“미안하는데 너무 추워요.”

Today was my first solo attempt at starting my portrait portfolio. I set off to the river by my apartment, where the light is good and it’s an open space. I know it’s 설날 today, but I guessed there would still be some people walking around. I was right, but I underestimated the cold. Badly.

I asked four separate people if they would mind posing for a photo and each of them said the same thing - “Sorry, but it’s too cold.” They were all very polite, but after the last rejection, I looked again and realized that everyone was walking with a purpose. Not one person was walking casually along the river like I see on most days. Everyone was trying to get somewhere warmer.

I’ll get them next time.

(Source: alexfinch.net)

4 months ago

Photos taken at Shanna(@hangukdrama)’s farewell party tonight at ‘On The Border’, 신촌점. Food was expensive, but the company was top notch.

Something I find that I’m struggling with are the ISO settings. I usually set it to ‘Auto’, but I think I need to take greater control. There’s a lot of noise here.

(Source: alexfinch.net)

4 months ago
My birthday In 홍대 First time in 부산 I got an iPad! Hanging out with friends A year of good profile shots Climbed a mountain New relationships Good friends My first Korean wedding

2011 was an incredible year. In terms of personal development, it was unrivaled and despite there being areas where I feel that I missed out, it was definitely a positive average.

The beginning of the year started much like any other with the same VISA stress that I’m currently enduring and a second year at the same academy. It wasn’t until May that I followed a friend to LanguageCast and my previously desolate social circle increased exponentially. Acquaintances were made and strong friendships were forged. I met more new people than I ever have in my life, I’m sure of it. My confidence skyrocketed.

With this new found confidence, I was able to really grow as a person and deal with issues that arose. Some times were hard, but I had friends there to pick me up, dust me off and give me the kick in the arse that I needed. For that, I can’t thank them enough. The same friends helped me to move on and rebuild my confidence.

The only area that I feel like I let myself down was academically. I had planned to become TEFL accredited and earn TOPIK Basic level, but procrastination caused me to think it through, without actually getting it done. I have a fresh chance to accomplish both of these goals in 2012, and I will.

2012 is here and I’m going to build on the positives and continue my self improvement with new routines and a new me. I can’t wait.

(Source: alexfinch.net)

5 months ago