My Photo Essay

First of all, I PROMISE I did not copy Ryan. I was planning on doing this originally; but heck, now I have something to compare mine to.

Yes, these are all pictures from my room as well. I loved this assignment because not only did it force me to clean my room, but it made me think about the deep meaning and passion that every object in my room holds (cheesy, but seriously). Also, my roomate is a slob. I apologize.

My bed, being the only thing that's messy shows how my life really is. I try to stay "clean", but some things just are more homey "messy". I will leave that one up to your interpretation because I don't really know what it means myself. Each pair of my shoes has a story as to how I obtained them/made them. The smiley face awards wall reminds me of how happy I was when I used to swim every day. It also reminds me of what a lazy bum I am now, and how I should change sometime in the near future. Each picture frame, trinket, (love) note, creepy tape head man and iPod belt all have special meaning to me. This not only has to do with observing the ordinary, but by observing these ordinary things I get a quick summary of my life personally. To someone else, these objects probably mean nothing. But every one of these objects is important to me in one way or another.

Photo Essay

ME:

as told by my room

We were assigned to do a photo essay about a person, process or place.  So, out laziness, not conceit, I decided to do it on myself.  As I was thinking about the best way to go about telling this story, I remembered reading something intriguing (though now, I cannot remember for the life of me where I read it).  But anyways, I read that a complete stranger can describe a person better than that person’s best friend with only five minutes in said person’s bedroom.  As I was thinking about that, I remembered the Flickr Student Spaces portfolio in the book, which was a collection of pictures of different students’ bedrooms.  I wondered what things in my room are telling of me.

While I did this assignment, I did not really engage with my community in any way at all, little alone in a new way.  All I did was stand in my room, get mad at my camera for not focusing properly and take pictures.  No community involvement whatsoever.  However, as I was taking my pictures, I realized how this can help me engage with my community in a new way in the future.  Basically, I realized the importance of paying attention to the small things or “observing the ordinary”, if you will.  In my photo essay, I have pictures of a shirt with movie spoilers on it, the game Scene It?, a Robocop book, a plush Gizmo from Gremlins, and ED-209 from Robocop.  By noticing the relation between my various objects, one could conclude that I really like movies.

Therefore, in the future when I engage with my community, I can enhance that interaction by looking at the details, which will allow me to better understand the person with whom I am engaging.  By noticing the details, I will be more able to understand what is needed and the best way to proceed.  When I am more aware of what is going on around me, I will be more prepared to engage and interact with my community.

Coming to Terms with Place - Blog 4

Post your Person, Process, Place Photo Essay, and describe (in 300-500) words how creating this photo essay helped you engage with your community in a new way. Feel free to mention how it might relate to the things you read and viewed in the reading this week. 

The Odyssey in a few YouTube videos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNqO_dIBk_s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFQAwGcHf-A&feature=youtu.be

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5qsecnrNsQ&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lCHE-v8fH8&list=LLJ5pB2F9vL3xXw4Gu3EJgPw&feature=mh_lolz

Mack Robins

Sam Featherstone

Sterling Mason

New Media Project

We did our new media project on "The Giver," a book by Lois Lowry. Check it out:

