Photography by Rineke Dijkstra

Good portraits are fascinating since they can reveal their personality through their eyes, their stance, their clothes, and sometimes their settings. I’m a big people watcher so therefore I love Rineke Dijkstra’s style of shooting. Her choice of portraits of children and teenagers are exceptionally well done, showing that modesty and teenager attitude in their way of standing and connecting with the lens.

I’m as much excited and scared of shooting portraits of strangers with the huge 4×5 at the State Fair. Let’s pray that we load the film correctly and pray we don’t shoot blanks.

Photography by Ryan Pfluger

After my second Photo class today, I am officially overwhelmed. They don’t like to ease things for you, they tend to start you off with bullshit beginner photo for 2 years and then dump you into a world of stress and fear. This weekend we must venture into the State Fair w/ our bulky 4×5 view camera and shoot portraits.

Forget the cocky bitch, I’m one intimidated pussy when it comes to studio work. It’s due to the lack of experience but that’s why I’m in school for right? To gain it. I’m worried about loading the film-backs and processing as well as interacting with my subject. But think of this Jane, you’ll see bunnies at the Fair!

Ryan Pfluger has been in my bookmarks for quite awhile. I admire his portraits since there is that connection between camera and subject that is very hard to capture. The lighting and composition is so fresh and crisp. He’s one of those photographers I look to see updated work.

I’m going to try and keep updating as much as I can, especially with photographers I enjoy, but no promises. They’re cracking the whip and my ass hurts, so I best get a move on.

Photograph by Barbara Salinas

It was funny today in my lovely Photo Junior Seminar class when my professor asked the class basic questions of what photographers we like, books we’ve read, how technically proficient we are and all that jazz. Like usual first classes, we all sat there, blank faced, and nervously waiting for one person to break the silence. The introverted artists in most of us didn’t say a peep but when someone took a dive and said a very very well-known photographer he liked, our professor asked the rest of us if we knew of Joel Peter Witkin. I have an ego and can be quite the cocky bitch but I wasn’t about to wave my hand frantically in the air and say “I know him, I know him!” We didn’t respond when she asked us what camera experience we have, other famous contemp. photographers, etc.

We basically sat and stared at her. So I’m sure she’s worried that we’re a bunch of retards and will be the worst Junior class ever. Play dumb first and then surprise the shit out of them later.

Syracuse is a weird place to be. On one hand, I think it’s nice to be out of my comfort zone to explore new things but (there are always buts) in the 2 years I’ve been here, I find it dull, stereotypical, and mentally takes a toll on my brain. There aren’t times where I can just take the train by myself, where walking through the streets I don’t feel insecure. I don’t even laugh as hard as I do. Since the first day I’ve entered Syracuse in Fall of 2004, I needed things to get better. Now I’m sticking it out for two more years to get that degree and get the hell out. There are more things I can go into, but I’m sure to offend some people whether they read “blogs” or not. This is an obligatory “I hate Syracuse” entry that wanders in every couple of months. It’s sad to wonder “what if” (especially since I got into all the schools in the city). Being this frustrated and unhappy makes me wonder almost everyday what home means to me.

Photography by Kanako Sasaki

Anyway, I was going through PDN’s Top 30 Photographers to Watch 2006 and saw some favorites and some familiar names (people who’ve submitted to Hey, Hot Shot!). Choosing photos to show is a hard task and I think people should always get multiple opinions from outsiders. When you can only submit 3 images, choose images that wow people and get a point across through them. See and absorb as much as you can when it comes to new artists- I do. It’s inspirational and motivational. Get with the program, photo kids.

I’m 99% packed but still in my comfortable home and not in my new apartment in Syracuse. Ah, now I just want to get this 5+ hour drive over with.

Bebe eating a plum on Vimeo

The winners are announced! Go on to the HHS blog and read all the details.

I am the blogging queen.

Why are the local Kohls and Targets selling Syracuse University gear? Oh yes! I love being reminded of going back to the upstate hell-hole!

I swear I am born for fashion. I mean, the holiday sweater alone says “Jane is fabulous.” I kid. My younger cousin found this ancient photo and it sure made my day.

I’m pretty sure everyone will agree that the judges are insane to auf Alison and not Vincent. According to Andy Cohen’s blog, Alison will be showing at Fashion Week in September so at least she’s going forward! Vincent better be auf next week- I can’t stand his voice. He does not make good tv. Michael and Laura beatboxing makes good tv.