Polaroids Around Riga

Polaroids Around Riga
12 August 2016

So with it being my last couple days and all, I decided to skip writing a post and instead share my favorite pictures from my stay here. Funny thing you’ll notice is all the pictures are on Polaroid film (from the cameras the print up the picture as soon as you take it). When I first got this camera in June and realized I would have it for Riga, I decided right then I would do a gallery of Polaroid pictures.

And I’ll be honest, it’s been hard figuring out how to photograph large buildings, with changing light situations, with honestly a camera that is “old-stylez”. Probably the biggest challenge has been the importance of taking the perfect shot the first time. With the film as expensive as it is, there’s not really any room for error when taking a picture. That being said, I messed up quite a bit, but I came up with a set of pictures I’m rather proud of. I hope you enjoy…

Mark Kennedy, currently studying Russian at Liden & Denz Riga. 

Posted by Mark Kennedy

Всем Привет! My name is Mark Kennedy, and I’m currently studying Russian at the Liden and Denz Language Center in Riga, Latvia! To say I’m excited to be here is a severe understatement. Currently I'm going into my fourth year at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, where I'm enrolled as a dual-degree candidate, earning two degrees in Russian Language and Literature, and French Horn Performance. I started my study of Russian during a two-year mission for my church in St. Petersburg, Russia. Probably one of the coolest things I’ve ever done! My language learning started off as kind of a trial by fire: with only 12 weeks of training beforehand, I was thrown into Russia and expected (to attempt, at least) to hold full on conversations with people. In the beginning it wasn’t pretty, but the sink or swim mentality of it all forced me to work hard from the start, and motivated me to really overcome any issues I had quickly. Combined with a personally guided plan of language study and some study materials, I came to love the language and the Russian people a TON! Two years later and I’m still studying it… Outside of Russian language, my French Horn degree keeps me busy. Favorite composer is probably Richard Strauss, and my favorite symphonic work is The Rite of Spring Suite by Stravinsky. (Debussy Piano pieces are my favorite non-symphonic works). I’m also into basically anything arts related: singing, dancing, listening to Maroon 5, drawing Sharpie art, going to art exhibits, going to orchestra concerts, etc. In terms of sports, I was a collegiate rower for the University of Michigan in 2011-2012, when we won the National Champions Team Trophy, and I play Ultimate Frisbee. I’m excited for this opportunity to write for Liden & Denz, and to share my enthusiasm and excitement about Riga and the Russian language!

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