30 Breathtaking Winning Images Of Sports Photography Awards 2023

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Photography allows us to freeze unique moments in time, unattainable by any other artistic medium. This truth holds especially strong for sports photography. Thus, today, we are delighted to present the finest sports photographs of this year.

The World Sports Photography Awards have unveiled their laureates from a pool of 700 participants. A total of 24 categories were featured, spanning from basketball to motorsports, encompassing urban scenes and venturing into the realm of the extreme. In each category, the champions were honored with prestigious gold, silver, or bronze distinctions.

Moreover, the competition recognized 3 outstanding photographers as the ultimate victors, securing gold awards within their respective categories. Standing at the pinnacle of overall winners is Patrick Smith, his golden achievement captured through an image of a golfer amidst the billowing clouds. Octávio Passos claims the silver crown, while Phil Noble secures the bronze in this esteemed category.

We extend our invitation for you to explore the collection of specially merited images on the official World Sports Photography Awards website. As for the triumphant champions, we invite you to peruse the selection below and share with us which among these evokes your deepest admiration.

Scroll down and insire yourself. Click Full Gallery link to view entire set of photographs.

You can find more info about World Architecture Festival:

#1 Overall Winner, Silver: “Justine Dupont” By Octávio Passos

Winning Images Of Sports Photography Awards 2023

#2 Tennis – Category Winner, Gold: “Coco Gauff” By Scott Barbour

Winning Images Of Sports Photography Awards 2023

#3 Overall Winner, Gold: “Sky Drive” By Patrick Smith

Winning Images Of Sports Photography Awards 2023

#4 Golf – Category Winner, Silver: “Mayakoba” By Héctor Vivas

Winning Images Of Sports Photography Awards 2023

#5 Gymnastics – Category Winner, Bronze: “Jennifer Gadirova In Full Flight” By Victor Joly

Winning Images Of Sports Photography Awards 2023

#6 Aquatic – Category Winner, Gold: “Sparkle” By Anna Szilágyi

Winning Images Of Sports Photography Awards 2023

#7 Basketball – Category Winner, Silver: “Wsp_022-001” By Mariano Pozo Ruiz

Winning Images Of Sports Photography Awards 2023

#8 Martial Arts – Category Winner, Silver: “Fencing” By Pavel Bednyakov

Winning Images Of Sports Photography Awards 2023

#9 Other – Category Winner, Bronze: “Walk The Sky” By Axel Rosas

Winning Images Of Sports Photography Awards 2023

#10 Rugby – Category Winner, Silver: “Sideswipe” By Evan Treacy

Winning Images Of Sports Photography Awards 2023

#11 Tennis – Category Winner, Bronze: “Going To Miss You” By Shaun Brooks

Winning Images Of Sports Photography Awards 2023

#12 Winter – Category Winner, Silver: “Orbit” By Cameron Spencer

Winning Images Of Sports Photography Awards 2023

#13 Aquatic – Category Winner, Silver: “Kathleen Dawson” By Ian Macnicol

Winning Images Of Sports Photography Awards 2023

#14 Cricket – Category Winner, Bronze: “Catch It!” By Andrew Cornaga

Winning Images Of Sports Photography Awards 2023

#15 Motor Sports – Category Winner, Bronze: “Kalle Rovanperä Portugal” By Hannu Rainamo

Winning Images Of Sports Photography Awards 2023

#16 Other – Category Winner, Gold: “Climbing Silhouette” By Julia Roger-Veyer

Winning Images Of Sports Photography Awards 2023

#17 American Football – Category Winner, Gold: “The Final Kick” By Kevin Sabitus

Winning Images Of Sports Photography Awards 2023

#18 Athletics – Category Winner, Bronze: “Tunnel Vision” By Simon Stacpoole

Winning Images Of Sports Photography Awards 2023

#19 Basketball – Category Winner, Bronze: “The Scudetto” By Mattia Ozbot

Winning Images Of Sports Photography Awards 2023

#20 Cricket – Category Winner, Gold: “Surrounded” By Philip Brown

Winning Images Of Sports Photography Awards 2023

#21 Formula 1 – Category Winner, Silver: “Charles Leclerc Australia 2022” By Andrew Hone

