This project is dedicated to my inspiring professor, Heather Protz, my beloved dogs, Odin and Loki, and my incredible family and friends who have shown me unwavering love and encouragement to follow my heart and pursue photography. The year 2024 was a whirlwind of challenges, leaving me feeling lost, but re-enrolling in college gave me the chance to rediscover myself and my passion.
This body of work is a reflection of the love, support, and inspiration I’ve received from all of you. It represents my journey toward believing in myself and what I have to offer through photography. To further capture the essence of this journey, I’ve included lyrics from some of my favorite songs that accompanied me during photo shoots. Each photo is paired with the title of a song, its lyrics, a description of the image, and the artist who inspired it.
I am deeply grateful for the people, places, and moments that have shaped my creative path. Thank you for being part of my story. I hope you enjoy experiencing it as much as I have enjoyed creating it.
-King Luna
"The Light Is Coming"
Great Depth of Field; ISO: 800 - Aperture: f/22 - Shutter Speed: 1/100 - Device: Canon EOS Rebel SL3, Focal Length: 28MM Date: 11-01-2024
This image is taken at Ike's Peak Trailhead aka My Secret Trail. I found this trail back in 2019 when I moved to the Southwest of Las Vegas. This photo meets the requirements as it allows me to show the entire entry of the trail in full focus so that the viewer may enjoy the desert landscape, the fail safe bridge to prevent flooding, and the different trails from left to right. This trail provided me safety and peace of mind to find myself when I was lost.
"The light is coming to take back everything the darkness stole."
-Ariana Grande
"Never Lies"
Shallow Depth of Field; ISO: 25600 - Aperture: f/5.6 - Shutter Speed: 1/250 - Device: Canon EOS Rebel SL3 - Focal Length: 28MM - Date: 10-13-2024
This is a photo of my dog Odin who at this time in the photo is 7 years old. Such a loving, compassionate, playful, and fun dog to be around. He moves around so fast that I had to make sure I had the shutter speed very fast to capture him looking like he was staying as still as can be. (LOL) This photo shows shallow depth of field as he is the main focal part with the background blurred. This pup pup has been my motivation, my rock, and my emotional support dog through many of my happiness and pain. I am blessed to be your dad.
“My love never lies.”
-Sonny Fodera
"Grand"
Stopped Action; ISO: 1600 - Aperture: f/11 - Shutter Speed: 1/320 - Device: Canon EOS Rebel SL3 - Focal Length: 28MM - Date: 11-01-2024
This was taken at Ike's Peak Trailhead at the end of my small hike. During my photoshoot of the landscape I was so happy for getting my lazy butt up to take the photos that I was dancing, singing, and decided to jump around in joy to let my inner child come out to play. I figured well I might as well take some photos of me being silly as I set up my tripod and self-timer to capture this photo of me jumping off the steps. making this photo perfect for the requirements.
"Ain't life grand?"
-Kane Brown
"Besties"
Aesthetically Pleasing Movement; ISO: 200 - Aperture: F/22 - Shutter Speed: 1/60 - Device: Canon EOS Rebel SL3 - Focal Length: 28MM - Date: 10-21-2024
There is a secret little park down in Southern Highlands close to my home. It is actually a small golf course for the surrounding houses to go to that allows you to bring service dogs only. Well I could not help but admire the open field at this park that I knew my dogs would love to run through and play. As mentioned before, Odin is one of the fastest most playful dogs I have ever had so I knew this would be a perfect time to take photos of him running around carefree. This photo has aesthetically pleasing movement in my opinion because he was running around having a blast with his tongue hanging out indicating how much fun and how fast he was running around.
"En el maqui con las besties voy." (In the maqui with the besties I go)
-Karol G
"Fast Car"
Panned Action; ISO: 1600 - Aperture: f/3.5 - Shutter Speed: 1/15 - Device: Canon EOS Rebel SL3 - Focal Length: 28MM - Date: 11-27-2024
This is my first ever attempt at doing a panned action photo. I was nervous to even attempt doing this type of photo because I did not think I would do anything interesting enough to succeed. Sure enough, I actually had a lot of fun taking this photo on top of the Luxor Guest Parking Area that is close to the I-15 freeway in the background. I had fun editing this photo's colors to make it look like a cool neon blueish green color.
"You got a fast car, I got a plan to get us out of here."
