My Rockstar's World

Chapter 1

Shadows. They can add depth to pictures, helping to create contrast. In some instances, shadows can even be the main focus of a picture. However, more times than not, they cast sharply and ruin an image trying to be captured.

Unfortunately, I am way too used to being stuck with the problematic option.

A solid hour straight of dimming the lights and moving around my curtains in attempt to make interesting subject matters for a photography assignment that I have due tonight has really got me questioning the purpose of this project. My professor claims that this will help us learn how to best balance photos, but I think he must find enjoyment in the absurd pictures that everyone is submitting.

This week's assignment asked us to capture a breathe of different uses of shadows with every day items around our homes. Does anyone really care to look at how my toaster oven casts a shadow onto my paper towels? Doubtful.

Being in my fourth year as a photography major, I have done many tedious and seemingly pointless photoshoots. Don't get me wrong- I absolutely love photography, and I couldn't think of another major that I'd care about more. I love the idea of capturing the moment and preserving it for the future. I find myself scrolling back through past years on my camera roll or looking through old memory cards way too often.

While I'm happy with my choice of major, I don't know exactly what I want to do when I graduate. Hopefully this semester my classes will have more advanced projects, so I can really learn what I like, since many of my classes have focused mainly on basic principles.

I'll need to decide, sooner rather than later, if I want to take pictures of humans, animals, nature, sports ... the possibilities are nearly limitless. Although, I can say with certainty that I don't want to photograph stupid little home appliances and decorations.

Actually, photographing a show room could be cool, but my apartment is far from being featured in a magazine. It might not be the epitome of a catalogue feature or even good enough for Pinterest, but it was a great home junior and now senior year. After living in the dorms my first two years at college, moving to an apartment walking-distance from campus was an upgrade. I had so many ideas for decor, but I quickly realized how expensive most things are. Realizing I'd rather spend my money on other things than just decorations to stare at, I gave up my ideas for a really cute apartment.

My roommate and best friend, Kennedy, has always enjoyed the minimalistic style and would rather use her time and energy towards studying than decorating a temporary apartment. Even though I know I won't have this place forever, I'm still attached, and I'm really going to miss it when I move out over summer.

Maybe I should also figure out where in the world I'm moving, but I guess I need to know what I want to do before deciding where. While I wish I could just pack up and move wherever, I know that I need some stability in my life first. Preferably in the form of a big girl job that pays lots of money.

While I have some money saved up to goof around, I know it's not enough to sustain me after I graduate. Especially if I'm not able to keep my scholarship for spring semester. If I fuck up, then I'm really going to have to worry about what I can and can not do in life.

I was lucky enough to get a scholarship that covered most of my tuition throughout all of college. I just need to maintain over a 3.0 GPA this semester to keep it for spring. Some general studies science and theory classes brought my GPA down a bit last semester, so I really can't screw it up this time.

My mind continues to fill my head with contemplations about my life when I hear the front door open.

"Hey, Gianna!" A light-hearted greeting trails in from the front door.