Week 4: Ring of light

Note: If your screen is dim you may not be able to see the ring of light in the picture.

I was walking my girlfriend to her car around midnight last Tuesday. We happened to look up at the moon and notice this strange ring of light that I couldn't recall ever catching before. For a quick moment I wondered if it was a rare natural phenomena, or if it portended something bad--my mind jumped to the Porter Ranch gas leak--or it was something common, that I was too distracted to ever note. My mind raced, and then calmed, as I was taken in by the beauty of this ring of light. It can probably be explained simply, but in the moment I was overtaken by awe. I stared at it for a good few moments, and in those moments all the mundane pressing needs of the world fell away.

Week 4: Light & Architecture

Scrolling through some pictures, I came across this one and I just had to put it on the blog because it instantly made me say,"Wow, thats a pretty picture with beautiful lighting." I also remembered seeing the building lit up during the walk. The lights give a huge emphasize on the architecture of the building. It isn't only the lights that capture my attention but the shadows as well I would also say that the lights make the building seem taller than what they actually might be. For instance, the lighting and shadows on the columns give them an elongated appearance, emphasizing the importance of the building. If it weren't for the lights, passerby's wouldn't be able to see the elegant, sculptural details on the building.

Week 4 - Reflections

I find it funny that the second photo I'm choosing for the blog is another reflection photo of a fountain. I took this photo a while ago on my phone. There was barely anyone on campus at the time, and this specific angle and the lighting immediately caught my eye. There was enough light from the sun to reflect the scenery from the fountain and the glass panes in front of the Claire Trevor Theatre. Something about seeing a bright scene reflected is calming and soothing to me. This photo, unlike the previous one, is filled with less warm colors. The presence of more cool colors makes the image more calm, more static. The image is less vibrant, and the lighting here makes the brighter cool colors provide a sense of stillness. The brightness of the natural light in this photo really brings more out of the photo for me. The ripples of light across the pond add an element of motion to an otherwise still scene. It's like a painting of the much clearer scene on top of the photo. While this isn't one of my favorite photos I've taken, I was immediately drawn to taking it because of the lighting above all else. This is a place that I've passed for over three years at school and I've never been more compelled to take a photo. 

Love & Happiness,

Jerel Xander Aurelio Cabesas

Week 4: A Little Hint of Sunshine

Last week, I spent the late afternoon getting my head shots taken. All of the pictures were taken all over campuses in beautiful spots I had no idea even existed. As the sun was beginning to set my friend got a snapshot of this and then actually took a picture with me in the same spot that was gorgeous as well. He used a 18-55mm kit lens with a lens filter on it. What added the to making this a beautiful shot was the lens filter let light leak through without blowing out the light (making it too harsh). I love the lens flare in the picture and this little hint of sunshine really makes me smile every time I look at the picture. Sunshine is one of the world's most used forms of light so I thought it fitting to have this picture included in my blog. These blogs are very relaxing and enjoyable to do just like this specific photograph. 

Until next time,

Au Revior,
A

Last night, I went to the Los Angeles Theatre because they were showcasing this event called, Bringing Back Broadway. Anyway, I entered the main lobby, went downstairs, and there was this big ballroom floor and they had all this lights flashing up to a disco ball. Anyway, I took this picture and I was just so in love how it came out. I adore how all the lights are reaching up to the disco ball and it projects specks of light on the floor. What I really love how you can only see the people's silhouettes, which puts more focus on the ceiling. It's like a ray of light shining down on a mass of darkness. To me, it looks like a representing of how even in the darkest times and places, there is always that light shining through.

Week 4 The End of the Rainy Day

I took this photo this Sunday afternoon. It was super rainy and windy all day, but when I came out of the supermarket this afternoon, the rain clouds were beginning to give way to the sun. It was about 4:30 in the afternoon, so just before sunset. I was struck by the brilliant contrast between the dazzling setting sunlight and the gray rain clouds. I love the bright blue sky in the top corner and the hints of blue sky peeking through the deep gray rain clouds. It had been a long and somewhat stressful week, but as I stood there looking at the sunlight streaking through the clouds along the horizon causing the buildings and trees to appear as a simple silhouette and vivid blue sky peering out from behind the layer of clouds, I felt refreshed and calm. It was a moment that reminded me of the beauty that is all around us everyday, if we just take the time to notice it.

Week 4 - Beach Boys

I grew up listening to classic rock. In Italy, the only English music that was played on the radio was classic rock. As a result, most of my favorite bands come from the 50’s to the 80’s. Included in this group of my favorite music is The Beach Boys. Barely speaking a word of English, I tried to sing along to songs like “Fun,” “California Girls,” and “Kokomo.” When I moved to Southern California and witnessed the sunsets and sandy beaches that inspired so many beautiful harmonies, my love for the band grew even greater. Over the past weekend, a dream came true and I had the privilege of watching The Beach Boys (including most original members) perform live. The concert took place last Sunday evening at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa. It was a rather chilly night as my friends and I walked to the venue, but once we got to our seats we warmed with beach vibes that illuminated the stage. The warm tones of lights on the stage, paired with the palm trees and surfboards made you forget that it was winter outside. In the particular picture, the lighting changed to a cool blue that reminded me of the color the moon makes when it reflects on the ocean at night. The band sang “Surfer Girl,” a slower song that features beautiful harmonies and a romantic melody line and the audience members took out their phones and used their light as modern-day lighters to sway in the air along with music. It was an unforgettable moment hearing one of my favorite bands, play one of my favorite songs.