Category Archives: Photography

A dozen beautiful Black children made their way from backstage to the front of a crowd inside Blue Mark Studios on Atlanta’s westside. Dressed as princes and princes, angels and fairies, Cinderella, even cowboys and cowgirls, the children were living, breathing canvasses, human art.

The artists, Regis and Kahran Bethencourt, the husband and wife duo behind Creative Soul Photography, a Black-owned studio that is creating stunning images of Black children. Commissioned by Disney, invited on national television and radio shows and featured in the pages of newspapers in Atlanta, Creative Soul Photography held a fashion show in honor of their latest book, “Crowned: Magical Folk and Fairytales from the Diaspora”.

Having been released May 23, the book is full of images of Black children in both positive and empowering lights. Kahran once told The Atlanta Voice the idea of positively photographing Black youth was more of a duty than a business plans.

“It’s important for us because we often see so many negative stereotypes of Black youth in the media and we really use our photography and our platform as a way to combat those negative stereotypes,” she said. “These are the stories I feel are not being told, so we use our photography to showcase them.”

The show included a performance by young 12-year-old female rapper, Little Essence of Hip-Hop. Her single, “I’m So Fire,” had the crowd calling and responding to the music. A live DJ entertained the crowd in between performances.

At times the models were presented in pairs, one of which looked like twins. One princess wore a pink dress with a crown of what looked candy and donuts. A prince strolled down the aisle dressed in red with a gold crown. Another prince, dressed in a green jacket with gold trim (above) took his turn walking the catwalk. When he got towards the end of his walk, surrounded by people taking photographs, he turned and smiled. A prince in all of his glory.

Related

I recently had the chance to visit Malta and wander its rocky coastline and old streets with the Fujifilm X-S20 – one of the best mirrorless cameras for enthusiasts – paired with the Fujinon XF 18-55mm F2.8-4.0 R LM OIS lens.  

The weather was pretty much wall-to-wall sunshine, which is lovely for a holiday but more of a challenge for photography, especially in the middle of the day. In such bright conditions, I often lean into black and white. 

If I had a ludicrous amount of money, then the $9,000 Leica M11 Monochrom (the mono-only version of the Leica M11) with a moderate-wide lens would be a great option for black-and-white street photography. But Fujifilm X-series cameras like the X-S20 are a compelling option, too, for a fraction of the cost. 

Street smart

Isabella Bubola is a photographer, illustrator and graphic designer from Pula (Croatia). In 2015 Isabella graduated from the Academy of applied arts in Rijeka (Croatia). Her photography is strongly inspired by dreams, colors and the surreal.

Thanks, Isabella Bubola, for accepting our invitation. Please read on…

Could you please introduce yourself?

My name is Isabella Bubola and I’m a photographer, illustrator and graphic designer from Pula (Croatia). I majored in applied arts in 2015 from the Academy of applied arts in Rijeka, focusing on applied graphics. I am a daydreamer with a strong feeling of wanderlust whenever comes summer.

How did Photography happen to Isabella?

I’ve always been a kind of archiver, I wanted to preserve things, memories, and feelings. It started with drawings and diaries, all carefully dated, and that clearly led to my fascination with photography. I purchased my first digital camera at the age of 11; it was a lightweight toy-like camera without a screen, but it was everything I needed to document my life. I didn’t have any plans, nor was I thinking much about photography – I just kept on shooting and enjoying every moment of it. Looking back, I can see how practicing with a toy camera was also a good way to develop my skills. I had to calculate the approximate distance from the subject and discover compositions and lighting by trial and error.

How would you define your style of Portrait Photography?

I think of it as emotionally strong. It invites you to be curious.

Such grace and elegance in your portraits. Few words, please?

What I think resonates with people most about my work is the sense of calmness. That comes from another side of my personality that is most visible in the way I express myself visually because I’m a rather friendly, loud and talkative personality. I also like to make people feel comfortable in front of my camera when I’m taking their photo – I need them to feel they can express themselves freely and without judgment. That’s when the magic happens and that’s why there is grace and elegance – because the person in front of the lens felt equally confident and vulnerable.

How do you make those scintillating moments with dreamlike tones?

