An elegant portrait of a pole dancer in Oman celebrates a woman’s strength in nature

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In her sunlit portrait of the pole dancing instructor Nusaiba Al Maskari, the UK-born Omani photographer Eman Ali creates an arresting visual simile between the strength of Al Maskari’s body and the Hajar Mountains in the background. Gracefully extending herself horizontally from her pole, she aligns with the peaks above Muscat, a single fluid line across the picture plane.

Ali, who currently works between Oman and Bahrain, began practicing pole dancing herself while living in London years ago. She wanted to meet and photograph Al Maskari in particular after hearing about the instructor’s private studio, Rock & Rhythm, she explained over email.

“I am drawn to like-minded women who aren’t afraid to be themselves,” Ali said.

Though pole dancing has become a popular form of fitness around the world over the past two decades, having such a studio in the Gulf country is “highly unusual,” Ali explained.

“I admire her bravery in bringing a sport that celebrates female sensuality to a more conservative environment and am inspired by how she helps women feel confident and empowered by their body.”

The striking portrait is part of Ali’s meditative series about life in Oman, “The Earth Would Die if the Sun Stopped Kissing Her,” part of a global project from the NFT platform Obscura in which nearly 140 photographers documented contemporary life during the same month.






© Provided by CNN



Eman Ali’s series, “The Earth Would Die if the Sun Stopped Kissing Her” is a love letter to the people and places of Oman. – Eman Ali

Ali’s contribution, which she also exhibited at the international fair Paris Photo last fall, is a love letter to Oman’s land and people, “highlighting the beauty, imperfections and strength” that bind us, she explained. In other images, she plays with the poetic qualities of light, casting star projections across a portrait of a man whose eyes are closed in reverie, and setting another portrait of a woman against the deep purple hues of sunset.

Some of Ali’s fondest memories in Oman are of time spent in nature — from “magical” childhood camping trips in the country’s wadis, or oases, to diving in the Gulf of Oman, she said. So, rather than take Al Maskari’s portrait in her studio, she asked her if they could meet outdoors at the Bousher Sand Dunes. Known locally as “Urooq,” the dunes rise high above buildings in southeastern Muscat but have been “slowly disappearing” because of urban growth, she explained.

The morning she met Al Maskari and her husband it was sweltering, giving them little time to shoot before Al Maskari’s portable pole became too hot to touch. Ali only had time for a handful of photographs as Al Maskari moved through the poses she had planned, but was quickly drawn to this image for its symmetry; the “harmony between the female body and nature herself,” Ali described.

Al Masakari used the photograph on her studio’s Instagram page to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, calling it “such (a) beautiful picture.”

Ali plans to attend one of Al Maskari’s classes when she next returns to Muscat, and praises the instructor for her dedication to the sport.

“She’s providing a safe and fun space for women,” Ali said. “She’s also promoting body positivity…as well as helping to create a sense of community among her students. I think it’s really great how she is helping to normalize pole dancing as a legitimate form of exercise and art form.”

Top image: Nusaiba Al Maskari in Muscat

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A Captivating Series By Suren Manvelyan

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Armenian Photographer Suren Manvelyan captures unveiling the mysterious beauty of animal eyes. The eyes of animals are one of the most fascinating features of the animal kingdom. From the piercing gaze of a lion to the cute, innocent eyes of a kitten, every animal has a unique and captivating pair of eyes.

A captivating series by photographer Suren Manvelyan captures these macro shots look like landscapes of distant yet-to-be-discovered planets while others remind some sort of a portal to another dimension. But they all prove that the eyes really are the windows to the soul; analyzing the images you can’t help but experience profound sensations, as if you’re uncovering deeply personal secrets.

Scroll down and inspire yourself. Check Suren’s Instagram for more information.

