helped me notice filmmaking choices that I would normally overlook. The scene is effective because every camera angle, editing choice, and sound cue reinforces the contrast between Rocky and his opponent, Ivan Drago.
First Viewing: Visuals Only
Without sound, I immediately noticed the contrast between the two fighters. Rocky trains outdoors in the snow using natural surroundings, while Drago trains in a high-tech facility filled with machines and equipment. The camera frequently cuts back and forth between them, allowing viewers to compare their training methods.
The scene uses a mix of wide shots and close-ups. Wide shots emphasize Rocky’s isolation and determination as he runs through the snowy landscape. Close-ups focus on physical effort, showing sweat, exhaustion, and determination. The editing becomes faster as the training intensifies, creating a sense of momentum and progress.
Following Roger Ebert’s ideas about visual storytelling, the framing communicates meaning before any dialogue is spoken. Rocky is often shown overcoming obstacles, while Drago appears almost machine-like. The visual contrast helps viewers understand the conflict between the characters.
Second Viewing: Audio Only
Listening without watching revealed how important the music is to the scene. The montage relies heavily on an upbeat motivational song that drives the pacing and emotional energy. The lyrics reinforce themes of perseverance and hard work.
There is very little dialogue, so the music carries most of the storytelling. Sound effects such as heavy breathing, punching, running, and equipment noises add realism and intensity. The rhythm of the music helps build excitement and makes the audience feel invested in Rocky’s progress.
Without visuals, I could still tell that the scene was building toward an important challenge because the music gradually becomes more energetic and inspiring.
Third Viewing: Audio and Visual Together
Watching the complete scene showed how well the visuals and audio work together. The quick editing matches the pace of the music, making the training feel more exciting. The contrast between Rocky’s natural environment and Drago’s technological environment becomes even more noticeable when combined with the soundtrack.
One thing that surprised me was how much the editing contributes to the emotional impact. The rapid cuts between Rocky and Drago create tension and anticipation for their upcoming fight. The music alone is inspiring, but when paired with the visuals it becomes much more powerful.
This exercise helped me understand Roger Ebert’s argument that movies should be read through their cinematic choices. The camera angles, framing, editing, and music all work together to tell the story without relying on dialogue. By isolating the visual and audio elements, I noticed how the filmmakers guide the audience’s emotions and communicate the differences between Rocky and Drago. The scene succeeds because every element supports the same message: determination and hard work can overcome seemingly impossible odds.
Learning How to Read a Movie
June 19, 2026
After reading Roger Ebert’s essay How to Read a Movie, I realized that movies are much more than stories recorded on camera. Ebert argues that films have their own language made up of images, camera movements, composition, and editing choices. These techniques work because they guide the audience’s attention and emotions without viewers always realizing it. I agree with Ebert’s approach because understanding these choices helps explain why certain scenes feel suspenseful, emotional, or memorable.
The video about Stanley Kubrick’s use of one-point perspective showed how composition can shape a viewer’s experience. Kubrick often places characters and objects in the center of the frame while using lines in the background to direct the audience’s eye toward them. This technique creates symmetry and makes scenes feel controlled and intentional. It works because viewers naturally look where the lines converge, making important details impossible to miss. The effect can also create tension or uneasiness, especially in films like The Shining, where the perfect symmetry makes familiar spaces feel unsettling.
The camera angles video demonstrated how filmmakers use shot selection to influence audience perception. A low-angle shot can make a character appear powerful, confident, or threatening because the audience is looking up at them. In contrast, a high-angle shot can make a character seem weak, vulnerable, or isolated. These techniques work because they mimic real-life perspectives and subtly affect how viewers interpret a scene. Even when audiences are not consciously thinking about the camera angle, they are responding to the emotions it creates.
The match cut video highlighted the power of editing. A match cut connects two different shots through similar shapes, movements, or visual elements. This technique works because it helps viewers make connections between scenes and ideas. Rather than feeling abrupt, the transition feels natural and meaningful. Match cuts can also communicate themes or show the passage of time without relying on dialogue. I was surprised by how much storytelling can happen through a single edit.
