BBC Wildlife Magazine faces social media backlash from users moaning about lack of trigger warning on photo of baby baboon clinging onto its dead mother in jaws of leopard
Users were offended when BBC Wildlife Magazine posted image on Instagram
Taken by photographer Igor Altuna in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park
Some users said they were going to unfollow the magazine
By Harry Howard For Mailonline
Published: | Updated:
It is a stark image that shows how nature really is red in tooth and claw.
But a photograph posted by the BBC of a leopard carrying a dead baboon in its jaws – as the primate’s baby clings in terror to her corpse has upset some on social media.
Some users on Instagram were offended that BBC Wildlife Magazine did not issue a ‘trigger warning’ when they revealed the image, which was posted to promote the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest.
One wrote: ‘Yes it’s nature blah blah blah but JEEEEEEZ!!! My #BlueMonday was sh*** enough without needing this punch in the face!!!’
Another said: ‘I’m unfollowing. You absolutely should not have posted this without a warning!’
It is a stark image that shows how nature really is red in tooth and claw. But a photograph posted by the BBC of a leopard carrying a dead baboon in its jaws – as the primate’s baby clings in terror to her corpse has upset the more sensitive among us
The photograph was taken by Igor Altuna in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park.
The leopardess’s cub played with the baby baboon for more than an hour before killing it.
Responding to the BBC’s post, another person complained: ‘I loved seeing animals and wildlife but not this horror.
‘Most of us are not used to this behaviour, so it’s necessary to respect sensibilities and warn about the content. It is empathy.
A fourth wrote: ‘I agree with a lot of you that this should have come with a warning first.
Some users on instagram were offended that BBC Wildlife Magazine did not issue a ‘trigger warning’ when they revealed the image, which was posted to promote a nature photography award shortlist
‘Also had a terrible day and I’d prefer to have a choice in what I see. So also unfollowing.
‘For those of you who are saying things like “people can’t cope with anything these days/it’s brutal Mother Nature etc” it’s the people that are coping with a lot, maybe really horrible things/information on the daily that don’t want to see things like this to add to their pain or hardship, in the feed.
They added: ‘I only follow uplifting things to balance my world. My job is hard and harrowing at times.
‘I’d have liked to have had the choice, like many others have said. No need to be disrespectful or ignorant to peoples daily struggles is there.’
However, others were critical of those who complained about the lack of a content warning.
Others were critical of those who complained about the lack of a content warning
Another said: ‘Don’t follow nature then. It’s what happens! Yes, its a compelling image. But, don’t forget that Cheetah [sic] is just doing what comes naturally. It has to kill to survive & has probably got cubs of its own to feed’
One wrote: ‘Amazing shot. Also amazed that people feel the need to comment that this image needs a “warning.” It’s neither graphic nor tasteless, it’s reality.
‘This is nature, and nature is just as brutal as it is beautiful.
‘BBC Wildlife is a publisher that shares nature media, and this photo is documenting a rare and incredible moment…in nature.
If you can’t handle this photo, definitely don’t ever go on safari.’
The image was posted to promote the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2022 – People’s Choice Award competition.
There are 25 shortlisted images in total, chosen from 38,575 entries sent in from around the world.
Voting closes at 2pm on Thursday, February 2.
The contest began in the 1960s and was first run by the BBC’s Animals magazine- which is now called Wildlife magazine.
The contest grew increasingly popular and by the mid-1980s, it had joined forces with the National History Museum, who now runs the competition and its accompanying exhibition.
Astrophotography is popular with hobbyists, advanced amateurs, and professionals alike, and a high-quality camera is essential for capturing the cosmos. With NASA’s recent achievements and the number of celestial events that have been visible from planet earth in recent years, it’s no surprise that interest in this style of photography continues to grow. The best cameras for astrophotography will help you capture the beauty of the stars from your own backyard — although it will certainly help if your backyard happens to be in an area without much light pollution!
— Best Overall: Nikon D850 — Best Mirrorless: Sony A7 III — Best APS-C: Fujifilm X-T4 — Best Deep Sky: ZWO Optical asi183mc Pro — Best Budget: Canon EOS 6D Mark II
How We Picked the Best Cameras for Astrophotography
When selecting the cameras in this buying guide we considered sensor size, megapixel capability, low-light performance and budget. When compiling our choices, we made sure to include a mixture of DSLR cameras, mirrorless cameras, and at least one dedicated astrophotography camera. Products that appear in this guide were selected through a mixture of hands-on use, editorial reviews, and user feedback.
Best Cameras for Astrophotography: Reviews and Recommendations
Best Overall: Nikon D850
Why It Made The Cut: The 45.7 megapixel sensor found inside the Nikon D850 makes it a beast when it comes to shooting astrophotography — giving shooters ultra-detailed images with very little digital noise, even at high ISOs.
Specs:
— Sensor: 45.7 megapixel — ISO Range: 64 to 25600 (expandable to 102400) — Weight: 2.22 pounds (body only)
Pros:
— 4K video capability — Rear tilting touchscreen for easy composition — Excellent weather sealing
Cons:
— Large and heavy compared to other options
The Nikon D850 is a standout for capturing the galaxy. Its 45.7-megapixel sensor means files that are detailed and high-res enough that you can crop into them without fretting over pixel loss. The D850 can shoot 4K UHD video at 30 frames per second (fps), performs well at high ISOs, and has fully illuminated buttons on its body, making it easy to operate in the dark. Although the D850 has an optical viewfinder, the camera’s rear tilting touchscreen makes it easier to focus in dark environments, without having to keep your eye to the lens.
Although it’s bulkier than some of the other options on the market, the D850 has a rugged build that will work well in even the harshest environments, and you simply can’t beat the high-megapixel images it takes of the night sky.
Best Mirrorless:Sony A7 III
Why It Made The Cut: The Sony A7 III remains one of the best mirrorless cameras for low light photography, making it a great tool for the aspiring astrophotographer, plus, since it’s an older model it has a slightly less expensive price point.
