Finalists announced for 2023 Nature Inspiration Awards: Celebrating Canada’s nature leaders for 10 years

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OTTAWA, Sept. 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Canadian Museum of Nature is pleased to announce the finalists and the Lifetime Achievement recipient for its 2023 Nature Inspiration Awards.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of this national program, which celebrates the leadership of adults, youth, not-for-profits and businesses that are connecting Canadians with nature and setting examples for a sustainable future.

The many innovative projects led by this year’s finalists (see list below) touch on diverse topics, from bee conservation, to the care of marine and freshwater ecosystems, to education about human impacts on the environment, to the creation of sustainable products such as an eco-paint, and more.

The 2023 awards cover six categories: Youth (aged 17 and younger), Adult, Not-for-Profits (small to medium), Not-for-Profits (large), Sustainable Businesses and Community Action. The 21 finalists will be celebrated on November 16, when winners in each category will be announced at a gala hosted by the museum, which is Canada’s national museum of natural history and natural sciences.

“For 10 years now, our museum and partners have celebrated the often unsung individuals and groups in Canada that are leading the way in showing the importance of a healthy natural world,” says Dr. Danika Goosney, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Nature. “This year’s finalists again prove how innovating thinking, persistence of effort, and commitment to a cause can make a difference, both locally and across the country.

Among the 2023 finalists are youth who lead by example as environmental ambassadors and as innovators through science-based projects, while adults help educate about the diversity of nature, galvanize others to protect ecosystems, and share their love of nature through photography and architecture. Not-for-profits and community groups show leadership in taking action to protect wildlife and habitats, training volunteers and citizen-scientists, or in developing new educational programs for children and adults. The businesses being recognized show innovation with the development of sustainable practices, and “green” products.

In addition to announcing the category finalists, the museum is proud to name this year’s Lifetime Achievement recipient: zoologist and advocate for owl conservation, Dr. James Duncan in Balmoral, Manitoba.

For decades, Duncan has been active in local, national, and international biodiversity conservation, focussing on species at risk, and especially owls. As a conservation zoologist and manager for the Saskatchewan and Manitoba Conservation Data Centres, he and his partner, fellow zoologist Patsy Duncan, researched and banded owls. The couple also started the Manitoba Volunteer Nocturnal Owl Survey, now implemented in other parts of Canada, and as an author, he has penned over 100 owl-related articles and papers, as well as several books.

In retirement, Duncan established Discover Owls, delivering live-owl presentations, and reaching close to 30,000 children and adults. Through these efforts, Duncan has taken to heart his belief that academic science is important for conservation, but true change comes from engaging with the public, and providing opportunities for direct and personal experiences with nature.

For the Nature Inspiration Awards, the Canadian Museum of Nature is grateful for the support of media partners The Globe and Mail and the Walrus, as well as award partners the Canadian Space Agency (Adult category) and Polar Knowledge Canada (Community Action category), and award sponsors Ontario Power Generation (Not-for-Profit, small to medium category) and Meta (Sustainable Business category). The awards gala is supported by evening sponsor BDO Canada Ltd, and cocktail sponsor Dunrobin Distilleries.

The jury included Shelley Ambrose, former Executive Director/Co-Publisher, The Walrus; Carolynn Beaty, Director of Granting, The Sitka Foundation; Christine Beevis Trickett, Director, Corporate Communications, Nature Conservancy of Canada; Kevin Chan, Global Policy Campaign Strategies, Meta Inc.; Michelle Chaput, Director of Research and Education, Royal Canadian Geographical Society; Dolf DeJong, CEO, Toronto Zoo; Lynda Brown, Alumni Team Lead, Students on Ice Foundation; Danika Goosney, President and CEO, Canadian Museum of Nature; and Sarah Overington, Director, Science and Engineering Promotion, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

Winners for each category of the Nature Inspiration Awards receive $5,000 that they can “pay forward” and designate to a nature-related program of their choice, or reinvest in the project for which they were nominated. Details, including profiles of the finalists and the Lifetime Achievement recipient, can be found at nature.ca/awards.                                                                                                 
Here is the list of 2023 finalists:
Youth category (aged 17 and under as of Dec. 31, 2022)

  • Clara Brown, Merrickville, Ontario: environmental advocate, project leader, and motivational speaker;
  • Fiona Brown, Merrickville, Ontario: writer on environmental issues, and youth ambassador;
  • Evan Howells, Whitehorse, Yukon: champion for bee conservation, and award-winning science-fair participant;
  • Emily Xu, Toronto, Ontario: innovator and creator of an eco-paint, and creator of Splash on Earth, a community-building event.

Adult category (aged 18 and up)

  • Paul Parent, Montreal, Quebec: nature photographer, specializing in insects and their diversity;
  • Howard Rideout, Toronto, Ontario: architect and leader of The Dorset Project, a nature preserve in Ontario’s Muskoka district;
  • Gail Wallin, Williams Lake, British Columbia: environmental coordinator and biodiversity advocate, having helped form the Invasive Species Council of BC.