By carefully choosing the light and the mood I want to portray. Since I work in colour, light plays a huge role in the colours and the overall mood of each image.

What is the best compliment you received so far?

It’s incredibly honouring when someone tells you that they have started photography because of your work. That makes me really proud and I consider it the best compliment. I also must admit that I was included in a group exhibition that had Peter Lindbergh (one of my favourite photographers) on the jury. He was so kind complimenting my self-portrait photographs that were exhibited on that occasion.

Who are you when no one is looking at you?

A lazy cat covered in heaps of fluffy blankets (but that’s who I am even when someone’s looking).

Which photographers have inspired you?

As I have mentioned above, Peter Lindbergh has always been an inspiration, as well as Tim Walker and Francesca Woodman. I am also inspired by the photographer Elizaveta Porodina and David Uzuchukwu, whom I had the pleasure to meet and photograph last summer. I think all of them capture a unique sense of intimacy with their subjects. Even when you are taking self-portraits, it’s a challenge for the artist to take a photo that is intimate, as well as for the beholder to feel that intimacy.

What camera do you use the majority of the time?

It’s a Canon EOS 600d, with a convenient screen that can be flipped, so it’s a good choice for self-portraiture.

Favourite music?

I love a lot of different music, from hip-hop to rock, but I’m mostly in the mood for a trip-hop. I’ve had the opportunity to see Massive Attack and Morcheeba perform live twice, and I hope I’ll get the chance to see Portishead and Lorde too. Currently, I have XX’s ”Intro” on repeat!

Apart from photography, tell me about your hobbies and interests?

Reading, writing, working out, spending time in nature, with my cats, and with friends. Traveling whenever I can. I also spend at least half an hour every day drawing, be it quick sketches of people I see on the bus, comics or finishing some pieces. Luckily, I have friends who draw as well – so as soon as spring comes, we like to find a cosy spot and chill together while drawing.

Any final thoughts for our readers?

There is always a better version of yourself that you can become.

You can find Isabella Bubola on the Web:

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

© Randy Johnson / Future
null

You may or may not see the funny side in Randy Johnson’s photography logo, but at least he remains somewhat on-brand in paying tribute to a famous past pitch that saw him accidentally launch a ball 100 miles per hour into the flight path of a dove.

Things may not have ended well for the white-feathered fowl, pretty much exploding into thin air during a Spring training game, but at least the 22 year old memory of the iconic moment is being kept alive through a questionable photography business logo that has the internet either in hysterics or a little bewildered.

• Take a look at some other unexpected famous photographers: 30 celebrities who also take pictures

In case you didn’t already know, we reported last year that Major League Baseball (MLB) legend Randy Johnson in fact has a double life as photographer. Following his retirement from professional baseball pitching, Johnson says he always had a passion for photography, and now has a very different career as a wildlife, travel, and concert photographer – with his own studio too. 

In more recent news, however, it seems social media has latched on to the humor in Johnson’s photography logo in what any MLB fans would instantly recognize as a direct reference to one of his earlier (and most famous) pitches in March 2001 which unexpectedly resulted in the death of a white dove bird. 

The video below shows the incident taking place, as well as depicted in slow motion, and you can see the puff of feathers as the poor dove is decimated by a 100-mile-an-hour speedball pitched by Johnson at an unexpectedly coincidental time. 

The logo for Johnson’s photography business is very clearly a reference to this 2001 event – although we would be super concerned if it wasn’t – but the irony of Johnson now being a wildlife photographer with a deceased animal as his logo might not be the best idea for attracting any clients to his business. 

With that said, Johnson has been sporting this obscure dead bird logo for his business from as early as 2015 (maybe even earlier) after he retired from the MLB in 2010, so at least eight years have gone by without any uproars or animal activist giving Johnson a hard time over the logo, so maybe it’s more socially acceptable than we give him credit for. 

What do you think of Johnson’s photography business logo? It’s certainly a standout. Is there any formula as to what actually works best in a photography logo: text or icons? Or maybe both? Your guess is as good as ours. 

• You might also be interested in our guides to the best camera for sports photography, as well as the best telephoto lenses, plus the best budget telephoto lenses, and not forgetting the best cameras for wildlife photography.