Specs:
— Sensor: 24.2 megapixel — ISO Range:100 to 51200 (expandable 50 to 204,800) — Weight: 1.43 pounds (body only)
Pros:
— Older model means savings up-front — 693-point AF (autofocus) system — Large capacity body, rated for 710 shots per charge
Cons:
— Newer model available
The Sony A7 III provides an excellent mixture of features that will appeal to astrophotographers who are interested in a versatile camera that can be used for other types of photography as well. Although there is a newer model available in the Sony A7 IV, the A7 III remains a highly capable camera and a great entry point into full-frame mirrorless cameras. It has a large-capacity Sony battery that can shoot approximately 710 shots per charge, excellent performance in low-light situations, and autofocus points that cover 93 percent of the camera’s frame. That capability makes this camera a great tool for composing wind-angle starscape shots that also include elements like rock formations or distant lighthouses.
Best APS-C: Fujifilm X-T4
Why It Made The Cut: Fujifilm’s flagship mirrorless APS-C camera is a powerful tool for shooting in the dark. The tactile dials also make it more comfortable to operate in low-light conditions than some of its competitors.
Specs:
— Sensor: 26.1 megapixel — ISO Range:160-to 2800 (expandable 80 to 51200) — Weight: 1.34 pounds (body only)
Pros:
— 425 phase-detect AF points — Fully articulating LCD screen for easy composing — 10-bit 4K video recording capabilities — Tactile controls
Cons:
— Doesn’t come with an external charger
This lightweight APS-C camera is an excellent choice for the astrophotographer who is interested in both stills and video. Fujifilm has created a camera that performs well in both departments and makes it easy to switch back and forth between the two. TheFujifilm X-T4’s 425 AF points work well in low lighting conditions, and the 26.1- megapixel sensor should provide plenty of resolution for most astrophotographers. It includes a number of beautiful film-simulation modes for enhancing your starscapes in-camera, and the tactile controls make it easy to change settings when working late at night in low-light conditions.
Best for Deep Sky:ZWO Optical asi183mc Pro
Why It Made The Cut: The ZWO Optical asi183mc Pro is designed to be used with a telescope for capturing deep-sky objects like nebulae, supernova remnants and the moon. It’s a specialized piece of equipment that will be able to capture exquisite details that a DSLR or mirrorless camera would certainly miss.
Specs:
— Sensor: 20.1 megapixel — ISO Range: Scope-mounted astrophotography camera — Weight: .0308 pounds
Pros:
— Capable of capturing details that other cameras would miss — USB 3 output — Easy-to-use astrophotography camera
Cons:
— Requires a telescope to use — Requires specific software to process images
Once it’s attached to a great telescope, the ZWO Optical asi183mc Pro is a dedicated astrophotography camera that will allow you to get detailed shots of deep-sky objects. The electronic shutter minimizes camera shake and it can shoot at up to 19 frames per second. An integrated TEC cooling system reduces sensor temperature when it’s in use, which helps reduce noise when capturing objects located in deep sky.
Like all astrophotography cameras, the ZWO will need to be plugged in and connected to specific software to actually process the images that it captures. However, this particular model is designed to be used without RGB color filters — minimizing the amount of equipment you will need when you head out to shoot.
Best Budget: Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Why It Made The Cut: This older model DSLR is still capable of capturing the beauty of the night sky with its 26.2 megapixel sensor and expansive ISO range, plus since it’s an older model it will be a touch more affordable than some of the other options in this guide.
Specs:
— Sensor: 26.2 megapixel — ISO Range:100 to 40000 (expandable to 50 to102400) — Weight: 1.69 pounds (body only)
— No 4K video — Single SD slot — Not the most impressive dynamic range
Although the Canon EOS 6D Mark II is half a decade old, this mid-range DSLR remains an excellent budget-friendly choice for astrophotographers. It’s one of the lightest full-frame DSLRs on the market, has an impressive ISO range that makes it good for shooting late at night, and since it’s a EF-mount lens, the glass that it utilizes is significantly more budget friendly than some of the other options in this buying guide. The vari-angle touch screen also makes it easy to compose images without having to use the optical viewfinder, and although it lacks 4K video capabilities, it does offer interesting features like a 4K time-lapse mode.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Camera for Astrophotography
Many of the most hyped up specs found on modern day cameras are irrelevant when it comes to astrophotography — meaning the most expensive and newest model might not always be the best suited for shooting late at night. For example, when you’re shooting astrophotography, your camera is going to be mounted on a tripod, so specs like in-body stabilization, or extremely fast autofocus won’t hold much weight. Here’s what you should be paying attention to before you purchase a camera for astrophotography.
Megapixels and Sensor Size
Generally speaking, a camera with a larger sensor will perform better at higher ISOs than a camera with a smaller sensor. Having a camera that can produce an image with limited noise at a high ISO is important for astrophotography. When you shoot late at night, you will likely push your camera to a high ISO, so that it can capture subtle nighttime detail. Cameras with large sensors deliver more pixels and better detail. Larger sensors also mean that the camera is more efficient at collecting light to produce high-quality images.
Mirrorless vs. DSLR vs. Dedicated Astrophotography Camera
When it comes to astrophotography, the debate over whether mirrorless or DSLR is better is sort of a moot point. Generally speaking, a mirrorless camera will have a lightweight body, but will be pricier than an older model DSLR. A DSLR will generally have more lens options — and with astrophotography the lens that is attached to your camera is typically more important than whatever body you are shooting with. Many of the advanced settings found in mirrorless cameras aren’t really relevant to astrophotography either. A third option that is overlooked by many photographers, is a dedicated astrophotography camera. These cameras attach to a telescope and give photographers the tools to capture objects in deep space that can’t be viewed with the naked eye.
FAQs
Q: How many megapixels does a camera need for astrophotography?
