Assignment 1: Dropbox, Photostory 3 and Picnik

I really enjoyed this project because it gave me a chance to try out my new camera. Although I have worked with video for several years I had just started with photography this summer. I would call it a hobby, but honestly it has become more of an addiction.

For the longest time I had no idea what to photograph or what my project would be. Then one sunny afternoon I took my camera to campus to do some test shoots. I was still discovering what the camera could do. I was working with the telephoto lens shooting close up details of one of the buildings on campus when the idea came to me.  Why not make the project a game?  I took a series of close photographs of several buildings and places on campus. Each item in the photograph could easily be seen, but maybe not something you would notice.

My favorite part of the project was Danforth Chapel.  I pass by it at least twice a week, but I had never gone inside.  The stain glass windows were breath taking.  They were so bright that day. The colors looked unreal-like animation. 

I chose Picnik over Splashup because it was simple and user friendly. For me the best part of the assignment was Photostory 3. I have worked with some complicated editing software that often gave me a special kind of headache. You know the kind that make you wonder if your brain really will explode. Photostory was very easy to use. Everything was there for you in a step by step process. Music, narration, titles and transitions; it was as easy as 1,2,3.

I liked the program so much that I sent a link to my teenage niece. She promptly replied, "Aunt Krisite, didn't you see all those vids I put on my Facebook page like 6 months ago? Everybody knows about Photostory."

The only problems I had (aside from a niece who forgets that she sometimes recieves my used but still very cool technological hand-me-downs after I upgrade) was with Dropbox. I realize it is a handy site, but I just cannot warm up to it. I would rather save my work in other ways.

Then there was the problem with actually posting the project. It was noting I could not overcome, but I did wait until the last minute to try to post. Lesson learned Dr. Yuen.