The videos helped me understand Ebert’s argument that films should be “read” rather than simply watched. One-point perspective, camera angles, and match cuts all shape the way audiences experience a story. These techniques work because they direct attention, create emotional responses, and communicate meaning visually. Before this assignment, I rarely noticed these choices, but now I understand that filmmakers carefully design every shot and edit to influence the audience. Learning to recognize these techniques has made me appreciate the artistry behind filmmaking and the ways visual storytelling can communicate ideas beyond words.
The Lost Key: A Sound-Only Story
June 12, 2026
For this assignment, I created a short story told entirely through sound effects with no dialogue. The goal was to build a clear narrative in under 90 seconds using only audio.
The story follows a person walking home at night who drops their keys and becomes anxious while searching for them. After a moment of panic, they finally find the keys and safely get inside.
I used wind and footsteps to set the scene, followed by key jingling and a metal drop sound to show the keys falling. The middle of the story includes rustling sounds and faster footsteps to show searching, along with a heartbeat sound to show rising panic. In the end, the keys are found, and the story closes with a door unlocking and opening, followed by fading wind.
3’s a Band
June 12, 2026
For this assignment, I created a short musical composition in GarageBand using three distinct instruments: piano, drums, and conga. Each instrument played a different role in the piece. The piano provided the main melody, while the drums created a steady rhythm and beat. The conga added additional percussion and helped give the composition more texture and energy. My goal was to create a piece that sounded balanced and interesting while allowing each instrument to be heard clearly.
This project helped me learn more about layering sounds and arranging music. Working with multiple instruments showed me how rhythm and melody can combine to create a complete musical piece. Overall, I enjoyed using GarageBand to compose and experiment with different musical ideas.
Breaking News: Squirrel Elected Mayor
June 12, 2026
For this assignment, I created a fake breaking news broadcast about a squirrel named Mr. Nutters being elected mayor of a small town. I used AI text-to-speech voices for the anchor and reporter to make the story sound like a real news segment. I also added a news jingle at the beginning and end to create a more authentic broadcast feel.
My goal was to make the story sound believable while reporting a ridiculous event. Using realistic news language helped create humor and made the broadcast more engaging. This project showed me how audio elements such as voice, music, and pacing can make a story feel realistic even when the story itself is completely fictional.
One thing I learned from this project is how important sound is in creating a believable story. Even though the event was completely fictional, the use of realistic news language, music, and pacing helped make it feel authentic. This assignment showed me how audio storytelling can capture a listener’s attention and create vivid images without relying on visuals.
I chose the Sounds of My Day prompt to record my audio. The audio follows the progression of a typical day using everyday sounds to tell a story without relying on narration. One of the most important techniques I used was pacing. The sounds move from one activity to another, creating a sense of progression throughout the day. There were not a lot of sounds throughout my day as I am resting from surgery. Though, I captured what I could.
Spooked !
June 12, 2026
For this assignment, I listened to an episode of Spooked, hosted by Glynn Washington. The story focused on a personal paranormal experience that unfolded through vivid storytelling and strong audio production. The narrator described a series of strange events that created suspense and kept listeners wondering what would happen next. Even though the story dealt with the supernatural, it felt believable because of the storyteller’s emotional honesty and detailed descriptions.
What stood out most to me was how many audio techniques were used to enhance the story. The pacing was carefully controlled, slowing down during tense moments and speeding up when important events occurred. Eerie background music helped establish the mood and made the story feel more suspenseful. The producers also layered music, narration, and environmental sounds together to create depth and immerse listeners in the setting. Ambient sounds helped establish place, making it easier to imagine where events were happening. I also noticed how moments of silence were used strategically to build anticipation before important revelations.
After reviewing the examples from RadioLab and TED Radio Hour, I paid much closer attention to how sound was being used. Instead of simply listening to the story, I noticed how music would fade in and out to influence my emotional response. Similar to the examples we studied, the producers used layering and sound design to guide listeners through the narrative without distracting from the storyteller’s voice. These techniques helped create a much stronger emotional connection to the story.
This episode showed me that successful audio storytelling is about much more than telling an interesting story. Through pacing, music, ambient sound, layering, and even silence, producers can shape how listeners experience and interpret a narrative. The combination of these elements made the story feel immersive and demonstrated the power of audio to create vivid images in a listener’s mind.
