SheClicks, the community for female photographers that I started in 2018, has launched a podcast that features women in the photographic industry talking about their experiences and what drives them.
In the podcast, called SheClicks Women in Photography, I interview women from the photography business, to gain insight into how they got to where they are now.
The guest in the first episode is Cristina Mittermeier, a widely respected marine biologist, conservationist, photographer and filmmaker. She’s a co-founder of SeaLegacy, a global marketing, education and communication for the agency, which draws on her visual storytelling capability to convey environmental and conservation messages. Along with Paul Nicklen and Chase Teron, Cristina also founded 100 for the Ocean, a print fundraiser for ocean conservation.
In addition, Cristina is a Sony imaging ambassador, the recipient of the first SheClicks Lifetime Achievement Award and was the first female photographer to reach over 1 million followers on Instagram.
In the first episode, Cristina explains the thinking behind the formation of 100 for the Ocean and how the team called upon fellow photographers to contribute images to sell as prints to raise money. She also shares how recognising the power of photography to raise awareness of issues close to her heart led her to switch from being a scientist to becoming a photographer.
In each episode, I also ask the guest six questions from SheClicks members, asking the guest to pick six numbers from one to ten.
Future guests include Kim Grant, a Scottish photographer, photographic workshop leader and Nikon Creative, Rachael Talibart who is best known for her fine art images of the ocean, US-based high-end wedding photographer Makayla Jade Harris, Elke Vogelsang, well known for her dog photography, multi-talented music photographer Christie Goodwin, and world-renowned fashion photography, Lindsay Adler.
The SheClicks Women in Photography podcast is available on all the main podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and via sheclickspodcast.net.
Thanks to Lensbaby, and in support of 100 for the Ocean, listeners have to opportunity to win one of Cristina Mittermeier’s prints.
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – European Parliament lawmakers from some political groups have drafted a deal to try to pass a landmark EU law to protect nature, which the parliament’s largest group is attempting to block.
The EU last year proposed measures to tackle the rapid decline in species and the health of Europe’s ecosystems, but has faced political pushback including from the European People’s Party (EPP) group of lawmakers, which opposes the law.
In a bid to salvage the proposal ahead of a parliament committee vote on June 15, other lawmaker groups – including the Socialists & Democrats and the Greens – have devised a compromise.
Their proposed amendments, seen by Reuters, would offer national governments more flexibility to decide which infrastructure projects are allowed to override some of the nature targets.
That could ease concerns raised by Denmark that restoring nature could slow the build-out of wind farms, or the Netherlands’ worry for new housing projects.
Some affected industries publicly supported the law this week, after it came under fire from lawmakers and some governments questioning whether the EU is pushing through too much environmental regulation.
“Nature restoration and the expansion of wind energy go hand in hand,” industry group WindEurope said in a statement on Tuesday.
The lawmakers’ proposal also includes tweaks to attempt to win over EPP lawmakers, such as by deleting a target – which was not binding – to introduce trees, hedges, ponds and other features that support biodiversity in 10% of EU agriculture area.
EPP lawmakers had said that would harm farmers by taking agricultural land out of production, and on Wednesday said the compromise did not go far enough.
The Commission has said introducing more biodiverse features would maintain or increase Europe’s agricultural output, by making farmland more resilient to extreme weather like floods and improving pollinator populations.
The proposal must also pass a July vote in the full EU Parliament, and win support from EU countries, to become law.
(Reporting by Kate Abnett, additional reporting by Philip Blenkinsop; Editing by Nick Macfie)
The latest science reports and imagery from NASA reveal that the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) might have stumbled onto something very interesting during a galactic treasure hunt. Solar system scientists took the telescope for a spin in the main asteroid belt, and what they didn’t find was as perplexing as what they did.
According to NASA, the presence of water vapor on the comet known as 238P/Read is usually a cosmic clue into the origins of Earth’s ancient water source and how it got there. However, Read seems to be one of the only comets that are missing carbon dioxide, as detected by the NIRCam, which is another mystery in itself.
• Take a look at the best cameras for astrophotography!
