blog

February, An American Month

sonyablade — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 17:15:17 +0000

The month is already over and we rolled into March. I wanted to know how do African Americans feel about the month and how it should be celebrated. Ryan Blackwell, staff photographer at Public Opinion helped me in asking these simple yet broad questions about the month and the skin color. Eight individuals from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania answered the questions with ranges of age groups.

I had a day dream, it was about how ridiculous it would be to go up to someone to say, “Happy Black History Month!” We celebrate all other holidays. What makes Black History month so special?

According to Wiki, Black History Month was first was created in 1926 by Carter Woodson and the Association for the Study of Nero Life and History. It was known to be “Nero History Week.”

Working at the Public Opinion for this project gave me a different perspectives on journalism. I had great answers and also thoughtful ones. What also surprise me that many wish it should be American History.

After one of my interviews, a woman asked what was my ethnicity. She said, “I remember back in college, an asian woman stood up for Multicultural Day and siad ‘I am not Chinese, I am Japanese!’ do you get that?” I answered and smiled, “When I was at Ohio University, people thought I was Chinese or Japanese.” We laughed and made a connection from that statement. Our gaps of experiences were at least 20 years different, and yet these feelings are the same. What makes people believe we have changed? A lot or a little?

Week 2 - Ducks, Chocolate, Doughnuts; It's All Work and All Play

sonyablade — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 01:46:06 +0000

My work so far at Public Opinion. This time, I did more video work than photography. Each video took me about at least one or two hours of shooting time and three hours of editing. Process video is a bit more fun and creative. Food will be a continuous project at Public Opinion. I will break down my videos even for more the coming week. Please enjoy. Caution, eat something before you watch the videos.

Windy Knoll Farm Market and Creamery, Chambersburg, makes doughnuts on Monday afternoon and sells it on Fastnacht Day.

Olympia Candy Kitchen, Chambersburg, makes chocolate covered Strawberries for Valentine's Day.

Week 1 - Public Opinion

sonyablade — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 02:25:37 +0000

My first multimedia internship at Public Opinion, Chambersburg, PA, is done and I have 11 weeks to go! Here are some of published work I have done so far. A mixture of photography, video, and mobile:

Mobile Journalism - The Frist Center for the Visual Arts Center

sonyablade — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 18:41:49 +0000

Imagination Inspired Through Interactive Exhibition from Sonya Paclob on Vimeo.

A red dragon meets a young fellow with a nice slacks at the lake and invites him to a lake party. The imagination sparked at the stop motion station by Darian Dilorenzo, 4.

The Martin ArtQuest is the proud permeant and interactive exhibition at the Frist Center. With at least 21 hand-on activities, the center invites of all ages with imagination and curiosity for art.

CHIPS QUINN SCHOLAR PROGRAM MULTIMEDIA TRAINING

What is new in journalism? Mobile Journalism. I went to Nashville, TN, for a week for training by Chips Quinn Scholar Program at the Freedom Forum Institute. The multimedia training prepares scholars on their upcoming internship in hopes for minorities to diverse the newsroom.

One of the assignments issued by Val Hoepneer, Director of Education at the Freedom Forum Institute, was the mobile assignment. Our task was to use the iphone touch to video, photograph, interview, and edit with the small device.

The video above was edited with the Slice app. Here is a quick tutorial of what Slice app can do

Another app I used was Pano. The app was able to capture a panorama of my location. Here are examples of the Frist Center outside and inside.

Pano does a great job in stitchingthe photographs together, but as you can see in the S in Expression can slightly be off. The slice and the Pano apps are more tools for journalist to use on the go. Quick and fast, but it will never replace original storytelling.

Down on Once Luck - Homeless Story [multimedia]

sonyablade — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 21:18:52 +0000

Homeless in Ohio from Sonya Paclob on Vimeo.

Can't stand the cold? Imagine living under highways and sleeping out on a rock with no where to go. James Hammound was once homeless on the streets of Columbus, Ohio for two years. Health and wellbeing was James' sign to live off the streets and dedicate his life to serving other who are still braving the cold weather.

In volunteering at the Open Shelter, his duty is to bring a smile to everyone around him. He dances, talks, and even councils them to be better in getting off the streets. He hopes that other people could see the homeless are also people who are down on their luck and need a helping hand.