Blog Post – Ira Glass’s Audio Storytelling
June 12, 2026
After watching Ira Glass’s storytelling videos, one of my biggest takeaways was the importance of building a story around a sequence of actions rather than simply describing a topic. Glass explains that a good story involves something happening and then something else happening, creating momentum that keeps the audience engaged. Another idea that stood out to me was the balance between story and reflection. He argues that while events move a story forward, the storyteller also needs to explain why those events matter and what they mean.
I was also interested in Glass’s discussion of taste and creative growth. He explains that many people become frustrated when they start creating because their skills do not yet match their taste. However, he encourages creators to keep producing work because improvement comes through practice and repetition. This was reassuring because it highlights that even experienced storytellers had to develop their abilities over time.
The videos helped me better understand how audio storytelling works because listeners cannot rely on visuals. Instead, storytellers must use strong narratives, details, and pacing to create images in the audience’s mind. Overall, the biggest lesson I learned is that effective audio storytelling combines compelling events with meaningful reflection, allowing listeners to both follow the story and understand its significance.
Design Blitz – Blog Post #2
May 31, 2026
For this Design Blitz assignment, I photographed four examples of design concepts that appear in everyday life. Before completing this project, I did not realize how many design choices influence the way people interact with products, buildings, and advertisements. Looking closely at these examples helped me better understand how design communicates messages, attracts attention, and creates organization. The four concepts I focused on were minimalism and use of space, form and function, balance, and dominance.
#1 Minimalism & Use of Space – Taco Bell Baja Blast Cup
For my first photo, I photographed a Taco Bell Baja Blast cup. This example demonstrates minimalism because the design uses a limited color palette and focuses on a few key elements rather than overwhelming the viewer with information. The Baja Blast logo stands out clearly against the background, while the remaining space helps keep the design clean and easy to recognize. The cup does not need excessive graphics because the branding itself is already strong and recognizable. This example shows how simplicity can make a design more effective and memorable.
#2 Form, Function, and Message – Push Door
My second photo shows a push door with a horizontal push bar. This is a strong example of form and function because the design immediately communicates how the door should be used. Without reading instructions, most people understand that the bar is meant to be pushed. The design matches its purpose and reduces confusion for users. This example reminded me that good design should make everyday tasks feel natural and intuitive.
#3 Balance – Building Entrance
For my third photo, I photographed the entrance of a building with symmetrical windows and architectural features. This example demonstrates balance because the visual weight is evenly distributed across both sides of the structure. The symmetry creates a sense of order, stability, and professionalism. The balanced design makes the building appear organized and welcoming. This example helped me understand how balance influences the overall feeling of a space.
#4 Dominance – Movie Advertisement
For my final photo, I photographed a movie advertisement featuring a poster with information. This image demonstrates dominance because one element immediately grabs attention before anything else. The bold text and large size of the message makes it the focal point of the design. My eye is drawn to that information first before noticing any smaller details. I also am drawn to the bold colors and design which stands out. This example shows how designers use size, placement, and contrast to direct viewers toward the most important message.
CONCLUSION
Overall, this assignment helped me become more aware of how design principles appear in everyday life. From a Baja Blast cup to a building entrance, each example demonstrated how designers use visual elements to communicate effectively. I learned that successful design is often simple, purposeful, and carefully organized to guide the viewer’s attention.
If you want to check out these photos and more of mine click here
Blog Post #1- The Vignelli Canon
May 31, 2026
After reading The Vignelli Canon, one of the ideas that stood out to me most was Massimo Vignelli’s belief that good design should be timeless and based on strong principles rather than trends. Vignelli emphasizes simplicity, organization, and purpose in design, which made me realize that effective design is not about adding more elements but about making thoughtful choices. I found it interesting how he viewed design as a discipline that requires structure and consistency rather than simply creativity. His focus on clarity and functionality showed me that good design should communicate a message clearly and efficiently.
The concept that seemed most useful to me was Vignelli’s discussion of grids and typography. Before reading this booklet, I often thought of design as something that relied mainly on visuals and aesthetics. However, Vignelli explains how grids create order and help guide the viewer through information in a logical way. His emphasis on typography was also eye-opening because it demonstrated how font choices can significantly affect readability and the overall effectiveness of a design. These principles can be applied to almost any type of visual project, from websites and posters to presentations and social media graphics.
