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It's pretty fascinating how much an image changes with a few small alterations to the way it's edited. A photograph that elicits happiness can suddenly become creepy; an image that looks sad and dark can be transformed into an uplifting piece. Last night after I got out of the shower, I took a self-portrait, and the steam from the shower fogged up my camera lens. The fog gives the photograph a slightly strange color, while also giving the image a soft focus. When editing this photograph, I noticed that the contrast level drastically changed the image, as well as the saturation level, and the exposure. These three things would change any image significantly, but the soft-focused, foggy nature of the self-portrait I took enhanced the changes made with different contrast, saturation, and exposure levels.

Extra Reading:
Nick Fochtman: I met Nick last summer when we both took part in the Young Photographers Alliance mentorship program. Nick is from Michigan (the state shaped like a hand!), and has a political science background. He has an editorial style (partly due to his experience working for the Oregonian, I'm sure). Nick is one of the kindest and most genuine guys you will ever meet, and you should definitely go check out his new website!


On another note, if you are a photographer between the ages of 18 and 29, you should apply for this year's Young Photographers Alliance mentorship program! YPA has programs in multiple states, so if you don't live in Oregon, it is likely that YPA has a mentorship program in the state you live in (there are even a few international teams). The mentorship experience is invaluable and challenging; you will be treated like a professional, working photographer, and will be pushed to produce better work than you have before. To apply, click here.

This year's theme is titled "Boundaries," and applications will be accepted until May 19th. In order to apply, you must:

• be 18-29 years of age
• be able to commit yourself from June 1st to August 31st
• submit 5-8 images (the images do not have to relate to this year's theme)
• submit a letter of recommendation from an advisor, professor, mentor, or employer
• give a short summary of the photography classes you've taken
• explain how you might approach the theme (these ideas are not set in stone)

Each of the above requirements applies to mentorships in all states and countries. 

Being mentored by professional photographers changed my life, and I would highly recommend applying if you are very interested in photography or want to become a professional photographer. At the end of the summer you will put on your own show in your home state and in New York.

Again, if you'd like to apply to the YPA summer mentorship, click here.

As always, thank you for reading!