Winning Images Of Sports Photography Awards 2023

#22 Racquet Sports – Category Winner, Silver: “Li Shifeng Smash” By Shi Tang

Winning Images Of Sports Photography Awards 2023

#23 Basketball – Category Winner, Gold: “Cameron Crazies” By Andrew Hancock

Winning Images Of Sports Photography Awards 2023

#24 Boxing – Category Winner, Gold: “Leti Leti V Conor Wallace – Flying Mouth Guard” By Darren Burns

Winning Images Of Sports Photography Awards 2023

#25 Athletics – Category Winner, Silver: “World Records” By Morgan Treacy

Winning Images Of Sports Photography Awards 2023

#26 Venues & Views – Category Winner, Silver: “Van De Walle Butcher” By Ashley & Jered Gruber

Winning Images Of Sports Photography Awards 2023

#27 Urban & Extreme – Category Winner, Bronze: “Don’t Look Down” By Cody Shimzu

Winning Images Of Sports Photography Awards 2023

#28 Ice Hockey – Category Winner, Silver: “Symmetry” By Bruce Bennett

Winning Images Of Sports Photography Awards 2023

#29 Water – Category Winner, Bronze: “Bottom Turn” By Matrix Images (Nic Bothma)

Winning Images Of Sports Photography Awards 2023

#30 Urban & Extreme – Category Winner, Silver: “Above The Sun” By Henrique Casinhas

Winning Images Of Sports Photography Awards 2023


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Inspiring the World Through Photography: Meet Survivor

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The Chronicle

Prince Ngwenya, [email protected]

Survivor Nyasulu, a wildlife photographer originating from a small rural town, has emerged as an inspiring figure in his community, mesmerising residents with his extraordinary talent and dedication to his craft.

Born and raised in Dete, He developed a profound connection with photography during his formative years in primary school. His passion for the art was ignited as he avidly watched wildlife documentaries on television.

In 2018, Survivor commenced his photography journey, initially experimenting with a friend’s camera before eventually acquiring his own in 2021. He purchased his first camera through a loan from China.

Survivor draws inspiration from esteemed wildlife photographers like Marlon Du Doit, Nick Dyer, and ShannonWild. Their work served as a catalyst for his own creative vision and development in the field of photography.

Living in close proximity to Hwange National Park, Survivor Nyasulu’s passion for capturing the beauty of nature grew exponentially.

He utilised his photography primarily to portray the harmonious coexistence between animals and humans, a theme that is relatively uncommon among photographers in Zimbabwe

Survivor’s exceptional photographs depicting rangers on patrol and the various challenges they face swiftly garnered recognition.

Rangers from a patrol carrying wire-snares, one of the threats to painted Dog survival.

His powerful images caught the attention of organizations such as Space for Giants and Citizen Bulletin, who chose to feature his work, further amplifying his impact and reach.

Driven by his deep love for nature, he found solace and purpose as a safari guide. He dedicated himself to making a positive impact by escorting tourists into the park and educating them about wildlife. His passion for sharing knowledge and fostering a connection between people and nature shines through in his role as a safari guide.

In addition to his multifaceted skills, Survivor Nyasulu also actively contributes to conservation efforts as a conservationist at Painted Dog Conservation. In this role, he actively participates in anti-poaching activities to protect wildlife. Furthermore, he showcases his versatility by working as a sports photographer for the Rhino Cup Champions League, capturing captivating moments of the sporting event.

Driven by passion, Survivor is among the few wildlife photographers in Zimbabwe to tell African stories.

“I am a photographer who wants to inspire more Zimbaweans to tell African stories, rather than having people abroad coming to Zimbabwe to document and film for us” he said.

Currently pursuing a degree in Film, Television, and Media Studies at Lupane State University, he established “Nature is Life,” a radio talk show on Skyz Metro FM. Through this platform, he endeavors to raise awareness about nature conservation and has even played a pivotal role in the recovery of two pangolins.

Although Survivor devotes much of his time to studies, he remains an inspiration to young people through his tireless efforts to teach children how to operate the camera and support those in need quickly garnered attention and admiration from his community.

Despite the demanding nature of his job, he indulges in his passion for photography, capturing the raw beauty of everyday life. His lens serves as a window into the world showcasing both the struggles and resilience of people around him.

Through his compassionate approach and unwavering commitment to nature, Survivor has transformed countless lives and his radio talk show has become one of the most listened to, via the web.