THOUGHT PROCESS

How do you find a subject that is a little out of your comfort zone? The Homeless in Ohio was an optional group project spear headed by Stan Alost, Associate Director of Visual Communication at Ohio University who taught the Photojournalism capstone class for undergraduates.

In working it teams, its always difficult to work with someone who doesn't have the same workflow. Matt Hatcher was someone I admire of his work on drug addicted stories. His determination in seeking individuals in trouble times wanted me to work with him. I am known for my work to be about relationships and family.

At the end of the project, I became more humble. I was hesitant at first to place myself with people who were homeless. Not knowing their behavior, but they are the same of you and I. The difference is that they "are down on their luck," said James Hammound.

The multimedia project was a mixture of video, photography, and text. Usually, I am not a fan of text, but The Homeless in Ohio was perfect in getting the information across. Not fitting the standard rule-of-thirds, I experimented in placing the text as print on a page. It gave the video more modern flare.

Working in teams and collaborating is the best way to understand your strengths and weakness. If you find yourself in teams, always try to strive for something you are not good at. Matt Hatcher wanted to try his hands on video. On the other hand, I wanted to spend more time with developing story with audio and transcribing.

VA BEACH: School Board welcomes 5 newly elected Members for 2013

sonyablade — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:18:00 +0000

Virginia Beach School Board welcomes five newly elected board members: Daniel D. Edwards, District 2 Kempsville; Beverly M. Anderson, At-Large; Joel A. McDonald, Jr., District 3 Rose Hall; Elizabeth E. Taylor, At-Large; and Leonard C. Tengco, District 1 Centerville; yesterday Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at 4:30 p.m at they take oath of their four year term beginning January 2013.

Leonard C. Tengco checks swearing-in position before the ceremony.

Names of the newly elected on the board.

Supporters of Leonard C. Tengco in the audience.

Beverly M. Anderson swear-in during ceremony.

Supporters of family and friends ready for picture perfect opportunity.

Leonard C. Tengco swear-in in front of School Board in Virginia Beach.

Rancher Who Cattle's Guitars

sonyablade — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 07:49:50 +0000

I assisted Andie Walla Productions several times at Furpeace Ranch, guitar camp and musical hall in Pomoroy, Ohio. She gives a chance to film the show for Furpeace youtube channel. This time, I became photographer for Steve Kimock, George Porter Jr. and Bernie Worrell show. Overall, this was the best experience in filming and photographing concert halls. All the shows were all sold out and it was a once in a life time opportunity to go back stage and talk with the musicians. Here are some photographs that were part of the end multimedia piece for the youtube and some backstage access. If you have a chance, buy the tickets now for 2013... they sell out quick!

Reflecting on NYC: GIFS and INSTAPIXS

sonyablade — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 21:38:22 +0000

A weekend of fun in NYC is over and now I am back in Athens, Ohio, working diligently in getting homework done. I miss NYC and the glorious places Ohio University Multimedia Society visited: Tumblr HQ, Conversation, Wondersause, FirstBorn, and People Magazine. I have also visited MOMA, High Line, and a 20 min cab ride to Kabin ;) Here are some of the highlights of my trip through my ipod touch. I am obsessed with instagram and cinemagram apps. The best way to document a trip on the go. I will always say see you later to NYC, because I will be back... Also, thank you to all the alumnus who took care of us on the trip. I can truly feel the love.

8:30 A.M. Wake Up Call

sonyablade — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 06:44:00 +0000

Hello New York! Its a wonderful time in New York City. Ohio University Multimedia Society got into the city about 1:00 a.m. Everyone is tried, but its is okay; We are in the city that doesn't sleep! So, I didn't bring my slr camera with me... I thought it would be nice to play with my other cameras. So, I have decided to GIF the New York trip! A mixture of both still and motion which will be existing. So far, I have got us playing around with the app on my ipod touch. Stick around for more. Until then sleep. 8:30 a.m. is our time to get up and explore the the multimedia and interactive firms.

THANK YOU

sonyablade — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 15:54:00 +0000

Scholarship Thank You: Diversity Network Scholarship from Sonya Paclob on Vimeo.

My six weeks in Ireland is over and it's time to thank the Diversity Network Scholarship for helping me achieve my dreams and ambitions to study abroad in Ireland. The opportunity wouldn't be possible if it wasn't for the program.

Music Credits
http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/Blinded_by_dust/Vanlig