Not-For-Profit category (small/medium organization)

  • Canadian Ocean Literacy Coalition, Victoria, British Columbia: implementation of Land, Water, Us, a strategy to promote literacy about the importance of oceans;
  • Living Lakes Canada, Nelson, British Columbia: facilitator for communities to monitor freshwater ecosystems;
  • Natural Assets Initiative, Victoria, British Columbia: guidance for decision-makers in identifying, managing, and protecting natural assets such as wetlands;
  • Surfrider Foundation of Canada, Victoria, British Columbia: advocate for legislation about the elimination of plastic waste along beaches and in oceans.

Not-For-Profit category (large organization)

  • Goodwill Industries of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta: sustainable practices through the diversion of used clothing, furniture and other goods from landfill;
  • Pierre Elliott Trudeau Elementary School, Gatineau, Quebec: implementation of an outdoor Kindergarten nature program, in line with the provincial curriculum;
  • Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Toronto, Ontario: repurposing a hydro corridor into a thriving meadow, which will be the largest linear urban park in Canada.

Community Action category

  • Transition Salt Spring’s Climate Adaptation Research Lab, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia: initiator for research around fire-risk intervention and climate-change resilience of area watershed;
  • Don’t Mess with the Don! Toronto, Ontario; supporting the conservation and recreational use of the Don Valley and Toronto’s ravines;
  • Ottawa Riverkeeper, Ottawa, Ontario: engaging citizen-scientists (Riverwatchers) to monitor and improve the sustainable use of the Ottawa River;
  • Victoria Compost and Conservation Education Society, Victoria, British Columbia: promotion of composting and stewardship of healthy soils through the Healing City Soils program.

Sustainable Business category

  • Ecolopharm, Chambly. Quebec: designer and developer of eco-friendly pharmaceutical packaging;
  • Re4m Design and Fabrication, Ottawa, Ontario: transformation of landfill-designated materials into custom displays, furniture, signage, and more;
  • Stolat Hotels (Hyatt Place Ottawa West), Ottawa, Ontario: leadership in sustainable practices, from hotel infrastructure to the visitor experience.

About the Canadian Museum of Nature        
Saving the world through evidence, knowledge and inspiration! The Canadian Museum of Nature provides evidence-based insights, inspiring experiences and meaningful engagement with nature’s past, present and future. It achieves this through scientific research, a collection of 14.6 million specimens and artifacts, education programs, signature and travelling exhibitions, and a dynamic website, nature.ca.

Information for media:

Dan Smythe
Head, Media Relations
Canadian Museum of Nature
613-698-9253 (cell)
[email protected]

Kasia Majewski
Head, Marketing and External Relations
Canadian Museum of Nature

613-618-0427 (cell)
[email protected] 


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Panasonic G9 II: price, specs, release date revealed

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Panasonic has announced the Lumix G9 II, price tag £1,699, which boasts a new sensor design, upgraded image stabilisation and phase detection autofocus.

At the core of the new Panasonic G9 II is a 25.2-megapixel Live MOS Micro Four Thirds sensor coupled with a high-speed processing engine, marking an upgrade in resolution over the original Panasonic Lumix G9‘s 20.3-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor.

Notably, the Lumix G9 II is the first camera in Panasonic’s Lumix G Series to incorporate Phase Detection Auto-Focus (PDAF) technology. What’s more, the Panasonic G9 II utilises new AI-powered recognition technology, developed through deep learning, to improve precision in recognising subjects like cars, motorcycles and animal eyes.

In terms of performance, the Panasonic G9 II excels at capturing fast-moving subjects and decisive moments, offering burst shooting at an impressive 60 frames per second in AFC mode. What’s more, a new SH pre-burst recording feature can begin shooting up to 1.5 seconds before the shutter is released, capturing approximately 113 consecutive shots so that you don’t miss any crucial moments in fast-paced environments.

Panasonic has also upgraded the camera’s stabilisation, combining an 8-stop Body Image Stabilizer (BIS), a 7.5-stop 5-axis Dual IS 2 and advanced Active IS system for video shooting.

A new REAL TIME LUT function allows for personalised colour expression, while a LEICA Monochrome mode enables enhanced black and white photo styles. Other specialised modes include a hand-held 100-megapixel High Resolution and Live View Composite mode.

For videographers, the Panasonic G9 II supports a range of hrecording formats, including 4:2:0 10-bit 5.8K (4:3) full sensor recording and 5.7K (17:9), as well as slow-motion videos in 4:2:0 10 bit C4K/4K 120p/100p. Additionally, the Panasonic G9 II offers Apple ProRes video support and the capability for recording and playback through an external SSD via USB.

Panasonic G9 II Price & Release Date

The Panasonic G9 II price tag will be £1,699 with a release date set for November 2023.

