The Legacy of the Photographer

The study of photography has always focused on examining what is within the frame of the image and visible to the observer. However, this does not take what is outside of the frame into account, and therefore leaves off the most important aspect of the photo: the photographer. The photographer is the person actively causing the photo to exist, and therefore should have more recognition in the world of photographic inquiry. For the most part, photographers are largely ignored in the analysis of photos, and actively removed by editing techniques and specific framing of the image.

Photographs, as opposed to paintings, have an inherent claim to represent the truth since they are the product of a mechanical process. This aids the erasure of the photographer, since believing that photographs have not been altered by a human influence disregards the fact that it is indeed a human pressing the button on the camera. People have faith in photos to portray what is really happening without human mediation, and many problems result from this belief. This includes ignoring the photographer and their role in the process, since it is often assumed, and even emphasized, that a machine is doing the work in photography.

One instance where it is incredibly important to consider who took the photo is in the case of embedded reporting. These are reporters who are planted in specific places so that they only report from a certain point of view, one that is already established by the authorities. Clearly, this is problematic, especially when taking the photograph’s claim to truth into account. As a result, people examining these photos will believe that they contain the truth of the situation when in reality they are only a small piece of it. However, there is no viable alternative because the concept of free reporting is flawed as well. There is already an established iconography of suffering that reporters consistently fall back upon, so there is no way to tell if they are reporting what is happening or merely what they perceive to be happening through these established norms of photography. War has a tendency to become generic, with generic victims that are unrelatable to most people not involved. Photographers are influenced by these practices when taking photos, which is an important aspect to consider.

Photography has become central to our lives in the present day, with photos becoming ubiquitous in our society. However, the way we treat photos as independent entities is incorrect, and forces us to ignore the person behind the camera. There is a long history of either denying the existence of the photographer or ignoring them. Photographers are central to creating a photo, and they show their perspective through their lens. The photographer’s influence should be a part of how we interpret photos, and not just a side note in a history of images.

The Importance of Being Single

I am getting pretty sick of all of this pressure on people to be in relationships. It is something that no one ever discusses either, it just goes unnoticed in society. Granted it’s not that big of a deal compared to the much larger problems out there, but a little bit of recognition would be good.

You see it everywhere, images of happy heterosexual couples on all of the ads and everything, basically flaunted in front of your eyes. And then there are all of these portrayals of sad single people, especially in tv or in books. With this message of “don’t be like us, get yourself into a relationship and be happy already.”

Which is fine if you’re in a relationship, but if you’re not you get the message pounded into your head that “you aren’t allowed to be happy unless you’re in a relationship.” And that’s really shitty. There have been studies done, and loneliness is usually linked to shame these days. We are ASHAMED of being single, as though we have done something wrong in order to end up there.

Here’s the reality though: you don’t need to be in a relationship in order to be happy. Heck, you probably will be happier if you take time to yourself to just be single. Which no one ever talks about, of course. You learn more about yourself and how to be happy with yourself when you’re on your own. And most importantly, you learn how to accept yourself as a single lady, which is so important. When you are happy being single, you will have an easier time being kind to yourself and have more self-love. That’s what I have found in my experience at least.

Just remember: you are a strong, independent person who does not need anyone else. You are plenty enough on your own. <3

My Impending Doom

Recently I was elected the president of a club that is very near and dear to my heart (ok it’s the circus club).

I never actually expected that to happen.

If we skip back to freshman year when I first joined, I knew literally nothing about the circus and could do nothing. Now I’m the main leviwander and know the basics of most other props. I’ve learned a lot in the past three years, probably as much as I have in classes. But that’s really not the bulk of what I learned.

I had never really taken on a strong leadership role before now. I mean I was a leader in high school, about as much as you could be, but in high school you’re always under a teacher who has final say. Now in college everything is completely student driven and it’s all on you.

Starting my first semester here I became a leader, I probably could not even tell you know why I jumped in so quickly, it was just something that I felt I wanted to do. And so it began.

I learned a lot through this process of becoming a leader in the group, not just how to handle a group of people (which I’m still not great at) but also how to put on a good production and how to communicate effectively with people to create a success.

And the best part of being in a semi-theatre group is that you get a production at the end of it, you can visibly see how far you have come and what you have accomplished. It is wonderful for getting photos and for seeing how much everyone has improved.

Despite all of this, even at the start of the semester no one really expected me to become the president. I did not even expect it. I knew I was going to run, so that I could say that I tried, but I didn’t think that I would actually get it. What ended up happening was a strange mix of people not wanting to commit to such a big role in the group, and then somehow it ended up being me getting elected.

It’s strange because I always looked up to the president as this almost perfect leader of the group, and now that person is me and I’m just a hot mess. A problematic fave, if you will. I feel like there is a lot of pressure to do well, but at the same time, I know from previous leadership experiences that you really make the role your own. You can do whatever you want with it because it is a personal job and can morph into whatever you want.

I’m excited. And terrified. Which is probably a good thing. I really want to do well for everyone in the club and everyone watching the group across the years. But most of all I want to do well for myself, because I know that I won’t be happy unless I have given this job my all. And that’s really all that I can ask from myself in the end, because it’s my journey that has brought me here and it’s my choices that will carry me through. It’s all on me, which is comforting and scary. But I wouldn’t choose to have it any other way.

How to Start Leviwanding

Using a leviwand is so much fun! You get to be a magical wizard and make a stick float around you (while people ask if it is powered by static electricity or magnets). It’s a little tricky in the beginning, but it gets much easier once you get the hang of it.

First of all, you’re going to need a wand! I am a fan of the flowtoys practice wands, which come in an assortment of colors, for beginners. Other options include if you want a finger loop or a swivel on it. I would go for the finger loop, although you can easily DIY with a fishing swivel and some extra string if you want.

Once you have your wand, the first step is how to hold it. Put the string over the middle finger of your dominant hand. Hold the wand vertically in your other hand (make sure that the right side is up!). When you’re ready to go, release the wand and slowly spin it in a circle. Make sure that the circle is big enough that you aren’t hitting the string with the wand. And make sure that it isn’t so big that you’re hitting yourself with it either.

When you get the hang of the circle, try stalling the wand out to either side and then bringing it back into the circle. Ideally you should get it continuous, so that you have a circle stall circle stall type of pattern. Get comfortable with that, that’s the foundation of most moves.

Now that you have the moves, pay attention to what your non-dominant hand is doing. It’s probably just hanging there. Try to get it involved and complete the illusion by following the wand. Play with “pushing” the wand around or following it at different levels. It is much more interesting and helps with the illusion if your other hand is involved.

And that’s how to leviwand! The rest is specific tricks and things. Try to watch a ton of videos to help you, when I was starting out people like Erlich Firechill were really helpful (see links below). Happy wanding!