You can find more info about Suren Manvelyan:

#1 Lama

Closeup Animal Eyes By Suren Manvelyan

#2 Husky Dog

Closeup Animal Eyes By Suren Manvelyan

#3 Alaskian Malamut

Closeup Animal Eyes By Suren Manvelyan

Closeup Animal Eyes By Suren Manvelyan

#5 Horse

Closeup Animal Eyes By Suren Manvelyan

#6 Nylus Crocodile

Closeup Animal Eyes By Suren Manvelyan

#7 Tokay Gecko

Closeup Animal Eyes By Suren Manvelyan

#8 Rockfish Eye

Closeup Animal Eyes By Suren Manvelyan

#9 Blue-Yellow Macaw Parrot

Closeup Animal Eyes By Suren Manvelyan

#10 Porcupine Fish

Closeup Animal Eyes By Suren Manvelyan

#11 Camel

Closeup Animal Eyes By Suren Manvelyan

#12 Hippo

Closeup Animal Eyes By Suren Manvelyan

#13 Ray

Closeup Animal Eyes By Suren Manvelyan

#14 Crane

Closeup Animal Eyes By Suren Manvelyan

#15 Chinchilla

Closeup Animal Eyes By Suren Manvelyan

#16 Chimpanze

Closeup Animal Eyes By Suren Manvelyan

#17 Anolis Lizard

Closeup Animal Eyes By Suren Manvelyan

#18 Gecko Eublepharis

Closeup Animal Eyes By Suren Manvelyan

#19 Cat

Closeup Animal Eyes By Suren Manvelyan

#20 Black Rabbit

Closeup Animal Eyes By Suren Manvelyan

#21 Fennec Fox

Closeup Animal Eyes By Suren Manvelyan

#22 Blue Crayfish

Closeup Animal Eyes By Suren Manvelyan

#23 Discus Fish

Closeup Animal Eyes By Suren Manvelyan

#24 Husky Dog

Closeup Animal Eyes By Suren Manvelyan

#25 Armenian Muflon

Closeup Animal Eyes By Suren Manvelyan

#26 Coral Zebra Fish

Closeup Animal Eyes By Suren Manvelyan

#27 Garden Boa, Python

Closeup Animal Eyes By Suren Manvelyan

#28 Tiger Python (Non Albino)

Closeup Animal Eyes By Suren Manvelyan

#29 Siam Cat

Closeup Animal Eyes By Suren Manvelyan

#30 David’s Deer

Closeup Animal Eyes By Suren Manvelyan


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World Nature Photographer award winners 2022

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A crocodile whose striking yellow eyes lurk just above the mud in a Zimbabwe park earned German photographer Jens Cullman the grand prize in the World Nature Photography awards.

With entries from 45 countries, ‘Danger in the mud’ was taken while Cullman staked out Mana Pools National Park’s largest, drought-ridden pool, which has been reduced to muddied pits. 

When temperatures reach 113 degrees (45 degrees Celsius) during the dry season, crocodiles will attempt to aestivation — or reduce their body temperature by burying themselves in mud for up to a month without eating, by living off its fat reserves.

“I had to be very careful not to disturb the crocodile, even though it was buried in dry mud,”  Cullman told the competition. “They will launch themselves with tremendous speed and power at any animal foolish enough to come too close.”

See the other stunning winning images.

French photographer Alain Ernoult captured the critically endangered Lesser Antillean Iguana on Grenada Island in the West Indies.

What’s everyone talking about? Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news of the day

Australian photographer Julie Kenny won gold in the plants and fungi category for her aerial perspective of a fallen tree surrounded by sheep tracks

The tree is seen as a sacred symbol, which carries significant meanings in both religious and spiritual philosophies,” Kenny told the competition. “While this represents many different things, for me it communicates the interconnection of all things, beginnings and endings, the cycling of life.”

More coverage from USA TODAY

Camille Fine is a trending visual producer on USA TODAY’s NOW team. 

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The 10 Best Space YouTube Channels in 2022

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Key Facts

  • With a subscriber count of 10.7 million, NASA’s channel is the largest there is. It is suitable for adults and children and covers space missions as well as interviews.
  • Elon Musk’s SpaceX is next with 6.1 million subscribers. The main focus of the channel is space travel and exploration and clips from blockbusters covering similar themes are also featured as well.
  • The Science Channel has 4.38 million subscribers and is a more varied affair compared to certain competitors. In addition to astrophysics, and space exploration, the channel also covers other subjects including paleontology and archeology.

The year 2022 is right here, and so are the best space YouTube channels. YouTube has become the go-to for a whole range of topics, and space is no exception. YouTube has everything from NASA documentaries to clips from your favorite sci-fi movies. It’s also a veritable goldmine of amazing fan videos that further expand the space experience.

With so many awesome channels to choose from, we put together a list of the best ones on there. These channels are the best out there as voted by viewers, so buckle up and get ready to be taken on a wonderful journey through the final frontier.