-Tracy Chapman
"Gods& Monsters"
High ISO; ISO: 12800 - Aperture: f/11 - Shutter Speed: 1/60 - Device: Canon EOS Rebel SL3 - Focal Length: 30MM - Date: 10-30-2024
This photo was taken outside of Cesar's Palace Casino as I was walking around the strip taking random photos I found inspiring. I remember seeing a similar photo like this that I got to work on in my PHO102 - Photoshop class that I inspired me to capture something of my own. I had fun playing with my camera's settings that I could not believe how clear the photo came out being as dark as it was around that area at night. Even with a higher ISO that usually creates grain in the photo I was able to play around with editing to make it look better.
"In the land of gods and monsters, I was an angel."
-Lana Del Rey
"Level Up"
Leading Lines; ISO: 32 - Aperture: f/2.8 - Shutter Speed: 1/390 - Device: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max - Focal Length: 9MM - Date: 10-06-2024
This photo was taken in the afternoon at my job in the break area. The sun was hitting perfectly with the roofing that created this cool lines all over the building that made a V-Shape. I liked the leading lines here because they lead down to the door to enter and exit the break area. I remember the day I took this and everything that we had been working on in class was flashing everywhere in my day-to-day life. From lights, shadows, lines, and so forth I felt like my mind finally started opening up more to the beauty and inspiration around us all the time. I did not know if this was a photo I would use at any point in class, but I kept reminding myself just to get used to taking photos with my iPhone and digital camera to get more practice. I told myself worse case scenario it will just be something I do not use and delete, but best case scenario was that I am glad I took it and was able to use it.
"Them old mistakes are gone, I won't do them no more. That's old news, this is new news."
-Ciara
"Espresso"
Rule of Thirds; ISO: 1600 - Aperture: f/1.8 - Shutter Speed: 1/30 - Device: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max - Focal Length: 6.9MM - Date: 10-28-2024
This year I found myself buying and spending about $50 a week on coffee from Dutch Bros and Starbucks combined. I started to challenge myself to make more coffee at home by buying different brands and trying new things to see what could help me wing off buying so much coffee from coffee shops. This photo was fun taking because I wanted to capture me pouring in the half&half creamer as it would hit the dark colored coffee and start to slowly change color. The rule of thirds was used here to make the coffee cup hit the lines that set up this photo. Also the coffee spoons in the background are lined up to lead you into the creamer being poured into the coffee mug.
"Say you can't sleep, baby, I know. That's that me espresso."
-Sabrina Carpenter
"Ain't Nobody, Love Me Better"
Bird's Eye View; ISO: 800 - Aperture: f/1.8 - Shutter Speed: 1/40 - Device: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max - Focal Length: 6.9MM - Date: 11-27-2024
I took this photo at my house when my dogs were relaxing. I stood on top of a ladder, put my hand up as high as I can, and snapped this shot. I called out to Odin so he would look up to show that I was taking the photo in the 'bird's eye view.' I like that lines in the carpet give a little leading lines leading to the couch, we place the blankets on the couch so the dogs do not scratch the leather, and plus now it is cold they like to snuggle up in the blankets.
"Ain't nobody, loves me better. Makes me happy, makes me feel this way. Ain't nobody loves me better than you."
-Chaka Khan
"How You Remind Me"
Symmetry; ISO: 6400 - Aperture: f/6.3 - Shutter Speed: 1/60 - Device: Canon EOS Rebel SL3 - Focal Length: 50MM - Date: 10-21-2024
This photo is of a key chain Jordan shoe that is an exact replica of the shoes I bought myself for my 29th birthday on September 30, 2022. My best friend Julian that lives in San Diego, CA bought this for me as a gift when we were walking the pier of Mission Beach at night. This shoe reminds me of how special that weekend in San Diego was, how much fun I had, and I was taking my Art 141 - Introduction to Photography class online at CSN. I was barely learning my camera, Canon Rebel T6, and was so happy I was getting to use a professional camera to take photos of one of my favorite cities to visit. Attached to the key chain is my "master flashdrive" with all my original photo sized images from my iPhone Gallery.
This photo meets the requirements because when I took this photo I used this reflective surface so that I could play with making everything black & white except the red during the Color Project that I picked the color red to photograph that week. I loved playing with making the reflection stand out with the red as well. This was one of my favorite assignments for the semester.
"This is how you remind me of who I really am."