A camera that can shoot more megapixels will ultimately give you a more detailed image, which is something that’s pretty important in astrophotography. While a 45.7- megapixel camera will render more detail in your shots of the sky, these files will also take up more hard-drive space to store. Most modern mirrorless cameras with a 26-megapixel sensor will give you plenty of details for astrophotography, but more megapixels certainly won’t hurt. If you’re looking for the most pixels, just expect to pay more up front for your camera, and have ample hard drive space to store those large files.
Q: What kind of camera is best for astrophotography?
An astro-specific camera that can be mounted to a telescope is probably the “best” at astrophotography, as it will get you the clearest shots of the night sky. Unfortunately these cameras are only designed for this purpose and won’t be nearly as versatile as some of the DSLRs and mirrorless cameras that can be used for astrophotography. They also require that you own a telescope to mount them on. If you’re planning to shoot the stars with a DSLR or mirrorless camera, look for something that has high ISO capabilities and is good at controlling image noise.
Q: Can any camera do astrophotography?
Most modern DSLRs and mirrorless cameras are a good fit for astrophotography because of their large sensor sizes, high ISO capabilities and control of image noise.
Q: Is mirrorless better for astrophotography?
Mirrorless and DSLRs are both fine choices for astrophotography, but realistically there are a lot more mirrorless options currently on the market. A modern day mirrorless camera will do a great job in low light conditions, and is more compact than a DSLR, making it easy to travel with. However, older DSLR models will often have large sensors and can be found for better deals on the refurbished market.
Q: Which is better for astrophotography, Canon or Nikon?
Canon and Nikon both produce great cameras that can be used for astrophotography. Which is better is really a matter of preference. For many photographers it comes down to what lenses they already have in their collection.
Q: How do I start astrophotography?
Getting started with astrophotography is easy — head to a place with limited light pollution, grab a tripod to stabilize your shots, and start shooting. For a related tool, here is our guide to the best binoculars for astrophotography.
Q: What gear do you need for astrophotography?
In addition to a camera that can handle shooting at high ISOs with minimal noise, you will want a wide, fast aperture lens and a tripod — so that you can stabilize your long exposures as you capture the beauty of the night sky.
Final Thoughts
The specs and settings that make a camera good for astrophotography are very different from what makes a camera good at other forms of photography — meaning you don’t necessarily need to splurge and get the newest or most expensive camera on the market to get gear that will be great at capturing the night skies. When shopping for a camera for astrophotography, the most important specs to consider are its sensor size, megapixel capabilities and its ISO range. The crucial thing to look for is a camera that will perform well and create low-noise images when it is operating at high ISOs. For a great budget pick, consider the Canon EOS 6D Mark II, which is a capable and classic option that still promises strong results. If you’re looking for a great option to use with your telescope, the ZWO Optical asi183mc Pro will go farther than the competition. The Nikon D850 on the other hand, is our overall favorite for most people for its power and versatility.
This post was created by a non-news editorial team at Recurrent Media, Futurism’s owner. Futurism may receive a portion of sales on products linked within this post.
The first time Reuben Wu saw the warm sandstone hues and vast, open skies of the American West, he was watching the landscapes pass him by from the window of a tour bus.
The British visual artist, now based in Chicago, has become known for his sublime imagery of remote landscapes using drone lighting, enhancing craggy peaks with halos, or writing glyphs in the sky like signals from a supernatural entity. But for a long time, art was just a passion project while he focused on a music career as one of the four members of the synth-pop band Ladytron.
“(Photography) started as an all-consuming hobby,” he explained in a phone interview. But when Ladytron took a break in 2011 after five studio albums (they released a self-titled sixth album in 2019, and the seventh, “Time’s Arrow,” this month), he began a new career from scratch. “While the others did their own solo projects, making their own music and releasing their own albums, this was my solo project.”
Wu’s imagery takes a classic photographer’s combination — light and landscape — and marries the two in transformative ways. He often begins with dusky evening light or the ink-black shadows of night, then strategically illuminates portions of the scene with custom-built consumer drones. In one image, a bright horizontal line hangs over a glacier in the Peruvian Andes, revealing the brilliance of the ice against a dark sky. In a different motion piece, Wu simulated an electrical storm in Goblin Valley, Utah, but with perfectly straight strikes of light rather than the jagged bursts of lightning.
The artist’s 2018 photo book “Lux Noctis” is in the collections of the Guggenheim and Museum of Modern Art, in New York, and he has shot commercial work for Apple, Audi and Google as well as the DJ and music producer Zedd. Last summer, Wu revealed a colossal project for National Geographic: a cover story and timelapse multimedia piece about Stonehenge, which featured the enigmatic monument lit by his custom drones. In November, one of his NFTs, a 4K video loop titled “An Irresistible Force,” outperformed its high estimate by over 25% during an auction at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, selling at 441,000 HKD (about $56,500).
“I couldn’t have dreamed of where I am now,” Wu said. “I just wanted to be able to make a living from doing art and from doing photography.”
Alien inspiration
Wu has always been drawn to wild, remote places where he could find solitude. His parents immigrated from Hong Kong to the UK before he was born, and he grew up an introverted child in Liverpool, he said, who didn’t quite click with school. He was fascinated with science-fiction films that mix the alien with the everyday, such as Steven Spielberg’s “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” which featured Wyoming’s Devils Tower as a site for extraterrestrial contact. (Unfamiliar with American topography, he initially thought the butte, a national monument, was a fictional geological entity, he explained with a laugh).
The film’s visuals of remote desert scenes mixed with eerie lights have been a formative inspiration in his own work. “(It’s) cemented into my brain, the idea of these seemingly impossible lights moving through the sky, kind of like search lights on very ordinary (American) landscapes,” he said.
