Samurai Jana

The samurai sword began as a straight bladed, single edged weapon. By the end of the 8th century the sword curved, allowing for a swifter draw from the scabbard and a more effective cutting angle.


The katana is generally used for outdoor combat and early samurai would fight on horseback.


The most powerful samurai, known as the Shogun, would posess two samurai swords and a license to dismember anybody who offended him.

Jana may not be a professional, but from the look in her eyes, I'd watch out. Dangerous lady.

This shoot was a lot of fun.

David Barr was my lighting assistant, bearing the weight of the floor lamp on his shoulder and taking direction on pointing the light exactly where I needed it.

Justin Mann's knowledge on how to look bad-ass holding a sword proved quite useful since my knowledge on bad-ass-sword-holding-poses is limited.
Jana Diermann was a trooper in front of the camera. I gave her a black shirt of mine to wear and she jumped up on the couch, katana in hand and gave me her fiercest look. Rawr!

For the makeshift studio of Justin's apartment walls and light from a floor lamp, this is a shoot I would love to do again.

Villiage Creek in Arlington, Tx

Village Creek is a park that I know like the back of my hand. I would go bike riding, hiking, and at one point in time had a chigger collection on my legs that was to die for...

There's a lot you can see there and be surprised by. Always an exciting place to go.

Afternoon Walk in Sugar Land

Over the winter break, I traveled down to Sugar Land, Tx. One afternoon, itching to get out of the house and adventure, I grabbed my camera, a bottle of water and made a mad dash down several streets, stopping only when something fun caught my eye. My great backtracking skills found me back to where I had been, so the thought of getting lost never once crossed my mind. Although, getting lost is quite fun!

My 365 Project has really given me the kick in the butt I've needed to edit my photos. So far they've just sat on my CF card or Jump Drive and External, waiting for the moment they're called into action to inspire. That time has come. I'm really enjoying this project and the chance to relive the moment's I managed to catch on my many adventures.

New Blog for my Project

http://alisonpaige365.blogspot.com/

There is the link to my 365 Photo a Day Project. As I said in my previous post, I am right on time. According to me. This is exciting.

Oh, so my first day of class was today. Pretty exciting. I had 4 classes. Sociology of Family Violence, Sociology of Minority Problems, Economics, Senior Portfolio for Photography. I'm really looking forward to portfolio. There are 5 of us in the class and I can only imagine we're going to become the troublemakers of Mass Comm at Tech. Tomorrow I have work from 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. and then Special Problems with Wyman at 3:30. I'm excited for that class too. Heck, I'm just excited about this entire semester. It's my last full semester and then I have 2 classes to take in the summer and I'm DONE.

Wow.

Today's best moment:

Professor: *speaking in an obviously French accent* "Does anyone have any questions for me?"
Student: *speaking in an obviously Stupid accent* "Um, yes, where are you from, sir?"
Professor: *French French French* "Oh, you must be wondering where I'm from because of my accent. Well, what accent do you think I have?"
Student: *still stupid* "Are you asking me?"
Professor: *FRENCH* "Yes, I am asking you."
Student: "Um....African?"
*Class of 50 students stifle their laughs out of courtesy.*
I'm thinking: "Dear God, how can someone be so stupid?!"
Professor: *Slight shock at the sheer stupidity of student on his face* "No. I don't speak African. I'm from the French Caribbean. My accent is French."

365 Days of Photography

So I have decided to truly dive into this project. Especially after watching the beauty of blogging from the movie Julie & Julia. I've got a new fire under me from that.

I'll start this project on the 13th, when I get back to Lubbock for school. I'll have all the tools I need to really get this project going. Ideas are already in my head and so are models - watch out you whoever creep into my mind. I may just cover you in paint like I did to Mylie who was a real trooper on that shoot.

My days of relaxing and sitting on my butt are almost at an end. Thank goodness. I'm going crazy having so much down time. I crave responsibilities. I crave possibilities. I am dying for an adventure. I can already feel the opportunities rising. This project will be a good thing for my fellow photographer friends and I to do. Along with posting those photos I'll probably also throw in a few fun shots I take along the way as bonus. I do love photography.

Oh I can't wait for the adventures of this new year!