The Union at the University of Wyoming offers many locations, some more vacant than others, for students to study and meet with friends. Photographed are two UW students studying together in the quiet basement.
Through this independent learning activity, it was fun to view things from a different perspective. The high angle view of the union was just a different scenery than people usually take in. Typically people look straight ahead to where they are going; people don’t typically look way down or way up making this image appealing.
Helen Neville, astounding runner and inspirational speaker, is being interviewed by Branding Iron writers at the Turtle Rock Cafe about her running career and her preview in a 2019 documentary about runners over the age of 50 named The Human Race by Liz Vassey.
Through this exercise it was very eye opening to find the little things in life and the natural things in life that would line up to show a balance photo. This photo specifically is balanced due to the pair of sneakers on both sides and the matching chairs in the frame.
The University of Wyoming’s sidewalks become very slushy and full of texture when snow melts on the current warmer days.
Through this exercise I was much more observant of items and their textures. Everything has some for of texture and the rougher textures were easier personally to photograph. It was insightful to take on this assignment for future reference of possible images I may take as well.
Sophia Mayers poses in graduation attire for my own personal photography practice during a slow quarantine day.
Through this exercise I found things very simple to follow the rule of thirds. What I did find difficult was making photos still very interesting to view with following a simple rule of thirds photographic trait. It is a very classical form of taking a photo though and, therefor, is ideal to mastering.
Small cat Nala sunbathes on a soft rug on yet another quarantine day with her humans.
Through this exercise of shallow depth of field it took a lot of practice to focus my camera. Having my cat as my subject made it a little more difficult as well due to her moving around a lot. However, it was great practice and a great quality for a photographer to have to work with depth of field.
Sophia Mayers has been tacking up horses for years now and thoroughly enjoys the simple task of brushing down a horse before and after a ride.
Through the black and white photo exercise I attempted to look for other things that would matter besides something’s color. I tried to look for things that would still be photogenic and aesthetically pleasing to view without color. I realized that balancing things and finding different perspectives of busy/rough materialized things helped to make an image interesting. I loved this exercise. I had never shot for black and white before so this made me take a different look on subjects for my camera.
On a sunny day in my hometown of Mechanicsville, Virginia, a Weeping Cherry tree my mother planted years ago blossoms happily for us.
Through this exercise I enjoyed looking at things from a different perspective. I found that trees were very fun to photograph from a low angle due to the understanding that trees are very tall. Even though this specific tree is only a couple feet taller than myself, this angle emphasis that it is tall.
The blue sky and bright sun peaks through the trees on campus of the University of Wyoming giving students a clear day after a week of snow.
Through this independent learning activity I found it very difficult to find the proper aperture to provide a clear image of what is in the frame besides the sun itself. The sun over exposed the image multiple times before I closed my aperture to provide little light into the lens yet still focus on the trees. I enjoyed this practice due to the calming and naturally beautiful photo that came out of it.
Graduate student of the University of Wyoming, Alayna Whipple, plays pool in the basement of the Union on campus between classes to relax and take a mental break.
Through this exercise I found it very easy to find unbalanced things to photograph. Through simply altering myself stance and frame I was able to accomplish this while still getting an aesthetically pleasing image.
The small city of Laramie, Wyoming has a few gorgeous spots to camp out and look at the few lights of the area. This small mountain provides a view of many family neighborhoods, a middle school, and the larger University of Wyoming buildings.
Through this exercise I honestly did not have to change my settings too much from hat I already thought they should be at for this image. I have taken some night photos in the past and so this was a final test of my practice to see if I could set the aperture and shutter speed, along with a high ISO, on my first try.
The Branding Iron Newspaper by the University of Wyoming Student Media has three incredible graphic designers who layout the page and ads every day. McKenna, Brian and Hayden work hard everyday but make sure to have fun as a group as well.
Through this exercise I had a very fun time. These three individuals have become good friends of mine and are overall funny individuals. They are also great to work with! The only thing I found a little difficult with portrait pictures is making the subject feel comfortable behind the camera for me to show their real personalities.
Miniature pony, named Buttercup, acts goofy for the camera in hopes that a treat will follow this short photoshoot.
Through this exercise I had a fun time simply due to my adorable subject. I had to bend low or stand atop things to attempt many different ways of framing Buttercup. It is a great method of photography in my opinion due to the different story you can tell through framing. It very much helps give the viewer a better concept of the image and who or what is the focus of it.
Media by Kathryn 