Reuben Wu has traveled extensively to remote places in the US and beyond for his work. Here, he traveled to Bolivia’s salt flats, using the vast, empty land as his canvas. Credit: Reuben Wu
He embarked on his first cross-country photography trip across the US in 2013, around a decade after getting a taste on the road with Ladytron. The resulting series featured vivid depictions of the Grand Canyon and South Dakota Badlands, as well as a time-lapse image of Devils Tower at night among star trails.
Two years later, Wu discovered the effect that drone lighting could have on the natural world while working on an outdoor automotive shoot.
“I flew the drone up above some cliffs, and I was absolutely fascinated by the effect it had on the actual landscape,” he explained. It made the cliffs glow, reaching areas that were otherwise impossible to light artificially.
Wu’s earliest inspiration came from “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” inspiring his interest in the American West. Credit: Reuben Wu
Wu rigs lights on drones to suit his needs on any given shoot or project. The first iteration, he said, which he used when the technology was still nascent, was a “massive” eight-rotor drone outfitted with homemade lights that only had about eight minutes of flight time. The next used a 3D-printed bracket with an LED hot light, but still only gave him an additional two minutes in the air. The tech he uses now gives him a bit more breathing room, with a half hour to fly out, capture images and return to him, but he’s had to learn to work within the bounds of each set-up.
“I’m a lot less anxious now, because I’ve crashed a number of drones,” he said. “And in the end, they’re just tools.”
Experimental series
After developing series of still images such as “Lux Noctis” and “Aeroglyphs,” which experiment with ghostly lighting and geometric shapes in the skies, Wu found himself wanting to incorporate motion and sound into his work because of his own background in music. He began creating 15-second video loops from his images, showing light beams forming patterns or the moon arcing across the sky, to the beats of atmospheric electronic music that he produced.
“These (works) were very much experimental and had no end goal — they were just things that I did for love out of love,” he said. “I couldn’t license them, I couldn’t print them… and so they were just there, stacking likes on my Instagram.”
Wu has been commissioned to shoot in various locations, including the New Mexico badlands. This image came from a 20-hour shoot. Credit: Reuben Wu
But in January 2021, Wu found a way to make them a more substantial part of his career when he was introduced to NFT art. He minted his first “non-fungible token” on the marketplace Foundation two months later — an “aeroglyph” of bright lines forming a rectangle above a beachside cliff. It sold for 30 ETH ($45,000), a portion of which he donated to the National Parks Conservation Association and the AAPI Community Fund. Later that year, the web3 arts organization Obscura commissioned him to produce a new set of images titled “Aeroglyph Variations,” which took him into the New Mexico badlands for a 20-hour shoot that resulted in 55 images of the same setting, each with different lighting conditions and patterns. Wu has also experimented with presenting the work in different ways, from animations, to AR experiences, to projection mapping moving images onto physical prints.
“It’s very much a hybrid medium, and so I’d like to expand that horizon even more, and think about the end goal for my work,” he said. “Am I creating a nice piece of art for people to look at and appreciate, or am I creating an experience for people to share?”
Wu is leaning towards the latter as he continues to experiment with the form his work takes, but no matter the medium, his vision of and approach to the natural world remains consistent.
“A lot of people always say that my work is otherworldly — that is the first word that people think of when they think about my work,” he said. “But I’m not trying to create an alien-looking image; I’m trying to show that this is our planet. And there are so many new ways that are available to see it that can renew your perspective.”
On Dec. 9, the Cary-Grove Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the new location for Kellwood Studio Photography.
Kellwood Studio Photography offers wedding, maternity, family, newborn, and corporate photography services, serving the greater Chicago Metro area and beyond.
Owner Kellyann Harmon opened Kellwood Studio Photography in 2007. Now, the new studio location adds a new element to her repertoire of photography options, in addition to on-site photography, and her Promiseland Farm, where Harmon does her unique nature and animal photography sessions, like Bunnies and Chicks in the Spring, and Unicorn mini sessions in the summer.
“I love the opportunity to make new friends and bless my clients with fabulous memories for generations to come,” says Harmon, “I love to learn new styles, new techniques, and new ideas that I can create either with my camera or in the postproduction design arena.”
Harmon started taking photos of people and animals when she was just 11 years old. “I fell in love with taking photos after seeing the smiles I brought people showing them their images,” says Harmon, “I spend most of my days meeting people brainstorming with them a creative photography session experience and love every minute of it. For me, what I do is so much more than just a job, it’s something I picture myself doing for years to come because it allows me to intersect with people on a personal and intimate level for a moment in time, and I honestly couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”
To learn more about Kellwood Studio Photography and Kellyann Harmon, visit www.kellwoodstudiophotography.com or www.instagram.com/kellwoodstudiophotography/. She can also be reached by phone at (224) 303-4020.
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The Cary-Grove Area Chamber of Commerce is a business organization of over 540 local business members and professionals, community and non-profit groups and area leaders dedicated to a prosperous local economy and a high quality of life for area residents. The Chamber provides programs and resources to help local businesses succeed and coordinates community events such as Cary Cruise Nights, Halloween Walks and Merry Cary Holiday Parade and Festival. The Cary-Grove Chamber is located at 210 Crystal St., Ste. A, in Cary and has a full business resource center for community residents and local businesses.
Comets are notoriously fickle things. Some are given high expectations of putting on a good show and fail to deliver. In contrast, others, originally thought to be unremarkable, may suddenly flare up to glow at a magnitude that’s visible to the unaided eye. In general, it’s quite difficult to say just how a comet will behave.
In this guide, we’ll be highlighting the latest naked eye comet passing by Earth and give you plenty of tips on how to observe and photograph this and many other types of comets. We’ll be covering the best viewing locations, exploring ideal viewing situations and making concrete suggestions to specific telescopes and binoculars that will aid skywatchers as they observe the comet, as well as outlining the history of each comet and where it’s come from.
Below we’ve also laid out a fool-proof guide on how to photograph a comet with tips on which camera, lens and photography accessories to choose from, with additional advice on composition, camera settings and other techniques required to photograph comets.