The James Webb Telescope’s NIRSpec (Near-Infrared Spectrograph) instrument, as well as the NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) instrument have been used by solar system scientists in studying the origins of Earth’s abundant water – and detected a mystery in the form of a Rare Main Belt Cometthat contained water vapor!
Although, rather unusually, carbon dioxide was missing from the spectrum of possible chemical compounds comprising this comet (referred to as Comet 238P/Read) which was discovered in 2005, and is situated within the main asteroid belt. Don’t worry, it’s safe enough away from our Earth to not be a threat, as its orbit brings it closer to the sun than Jupiter.
The image below is able to communicate a lot of data to scientists and researchers, but it primarily indicates that water ice from the primordial (early) solar system is able to be preserved in that specific region within the asteroid belt.
As for the lack of carbon dioxide, NASA says there are two plausible explanations. Firstly, Comet Read may have had carbon dioxide when it originally formed, but has since lost it because of warmer temperatures from being in the asteroid belt for an extended time.
Secondly, scientists propose that Comet Read may have formed in an especially warm area of the solar system, where there would be no carbon dioxide available due to the fact that it vaporizes much more easily than water ice does.
So why is this such a big deal? it’s just a comet, right?
“Understanding the history of water distribution in the solar system will help us to understand other planetary systems, and if they could be on their way to hosting an Earth-like planet,” shares Stefanie Milam, Webb deputy project scientist for planetary science.
“Our water-soaked world, teeming with life and unique in the universe as far as we know, is something of a mystery – we’re not sure how all this water got here,” she explains.
In other NASA news, JWST also found another unusual trace of water vapor last month on a rocky exoplanet known as GJ 486 b. This planet is said to be 30% larger than our Earth and three times as massive, plus, it’s also pretty closely orbited around its red dwarf star, meaning that it’s very much inhabitable given the surface temperature of around 800 degrees Fahrenheit (430 degrees Celsius).
Webb’s observations from the NIRSpec instrument show traces of water vapor on this scorching hot exoplanet, so how is this possible? Astronomers believe that the rocky planet would have likely had its atmosphere depleted by x-ray radiation and ultraviolet rays that have been emitted from the red dwarf star of which the planet snuggly orbits.
However, the small presence of water vapor suggests that the rocky exoplanet might still have an atmosphere if the water is associated with it. Although, it’s also unclear if the water vapor could actually be on the star itself in what’s referred to as cool starspots, and not actually from the planet at all.
“Water vapor in an atmosphere on a hot rocky planet would represent a major breakthrough for exoplanet science. But we must be careful and make sure that the star is not the culprit,” shares principal investigator Kevin Stevenson from the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland.
For more updates on what’s happening in the universe, and if you want to keep up with the latest image releases, head over to the James Webb Space Telescope gallery, where you can see all of Webb’s first images and learn more about what they depict. NASA will be launching new images at least every other week.
• You might also be interested in the best lenses for astrophotography, as well as the best astrophotography software, and not forgetting the best CCD cameras for astrophotography and the best light pollution filters for night photography.
Fashion is often perceived as a purely aesthetic pursuit, but it’s so much more. It’s a form of self-expression, a tool for communication, and an avenue for individuality. At the heart of this lies our fascination with personalized fashion accessories. This article delves into the psychology behind our love for these unique, custom pieces.
Individualism and Identity Formation
The Desire for Uniqueness
One key element of human psychology is our desire for individualism. This natural inclination towards uniqueness is an essential part of identity formation. Personalized fashion accessories offer an opportunity to express our unique selves, thus satisfying this innate desire. They allow us to isolate our identities from others, which, in turn, boosts our self-esteem and confidence.
A Canvas for Self-expression
Fashion, at its core, is a means of self-expression. Personalized fashion accessories, particularly, serve as a canvas where we can articulate our personal narratives, beliefs, and values. They allow us to showcase our identity without using words. Whether it’s a piece of jewelry with a significant symbol or a custom-designed bag with our initials, these accessories speak volumes about us.