10. Space News Pod – 89.3k Subscribers

If you love space news and want to educate yourself while watching documentaries and listening to podcasts, then Space News Pod is the channel for you. For more than 5 years, they’ve been presenting some of the best space news on the net. From news about the Vesta Space Probe to the latest updates in space exploration, this channel is a must-see.

Space News Pod cover everything from NASA’s missions to happenings on the International Space Station. So, if there’s a new mission or announcement about space, this channel will be your first point of call. Indeed, this is the perfect channel for any kind of general news related to space and technology.

9. Space Googlevesaire – 324k Subscribers

Space Googlevesaire is dedicated to the most famous Google search for all things space. It’s a great idea and a pretty useful channel as well. Googlevesaire provides an up-to-date overview of all the latest news about space exploration using the Google search engine. This allows users to see all the latest news from different sources.

One cool thing about this channel is that it allows you to interact with other space fans, and Google even adds little Easter eggs for space enthusiasts. The channel is updated with almost 18 videos every month and will be your best source of information regarding the ISS.

This channel also posts some amazing videos about space exploration, especially NASA missions. If you need deep space background knowledge, this is where you want to go. Space Googlevesaire is also one of the best places to go when it comes to news relating to space exploration and technology.

8. BPS.space – 463k Subscribers

If you’re looking for three things: astrophotography, space news, and loud space noises, then BPS.space is the channel for you. Indeed, this channel is the one that will answer your need for loud space noises. The channel has been up for a few years but only recently became popular.

BPS.space features a variety of videos from the most famous space programs, including NASA’s missions and discoveries. If you’re interested in space exploration, this is your channel. One of their most popular videos is a compilation of Earth from the International Space Station.

They also have a video showing star trails in the Atacama desert, and one of their most popular videos is a short but sweet clip about the Apollo 9 mission. Another one of the most popular videos on the channel is a compilation of Saturn and its moons.

BPS.space is owned by Joe Barnard, who’s obsessed with all things astrophotography and astronomy. He posts a wide range of content, from awesome pictures of the Milky Way to cool documentaries about NASA missions. He also posts space-related stories from other people and news websites.

7. Primal Space – 512k Subscribers

Primal Space is an excellent YouTube channel dedicated to all things space. From the latest updates in astronomy to some of the best documentaries and news, this channel covers the full range of space knowledge. It has a huge variety of videos, so no matter what you want to watch, you’re bound to find something awesome here.

Primal Space has a very active user base, with thousands of messages sent daily to the channel. They also post many videos about space and astronomy and space news, such as the latest updates from the International Space Station.

If you love space and want to learn more about it, this is definitely the channel for you. It’s updated almost every day, so it’s one of those channels that will always have something new and exciting for you to watch.

6. European Space Agency, ESA – 903k Subscribers

The European Space Agency (ESA) is one of the most famous space agencies in the world. This is their official YouTube channel, and it features a wide range of videos that you can access with just a click. They post a lot of space-related subjects, including trips to Mars, the International Space Station, and more modern topics, like how astronauts wash their hair in space.

Their videos cover all things space, so if you want to be up-to-date with what’s happening in space exploration, then this is the channel for you. The channel also posts many interesting interviews with astronauts who share their personal experiences.

The channel is updated regularly, and they have over 900,000 subscribers. So, if you’re interested in space and want to know more about some amazing discoveries, then ESA is a great channel.



There are tons of great space-related YouTube channels out there, covering everything you could possibly want to know on the topic. ©Dima Zel/Shutterstock.com


© Provided by History Computer
There are tons of great space-related YouTube channels out there, covering everything you could possibly want to know on the topic. ©Dima Zel/Shutterstock.com

5. SciShow Space – 1.44M Subscribers

SciShow Space is the fifth most popular science channel on YouTube. It’s a channel filled with everything from space documentaries to astronaut interviews. The channel is updated with almost two videos a week and covers everything from outer space news to the latest discoveries in astronomy and space exploration. They also post a lot of cool photos of space, including the NASA image of the day. The channel features a wide range of videos, from NASA’s missions to the latest updates from space programs.

SciShow Space is a great channel for anyone interested in space exploration, with solid facts and background knowledge on just about every topic. They explain some pretty complicated things in a simple way, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost. This is another channel that posts amazing space-related videos, like the latest discoveries made by the Hubble telescope.