-Nickelback
"Feel Something"
Texture; ISO: 1250 - Aperture: f/2.2 - Shutter Speed: 1/15 - Device: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max - Focal Length: 2.2MM - Date: 11-24-2024
This photo was taken at a wall inside one of my favorite restaurants near my house called 'Mi Casa.' This is one of my favorite restaurants because my boyfriend took me here and I enjoyed the overall atmosphere, the food, and the workers. When I get mad, sad, and in my emotions about how I feel my relationship of 6 years is coming to an end I think of this place to 'feel something.' To remember the good days and memories as I reflect on what the harsh reality is today that this relationship is coming to a slow end.
This photo meets the requirements because it shows the different wood texture to the left compared to the wood on the right. The lighting was naturally whiteish/red in the area so I knew with my favorite color there I needed this photo.
"I don't want to break but I did today. Guess I only have myself to blame. Should I just let go? I'm afraid to let go. I'd do anything, anything just to feel something."
-Illenium, Excision & I Prevail
"Hurricane"
Pattern; ISO: 400 - Aperture: f/2.2 - Shutter Speed: 1/60 - Device: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max - Focal Length: 2.2MM - Date: 09-14-2024
This photo was taken at an event hosted by AFAN, Aid for Aids of Nevada, to celebrate how far HIV/AIDs has come to allow people to live long and healthy lives. This event was very near and dear to my heart because I lost my Tio Bobby to AIDs which I did not learn about until later on when I was an adult. I tried to go to this event in the past but it made me too emotional to face it. I finally built up the courage to attend, even though I cried secretly throughout the event, I finally paid my respect to my Tio Bobby and others we lost in the LGBTQ+ community before the medication that is available & affordable today. Rest in paradise my angels. This photo meets the requirements because this is of the ceiling that was filled with a bunch of screens that repeated a bunch of the AFAN pattern all over.
"Lately I don't give a fuck. 'Cause I can't be myself when I'm with anyone. And maybe, I'm already gone. I'll never be the same. It hit me like a hurricane, it me like a tidal wave. And I don't know why I drown my mind, it got the best of me."
-I Prevail
"Blessed & Free"
Reflections; ISO: 800 - Aperture: f/1.8 - Shutter Speed: 1/45 - Device: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max - Focal Length: 6.9MM - Date: 09-14-2024
This was a photo I took when I was walking through the Palms Casino at the AFAN event mentioned above. I loved the way the hallways were lit and when I was taking this picture the reflections of the 2 mirrors that were present made this cool effect like there was a hallway full of the same mirrors repeating over and over. I thought this would be perfect to fit the requirements because this natural effect created by the mirrors. I edited the photo playing with different presets and came across one that made the lights look red and pink. I used a mask to edit myself to make me stand out more.
"As long as my eyes still see
As long as my heart still beats
As long as I'm alive, I'm free
As long as I'm alive, I'm free
So I don't count on nothing
Don't ever stop running
I ain't hurting nobody, so just let me be
I got good intentions, I don't need your blessings
'Cause I'm already blessed and free"
Don't ever stop running
I ain't hurting nobody, so just let me be
I got good intentions, I don't need your blessings
'Cause I'm already blessed and free"
-Kane Brown & H.E.R
"Dreaming"
Shadows; ISO: 25600 - Aperture: f/3.5 - Shutter Speed: 1/30 - Device: Canon EOS Rebel SL3 - Focal Length: 28MM - Date: 10-05-2024
This photo was taken during the light and shadows assignment. This project really started opening my eyes to all the daily things around me that I was not appreciating as much. I started seeing light and shadow all around me after this assignment. This photo is of roses that I was given for my birthday 09-30-2024. I was playing with the vase, roses, clear crystal rocks, and a flashlight from my phone. One night I seen a small reflection of the roses on the wall and thought I should try purposely manipulating the natural light that was casting a small shadow; this is what I ended up coming up with. I really liked seeing how the vase was showing the stems, thorns, and roses. The way the lighting hit the vase made the shadows at least 9 feet tall! This really started making me think of how I can be more creative with the work I was going to produce throughout the semester.
"Lately I've been feeling like I'm searching for meaning. I stare at the ceiling. Feels like I'm dreaming."
-Gorgon City
"Waiting For Tonight"
Low Light; ISO: 6400 - Aperture: f/3.5 - Shutter Speed: 1/60 - Device: Canon EOS Rebel SL3 - Focal Length: 28MM - Date: 11-27-2024
This photo was taken at the Luxor Hotel box office center. I went to visit my friend Ron that was passing through Las Vegas on his way back to Scottsdale, AZ. I was walking over to his hotel room where this place caught my sight. I thought it was so cool the low lighting with the blue lights and reflections. I thought this would work well to meet the requirements because it was naturally low lighting. It gave me this cool relaxing feeling, reminded me of water because of the blue. I also like the leading lines on the roof and throughout the reflections of the mirrors on the wall.