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25 Winners Of Creative Photo Awards

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The winning photos of the 2023 Siena Creative Photo Awards celebrating artistic photography have been released by the renowned Siena Awards festival of visual arts. and they are a remarkable recognition to visionary artists using photographic processes and images.

Under the title “I Wonder If You Can,” this year’s contest challenged photo artists to communicate with the world and share their vision and skills via original works that push the photographic medium and experiment with different techniques or creative approaches.

MORE FROM FORBESBest Aerial Photography: 24 Winners Of The International Drone Photo AwardsBy Cecilia Rodriguez

“In this competition, everyone is free to use any technique. Only the final effect counts,” the organizers explain. “We break all the rules, and we want you to break them with us by creating new trends in art.”

‘Aesthetics from Africa’ (below) by Chinese photographer Frank Zhang, honoring global aesthetic diversity and beauty, won the 2023 overall prize.

MORE FROM FORBESAmazing Winning Images Of Siena International Photo Awards 2022By Cecilia Rodriguez

The competition attracted photographers from 133 countries, and all the winning images across nine categories will be showcased at the exhibition ‘I Wonder If You Can’ that will take place at Siena’s Palazzo Pubblico in the heart of Piazza del Campo, Italy.

Overall Winner

The world of beauty has witnessed the celebration of diverse aesthetics. For a long time, the fashion industry’s perception of beauty was seen through a Eurocentric lens. However, in recent times African American model and influencer Sonia Barbie Tucker, originally from Ghana, has been showcasing the rich and vibrant aesthetics of Africa.

Category Winners

The photo was taken in 2022 using the “Haruhisa camera,” which was designed and built by the Japanese photographer Haruhisa Terasaki. “It is a great honor for me to have the opportunity to use this camera,” Iwona Czubek said. Terasaki is known for his unique method of photographing, which he refers to as new pictorialism. This image is projected onto a dry plate and captured with a digital camera.

“I aimed to capture the elegant movement of a horse in a free rein jump, experiencing the sensation of the snow beneath its feet and its inherent desire for freedom, much like humans yearn for it,” said Lurdes Santander. “This moment was extraordinary, and I persisted through several attempts on my camera to find that elusive shot, a challenge many photographers face.”

The girl with ebony skin frees herself from the chains, and some of them remain attached to her, as she escapes. In the gesture of liberation, the shapes of her hairstyle and neck take on elongated forms.

Capturing this image took patience and perseverance. It started with the search for a single tree amidst a lavender field at sunset. Then the wait for the night sky to unveil its beauty. Combined with a second, long exposure, the light invisible to the naked eye, revealing a truly enchanted world.

“I captured this photo during a beautiful summer wedding in the red wine region of Germany,” said Steven Herrschaft. “The majestic castle on the hill was stunning, and the moment I captured was fleeting yet magical. Sometimes, as a photographer, you need to be in the right place at the right time to create art.”

The Capital Gate Tower in Abu Dhabi was captured in a unique moment from a moving bus. “As we traveled on the highway during late afternoon,” Frank Loddenkemper recalled, “the sun’s rays cast a mesmerizing glow, creating the perfect lighting for the shot.

Featuring a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing from 1955, this photograph was captured at the private collection of Museum METROPOLE Druten in the Netherlands. It prompts us to ponder how humankind would have been and still be without the presence of the natural treasures that inspire us to dream and surpass our limits.

A surreal black-and white photo-art piece featuring several female models whimsically blending together to form a skull. Symbolizing the defiance of mortality, the composition conveys a powerful message of unity in the face of death, evoking reflection and challenging perceptions.

The subject is the conflation of woman and home. A lone woman is surrounded by her domestic objects, activities, and obsessions. The still-life narratives created in the studio for the camera comment on the mania of collecting, accumulating, and decorating a home. In the series, the woman is overwhelmed by her possessions, leading to disaster and mayhem. “Growing up in suburbia provided the basis of my work,” said Patty Carroll. “I photographically create worlds that critique and satirize claustrophobic expectations of perfection that women continue to face, despite contemporary life and careers.”

Category Finalists

“The idea was to take a photo of a pink cocktail in a playful and fun way,” said Elena Otvodenko. “For this, I used complementary colours and props to accentuate the beauty of the drink and its colour and freshness.

All the Open Theme winning photos here.

Djaxx, is a sphynx cat “with an attitude, but very willing to pose under my studio light,” said Pieter Clicteur. “I used one flash light, placed just above his head (butterfly light, as they call it) to emphasize the wrinkles on his head. He looks mean, but he isn’t.”

“The title comes from the fact that, like most Border Collies, my puppy too has a Psycho face,” said Alessia Monaco. “It is a composition of several shots, in this case seven, then joined with the support of Photoshop.”