This channel is updated almost daily, so you’ll never have long to wait before finding something new. If you’re interested in space exploration, this is your channel.

4. VideoFromSpace – 1.63M Subscribers

VideoFromSpace is a YouTube channel that posts original documentaries and interviews with astronauts and NASA missions. It also features some amazing photos of space and an unusual collection of videos that are strange enough to keep you entertained.

This channel is updated often, so it’s one of those that you really need to check out at least once every few weeks or so. The channel even features astronauts and NASA missions that have never been released before so that you can learn more about different space missions.

This channel is unique because they also post videos about space news and facts about NASA missions, such as the latest updates on the International Space Station. If you love space exploration and want to learn more, this is definitely the channel for you.

3. Science Channel – 4.38M Subscribers

The Science Channel is the third most famous science channel on YouTube. This channel covers a wide variety of science-related topics, from astronomy and paleontology to biology and history. These channels feature the latest news, videos, and other activities from the Science Channel. If you are a science enthusiast or just like to know about a few facts about space, these channels are for you.

This channel features a series of videos that document the ISS and its progress, beginning with its inception. The channel also features many other amazing videos about space exploration and astrophysics. This channel is also one of the oldest on this list and one of the best-rated by its viewers.

2. SpaceX – 6.1M Subscribers

The latest addition to the famous SpaceX channel is none other than Elon Musk himself. This is the second best space YouTube channel out there, as it’s from a space company that just conducted their several crewed test flight and successfully deployed and landed a rocket booster. This channel is also home to some amazing clips from movies like Interstellar, Gravity, and The Martian, among many others.

With more than five videos posted every month, the channel is still growing and getting more and more popular. Videos from this channel include everything from SpaceX’s latest accomplishments in space to documentaries about life on Mars and other space exploration.

What this channel is famous for is its huge fan following, mainly comprised of Elon Musk’s supporters or fans. This channel also covers everything related to space exploration and space travel. In short, this channel is worth getting those views.



SpaceX has its own YouTube channel that is growing pretty quickly. ©Evgeniyqw/Shutterstock.com


© Provided by History Computer
SpaceX has its own YouTube channel that is growing pretty quickly. ©Evgeniyqw/Shutterstock.com

1. NASA – 10.7M Subscribers

More than 10 million subscribers to this channel is pretty impressive, considering NASA has been around since 1958. The videos posted on the NASA channel are meticulously put together and typically feature some celebrity talking about space. The videos are often quite informational and can be scary when watching from a distance.

The YouTube channel’s reach is massive, and it is the most popular YouTube channel overall. NASA has also featured a number of famous faces, including Bill Nye, George Takei, and James Earl Jones.

NASA’s YouTube channel entertainment videos consist of numerous space programs. They include missions to the moon, Mars, and other planets, as well as space shuttles and even a walk on the moon. What’s great about the channel is that you can watch it with your kids, but you’ll learn something new yourself.



NASA’s YouTube channel often features interviews with celebrities speaking about space and space exploration. ©Everett Collection/Shutterstock.com


© Provided by History Computer
NASA’s YouTube channel often features interviews with celebrities speaking about space and space exploration. ©Everett Collection/Shutterstock.com

Summary of the Best Space YouTube Channels in 2022

Up Next…

Interested in similar articles? Click on the links below:

  • The Best Apple Tech YouTube Channels: They include the brand’s very own channel as well as those run by tech enthusiasts specializing in all things Apple-related. And they provide you with news, reviews, and helpful tips and pointers.
  • The Best Crypto YouTube Channels: What are the best channels for beginners and experienced viewers alike? Read this article to find out.
  • The Best Unboxing Tech YouTube Channels: Interested in exploring new gadgets’ features and seeing what they look like? We’ve selected the very best unboxing channels for you.

The post The 10 Best Space YouTube Channels in 2022 appeared first on History-Computer.

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Center for Photography at Woodstock sets up new home at former Cigar Factory in Kingston – Daily Freeman

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KINGSTON, N.Y. – A photography center, once a mainstay in Woodstock, is about to embark on renovations to a former Midtown cigar factory to turn it into its headquarters.