The Need for Belonging
While it might seem contradictory, our yearning for individuality is often coupled with a need for belonging. Humans are inherently social creatures, and we often identify with certain groups or communities. Personalized fashion accessories can help signal our affiliation to particular groups, whether they’re based on culture, interests, or lifestyle.
Emotional Attachment and Sentimentality
The Power of Emotional Connection
Personalized fashion accessories often carry a deeper emotional value than off-the-shelf pieces. They have the ability to evoke strong emotional responses, particularly when they’re associated with significant events, memories, or people. This emotional attachment often enhances our love for these items, making them treasured keepsakes.
Sentimentality and Heirlooms
Many personalized accessories serve as heirlooms, passed down from generation to generation. These pieces carry rich histories and sentimental value, making them timeless treasures. This sense of sentimentality feeds into our love for personalized fashion accessories, as we not only cherish their aesthetic appeal but also the stories they tell.
The Appeal of Exclusivity and Luxury
The world of fashion is deeply intertwined with the concepts of luxury and exclusivity. Personalized fashion accessories inherently cater to these desires. The notion that a piece was crafted exclusively for us is thrilling, feeding into our appetite for luxury and exclusivity. It’s the antithesis of mass production, creating a sense of prestige and rarity that many fashion lovers find irresistible.
The Role of Personalized Accessories in Self-presentation
Our appearances play a critical role in how others perceive us, and we often use fashion as a tool for self-presentation. Personalized accessories give us a chance to control and refine this presentation, allowing us to portray our desired image. By choosing accessories that reflect our tastes and personalities, we can manipulate the impression we leave on others.
Due to the above motivations of the consumer market to own a personalized fashion accessory, businesses around it compete to provide the best collection and personalization services. Websites like Callie Gifts offer a wide selection of customizable items — from monogrammed necklaces to engraved rings and bracelets. Even high-end brands such as Goyard and Louis Vuitton have been offering customization of luxury handbags for some time now.
Conclusion
The psychology behind our love for personalized fashion accessories is multi-faceted, spanning across identity formation, the need for belonging, emotional attachment, the appeal of exclusivity, and the role of self-presentation. These pieces are not just fashion statements; they’re powerful tools of communication, carrying deeper meanings and psychological implications. So, next time you choose a personalized accessory, remember that you’re doing more than enhancing your style; you’re expressing your identity, connecting with others, evoking memories, enjoying exclusivity, and shaping your self-image.
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has caused quite a stir since it got up and running last summer, revealing a slew of contenders for the title of “oldest galaxy we’ve ever seen.”
There’s still no clear verdict on the winner of that contest, but JWST helped astronomers crown a different champion last month. They just confirmed the faintest galaxy yet seen in the early universe, a result published in the journal Nature.
“Before the Webb telescope switched on, just a year ago, we could not even dream of confirming such a faint galaxy,” UCLA astronomer Tommaso Treu, a co-author on the new work, said in a press release.
Related: James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) — A complete guide
James Webb Space Telescope delivers stunning view of supernova remnant Cassiopeia A
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This galaxy, known as JD1, is part of the first generation of galaxies to pop up in our universe’s 13.8-billion-year history. It’s about 13.3 billion light-years away from us, meaning we’re observing it as it looked when the universe was only a few hundred million years old — a meager 4% of its current age. This early era of the universe is known as the “epoch of reionization,” the time when the first stars formed and ushered the universe out of darkness.
Astronomers are still trying to figure out exactly what the first galaxies looked like, and how they were able to light up the universe to create what we see today. Most of the infant galaxies JWST has spotted are bright, but they’re thought to be outliers. Instead, astronomers suspect that fainter, smaller galaxies like JD1 did most of the heavy lifting during reionization.
“Ultra-faint galaxies such as JD1, on the other hand, are far more numerous, which is why we believe they are more representative of the galaxies that conducted the reionization process,” said study lead author Guido Roberts-Borsani, an astronomer at UCLA, in the same press release.
