Wednesday, April 14, 2010

I'm the Photo BOMB!


For the last few months I've taken a challenge to myself to become a professional photo bomber. It happened by accident; I was asked to step aside for a photo so that my friend could pose, so in retaliation I bombed the background of the pic with a revolting, distorted look on my face. Instant success. Ever since, I have not taken the art of photo bombing lightly one bit. I've been thrusting myself into the background of as many photos as I can, pulling the worst faces known to man. I feel my reputation is really taking off, as people now know to add me and tag me into these photos. I figure, why be in a good photo, when I can destroy a good photo?

I've compiled a collection of some of my better photo bombs, and have created a simple step-by-step formula to excel your photo bombing prowess.

STEP 1: LOOK OUT FOR GROUP PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
Whenever a photo is being taken - it is usually of a group of people. Keep your eyes peeled when scanning the room for a staged group shot. Tip - group shots tend to be side by side, therefore position yourself neatly behind.


STEP 2: BE STEALTHY
You can't tell the person you're going to photobomb their photo. They shouldn't know what your intentions are. In fact, they shouldn't see you at all. Your biggest threat of discovery is by the person taking the photo. They're looking at the people they're taking the photo of, so avoid eye contact with them. It also helps if their is a pillar or another person to stand behind for a cover. Tip - wander around either with a purpose or like you're lost into the back ground. Do not look at the camera until the very last second. The person taking the photo usually does a count down - listen out for this. IMPORTANT - as soon as the picture is taken WALK AWAY. View from a distance when they all look at the camera to check the shot (no one can take a photo and not look at it straight after these days!) so you need to be out of sight by the time this happens.

STEP 3: UGLY IS BETTER
When you've established your prime position and are listening to the count down - think of what face you're going to pull. Never smile, it looks like you're chiming in. The face you pull really determines the level of photo bombing you wish to pursue. Opt for something disgusting, outrageous or just plain feral. This will make sure you stand out, and that you've completely ruined a good photo.



STEP 4: GET CREATIVE
This last step is to be attempted once all the other steps are mastered. It is now time to go above and beyond the act of photo bombing. Try out a few new moves, all whilst maintaining a high standard of stealth. 'New Moves' may include jumping in the background of the shot, looking like you're actually supposed to be in the shot by joining on at one side (simply walk past the group shot, stop for the photo, then continue walking), looking like you're going to be sick in someone's hair, or trying out a double bomb (you + a mate). TIP - if you get caught, act like you're completely unaware of what is happening. Have a prepared cover up story, like trying to find the toilets, or looking for a mate.



If you've done an epic photobomb, I'd love to see it!



Wednesday, April 7, 2010

FIRST IMPRESSIONS


So my very first gaming column for Dolly Magazine has come out! I'm very thrilled to be writing about games for the girls of Aus. This issue is all about getting to know me - gaming wise.

Also on the note of First Impressions, I find it only fitting to talk about the games I'm playing at the moment!
I have a awfully bad habit of starting a brand new game, playing it until I get stuck (or die before a save and can't be assed backtracking) and give up on it, where it collects dust. This has happened one too many times, and I must make a stand on the abuse of my game playing!
So before I take a vow to finish every game I start (gulp) I thought I'd give share my FIRST IMPRESSIONS of the games I've started recently.

WARNING - SPOILER ALERT

Assassins Creed II:
Yes, I blogged about falling in love with the first one, and couldn't bare the thought of finishing its predecessor before testing out the sequel. From the three hours that I'd played, I found out I prefer the start of the first Assassins Creed. Ouch. And I also didn't like the character I am now as much, or the era, or the use of currency. But I'll just have to call the WAHHmbulance and finish this game, with a smile on my face.

Eternal Sonata:
Another game I'd gloated about guaranteed and endless love for. Guess what? I don't. In fact, the story line is morbid, and the fighting sequences so repetitive I only lasted a few hours. I really don't want to have to finish this game, so maybe lets pretend I didn't buy this one at all? I'm pretty sure it was less than $20... good riddance.

Mass Effect:
WHY DID I NOT HAVE THIS GAME EARLIER?? What an RPG. And here I was, disillusioned with the thought that I preferred fantasy over science fiction. This game is brilliant! I'm loving the ferociousness of my heroine, the fact that the story-line doesn't completely fly over my head and the diversity in alien species. I bought this one so I could dabble before I bought Mass Effect 2 - and now I can hardly wait to finish this before I conquer the next. YEAH!!

Lost Odyssey:
This game started off SO promising. The graphics blew me away. I love to be a hero that is indestructible - it means you don't eve have to enter the 'God Mode' cheat! I grew quickly tired of the dreams that were unveiled...reading for 5 minutes with corny background music and slideshow effects just aint my thing. Bloodthirsty and ready for battle, I was again disappointed by the fighting regime. Being a console game I was expecting quicktime play, or 'tap-a-button-to-destroy-enemies' kind of fighting. Not 'you-may-as-well-be-playing-final-fantasy-on-DS' fighting. Massive let down. It just gets so repetitive and dull, and there simply is not even motivation to even use a strategy. Close, Lost Odyssey, but no cigar.


There is also a list of games that I have played, and ignored for so long I forget how to even play the game anymore. I have no idea where I am or what to do next. If any of the games I have listed are worth it - please let me know!

Wii -
Zelda: Twilight Princess
Super Mario Bros Wii
Lego Star Wars
Lego Batman
Star Wars - Force Unleashed
Metroid: Prime Trilogy (embarrassing confession - I haven't even put this in the console yet!)

Xbox 360 -
Halo ODST
GTA IV
Dragon Age (but have clocked in about 40 hrs game time, and just started a new character so not too fussed, just a tad over having to do it all again)
Oblivion (yeah yeah... I'm just not as into it as Fable II and DA!)

DSi -
Zelda - Phantom Hourglass
Final Fantasy IV, VII, XII
Professor Layton I & II


I'd also love to hear your top 5 fav games of all time!

GET GAMING GEEKS!