This past weekend I had the opportunity to go to my friend Luke’s cabin in Leavenworth, Washington.
There were 10 people, including myself, and we had a great time exploring in town, playing card games, and watching “Friends.” Of course, we downloaded all of the iconic Thanksgiving episodes to watch.
We had our meal on Saturday afternoon, and enjoyed spending the time to sit down and eat a home-cooked meal.
Saturday evening, we went to Leavenworth to explore the town, and we even went to the ’59er Diner so Lexi and I could recreate our “Riverdale” photo from last year.
2018
2019
I don’t have any photographs of Ryan and Allison, other than this one of everyone at the table.
This was the best Friendsgiving yet! However, I did miss the one freshman year due to being at a different college, however Luke said it was the best one, so I will take his word for it.
Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate! I hope you are all enjoying the start of the holiday season.
Not to start this out on a sad note, but this is the last day of the Daily Dose of Happiness series. I hope you enjoyed it! Be sure to like and comment so I know if I should pick this series back up again in the future.
FRIDAY
Scotland has 421 words for snow. Think about that as the cold weather approaches! How many words can you think of for snow?
Hello and welcome to day three of Daily Dose of Happiness! The week is already half over, so I thought I would present you with a short little riddle I was told by my roommate Naomi.
WEDNESDAY
Q: What can an elephant make that no one else can?
Hello everyone! I hope you are enjoying the Daily Dose of Happiness series so far. Be sure to follow Capturing College to get updates and see the posts for the next few days.
TUESDAY
You can lower your blood pressure simply by petting a dog! I miss my dogs every day while I am at school, and not being able to see them stresses me out even more than my classes.
If you’re a college student like me and can’t have your dog at school with you, head to the nearest humane society and play with the puppies for a few hours! Just try your best resist sneaking them back to your dorm room.
Hello readers! This week, I thought I would do a “Daily Dose of Happiness” series on my blog.
A number of people I know have been having a rough couple of weeks, and I thought everyone would benefit from little happy things posted on the blog in the mornings this week, myself included.
These posts will go up around 7 a.m. PST this week, from Monday to Friday. This is the very first one! I hope you enjoy this little thing to make you smile, and that it improves your day just a little bit.
MONDAY
Today, Nov. 4, is National Candy Day in the United States! Head to your local grocery store and see if there are any bags of leftover Halloween candy on sale and celebrate with a sugar coma!
I know what you are thinking, “Why would you want to go on a trashy date?” Well, that isn’t exactly where I am going with this.
This summer, I had the idea that Christopher and I would take a disposable camera with us when we would go out on cute little dates throughout the summer. I wanted to capture these moments on film, and I was super excited when we got them.
I thought that this would be a pretty cheap date idea, especially considering we were able to take it on a total of six dates and end up with approximately 27 photos. The camera itself I believe cost about $10 at Walgreens. When I had it developed, I wanted two copies of each image (one for Christopher and one for myself) so that ended up being about $24.
I don’t know about you, but I used to use disposable cameras all the time when I was a kid. Back then, when you had them developed, you would get the film back, along with one print of each image. Now, they have changed that (at least at Walgreens). You now only get one copy of each image printed, along with a CD of all the scans of the images.
The Cost
To sum up: For a total of approximately $34 (spread out over about one month), I ended up with one camera, 27 images on a CD, and 54 prints (two copies of each photo).
As far as being on a college budget goes, I was working and it was summer vacation, so I had a little bit more money to spend. While this is pretty pricey, If you only take three photos each time you go out, you could spread it out over 9 weeks (assuming you only go out once a week).
You also could reduce the cost by only getting one copy of the photos and deciding who gets each one. Plus, since you have the CD, you can always go in and print more.
Originally, I was going to try and fill up the whole camera on the first date, so there are a lot of photos from that first day. However, we realized quickly that it would be more fun if we could just shoot images over the next few weeks and get them developed whenever we were ready.
Date One: Exploration
For our first date, we went on a drive to explore the more remote area around us. It was super fun. We found some abandoned trails and fun things like that.
Date Two: Craft.19
Over the next few weeks, we basically went out for coffee a bunch of times, so the majority of the photos are just of us drinking coffee. This first image is of Christopher outside one of his favorite coffee shops, Craft.19 in Sumner, Washington. (He took two photos of me, but I don’t like them enough to include them on this post.)