All the Animals and Pets category’ photos here

“Tree of Life” depicts a solitary old tree on the horizon of undulating South Moravian fields, accompanied by a flock of birds. The composition, created from photographs, evokes the cycle of life and its phases, representing youthful vigor to the serene tranquility of wise old age.

According to legend, the ghost of the Gray Lady haunts the tree-lined avenue located in Ballymoney, in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It seems that a mysterious woman appears among the trees at sunset, slips silently along the road and vanishes near the last beech tree.

The winners of the Nature and Landscape category are here

All the winners of the People category here.

Humans are like puppets. With their hands and feet and their intellect, they have been plundered and commanded. They have nightmares, create nightmares and become nightmares.

Here are all the winners of the Fine Art category.

Featuring a Jaguar xk150 Cabrio 1958, photographed at the private collection of Museum Metropole Druten, the Netherlands. How would humankind be, and have been, without the natural treasures that make us dream and exceed beyond our limits?

For all the winners of the Advertising category go here.

Haldi ceremony is a traditional pre-wedding ritual in India where turmeric paste is applied on the bride and groom’s bodies. It symbolizes purification, beautification, and the auspicious beginning of their journey together. Here, the groom’s friends cover him in turmeric water.

For all the winners of the Wedding category go here.

The picture showcases a colonnade in a residential area. Light and color enhance the space, create accents and rhythm, and bring balance to the structure. Without these elements, neither space nor architecture would be perceptible. “I used the bird as an eye-catching detail to draw attention,” said Margit Lisa Roeder.

Here are all the winners of the Architecture category

Here are all the winners of the Series category.

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OM System OM-1 review | Live Science

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Key specifications

Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: 20.4MP Micro Four Thirds
Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds
ISO range: 200 to 102,400
Viewfinder: Electronic, 5.76 million dots
Video capability: 4K 60p / FullHD 240p
Weight: 1.13 lbs
Size: 5.47 x 1.52 x 3.15 inches
Memory card type: 2x SD

The first ever camera from OM Digital Solutions is also the last ever camera with the Olympus name on it and the OM System OM-1 also carries the weight of having the same model number as one of the most legendary cameras ever made.

Thankfully, the OM System OM-1 absolutely lives up to the pedigree of the original Olympus OM-1 film camera. It is, simply, the best all-round Micro Four Thirds camera ever made, doing the Olympus name proud in its final outing – and proving that OM Digital (new owner of the Olympus brand) is a serious player in the imaging industry. 

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30 Outstanding Winning Photos Of The 2023 Siena Creative Photo Awards

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A captivating celebration of global beauty took home the top honor at the 2023 Creative Photo Awards, hosted by the Siena Awards. “Aesthetics from Africa” features a mesmerizing portrait of African-American model and influencer, Sonia Barbie Tucker, captured through the lens of Chinese photographer Frank Zhang. This breathtaking image triumphed over submissions from photographers representing 133 different countries.

In addition to Zhang’s remarkable achievement, nine category winners were also recognized. Notable among them is American photographer Patty Carroll, who claimed the Series category with her project, “Anonymous Women: Domestic Demise.” This series of images humorously delves into the societal pressures women face in their quest for domestic perfection.

The Creative Photo Awards shine a spotlight on the profound artistic potential of photography, demonstrating how artists can not only document the world around them but also expand the boundaries of creativity.

You can view all the winning images at the “I Wonder If You Can” exhibition, taking place in Siena, Italy, at the Palazzo Pubblico from September 30 to November 19, 2023. If you’re unable to attend in person, you can still enjoy a selection of our favorite images and explore the complete gallery on the Creative Photo Awards website.

Scroll down and inspire yourself, Check their website for more information.

You can find more info about Siena Photo Awards:

#1 Photo Of The Year: Aesthetics from Africa by Frank Zhang

2023 Siena Creative Photo Awards Winners

The world of beauty has witnessed the celebration of diverse aesthetics. For a long time, the fashion industry’s perception of beauty was seen through a Eurocentric lens. However, in recent times, African American model and influencer Sonia Barbie Tucker, originally from Ghana, has been showcasing the rich and vibrant aesthetics of Africa.

#2 Open Theme – 1st Classified: Sound of light and glass by Iwona Czubek

2023 Siena Creative Photo Awards Winners

The photo was taken in 2022 using the “Haruhisa camera,” which was designed and constructed by the Japanese photographer Haruhisa Terasaki. It is a great honor for me to have the opportunity to use this camera. Terasaki is known for his unique method of photographing, which he refers to as new pictorialism. This image is projected onto a dry plate and captured with a digital camera.

#3 Open Theme – Runner Up: Still life with oysters and artichoke by Hester Blankestijn

2023 Siena Creative Photo Awards Winners

#4 Open Theme – Highly Commended: Oranges by Paolo Mascagni

2023 Siena Creative Photo Awards Winners

#5 People – 1st Classified: The girl with the spiky hairstyle by Giorgia Corniola

2023 Siena Creative Photo Awards Winners

The girl with ebony skin frees herself from the chains, and some of them remain attached to her, as she escapes. In the gesture of liberation, the shapes of her hairstyle and neck take on elongated forms.