http://caeco-lateri-dantis.blogspot.com/

Digital Media

Digital media excels at observing the ordinary. But why is that? It is because digital media is so potent in its ability to convey subtle emotions and thoughts regarding a seemingly simple idea or concept. Digital media taps into so many avenues of communication, and through the use of the avenues, a near perfect retelling of a story or instance can be recreated for others to understand and comment on. Digital media also accesses us in the right ways and in the right settings so that a message or theme can be most effectively communicated. We can sit in the comfort of our own homes, removed from all distractions, or be in the middle of great crowd, and the message we receive through digital media can be completely different. This is because digital media is also participatory storytelling. The concepts and themes of the story is completely dependent on how the recipient interprets the message through their own current mindset. And while this is like almost all forms of communication, digital media has a habit of reaching us when we are most vulnerable—when we are most susceptible to learning new ideas and connecting with others.
An example of people who uses digital media to observe the ordinary is just about any video blogger. These people literally tell about their day, what they recently purchased, or what they’ve recently learn in the form of “video confession.” This method of communicating with others has become wildly popular because both the creator and the viewer can enjoy the simple emotions and feelings that are conveyed through the basic storytelling. The unique aspect of this kind of storytelling is that, unlike interpersonal communication, it can be shared with great multitudes of viewers who can experience the story first hand from the person who first expressed it. Also, unlike textual based storytelling, audio/visual storytelling is accompanied by many nuances and personal touches that better convey the desired themes and messages. Simply put, expressing even the most basic stories and ideas through digital media is extremely effectual in its ability to convey the desired messages to its audience.

Oh you know, just some ORDINARY stuff...

Digital media might be particularly suited to observe the ordinary because it captures the ordinary so that the ordinary can be viewed once, twice, thrice… just over and over again. A great example of this reasoning is a personal photo. Whether it be a photo of friends, family, pets, or random appliances. These ordinary everyday things which are captured are there for a long time. When one looks at that photo he or she will see it, and if a good observer, can relate it to themselves. They can remember their good memories with their friends, their personal relationships with family, the warm and fuzzy comfort of a beloved pet, or the familiar blessings of those appliances that helped make a delicious meal! And then, once he or she remembers, the ordinary doesn’t seem so ordinary but rather special and sublime. Someone who I think uses digital media platforms well to observe the ordinary is my mom. She uses online scrapbooking and then shares it with family members. Sometimes the simplest photos are scrapbooked and when I see them I am surprised and realize that the memory my mom just preserved was not just an ordinary memory, but one that I remembered and looking back on it, wasn’t just an ordinary memory, but a life lesson.

Ode to Memories

My memories are memories.

Memories are recollections of past events.

These memories mean something to me.

All memories help me grow.

For as long as I have been alive.

For as long as I have lived.

For as long as I will live.

For as long as eternity survives.

I will always remember the people

In my life that helped me through

I will always remember those

That taught me a lesson.

I love my memories,

Even the ones that hurt,

Because my memories teach,

And look at what I’ve learned.

Here is Melody Camacho and David Houghton's Social Media Assignment

http://ascarletblog.blogspot.com/

A CLOSER LOOK

These are all pictures that when I took them I considered them to be just pictures of ordinary things, but the more closely I look at them, the less ordinary they become.

Digital media is perfectly suited to observe the ordinary because it is run by the ordinary. For example when you get onto youtube to watch a few videos you don’t expect to sit down and watch a film directed by Stephen Spielberg, or any real prestigious director. Instead you sit down to see what “ordinary” everyday people are posting. Everyday normal people like you and me have posted some of the greatest most popular youtube videos. Digital media has helped give a voice to those who would otherwise be voiceless. It has opened up so many doors for people to share what they appreciate. It has helped them share those things that are most important to them. In short digital media has opened up another door for people to express themselves.

An example of this is our very own Parker Hadley. I think he has demonstrated this perfectly through his constant youtube videos that get a lot more hits than you would imagine. In his videos parker observes the ordinary and expounds on it. I watched one of his latest videos where he took a bunch of cliché “Mormon terms” and pointed them out to the public at how ridiculous they are. Not only was it funny, but it also serves as a perfect example of how someone can observe the ordinary and turn it into something really awesome and fun.

Digital media is a wonderful way for people to communicate what they are feeling, what they are interested in, and what they feel the general public should also know. And though I said this earlier digital media really has brought many opportunities to share personal experiences, insights, and appreciations with those who would’ve both never had the chance to share, and those who would’ve never had the opportunity to learn. Digital media, it’s awesome.