How to view the latest comet: C/2022 E3 (ZTF)
Look to the northeastern horizon between 10pm-12am in Jan 2023
Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) will rise higher until dawn for better observing throughout the month
Use the Pole Star (Polaris) as a guide to find the comet
The question is, can you see comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) with the naked eye? By perigee (the point in an orbit at which it is closest to Earth) it is hoped that C/2022 E3 (ZTF) will be brighter than magnitude +6.0, making it visible to the naked eye, at least from very dark sites. As previously mentioned, how much brighter than magnitude +6.0 will remain unknown — comets can be notoriously unpredictable.
In mid-January, the comet rises in the northeast around midnight local time and is best viewed higher in the sky before dawn, while it is still dark. As the month progresses, C/2022 E3 (ZTF) rises earlier and earlier — at perigee, your best bet is to look for it around 10 pm local time. The Pole Star, Polaris, will be a good guide, since the comet is 11.5 degrees to the northeast of it on 31 January.
Telescopes and binoculars to view comets
Currently, C/2022 E3 (ZTF) is just above magnitude +7.0. This means it is too faint to be seen with the unaided eye; you’ll need 7×50 or 10×50 binoculars for comfortable viewing or a small telescope, around 4-inches (100mm) in aperture in order to spot it as a greenish, fuzzy smudge of light. You can check out our best telescopes or best binoculars guides for some great models to suit a variety of budgets. Although sometimes comets have long tails, C/2022 E3 (ZTF) doesn’t have a very long tail, at least not yet.
If the comet does brighten near perigee, as is hoped, it could reach magnitude +5.0. Technically this is within visibility of the unaided human eye, but it is still very faint — if you live near a town with light pollution, you probably won’t be able to see the comet, so it is recommended that you head to a dark site out of your town to have the best chance of seeing it. Of course, it might not get this bright, or it might have an outburst and be even brighter than expected. We’ll just have to wait and see.
Since the naked-eye view is unlikely to wow you, then for the best scenes, imaging is the way to go. However, to get a good image you’ll need some very particular instruments.
Camera equipment needed to photograph a comet
There are two main ways to photograph comets successfully: with a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a camera lens and a tripod; or a camera/smartphone hooked up to a telescope.
The best camera to photograph a comet is, unsurprisingly, one of the best cameras for astrophotography. This calls for good sensitivity to light by utilizing a high ISO range, the ability to keep noise to a minimum and a large image sensor (ideally 35mm full-frame or larger) for lower image noise and a propensity toward a wider dynamic range. See our two top suggestions below, and take a look at our best cameras for astrophotography guide if you want to shop around.
There are several types of camera lenses that are suitable for comet photography, and which one you end up using depends mostly on the brand of your camera system. However, on the whole you want to look for a lens that has a fast maximum aperture (f/2.8 or narrower) and has minimal chromatic aberration (color fringing) and optical distortion. See two suggestions below that sit in our best lenses for astrophotography and best zoom lenses guides.
But for the best images, you’ll need either a DSLR/mirrorless camera or a dedicated CCD or CMOS camera attached to a long-focal-length telescope, all on a sturdy mount that isn’t going to shake and is controlled by a laptop or tablet.
For comet photography through a telescope, we would recommend at least 4-inches (100mm) aperture, a 1.25-inch eyepiece kit (as they fit the majority of telescopes) or binoculars that have large objective lenses with good magnification like 7×50 up to 20×80. See below for our specific recommendations on the latest and best telescopes, binoculars and accessories that will help you view comets.
Camera accessories for photographing comets
There is a bagful of camera accessories astrophotographers can buy that will make comet photography easier. However, the key items to get in order to take better, more accurate astrophotos of comets are as follows.
Tripods and tripod heads
A good tripod is one that will keep the camera and lens stable even during strong winds. Long exposures are required when photographing comets because they are normally best viewed at night because they are quite dim. If the camera moves during exposure then the entire photograph will become blurred, so one of the best tripods for astrophotography will keep the camera stationary when shooting. Pay attention to the maximum payload of each tripod though, the max payload can be calculated by adding the weight of your camera (with memory cards and battery inserted) and your lens, plus any accessories like lens warmers or star trackers. If the weight of all the gear you’ll be using exceeds the tripod’s maximum payload the tripod may be unstable and it is unlikely you will get sharp photographs of comets.
Star trackers
Star trackers are mounts that move with earth’s rotation in order to allow longer exposures (or multiple long exposures over several minutes or hours) of celestial objects. While they are designed for tracking stars they may be helpful in keeping the frame steady when shooting comets, especially on long focal length telephoto lenses.
Remote shutter releases
It’s important not to knock the camera or lens during long exposures so as to avoid camera shake blur. That’s why a remote shutter release should be used when photographing comets and all astrophotography subjects. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with wires that attach to proprietary ports on cameras but also in wireless models. We would recommend wireless models on the whole because it avoids the inevitable tangling on wires when shooting, but wired options are usually less expensive.
Camera lens filters
There aren’t many filters that are useful for comet photography. Neutral density filters make the scene darker so would actually hinder rather than help, and graduated neutral density filters are usually used to darken a bright sky which isn’t a problem at night.
However, light pollution filters may prove beneficial to those that are forced to shoot comets near towns and cities with street lighting. The best light pollution filters help alleviate the orange glow found in astrophotos taken near light-polluted areas. Many photographers prefer to edit light pollution out in post-processing software such as Adobe Lightroom or Adobe Photoshop, but for those that want a running start or who prefer to avoid image editing altogether, light pollution filters are a safe bet.
Locations and times to view/photograph comets
Shooting locations vary wildly and depend on the trajectory of a comet as it travels through space and past earth. Keep an eye at the top of this page, and on our other news stories to see where the latest comet is visible in skies near you. There are, however, some key tips on the best comet shooting locations.
