When someone asks the question "what are you passionate about?" or "what are your passions?", I have a hard time answering. Passion is a strong word. Sure, I like things, but when something becomes a passion of mine its part of my daily life. Having something be a part of my life to me is pretty simple: Im doing it, learning more about it, or even just talking about it. Every day. An old passion I had was rugby, I played it, loved learning new things about it, I bonded with many people over rugby, watched it as much as I could, and my friends even learned about it-because I wouldn't shut up about anything rugby related. Though I an unable to play anymore due to too many concussions, therefore it is a lost passion.  A great part during my rugby love phase I was able to include one of my longest lasting passions, photography. I have been interested in art of photography since I was little. I would dabble in different types of photography here and there, but when I started playing rugby I was mostly focused on movement photos. I had done a few "action shots" when the opportunity presented itself prior, but I never saught it out. Even though my passion for rugby has since dwindled it greatly deepened my passion for photography.

My passions are easily obsessions (I mean really, whats the difference?). I invest in photography equiptment when I am able (and Im dang frugal sometimes!) or experiment with what I have. I prefer experiments to just buying something. I take tons of pictures, whether on my phone, my camera, or even the little handheld camera that I keep in my purse. I prefer natural photos to over-edited, though for humor I do like a good (or even poorly) photoshopped picture. I have seen some incredible pictures that have been altered/photoshopped, whether its just for the pleasure of the viewer or a statement piece. Even though these photos can be amazing, theres just the simplicity and rawness of an undocturred photo that gets me. You cant make genuine emotion.  If you watch a two models posing, taking pictures, doing their job, and one isn't confident in herself (for whatever reason, not feeling well, bloated, what have you) and the other model is very confident- regardless of their appearance- the confident one will have more attractive photos. Why? Photos show that! Its so simple, but I find is so cool! Someone in despair can make a great photo. The art side of photos is endless. I just love finding new ways to great new "snaps" in time. Any kind of craft that you enjoy is going to end up being an incredible journey to grow and get better in. For me, photography is my craft, plus I can have as many concussions as I want (don't want) and it doesn't matter!!



Here are a few photos that I like:

This photo is by Jill Greenberg. Look at the pleading in this cuties face. She would give toddlers lollipops, then take them. After that shed start taking the pictures. The whole series is actually really interesting, though she received alot of backlash for doing so. Don't worry, she gave them their lollipops back!!

I do not know the photographer of this photo, but I just always really like looking at it (even though its cropped).

As for photoshop and altered photos I do still like them. 

This one is actually one of my favorite photos. I've found that I like most photos featuring Albert Einstein. Though, this one  looks better, in my opinion, with all that black edge cut out.

Aristotelian Analysis

Aristotelian Analysis
Internet Bridge Troll

Caution! This video contains slander.

To stick with the theme of this class, social media, I decided that, aside from the language, this video would fit really well with everything. This video shows and explains what an "internet troll" is. This video was made and posted by the popular user CollegeHumor. I’m sure you can assume the intended audience, college aged kids. Though other ages can enjoy some of their videos too. Most of their videos do carry a message with them, though the main intent is to be a funny video. I personally find this to be a trustworthy source, they have been accurate with descriptions of many other videos, do not try to mislead their viewers, though their portrayals of people (such as their alternative Honey Boo Boo, Precious Plum) are obviously just to be humorous rather than accurate. The obscure language and illogical sayings "the holocaust didn't happen" are actually said on the Internet and social media, such as Facebook. In any form of social media there will be multiple people commenting on things strictly to upset people and get a reaction (as this video shows). To me, the entire act of "trolling" people is completely ridiculous, frustrating, and pathetic. The only thing that a “troll” gets from their posts is negative reactions to (I guess) feel empowered that they can get emotions directed at them. In short, an Internet troll is a cyber bully. Instead of getting physical they can hide behind their computer, not actually having to deal with consequences to their actions, nor do they seem to care how they may affect others. I found that, just like a physical bully, if you do not react or really even acknowledge them they move on. By ignoring them you give no reaction, taking away any counteract they may want to do. You cant argue logic with an illogical person. Nonetheless, this video is pretty funny, while giving the viewer a better understanding of what an "internet troll" is like.