Self-Portrait

When I heard the word politics three things came to mind: money power and respect. After discussing and agreeing on the three thoughts over with the peers in my group we decided to divide the categories among the three of us. Money, being mine, I reflected on how why and how money is spent. Saturday night a few of my girlfriends and I were playing our usual card game and I asked their view of the issue. After a long discussion about everything possible I came up with the general idea money is spent to feel worthy.  I can recall two similar incidents where I had bought things to improve my worth. In 2010 touchscreens were the new thing to have. Still happy with my blackberry, I was the last to drift to the new devices.  After being picked on for months I finally spent money on a HTC Evo just so I could have a touch screen like everyone else. Realizing after a couple days I hated the phone and the price but me back two months on my bills.  Less than a year later the iPhone 4 was released, and once again I was behind the trend. One would think I would learn from the first time but I didn’t. The pressure of having the latest had me in the Sprint store once again putting a strain on my finances. I had a new understanding of the politics of my money. I see the basic policy on spending money was no more than society deciding what you can spend money on. What society perceived as “hot”, is what I’m spending my hard earned money on. Throughout the film viewers will hear a instrumental of “Rollin” by Lil Wayne. Due to the harsh reality of the politics of money I choose this song because the base is intense.   My newest challenge is to show this visually.  I decided to use three quotes to show the superficial society is and divide my visuals up according to the quotes. My own spending will indeed relate to the worth I see myself as. Before presenting what I spend my money on I want to show viewers where my money was coming from.  I plan on showing my work uniform, clocking in and out along with some a pay stub to show my earnings. Following will be what I personally I spend my money on. Graphics displaying:  “I had dream I could buy my way to heaven, when I awoke I spent it on a necklace”, this quote would apply to the amount of money spent on clothing. I will show closets, dressers, and suitcases full of clothing.  Receipts, shopping bags and magazines will show the stores that I to shop at. My second quote is “I quit school, not because I’m lazy. I’m just not the social type and campus life is crazy”, this quote is to describe the money spent for school purposes. Bookstore prices, tuition bill, and food shopping will be shown. Ridiculous overpricing will be shown and exaggerated through editing. Lastly a still image will be my “VOTE” pin on my jean jacked will conclude my self-portrait.

Self- Portrait Analysis

 

 

After given an assignment to create a visual self-portrait, it made sense to get inspiration from others who may have been assigned a similar topic. After being exposed to several videos I’ve come up with a top three that contained features I would like to incorporate in my self-portrait film.

My Most Important Self-portrait  

5 seconds into the film “My Most Important Self-Portrait”   I was unsure of in the direction the film was going. No words were said, but the dark contrast setting along with the uneasy movement of the man caused a suspenseful feeling from what I was watching. Within minutes I feel in love with the animation of the words. Words beside visuals are more powerful than words alone.  The words only outlined the body of the man allowing me to relate the message with the person who is being affected. The drawings told a story and his body language correspond. I didn’t necessarily receive a topic from the narrative, but the story is what I was most impressed with. It’s easier to comprehend an interesting story verses grasping a theme may not actually represent the message trying to be given. What’s a message if it can’t be passed along?  The story telling feature in this documentary makes it a great video! I wanted to share this video with my friends, even if I couldn’t get the video to them; the visual was so strong I was able to give them a play-by-play of the scenario. I really want my self-portrait to give my audience the same fulfillment. After viewing the video I had no questions for the motives of the film.  The strength of this man to rise above his situation amazed me; even more amazing for him to be able to display to the word his shortcoming in a way for any viewer to appeal to him.

 

Cooking Self-Portrait

For some reason I love video’s with weird angles. Inclined, unfocused, and even point of view shots force more thought from the viewer without them even being aware they are doing so. I also want these kinds of shots in my self-portrait. The still frames in the beginning gave me direction; let me know regardless the message of the video cooking will be included. I watched the video twice: once with audio, and again without. With audio I learned this young man is optimist who appreciates the positive things in life. The narrative lead me in this direction using phrases such as “ you can’t go wrong” and “ what usually tends to be the case is, it turns out fine”. Without audio somewhat got the optimistic message but not exactly. The visuals were a lot stronger, I didn’t have to focus on that he was saying. Long narratives force the viewer to focus on either the visual or audio. For this video I think the visual is so settle the message could have been translated the same without the storyline. I enjoyed watching him prep, chef and present the food. It gave me satisfaction; beginning, middle, end, which is made it a suitable video to watch.