A CELEBRATION OF ORDINARY THANGS! ALSO, A BATMAN MUG

It might be tiresome to hear about digital media and the opportunities it affords those who are willing to take advantage, but whatever. It is something that has to be said. It's also why digital mediums are so effective for the documentation/celebration/urination of the everyday--the mundane. Being able to tweet pictures and send picture messages through our cellular phones allows for miniature thanksgivings throughout our daily routines. Often times, these pictures are of food, pets, people, and various clothing items that your mom is considering buying for you, although she's worried, because what if it doesn't fit? It is tough to judge without you there, and she knows that you get grumpy when she buys you oversized shirts. I digress. People took pictures of these things before digital cameras and the internet--this is true. But film costs money, and one can't go about wasting such things. So the minutiae of our lives was less preserved. Now, we have an overwhelming surplus of personal recordings; thousands of images, videos, blog posts, and chat histories are on our hard drives as well as the World Wide Web. The ordinary has now been examined, expressed, and shared to the point of inanity. Also, insanity. That doesn't mean that the little things can't be appreciated, or that our affections for these things aren't valid. Sometimes though, less is more. A constant stream of personal information can quickly erode what sentiment there is to be had. Something to consider!

I think a really nice ode to the ordinary is the webcomic A Softer World. Three panel photographs accompanied by little blurbs of dialogue are what makes up this work. The pictures are often of spaces that are easy to relate to, pets in familiar positions, and people in discussion. The words are the sort of sentences you probably have at least once a day--something funny, a snippet of dialogue, a couplet of unusual profundity. The comic isn't one of spectacle. In fact, I think it is a really accessible, human sort of work. One that doesn't celebrate these things outright, but rather presents them in the spirit of celebration. Careful with that link though! I just sent you to the first one, the voice changes a little bit along the way, but profanity and adult themes can abound. You're consenting adults. I trust you.

Now for something of my own.

A MUG ONLY A MOTHER/ANYONE COULD LOVE

Oh, Batman Mug

How do I love thee?

Let me count the ways:

You are a Batman Mug

I would say that is

like,

Number One.

And I am not sure if the rest of the list is numbered.

It is funny that you are filled with change

because, Batman Mug,

I never want you to change.

You stand/sit there

steadfast and immovable, like unto a rock--

or even

the real Batman.

At least in the sense that the real Batman does not move

unless he desires that it be so.

You watch over me

from your shelf above my desk

as if to say:

"What are you doing down there?

Are you watching Justified?

I know for a fact you have homework to do.

Are you even listening to me?

Can I even talk?"

And I just smile and take it in stride.

I know you scold me because you care.

Oh! Batman Mug,

I think I love you.

Social Media Storytelling

https://twitter.com/#!/lindsayatwood/anne-of-green-gables-3

The Value of Digital Media

    Personally, I adore digital media. There are so many wonderful stories, ideas, images, and experiences that can be shared with this medium. Digit media is quite unique in that it does seem to have a greater capacity to highlight and illuminate the greatness of ordinary life. I think that this is a result of the type of people creating this media. For example, anyone can post about their life on Twitter or Facebook, or they can have a blog with followers. These mediums allow other people to literally know what a individual is up to on a minute-by-minute basis. Though Twitter oftentimes gets a lot of hate, I personally love that I breaks down barriers. If you follow a celebrity on Twitter, soon they will not seem a demi-god-like figure, but a regular human who gets excited over Starbucks coffee and takes lots of pictures of their pets. This new perspective allows followers to see how ‘average’ everyone’s life is, but this new view also makes it possible to appreciate the beauty in the everyday. With my MA focus being in New Media, I have a very long list of people who I feel use digital media really well, but to be incredibly concise, here are a couple of my favourites from two different media sources and why they are so great:

YouTube:

    -VlogBrothers (http://www.youtube.com/user/vlogbrothers): One of my absolute             favourite things about the VlogBrothers is the subjects they focus on. In             their videos, they talk about their lives, their thoughts about places and             ideas, and they talk about, and are interested in learning about real things--              life as it is. Their appreciation and excitement for live as it is is infectious.
Twitter:

    -Tom Fletcher (https://twitter.com/#!/tommcfly): I have come to appreciate so much             about regular life and     being completely yourself because of his ‘tweets’.             Though is a successful band, the majority of his updates have to do with             food, his cats, silly facts, and the best of all: ridiculous musings. Also, he             is always updating his Twitter, yet he always puts something interesting             down. I think this is because he genuinely appreciates the good things in             life, and this helps others to more easily see the good in their ordinary, yet             beautiful lives.