The best location for photographing a comet is one that is dark and free from light pollution. Avoid cities and busy towns that have a lot of street lighting as light pollution will glow in the night sky. Instead, use a website like Dark Site Finder to find dark sky locations nearby and schedule a visit.
Cloudless nights are best so use a weather app or check the local forecast before heading out. In the northern hemisphere, the winter months give longer nights which offers greater opportunity for shooting comets and astrophotographs but this often comes with colder temperatures and inclement weather so dress appropriately.
Capturing the comet hanging in the sky on its own is fine for recording purposes, but to make a truly captivating image it may be worth pre-planning a shoot in order to include interesting foreground features. A simple landscape in the foreground adds context but seeking out local landmarks and interesting land features will help push your comet photographs to the next level. Waterfalls, ruins, rock formations or even distant tall buildings (provided there isn’t too much light pollution) can all improve a comet photograph.
Comet viewing opportunities you missed
Comet C/2021 A1 — a.k.a. Comet Leonard (opens in new tab) — is on a last dash through our solar system before disappearing a little later in 2022. The comet has been a dazzling sight in binoculars or telescopes, appearing with a twisted tail and if you have a great camera, a green coma.
Here are the 30 Photobombs of all time that turned out super funny. Photobomb literally means “a photograph that has been spoiled by the unexpected appearance of an unintended subject in the camera’s field of view as the picture was taken.”
Here in this gallery you can find such photos with funny and unexpected way. Scroll below and enjoy yourself. All photos are linked and lead to the sources from which they were taken. Please feel free to explore further works of these photographers on their collections or their personal sites.
#1. Baby’s first photobomb, he is 10 months old
Image Source: kewlfocus / reddit
#2. “My girlfriend received a group selfie from a wrong number, so we quickly sent one back.”
Image Source: maxxhock / reddit
#3. We are reporting live from the beach.
Image Source: thedirewulf / reddit
#4. When you make sure to photobomb your best friend’s wedding photos
Image Source: unknown author / imgur
#5. We have never seen a better photobomb than this.
Image Source: PessimisticAF / imgur
#6. All-girls group photo got photobombed by this guy and we cannot control our laugh.
Image Source: moombaht / reddit
#7. “Sometimes you see Justin Timberlake in concert…sometimes he photobombs you.”
Image Source: ewokseatfree / reddit
#8. When he knows how to smile for pictures better than you.
Image Source: Christianhbk / reddit
#9. When your doggo wants to be a part of the photoshoot.
Image Source: acesamaka76 / reddit
#10.This turtle wouldn’t let them swim.
Image Source: StopClickBait / reddit
#11. When your daughter is a cat
Image Source: avanishprajapati / imgur
#12. How can my girls take a photo without me?
Image Source: crazyglueuser / imgur
#13. The giant whale decided to photobomb the photo of this little bird.
#20. Justin Trudeau, Canada’s prime minister, casually jogged through this prom photo and at first, nobody noticed him.
Image Source: Artvandelay1 / reddit
#21. “My boyfriend ruining the first of many hundreds of group photos in his lifetime. (1990)”
Image Source: ALasagnaForOne / reddit
#22. “Tried to take a selfie at JFK. Caught this gem before I could figure out how to reverse the cam.”
Image Source: sumthininteresting / reddit
#23. Bruce Springsteen decided to photobomb.
Image Source: jaapgrolleman / reddit
#24. “My friend was taking a picture in LA when this guy – who apparently has his office around the corner – happened to walk past and decided to photobomb.”
Image Source: juhanii / reddit
#25. This beluga whale surprised the little girl.
Image Source: FoxQT / reddit
#26. These girls just ruined his picture lol.
Image Source: WeAreWonderfulNow / reddit
#27. When you try to take a selfie with the camel.
Image Source: unknown author / imgur
#28. When you are taking photos for Instagram but a random stranger decides to photobomb.
Image Source: verguy / imgur
#29 Waited Forever For The Crowd To Dissipate To Take A Picture, Then This Happened
The winners of the annual Dog Photography Awards have been announced, an annual competition open to professional, amateur and student photographers from around the world and (of course) their furry friends.
More than 1400 entries from 50 countries were received in the competition, which has four categories, Portrait and Landscape, Studio, Action and Dogs and People. Entrants competed for a prize pool of €2000, split amongst the four categories.
Melbourne photographer Russell Charters was the sole Australian representative in the honours, coming third place in the Dogs and People category, for his image Walking the dog along the beach.
The competition was judged by Audrey Bellot, Claudio Picolli, Iza Lyson, Heike Williams, Travis Patenaude and Anne Geier.
You can see all the category winners and runners-up below, along with more finalists on the DPA website.
It’s incredible how much mobile photography has evolved in the last decade on the top Android phones. With Google’s astrophotography mode on the Google Pixel 3 and later, it’s easier than ever to capture constellations and even the Milky Way that were once only accessible with expensive gear and hours of editing.
How astrophotography works
Astrophotography involves capturing images of space objects and the night sky. You need some practice and experience to become an expert in this form of photography. Google’s Astrophotography mode simplifies the process, so you don’t have to tweak the ISO, exposure, or settings. Google uses a dollop of AI to handle things that would otherwise require a lot of deliberation from you and gives a polished result with no tweaking required.
It takes multiple 16-second shots and stacks them to compensate for the light a small smartphone sensor can capture. It removes artifacts that are an unwanted byproduct of long-exposure shots and uses AI to detect night sky components, which are then enhanced to make them stand out.
The over-simplification of shooting the night sky might be a letdown for semi-professional and professional photographers. Still, if you’re one, you probably have access to better gear and know your way around it.
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All pictures were shot using the Pixel 6’s Astrophotography mode and edited in Lightroom for Android.
While you can get some good shots without much preparation or additional accessories, the best results warrant efforts.
Get a tripod
You don’t need a tripod, as all you need to trigger astrophotography mode is to keep your phone stable. It is achievable by propping up your phone at an angle against a solid object like a rock or a brick. However, the setup gives you little flexibility in positioning, and you might block the display, making it difficult to frame the right shot.