#6 People – Runner Up: Scent of Texas by Ziesook You

2023 Siena Creative Photo Awards Winners

#7 People – Highly Commended: Suzhou Chronicle-Idyll by Du Yi

2023 Siena Creative Photo Awards Winners

#8 Animals/Pets – 1st Classified: “White Beauty” by Lurdes Santander

2023 Siena Creative Photo Awards Winners

I aimed to capture the elegant movement of a horse in a free rein jump, experiencing the sensation of the snow beneath its feet and its inherent desire for freedom, much like humans yearn for it. This moment was extraordinary, and I persisted through several attempts on my camera to find that elusive shot, a challenge many photographers face.

#9 Animals/Pets – Runner Up: Tango by Pedro Jarque Krebs

2023 Siena Creative Photo Awards Winners

#10 Animals/Pets – Highly Commended: Djaxx by Pieter Clicteur

2023 Siena Creative Photo Awards Winners

#11 Architecture – 1st Classified: Capital Gate Tower Abu Dhabi by Frank Loddenkemper

2023 Siena Creative Photo Awards Winners

The Capital Gate Tower in Abu Dhabi was captured in a unique moment from a moving bus. As we traveled on the highway during late afternoon, the sun’s rays cast a mesmerizing glow, creating the perfect lighting for the shot.

#12 Architecture – Runner Up: The rear window of the Guggenheim by Soraya Sampedro Bores

2023 Siena Creative Photo Awards Winners

#13 Architecture – Highly Commended: Circles by Margit Lisa Roeder

2023 Siena Creative Photo Awards Winners

#14 Wedding – 1st Classified: The cake kid by Steven Herrschaft

2023 Siena Creative Photo Awards Winners

I captured this photo during a beautiful summer wedding in the red wine region of Germany. The majestic Castle on the hill was stunning, and the moment I captured was fleeting yet magical. Sometimes, as a photographer, you need to be in the right place at the right time to create art.

#15 Wedding – Runner Up: Generational Harmony by Samuele Ciaffoni

2023 Siena Creative Photo Awards Winners

#16 Wedding – Highly Commended: Last rain by Krzysztof Krawczyk

2023 Siena Creative Photo Awards Winners

#17 Nature & Landscape: 1st Classified: Spirit of the Universe by Peter Lik

2023 Siena Creative Photo Awards Winners

Capturing this image took patience and perseverance. It started with the search for a single tree amidst a lavender field at sunset. Then the wait for the night sky to unveil its beauty. Combined with a second, long exposure, the light invisible to the naked eye, revealing a truly enchanted world.

#18 Nature & Landscape: Runner Up: Flock by Zdeněk Vošický

2023 Siena Creative Photo Awards Winners

#19 Nature & Landscape: Highly Commended: Tracks by Tomas Tison

2023 Siena Creative Photo Awards Winners

#20 Advertising – 1st Classified: Spotless Elegance by Cheraine Collette

2023 Siena Creative Photo Awards Winners

Featuring a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing from 1955, this photograph was captured at the private collection of Museum METROPOLE Druten in the Netherlands. It prompts us to ponder how humankind would have been and still be without the presence of the natural treasures that inspire us to dream and surpass our limits.

#21 Advertising – Runner Up: Red by Andre Boto

2023 Siena Creative Photo Awards Winners

#22 Advertising – Highly Commended: Black on Black by Yuliy Vasilev

2023 Siena Creative Photo Awards Winners

#23 Fine Art – 1st Classified: Human Skull by Alexander Sviridov

2023 Siena Creative Photo Awards Winners

A black and white surreal photo-art piece featuring several female models whimsically blending together to form a skull. Symbolizing the defiance of mortality, the composition conveys a powerful message of unity in the face of death, evoking reflection and challenging perception.

#24 Fine Art – Runner Up: Can not see by Haruka Nishizaki

2023 Siena Creative Photo Awards Winners

#25 Fine Art – Highly Commended: Horror Movies Story by Hardijanto Budimanv

2023 Siena Creative Photo Awards Winners

#26 Series – 1st Classified: Anonymous Women: Domestic Demise by Patty Carroll

2023 Siena Creative Photo Awards Winners

The subject is the conflation of woman and home. A lone woman is surrounded by her domestic objects, activities, and obsessions. The still-life narratives created in the studio for the camera comment on the mania of collecting, accumulating, and decorating a home. In the series, the woman is overwhelmed by her possessions, leading to disaster and mayhem. Growing up in suburbia provided the basis of my work. I photographically create worlds that critique and satirize claustrophobic expectations of perfection that women continue to face, despite contemporary life and careers.