My life

The quality of this video is AMAZING! Talk about HD! The music was very upbeat and it flew with the pace of the video. The video starts out with a room which full of things that represent his life; great metaphor although I didn’t realize it until the ending.  I love the categories of the film, it kept the film very organized. The text was just enough to explain what was being seen; “MY...” let me know indeed this was his labor being presented.  I like the way the creator of the film showed instruments followed by their actual pieces of work to connect how important the crafts are to him.  He used this link in every category he presented.  I noticed a couple hidden messages as well. Not sure how accurate I am, noticing a painting of chess, I concluded he liked chess. I drew assumptions based on his symbolism used in the beginning of the film, that every visual had a hidden message. When “MY PRODUCTION” grouping was being watched I became confused. I didn’t know whether the video message had been changed or if the new video had intentionally been placed in. Overall the video was busy, a lot was going on. Even though the parts where separated by text, there were such a quick change in locations it was hard for me to adjust to the new images being presented.  The video was far from bad, it achieved in giving the creator a sense of character. It was just a lot of character to take in.

Web 2.0

My 2.0

Web 2.0 allows users to interact and collaborate with dialogue on social media sites. Over 10 years ago web 1.0 it was a simple tool to receive information. The web has transferred from publishing to participating. 2.0 has created a social community where users can interact with others and the source where the information is coming from.  I’ve grown accustomed to the new web since my generation matured with social media. I had forgotten all about the old web that I hadn’t noticed all the interaction allowed on current sites. I like the fact that feedback can be given, authorizing conversation to anyone worldwide.  I sometimes talk to Instagram users under random pictures under the popular page; it’s nice to talk to people with similar views.  I never noticed how 2.0 has even been channeled to other mass media devices. The software on my cell phone requires so much interaction it’s scary. I can search Google, view a photo comment on Instagram, and even collect bank statement without leaving my home screen. My dad purchased a flat screen TV that can connect to Netflix, or even Youtube with the push of a button. Even the dashboard of new vehicles can be instructed to Facebook.  I’m accustomed to the leisure of 2.0, but I don’t think it is helpful. I see it especially in the youth, the lazy outlook the service is creating. Not only are personal interactions being eliminated, bulling and rude behavior are soaring. I sometimes think the evolution can balance the former methods to dim fast advancement in youth.

2.0 Beyond Web

Formerly internet was just an aid in receiving information; today internet sites exist as virtual communities. Users being able to reflect on the text have influenced the design of the web in 2.0 eras. The sites goals are to interact in a variety of ways. Tags for easy searches, thumbnails of various users, and recommendations are among some of the features to allow personalization to users. Sites of major companies execute self-service software  to guarantee consumers and employers an enriched user experience.   Interaction is key, the new direction of 2.0 support video and audio on top sites to attract users. News stations use Podcast, to allow consumers to instantly view the news updates from their sites.  The more the user can engage on the site, the more successful it is. Self- Service permits a rising demand of applications of usage. Applications create features similar to desktop designs to ensure user feedback and joy of use. Mobile devices use applications that help you save time and money, while still allowing productive activity. A large percentage of internet usage is acted on mobile devices, so it’s important for organizations to have their sites compatible for mobile users. Applications must provide information quickly, and still engage users. The most enjoyed of applications, are from social sites. No longer are users restricted to desks, but can now connect with anyone anywhere.

How to survive Instagram

How to survive Instagram

Instragram is a fun new application that uses photos to connect people around the world.

Breaking down the word "insta" instant and "gram" being a means of communicating the application is capable of instantly sharing photos to anyone with access. The aspect of telling a personal story through photography is a hit in today's social media. These few survival tips will help you become an active user!

Add/Change Profile Picture- The last tab to the right, at the bottom of the application is profile is location. Your profile is your personalized instagram page. It displays all of your posted photos, a bio of your creating, and a profile picture. The profile picture will be a physical representation of you when you comment or like a users photo.

1)    Click Profile Tab

2)    Click the box where picture is displayed

3)    Chose weather you want you to take a new photo, or use an existing photo.

4)    Save profile

Privacy Settings- Instagram gives you two options of how you want your profile protected. The first option is a public profile, no protection. Public access allows for any user to view your photos. The second option is private profile. In this option users must be approved to view your profile, having access to your photos.

1) Click profile tab

Follow/Unfollow - Similar to twitter, your followers are who you personally want to interact with. The more followers you have the more variety you will have on your timeline. Followers also provide comments, and likes under your posted photos.