It’s recommended that you invest in a reliable tripod so that you can set your phone at a desirable angle. After all, not everyone has steady hands. Instead of focusing on keeping your phone steady, you can attach it to a tripod and get stunning sky results.
As for getting a tripod, you don’t need to shell out much. An affordable one will do the trick. This $15 mobile tripod works just fine, and its flexible legs mean you can mount it on railings, fences, and branches, apart from using it on flat surfaces.
Seek the help of weather and light pollution apps
Even with all the right gear and Google’s AI smarts, you won’t get good results if you’re in an area with high light pollution or the weather is not on your side. It’s not difficult to get both of those aspects in your favor, and there are a few handy apps to help you nudge in the right direction.
Several weather conditions affect astrophotography, but the first thing you need to consider is clouds. A cloudy sky blocks you from viewing stars, and moving clouds often spoil long-exposure shots, resulting in hazy images.
Another thing to consider is the phase of the moon and whether to include it in the frame of your shot. A full-moon night proves to be a bright source of light and can make it challenging to pick up fainter stars. However, if you want to capture more than a silhouette of the landscape along with the night sky, your best bet is to go out when the moon is a waning or waxing crescent. Google recommends taking photos of stars at least 45 to 90 minutes after sunset.
There are plenty of weather apps to choose from, and you can’t go wrong with any of them. Just make sure they provide the information you need to identify a good time to go out shooting. We recommend Weather Underground. It provides useful information like AQI, wind speeds, and moon phases, and it’s fairly accurate with its weather predictions. However, feel free to try a few of them and see which one works the best for you.
Additionally, we recommend using Light Pollution Maps as it helps find the darkest areas around you, which is the ideal condition for astrophotography. It has additional paid features like a cloud cover map, an ISS tracker, and an aurora visibility map that you can unlock.
Unless you’re a learned person in astronomy, you may have a hard time figuring out what you’re looking at in the night sky. So, you might want an app to identify stars, constellations, and other celestial objects. Star Walk 2 uses AR to make identifying objects as easy as pointing the phone at them. If you’re looking for a particular constellation, star, or planet, the app offers guided navigation in AR.
Ready, set, go!
Now that you have a tripod, a fully charged Pixel, a clear night, and favorable weather conditions, it’s time to get snapping.
Set up your phone on the tripod and make sure the grip is holding it tight. You don’t want the wind to move your phone while taking shots.
Open the camera app, switch to Night Sight mode, and adjust the viewfinder to get the desired framing. While the Pixel can handle light sources without blowing them up, avoid light sources if you want to capture as many stars as possible.
When your phone is stable, you’ll see the moon icon on the shutter button change to stars which means astrophotography mode is turned on.
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If you don’t have a Bluetooth remote (that comes with many tripods) or a smartwatch to press the shutter button remotely, turn on the self-timer. Using a self-timer ensures the phone remains steady when the Pixel starts capturing. To turn it on, tap the Settings icon in the upper-left corner and choose the length of the timer (3s or 10s) from the pop-up menu.
Now that you’re ready, click the shutter button and let the Pixel do its magic. Do not touch your phone during image processing. If you use a Pixel 4 or later, this process can take about four minutes, and a countdown timer on the display lets you know when it’s done capturing. Since it’s difficult to frame a shot in darkness, you might want to repeat the process several times until you get the shot you want.
If you have the newest Pixel 6 or Pixel 7 series with Tensor CPU, the process is quicker than on old Pixel phones. On Pixel 4 and later, your phone automatically clicks a timelapse of the night when you take a photo with astrophotography mode. You can turn off the feature using the steps below.
Open the Camera app on your Pixel phone.
Tap the down arrow in the upper-left corner.
Open More settings.
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Scroll to Advanced.
Disable the time lapse for astrophotography toggle from the following menu.
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A bit of editing goes a long way
Google’s processing takes care of a significant part of the editing errands associated with astrophotography, but there’s always more you can do to make your shots look better. If you’re comfortable using desktop editing apps, feel free to use them, as they often give you more creative control over the process. However, you can get a better-looking image by toying around in a mobile photo editing app like Lightroom for Android. It’s quick and easy.
The first thing to do is reduce the exposure a bit and crank up the contrast. It makes the sky darker and helps the stars stand out. If the image has a distracting foreground, boost the shadows and use the healing tool to mask a relatively bright object. The tweak leads to more dramatic-looking shots.
You might notice that the picture can often turn out to be a bit warm or dull with Google’s processing. If you’re not a fan of this look, reduce the temperature of the image and increase the tint and saturation by a dash.
The last thing to engage in is noise reduction because there’s only so much light your phone’s small camera sensor can capture when the lights are out. Push the slider to the end, which often results in a much cleaner image. Play around with it to get the desired result.
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Unedited JPEG vs. edited
This isn’t an exhaustive rundown of the editing process and isn’t the only way to do it. Editing is a subjective process, so what works for you might not be the same. But following the few steps mentioned above results in a better image without putting in a lot of effort. While you’re at it, you might want to glance at these simple tips to improve your editing game.
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Unedited astro shot vs. Google Photos’ Astro Filter
If manually editing images is not your forte, plenty of Lightroom presets can take care of the process for you to deliver a better-looking image. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all because the changes you might want to apply depend on the image, so feel free to scour through Google and find a filter that achieves the look you want.
For the ones who don’t want to put in any effort, the Google Photos built-in image editor also has an Astro filter that can work like a charm at times (check out the result above). The app is packed with several image editing tools to get the desired results in no time. You can tweak brightness, contrast, HDR, white point, highlights, saturation, warmth, and black point.
You can also use the default AI-based suggestions option to improve space photos with a single tap.
Google locks several image editing features behind the Google One subscription. If you aren’t sure of what Google One is, check our dedicated guide to check monthly prices and benefits with each plan.