Christopher outside Craft.19
Date Three: Metronome Coffee
These next photos were taken at Metronome Coffee in Tacoma, Washington. They had amazing lattes. We went twice this summer, and this was the second of the two. I really liked their vanilla lattes.
This is absolutely my favorite image from the camera.
Date Four: Craft.19 (Again)
Our next date sent us back to Craft.19, as it is close to where we live and one of Christopher’s favorites. These photos turned out a little bit better this time, however you may notice that in most of the photos Christopher took, his finger was covering the lens.
Bonus Photo: DAT
The next photo I have was from when Christopher came over to show me his scores from the DAT, the Dental Admissions Test, which he had been studying for all summer up to that point. As you can tell by the big smile on his face, he did very well.
Date Five: Dog Walking
Another thing we did this summer was take Patrick on a walk a few minutes away from my house. He had a wonderful time, and was very excited to have a brief moment away from his annoying little brother, Lewis.
Date Six: Seattle
The last two photos were taken on a date we had in Seattle one afternoon. Christopher drove us up to Seattle, and we explored the area around University of Washington. We had some amazing Thai food, and then decided to explore the campus a little bit. We ended up in their amazing library. I wanted to take photos in the library, but I thought the noise would be too disruptive, so we took photos outside instead.
The funny thing about these photos is that we look like two young adults touring Europe in the summer of the 1990’s, especially with the architecture behind us and the clothes we were wearing. I’m not sure what exactly went wrong with the photo I took of Christopher, but it may have just been weird since it was the last one on the camera.
Tips and tricks
While shooting with a disposable, you learn many things that are helpful to know as you continue to shoot that I want to share.
First of all, using a disposable camera means you essentially only have one chance to get it right. While this may put the pressure on for some of you, I urge you to focus on making this fun. Every shot you take is going to be different and one of a kind, so think of this as a sort of fun time capsule and a chance to get creative.
Also, keep in mind that there are different types of disposable cameras. I believe the one that I got was a Kodak. Different cameras use different film, which means the tones and colors will be different in each brand. So that I could give you an accurate representation of how these looked when they came out of the camera, I did not edit the images posted here at all, however I did edit the digitals I keep on my phone to look the way I would prefer. Next time, I am going to try to use a different camera until I find a brand of film I prefer to use.
I think I am going to try to spread out the photos over a longer portion of time, that way it is super exciting when I finally am able to get them developed. I also think that next time, I am only going to get one set of the prints, and then Christopher and I can split them between each other, and if there are others we each want a copy of, I can order them from the digital version given to us on the CD copy.
As far as using the camera, I have a few pointers. I recommend not winding it up for the photo until you are about to take the photo. When I was a kid, I would wind it up way before I was ready to take the photo, and then accidentally press the shutter before I was ready, and this ended up with a lot of wasted photos. To avoid this, and to get your money’s worth, I would recommend waiting to wind it up until right before you are taking the photo.
I also would recommend making sure that people don’t accidentally have their fingers in the photos. This was more of an issue for Christopher than it was for me, but if I had reminded him when he was taking the photos, it may have been less of a problem.
I also think that remembering that this camera is meant to be used from at least three feet away, so don’t try to take close up photos with it, because they end up blurry and oddly colored.
In addition to that, keep in mind that this camera works best in direct sunlight. When your subject is back lit, the photos aren’t going to turn out the way you expect, so maybe try to use the flash in those situations. The flash may not solve your problem, but it should help. Also remember to use the flash in darker surroundings. It may not look as great as shooting in direct sunlight, but it should help it look better for sure.
Overall, I really enjoyed shooting with a disposable camera, and I want to do it more over the coming quarter. I will be sure to share them here if I do end up doing it again.
Have you shot with a disposable camera, and if so, what is your preferred brand? Leave a comment below and let me know. Be sure to follow me here on Capturing College to keep up with me on all of my adventures.
As a member of the online community, it is a wonderful thing to raise awareness of other creators. I have compiled a list of a few photographers and artists that I have either met or know personally that would be wonderful additions to who you follow on Instagram or other social media channels.
This creator, Nadia Diaz, is someone I’ve admired for years. I do know her personally, and I have had the privilege of seeing her grow as an artist. She does do commission work, and is currently studying to gain a degree in visual development.