JWST’s powerful infrared instruments were only part of the reason astronomers were able to observe JD1. They also used a technique called gravitational lensing, in which light from a distant object is bent by the gravity of something huge in the foreground, like a cluster of galaxies. This acts like a magnifying glass, making faraway objects appear bigger and brighter — and, in the case of JD1, possible to spot.
“The combination of JWST and the magnifying power of gravitational lensing is a revolution,” said Treu. “We are rewriting the book on how galaxies formed and evolved in the immediate aftermath of the Big Bang.”
Editor’s note: The author works at the same university as the researchers behind the new findings, but was not involved in this project.
In early June three years ago, waiting in line for a table at Flyers Bar and Grill on a marina in St. Croix, I looked on in amazement as a group of kayakers gathered at the waterfront for a tour. Watching them paddle off into the dusk, I wondered what was so interesting that people would skip dinner in exchange for insect bites and navigating barely visible waters. Bioluminescence was not yet a word in my vocabulary.
I’ve since warmed right up to nighttime sights outdoors, having witnessed the Northern Lights dancing in Iceland or the Milky Way above a remote cabin in New Hampshire. While I had begun experimenting with astrophotography during a 2018 trip to Virgin Islands National Park, these once haphazard sessions have now become a full-fledged hobby.
Full moon party, White Sands National Park, New Mexico (Photo: NPS)
If my growing fascination with the natural world after sundown has taught me anything, it’s that the night sky offers endless adventure. Our national and state parks and other organizations are working to protect dark skies and host events to engage people of all ages and abilities to see nighttime landscapes, nocturnal critters, and to stargaze and contemplate UFOs.
The park nighttime activities below offer curious minds a chance to explore moonlit paths and bays that glow.
1. Stargazing and UFOs
Trade an evening of Netflix for a chance to gaze at galaxies and be reminded that, like those stars above you, earth is just a tiny dot. The big question is: could it really be the only life-supporting dot?
Learn About the Cosmos—and UFOs—at Joshua Tree National Park, California
Night skies at Joshua Tree National Park (Photo: Lian Law /NPS)
There’s a lot to marvel about in Joshua Tree National Park, known for its lunar landscapes and energy vortices. Located in the Morongo Basin, a hotbed for claims of UFO sightings, and a certified International Dark Sky Park site, Joshua Tree regularly attracts stargazers and truth seekers. In fact, it’s the 2013 birthplace of the annual Contact in the Desert Conference, the “Woodstock of UFO conferences,” which draws thousands of attendees.
Though the conference has since moved to Indian Wells, California, you can still seek signs of extraterrestrial life while in Joshua Tree by joining a 90-minute Stargazing and UFO Tour run by Addicted2Wonder ($150) using Gen 3 military-grade night-vision binoculars. This technology delivers an even more captivating stargazing experience than is available to the naked eye, so you can see stars, nebulas, planets, and distant galaxies in a way that far surpasses what was observable even to our ancestors gazing at pitch-black skies a thousand years ago.
Attend a Star Party at Glacier National Park, Montana
St. Mary Astronomy Program, Glacier National Park (Photo: NPS)
Far from the brightness of big cities, Glacier is a go-to destination for visitors who not only want to see the Milky Way but also the elusive northern lights, visible any time of year but especially September through April. Also an International Dark Sky Park, Glacier embraces its role as a steward of the night sky. Events like Logan Pass Star Parties are held every year to make visitors aware of the ecological and cultural importance of dark skies, offering a chance to gaze at our galaxies through high-powered telescopes while learning about the solar system from park rangers, astronomers, and members of the Big Sky Astronomy Club.
Star parties are held on select summer nights from 10 P.M. until midnight and cost $5 per vehicle (in addition to the park entrance fee). Unable to attend? See the above link for other astronomy programs in the park throughout the year.
The night skies at Glacier National Park invite stargazing. (Photo: Jacob W. Frank/NPS)
2. Bioluminescence
If you don’t believe in magic, you’ve never witnessed the blue-green glow of microorganisms in a dark saltwater bay.
