The First Annual Student Body Holiday Drop-In.

A few members from the Pre-Alumni Council pictured. The Pre-Alumni council and The Executive Student Leadership Council presented the First Annual Christmas Drop-In on the campus of South Carolina State University. The turn out was great, and everyone enjoyed it! Refreshments, a D.J. and Royal Court was there. Awesome job overall!!

Orangeburg Christmas Parade iMovie Presentation

In my Online Journalism course with Mr. Dante Mozie, the class had to create an iMovie or Audacity production on an event we'd attended, for our final project in the class. I chose to do my project through iMovie and the event I chose for the assignment was the Orangeburg Christmas Parade. Here is the production, hope you all enjoy! 

SC State Sports Talk

This recording was done as a class. It was so entertaining to see fellow classmates do what they love. Devante Williams interviewed Javonte Neal on sports, college and Pro, for that week. They both did a great job for their first official recording for this class. I was impressed with how the class came together to work the camera, and learning how to direct in the control room. I helped out in the control room this day, alongside Lynn McGrier and Mr. Harwood. Great Experience!

POS Report

The last assignment for BC-340 was a Person On the Street Report. Each student in class had to ask five people a question of their choice. My question for this report was, "What Does Christmas Mean to You?". Since it is the most wonderful time of the year, I thought it was more than appropriate to ask people this question, and all of the participants enjoyed it. So did I. Wishing everyone a Happy Holiday this season.

Movie Review: Chi-Raq

Spike Lee's Chi-raq has everybody talking! I was able to see the movie today and I rate it a 10! It's a must see. In this film, Lee showed how people typically look at society. He showed how people are quick to blame people of other cultures but fail to blame or check themselves and communities at times. He also depicted how powerful the black woman could be if she used the power of "womanhood" to change the ways of a man.

SCSU Sound and Sight: Group Interview/Production Recording

In my BC-320 Basic Television Production class, myself, Craishaud, Shay, Stephen and Terrance all participated in a group project where we had to record an interview. Craishaud Foulks and Stephen Wells were on air. Shay Bowman and myself were in the control room, where Shay was the Director and I was the associate director. Terrance Jones was the camera operator. Our group focused on Music and Movies. I learned so much and really enjoyed the experience. The control room is such a complicated, tense, yet exciting job. I never knew I could do all of that stuff until I actually did it! So I'm really thankful for the experience.

Orangeburg Christmas Parade

The Orangeburg Christmas Parade was a success today! I was so happy and pleased to see the turn out. The Marching 101 band, Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School's marching band, Mary Jane's School of Dance LLC, Girl Scout Troop 79 and so many other organizations were in attendance and participated. 

West Family Welcomes New Addition

After what seems like forever, Kim Kardashian-West and husband Kanye West finally gave birth to their son on December 5, 2015. On the 11th season of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, fans and audiences were able to see complications that Kim was having during her pregnancy. No news on how the delivery went but I'm hoping everything is great! Congrats to the parents and big sister of the baby boy!

Kylie Jenner's Lip Kit

Kylie Jenner launched a new project entitled, LIP KIT by KYLIE, which made over $8 million in less than a minute! Awesome right?! The 18 year old Reality Star is already doing great things at such a young age. Way to go Kylie! Keep up the good work! 

Lil Wayne's Mixtape Review: No Ceilings 2

Rap phenom Lil Wayne recently released his mixtape, No Ceilings 2 on Thanksgiving day. The mixtape consist of 24 hot news songs from the Young Money artist. The rapper went to Twitter to acknowledge his appreciation to fans by saying, "Thx for the mixtape luv y'all !!!!".

Greenville South Carolina Native on Broadway!

Greenville, South Carolina native Danielle Brooks is starring in The Color Purple on Broadway. Brooks plays the role of Sofia, the same role that Oprah played in the movie. The musical started in November and ends in May 2016. I would love to see a show! 

Adele's Album Review: 25

Adele is an English singer and songwriter who released her third studio album, entitled 25, in late November. The first single from the album, "Hello", is absolutely amazing and the stats prove it. The album sold over a million copies in two different weeks... Amazing right?! Adele's last album which was released in 2011, entitled, 21, left her fans speechless. Her fans have been anticipating her recent release for almost three years now and she did not fail to disappoint. Great job Adele! 