In my own design work, I would like to apply Vignelli’s principles of simplicity and organization. I often find myself wanting to include several colors, images, or design elements, but this reading reminded me that less is often more. By focusing on clean layouts, consistent typography, and purposeful design choices, I can create work that is more professional and visually appealing. Overall, The Vignelli Canon helped me understand that successful design is not just about creativity but also about structure, clarity, and intentional decision-making.
Blog – Visual Assignments (DS106 Assignment Bank)
September 4, 2024
First Assignment: Find Your Dream House
This home became my dream home the moment I saw how peaceful and private it feels while still looking warm and inviting instead of overly modern or cold. The house sits on two acres overlooking the scenic Mattaponi River and has huge windows, cathedral ceilings, fireplaces, and wrap-around outdoor spaces that make the entire property feel relaxing and open. What I love most is that it feels like a place where you could escape from stress and truly enjoy nature every day. The river views, private pier, and wooded surroundings make it feel almost like a personal retreat instead of just a house. I also really like that it balances luxury with comfort because it looks elegant without feeling unrealistic or unlivable.
Another reason this is my dream home is because of the atmosphere inside the house. The open-concept living room with cathedral ceilings and the large stone fireplace make the home feel cozy while still being spacious. I can imagine spending time there during every season, whether it’s relaxing by the fireplace in winter or sitting outside by the river during the summer. The kitchen is also one of my favorite parts because it has stone countertops, wood beam accents, and a large island that makes it feel welcoming and perfect for gathering with family or friends. I also love the upstairs primary suite with the balcony overlooking the water because it feels peaceful and private.
The location is another major reason why I consider this my dream home. I like that it is surrounded by nature and away from busy city life because it creates a calm environment that feels less stressful and overwhelming. Living near the water would also make everyday life feel more relaxing because activities like kayaking, fishing, or simply watching the river would always be available. At the same time, the house still has modern features like a theater room, updated flooring, skylights, and large entertaining spaces, so it combines comfort with a unique lifestyle. I think the home represents the kind of future I would want for myself someday because it feels peaceful, beautiful, and personal rather than just expensive.
Overall, this home stands out to me because it feels emotional instead of just impressive. A lot of luxury homes feel too formal or unrealistic, but this one feels warm, comfortable, and connected to nature. The river views, fireplaces, wrap-around deck, and natural lighting all make the home feel calming and memorable. I could see myself building a life there, creating memories with family and friends, and enjoying a quieter lifestyle while still having a beautiful space to live in. That combination of comfort, privacy, and scenery is what truly makes this my dream home. I also already live in this county so it would feel close to my parents!
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Second Assignment: Your Dream Life
My Pinterest represents the ideal version of myself because each board reflects different goals, interests, and aspirations I have for my future. I created boards centered around fashion, dream homes, wellness, beauty, photography, and lifestyle inspiration because those are the areas that most inspire me creatively and personally. My Pinterest acts like a digital vision board where I can organize the aesthetic, lifestyle, and environment I hope to create for myself one day.
One of the biggest themes throughout my Pinterest is balance between comfort, confidence, and creativity. My fashion boards reflect the style I aspire to have because I chose outfits that feel feminine, polished, and expressive while still being realistic for everyday life. I also included beauty inspiration and self-care content because I want the ideal version of myself to prioritize confidence and wellness, not just appearance. These boards represent personal growth and the kind of energy and confidence I want to carry in the future.
Another important part of my Pinterest is my dream home and lifestyle inspiration. I pinned cozy interiors, riverfront homes, warm lighting, and peaceful outdoor spaces because I imagine my future life being calm, private, and connected to nature. I am drawn to spaces that feel welcoming and emotional instead of overly modern or cold. These boards represent stability, comfort, and the peaceful lifestyle I hope to build for myself someday.
I also included boards focused on motivation, photography, and inspiration because I want my future self to continue growing creatively and emotionally. Overall, my Pinterest reflects not only my interests but also the person I aspire to become. Each board represents different parts of my identity, goals, and future aspirations, making the account feel personal and meaningful rather than just aesthetic.