The Center for Photography at Woodstock has purchased the 40,000 square-foot building at 25 Dederick St. for $2.4 million, according to Thomas Collins, managing director of SVN Deegan-Collins Commercial Realty which represented the seller.

The Center for Photography, which had been located in Woodstock for 45 years and moved to Kingston in 2021, is one of the “nation’s leading venues for the presentation, teaching, and critical discussion of photography in contemporary culture,” according to a press release. The center will use the space in Kingston to stage exhibitions, conduct workshops, screen films, present lectures, and hold community gatherings.

“We are thrilled that this venerable arts institution has found a permanent home in Midtown,” said Kingston Mayor Steve Noble in a statement. “CPW will be another incomparable asset to our Midtown Arts District, and we look forward to seeing new life breathed into this historic factory building.”

In the new building, the center aims to create a model for “a community-based, artist-oriented photography and visual art organization,” the release said.

“Once renovated, the majestic space at 25 Dederick Street will establish a significant cultural hub in an economically distressed area targeted for revitalization in Kingston’s 2022 Arts & Culture Master Plan.”

The building is located close to Kingston City Hall and the Kingston High School, and is one block away from the Empire State Trail and the recently redesigned Broadway-Grand Street intersection.

The organization’s goal is to move staff in by the fall of 2023 and open for visitors in 2024.

Brian Wallis, Executive Director of the Center for Photography at Woodstock, on Dec. 27, 2022 (Tania Barricklo/Daily Freeman)
Brian Wallis, Executive Director of the Center for Photography at Woodstock, on Dec. 27, 2022 (Tania Barricklo/Daily Freeman)

“We are thrilled to have acquired the former cigar factory at 25 Dederick Street as the future home of the Center for Photography at Woodstock,” said Brain Wallis, executive director of the center. “As a community-based, artist-oriented center the location in the Mid-Town Arts District is ideal. We intend to refurbish the historic structure with exhibition galleries, photo production labs, collection storage facilities, community rooms, a library, a bookstore, and a film theater. We hope to welcome visitors beginning in Spring 2024.”

Center founder and current Board Chairman Howard Greenberg said the purchase was a major step for the organization.

“It’s hard to imagine, forty-five years after we climbed the rickety staircase to our rented attic on Tinker Street in Woodstock, and put on our first small exhibitions of photographs by Paul Strand and Walker Evans, that CPW would be able to undertake such a significant acquisition as the Dederick Street building and begin to create a major cultural center in Kingston, I am immensely proud to be a part of it!”

The Dederick Street building, which dates to 1907, originally housed the G.W. Van Slyke & Horton Cigar Co., which at one time employed 800 people in its rolling department alone, according to the group Friends of Historic Kingston.

Later owners of the building included Federal Veterans Blinds and Canfield Supply. N&S Supply, a plumbing, heating and air conditioning distributor, purchased Canfield Supply in 1999, and it bought the Dederick Street building a year later.

Founded in 1977, the Center for Photography at Woodstock is a not-for-profit arts organization supporting artists working in photography and related media.

In early 2022, the center relocated to 474 Broadway in Kingston, where the exhibition “Race, Love, and Labor (an excerpt)” curated by Dr. Sarah Elizabeth Lewis, is now on view.

The center has also organized the exhibition, “Parallel Lives; Photography, Identity, and Belonging,” curated by Maya Benton, on view at a special pop-up gallery within the former IBM headquarters at Tech City, 101 Enterprise Drive, in the town of Ulster.

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BirdLife Africa inaugurates a new office in La Maison de la Conservation (Conservation House) with the support of the Mava Foundation for Nature.

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By Cheikh Bamba Ndao

BirdLife Africa has officially inaugurated a brand-new headquarters in Dakar within the Maison de la Conservation offered by the MAVA Foundation for Nature. After a 28-yearpresence in West Africa, supporting various conservation initiatives the MAVA Foundation for Nature exits the region, counting among its legacies, the La Maison de la conservation which will house four environmental organizations namely BirdLife Africa, Wetlands International Africa West Coast and Gulf of Guinea (WIACO), the Regional Partnership for Coastal and Marine Conservation in West Africa (PRCM), the Regional Network of Marine Protected Areas in West Africa (RAMPAO).