The Wiz Live!

NBC presented The Wiz Live!, this past Wednesday, December 3, 2015. The musical was great. Legendary, Grammy award winner Stephanie Mills played Aunt Em, while 19 year old New Jersey native, Shanice Williams played as Dorothy. This is Williams first major show and she did GREAT! The musical was full of familiar faces and phenomenal talent. Rapper and actor Common was the Gatekeeper of Emerald City. Actress and singer Amber Riley played Addaperle, the Good Witch of the North. Actress Uzo Aduba as Glenda, the Good Witch of the South. Actor Elijah Kelley as the Scarecrow and also a Farmhand. Actor and singer, Ne-Yo, as Tin-Man and a Farmhand. Actor David Alan Grier as the Cowardly Lion and a Farmhand. Actress and singer Mary J. Blige as Evillence the Wicked Witch of the West. The legendary actress, rapper and singer Queen Latifah as none other than the Wiz! I loved the songs, "Soon as I get Home", "You Can't Win", "Ease on Down the Road", "Don't Nobody Bring Me No Bad News", "Everybody Rejoice/A Brand New Day", "Believe in Yourself", and "Home". 

Movie Review on CREED

Yesterday I was able to see Creed starring Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone. The movie was absolutely amazing! On a scale from 1-10, I would rate the movie a nine! Michael B. Jordan's character went around to different group homes until he was taken back in by his mother. He then found an interest which turned into a passion for boxing. His mother was not enthused by his interest since his father had died from boxing. He then sought the legendary Rocky Balboa, who was also a great friend of his father's to train him. Just like his father, and as you can imagine being trained by Rocky, he became a great boxer! I recommend for anyone to see this movie.

Class Activity Fun

As BC320-Basic Television Production, comes to an end this semester, a lot of fun and cool things have taken place in class. The week before the Thanksgiving break/holiday, the class was separated into teams to conduct a recording. Myself and Shay (pictured to the far left) were in the control room, while Terrance was behind the camera and Craishaud and Stephen were in front of the camera! The entire experience was amazing and I really learned a lot in the control room. Excellent experience and kudos to our Professor Patrick Harwood!

Chapter 7 Discussion Questions

1. Explain the essential role of the interview in television news stories.
Interviews provide essential detail and helps give stories spirits and atmosphere and impact a sense of spontaneity that would otherwise be lost.

2. Discuss ways that will help you establish trust with an interview source.
Make an effort to go out and talk for at least five minutes over coffee. Be genuine with self confidence.

3. What personal conduct and manners are important to observe whenever you are in someone else's home or coffee?
Good manners and being genuine. Arrive on time and don't stay too late. Don't chew gum, refrain from sitting unless asked. Be friendly but not overly familiar. How you treat the interviewee may reflect how viewers respond to you.

5. Discuss techniques you can employ to help put the interview subject at ease.
Help the interviewee focus on what they are used to. Typically if an interviewee is engaged in a familiar activity rather than sitting or standing in front of a wall, they'll be more comfortable and relaxed.

6. Why is it important not to reveal the questions you intend to ask until the actual interview begins?
Be spontaneous. To help preserve the feeling of spontaneity, try not to share questions in advance of the interview. That's because subjects ordinarily put most of their energy into their first response. The best interviews address the moment and the feelings of the moment and grow naturally from the honest interaction between you and the subject.

8. Explain why research and planning are so important to the interview process.
The more you know, the more confidence you'll have and you'll also concentrate more. Use all resources available.

11. What constitutes a "dumb" interview question?
A typical question that people will more than likely know the answer to already including yourself, as well as something really "easy" for the interviewee to answer.

Chapter 6 "The Sound Track"

1. Of the various microphones, which types are most frequently used to cover news events? Compare the strengths and weaknesses of each type.

• Dynamic Microphones produce high fidelity sound at reasonable cost and are among the most rugged units of all.
• Ribbon Microphones can be warm sounding and are commonly encountered in announce booths and radio stations.
• Condensed microphone requires power. The diaphragm acts as one of the two plates of a capacitors in an electronic circuit.

4. Discuss the typical uses of handheld, lavaliere, and shotgun microphones in news applications.

• The handheld lavaliere is small and clips to the speaker's clothes or can be taped to the speaker's chest and are easily hidden. 
• Shotgun microphones pick up sounds from narrow areas in front of the microphone. The name of this microphone comes from it's resemblance of a miniature shotgun barrel.