Ode to the Internet

As I grab my breakfast everyday
I pull up the internet so that I can survey
My class syllabi to make sure I’m all good
And that an assignment wasn’t misunderstood
I also my e-mail and clear it out
Because I don’t care what some stuff is about
After this, I can’t resist
To go to YouTube and check my subscriptions list

Towards the end of the day
I’m sick of homework and want to get away
So I’ll browse through Pinterest
And re-pin things of interest

I think you can see
How the internet is important to me
In so many ways, whether work or play
I definitely need it to stay

Abs Irving The Yore Dinner "E"

One reason digital media is particularly suited for observing the ordinary is because it is cheaper and easier to produce and distribute than traditional forms. With the availability of digital media tools, everyone can participate in the creation of digital media. Nowadays any amateur can buy a DSLR, move to Provo, and call himself/herself a professional photographer. Unfortunately, the market is overrun with "professional" photographers, so they are left to photograph the ordinary and post terabytes worth of ordinary pictures onto blogs and popular social networking sites, like Friendster and Hi5.

Also, digital media platforms are a great distribution medium for students--such as ourselves-- and other aspiring artists to cheaply and easily publish material. I can't afford to have my short film published on 35mm reels and send to all my family members and friends to watch. But I can afford to post digital copies on YouTube and Facebook to share, not only with friends and family, but the world. Also, I can't afford to stage a large production on a professional set, but I can film my nephew's birthday party with my HandyCam and cut it with a cheap NLE. The ordinary events of life are at my disposal for practicing my craft, and digital media platforms are ideal for distributing the content captured from those ordinary moments. 

An Ode to Dark Matter

Dark Matter, you are so ordinary. So ordinary, in fact, that I rarely even notice you. You carry on, without fanfare, taking up 83% of the Universe. Though unnoticed and under appreciated, you do not complain, no. You are humble, meek, and full of love. You are love. Are you love? Are you the burning in my chest? 

You are the missing 23% of my mass energy.

Dark Matter, can I see you? But how? Ayahuasca will make me sick. I am not a shaman. Best to see you naturally. I dream of you. I dream through you. You are the medium of dreams. My pineal, free at night, releases DMT, and I see. We see. I see we. We are me and you are beautiful. I smell your colors and taste your music. I feel your touch, you are everywhere. 

You are the light of the tunnel. You are the alien abduction. You are shared.

You are the other realm.

You are here.

And yet, you remain hidden.

Dark.

But you matter, Dark Matter.

You matter to me.

Dark Matter, Hubble Space Telescope, 2011

SOCIAL MEDIA STORYTELLIN' (CATCHER IN THE RYE TWEETS)

https://twitter.com/#!/HoldenIsMad


Holden is lighting up the Internet with truth bombs.

Ordinaryism

I think digital media is particularly well suited to observing the ordinary because it is so prevalent in modern society. Part of what makes something ordinary is its commonality, its ubiquity, and these sorts of things are more easily captured in the moment and posted within 5 seconds to multiple social media sites. Take, for instance, the latest slew of “Sh*z So-and-So says” videos on YouTube, such as “Sh** Silicon Valley says” or “Sh*z Mormons say.” These videos are nothing more than collections of sayings that are stereotypically ascribed to certain groups of people; they’re often funny because we understand the sayings, and we understand the sayings because we’ve heard them often enough before—at least, as long as we have some interaction with the group being stereotyped. Some things are only funny (or interesting or cool) because they are commonplace. Nobody could make “arrow in the knee” jokes if that Skyrim quirk wasn’t so well-known.

