#they were still getting to know each other (having both forgotten their 1.0 times together)

[wildstar25]

MiqoMarch Day 16 - Summer

"C'mon Fish it's time for a bath!" *chuckling* "Seems to me you'd best re-think that name of his"

Nothing says "summer" like a trip to Costa del Sol with your partner and companion 🏝️

[odanurr87]

Watching Voltron Season 7

This summarizes my feelings on the season quite nicely.

I’m trying something different this time around. Instead of reviewing the season as a whole -something I might do later anyway- I decided to provide written commentary on each and every episode as I watched it. The quality of the comments will vary and you probably shouldn’t take them all too seriously (especially if you really liked this season). If it looks like I’m giving Season 7 a hard time, it’s probably because I am, but know it comes from a place of love (maybe). Having said that, I have to warn you that: a) I’ve not provided context for all of my comments, you’ll just have to figure out what I’m talking about at times (fairly easy, particularly if you’re watching the episode at the same time); and b) there are lots and lots of spoilers!

So, sit back, relax, and let’s watch Season 7 of Voltron: Legendary Defender, shall we?

Episode 1: A Little Adventure

Keith and Shiro’s story should’ve been shown earlier than S7. It might’ve helped me like Keith a little more. It’s a great flashback, but it feels a little rushed.

The humor is not really funny and it doesn’t gel well with the more solemn story of Shiro lying in a coma fighting for his life.

Pidge decides to check his comms at a completely random moment.

Okay, the “literal bait” bit was funny.

Episode 2: The Road Home

They let Lance decide passenger arrangements?

Mice-selfies!

The passsenger arrangements was a funny bit. Thankfully, it didn’t overstay its welcome.

Did everyone have to explore the Blade facility? Nobody thought of staying with the lions just in case?

“We’re under attack.” Read above.

The wolf is deciding the arrangements now. I’m okay with that.

You can’t defeat a few fighters without forming Voltron? Wouldn’t that be more energy-taxing than firing lasers?

“We run.” Why didn’t you do that in the first place?!

Hunk. My man!

Episode 3: The Way Forward

Why are we back to goofy Lance?

“We’re destined for greatness.” Yeah, right. Wouldn’t be surprised if one of you kicks the bucket before the end of the episode.

Baddie is terrible at interrogation. Your prisoners have just answered your question.

Coran’s antics are not funny.

Bayards can teleport, huh? Would’ve been nice to use that trick in the cell.

Yup, they’re dead.

Eh, three-year time lapse. No biggie.

Episode 4: The Feud!

This isn’t funny or interesting, just boring. Sorry, I’m skipping this one.

Okay, that closing music is the best thing of this episode. Of course, bear in mind I skipped to the ending.

Episode 5: The Ruins

Seinfeld? Why are we wasting time like this?

Remember what happened the last time we deviated from our voyage?

Hunk gets it.

Yes, abandon the lions… again.

That reveal was way too fast. The guy’s story was more interesting than this.

Isn’t Lance supposed to have a broadsword?

So you had the Voltron team escape the force field so they’d be incapacitated by Macidus... again. What was the point?

I was kinda hoping Keith would say, “It’s okay, I’m used to it.”

Episode 6: The Journey Within

I’m still not sure how going to Earth is gonna help them replace the Castle of Lions.

Their Paladin armour protected them but the lions are frozen? I’m thinking too much.

Hunk’s already softening the blow for the Paladins getting replaced?

Well, this is riveting stuff. And I’d still have this episode over all the previous ones.

I doubt people would react this way but who knows. Keith is back to being an asshole. Just as I was warming up to him.

Well, I guess we couldn’t have an episode without something trying to kill the Paladins.

That speech feels a little out of place now, Keith. Just a tiny bit.

Guess they have energy now?

New configuration. I dig it.

And about damn time too.

I was expecting more from an episode with this title.

Episodes 7 & 8: The Last Stand, Parts 1 & 2

Okay, I may be nitpicking, but couldn’t we have left the flashback for the reunion?

Sanda seems reasonable, for now anyway.

This episode is picking up the slack from the previous ones. Nice.

It surrounds us, it penetrates us, it binds the galaxy together.

Okay, if I were a guy at this briefing, I’d have a hard time believing any of this.

I see good points on both sides here. Compromise: why not inform a few governments and start from there, similarly to what they did on Stargate SG-1. Broadcasting this to the whole wide world without a plan seems terribly irresponsible.