Paddle a See-Through Kayak in the Salt River Bay, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
Enjoy one of nature’s most wondrous displays with a glass-bottom kayak tour of one of St. Croix’s bioluminescent bays. Salt River Bay National Historic Site and Ecological Preserve, which for two millennia served as an entry point for Indigenous people and colonizers, is home to one of just seven full-time bioluminescent bays in the world. Sea Thru Kayaks’ tour ($55) sets out at dusk and heads about three-quarters of a mile past the mangroves to Salt River Bay, where kayakers paddle around in amazement, watching as the water disturbance triggers a chemical reaction in plankton known as dinoflagellates, which light up beneath them. Children ages eight and up (who must be accompanied by an adult) are welcome to explore these rare ecosystems. No prior kayaking experience is necessary.
Paddle the Magical Waters of Castine Harbor, Maine
Explore a bioluminescent bay near Acadia National Park, Maine. (Photo: Karen Francoeur/Castine Kayak Adventures)
Combine time in the quaint seaside town of Castine with an epic evening adventure exploring what local tour operator Castine Kayak Adventures refers to as a “floating planetarium”—a bioluminescent bay located just one hour from Acadia National Park. These waters—located between the Penobscot and Bagaduce waterways—are off the radar for most tourists, and offer an awe-inspiring glow, thanks to the nutrient-rich silt floor of Castine Harbor.
See a bioluminescent bay in Castine Harbor in Maine. (Photo: Karen Francoeur/Castine Kayak Adventures)
An hour after sundown, visitors can join Castine Kayak Adventures on a tour ($90) that leaves from the harbor to watch these waters come to life. Children ages ten and older are welcome (and must be accompanied by an adult), and prior kayaking experience is recommended as tidal currents can be strong. For first-timers, the company offers a day-and-night kayak package ($155) from May through mid-October for those who would prefer to learn paddling basics in the daylight.
Note: To protect these fragile ecosystems for future generations, participants are asked to avoid the use of bug spray, deodorant, perfume, or sunscreen out of an abundance of caution, as they often contain harmful chemicals that kill the bioluminescence.
3. Night Hikes
Whether you’re interested in a moonlit stroll or one in the darkness of the new moon, exploring at night affords a different experience of landscape viewss.
Follow the Ram Head Trail in Virgin Islands National Park, St. John
Hike out to the Ram Head, Virgin Islands National Park, St. John. (Photo: Theresa McKinney)
This 2.3-mile out-and-back trail on a peninsula in Virgin Islands National Park covers mostly exposed terrain, with the sound of crashing waves. You’ll have expansive views across sea and sky as you approach the Ram Head, a rocky abutment at the trail terminus, to watch the moonrise over the endless horizon. This hike is self-guided and does not require prior registration, so take extra precautions. The peninsula has some small rocky cliffs, so stay on the trail, bring a headlamp or flashlight, and consider a daytime familiarization hike.
Hike Under the Full Moon in White Sands National Park, New Mexico
Marveling at the moonrise, White Sands, New Mexico (NPS)
This monthly ranger-led hike shows off the park’s famous white sands illuminated under the light of the moon. Hikers cast shadows onto the bright landscape as they follow the 1.3-long, moderately difficult Dune Life Nature Trail loop, an adventure that can last up to two hours round trip. The path is initially flat but then ascends up the steep sand dunes—a boost in difficulty eased by listening to the guide’s tales about the park. Guests must preregister, and ticket sales open up two months before each scheduled hike. Cost is $8 (or $4 for children under 15), not including the park-entry fee.
Hike Under the New Moon in the Valley of Fire, Nevada
Valley of Fire State Park offers monthly guided or self-guided new-moon hikes (see the guided events here, although hikes may not be published until about a week ahead, or check Facebook) on a rotating array of trails. Located an hour northeast of Las Vegas, the park’s red-rock landscapes are obscured at night, but the setting offers a reprieve from the bright lights of the Strip in exchange for a wander under the Milky Way. Hikes start at 6:30 P.M. and distances range from one to two and a half miles. These excursions are family-friendly and open to all ages. A red-light flashlight is suggested to safely navigate the trails without impairing your night vision, and expect to pay a $15 park fee ($10 for Nevada residents).