1)    Once you find the user you wish you follow click “follow”

2)    The method is used to unfollow

Notifications - The notification box is the second to last tab found at the bottom of the screen (left of profile tab). The notification tab is set up in two folders. One you will find the photos your followers liked, the second will be the users who have liked your photos. The notification tab will also notify you for photo comments and your photo’s added to the popular page.

1)    Click the notification tab

2)    View activity

Liking photos- Once you have followers your timeline will fill with each user posted pictures, current being displayed first. Once a photo is liked, the user will be notified user their notification tab. This can be done by double tapping the photo or physically hitting the like button under the posted photo.

1)    Double tapping photograph

2)    Clicking the like button

Commenting- Interaction is big; comments can be displayed under any photo posted to Instagram. (Unless the user is private. Then you must be approved) Placing an "@" symbol before a username will send that user a notification, letting them know a comment was directed towards them. (This does not need to be done for a general comment, only for conversation)

1)    Click the comment button displayed under the photo

2)    Type desired message

3)    Type username with the @ symbol at the start.

4)    Spacebar. Begin typing message

Uploading photos- To be added to other users timelines you must upload pictures. The tab to upload photos is found directly in the center of the screen.  Pictures can either be taken from the application or chosen from your library on your mobile device. Once you chose the photo, filters can be added to enhance and give the photo a more "professional" look. Once the photo is to your liking, descriptions, emoji faces, hashtags, and usernames can be added to the edit box to give more detail about the picture posted.

Popular page- To the right of the timeline tab (the second tab at the bottom of your screen) is the popular page. The popular page is full of photos that have been liked by thousands of people around the world. Photos are rotated regularly, and the official site states that they have a specific formula to choose which photos are selected. Although I have yet to personally know someone who has been on this page. Hahah.

In 2010 Kevin Systrom founded a new social network using pictures and called it Instagram. A year later this social application has over 80 million users and is essential for top companies to brand their products. 

Overall social sites serve one purpose, encourage communication. Social sites can help strangers connect based on a shared interest. People find it easier to communicate on topics they find interesting.   Most sites have message boards which permit conversations, debates, or polls that can influence new views on topics. Social sites are good for allowing instant feedback. This type of interaction works well for those who are shy, they find it easier to connect with others since face to face interaction isn’t needed. Social sites are open to such a wide range; it aids you to be in contact with people you otherwise may not have met. Mobility and lack of restrictions permit individuals to talk to other individuals no matter their time or place in the world. Today’s society is pushing a rising brand of digital society, which is being achieved through social sites. Just as any other custom, if not monitored the use of social sites can be damaging. Earlier I stated that social sites can be helpful for those with timid personalities, but this can also lead to isolation. Although it may be easier for these passive types of people to communicate, it’s not helpful. Social sites assist seclusion, permitting those who find face to face interaction nerve racking to stay in this insecurity.  Thousands access social sites from public computers, allowing personal information easier to take. Users don’t realize how much private information they are allowing to be accessed and most don’t know how to create severer privacy settings. Unaware users can become victim to identity theft which is becoming more common due to social sites. More and more youth are being exposed to social site, since it can be accessed from any phone, iPod or laptop it’s hard for them not to be. Revealing children to these social sites allow them to possibly interact with social predators. Social sites come with small shortcomings; bad grammar, and poor spelling that can become a habit if unnoticed.  Using social sites responsibility and teaching children to do the same will increase the benefits and avoid the disadvantages.

Old v. New

Today I met a senior majoring in public relations by the name of Maureen Vitali. Maureen and I had a conversation that seemed endless (in a good way) about how internet affects us. Although Maureen and I both were in third grade, our first experiences using the web where different. Maureen’s first involvement with the internet started in the classroom. She told me she particularly remembers her teacher saying “computers aren’t stupid only the users are”. At home her mother wasn’t accustomed to the new age of technology, which was the opposite at my house. My first experience with the internet was in our home office on our new desktop. While our beginnings are unlike, we both finished daily internet users. Maureen and I communicated well since we had a lot of similar views on the direction the internet is going. We both agreed our society is losing the ability to interact with each other; most people express themselves behind a screen. Internet has seemed to affect the way the youth communicate. The Internet has so much material that the younger generation shouldn’t be exposed to, but they have such easy access it’s hard for them not to be influenced.  It was refreshing to talk to someone who is just as disturbed about our internet culture.