Photo credit: La Maison de la Conservation (LMC) BirdLife Africa, PRCM, WETLAND, RAMPAO with the two representatives of the MAVA Foundation inauguration ceremony on March 1st 2023 in DakarSenegal

The inauguration ceremony which took place on March 1, 2023 at the Capucine building, Zone B district in Dakar was graced byMs. Lynda Mansson, Executive Director MAVA Foundation, and   Ms. Charlotte Karibuhoye Saïd, MAVAProgram Director for West Africa. Also noteworthy was the participation of several representatives of state organizations and BirdLifes strategic partners such as the Royal Society for the Birds Protection (RSPB) and the Nature Communities and Development (NCD).

Photo Credit: La Maison de la Conservation (LMC) – Family photo during the inauguration ceremony on March 1, 2023 in Dakar, Senegal

The inauguration of this headquarters marks an important step in creating synergies between conservation organizations for the benefit of biodiversity management in Senegal and West Africa.

Given the special relationship between the four organizations and the MAVA Foundation, a warm gesture of recognition was made to their representatives.

Photo Credit: La Maison de la Conservation (LMC) Mr. Jean-Baptiste Deffontaines, Head of BirdLife Africas sub-regional office for West Africa, presenting the Certificate of Recognition of La Maison de la Conservation to Ms. Lynda Mansson, Director of the MAVA Foundation – Inauguration Ceremony on March 1, 2023 in DakarSenegal

Guests and representatives of the MAVA Foundation were given a guided tour of the new workplaces of the four different organizations.Other dignitaries who attended the event included Executive Secretary of RAMPAO, Ms. Marie Suzanna Traoré, PRCM, director, Mr. Ahmed Senhoury, and the director of WIACO Ibrahima Thiam, in addition to diplomats, and government officials among others.

Photo Credit: The Conservation House (CML) Ms. Lynda Mansson and Ms. Charlotte Karibuhoye visiting the BirdLife Africa offices inauguration ceremony on 1 March 2023 in DakarSenegal

This new headquarters funded by the MAVA Foundation for Nature will indeed strengthen the historic collaboration between conservation actors. This synergy of actions will allow us to better develop, promote and implement strategies to meet the priorities of countries and sub-regional organizations

Dr. Paul Kariuki Ndang’ang’a, Regional Director for Africa at BirdLife International.

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Astrophotography: Learn how to shoot the stars 

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A photographer shares her top tips for getting started in astrophotography, and a dark sky expert tells us where to stargaze around Britain

Want to enter the 2023 Reader’s Digest photo competition but aren’t sure where to start? Try looking up! Capturing the cosmos from the palm of your hand—better yet, from a tripod—may feel daunting, but you don’t have to have expensive equipment to get started. With a bit of patience and a clear night, you can take lovely photos of the moon, stars, and beyond. 

Get your gear 

They say the best camera is the one you have with you, and for the most part, it’s true.  

“The phones are so good today; I’ve seen people capture auroras with an iPhone 13 almost perfectly,” says Sara Lindström, a travel and outdoor photographer based in Boden, Sweden. From the northern reaches of Lapland, Lindström hosts photography workshops and retreats to help fellow enthusiasts connect with wild places—and there’s no untamed environment quite like the night sky. 

Astrophotography

You’ll be surprised by the quality of images you can capture on your phone

“If you want to get really high-quality shots, you’ll need a DSLR or a mirrorless camera,” she says, adding that “the main thing is to have a lens with a wide aperture—ideally like a 2.8, but at least below 4.”  

Aperture, measured in f-stops, is one of the three main functions of a camera that controls the amount of light allowed into the sensor. Aperture works with ISO and shutter speed to form what’s referred to as the exposure triangle, and for astrophotography, you’ll need a wide opening to maximise light input. 

“That’s really the main thing when it comes to equipment,” says Lindström. “Oh, and a sturdy, sturdy tripod. That’s essential.”  

Switch up your settings 

Exposure is key when it comes to night sky photography—and so is your camera’s focus. What a letdown to think you’ve captured a series of great shots only to pull them up on your computer and find that they’re actually blurry. 

“Setting the focus is step one, which can be the tricky part,” Lindström cautions. “You need contrast to be able to find the focus. If you have a moon, that’s great; you can use the moon as a light source because you’ll have the contrast between the night sky and the bright moon.” 