Voltron’s own Area 51. Cool!

Are these guys going to be the new Paladins? I sure hope not.

In all this time you didn’t even contact a single government? Are there even governments in this world? It’s not about emotion, it’s about resources, dammit!

If getting kicked out of the garrison was your biggest concern, I say go for it.

“The cat’s out of the bag now.” My thoughts exactly.

Whoa, I guess it’s true what they say, everyone wants to rule the world.

I’m pretty sure what you wanted to say was that there are mass riots and widespread panic out there, right?

I’m sure glad everyone else in the world has that nice and shiny particle barrier.

Oops, guess they didn’t.

Why the f*** is Sanda so stubborn?! We tried it your way and everyone died. Surely we can’t do any worse than that?

Every other place that didn’t have your shiny new tech got wasted, no kidding.

Sam really wants to rule the world, doesn’t he?

Yes, he does, he’s just gonna wait for the lions to show up. Doesn’t take a genius.

I can’t believe I’m saying this but, so far, the best episode of this season hasn’t featured the Paladins or Voltron.

Meet Veronica, the new Black Paladin.

Why reveal your presence like that?

Query. They designed weapons that are effective against Galra ships but not against Galra troops? Seems like an oversight.

Don’t worry, they’re not about to kill a badass character off like that.

Told you so.

Okay, I’m slightly more willing to read about what happened on Earth while the Paladins were away in comic book form. Slightly.

Oh, Lance’s sister. Hot.

I’m not sure that… Well, what do you know, it worked.

The next episode, Keith, the next episode.

Episode 9: Know Your Enemy

How exactly are you blocking- You know what? Forget it.

And that’s how the Paladins were killed! Kidding.

Introducing New Keith 1.0.

That door seems like a weak point.

Confirmed: Pidge can fly.

New Keith 1.0 is jealous of Keith 2.0. The plot thickens.

I had completely forgotten about Adam. Way to go killing him off like that. Couldn’t you have featured him in a couple more episodes at least? As it stands, he was entirely superfluous.

New Keith 1.0 is even more of an asshole than Keith 1.0. Someone punch him for me, please.

Sanda has been unusually quiet. I don’t like that.

Space Battleship Yama- I mean, Atlas!

Seriously, handing over the lions at this point would be dumb beyond measure. It merely leaves you at the mercy of the Galra who’ll backstab you at the earliest opportunity. Why are we even discussing this? Are we really going to make Sanda a baddie now?

“We need intelligence and we just don’t have it.” She’s absolutely right, just not in the way she thinks.

What was that? New Keith 1.0 went from being a jerk to a more or less decent guy in less than an episode? What’s going on here?

Hunk couldn’t rescue his parents. I’m surprised this show was that bold.

Episode 10: Heart of the Lion

I don’t understand any of what just went down. So an Earth power source makes an Earth prosthetic go berserk but an Altean one won’t? Are there evil power sources in this universe now?

Also, that arm’s missing a half. Just saying.

Admiral Sanda’s back to her senses. Good.

Yes, call your brother an idiot for showing concern. That’ll show him!

A tiny nitpick: why not use the wolf to teleport around?

Confirmed: New Keith 1.0 is no longer a jerk.

Teamwork!

Allurance moment. I ship it.

That scene with Pidge and Keith.

Zai-what?

Damn, Sanda’s all about the problems, isn’t she? How about a solution every once in a while?

How did they do that again?

It’s a bit of a gamble but it’s better than sitting around and doing nothing.

That Tenzin moment!

Lance 1.0 would’ve boasted about it. Just saying.

Um, why is Red not responding?

Great visuals, great music, great scene.

Drama! To be continued… or maybe not.

Those troops are terrible shots.

Cut it with your sword, cut it with your sword!

Or that works too. Were we holding back Red just for the sake of drama?

That was… awfully fast of the Galra.

Oh, no, don’t you tell me that... For f***’s sake, that was idiotic! You’re helping the guy who has built planet killers instead of the people trying to take them down?!

No formation sequence and music? This doesn’t bode well.

Can energy beams be bended like- Ah, forget it.

Personally, I would’ve cut off the episode at the blast, maybe even the season. Kills all suspense otherwise.

Episode 11: Trial by Fire

This marks the second time the lions get captured this season.

