Senior Speech

As our senior year rapidly comes to a bitter-sweet end, it is important too cherish the time we have here together; while preparing ourselves for the step ahead. College will soon drag us into a new world where everything may seem uncomfortable and different. We will adjust, like we did here at North Broward. Of course, everyone should remember the times we've spent here; but without dwelling on the past too much. It's important that we take lessons we've been taught and challenges we've overcome and use those as a pedastool entering the crazy college life. Don't party too hard and good luck everyone!

Bradley A. Blizzard

PLN #6

Leaving YOUR Mark

          As we all set forth to essentially enter a "new life" wherever we might travel next year, it is important to leave our marks on our communities; if we haven't already. Believe it or not, I intended to leave my mark using my photography business and talent. From creating my photo business using online social networks, (Facebook.com/BBlizzardPhoto, www.bblizzardphoto.com, etc.), to teaching others all I can about photography at NBPS, I have helped people who share the same interest as I do but need a little help reaching their full potential. This year, I was nominated for a Silver Knight Award given by the Miami Herald for precisely that, helping the community. As I go to college studying photography, I hope I am fortunate enough to find someone to help me improve in what I do. Then, I can do the same later on. Incorporating a business aspect to my work was probably the hardest part of what I do. Handling money, advertising/promoting, and recruiting other photographers are just a couple examples of the business that comes with creating and managing a professional photography business.

  

PLN #5

Building a Portfolio

          One of the most exciting things a photographer gets to do is show off his/her work to others. This is a time where, like all artists, get to receive feedback from outside sources. Receiving feedback can either be a very exciting thing, or something you wish you never heard. Though negative feedback can result in anger and giving up, it is important not to think about it too much. It might sound cheesy but don't let negative feedback anchor you down too much. When previewing your work to others, it is probably best to expect the worst. One thing I have learned about feedback is that those who are inthralled with your work will always ask to see more. Personally, receiving negative feedback on anything, not just photography, does not usually bother me due to the confidence I have in my work and what I have done.

           When building a portfolio, it is important to include personal favorites and crowd pleasers. I like to throw in a equal mix of both. Below are a couple of my photographs which you can often find in my exclusive portfolio.

*Crowd Pleaser* Published in the Atlantic Ave. Magazine

*Personal Favorite* My hometown, Washington D.C

 

*Personal Favorite* 

"I think it's very important to have a feedback loop, where you're constantly thinking about what you've done and how you could be doing it better." Elon Musk

PLN #4

Event Photography

Photographing important events is one of my personal favorite things to do. Concerts, sporting events, and celebrity charity events are a couple of my most commonly photographed events. Above is a photograph I took of DJ Girl Talk performing before thousands of fans in West Palm Beach, FL. The largest event I ever photographed was the 2013 Presidential Election of Barack Obama. (Below) Preparing to shoot important events is often overwhelming for some people, but I find it exciting and interesting. You must make sure extra batteries are charged, memory cards are empty, and camera lens' are easy to access. When I shoot big events and far from my subject, I often use larger lens' and move as close as I can to the subject. For more artistic shots, I like to use wide-angle lens' and/or a fish eye lens to get a more distorted/interesting look. 

(800,000 - 1 million people present)

PLN #3

Studio Lighting

When one wants to expand their photographic talents to a more intuitive, and defiant level, studio work may be the key to unlocking personal levels in the art. Shadows, brightness, intensity, and positioning are all major factors when taking pictures in a studio. There are many different techniques used by professionals, but it is most important to figure out what works for you. Yes, a reflector is recommended to even out the light on the other side of a face, but for a more dramatic look, I often use one single light. 

I first started using studio lights when NBPS received a brand new professional studio. After being intrigued by the preparation used to get a noteworthy photograph using a studio, I ordered one myself; which I still use today. When one looks at any kind of photograph, the first thing one might not think of is how the work is done to make it look the way it does. Photographers pay attention to every little detail.   

PLN #2

How to Protect Your Copyrighted Work

When one is involved with taking pictures, there is always that sense of security when it comes to protecting your own artwork. Not only do copyrights help protect artwork from impersonators, but is also used as a promotion technique. As photographers turn professional, there is a need for attention towards their work. Due to positive criticism, photographers gain confidence which allows them to expand their focus as they gain a broader audience. Believe it or not, it is vital for photographers to have confidence going in to photo shoots. As most things, you must believe your time is spent wisely and have a good attitude in order to perform at the maximum level. When I began my photography business (BBlizzardPhoto,) I immediately added "water stains" to my photographs after older photographers encouraged me to do so. Finding an appropriate location to post a water stain is an important factor to how one should protect copyrights to an image and promote the photographers work. When photographs are posted with water stains on the bottom, corners, or too small of text, it is simple for editors to crop out the water stain or completely erase it using Photoshop. Never post a water stain with the opacity too low and too high, about 40% opacity is perfect for making the text visible, without getting in the way of the beauty of the artwork.