His photographs have inspired others to follow in his footsteps and contribute to the betterment of society.

He hopes to inspire more people to take part in nature photography and nature conservation and to get recognition beyond Zimbabwe.

Through his radio talk show, Nature is Life, he wishes to engage more stakeholders and get support to channel the programme further.

Survivor’s journey has not been without challenges. He faces the challenge of camera gear which sometimes prevents him from capturing images that are world-class. However, his resilience and unwavering belief in photography continue to fuel his determination, allowing him to overcome obstacles and emerge stronger.

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25 Amazingly Satisfying Photos That Will Please Your Inner Perfectionist

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Amidst the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we often overlook the captivating moments that surround us. Taking a moment to observe our surroundings can unveil a world of fascinating intricacies that resonate with our sense of harmony.

Dive into the realm of r/OddlySatisfying, a Reddit community where individuals share captivating snapshots of their experiences. Within this compilation, we proudly present 40 handpicked images that encapsulate the essence of these moments. Each photo beckons you to restore a sense of equilibrium to your life, as if finding the missing piece to a puzzle.

Join the ranks of enthusiasts who celebrate life’s small wonders by joining the r/OddlySatisfying community. Here, the treasure trove of mesmerizing visuals continues to expand, offering an ongoing source of awe-inspiring content.

Scroll down 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 This Clean Ice

Amazingly Satisfying Photos

Image source: reddit.com

#2 The way this snake moves between the bricks of this building

Amazingly Satisfying Photos

Image Source: reddit.com

#3 Tree’s Shadow

Amazingly Satisfying Photos

Image source: reddit.com

#4 The flow of this woman’s super long hair

Amazingly Satisfying Photos

Image Source: reddit.com

#5 This happy little duckling sleeping in a mug

Amazingly Satisfying Photos

Image Source: reddit.com

#6 This cube in a rainbow

Amazingly Satisfying Photos

Image Source: reddit.com

#7 Droplets On A Car Windshield During Sunset

Amazingly Satisfying Photos

Image source: reddit.com

#8 The Way This Cat Blends Into The Wood

Amazingly Satisfying Photos

Image source: reddit.com

#9 This Cake (Credit: Malizzi Cakes)

Amazingly Satisfying Photos

Image source: reddit.com

#10 This field of long grass that looks like a desktop screen

Amazingly Satisfying Photos

Image Source: reddit.com

#11 These images of the world’s highest bridge in China

Amazingly Satisfying Photos

Image Source: reddit.com

#12 This shiny cutlassfish

Amazingly Satisfying Photos

Image Source: reddit.com

#13 This person laying down water tubing for farming

Amazingly Satisfying Photos

Image Source: reddit.com

#14 Amazingly Well-Stacked Carrots On A Pickup

Amazingly Satisfying Photos

Image source: reddit.com

#15 The Way The Veins Of The Leaf Align On The Creases Of The Hand

Amazingly Satisfying Photos

Image source: reddit.com

#16 This person’s homemade water bowl that has matching spots to their cat

Amazingly Satisfying Photos

Image Source: reddit.com

#17 This aquarium bathroom stall

Amazingly Satisfying Photos

Image Source: reddit.com

#18 This perfect wave

Amazingly Satisfying Photos

Image Souce: reddit.com

#19 This Scoop Of Peanut Butter

Amazingly Satisfying Photos

Image source: reddit.com

#20 This neatly folded ice

Amazingly Satisfying Photos

Image Source: reddit.com

#21 This apple cutting job

Amazingly Satisfying Photos

Image Source: reddit.com

#22 This perfect cone

Amazingly Satisfying Photos

Image Source: reddit.com

#23 These sun rays shining perfectly through a hand

Amazingly Satisfying Photos

Image Source: reddit.com

#24 This lava flow

Amazingly Satisfying Photos

Image Source: reddit.com

#25 This wood spiral

Amazingly Satisfying Photos

Image Source: reddit.com

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Cindy Crawford Shares Racy Topless Hot Tub Photo

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The supermodel posed for a topless social media summer snap

<p>Cindy Crawford/instagram	</p> Cindy Crawford shares topless pic while basking in nature

Cindy Crawford/instagram

Cindy Crawford shares topless pic while basking in nature

Cindy Crawford is taking in the sights in a new Instagram post!

