Blog Post #2: Coffee Shop Light

This usage of light is from a coffee shop in Costa Mesa. It is a neon sign above a couch in a kind of alcove where people can bring their ordered coffee to sit and relax or do work. The light from the neon was interesting because the way it looked in person is different from how it appears on camera. In person, the detail of the lettering is much clearer while in the photo, I noticed that in my photo the light kind of blurs out as well there being a halo of red around the lettering. In person, the entire thing appeared red rather than a yellow/orange with only a red exterior. Lastly, it was interesting how far the red light spread out. The brightness of the neon reaches much further than if the lettering would have been a different type of light. It was cool how directly the light appeared on the couch and even the table as well. This was one of the first times that I really looked at neon light and saw how different and interesting it is from other types of light.

Week 4: Inhale, Exhale— Repeat.

Last week I took this around 4pm. I was so amazed at how striking the light was coming from behind the clouds. I absolutely love the contrast of how bright the sky was and how dark all the buildings were from the shadows. This light made me feel grateful and had that “new perspective” look to it. I love this kind of light during the day, it’s so inspiring and it’s a reminder for me to take a moment and remember to breathe. 

Week 4 - Colorful Sky

I took this picture from the patio of my apartment yesterday. I have dozens of pictures from this exact angle on my phone and they each look different. I love the view of this "almost" sunset from my apartment. Because even though the sun isn't really set yet, the trees and houses in the back hide it. I love how the trees only appear in silhouette and all you can see is the sky in different colors each day. Even if I've had a bad day, if I look out the window and the sky is colorful at this time I run out, take a picture and just stand there for a bit staring at it. It calms me down and puts me in a better mood. My favorite is when the clouds look sort of pink or orange. This day the colors in the sky were tamer, but it's still beautiful and relaxing to look at. It almost looks fake.

WEEK 4: Aligned Blinds

I took this picture while I was eating my lunch in my living room. It was a nice sunny Sunday outside, and the sun was shining through the living room blinds. I drew attention to the symmetrical and linear shape on the lower right. I also like how the blinds had varying levels of brightness and some that were not lit at all, along with a faint glow within the lines. Since my design aesthetic leans more towards minimalism, I would love to use this symmetrical image as inspiration one day!

Week 4: Memories of Home

As I was walking home after a class this week, I had to stop for a moment and look at the light that was hitting this building. I started feeling homesick but not in a sad way, if that makes sense, I was reminded of happy memories. There is something about the way the light was hitting this building that reminded me of Montreal in the fall. September, to be specific. The color of the light is vivid, yet soft. The yellows are still yellow but they’re leaning slightly towards orange. There is an angularity to the light in the fall that I don’t notice any other time of year and I think what strikes me the most about it is that tough it is angular, it is not harsh. 

It’s a time of year I really enjoy; the leaves start to turn many different colors — so much so that driving along a highway feels like being in an impressionistic painting — the weather is still warm but there is a nice briskness to the air so sweaters and small jackets start coming out (to me, that is the most comfortable weather); drinking hot cider becomes an afternoon ritual; families, friends, and school groups all go apple-picking at a farm outside the city — there are so many that you can pick the one you prefer, and the kind of apple you’d like to pick. Some go pumpkin and squash picking. If I think about it further, I might even say that because I moved to Canada in the fall, the time of year subconsciously conjures excitement and happiness for me. 

Week 4: Unsettling Street Lights

I took this picture a few nights after the lecture in which we discussed the different kind of streetlights. I was walking and noticed that the street lights near my house are the kind of amber that make the color of cars indistinguishable. This made me feel a little freaked out...but it was also cool to realize it. I also think the way the light falls on the side walk in the middle distance of this picture is nice.

Week Four- Packard Light?

So this is my main form of light when it comes to my little living room area I have.  I live in the dorms on campus so I understand that the is easy light to just produce while also on a cheap budget.  However I cannot help but feel a bit weird when looking at this light.  In honor of Mrs. Packard opening this weekend, this photo of this light reminds a bit of an asylum or hospital.  When I look at this light yes I am appreciative of the light given however it can at times feel harsh to look at.  However, when combined with the softness of the sunlight that peaks through my window the light is much softer and a warmer color.