Experiments with covers

I think I finally nailed down a theme for the magazine.  A series of photographs on lighting fixtures and lamps.  I am brainstorming at the moment - trying lots of different things while simultaneously learning InDesign.  I have never used InDesign before, but by the time I order my magazine I am determined to know the basics if not much more!  I am warming up by trying to get a feel for the cover of the magazine even though I have not yet settled on a title, nor had I given the title much thought before a few days ago.  So far this is what I have come up with, though I am sure as I learn more and play more I will grow to hate these, but I am hopeful that the whole process will lead to inspiration.

 

Cropped

Sharon wanted me to crop some of the photos I took of the children at the Cherry Blossom Festival and crop in really tightly.
here's what we got...

Things We Don't Usually Notice in the City...

I had to run some errands in San Francisco on Sunday after watching the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade in Japan Town.  I decided to take some photos of lamps that appealed to me as well as a few other things that likely go unnoticed by the many people who walk by.  I am still trying to get more accustomed to shooting things I normally wouldn't and looking at anything in my path as having the potential to be esthetically interesting.  Putting this into practice transforms life's mundane wanderings into a wondrous journey...

Cherry Blossom Festival - Japan Town, San Francisco, 2011

I went to the Cherry Blossom Festival with a few classmates to wander around the booths, watch the parade and take photos.  It was particularly fun because one of my classmates, Chie, is an exchange student from Japan and she was very enthusiastic - chiming in with the festivities in Japanese and singing along with the Japanese songs accompanying the dancers and other parade participants.  The costuming and decorations were vibrant and colorful and the children who participated were adorable!  There was a great show of support for Japan as well as efforts to help those in need after the recent earthquake and tsunami.   I am posting some of the photos I took to share the experience...



if you would like to see the photos individually go to the following link

CherryBlossomFestSF_2011

On the Street Where You Live.....

I was instructed by Sharon to shoot on my block and see what happens.  I have to admit the experience was not as bad as I feared it would be.  However, that being said I didn't get too excited about it either. Although I will admit that there is a "Little Boxes" theme to be found in shooting these types of neighborhoods - which could be quite good - it doesn't really turn me on.  As you can see by the photos I ended up focusing more on small details rather than the cookie cutter houses in the end.  I don't think anyone should expect my magazine theme will be suburban housing developments in Union City or Union City in general for that matter.  However, I did learn something from this exercise - the search for a theme I like continues.....