“Exposure is key when it comes to night sky photography—and so is your camera’s focus”

If there’s no moon, Lindström suggests using a bright star, a distant street light, or, if you’re shooting with company, send your companion out at least 10 metres with a torch or headlamp and use that beam as a light source. 

“There are different ways of doing this, but what I do is put my camera on autofocus to find that initial focus, then I switch it to manual focus to lock it in. This way, when I press the shutter later, the camera won’t be searching.” Of course, if you’re out shooting for some time, you’ll likely need to check on and redo your focus setup. “Just keep an eye on that,” says Lindström. She also recommends setting a two-second timer to avoid camera shake from pressing the shutter button. 

DSLR camera settings

Get to know your camera settings

Once your focus is locked in and your aperture is wide open, it’s time to set your ISO and shutter speed. This is where you’ll want to take a few test shots and see how things are coming together. Generally, keeping a low ISO is favourable to avoid unwanted grain—but this setting will vary depending on lighting conditions and your camera’s capability.  

According to Lindström, it’s best to experiment with shutter speed and leave any changes to the ISO as your last step. She recommends starting with a shutter speed of five seconds and seeing what happens. Too dark? Try increasing it to 10 seconds. Just play around and adjust as you go. “But be careful if you go above 30 seconds,” she says, warning that with such a slow shutter speed, you may see movement in the stars. If you’re shooting dancing auroras, you’ll definitely need a faster shutter to freeze the movement.  

“Just keep checking the shots throughout your shoot and adjust accordingly.” 

Bring backups  

Lindström’s final tip is simply to be prepared. Long exposures tend to drain camera batteries, so bring extras. Keep a soft cleaning cloth handy to wipe condensation from your lens or screen.

“You won’t want to call it quits on a shoot due to cold fingers or toes”

If it’s cold out, bring a pair of gloves and dress accordingly—you won’t want to call it quits on a shoot due to cold fingers or toes.  

Discover a Dark Sky   

You might be surprised to learn that the UK has 17 official International Dark Sky Places—perfect for exploring the “Beautiful Britain” theme of our photo competition. 

“These are undoubtedly the most reliable places to experience the natural night in the UK, because the quality of the darkness is protected by laws and policies that limit light pollution in those areas,” explains Megan Eaves, DarkSky UK Media Relations Manager. “They include a number of certified Dark Sky Parks and Reserves, including our newest location, Europe’s first Dark Sky Sanctuary in Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island), Wales.”    

Ynys Enlii (Bardsey Island)

Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island), Wales, is Europe’s first Dark Sky Sanctuary

Eaves says that the International Dark Sky Places (IDSP) programme was founded by DarkSky International in 2001 to encourage the care and keeping of dark places. “IDSPs exist because of the communities and people who live in them and want to protect and restore the natural nighttime environment for the health of people and the planet.”  

Many of Britain’s designated Dark Sky Places are accessible by train or bus, so why not keep an eye on the forecast and plan a shoot on the next clear evening? The Reader’s Digest photo competition is open for submissions until 5pm on May 12, 2023. 

Enter the Reader’s Digest photo competition 2023

Keep up with the top stories from Reader’s Digest by subscribing to our weekly newsletter



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Contributors of the Month – 360Cities Blog

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Introducing 360Cities Contributors of the Month! We’re excited to feature those 360º photographers and videographers who have stood out each month. We believe it’s important to recognize new 360º works and to showcase the most active contributors who consistently publish high-quality 360º panoramas and videos.

We’ll be promoting our Contributors of the Month through our newsletters, 360Cities homepage, social media, and blog, where they’ll have their own dedicated category. You can easily access the category by checking the menu on the right.

We’ll be announcing our first Contributors of the Month soon, so be sure to stay tuned! Don’t miss any of our updates by subscribing to the 360Cities newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram.



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Photojournalist Sipra Das gets Lifetime Achievement Award at National Photography Awards

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Veteran photojournalist Sipra Das was on Tuesday conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Photography Awards given by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan also conferred the Professional Photographer of the Year Award on Sasi Kumar Ramachandran.

Arun Saha won the Amateur Photographer of the Year Award.

The themes for the awards in Professional and Amateur category were ‘Life and Water’, and ‘Cultural Heritage of India’ respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, Murugan said the winners come from diverse professional backgrounds but what binds them is their passion for photography. The Special Mention Award in the professional category was conferred on Dipjyoti Banik, Manish Kumar Chauhan, R S Gopakumar, Sudipto Das and Umesh Harishchandra Nikam.

