Beards

Today was our first day shooting as a class. Now that we have our "hired out" cameras, it is/was nice to finally see what they can really do. We used basic camera settings and used Carnaby Street as a backdrop. This was a phenomenal experience because I have wanted to go to Carnaby Street ever since I learned about Swinging London and was so lucky to be "required" to explore.

We used the day to get familiar with the cameras and to get us thinking about our first project. The students get to pick their own subjects and themes to photograph in London. I decided (for now) to take pictures of men's facial hair and flowers. I like the contrast of masculinity and femininity. I had a wonderful and uncomfortable time asking men to hold still while I snapped pictures of their beards. Most of these will not make it to the final portfolio or are unrelated, but here are some of my favorite pictures from the day.

Baby's First Camera (Day 3 Summary)

Today's Events:

Orientation

Lunch

First photography class

- Got camera!!

Tube ride to Chinatown

Chinese food with dorm mates

Shopping in the West End

Exhaustion

My photography class met for the first time today and the students received cameras. They are real, nice cameras. We took a 20 minute crash course on how to use them and were on our way. We were told to play with them when we got home...

Trying to light my room

Working with shutter speed

HEY! A CAMERA!

More shutter speed

My first portrait

Tomorrow we walk the city and attempt to try to possibly take good images. We'll see.

Day 2 Summary

End of day two here in London and I am starting to catch my breath. This morning two friends from my dorm and I went shopping for some essentials. We made our way to central London for the first time since we arrived. I was relieved to finally see the image of London that I had been expecting. Our housing in Lambeth does not feel like London and I was starting to get the feeling I'd never experience true London. We got to see what the business districts look like and I was overcome by the beauty of the city. After I ate the first Krispy Kreme I have had in several years (much too long and a highlight of my day), we walked the River Thames and found a farmers market that we plan to attend every weekend until we leave.

After we finished our shopping trip, we participated in a University of Westminster scavenger hunt with 9 more friends from the housing and landed in a pub after a few hours. After drinks, we went to a nice dinner and headed home. I am exhausted.

Tomorrow we start orientation and classes bright and early. Not looking forward to waking up at 6 am to shower, but we can't always get what we want.

Here are my favorite images from the morning walk:

vlog #4: First Day in London

Sorry for just the video. Trying to reserve laptop battery because I don't have an adaptor yet. More to come!

Departure Countdown: 2 days

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Like everyone else that is or has ever been in my position, it has not yet hit me that I am leaving. Although I have done all of the preparatory work and have nothing to do until I leave, I still think of my flight as being a glimmer in the distant future. I am unsure whether that is a good or a bad thing. I also have no idea what this trip will be like, which makes it difficult to prepare emotionally. Nonetheless, I leave in roughly 55 hours.

By packing and preparing early, I have given myself free time to relax and say my goodbyes until I leave. My schedule is packed with lunches, sleepovers, and skype sessions with my friends and family. It is quite bittersweet but I could not be happier that I am leaving.

volg #3: ONE WEEK!

vlog #2: Westminster Craft-y... get it?