Category Archives: Photography

A reader concludes their visual journey through Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom, this time focusing on the landscapes and locations of Hyrule.

I can’t emphasise enough how beautiful Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom is. The first time you dive through the sky is just breathtaking. The sheer verticality of the world and the views this offers are absolutely stunning. The variety of landscapes and places to visit is unbelievable, with the world being at least double the size of Breath Of The Wild.

Revisiting your former haunts is endlessly fascinating, as something has always changed, offering a new surprise to the familiar. Without doubt Tears Of The Kingdom offers the most attractive and rich world that the Zelda series has ever seen. It is an absolute joy to explore all its secret corners and discover magic at every turn. How Nintendo will ever top this, I can’t even imagine! Anyway, here are the last of my photos, which hopefully show some of the artistry of the game. Thanks!

GC: Ryan created similar Reader’s Features for Zelda: Breath Of The Wild, from 2017, and you can see part 1 here and part 2 here. The first part of the Tears Of The Kingdom feature is available here and the second part here.

(WARNING: I haven’t included any bosses or major secrets but if you want to stay completely spoiler free you may wish to stop reading now.)

By reader Ryan O’D

The reader’s feature does not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.

You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot. Just contact us at [email protected] or use our Submit Stuff page and you won’t need to send an email.

MORE : Nintendo Switch sells 1 billion video games as Tears Of The Kingdom passes 18 million

MORE : Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom is the best selling game of 2023 so far

MORE : Two of the rarest Legend Of Zelda games are now on Nintendo Switch

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When it comes to creating memorable and captivating music, finding the right musicians is crucial. Whether you’re planning a live performance, recording a studio album, or learning how to upload music to Spotify, hiring contract musicians can elevate your project to new heights.

However, the process of finding the best contract musicians can be challenging if you’re unsure where to begin. To help you navigate this journey, here are eight essential things you need to know.

1. Clearly Define Your Project Requirements

Before you start searching for contract musicians, you need to clearly define your project requirements: What kind of music are you looking for? Do you need a soloist, a band, or an orchestra? Consider the genre, style, and specific instruments you require. Also, determine the duration of the project, the number of rehearsals or performances involved, and any other relevant details.

By intimately knowing your project’s requirements, you can communicate your needs effectively and attract musicians who are the right fit.

2. Seek Recommendations and Referrals

One of the most reliable ways to find exceptional contract musicians is by seeking recommendations and referrals from trusted sources. Talk to fellow musicians, music teachers, or industry professionals with connections to talented performers. Attend local music events, open mic nights, or concerts to discover new talent firsthand.

Additionally, consider reaching out to music agencies, production companies, or music schools that can provide you with a list of recommended musicians. Gathering recommendations and referrals can save you time and help you find musicians with proven skills and experience.

3. Conduct Auditions or Interviews

To ensure the musicians you hire meet your expectations, conduct auditions or interviews instead of just seeing how they look on paper. Provide specific audition requirements, such as a prepared piece or a sight-reading exercise. Evaluate the musicians’ technical abilities, musicality, stage presence, and ability to work collaboratively. If you can’t conduct in-person auditions, consider requesting video recordings or hosting online auditions.

This step allows you to assess the musicians’ compatibility with your project and select the individuals who best embody your vision.

4. Consider Reputation and Professionalism

When hiring contract musicians, their reputation and professionalism play a significant role in the success of your project. Research the musicians’ backgrounds, previous work, and reviews from past clients or employers. Look for musicians with a track record of reliability, punctuality, and adaptability.

A positive attitude and the ability to handle constructive criticism are also valuable traits. Remember, you’re hiring musicians for their talent and building a team that can work cohesively to bring your project to life.

5. Establish Clear Contractual Agreements

Once you’ve found the ideal contract musicians, it’s crucial to establish clear contractual agreements. Outline the terms of engagement, including compensation, rehearsal schedules, performance dates, and any additional requirements. Specify ownership and copyright of the music created during the project.

Clearly communicate expectations regarding attire, behavior, and any other relevant details. Having a written contract protects both parties and ensures a professional and transparent working relationship.

6. Assess Compatibility and Chemistry

Beyond musical skills, you’re also assessing compatibility and chemistry between you and the contract musicians you’re considering. Arrange a casual meeting or rehearsal session to see how well you collaborate and communicate with each other. The chemistry among musicians can greatly enhance the creative process and result in a more cohesive and enjoyable performance.

Look for musicians who are open to feedback, have good teamwork skills, and can adapt to different musical styles and dynamics.