6. When you work with news subjects, what considerations are most important to remember in concealing the miniature microphone beneath their clothing or in other personal effects?
Firstly, that concealing the microphone is a form of art in itself. Also that by doing so, be sure to have a good legitimate reason.

7. Overall, what are the most important considerations to follow if you are to achieve good quality sound in the field?
Be able to listen for sound and know the difference between what's acceptable and what isn't. BE able to identify any hiss, buzz, booms, or too low sounds.

8. Explain why it is essential for the photojournalist or soundperson to constantly monitor sound in the field with earphones.
To avoid distortion. If you don't monitor sound you won't know whether or not the sound is really good enough for broadcasting.

9. Discuss the full range of techniques you can use to reduce wind noise in the field. 

• Acoustic foam and Windscreens, both allow breath to pass through easily. 
• Zeppelin or blimp- these work in higher winds and create large pockets of still air in the microphone.
• High pass or low cut filter can be installed in the microphone line to diminish wind, air conditioning, and other low frequency noises.

13. Explain the role of nat sound n helping lend a sense of realism to television news stories.
Nat sound can be used as a story telling tool that all sound other than speech occurs naturally in our environments.

Chapter 5 Discussion Questions

2. What is color temperature and how does it affect the television picture?
Color temperature measures how much red to blue lighting the light source radiates. The color temperature affects television pictures because Tungsten Halogen lights are most commonly used in TV lighting to keep the constant color temperature of 3000k that is needed.

6. Describe the differing roles of the key light and the fill light.
Although Key Light and Fill Light function together the differing roles of key light is to provide distinctive highlights and shadows in the scene, while fill light illumination is half as intense.

7. Describe the basic lighting patterns commonly used in television news photography.
Basic lighting patterns include flat lighting and bounce lighting.

11. What minimum lighting equipment should the photojournalist have available for field assignments?
Minimum lighting equipment during a photojournalists shoot can include Umbrella lighting is a quick way to convert single light into a viable soft light source. Shadows appear soft and naturally smooth.

13. Explain how to light a news conference.
While lighting a news conference room key light, fill light, and a backlight must be available. If one has to work with only two lights shoot at the lowest level of illumination. It is essential to filter the lights to make the color temperature of the existing light source.

15. What safety precautions should you observe when you work with lights?
Safety precautions that should be used when working with lights include blocking the light when it is first turned in them slowly lowering your hand from the light to permit gradual. You should never touch the quartz bulbs doing so could result in serious burns, allow the bulbs to cool before packing them. Bounce lighting creates a more natural light.

Different Lightings

For this assignment, we took four different photos in different lighting.

The top left picture has no lighting.

The top right picture only has the key light.

The bottom left picture includes the key light and the fill light.

The bottom right picture is the key light, fill light, and back light. 

As you can see each picture has different lightings. 

Sequence Video

This video shows myself:

• Walking out of a classroom
• Walking toward the stairs
• Going down the stairs
• Going past the camera after finishing going down the stairs
• Walking to the exit door
• Coming through the exit door (shot from outside) 

30 and 60 Second Videos

Below are 30 and 60 second videos of the DJ Battle event on the campus of South Carolina State University.

Chapter 4 Discussion Questions

1) List the advantages and disadvantages of using a tripod when shooting television news.
Advantages: Extreme tight shots, shooting sequences free of shakiness, and a video that requires thoughtful composition.
Disadvantages: Tripod can get wobbly and sometimes you may have to replace equipment if needed.

2) What are the most important techniques that can be used to steady the handheld camera?
Balance(s) camera, use wide stance(s), can shoot on wide focal length(s), control breathing, preplan body movement(s), walk in lockstep, avoid unplanned camera movement(s).

3) Explain the primary considerations that govern panning and zooming. 
Zoom and pans are not always necessary! Ask yourself if these shots are really needed before taking them. Remember that zooms have a purpose to reveal something initially.

4) Why is it important to establish interactive communication in the field between the photographer and reporter? 
This is important because all of the participants on the team can come up with a final and good agreement for each story that will elevate the entire story.

5) What techniques can be used to avoid the pop cut?
Remember to shoot and move. Physically move the camera to a new location and angle after every shot you make.

