How instant photographs work

 

Polaroid cameras have been in use for such a long time now that even one’s grandparents have probably taken pictures with them. Even though instant photography might be considered old-fashioned by some, there are others who appreciate it as a nostalgic and useful tool to taking pictures. The process of a photograph developed right in front your eyes can actually be described as a chemical reaction.
 

Instant Polaroid film consists of three different layers. Each has a dye coupler layer between them. The top of these layers is completed with yet another set of layers: an image layer, an acid layer as well as a timing layer.
 

The different color layers:
 

 

The aforementioned chemical reaction is started by the so-called re-agent. This product essentially is a combination of white pigments, alkali and opacifier. The opacifier and alkali are crucial elements since they function as a light blocker and an acid neutralizer, respectively. This mixture of products is spread all over the frame of the film. Out of this reason, polaroids also have a white frame around the outside of the film.
 

While taking a picture with a Polaroid camera, the pushing out of the film happens automatically due to small rollers inside the camera. This is when the re-agent is spread across the film. But how does the color blending that is necessary for a proper picture work? Well, it is now that the chemical reaction comes into full motion: While the colors from the dye layers rise up from the lower layers, the acid layer also goes up to the top. Meanwhile, the re-agent does his work from above. As soon as the meeting between the two chemicals occurs, there is a reaction between the alkali and opacifier in order to make the re-agent turn clear.

Now you just have to wait for the slowly, but steadily appearing image to become a piece of developed film.

(Note: I apologize for the parts in white. I've repeatedly tried to remove the white highlights, but it just won't work)


 

(313 words)

Photography Project - Evaluate Instructions

The instructions for making a camera lucida are generally not well organized but still manage to give the most essential information. As soon as looking at the instructions, one gets confused as where to begin. After eventually finding the start and continuing reading, the confusion grows as one does not know what to glue together exactly. The general lack of numbered steps makes the instructions seem more complicated than necessary. While the drawings provide details for the construction of the camera, the text merely instructs the reader briefly in terms of what actions to perform. The text also does not contain a list of needed materials or tools, which would be very helpful. Another unhelpful part is that a certain David Hockney is mentioned but the reader has no idea who this is supposed to be, so it is a irrelevant information and could simply be left out. Although the text is rather confusing than helpful and although its references to the drawings are unclear, the construction of a camera lucida with the help of these instructions is generally speaking doable.

 

(181 words)

CAJ_An introduction to hacktivism

 

 

Hacktivism - criminal or clever ?? 

 

Since it's time for us to get started with our CAJ's, I thought I'll just do a quick introduction on the topic.  Although I guess that everybody kinda knows the term, it is probably difficult to define it. Is it just about the crazy Julian Assange guy and the criminal Anonymous pinching data from other people's computers? Is it the gouvernment that is outrageously criminal or the sneaky hackers? May the questions rest in peace for now and let's start instead with a definition:

 

"Hacktivism is the act of hacking, or breaking into a computer system, for a politically or socially motivated purpose. The individual who performs an act of hacktivism is said to be a hacktivist. A hacktivist uses the same tools and techniques as a hacker, but does so in order to disrupt services and bring attention to a political or social cause." 

(source: http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/definition/hacktivism)

The term “hacktivism” itself is a portmanteau of hack and activism and already indicates a fusion of the negative and the positive. In my CAJ, I am not only going to explore the political hacktivism inspired by the hackers’ political ideals, but also the criminal variation called cyberterrorism. Hacktivism uses cyber attacks based on political motivations to promote a specific cause. As opposed to the hacking industry intent on data theft, hacktivism is not motivated by money and high visibility is key.

I am further going to explore the different forms of hacktivism, take a close look at the most famous hacktivists and various experts on the field. Since hacktivism can partly also be performed by amateurs, popular hacktivism techniques will also be addressed. Another item will be popular hacktivism campaigns as well as the extent to which whistleblowers are threatened by governments or other stakeholders in politics.

Photography Project: Descriptive Text "Migrant Mother"

The black and white picture “Migrant Mother” taken by famous photographer Dorothea Lange shows a Native American woman, probably in her 30s, holding a little baby in her arms while being surrounded by two toddlers leaning against their mother’s shoulder. They are hiding their faces, be it out of sombreness, embarrassment or shyness in front of the camera. The simple, slightly ragged yet proper clothes cannot distract from the sad and sorrowful atmosphere that is created by the little family huddled tightly together outside their simple tent. Her hand’s fingertips are resting thoughtfully against her lower jaw. When closely regarding the mother’s face in detail one can see that her face has been wrinkled by raw weather and the worries of her unforgiving life. With her lined forehead and her gaze into the distance, she seems to be troubled by her and her children’s uncertain future. Despite her obvious misery there lies a certain determination and strength in her appearance, as if she was a lonely wolf mother protecting her pups from the woes

of the world.   

                                                                                                                                      

(176 words)

                                       

Narrative article: Major earthquake in Chile

Juanita could literally feel the earth trembling under her feet. Carrying Maria, the youngest of her children, she tried as fast as she could to get to the bus that would bring them to higher surroundings. Her two sons Enrique and Julio stumbled after her. “Hurry up, children! If you want to see Aunt Carla and Uncle José again, you need to get your feet off the ground!” she urged them, while thinking of her dear sister who’d offered to receive them in this difficult time. “Gracias a Dios!” she thought…

Juanita was one of almost a million people who had to be evacuated to higher ground due to the most severe earthquake Chile had endured in 150 years. Tsunami alarm was given for vast parts of the pacific coast, warning people about the deadly, magnitude-8.2 earthquake. While at least six people were killed, the financial damage was limited. (...)

(150 words)

 

 

Urgent announcement: Do not draw on after-death avatars!!

The death of a loved one is a tough, if not excruciating experience. It can completely paralyze you. Yet there are options that help you deal with it in a sensible way.

The creation of an after-death avatar is not one of them.

Don’t be tempted by these products, because ultimately, that’s what they are! They won’t bring your father, mother, sister, brother, daughter, son, boyfriend or girlfriend back – not in a virtual way and certainly not for real!

Let your loved ones rest in peace and move on with your own life.

 

A day in the life of…myself:)

The day before an exam can be tough. That is especially true when the exam happens to take place on a Monday. Whenever this is the case, I try to spend the Sunday at my parents’ since it’s just much more relaxing for me to recharge my batteries in the quiet countryside where they live than in the noisy city. These days usually begin with a nice cup of hot chocolate. (I only drink coffee when I’m extremely tired or exhausted because I simply can’t stand the taste of it.) Afterwards, I get ready in order to join the breakfast table which involves me getting dressed and picking out some earrings, while reading the ÖH students’ magazine “Libelle”.



Following a substantial brunch, the whole family takes the obligatory walk – these are usually the most beautiful when the landscape is winter wonderland-like. I really enjoy these walks because they distract me from the upcoming exam madness on the next day.
 

 

After a fun afternoon, I tend to go over the material one last time (yeah, I’m an avid member of the study-in-the-last-minute group) before I head off to Graz again – and hope for the best.

 

 

(200 words)