Maybe this is a stretch too far; are commonplace things automatically “ordinary?” Perhaps not. Some things could be commonplace and still extraordinary. Like Tom Brady’s performance. For him it’s typical, but it’s never just ordinary…

I guess it’s a matter of semantics. That aside, most down-to-earth people with YouTube channels seem to be apt observers of the ordinary. Most YouTube vlogging (is that the term? It sounds right…) is about ordinary, day-to-day sort of things. Even our class has a good example of this; Parker’s YouTube videos feature him commenting on ordinary things, like dealing with injuries and painkillers. Here’s a little video that I think is quite charming and focuses on one of the most ordinary things out there: the high five.

One last thought: digital media, especially omnipresent social media, has a lot of opportunity to capitalize on the ordinary because other forms of media often ignore the ordinary. Sure, sitcoms are mostly about ordinary stuff, and some movies focus on ordinary stuff, but social media dominates the field in terms of sheer tonnage of ordinary coverage. It prolly helps that it’s so easy to make and share.

Now for something much more elegant: some haiku.

A veritable

Swath of knowledge, quiet snow

That sits and is waiting

Opening its halls

A portico beckoning

Wind rushes through it

Hours spent clicking links

Wikipedia bears no

Fault, which is your own

Observing the Ordinary

First of all, social media is so intertwined with our lives, it is impossible to argue that it isn't a good outlet for storytelling. Social media affects our day to day lives. With Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and so on, you can literally know someones daily routine down to the minute. Ordinary activities become something people feel the need to share with the world. Social media glorifies ordinary actions. Most of us wouldn't think twice about some of the stuff others feel so inclined to share with all of their friends or followers.

I think of Facebook statuses. I have friends who literally post their entire lives through them. Like seriously. They post about what they ate for breakfast, how many hours they worked that day, about how tired they are, how many steps it took them to walk to their car... really? I guess some people really do like observing the ordinary. And social media is a great way to do that.

ODE TO WHITE CHOCOLATE REESES

If I only ate these for the rest of my life I would be a happy woman.

There is something about this circle of heaven that makes me melt

Let me tell you, the people at Reeses know what they are doin

Because when i bite into one it's like something I've never really felt.

The creamy white chocolate with a succulent inside filled with peanut butter

Hits me instantly with euphoric bliss

The taste explodes in my mouth and leaves me with a shutter

And once it is gone i instantly miss

Now you may think that i'm overstating or stretching the truth

But really this is the best thing you will ever eat

Dont even think about comparing it to a snickers or baby ruth

If you dare to say another is better, you I will beat. 

An Interesting Ordinary

While digital media allows us to create amazingly believable illusions (like elaborate stop-motion videos or explosions using After Effects), it is obviously perfect for observing the ordinary. Before digital media, the only way of knowing the daily routines of other people was through photographs, which may have traveled by newspaper or letters, or by common interaction. But people on opposite sides of the globe would never have known in the everyday happenings of other nation's lives, simply because they didn't have the means to do so. Now common people in America can network, view, and collaborate with people in Australia, and so forth and so on. Although this generation is often (justly) accused of narcissistic obsession with their average lives, it's truly amazing that we have the means to record the ordinary doings of our lives. And when presented tastefully, digital media allows for significant meaningful pieces that edify the common person.

So I tried really hard not to use Wong Fu Productions again, but this video just fits the prompt too wonderfully. It may seem a bit long at 10 minutes, but it is totally worth your time. The events, objects, and people of this film are all completely ordinary but the camera transforms these ordinary objects and actions into something completely new and different. The screenplay is a bit like a Brian Doyle "proem" but the words adopt a completely new meaning when combined with the seemingly inanimate objects. I absolutely love this simple, beautiful piece that glorifies the ordinary and an ordinary relationship with a fresh take.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSrXMFcQ4dY

Last but not least (well maybe), here's a "proem" about walking to school in the morning:

It's usually a rush out the door.