Are you tired of wearing the same old sweatshirts everyone else has? Do you want to express your personal style and message through your clothing? If so, designing your own custom sweatshirt is a great option. But where do you start? In this guide, we’ll provide practical advice on how to create your own custom sweatshirt design, from selecting the right colors and fonts to choosing the best printing method and fabric type.

#1 Choosing Your Design Elements

The first step in designing your custom sweatshirt is to determine the concept or theme you want to convey. Whether it’s a personal motto, a pop culture reference, or a simple graphic design, having a clear idea of what you want your sweatshirt to represent will make the design process easier. Once you have a concept in mind, it’s time to choose the design elements.

Selecting the right colors and fonts can make or break your design. Make sure the colors complement each other and the design itself. Consider the mood you want to convey and the message you want to send. For example, bright and bold colors might work for a fun and playful design, while muted and earthy tones might work better for a more serious message.

Fonts are another crucial design element. The font you choose can convey a specific tone or feeling, so it’s important to choose the right one. Make sure the font is legible and fits with the overall design. Avoid using too many different fonts, as this can make the design look cluttered.

Graphic elements, such as logos or illustrations, can add visual interest to your design. When choosing graphics, make sure they are relevant to your concept or theme. Avoid using copyrighted material unless you have permission to do so.

#2 Considerations for Printing Method and Fabric Type

Once you have your design elements selected, it’s time to think about the printing method and fabric type. There are several printing methods to choose from, including screen printing, DTG printing, and embroidery. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Screen printing is a popular method for printing custom sweatshirts because it’s cost-effective for large quantities. It involves using a stencil to apply ink onto the fabric. DTG printing, on the other hand, is a newer printing method that uses a printer to apply ink directly to the fabric. DTG printing is best for small quantities or one-off designs.

Embroidery is another printing method that involves stitching the design onto the fabric. Embroidery can add texture and depth to the design, but it’s not suitable for every design.

When choosing a fabric type, consider the printing method you’ve chosen. Different fabrics work better with different printing methods. For example, cotton is a popular fabric choice because it’s breathable and absorbent, making it suitable for screen printing. Polyester is another popular choice because it’s durable and easy to care for, making it suitable for DTG printing.

#3 Designing Your Sweatshirt

Now that you’ve selected your design elements, printing method, and fabric type, it’s time to create your design. Start by creating a mock-up of your design. This will give you an idea of how the final product will look. Make sure to size the design correctly and consider where it will be placed on the sweatshirt.

If you’re not comfortable with graphic design software, consider hiring a designer to create a digital version of your design. There are also online tools that allow you to create your own designs without any graphic design experience.

Once you have your design finalized, it’s time to upload it to a printing service or manufacturer. Make sure to follow their guidelines for file format and size.

#4 Quality Control and Sustainability

After your custom sweatshirt is printed, it’s important to check the quality of the finished product. Make sure the design is centered and aligned correctly, and that the colors are accurate. If there are any issues with the final product, contact the printing service or manufacturer to resolve the issue.

When designing your own custom sweatshirt, it’s important to also consider sustainability. Choose printing services and manufacturers that prioritize sustainability in their production processes. Look for companies that use eco-friendly printing methods and materials, and that prioritize ethical and fair labor practices.

Conclusion

Designing your own custom sweatshirt can be a fun and rewarding experience, allowing you to express your personal style and message through your clothing. By following these tips and tricks, you can create a design that not only looks great, but also represents your individuality. Remember to choose your design elements carefully, consider the printing method and fabric type, and prioritize quality control and sustainability. With these considerations in mind, you can create a custom sweatshirt that you’ll be proud to wear for years to come.

---

Related Articles:

For many people, transforming a hobby into a successful career is wishful thinking.  Yet Toronto-based Director and Photographer, Justin Abernethy, not only accomplished this feat but did it in lightning-fast time. Abernethy’s meteoric ascent is a story of audacity and passion. Born with an innate fascination for art and visual storytelling, Abernethy’s journey is an inspiration for anyone seeking to turn a dream into reality.

Abernethy’s artistic inclinations can be traced back to his early years. His youthful fascination with comic books evolved into a deep appreciation for the narratives encapsulated in a single, still image. His first steps into photography began with a Nikon D5100, a birthday gift from his parents that accompanied him on a family trip to New York. The city’s dynamic palette of people, places, and textures inspired Abernethy to translate these vivid impressions into still images, which soon found a home on Flickr, garnering him his initial recognition.