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Third Assignment: Story Within Photos
For my digital collage, I used images of my dog Daisy along with images of daisy flowers, the sun, and a daisy tattoo to create a personal story about love, comfort, and identity. Even though these images may seem simple on their own, together they create a much deeper emotional meaning. My dog Daisy is the center of the collage because she represents happiness, loyalty, and an important part of my life. The daisy flowers connect symbolically to her name while also representing positivity, peace, and warmth. I also included sun imagery because sunlight creates feelings of comfort, energy, and joy, which reflects how I feel when I am around my dog.
The daisy tattoo adds another layer of meaning because tattoos are often connected to memory, identity, and emotional connection. By combining the tattoo with photos of Daisy and flowers, the collage becomes more than just a collection of random images, it becomes a visual representation of love and personal attachment. The different forms of media work together to create emotions that words alone may not fully express. Soft lighting, warm colors, and natural imagery all help create a calm and meaningful atmosphere throughout the collage.
Combining these different images creates new context because viewers begin connecting the symbols emotionally. A flower by itself may simply look aesthetic, but when placed beside my dog and the tattoo, it becomes symbolic of memory, connection, and identity. The sun imagery also changes meaning when combined with the other visuals because it begins to represent warmth, happiness, and emotional comfort rather than just nature. This project helped me understand how visual storytelling works because even unrelated images can create a strong narrative when they share emotional or symbolic connections. Overall, my collage tells a story about love, comfort, memories, and the emotional bond I have with my dog Daisy.
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Fourth Assignment: Beautifying World
For this photography assignment, I chose to take pictures of sunsets at Breezy Point Beach and Campground because I wanted to capture the peacefulness and natural beauty of the environment. I have always found sunsets calming, especially near the water, because the changing colors and reflections create a relaxing atmosphere that feels different every time. The beach and campground setting also adds to the feeling of stillness and connection to nature, which is why I thought it would be the perfect location for this project. I focused on photographing the sky, water reflections, silhouettes, and lighting changes as the sun slowly set.
One thing I learned while taking these photos is how important lighting and timing are in photography. As the sunset changed, the colors in the sky shifted from bright orange and pink tones to softer blues and purples, which completely changed the mood of each image. I also experimented with different angles and perspectives to make the photos feel more dynamic and visually interesting. Some photos focused more on the sky, while others included the shoreline, trees, or water reflections to create depth and balance within the composition.
This project helped me better understand how nature photography can tell a story and create emotion without needing people or dialogue. The sunsets at Breezy Point Beach and Campground communicate feelings of peace, reflection, and appreciation for nature through color, lighting, and atmosphere alone. I also realized that photography encourages people to slow down and notice details they might normally overlook, such as reflections on the water or the way light changes over time. Overall, these photos allowed me to capture not only the beauty of nature, but also the calming emotional experience of being there in the moment.
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Draw-It Assignment:
Original Image
There was something about summer afternoons that always made time feel slower. The heat sat softly over the grass, the wind barely moved, and everything seemed frozen in golden light for just a few minutes before the sun disappeared. Those moments never lasted long, which is probably why Kristina tried so hard to remember them.
She and her best friend Kayla had spent most of their lives chasing sunsets without realizing it. Sometimes it was after long drives with the windows down, other times it was lying in random fields talking about futures they weren’t even sure would happen. They used to joke that sunsets made everything feel cinematic, like even ordinary moments were important enough to belong in a movie. But lately, life had begun moving too quickly. Graduation was approaching, people were leaving, and the comfort of familiarity was slowly being replaced by uncertainty.
That afternoon, Kristina held up her camera without thinking much about it. Kayla leaned closer, smiling naturally the way people only do when they forget they are being photographed. Behind them, the empty field stretched endlessly beneath the sunlight, quiet and untouched. At first, the picture just felt like another memory. But later that night, after staring at the image glowing on her screen, Kristina realized it captured something bigger than friendship. It captured a version of life that would never exist in exactly the same way again.
Years later, the photograph still sat tucked inside an old journal box filled with movie tickets, notes, and fading Polaroids. Whenever Kristina looked at it, she didn’t only remember the day itself. She remembered the feeling of being young enough to believe every ending was also the beginning of something beautiful. https://www.calvertcountymd.gov/breezypoint map of Breezy Point Campground that reminds me of our friendship.
This song reminds me of our friendship and the image we took!