSLR camera or a point a shot camera. You are explained how to use the different functions on the DSLR so if you only have a point a shot camera, the explanations of the different functions might be boring for you.

Do I need a DSLR for this class?
-Like I said in the last question you can use a point a shot camera if you don't want to spend a lot on a DSLR. You might get bored when the teacher is explaining the DSLR functions. But it might be good to listen to because if you are planing on getting a DSLR in the future then knowing the functions would be beneficial.

How much photoshop do you do/learn?
-I also talked about this in the first questions saying that you use minimum photoshop. The main functions on photoshop that you learn are color retouch. You will learn how to use the crop, stamp, burn/dodge, erase, and brush tools. You will also learn how to change the levels and curves of your picture.

Why did I choice to take this class?
-I have been doing film photography for 2 years now and I have never done digital photography so I wanted to explore it. I knew that after I get out of high school then I wouldn't be working in film photo anymore. I still want to do photography after high school so the best option is digital.
-I didn't want to be like all those photographers on tumblr and instagram that have good cameras and take picture. I want to be a legit photographer that knows now to use a DSLR and not just have a camera to take good picture. (Note: if you have a good camera and want to just take picture that is totally fine but that is not the kind of photographer that I want to be).
-I had took a Photoshop class last semester and wanted to continue so I wouldn't forget how to use the program.

Recommend to take this class?
-If you do have a class like this in your school then I highly recommend it. Learning how to work your digital camera early will steer you in the right direction to taking better photos.
-Note: all schools are different so if you want to take a class like this please ask your guidance counselor for help

These are all the questions I'm answering now. I have only been taking this class for abut 2 weeks so I will make an update post answering more questions about this class. If you have any questions please leave them in the comments below. I also will post some of my pictures that I take during this class.

Thank you for reading and I'll see you at my next exposure.

-Jessica

(Note: If you see any grammar or spelling mistakes please comment below and I will fix them as soon as I can. )