Astrophotography on rival offerings
Due to limited availability and Google’s shaky track record with Pixel hardware, most users prefer an iPhone or a Samsung Galaxy phone. Let’s take a quick look at Apple and Samsung’s take on astrophotography.
While Apple offers a Night Mode to capture dark scenes effortlessly, it doesn’t pack a dedicated astrophotography mode on iPhone. You need to use a tripod and a pro camera app. You’ll also need to tweak several options to get desired results. It’s limited to enthusiasts only.
During the Galaxy S22 launch event in 2022, Samsung announced massive improvements to the Night Mode on the latest flagship. But the company waited till October 2022 to release a separate Astrophotography mode on the S22 series.
However, there are several limitations. It’s not baked into the stock camera app. You need to use Samsung’s Expert RAW app, which lets you shoot photos in RAW format with HDR. The mode packs a guide to pinpoint the location of stars and the solar system. The minimum duration is set to four minutes and extends to 10 minutes for better results. As expected, don’t try astrophotography mode without a tripod.
The stars are ‘closer’ than they ever were
Few things in the world are as inspiring and breathtaking as the sparkling night sky, and it’s incredible to see that mobile photography has evolved to a stage where even a novice can capture these stunning moments without the gear or the know-how. If you want to get better at taking shots, our camera guide on the Google Pixel 7 is a great place to get started.
The MarketWatch News Department was not involved in the creation of this content.
Jan 16, 2023 (The Expresswire) —
“Stock Photography Market” research report comprehensive analysis of the business operations of all market leading industry. It also includes insights on current market situations, demand, and manufacturing cost with their size, share and growth revenue trend with different challenges and opportunities. It covers complete outline for business development including major regions. The global Stock Photography Market report is witness huge growth with leading region and countries data by 2027, in comparison to 2023, at growing CAGR during 2027.
Get a sample PDF of the report at https://www.marketresearchguru.com/enquiry/request-sample/19525022
Key player companies in global Stock Photography Market are:
The report providing scenario of history and present performance with an overview of successful marketing strategies, market contributions, and recent developments of market leading companies, and analyses are used in the research report to provide accurate information with product type and application insights.
Product Type Insights
● Free ● Paid
Application Insights
● Scientific Research ● Books, Newspapers ● Website Building ● Advertising ● Other
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This section provides market growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges, risks market share along with the growth rate of the Stock Photography Market. The report also covers monetary and exchange fluctuations, import-export trade and recent developments of leading companies in global market. Moreover, customer preference analysis, market dynamics, regional conflicts and provide information for extent of development till forecast year 2027.
Major Regions or countries covered in this report:
● North America ● United States ● Europe ● K. ● Italy ● Asia-Pacific ● China ● Japan ● South Korea ● India
Inquire or Share Your Questions If Any before the Purchasing This Report – https://www.marketresearchguru.com/enquiry/pre-order-enquiry/19525022
Detailed TOC of Stock Photography Market Forecast Report 2023-2029:
1 Stock Photography Market Overview
1.2 Stock Photography Segment by Type
1.3 Stock Photography Segment by Application
1.4 Global Stock Photography Market Size Estimates and Forecasts
2 Stock Photography Market Competition by Manufacturers
2.1 Global Stock Photography Sales Market Share by Manufacturers (2016-2021)
2.2 Global Stock Photography Revenue Market Share by Manufacturers (2016-2021)
2.3 Global Stock Photography Average Price by Manufacturers (2016-2021)
2.4 Manufacturers Stock Photography Manufacturing Sites, Area Served, Product Type
2.5 Stock Photography Market Competitive Situation and Trends
2.5.1 Stock Photography Market Concentration Rate
2.5.2 The Global Top 5 and Top 10 Largest Stock Photography Players Market Share by Revenue
2.6 Manufacturers Mergers and Acquisitions, Expansion Plans
3 Stock Photography Retrospective Market Scenario by Region
3.1 Global Stock Photography Retrospective Market Scenario in Sales by Region: 2016-2021
3.2 Global Stock Photography Retrospective Market Scenario in Revenue by Region: 2016-2021
3.3 North America Stock Photography Market Facts and Figures by Country
3.4 Europe Stock Photography Market Facts and Figures by Country
4 Global Stock Photography Historic Market Analysis by Type
4.1 Global Stock Photography Sales Market Share by Type (2016-2021)4.2 Global Stock Photography Revenue Market Share by Type (2016-2021)
4.3 Global Stock Photography Price by Type (2016-2021)
5 Global Stock Photography Historic Market Analysis by Application
5.1 Global Stock Photography Sales Market Share by Application (2016-2021)
5.2 Global Stock Photography Revenue Market Share by Application (2016-2021)
5.3 Global Stock Photography Price by Application (2016-2021)
6 Key Companies Profiled
7 Stock Photography Manufacturing Cost Analysis
8 Marketing Channel, Distributors and Customers
9 Stock Photography Market Dynamics
10 Global Market Forecast
10.1 Stock Photography Market Estimates and Projections by Type
10.1.1 Global Forecasted Sales of Stock Photography by Type (2022-2027)
10.1.2 Global Forecasted Revenue of Stock Photography by Type (2022-2027)
10.2 Stock Photography Market Estimates and Projections by Application
10.2.1 Global Forecasted Sales of Stock Photography by Application (2022-2027)
10.2.2 Global Forecasted Revenue of Stock Photography by Application (2022-2027)
10.3 Stock Photography Market Estimates and Projections by Region
10.3.1 Global Forecasted Sales of Stock Photography by Region (2022-2027)
10.3.2 Global Forecasted Revenue of Stock Photography by Region (2022-2027)
11 Research Finding and Conclusion
12 Methodology and Data Source
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To view the original version on The Express Wire visit Stock Photography Market 2023 Insights: Enterprises Size & Manufacturing Cost with CAGR Outlook and forecast to 2027
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