Snap 3: Bokeh

My clumsy attempt at bokeh photography style.  This location is at my parent's farm.  I like the photo for two points: the contrast between the sharp barb wire and soften background due to blurriness of the shot, and because you cannot tell if the background is of the sun setting or sun rising.   

Second Snap: Soul

This second topic was hard because there are many ways to approach it: philosophical, abstract, literal, etc.  Because the First Snap was more abstract and a deconstructed view, I wanted a different perspective for this one; it ended up being a literal interpretation.  My model is my friend Jade (because she's got SOUL and that hair helps to glow in the light).  

I'm happy with the short time I took to take it (less than 15 minutes, time was against us) and the effect turned out better than I thought it would; however, I would change her posture next time.  Instead of having her turn away, shoot a full face with her eyes closed.  There was a better face view but it was with open eyes and hair in the way.  

This quote can better explain the reasoning behind my concept of soul: "Know that the purpose for which each soul enters a material experience is that it may be as a light unto others...Thus, in that consciousness of daily living and being that which is in keeping with the ideal - life and its problems become not a burden, but opportunities." - Edgar Cayce aka the "Sleeping Prophet"

End of the Second Snap 

First Snap: Self

"I'M ASIAN AND I KNOW IT" t-shirt.  Basically as it says.  Ethnicity and heritage is very important to me.  My Hmong upbringing in America has shaped the way how I relate to others of different or similar backgrounds.  The background, though blurred also have important meaning to me.  The door shows that I'm constantly on the go.  Flowers represent time and beauty is short lived.  The picture frame of my best friend Yee is a symbol with all my relationships.  Lastly, my car/house keys just happened to be in the picture :)  This self is not a typical selfie but a deconstructed view instead.

The Beginning

Exploration with photography with my best friend by starting with this mini challenge: Seventeen Snapshots

Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T5
Partner in Crime: Yee Lee (Check her out at: eye-m-yee.blogspot.com)

 Stay tune for the photos and thank you for coming along or just taking a glance at the journey.