As you can see, she is versed in a wide variety of styles. My favorite of Nadia’s recent work is the painted violin you can see in the image above, which she donated for an auction.
Nadia is a wonderful artist who is talented in all forms of visual art, from painting to stop motion to digital art. She has a YouTube account where she has shared some of her animated work.
If you want to see more work from Nadia at ArtHead Creations™ check out her Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook page to see more awesome content.
MJ Media is a rather new account on Instagram, however she has been taking photos for years. Mariah is someone that I have also known for years and have had the pleasure of working with on several occasions.
Some of you may recognize this account from my earlier post about Instagram organizational patterns. Check out that post for more information on how MJ Media accomplished this column pattern on her account.
My favorite out of her current posts is the image of Seattle on the bottom left.
Sienna Pierre is another person I have worked with closely over the past couple of years. In fact, if you checked out my photography Instagram account, @kirstenimages, you would see many images of her featured on my page.
Over the last year or so, Sienna has started a YouTube channel. She posts music covers, collaborations, vlogs, and all-around fun content to watch.
While I love Sienna’s Instagram content, her main art form is reflected in her videos and editing. So, instead of sharing with you my favorite image from her account, I am going to feature one of my favorite videos she has uploaded to her youtube account.
This video is one my favorites that Sienna has posted other than her covers. I really like the detailed shots and the aesthetics of the video, and it was one of her first highly edited videos, and I think she did a great job with it.
Be sure to check out Sienna’s Instagram and subscribe to her on YouTube for more wonderful content.
***All accounts listed are not paid promotion. I simply wanted to share them because I believe they deserve more exposure. All accounts and images above were used with the permission of the owner.***
I am one of those people that watches shows over and over again rather than starting new shows. While I do enjoy new shows, I simply enjoy being able to put on a show that doesn’t require my full attention so that I am able to multitask and work on a new task.
With that being said, I have a few shows I tend to turn to over and over again, and I want to share those with you in the hopes that you enjoy them as well.
5. “Jane the Virgin”
“Jane the Virgin” is a hilarious telenovela centered around Jane, a young adult woman, and her attempts to keep her virginity amongst the challenges of her crazy family life. Of course, she has a lot going on that you don’t expect. The show includes the crazy, dramatic twists and turns and a very exuberant narrator to top it all off.
This show is available on Netflix, as well as the most recent five episodes being available on the CW website. I’m sure once the fifth season is completed, the whole series will be available on Netflix.
4. “Gilmore Girls”
“Gilmore Girls” is a heartwarming, fast-paced sitcom centered around single mother Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter Rory. The two are essentially inseparable best friends who exchange quick-witted comments at lightning speed.
The bond formed over these 10 seasons gets stronger daily, and is reprised in the Netflix Original “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life”. All ten original series are available to stream on Netflix, as well as the spin-off.
3. “Glee”
Misfit teens team up with the popular quarterback to sing show tunes in the wonderful Fox series “Glee.” The show explores taboo topics such as sexuality, gender roles, and high school stereotypes all while throwing in some extremely well-done musical numbers ranging from pop songs to musical theatre hits.
The six seasons are comprised of 45-minute episodes that are available to stream on Netflix.
2. “Hart of Dixie”
Zoe Hart, cardiothoracic surgeon from New York City, suddenly finds herself in the small town of Bluebell, Alabama, working as a family doctor. While she explores the drama of love, heartbreak and small-town traditions, she learns that maybe a small town life is all she needed.
Netflix offers all four seasons to stream, and let me tell you, in the end, no one ends up where you thought they would in the start.
1. “Friends”
As I have said in previous posts, “Friends” is my favorite TV show of all time. I am currently in my seventh time through, and I can’t wait to watch it over and over again. The series centers around six people in their 20’s living in New York City. As someone about to enter their 20’s, I think this show offers valuable insight. While somethings aren’t applicable nowadays since the show is from the 90’s, I do think the show offers some valuable life lessons.
The 10 seasons are available on Netflix, thankfully, even though they said they were going to take it off at the end of January 2019. After public outcry, it will remain on the service for a long time. I, for one, am thankful, since that means they “will be there for you”, and I for sure will be there for them too.
Capturing College 