“We made a deal!” Famous last words. My eyes are rolling.

The bad guys are leaving. I wonder why? #sarcasm

The main villain lied to you? No way! This must be a mistake! Also #sarcasm

To kill everyone I presume.

Bingo.

We only now remember we have a crystal than can act as a power source?

Magic.

Um, why is everyone looking at Shiro like that? Just roll with it.

Now, if the Atlas were destroyed right now, that would be funny! I have a wicked sense of humor.

“Take them out.” A little late for that.

Ah, the redeeming arc begins! I foresee someone dying.

The ship “gained abilities”? I’m just gonna say it: magic.

Just kill her. I mean, she’s gonna die anyway. It’s that kind of arc.

Told you so.

Episodes 12 & 13: Lions’ Pride, Parts 1 & 2

Voltron formation music is back but with less punch.

Voltron’s finally kicking ass!

Why are we surprised that Sendak is going to destroy Earth?

I don’t mean to be rude, but that’s a (relatively) stationary cannon, and they probably don’t have enough mirrors up in space to track all of Voltron’s movements. Voltron shouldn’t have any problem dodging those blasts.

So Sendak’s willing to destroy his own ships to get Voltron? I’m game! Let’s rush from cruiser to cruiser! At least they’ll provide temporary cover.

They’re letting the Paladins move around the mirrors untouched?

Why not reflect the beams back at the cannons? Just a thought.

“Commander, they’re deflecting the beams.” Um, send someone to take the lions out? It’s not like you’re short on ships.

Why not simply blow up the crystal? You did bring explosives with you, didn’t you?

“Victory or death.” Why not simply transfer command to another ship?

I’m just going to pretend I didn’t see you on the hull of that ship, Shiro.

MORTAL KOMBAT!!!

That was a surprisingly smooth landing, all things considered.

Death it is.

Another Allurance moment.

Okay, why is this Part 1 again? Looks like everything was rounded up nicely.

Looks like I spoke too soon.

You’re overdoing it.

Ah, for the love of... Another mega-robot?!

I’m with Allura, this season should’ve ended in the previous episode or at episode 10.

I don’t know what the Komar is. I skimmed through previous seasons.

What happened to “we can recharge Voltron ourselves”?

Really? Somehow this robot is more powerful than anything we’ve ever seen? My eyes are rolling again.

Magic returns to save the day.

You’ve got to be kidding me, you built a ship that can somehow turn into a giant robot and you didn’t know?!

Okay, no, stop, this is beyond ridiculous now.

Weren’t there civilians around?

I seem to recall saying you were overdoing it. We’re way past that point now.

Why not return to Earth as soon as you’ve pushed that thing into space? I forgot, drama.

If they die, I’ll take everything back.

Lions still there so they didn’t.

Nice speech. Not feeling it though.

I’m saying it right now, Season 8 should jump forward in time several years.

Acxa! I had forgotten all about you. Seriously, when did we drop you?

Lotor’s been a very naughty boy. So much for time skip. It really was the way to go after this season.

[aannacole17]

Evaluation of project shoots (3)

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My first Individual film camera shoot

This shoot was the first photo shoot I did solely by myself using a film camera. Even though I wasn’t 100% sure if I would be able to get correctly exposed images. I knew the only way to learn would be through practise. I borrowed a camera from the university. This time I had light meter that worked this gave me good practise making sure I could see both a plus and minus symbol. I also took my time loading in the film being careful to remember each step. It was also much less time consuming. I was also unsure on a final theme for the project absence and presence and had narrowed down to three ideas that I would explore. I decided on these three ideas before my shoot so I had previous ideas and wouldn’t be wasting my time or film.  

My ideas were:

presence of nature in central London.  

Absence of people in busy areas  

presence of people in abandoned areas  

I chose these ideas out of my mind map as I wanted to focus on specific ideas so I didn’t try to overload myself with too much work and not have a focal point. I decided to also have three ideas so I wasn’t stuck focusing on one as I believed it would limit my creativity. This way my ideas will link together and hopefully fit well together in a collection for a final piece. Throughout the day my ideas progressed and was able to shoot a little from each of my ideas I also came up with more and shifted my ideas slightly also changing locations I had thought of. I spent a long time making sure each of my images were well exposed also making sure that each image would fit one of my themes.  