6)Define the term editing in the camera, and discuss situations in which the technique can be useful.
Edit in the camera is shooting sequences and overlapping action in generally the same order in which they later will be aired. This technique saves valuable editing time on stories that are being covered very close to air time and it also helps ensure that a story will be edited as the photographer wants it be aired.

Chapter 3 Discussion Questions

Chapter 3 Discussion Questions:

1) Why are the best editing techniques often invisible to home audiences?
The audience won't really understand what's really going on. So it would be pointless for them to watch something that would take their attention away from what is really going on.

2) Describe how editing can be used to help enhance the visual storytelling process.
It duplicates the manner in which the mind sees. People really edit with their eyes and minds. This is also where the audience can communicate a story's sense of experience and realism.

3) Explain why an understanding of picture editing is important to all members of the reporting team.
It's important because it helps everyone emphasize, reveal, pace and structure various elements that make up television news stories.

4) Describe the role of the cut in video editing.
The cut is the simple joining of one scene to the other. The editor can cut from any image to another and can direct the eye's attention to any detail or anything happening.

5) Explain the meaning of the phrase "pace is everything" as it applies to television news.
It means that audiences will lose interest if story development is to plodding, dull, boring or predictable. Most video editors just have the instinct feeling of a story's pace feeling "right or not".

5 Steps to Painting Cute Quick Nails

Here's a 5 step video to cute, fun and quick nails! Enjoyyyyy :)

Chapter 2 Discussion Questions:

1) Explain the meaning of the term visual grammar.
Visual grammar are the rules that govern the visual reconstruction of events. Ex: The visual grammar of motion picture photography.

2) List the three basic shots in motion picture photography and describe their functions.

• Long Shots- or wide shot, provides a full view of the subject.
• Medium Shot- brings subject matter closer to the viewer and begins to isolate it from the environment.
• Close Up- isolates the subject entirely from its surroundings environment. 

3) Explain how the three basic shots can be joined to achieve a sense of continuity or consecutiveness in a sense.

Together in sequences the three shots in a manner roughly equivalent to how the eye works. 

4) What considerations help determine when a shot or the image size of a subject should be changed in a visual story?

Considerations that help determine when shots or image sizes should be changed are simply the different camera angles and the length of reports. 

5) Explain why it is important in film and television to have action in virtually every scene.

It's important because it's the strength of film and television. In TV news you want to make sure that movement is in every scene. 

Chapter 1 Discussion Questions:

1) What qualities separate the photographer from the photojournalist?

Photojournalist are visual storytellers, different from photographers because photographers think of their job as merely taking pictures.

2) In what sense are the camera and microphone "writing and reporting instruments"?

They are primary forms of communication, so they heighten a story's sense of realism.

3) Why can the edit console fairly be called a "rewrite" machine?

Because this is where voice-over's are tightened and sometimes rewritten after being transformed from words on paper to words in air to words in a video.

4) How does the nature of a television news report differ from a newspaper story?

Television is general information as well as conversational. As for a newspaper you'll give more details and elaborate on the story and information. 

5) What is the role of the written word in a television news?

Written word when it comes to television news is crucial to storytelling. However the process seldom stands alone but is a part of the complex process information that makes up all of the images, colors, actions, sounds, and silence. 

5 steps to giving yourself cute nails!

So here is a quick five step process for all of the girls, for cute and simple nails. This is a great and easy addition to almost any outfit, check out the details below!

Step 1:

The first step is probably the most annoying one, ladies will definitely understand.. It is simply figuring out what color nail polish you're going to rock this go round. So choose your desired nail polish color, firstly:

Step 2: 

Open the gently, you don't want the polish going everywhere and you want to make sure that too much polish is not on the brush

Step 3:

From the bottom of the fingernail, upward, apply the polish slowly for best and smooth results.

Step 4:

Let nails dry! You can either use a nail-dryer for your nails, or just go the old school route and be patient and let them air dry!

Step 5:

The last and final step is simply just showing them off every chance you get.. Wave at people, do dramatic hand gestures, point in people's face.. No I'm totally kidding, lol. Typically people are going to notice your nails regardless, so just enjoy them!

That concludes my five step method of how to polish your nails really quickly but for the best and cutest results. Hope you all enjoyed and please comment! Until next timeeeee:)