But when I've given myself time, I can slowly walk over the cracking sidewalks

and notice the way the snow has fallen on the trees, rather than trying to walk faster than everyone near me. When I'm hurrying, it seems like that blasted HFAC is just always too far away, but when I leave home early, no matter how slowly I walk the building comes too soon.

It's the difference between a frazzled procrastination and a beautiful, quiet appreciation.

Social Media Story Assignment

http://www.littlelucypoems.blogspot.com/

Social Media Storytelling - The Return

http://i.imgur.com/4Aqe1.jpg

Blog 3 ode to a seed

It's amazing the effect that digital media has on the world today.  Before digital media, there were so many mysteries of the world that had theories behind them, but not visual proof of the process that leads to the conclusions of these theories. Now thanks to digital media like youtube, vimeo and many others, people from around the world can see that which is ordinary in an new light, vision, and meaning.  For example the video I have attached to the blog is the process of a ordinary seed growing.  back in the olden times, people typically only saw two stages of a plant growing.  They were the following.  A seed as it is before germination, and the end result of its growth coming out of the ground and producing, fruit, flowers, vegetables and so forth.  In the video we can see what digital media has to offer and show the world.  This video shows what could be seen before digital media and that to me is extraordinary.  To think that we know so much more than the past generations due to the advancement in technology in providing digital media.  Also with such advancements it really does not take much to expand the imagination or observation of the ordinary.  All one needs is some kind of digital device, be patience and observational.  If one has these qualities, he or she could show other through digital media something never seem before.  And if it has been seen before, they  could show it in a way never viewed before.  For example the magician Chris Angel uses digital media to advertise his magic trick.  Some involve some pretty intense stuff and others he simply takes something ordinary and expands the mind of his audience to see it in another way.  One example is when he records himself bending a spoon without apply any force but his mind.  He uses digital media to widen the view of the audience and see what can be done with something as ordinary as a spoon.  There is so much knowledge our there and as technology advances so will digital media.  This in turn will result in a never ending process of knowledge development.

Poem
Many time we think we see only the ordinary
but in fact we are missing out on what is extraordinary
Something like seeds, forks, keys or even a spoon
they all have in common something to see if your not a buffoon
To show others what you see
all you need is to show it digitally
get a camera something that's digital
its the truth trust there's no rebuttal
media is advancing will expand your mind
take a chance observe be patient and and you'll find
that knowledge is expanding so don't be left behind

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=fPTJ3qD1ikk

Chewy Caramels

Devin Graham

I chose to include a video by Devin Graham. I know he's a professor here at BYU. I've never taken a class from him but I think he does an incredible job of using media to observe the small things. This video right here was done around the time of Christmas and captures the pure joy of the season with these little puppies and the little things they are doing that makes them puppies. The nibbling on the wrapping paper, the tripping and stumbling and the timid excited faces as they emerge from the box all tell just an incredible story of what puppies are. It's amazing, because at a time when we get caught up in the presents and stress of Christmas, when we remember observing the small simple things, we find joy once again. That was something with the Ode to an Orange that I really liked. I found myself, not only wanting an orange, but savoring an apple as I ate it. I also just felt more grateful to experience what I was because of the incredible detail that God must have put into it all. It just makes you a happier person 

Chewy Caramels

Because my bank account is running on empty, I have limited resources in my kitchen. I don’t have time to make anything so frequently I grab the easiest thing to eat. I open the cupboard the farthest on the right. My eyes look up to the top shelf where in the top right corner is a bag, propped upright, full of the classic caramel chews. Inside of the clear, thin plastic wrapper, which is folded like a Christmas present, is a light brown, squishy box. Without even taking the time to admire the time it must have taken to perfectly fold every piece of plastic, I rip it off a pop the caramel into my mouth. I savor the rich flavor as the gooey nature sticks to my teeth. The taste fills my entire mouth until I can no longer feel a presence of food in my mouth. After it has transformed into syrup I swallow it, my hunger satiated for the time being.

