From rags to riches

So my self portrait is nearly done, and I am actually quite impressed with my progress so far. I have created a background by combining two images, and really like the results. I really enjoy the way that the two backgrounds compliment one another, and believe these backgrounds together really help to convey my ideas. At first I felt helpless, but through trial and error, and Michaels teaching, I was able to strive on.

I had previously never used photoshop, but now consider using it on almost a regular basis. I believe a person could create a pretty cool family portrait using photoshop, and I consider doing this myself.

The importance of spacing and colors also became evident to me when creating my self portrait. By changing the color of my shirt, my whole image became better. It also created a new meaning to my picture by matching the color of my upper background.

Technological Shock

Previously, I had never used the program adobe photoshop. After messing around with it, I am quite impressed by the things which can be done within this program. I enjoy the fact that I can insert any image I want, and make basically any changes that I want. I also enjoy editing and changing my own photo in various ways.

It amazed me the way that pictures were edited for magazines, photos, etc. The way skin tone and texture could be changed to mere perfection was quite interesting. This makes me wonder how many companies and people use these techniques (likely they all do). Thats why they tell people not to compare themselves to the people they see in magazines.

In regards to my self portrait, I have had many ideas in regards to what to do, but have yet to decide for sure. I was always interested in Neo-classical art, and the reference to god ideology. The image we looked at in class where the man made himself look of religious importance, I found very interesting. I don't think i would do this myself, yet at the same time I thought it was very cool.

Self Portrait in the bag

So my self portrait is done, and I like what I see. At first I figured once I was done my self portrait, that I would just forget about it, but now I actually consider hanging it at my home.

When I took my portrait to be framed, the lady at the store was very impressed with my creation, asking me how I did it. I was pretty happy about the recognition I received, and realized that the creation of an image like this, is alot easier than it would seem to be.

The way I acknowledge celebrities, in magzines has also changed greatly. I actually wonder more often what is real, than what is fake (considering the large majority that is fake). I think of all the people who live according to these fake standards, and am appalled. Whatever happened to reality and realistic goals?



Next to new media, I' pretty down on the fact that my favorite basketball team is on a downslide (LA Clippers). Why? Ah, they'll bounce back.

Check out this Elton Brand dunk:

Biography

I'm From Medicine Hat, AB and am 23 years old.
My interests outside of school include playing sports, watching sports, swimming, and weightlifting

Aspirations

I chose new media 2020 because I wanted to learn how to use various programs associated with new media and the internet. I hope through this course that I will learn how to take a greater advantage of the technology available to me. I am a finance major, hoping to someday obtain a career as an investment banker.

Technical Skills

I have no experience with dreamweaver or photoshop, and currently have no access to a digital still or video camera.

Favorites

1) Favorite Mp3's
-Jay Z(big pimpin)
-Jay Z (Lost one)
-Akon (locked up)
-Beatnuts (do u believe)
- Beatnuts (La La)

2) Favorite Websites
-Ebay.com, where I buy new items
-lids.com, where I buy new hats
-hotmail.com, where I stay in contact with friends and family
-nba.com , where I stay updated with whats going on in the NBA

3) Favorite Films
-Braveheart,
-Castaway,
-Scary Movie

4) Favorite Magazines
-The Source,
-Mens Health

Self Portrait