#27 Series – Runner Up: The Right To Play by Lee-ann Olwage

2023 Siena Creative Photo Awards Winners

#28 Series – Highly Commended: Hopper Essence by Andres Gallego Bellido

2023 Siena Creative Photo Awards Winners

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Marblehead art exhibit explores humanity’s relationship with nature and Earth’s future | News

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Earlier this month, the ARTI contemporary art gallery in Marblehead kicked off its new exhibition, “Welcome to the Symbiocene”, a series of artwork from 24 different artists centered around the theme of environmental justice.

The exhibit includes artwork created through unique visual mediums such as painting, sculpting, photography, fiber art, and even augmented reality. But while the styles that these 24 artists use are wholly distinct from one another, they all explore humanity’s relationship with the Earth and the struggle to keep nature in balance.

“When we started the gallery back in January, the idea was to have a modern art gallery to provide a platform for celebrated artists, but also to curate exhibits around important themes of our time, and right now for me, that theme is environmental justice. This exhibit is an attempt at saying, ‘Let’s take the theme of environmental justice, and try to bring art together around it, but in a way that’s constructive,” explained TJ de Blij, a professional artist and curator at ARTI.

While searching for and collaborating with New England-based artists whose portfolios include art focusing on the climate crisis, de Blij eventually reached out to Shared Habitat Earth (SHE), a group of Boston-based artists that created a series of work that celebrates the beauty of nature and the worldwide efforts to save it, and exposes the conflicted relationship between humans and their environment.

Barbara Eskin, the founder of SHE, first thought of the words “Shared Habitat Earth” during a nature walk. Thinking about the shared responsibility that humans have as a species to care for the Earth, Eskin began to conceptualize the core themes of SHE before she even knew what kind of organization the title would be used for.

“Since I’m an artist, somebody suggested, ‘Barbara, why don’t you ask your fellow artists if people would like to join in?’ and that happened very fast actually. I spoke with one person and then it just sort of snowballed. The idea was to put the subject on the table, but in a pleasant way, not just showing horrific images. So we have this dual mission; we celebrate the beauty of nature, and at the same time we confront people with what’s going to happen if we don’t act now,” explained Eskin.

As the title of the exhibit suggests, much of the included artwork explores the concept of a “Symbiocene”, a direct inverse of the Anthropocene, which is the current period of time in the Earth’s long history where human activity has become the dominant influence on climate and the environment. In contrast, the vision of a “Symbiocene” imagines a world in which humanity’s relationship with the Earth and its resources is not transactional, but mutually beneficial.

“I wanted to keep (this exhibition) constructive, without too much doom and gloom. Because if I’m depressed, I’m turned off. It doesn’t make me passionate. But we can make things better. We just need a vision of the future to help people make change. That vision of the future, or that attractive, new desired state that can motivate people to act is what I call the ‘Symbiocene,’” explained de Blij.

While the exhibition includes work focusing on the Anthropocene, and the current-day conflict between humans and the environment, much of the work explores how this concept of a “Symbiocene” could depict a future where nature’s balance is ensured.

CJ Lori, whose “When the Trees Leave” series depicts landscapes where trees are uprooting themselves and floating away, leaves the viewer to contemplate why nature would choose to abandon us. The way in which the viewer’s perspective follows the trees on their journey over rolling hills also appears to create a vision of the “Symbiocene” in which humanity and nature can exist together, if we’re able to adapt and possibly give the trees their space.

Some of the included artists, such as celebrated painter and climate activist Lisa Reindorf, have work such as “Sinking Cities” or “Ocean Invaders” to explore the Anthropocene and the conflict between human development and nature’s overwhelming power. In some of Reindorf’s paintings, man-made geometric landscapes clash with colorful natural patterns to form a chaotic scene that, while beautiful, shows the potential consequences of sea level rise on the landscape.

“This subject can bring forward such negative emotions,” said Eskin. “But at the same time, love is a very powerful motivator. Love of nature will make people act, but we can’t just show beautiful pictures of nature. So that’s where this tension comes in between showing the beauty of nature and expressing concern for it.”

Third-grade students from Marblehead Public Schools will tour the exhibition this week, with guiding questions to think about about how humanity can collaborate with nature instead of destroying it.

The exhibition will run until Sunday, Sept. 17.



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This Week’s Hampton-North Hampton Events: Art of Great Photography

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HAMPTON-NORTH HAMPTON, NH — Wondering what there is to do this week? Your Hampton-North Hampton Patch community calendar is a great way to see what’s happening near you and discover local events that fit your interests. Here’s a roundup of local events coming up in the area this week.

If you’re hosting an event and want to see it in the next roundup, you can add it to the calendar using this form. As always, it’s free to post an event in your community. To reach more people, you can promote your event and share it nearby for $2 per day per community.