High school years found Abernethy fervently documenting his daily life, his camera a constant companion. While his peers pursued conventional career paths, Abernethy boldly chose to pursue his dreams, immersing himself in art and photography at Ryerson University. His university years also saw him delve into the world of film.

After graduating from Ryerson, Abernethy embarked on a tumultuous journey as a photographer and director in Toronto. Despite financial hardships, he stayed true to his vision, consistently investing in his projects. His dedication soon started to pay off, as his distinctive style and creative direction began to make waves in the industry.

Yet, Abernethy’s story isn’t just about artistic triumph. It’s about battling self-doubt and learning patience in an industry that often invites comparisons. Abernethy highlights these struggles as the most significant challenges in his journey, advocating for the importance of appreciating one’s progress and steering clear from comparisons, often referred to as “the thief of joy.”

Among the myriad lessons learned along the way, Abernethy emphasizes the importance of embracing failure. To him, every project, successful or not, brings invaluable lessons, a stepping stone toward becoming a better artist. Simultaneously, he stresses the need to celebrate victories, no matter how small, urging aspiring artists to take a moment to appreciate their achievements.

Today, Abernethy’s vision for his future remains unswerving. He sees himself continuing on a fast-paced career trajectory, creating art alongside those he cherishes, his aspirations never falling short of the pinnacle. A firm believer in the transformative power of art, Abernethy hopes to inspire others to pursue their artistic dreams.

His career highlights are a testament to his success. Abernethy’s work has been showcased in international campaigns, with his stills gracing Times Square, NYC, and Yonge-Dundas Square, Toronto. His music videos have amassed over 175 million views on YouTube, and he’s collaborated with international brands like Footlocker, Roots, Samsung and Adidas, as well as artists like Wondagurl, Kehlani, Ali Gatie, Anders, Lilyisthatyou, 12 am, and Baka Not Nice.

In a short span of five years, Abernethy has established himself as one of Toronto’s top directors and photographers. His meteoric rise is a tribute to his relentless pursuit of the perfect shot, embodying the power of passion and persistence. His story serves as an inspiration, underlining the magic that happens when one dares to chase their dreams.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.

As the home of some of the greatest works of art produced by humankind, the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City is a popular tourist destination (to put it mildly). If you’ve been one of the 4 million annual visitors to the famous landmark, you’ve probably learned of one aspect of the room filled with Michelangelo’s beautiful, biblical frescoes that tends to come as a surprise to first-time guests.

There’s no photography or video allowed in the Sistine Chapel.

Yes, despite the rules that encourage quiet contemplation of the fantastic, eye-popping art that adorns nearly every inch of the walls and ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, visitors to the chapel will find their experience peppered with terse shouts of “No photo! No video!” from security guards. The prohibition against photography has been in place for several decades, and while many assume that the no-photography rule is in place to prevent the flashing of cameras from affecting the art, the real reason dates back to the restoration of the chapel that began in 1980 and took nearly 20 years to complete.

© Michelangelo, Wikimedia Commons // Public Domain in the United States
A before-and-after display of one of Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. | Michelangelo, Wikimedia Commons // Public Domain in the United States

When Vatican officials decided to undertake a comprehensive restoration of Michelangelo’s art in the chapel, the price tag for such an endeavor prompted them to seek outside assistance to fund the project. In the end, the highest bidder was Nippon Television Network Corporation of Japan, whose $3 million offering (which eventually ballooned to $4.2 million) was unmatched by any entity in Italy or the U.S.

In return for funding the renovation, Nippon TV received the exclusive rights to photography and video of the restored art, as well as photos and recordings of the restoration process by photographer Takashi Okamura, who was commissioned by Nippon TV. While many initially scoffed at the deal, the high-resolution photos provided by Nippon offered a hyper-detailed peek behind all of the scaffolding that hid each stage of restoration, and eventually won over some critics of the arrangement.

As a result of the deal, Nippon produced multiple documentaries, art books, and other projects featuring their exclusive photos and footage of the Sistine Chapel restoration, including several celebrated collections of the photographic surveys that informed the project.