See Twilight in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
This guided three-hour mountaintop amble through Shenandoah National Park’s Big Meadow sets out at the golden hour and ends under the stars. Watch the colors of sunset erupt across the sky as an expert guide identifies signs of wildlife and points out seasonal plants. Twilight hikes ($25) run from May through August and are scheduled in advance. Each covers about one mile round trip, with frequent stops for discussions of unique flora and fauna. All ages and abilities are welcome. Preregistration is required, and the fee does not include park admission.
Stay safe on nighttime hikes with Gaia GPS maps for Ram Head Trail, White Sands, and Valley of Fire (recent excursions include Fire Wave and White Domes Loop).
4. Nighttime Nature Tours
Discover creatures that roam the night and other wonders that otherwise lie hidden.
Tour El Yunque Rainforest, Puerto Rico
While many visitors to the island are heading out for dinner and drinks to wrap the day, the nocturnal residents of the El Yunque Rainforest are only just starting up. For the richest wildlife experience here, visit in the evening, as 60 percent of its inhabitants are nocturnal. A guided evening walk with El Yunque Tours ($55) departs close to sunset and ends just after dark. With expert help, you’ll be able to identify various species of tree frogs, glimpse screech owls, and see scorpions and tarantulas just before they scurry into the shadows. Expect to be out for two and a half hours and cover minimal ground (about three-quarters of a mile out-and-back).
Go Yooperlite Hunting in the Upper Peninsula, Michigan
What is a Yooperlite and why do I want to see one? (Photo: Pure Michigan)
What in the world is a Yooperlite, and why should you care? Two words: glowing rocks. Discovered by Erik Rintamaki in 2017, Yooperlites are syenite rocks rich in the fluorescent mineral sodalite, which causes them to glow neon shades of orange and yellow at night when subjected to UV light. No two rocks are the same. Some are merely speckled with the luminescent mineral, while others display brilliant patterns or emit an all-over radiance. Rintamaki offers tours on select dates from July through October along Lake Superior to hunt for Yooperlites, which you otherwise might overlook as eemingly ordinary gray rocks.
Watch Synchronous Fireflies at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina
These magical summertime creatures come in a variety of species, some of which even have the ability to synchronize their flashing patterns. One of the few viewing spots on earth to observe synchronous fireflies is Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the Elkmont area near the Little River and Jakes Creek Trailheads, which are temporarily closed off to ordinary visitation. An annual lottery is held in April for permits for people in 960 cars over eight nights to witness the only American species of synchronous firefly during its brief annual appearance. The lottery costs $1 and allows applicants to select two potential viewing dates. Those people selected are automatically charged $24 and assigned a specific evening to view the fireflies between late May and mid-June.
Search for Scorpions in Maricopa County, Arizona
Scorpion under UV light (Photo: Arizona State Parks and Trails)
Scorpions are known as fearsome, venomous creatures to avoid. So it might come as a surprise that various parks around this county, which contains the state capital of Phoenix, hold summertime events where families can go looking for the pincered predators. Sound unsettling? Rest assured that scorpions are far more likely to run from humans than sting them, and that people are unlikely to die from scorpion venom.
To take part in these outings, join rangers at Lost Dutchman State Park, in Apache Junction, or McDowell Mountain Regional Park, in Fountain Hills, on select summer nights ($5). Bring your own flashlight to illuminate the path, as well as a black light to spot the tiny scorpions scurrying through the dirt (the UV light gives them a fluorescent green glow). To find an upcoming scorpion hunt, check the Lost Dutchman State Park Facebook page, or head to the Maricopa County Regional Parks events page and select the Animals filter on the events calendar.
Author Bio: Always a lover of quiet and fresh evening air, Theresa McKinney (see Fueled by Wanderlust) has a growing appreciation for the night sky. In annual trips to Virgin Islands National Park, she has expanded her adventure repertoire from snorkeling and hiking to include late-night astrophotography sessions and pitch-black beach walks. On her second visit to Iceland, she proudly achieved her bucket-list goal of seeing the northern lights.