On Thursday, the supermodel, 57, shared a peek inside her “Lake life .” In a new upload, Crawford showed off the peaceful scenery near the water at an undisclosed location as she relaxed in a hot tub. The Meaningful Beauty entrepreneur tied her hair in a high bun in the topless photo.

Another photo in the carousel of images showed Crawford sitting in the sun with a striped blue, purple, and white button-down shirt and shades. Following the selfie came landscape appreciation posts of canoes beside the water and fresh berries in her hand.

The MTV House of Style alum recently set the internet ablaze when she starred in a music video centered around a viral song about margaritas.

Related: Cindy Crawford&#39;s 8 Most Iconic Pop Culture Moments

“Couldn’t stop laughing when I first heard this song – and had so much fun making a cameo in @thatchickangel’s music video,” Crawford said in an Aug. 1 upload of the track that took social media by storm. “The outrageous and campy lyrics make this the kind of summer song that reminds us not to take it all so seriously Cheers everybody.”

In the “One Margarita” (Margarita Song’s) music video, which features That Chick Angel and Saucy Santana enthusiastically explaining what might happen after a few cocktails, Crawford recreated her legendary 1992 Pepsi Super Bowl ad.

Both videos feature the model wearing denim cutoff shorts, a form-fitting white T-shirt, and her iconic brown tresses.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

For the 2023 version, Crawford nixed the cola for Casamigos, the tequila brand co-founded by her husband Rande Gerber. The two have been married for over two decades. On May 29, they celebrated 25 years of holy matrimony.

“25 years ago today, Rande and I got married at the Ocean Club in the Bahamas,” she said on social media at the time with a series of photos. “It was a picture perfect wedding all captured by @arthurelgort. We spent a beautiful weekend surrounded by family and friends celebrating our love for each other.” “I would do it all over again in a second,” she added.

In mid-June, the businessman, 61, spoke exclusively to PEOPLE about how they’ve managed to make their love last. “It’s important in relationships to remain friends,” he advised.

<p>Lars Niki/Getty</p> Rande Gerber and Cindy Crawford

Lars Niki/Getty

Rande Gerber and Cindy Crawford

“Go out, have fun, laugh and try not to take life too seriously. Let loose and enjoy the time that we do have,” Gerber continued. In April 2020, Crawford reminisced about their early days as a couple. “Our first trip, 1994 @stephaniejcoffey put me up to the #firstdatechallenge… I think this counts!” the brunette captioned an old photo of them hugging while standing on a beach.

Crawford and Gerber share two children together, son Presley Gerber, 24, and daughter Kaia Gerber, 21. Kaia, who has followed in her mother’s model footsteps, gushed over the throwback photo of her parents. “This,” the Babylon talent wrote on a repost shared on her Instagram Story.

Related: Cindy Crawford to Walk in Rihanna&#39;s Savage X Fenty Vol. 3 Fashion Show: Get a First Look!

In 2017, the mother-daughter duo shared the runway for the first time in Versace’s spring show. Following the event, Crawford confessed to the Associated Press that walking with her daughter came as a surprise.

“I didn’t know my daughter was doing that show,” she revealed. “The models themselves don’t really get booked until the day before or two days before. And finally, Kaia got booked for it, and I said, ‘You know I’m doing that show, right?’ ”

Venturelli/Getty Kaia Gerber and Cindy Crawford

Venturelli/Getty Kaia Gerber and Cindy Crawford

“She’s like, ‘Wait, do we have to walk down together?’ I said, ‘No. I don’t even want to walk down with you. I’m going to walk down with the ladies that are my age. You can go with the girls that are your age,’ ” Crawford recalled.

Crawford also reunited with Carla Bruni, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, and Helena Christensen for an iconic walk down the runway.

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Read the original article on People.

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Two-day photography exhibition and display of vintage cameras in Visakhapatnam

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A landscape picture of Ladakh.

A landscape picture of Ladakh.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Vizag Photo Walkers will be organising a two-day photography exhibition at Hawa Mahal on August 12 and 13. The exhibition will feature works of 25 photographers who have completed the diploma course in photography from Andhra University. More than 200 frames will be on display on a wide variety of themes. Stunning views of the Himalayan peaks of Ladakh, sunset shots over heritage temples, rural landscapes and shots of Nature will be some of themes showcased at the exhibition.