I found that depending on my location and the type of lighting that I had available to me depended on how long I took to correctly to expose an image. I found it very difficult in direct sunlight. And very tough when in dimly lit areas such as certain darker cafes and shops. I eventually overcame this but took a lot of time.  

I also found taking out my film easy but unintentionally opened the camera before all the film was back in the container this meant I lost the last three images on my film. This was very frustrating but it also meant I wont make the same mistake twice. I also managed to develop my negatives without help and only referred to my notes a few times to double check timings. I spent a lot of time enlarging my photos as I had forgotten how to set up properly luckily I eventually remembered. As I refrained myself from asking for guidance unless I really couldn’t work it out. I developed most of my photos even ones I wasn’t necessarily going to use just so I could practise correcting photos if they were too over/under exposed. I focused most of my attention to ones I thought would work for my final images also grouping and labelling images together that fit specific themes. I also marked what went well so I knew what to recreate also marking what didn’t go so well to avoid similar issues

These are three of my favourite shots from the first shoot. The first image relates to the theme of the “presence of nature” the last two images relate too the presence of people. Even though this isnt directly related to one of my themes as the places these were taken are very central and not deserted. I focused strongly on the technical aspect making sure I correctly exposed them also realising how tough it would be to find specific places for my shots. Making me plan for longer on where I would travel for my next photo shoot.

These are three images that didn’t work out so well from my first shoot all three images have different issues that occurred either when taking the image or enlarging it. The first image when taken was over exposed meaning I lost a lot of detail from the side of the building. I also didn’t correctly Aline my boarders so the image is wonky. The second image was taken on a low shutter speed making the image unintentionally blurry. I also didn’t boarder my image instead making it a full bleed. The image also looks very flat and boring. The last image was also slightly blurred as it was taken on also a slow shutter speed. It was also awkwardly exposed on the paper. The range of tones are not too bad but overall not one of my best photos. Even though these images didn’t go so well I learnt from them and was able to minimise my mistakes with each image slowly progressing each time.

My individual camera shoot two  

My second shoot I was able to load my film into the camera correctly but was still very careful making sure I had done it right. I made sure to go to different areas within London so I would definitely receive variations within my shots I decided to perfect shooting in daylight as some of my previous images were over exposed making them loose a lot of detail. These overall made it very tricky to recover and I ended up not using many of those images. This time I wanted that not to happen, putting more effort to expose correctly. As I still hadn’t decided on a theme as I had only one shoot to go off. I decided to shoot different things for the same three ideas. This way I wasn’t discarding any ideas yet but collecting enough images to make a more informed decision before my final shoot. I also attempted shooting at night time and using limited  light to see how my images would turn out.  

When taking my roll of film out I made sure to roll my film in all the way so I wouldn’t loose any images like previously. I also managed to develop my film easier and load the film onto the roll quicker.  

When enlarging my photos I noticed I could set up easier and also spend less time developing my images as I was more informed on what exposers to do. From the images of this shoot I shifted my idea to focusing on the “absence of people in busy areas” I decided to develop only the photos that I might end up using. I then decided to plan out my final shoot to focus on one theme.  

These are my three favourite images selected from my second shoot. These three relate to my idea of “absence of people in busy areas”. I managed to perfect my camera skills but not making my images too over exposed in direct sunlight. My favourite image out of the three is the first one as I am very pleased with the overall contrast by being able to achieve deep blacks and bright whites along with a range of tones. I liked how deserted the image is but also how silently pretty it is. The only improvement I would make would be too trim the top of the boarder to make it even with the other sides. The second image I also very much like my favourite part being the shadows casted along the pillars that flow through the houses the only issue I have with this image is that there are a few people in the background making it not completely deserted. The last image is very similar but slightly more underexposed. This one I prefer as fits more strongly with my theme as there are no people in the image at all.

My individual camera shoot three  

This was my final shoot for this project and wanted to make sure I gathered all the images I needed so I didn’t have to do a fourth shoot. As even though I had enough time for this I wanted to focus on developing my images and get them to the best standard possible. From analysing all of the photos I had already got I worked out how many I wanted to use to know how many more I needed. I decided to focus only on the underground as the images I had already got from there I liked very much and wanted to expand.  

As I had done three previous shoot the first as a practise using the camera and the previous two as ones specifically for this project I felt a lot more confident in my ability in using a  film camera. Having practised each of the stages and producing good images