The author, Theresa McKinney, a former accountant turned travel writer (Photo: Aaron McKinney)
Türkiye’s Cappadocia, with its stunning natural wonders, has become an increasingly popular destination for photography enthusiasts and social media influencers.
Located in the central province of Nevsehir, Cappadocia, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has gained worldwide fame in recent years for its unique volcanic cones, known as fairy chimneys, as well as its underground cities, hot-air balloon rides, rock-carved houses, and early Christian structures such as churches, chapels, and shelters.
Previously known as a popular destination for honeymooners’ photo shoots, Cappadocia now attracts a growing number of photography enthusiasts, largely influenced by social media posts.
Hundreds of tourists, including honeymooners, flock to Cappadocia to capture its beauty through their lenses simultaneously.
Halil Gunes, head of the Cappadocia Photographers Association, revealed that both domestic and international visitors come to the region daily, solely for photography purposes, which has positively impacted the area.
To cater to the demands of photography enthusiasts, the region has witnessed an increase in the availability of costumes and classic vehicles, Gunes added. “A few photo shoots take place at sunrise and there are people who want to take pictures at sunset, but the majority occur during the hot-air balloon departures.”
Gunes believes that photography accounts for about 30% of the tourism sector in the region.
Mustafa Caner Yalcin, a photographer providing services to tourists in the area, stressed that some visitors come to Cappadocia for just a day to pose in front of the camera.
Yalcin said that photography tourism has contributed to the diversity of tourism in Cappadocia.
“This is a situation related to the penetration of social media into our lives. One of the purposes of people visiting the region is to take pictures,” he said.
Another photographer, Saban Ciftcibasi said they ensured that tourists capture the most beautiful images from dawn till dusk.
“Photography in Cappadocia has become a part of tourism. We start photographing with the departure of the balloons in the morning and continue until sunset. Especially during morning hours offer excellent photo opportunities with the balloons. Both domestic and international tourists exhibit high demand,” Ciftcibasi stated.
Enes Ozcen, who traveled from northwestern Bolu province solely for a day of photography, described the scenery in Cappadocia as extraordinary.
CAPTIVATING: ‘Morning Catch’ is one of many photographs by Kate Sanchez on display at the Little Egg Harbor branch of the Ocean County Library this month. (Photo by Kate Sanchez)
Throughout the month of June, the Ocean County Library’s Little Egg Harbor branch is displaying photographs of Southern Ocean County’s natural splendor, and the creatures that inhabit it, by local artist Kate Sanchez.
Sanchez, who is the branch’s youth services librarian, said she has been smitten with the outdoors since childhood. By high school age, she began to preserve the beauty of her surroundings in photos. Now, each image underscores our delicate ecological balance.
“There’s a sense of tranquility that comes with being in nature,” she said. “Photography allows me to share that feeling with others. It’s a great way to connect with the natural world and appreciate its beauty in a new way.”
With more than a decade of service in the Ocean County Library System and a growing family, Sanchez keeps a busy daily schedule. Capturing images in serene settings, she said, helps her to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
“We’re lucky to live in a place where there are so many beautiful parks, waterfronts, and trails to explore,” she added. “Nature photography has become a way to connect with nature, bond with my family and share my passion with others. I hope that through my photos, I can inspire others to appreciate the beauty of nature and take action to protect it for future generations.”
No registration is required to view the display. For more information, stop by the branch, located at 290 Mathistown Rd., or call 609-294-1197. —E.E.
Introducing the outstanding results of the esteemed competition, which recognizes and celebrates the art of food photography! Since its inception in 2011, the Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year award has gained global prominence, captivating camera enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds worldwide. This year, the competition received submissions from 65 countries, solidifying its international reach.
Entrants had the opportunity to compete across 25 distinct categories, each offering a unique perspective on food photography. These categories encompassed a wide range, including Bring Home the Harvest, Food for the Family, Food Influencer, Food Stylist Award, Food at the Table, and many more. The grand prize, bestowed upon the winner of the main title, the Overall Winner of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year, amounts to an impressive £5,000. Additionally, the competition featured three age categories catering to young participants: under 10, 11-14, and 15-17.