7. Check Availability and Commitment

Before finalizing your decision, it’s important to check the availability and commitment of the contract musicians. Ensure they have the necessary time and flexibility to meet the demands of your project. Discuss any conflicts they might have with other engagements or commitments that may affect their availability.

Reliable and committed musicians are essential to maintaining the integrity and continuity of your project, and their dedication will ultimately contribute to its success.

8. Consider Budget and Negotiation

When hiring contract musicians, consider your budget and engage in negotiation if necessary. Clearly establish your financial limitations from the beginning and discuss compensation openly with the musicians. Be transparent about what you can offer and listen to their expectations as well.

While finding musicians within your budget is important, remember that quality and experience often come at a cost. Consider the value skilled musicians can bring to your project and be open to negotiation to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

To the Studio and Beyond

Finding the perfect contract musicians for your project requires a thoughtful and thorough approach.

Take the time to find the right musicians to bring your musical vision to life, and get ready to create an extraordinary and unforgettable experience together. The harmony of your project lies in the hands of the best contract musicians you choose.

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Housing at Newcastle

Source: Tony Ray-Jones, Architectural Press Archive / RIBA Collections

Low-rise linear housing, Tavy Bridge, Thamesmead, Greenwich, London Architects: Greater London Council Department of Architecture & Civic Design

Source: Tony Ray-Jones, Architectural Press Archive / RIBA Collections

Workers’ housing, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, with Dunston Power Station behind

Source: Tim Street-Porter, Architectural Press Archive / RIBA Collections

Classroom window, Wales

Source: Unknown photographer, Architectural Press Archive / RIBA Collections

Southmere Lake and Southmere Towers, Thamesmead, Greenwich, London Architects: Greater London Council Department of Architecture & Civic Design

Source: Tony Ray-Jones, Architectural Press Archive / RIBA Collections

High-rise flats and multi-storey car park, Birmingham

Source: Peter Baistow, Architectural Press Archive / RIBA Collections

The RIBA’s Architecture Gallery is set to host the upcoming exhibition, Wide-Angle View: architecture as social space in the Manplan series 1969-1970.

The exhibition focuses on the Manplan series of publications, initiated in 1969, which sought to analyse the state of architecture and urban planning in Britain at the time. Utilising photography as a central medium, the series presented ideas and critiques about the societal impacts of architecture.

Over the course of eight issues released from September 1969 to September 1970, each instalment of Manplan focused on a distinct facet of human activity affected by design and planning decisions.

The series enlisted guest editors such as Norman Foster and Virginia Makins, along with specially commissioned photojournalists and street photographers, to effectively convey each issue’s thematic essence.

Themes explored in the series, included poverty, economic uncertainty, community involvement in planning, and the role of architects in societal fairness.

The exhibition will showcase the work of photographers including Ian Berry, Patrick Ward, and Tony Ray-Jones. The photographs have rarely been republished and have never been displayed publicly before.

Valeria Carullo, exhibition lead curator and RIBA’s photographs curator said, “This exhibition, with the raw power of its photographs, brings us back to a time of challenges, disparities, disillusionment, but also a time of questioning, protesting, campaigning – in many ways, much like our here and now. It is a timely reminder of the importance of citizens’ participation in the decisions that affect their communities and the role architects can play in creating a fairer society.”

> Also read: Peter Marlow’s The English Cathedral: ‘Creeping towards eternity’

Whenever I heard about Dubai it’s always the modern architecture, high-rise buildings, lavish lifestyle, and super big malls. When I wanted to try street photography there I looked for something different and then I came across the Old Dubai area. It’s actually an area dedicated to the old culture and renovated to look like an ancient city. Even though it’s more of a tourist attraction, I found some genuine people and interesting lifestyles around the area. It was crowded, filled with small shops, and more lively than the modern streets in Dubai.

You can check out some more amazing series by Ashraful Arefin:

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About Ashraful Arefin

Ashraful Arefin is a Fine Art Photographer based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, born in May 3rd of 1987. Ashraful was always very interested in drawing and painting, and wanted to be an artist from the childhood. He started studying Fine Arts and have chosen Graphic Design as the major in the university. Ashraful was photographically born in 2013 when he started doing a 365 project, and completely fell in love with photography and found his true passion for it. Ashraful has been very much inspired by the simple little things and tries to portray his appreciations for the beauty of simple things through his works. In short, He works to capture beauty and emotion within his photographic frame by using colours and simple techniques.

You can find Ashraful Arefin on the Web :

Copyrights:
All the pictures in this post are copyrighted to Ashraful Arefin. Their reproduction, even in part, is forbidden without the explicit approval of the rightful owners.