Wednesday, March 23, 2011

365 Day Project

I attempted a 365 Day Project before. I didn't tell enough people about it, so I got bored and gave up. I'm attempting this project again in hopes that more people who will want to show support, encouragement and follow along. I created a fan page on facebook and another blog. I'm telling everyone this time and I have a few people following me now which is actually quite helpful. Please follow one or the other or both.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Charity Portrait Sessions

As we all know, Japan was recently hit by an 8.9 quake followed by several tsunamis and aftershocks. After the 8.9 quake, Northern Japan was hit by a 7.2 quake! This mkes me want to cry for them. It's very devastating and heartbreaking!

I got this idea from a photographer friend who said that charity work was worth copying. I'm offering 30 minute portrait sessions to those who donate $25 to Red Cross to benefit the Japan Earthquake Relief. Sessions include photo CD with 10 to 15 digital images and one 8x10 print. Must book by March 31, 2011 and sessions completed within 30 days. Date/time and location can be discussed between those interested and I based on availablility and you must be within 45 miles from 91789 zip code. Online donations will recieve first priority on dates/time for sessions. Please contact me to book a portrait session!

Friday, March 11, 2011

Street Photography - Tibetan Protest 2011

Yesterday afternoon, I joined the L.A. Street Photography meetup group to photograph the Tibetan Protest which was held at the Federal Building in Westwood, Ca. I really wanted to get into street photography for a long time, but I rarely ever go to protests of any kind or do any street photography in general because I didn't have anyone to go with me and I was concerned about my own safety. Being with a group of photographers made me feel better and it also helped that peaceful protesters, especially Tibetans, were generally ok with photography.

Basically the protest was about human rights for the Tibetans. China believed that Tibet was part of China to which it never was, so China invaded and brutally oppressed the people of Tibet. Between March 10 to March 19 in 1959 was when the Tibetans protested against China. The protest was held today, March 10, because it marked the 52nd anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising.

The Tibetan Association Of Southern California had been doing protests for 20 years. Sometimes they would hold protests at the Chinese Council to get their point across, but the location wasn't populated enough, so it was hard for them to bring awareness to the public. They usually held protests at the Federal Building in Westwood. The Federal Building and its employees had nothing to do with the conflict between Tibet and China, but it was a major location with high traffic. After the protest, they held a "candlelight vigil" where they did their prayers, and sang the Tibetan National Anthem. There are 200 Tibetans in Southern California. About forty members of the Tibetan Association of Southern California and Friends of Tibetans were at this protest.

Being at the protest with the meetup group, was a great oppportunity for me to work on my photojournalistic skills. If I continue going to a few more events with the group, I hope to improve. Click here to view more photos from the protest.