Without further delay, we take great pleasure in presenting you with a meticulously curated collection of the finest food photographs, meticulously selected by the esteemed jury of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2023.
Continue scrolling to discover the mesmerizing winning images!
You can find more info about Pink Lady Food Photographer:
#1 1st Place, Pink Lady® Food Photographer Of The Year (China): Anchang Sugar Dance Artist By Zhonghua Yang
#2 1st Place, Pink Lady® Moments Of Joy: Hanging Up Persimmons By Zhonghua Yang (China)
#3 1st Place, Food Influencer: Lost Love – Grandfather By Indu Vishwanath Singh (India)
#4 1st Place, Young – 10 And Under: Peaches By Maja Kowalczyk (Poland)
#5 1st Place, Pink Lady® Food Photographer Of The Year (South East Asia): Drying Fish By Khanh Phan Thi (Viet Nam)
#6 Overall Winner: The Candy Man By Jon Enoch (United Kingdom)
#7 1st Place, Young – 15 – 17: Spices Of Indian Household By Amitha A. R. (India)
#8 1st Place, Bring Home The Harvest: In The Storm By Khanh Phan Thi (Vietnam)
#9 1st Place, Claire Aho Award For Women Photographers: Adua By Carla Sutera Sardo (Italy)
#10 1st Place, Champagne Taittinger Food For Celebration: Dinner With The King And Queen Of Sweden By Jonas Borg (Sweden)
#11 1st Place, Production Paradise Previously Published: The New Pigs In Blanket By Kris Kirkham And Lola Faura (United Kingdom)
#12 1st Place, Student Food Photographer Of The Year Supported By The Royal Photographic Society: Amazonian Foodscape By Kim Bainbridge (United Kingdom)
#13 1st Place, Hotel Art Group Cream Of The Crop: Mushrooms In Seville Market By Susan Astor-Smith (Australia)
#14 1st Place, Mpb Award For Innovation: Flowing Still Life: Greengrocery Project By Elisa Villa (Italy)
#15 1st Place, Food For The Family: Slurping Spaghetti By Catherine Falls (Ireland)
#16 1st Place, Unearthed® Food For Sale: Selling Fish By Md Mahabub Hossain Khan (Bangladesh)
#17 1st Place, Young – 11 – 14: Flaming Lamb Skewers By Jacqueline Tsang (New Zealand)
#18 1st Place, Pink Lady® Food Photographer Of The Year (African Territory): Gingery Pear & Treacle Sponge Pud By Dianne Bibby (South Africa)
#19 1st Place, Food Stylist Award: Trio Of Cake By Keiron George (United Kingdom)
#20 1st Place, Marks & Spencer Food Portraiture: Fritto Misto By Alice Ostan (United Kingdom)
#21 1st Place, Food In The Field: Dinner Is Ready By Felipe Pizano (United Kingdom)
#22 1st Place, Food Stylist Award: Say When… By Keiron George (United Kingdom)
#23 1st Place, On The Phone: Bonnet Delights By Hein Van Tonder (United Arab Emirates)
#24 1st Place, Food At The Table: Thankful For The Simplicity In Life By Jesslyn Jocom (Singapore)
#25 1st Place, Food Stylist Award: The Aftermath By Keiron George (United Kingdom)
#26 1st Place, Pink Lady® Food Photographer Of The Year (The Gulf): Two By Two By Rico X (United Arab Emirates)
#27 1st Place, Pink Lady® Food Photographer Of The Year (Chile): Fishing At First Light By Matt Wilson
#28 1st Place, Pink Lady® Food Photographer Of The Year (New Zealand): Eggs At Farina Ponsonby By Manja Wachsmuth
#29 1st Place, Food Stylist Award: Let Them Eat Cake… By Keiron George (United Kingdom)
#30 1st Place, Pink Lady® Food Photographer Of The Year (USA): Chapel Barrel Room Fitapreta Vinhos Alentejo Portugal By David Sawyer