The Special Mention Award in the amateur category went to C S Sreeranj, Mohit Wadhawan, Ravishankar S L, Subhadip Bose and Tharun Adurugatla.

The jury for the eighth edition of the National Photography Awards was chaired by Vijay Kranti and had Jagdish Yadav, Ajay Aggarwal, K Madhavan Pillai, Ashima Narain and Sanjiv Misra as members.

The Lifetime Achievement Award carried a cash prize of Rs 3,00,000; the Professional Photographer of the Year and Amateur Photographer of the Year awards carry a cash prize of Rs 1,00,000 and Rs 75,000, respectively The five Special Mention Awards in both professional and amateur categories have a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and Rs 30,000 each respectively.

Apurva Chandra, Secretary, Ministry of I&B, said that the National Photography Awards were an effort to nurture the immense effort made by the photographers of the country. Chandra recommended that government flagship schemes can be included as a category of awards in future.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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Incredible Sony World Photography Awards Shortlist Revealed For 2023

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When it comes to celebrating the world’s most mind-blowing photography, it doesn’t get much better than the Sony World Photography Awards. 2023 marks the comp’s sixteenth edition, with the shortlist for the ‘professional’ category having just been announced – and the selected snaps are as brill as ever. 

This year’s competition saw over 400,000 images submitted from photographers in more than 200 countries or territories. Overall, there are ten categories – architecture and design, creative, documentary projects, environment, landscape, portfolio, portraiture, sport, still life and wildlife and nature – and three shots were shortlisted per category.

Make no mistake: these are some of the absolute best works of photography you’re likely to see all year. The winner of the Sony World Photography Awards will be announced on April 13, with an exhibition of the finalists and shortlisted photographers set to take place at Somerset House in London from April 13 to May 1 (find out more about all that here). In the meantime, here are our picks from those that are in the running for the big prize.  

‘Cement Factory’ by Fan Li

Fan Li, China Mainland, Finalist, Professional competition, Architecture & Design, Sony World Photography Awards 2023
Photograph: Fan Li, China Mainland, Finalist, Professional competition, Architecture & Design, Sony World Photography Awards 2023

‘Untitled’ by Tariq Zaidi

Tariq Zaidi, United Kingdom, Finalist, Professional competition, Documentary Projects, Sony World Photography Awards 2023
Photograph: Tariq Zaidi, United Kingdom, Finalist, Professional competition, Documentary Projects, Sony World Photography Awards 2023

‘Untitled’ by Simone Tramonte

Simone Tramonte, Italy, Shortlist, Professional competition, Environment, Sony World Photography Awards 2023
Photograph: Simone Tramonte, Italy, Shortlist, Professional competition, Environment, Sony World Photography Awards 2023

‘Untitled’ by Bruno Zanzottera

Bruno Zanzottera, Italy, Finalist, Professional competition, Landscape, Sony World Photography Awards 2023
Photograph: Bruno Zanzottera, Italy, Finalist, Professional competition, Landscape, Sony World Photography Awards 2023

‘#053kids’ by Toby Binder

Toby Binder, Germany, Shortlist, Professional competition, Portraiture, Sony World Photography Awards 2023
Photograph: Toby Binder, Germany, Shortlist, Professional competition, Portraiture, Sony World Photography Awards 2023

‘Untitled’ by Jerome Delay

Jerome Delay, France, Shortlist, Professional competition, Portraiture, Sony World Photography Awards 2023
Photograph: Jerome Delay, France, Shortlist, Professional competition, Portraiture, Sony World Photography Awards 2023

‘Below the Surface’ by Martin Broen

Martin Broen, United States, Shortlist, Professional competition, Wildlife & Nature, Sony World Photography Awards 2023
Photograph: Martin Broen, United States, Shortlist, Professional competition, Wildlife & Nature, Sony World Photography Awards 2023

‘Full Extension’ by Martin Broen

Martin Broen, United States, Shortlist, Professional competition, Wildlife & Nature, Sony World Photography Awards 2023
Photograph: Martin Broen, United States, Shortlist, Professional competition, Wildlife & Nature, Sony World Photography Awards 2023

Did you see that this spectacular shot triumphed at National Geographic’s ‘Pictures of the Year’ awards?

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