Here are all of this week’s events in the Hampton-North Hampton area:

Featured Event: T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week

  • When: Tuesday, September 12th at 8:30 a.m.
  • What: T-Mobile customers: download the T-Mobile Tuesdays app to get free stuff and great perks from the brands you love, including food, gas, entertainment, and more. Photo Credit: Courtesy of T-Mobile Learn More
Featured Event: T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week (T-Mobile)

FREE WEBINAR “The Genius of Titian in America”

  • When: Tuesday, September 12th at 11:30 a.m.
  • What: FREE WEBINAR “The Genius of Titian in America”Presented by Dr. Rocky Ruggiero Date & Time:Tuesday, September 12, and 202311:30am – 12:30pm ET | 8:30 – 9:30am PT |4:30 – 5:30pm London PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS WEBINAR AT THE LINK PROVIDEDhttps://rockyruggiero.com/shop… Join Dr… Learn More

The Art of Great Photography

  • When: Wednesday, September 13th at 7:00 p.m.
  • Where: 1 Drinkwater Rd
  • What: Do you want to take great photographs? Come and learn how to take your photography to the next level and whether you use a digital camera or a smartphone. Christine Linnehan Sununu is an award-winning photographer and an experienced teacher. She’ll help you take better photos for… Learn More

Featured Event: Seacoast Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol Open House

  • When: Thursday, September 14th at 6:30 p.m.
  • Where: Service Credit Union, 3003 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, NH
  • What: SEACOAST COMPOSITE SQUADRON OF CIVIL AIR PATROL IN PORTSMOUTH TO HOST AN OPEN HOUSE ON 14 September 2023 You are invited to come to the Seacoast Composite Squadron Open House on Thursday, 14 September 2023, beginning at 6:30 P.M., at the Service Credit Union, 3003 Lafayette R… Learn More

rc aces summer rc auction

  • When: Saturday, September 16th at 9:00 a.m.
  • Where: 229 Atlantic Ave
  • What: www.rcaces.org Auction starts at 11:00am Public welcome…Come to buy, sell or just watch Admission: $2.00 per person This event is outdoors, please bring your own chairs. Food,beverages and water available on site. All RC items accepted. Estate Sales Welcome. Learn More

Falling In: Women’s Workshop

  • When: Saturday, September 16th at 9:00 a.m.
  • Where: Brook of Hope
  • What: Join us as unpack ways to fall in step with God and His great plans for us! Together we will explore the foundations of confidence, anxiety management, and tuning into God’s voice. You’re invited to experience a powerful morning of community with lively group conversations and… Learn More

Check out more local events posted by your neighbors, or add your own, on the Hampton-North Hampton Patch community calendar.

Editor’s note: This article was automatically generated based on event information mainly provided by community members. Patch has not independently verified most of this information, always check with organizers to confirm posted events are proceeding as planned. Click on any event in the list for more details. You can also reach out to [email protected] with any questions or other feedback about this article.

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Pro camera techniques for bagging your best-ever astro photos

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Astrophotographer, film-maker and night-sky conservationist Josh Dury uses photography and film-making as a way to promote conservation and highlight the effects of light pollution.

Based in south-west England, Dury has traveled across the world taking photos of dark skies, with favorite subjects including the Milky Way, the Northern Lights, meteor showers and the Winter Circle – Orion, Taurus and Gemini.

Pro techniques for super astro shots

Josh reveals his go-to setup for astrophotography: a Sony A7S II, a Sigma 14mm F1.8 Art lens, a sturdy aluminum tripod and head by Slik, and an RGBS LCD Shutter Release.

Josh reveals his go-to setup for astrophotography: a Sony A7S II, a Sigma 14mm F1.8 Art lens, a sturdy aluminum tripod and head by Slik, and an RGBS LCD Shutter Release.

“Firstly,” says Dury, “set up your camera on a tripod with a geared head, so you can easily adjust for right ascension [which corresponds to longitude] or declination [latitude] – with astrophotography, you don’t want to consider a particular angle only to find that your equipment limits you.

“Next, look at the camera’s rear screen and check that it reflects the image you have projected in your mind.

“Now, using an intervalometer, take an interval image every three or four seconds – the amount of images required depends on the nature of the shot: for a Milky Way, you will need at least 20-30 frames to stack during editing.

“One of the most vital things to do is to balance out the signal-to-noise ratio; that’s why a camera that works well at higher ISO values, coupled with a wide-angle lens with a large aperture to let lots of light in, is essential.

“Depending on the nature of the shot, an acceptable ISO range is 800-21,000.”

You won’t go wrong if you…

Astrophotographer Josh Dury on location with is camera kit

Astrophotographer Josh Dury on location with is camera kit

“Plan ahead and know what your subject is going to be. If you want to take lots of different shots on the night – of the Milky Way, star trails and the moon – then you need to plan carefully for every scenario.”

“The most important aspect of landscape astrophotography is the weather. You need a clear sky, otherwise you won’t get the detailed shots you need. There must be no cloud interference whatsoever.”