"Found a sacred place, lost in your embrace. I want to stay in this forever. I think of the days when the sun used to set on my empty heart, all alone in my bed. Tossing and turning, emotions were strong. I knew I had to hold on."
-Jennifer Lopez
"Somedays"
Cropped; ISO: 400 - Aperture: f/5 - Shutter Speed: 1/2000 - Device: Canon EOS Rebel SL3 - Focal Length: 50MM - Date: 09-09-2024
This was part of my first 100 assignment that I took while walking my dog down the street of my house. I had to use a fast shutter speed because he loves to run and move around a lot during the walk. I also got to use this photo in the Diptych assignment where I made this advanced edits to make the photo look even better. I still remember getting positive feedback on this photo from Professor Protz that she enjoyed the original photo and to keep working hard. This meant a lot because in the beginning of the semester I did not know if I was going to be able to handle 4 classes and be able to take the "perfect photos" I thought I needed to do every time. I did not have confidence in my work and doubted that I could actually be successful. Again, with those small words of encouragement I knew I needed to get out of my head and just take as many photos as I can otherwise I was never going to get the practice I needed to assist me to be where I want to be with my photography.
"Somedays I want to sail away, when the going gets rough when the going gets tough. But something deep inside my body says: you are more than enough, so don't give up. Keep it moving on yeah. Don't stop now, don't give up. It's your time live your life, give your love. Keep it high up above, it's your time don't give up."
-Sonny Fodera, Jazzy & D.O.D
"Silhouettes"
Silhouette; ISO: 25600 - Aperture: f/9 - Shutter Speed: 1/100 - Device: Canon EOS Rebel SL3 - Focal Length: 28MM - Date: 11-27-2024
This photo was taken at my house in front of my Christmas tree I decorated and put up. I was struggling coming up with an idea to create a silhouette since I have never taken that type of photo before. So I turned off all the lights in the house, left the Christmas tree lit, set up my tripod, and decided to just dive into it. To my surprise this photo actually came out way better than I thought it would! This made me happy to also be able to show off my decorating skills.
"So lost in my head I'm dancing with silhouettes."
-Sonny Fodera feat. Poppy Baskcomb
"Turn Back Time"
Close-Up/MACRO; ISO: 1000 - Aperture: f/1.8 - Shutter Speed: 1/30 - Device: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max - Focal Length: 6.9MM - Date: 11-26-2024
As my friend Ron was passing through Las Vegas during the time this photo was taken he brought along Evee. I lived with Ron & Evee in Phoenix, AZ from 2016 to 2018 before moving to Las Vegas. At the time I never had an indoor dog and I was not as much of a dog lover as I am today. So anytime I get to see her I am so happy that she remembers me and I still baby her. She is now 12 years old going on 13 years old next year 2026. She has become so calm over the years with her age but she is still so silly and fun to be around. I sometimes wish I would've cherished my time with her more when we lived together, especially because she's getting older. I wanted to get this MACRO close-up photo because it looked like she was smiling in a way. I love you baby girl!
"One night it was over, woke up I was sober. You were done getting closer. I still think about you when I'm feeling lonely. I still think about you when I'm with somebody. You've been on my mind, I wish that I could turn back time."
-Diplo & Sonny Fodera
"Desert Night"
Dominant Foreground Subject and Great Depth of Field; ISO: 3200 - Aperture: f/13 - Shutter Speed: 1/60 - Device: Canon EOS Rebel SL3 - Focal Length: 28MM - Date: 11-01-2024
During my hike at Ike's Peak Trail I spotted this wild watermelon growing in the middle of the desert with no other green vegetation around. I knew I needed to capture this rare sight because I have never seen anything like this the dozen of times I have been on this hike before. With the watermelon as the dominant foreground subject it does have great depth of field showing off the newly built houses in the background.
"Let's take a ride across the desert night."