The ban on photography within the chapel remains in effect despite the waning of the terms of Nippon’s deal. In 1990, it was revealed that Nippon’s commercial exclusivity on photos expired three years after each stage of the restoration was completed. For example, photos of Michelangelo’s epic depiction of the Last Judgment were no longer subject to Nippon’s copyright as of 1997, because that stage of the restoration was completed in 1994.

For the record, Nippon has stated that their photo ban did not apply to “ordinary tourists,” but for simplicity’s sake—lest some professional photog disguise themself in Bermuda shorts and a fanny pack—authorities made it an across-the-board policy.

© SOPA Images/GettyImages
A detail of the Sistine Chapel frescoes. | SOPA Images/GettyImages

The “No photos! No video!” rule remains in place for the Sistine Chapel (though as some recent visitors can attest, its enforcement isn’t exactly strict). Given the damage that can be caused by thousands of camera flashes going off in the chapel each day, it’s no surprise that Vatican officials decided not to end the ban when Nippon’s contract expired.

After all, the chapel houses some of the greatest art in the world—and a gift shop stocked with souvenir photos.

A version of this story ran in 2019; it has been updated for 2023.

This article was originally published on mentalfloss.com as The Reason Why No Photography is Allowed in the Sistine Chapel.

In the world of academic study, the use of photography has become valuable in enhancing the presentation and impact of student research. The visual medium of photography has the power to capture and convey complex ideas and information in a concise and engaging manner.

Photography is a great way to make student research look better and have a bigger effect. By integrating visual elements, students can effectively communicate their findings, engage their audience, and strengthen the impact of their research.

In addition, it is also important to follow proper guidelines to ensure a well-structured and credible work. One valuable resource that provides comprehensive steps and guidance is AResearchGuide. It offers a wealth of information on the essential steps involved in writing a research paper, from choosing a topic and conducting thorough research to organizing and formatting the paper. By referring to this reliable source, students can gain valuable insights into the research process and effectively present their findings in a scholarly manner.

Let’s delve into the specific ways in which photography enhances presentation and research:

#1 Visual Representation of Data

Students can use photography to show data clearly, turning complicated numbers or statistics into pictures that are easy to understand. By taking relevant pictures, students can show their results in a way that is both complete and appealing. For example, a student doing a field research on how the environment is changing can use photos to show how pollution affects the wildlife in their area.

#2 Illustration of Concepts

Students can show complex ideas that might be hard to explain with just words by taking pictures of them. By taking pictures that reflect these ideas, students give their audience a visual aid that helps them understand and is more interesting to them. For example, a student doing research on architectural design principles can use pictures of well-known buildings to show how different types and parts work together.

#3 Conveying Emotions and Experiences

Photography is one of the few things that can stir up feelings and share personal experiences. When doing research on people or personal stories, photos can give the work more depth and make it seem more real. Students can include carefully chosen pictures that show how their subjects feel and what they’ve been through. This draws the audience into the study and helps them feel more connected to it.

#4 Engaging Visual Presentations

Adding interesting visuals, like photos, to talks can make them much more interesting to the audience. Students don’t have to just use text-heavy slides; they can also include photos that show what their research is all about. By doing this, they make a more interesting and visually appealing show, which makes their work more powerful and easy to remember.

#5 Increased Accessibility

Photography makes student research more accessible to a bigger audience by making it more open and easy to understand for more people. Visual features can be understood by people who don’t speak the same language, so people from many different backgrounds can connect with the study results. Also, including alt text or comments with the pictures makes sure that people who can’t see can also get to the information.

#6 Strengthening Credibility

When students do research, adding photos gives the results more authority. By using pictures to back up their points and opinions, students can do a better job. Photographs that are well-made and relevant can back up claims, making the research more convincing and reliable to both peers and scholarly judges.

Conclusion

Photography improves the way student research looks and makes an effect in many ways. By using visuals, students can successfully show facts, explain vague ideas, show how they feel, and connect with their audience on a deeper level. Also, photography makes lectures easier to understand, gives them more authority, and makes them more interesting. As students keep looking into how photography can be used in their research, they find new ways to communicate their findings and spread their knowledge.

---

Related Articles: