RyanDraginis

 Going through the creation of this book really takes personalization to the next level, especially in how the pictures and text are placed. Every decision feels intentional. The size of an image, its position on the page, and the amount of space around it all influence how the reader experiences the story. A full-page photo can pause the narrative and allow a moment to breathe, while smaller images placed beside text create a more intimate connection. Even the balance of white space plays a role, guiding the reader’s eyes and emotions. The layout becomes more than just design—it becomes storytelling. The way text flows around an image can emphasize certain feelings or highlight important details. Instead of simply presenting content, the book creates an experience that feels carefully crafted and personal. Through this process, I realized that personalization is not just about what you include, but how you choose to present it. Title Cover Two examples of other photos

  Pelican on the Boardwalk Pompano Beach, FL 2023 For this project, I used photographs that stood out to me because of how beautiful the views are from my perspective on life. Each image reflects the way I experience and interpret the world around me, emphasizing moments that might otherwise go unnoticed.  Marshall McLuhan’s quote, “The medium is the message,” connects strongly to this project because photography itself shapes how these moments are communicated and understood. The camera is not just a tool, but a medium that influences how emotion, space, and meaning are conveyed. Through framing, lighting, and composition, the photographs express my personal viewpoint and how I find beauty in everyday scenes.  By sharing these images, I invite viewers to see the world through my lens and consider how their own perspectives shape what they find meaningful. The project highlights how visual media can transform simple moments into powerful expressions of identity and perce...

  The video I created uses sound as a key factor in shaping emotion, specifically to convey the feeling of missing the warmth and beauty of summertime. Sound was carefully chosen to create a sense of nostalgia and comfort, allowing the viewer to emotionally connect with the visuals. Along with sound, I used smooth and intentional movements to create clean transitions between scenes, helping the video feel cohesive and natural rather than abrupt. These transitions support the emotional flow and reinforce the calm, reflective tone of the piece. Marshall McLuhan’s quote, “We are enveloped by sound,” reveals how sound surrounds us and influences the way we experience media. In this video, sound acts as more than background noise; it immerses the viewer and guides their emotional response. Together, sound and movement create an atmosphere that reflects longing for summer, and the feelings associated with its warmth and beauty. I used my phone camera and video from about 3 years ago to ...

  Hi, my name is Ryan Draginis, and I am a junior at Lawrence University. I am originally from Illinois, but I have also lived in Minnesota and now live in Wisconsin. Moving between states has helped me become more adaptable and outgoing, pushing me out of my shell and shaping me into an extrovert who enjoys connecting with others. Another major influence in my life has been sports.  From playing baseball at an early age to competing in basketball and cross country, athletics have taught me the value of hard work, discipline, and giving 100% effort in everything I do. The drive to improve and challenge myself in sports has carried over into other areas of my life, shaping the person I am today.  The McLuhan quote that stood out to me was, “Electric technology fosters and encourages unification and involvement.”   Technology has allowed me to stay connected with the sports world in ways that were not possible before. For example, cross country is not a widely popula...