-Rufus Du Sol
"Rendezvous"
Black & White; ISO: 500 - Aperture: f/2.2 - Shutter Speed: 1/30 - Device: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max - Focal Length: 2.2MM - Date: 09-30-2024
This was at my birthday dinner at Gangnam Asian BBQ. When I first sat at the table this is how the table was arranged. I really enjoyed just the overall setup and how tasty the food was. You order the food and you cook it yourself on the grill in front of you. I had never experienced this type of dining before moving to Las Vegas. I had always been very picky and only "stuck to what I knew" rather than venturing out and trying different types of foods like I do now. I thought this photo would look best in black and white to symbolize in my mind a great memory that I want to store in my mind and heart forever. This past year my birthday has really been a fun and unforgettable experience.
"We don't tell 'em where we're gonna go. We can keep our business on the low. Caught up in the heat, yeah. I know that you feel it. Rendezvous with me tonight and let your body take control. I go where you go."
-KREAM
"Resonate"
Warm Toned Image; ISO: 100 - Aperture: f/2.2 - Shutter Speed: 1/60 - Device: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max - Focal Length: 2.2MM - Date: 11-29-2024
I saw this cute set up at Starbucks in the morning while I was working on putting all my images together. I felt this met the requirements because I got a warm feeling in my heart thinking about Christmas memories back home in Phoenix, AZ with my family and friends.
"Comfort in the chaos, I love it when we resonate."
-John Summit, Kaskade & Julia Church
"Old Town Road"
Sepia Image; ISO: 100 - Aperture: f/22 - Shutter Speed:1/60 - Device: Canon EOS Rebel SL3 - Focal Length: 80MM - Date: 11-29-2024
I took this photo at the railroad track area by my house, that specifically said no trespassing. Nobody was around so I knew I needed to hurry and take the photos. I realized I did not bring the lens I normally use, but it worked out in the end because I was able to take this from further away and still capture a cool photo. I turned this particular photo into sepia tone because I felt it gave it a cool older western type of look.
"Yeah, I'm gonna take my horse to the old town road. I'm gonna ride till I can't no more."
-Lil Nas X
"Cold"
Cool Toned Image; ISO: 1000 - Aperture: f/1.8 - Shutter Speed: 1/40 - Device: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max - Focal Length: 6.9MM - Date: 11-17-2024
The lights on my Christmas tree flash blue and white, so I happened to get this photo while it flashed blue. This meets the requirement because it comes off as cool and relaxing; reminding me of the effects that being around water or the ocean make me feel.
"I need that fire, but you leave me cold."
-KREAM
"Paint The Town Red"
Image with Dominant Color/Red; ISO: 1000 - Aperture: f/1.8 - Shutter Speed: 1/40 - Device: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max - Focal Length: 6.9MM - Date: 11-17-2024
During the color assignment that I picked red I went out to a nightclub that weekend and came across this sink in the restroom that was lit up in red led lights. It was so random but perfect timing to include it in that project. You can see part of me in the mirror where I took this photo but used a vignette to put the foucs more on the color red. This meets the assignment requirements because it is the only color other than black and lighter areas that takes over the photo.
"I said, what I said. I don't care I paint the town red."
-Doja Cat
"No Bad Vibes"
Triangular Composition; ISO: 100 - Aperture: f/16 - Shutter Speed: 1/60 - Device: Canon EOS Rebel SL3 - Focal Length: 28MM - Date: 10-21-2024
This was also taken during the color assignment where I was playing around with making everything black and white except the red I was trying to capture in the photo. The bazaar thing is that I did not really think too much about the way this photo was set up other than wanting to capture me, my red shorts, the grass, and the built/unfinished houses in the background. I feel this meets the requirements because even though unintentional this photo lined up in the triangular composition. It also has leading lines from the cement that line up with the edge of my sunglasses. I went into the crop settings and put it to show the triangular composition and everything that I wanted to capture originally in this photo seemed to line up perfectly.
"Ain't no better life than the one we livin' now. We gonna shine, light up until the morning. And then we'll do it all over again. Bringing only no bad vibes wanna have a good time."
-Jazzy & KILIMANJARO
"If I Stay"
Dramatic Atmospheric Light; ISO: 200 - Aperture: f/22 - Shutter Speed: 1/100 - Device: Canon EOS Rebel SL4 - Focal Length: 35MM - Date: 11-01-2024
Last but not least, dramatic atmospheric light photo taken at Ike's Peak Trail. I really liked this time of the day where the light from the sun was shining through but was partially blocked with clouds. It made part of the sky look bright and part of the ground look darker giving it an overall cool contrast through out the photo.
"If I stay, will the world keep spinning 'round now? Although we said we would never walk away."
-Disciples & Delilah