Noah's Ark Social Media- Way Cool

An Ode to Travis Raymond

I think social media is well suited to observe the ordinary for a couple of reasons. First, social media is used mainly by people that are themselves ordinary. This means that they can relate. Their ordinary lives easily recognize the ordinary and appreciate it (ordinarily). Another reason is that other forms of media aren’t concerned with the ordinary. Except maybe a 15 second segment in the news about a cat fashion show that they might use when time is abundant, TV and other mainstream news sources use more fantastic and sensational pieces to attract an audience. You don’t see people rubbernecking on the highway when someone is walking their dog alongside, but you do seem them rubbernecking when there is a major accident. Why? An accident is much more sensational and people will always slow down for a closer look, hoping to see something horrifying.

Ordinary Student, Extraordinary Scholar: Travis Raymond

 Travis appears to be like any other BYU student, a sweater wearer, a mac lover. But wait...WHAT'S THAT ON HIS FACE?! Oh don't mind that, it's just his AWESOME beard. If you have to ask why his beard is awesome, press ALT+F4 right now, then go drink bleach.

 He works hard for the money, so you better treat him right. Travis loves Madonna, and has taken her lyrics upon himself as a sort of credo to live by.

 He won't be distracted from his studies, even by me putting a camera in front of his laptop and taking pictures. He just tap-tap-taps away at his work, like the 8th litte dwarf.

GREAT JOB TRAVIS!

Observing the Ordinary

Digital media has opened the doors to what we are able to capture. In many ways, I think that it’s also increased our desire to do so. Imagine the time where you had to hire a photographer to take pictures of your newborn child. This event was no longer ordinary – it took a lot of preparation to plan and to execute. No one ever smiles in old photographs because there’s nothing to smile about. They’ve been sitting in the same position for the past twenty minutes for one simple photo. Contrast this with present day where we can take a picture or video of literally anything we want, no matter how trivial it may seem. No money or time is wasted, we just have to push one button on a digital camera and the fruits of our labors are immediately at our disposal. This provides a lot of opportunities for us to study something ordinary in a closer way. When we see a picture of a tree, we can study it and see if we react to it at all.

One of the best things about digital media is the amount of exposure it provides. I’m going to keep saying this because I think it’s really cool. I love being able to see things in people’s lives that they think are ordinary, but are completely new to me. I would love to be able to show someone a part of my life that I take for granted, but will give them a sense of awe or appreciation.

I was really struggling thinking of someone who uses the digital medium to successfully capture the ordinary. Thankfully, my wife has been consistently scrolling through our wedding photos this past week, for whatever reason. I walked into the room when a simple picture of her wedding shoes was on the screen, larger than life. I was taken aback by how beautiful the photo was. Then I was taken aback by feeling this way. It was only a picture of shoes without feet, but they seemed occupied, as if they still had a life of their own. It’s hard to explain. Long story short, wedding photographers (or at least ours) were able to perfectly capture some horribly ordinary moments and make beautiful works of art out of them. Whether it was shoes standing by a couch or a random Aunt helping to set up, every picture has detail and emotion to it.

Essay – The Burger

I stand at the grill, awaiting a reason to cook. People come in the door, which thankfully starts the process. How many patties will they order? Two for boys, and one for girls. Are they old? Then one and one. Or a hot dog; they love hot dogs, as long as mustard and relish are included. Children? Better hold off. Maybe start a grilled cheese or a hot dog, this time with no condiments. Or only ketchup, a child’s best friend. There’s a distinctive sizzle that sounds once the meat hits the grill. We’re told this is how we know the grill is hot enough. The grill is always hot enough. While cooking, a few seconds make a big difference. If you flip too early, it curls in section two, resulting in a shriveled hockey-puck of a patty. If you flip too late, it cooks uneven on one side and looks like a bunch of sewn together ground beef. Regardless, section two is where they need to bleed, until they reach the safety of section three. Here, they mature completely, ready to face the challenges of the outside world. With a swing and a shout, I guide the developed patty to its new home, a warm and short lived stint in someone’s stomach.