Far too long...

My lack of casual writing has been unacceptable. This is what happens when academia consumes your every moment. That, coupled with working every free minute you have otherwise. Not that I am complaining.

The courses I'm in are pretty interesting. Particularly applicable for the purpose of this blog is my photojournalism class. Lots of challenging opportunities to learn the art of photography. It's a delicate balance in this facet of photography though, as we can't be "too" artsy as it would detract from the journalistic element of the image. I understand. After all, I am but a fledgling and look forward to learn anything at this point.

Here is a collection of shots I have captured since embarking:

Pittie tied up outside a tattoo shop in dt LA

Mural in Huntington Park neighborhood

18-year-old LA Native, Giuseppe 

Mural in Huntington Park

Two girls at the Truckit Festival at Union Station

Little girl at Studio City Farmers Market

Yum

CSUN's CAPTURED Research Group, "Where is the Love" event.

MOCA

Kid Dangerous : Holiday/Spring 2011 Look Book

I shot a look book a little while ago for a really fun clothing line, Kid Dangerous Grime Couture. The theme of the shoot was, "Let the Good Times Roll." And let me tell you, there were good times being had- all around.

Here is a link to their website

I met some great people, some inspiring people in fact.

The lovely and talented, Hannah Lux Davis shot the set and did a fantastic job, as always.

Check her out here

And be sure to also stop by the gorgeous, Diana Dencker's blog. (I'll be sure to point her out. Her aesthetic is incredible.)

The fascinating creature that I grew to admire is on the left. I love her face and brain.

With Love and Dissent,

Jewell

The Boxer Rebellion

Given, this news is a bit dated, but in case you didn't know, Barbara Boxer and Diane Feinstein came to speak at the Grand Salon at CSUN on October 29th.

I covered the event photographically and journalistically, capturing some key points Boxer made. Though the election has since passed, I feel that the issues are still pertinent and we should all give a sigh of relief that California made the choices it did at the ballot box.

The Boxer Rebellion

Boxer greeting audience after rally

Barbara Boxer came to rally the troops October 29th at CSUN's Grand Salon.

Her messages emphasizing relationship building, creating and retaining jobs, fighting for women's rights, and the environment all appeared to strike a chord with everyone at the space. "This election is such a clear choice," Boxer said to those sitting loyally in front of her.

She said she passed legislation the saved 16,000 teacher's jobs without adding a penny to the deficit. All done by trimming tax breaks from companies who ship jobs overseas, she said.

"What is disgraceful about making sure our children have teachers in the classroom? It's not disgraceful. It's critical," Boxer said to the crowd cheering.

Boxer reiterated her position on abortion rights. "I have been a champion for choice my whole life," she said. Prior to Roe v. Wade these women did not have the right to choose. Women's right to their bodies may come under fire if she lost her seat in the Senate, she explained.

The crowd chanted, "Boxer! Boxer! Boxer!" As she walked to the microphone, she had a sense of energy and confidence.

There was a young man in the crowd proudly donning a shirt with the words, "Repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell."

Fiorina, the Republican opponent was mentioned in the course of her speech. "She supports tax breaks to millionaires and billionaires and shipping jobs overseas," she stated "She wants to drill off our coasts," Boxer said. She said it is not just an environmental issue, but also an issue about jobs. She explained how our ocean supports 400,000 coastal economy jobs. "Those jobs would be lost," she said plainly when discussing the reality of an oil spill like the BP accident happening off the coast of California.

"This election is about the future of America," Boxer stated. The energy of the audience was tangible as Boxer went on, "This isn't about partisanship, it's about the greatest country in the world."

Photo: Jewell