“Allow for an appropriate amount of time to capture what you need. At least a couple of hours will be fine for the Milky Way but for star trails with definition, you’re looking at up to three hours or longer.”

josh dury astro tips image 2

josh dury astro tips image 2

josh dury astro tips image 3

josh dury astro tips image 3

“Be aware of light pollution. Shooting anywhere near towns or cities is a no-go because of all the light shining up. Check light pollution maps – you need to be anywhere between five and 10 miles away.”

“Take plenty of layers of clothing. You want astrophotography to be fun, and not have to struggle when the temperatures drop at night. Pack coats, hats and plenty of pairs of socks, because your feet will feel it first.”

“Recce the routes to your location so you can plan them beforehand and know what you’ll need to put up with along the way. Be conscious of health and safety and let someone know where you’re going and when – just in case.”

Digital Camera World is the world’s favorite photography magazine and is packed with the latest news, reviews, tutorials, expert buying advice, tips and inspiring images. Plus, every issue comes with a selection of bonus gifts of interest to photographers of all abilities.

Subscribe now with our latest subscription deal!   View Deal

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Creativio AI Bringing the Future of AI Product Photography Closer With Sophisticated AI-Powered Solutions

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Creativio AI is a premier Romanian digital company that offers cutting-edge AI-powered marketing, product photography, and editing tools. Creativio AI’s streamlined solutions offers a professional platform for experts and beginners to reach broader audiences and augment content creation processes.

In modern times, photographers struggle to provide competitive product photography services with traditional technologies and techniques. Many rely on AI-powered tools to streamline their workflows, and Creativio AI is at the forefront of it all. This groundbreaking AI platform brings cost-effective, time-saving solutions to the table and enables both professionals and amateur product photographers to harness its full potential.  

Whether it is background removal, generating text annotations, removing textual blocks, upscaling images, or editing visuals, a new platform came to the scene offering it all. Enter, Creativio AI – the one-stop shop for all business owners, content creators, social media influencers, and e-commerce companies. 

Creativio AI is an advanced digital platform powered by bleeding-edge artificial intelligence technologies. As robust as it is diverse, this platform features advanced tools that can seamlessly augment visuals with powerful enhancements, edit or downright remove unwanted content in seconds, automate mundane content maintenance tasks, and generate impactful visuals from basic images.  

All Creativio needs to begin working is a simple canvas – the user uploads the image they want to base the scene on, and this AI-powered platform will handle the rest. Users of Creativio AI can transform simple photos taken from their smartphones into gorgeous visual masterpieces. 

Moreover, the process of utilizing Creativio AI is straightforward. The user only needs to upload the desired photo, describe the scene, and download sales-boosting product photography image. The AI platform will automatically generate a unique scene and ensure that the final product is refined to perfection.  

As Creativio’s spokesperson noted, all individuals who want to create gorgeous visuals and save time on image editing tasks can benefit from this revolutionary AI-powered platform, but it is originally created to empower ecommerce brands, online shop owners, social media influencers & agencies, SME owners, content creators, and individuals seeking the latest AI tools to create engaging content that reaches target audiences with pinpoint accuracy.

“While Creativio AI is designed to be user-friendly for all individuals, it is exceptionally beneficial for e-commerce owners, small businesses, influencers, and marketing professionals. Anyone looking to boost their brand’s online presence, engagement, and sales conversions through impactful visuals will find value in Creativio AI,” said the company’s spokesperson. 

Knowing that the latest letters of technology are sometimes difficult to understand at first, Creativio AI’s team has created a comprehensive blog filled with educational resources and tips and tricks that break down the platform’s main features and benefits.  

One of the most popular reads in this section is “A Comprehensive Guide to AI Product Photography”, which underscores the basic principles Creativio’s tools are based on. The company’s team of AI experts are constantly publishing new articles and combing important topics, such as The Future of AI Product Photography, AI-powered tools for photographers, and more.

More information about Creativio AI is available on the company’s official website. 

Media Contact
Company Name:

Creativio AI


Contact Person:

Adrian Isfan


Email:Send Email
Country:

Romania


Website:https://creativio.io

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Natural Resource Foundation hosts annual nature photo contest | News

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MADISON (WKOW) — A Wisconsin nonprofit is hosting a photo contest to see who took the best nature photo in the state this year.

Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin is asking people to submit photos of Wisconsin landscapes and wildlife. 

There will be prizes for first, second and third place as well as people’s choice. There are also bonus categories: landscapes, mammals and people in nature.

First place will get a pair of high-end Swarovski Optik binoculars and their photo features on the NRF’s publication. Second place will win an inflatable kayak, and third place will get a canvas print and a $200 Camera Company gift card. Finally, people’s choice will get a swag bag with a hat, t-shirt and other fun prizes.

Entrants can submit up to four photos.

The contest closes on Nov. 1.

For more information on submission requirements, visit the contest webpage.

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