One of the highlights of the exhibition is the display of vintage cameras by C J Nehru from Vizianagaram. He will be exhibiting a collection of age-old cameras at the two-day event. Nehru has been collecting cameras from across India and some from abroad over the past four decades. He has a collection of 83 cameras which include 19th century models like Carl Zeiss plate film camera (1928), Voightlander (1950), Kodak 620, 1935 Box Camera; Agfa Gevaert Box (1940), Yashica Mat 124 G.

C J Nehru with his collection of vintage cameras.

C J Nehru with his collection of vintage cameras.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Among his collections are two Minox digital spy camera, the type of cameras that featured in the James Bond films. “These are smaller than a finger. I had procured these from Texas in the US,” says Nehru. According to him, many of the cameras have stood the test of time and are still sturdy and functional. “The technology in many of these vintage cameras was far ahead of the time. Even today, some can be used,” says Nehru. His fascination for cameras began when he held his first camera as a 10-year-old which was an Agfa Click 3 model that Nehru purchased from his pocket money. It was later in his 40s that he picked up the hobby of collecting vintage cameras from antique shops in cities like Delhi and Hyderabad.

“In olden days we used to visualize a photo before clicking. Now it’s like, take a photo then get desired result in photo editing,” says Nehru, who will be showcasing around 20 vintage camera models at the exhibition.

The photography exhibition will be held on August 12 and 13 at Hawa Mahal from 10am to 8pm.

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Art In The Village: Photo Of The Day

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CARLSBAD, CA — Patch reader and local photographer Ray E. Liles captured this photo during Art in the Village, a one-day, open-air art show in Carlsbad.

Thanks for sharing!

If you have an awesome picture of nature, breathtaking scenery, kids caught being kids, a pet doing something funny or something unusual you happen to catch with your camera, we’d love to feature it on Patch.

We’re looking for high-resolution, horizontal images that reflect the beauty that is San Diego County, and that show off your unique talents.

Send your photos to [email protected]. Be sure to include photo credit information, when and where the shot was taken, and any other details about what was going on.

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8 Things You Need To Know

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When it comes to creating memorable and captivating music, finding the right musicians is crucial. Whether you’re planning a live performance, recording a studio album, or learning how to upload music to Spotify, hiring contract musicians can elevate your project to new heights.

However, the process of finding the best contract musicians can be challenging if you’re unsure where to begin. To help you navigate this journey, here are eight essential things you need to know.

Finding The Best Contract Musicians

1. Clearly Define Your Project Requirements

Before you start searching for contract musicians, you need to clearly define your project requirements: What kind of music are you looking for? Do you need a soloist, a band, or an orchestra? Consider the genre, style, and specific instruments you require. Also, determine the duration of the project, the number of rehearsals or performances involved, and any other relevant details.

By intimately knowing your project’s requirements, you can communicate your needs effectively and attract musicians who are the right fit.

2. Seek Recommendations and Referrals

One of the most reliable ways to find exceptional contract musicians is by seeking recommendations and referrals from trusted sources. Talk to fellow musicians, music teachers, or industry professionals with connections to talented performers. Attend local music events, open mic nights, or concerts to discover new talent firsthand.

Additionally, consider reaching out to music agencies, production companies, or music schools that can provide you with a list of recommended musicians. Gathering recommendations and referrals can save you time and help you find musicians with proven skills and experience.

3. Conduct Auditions or Interviews

To ensure the musicians you hire meet your expectations, conduct auditions or interviews instead of just seeing how they look on paper. Provide specific audition requirements, such as a prepared piece or a sight-reading exercise. Evaluate the musicians’ technical abilities, musicality, stage presence, and ability to work collaboratively. If you can’t conduct in-person auditions, consider requesting video recordings or hosting online auditions.

This step allows you to assess the musicians’ compatibility with your project and select the individuals who best embody your vision.

Finding The Best Contract Musicians

4. Consider Reputation and Professionalism

When hiring contract musicians, their reputation and professionalism play a significant role in the success of your project. Research the musicians’ backgrounds, previous work, and reviews from past clients or employers. Look for musicians with a track record of reliability, punctuality, and adaptability.

A positive attitude and the ability to handle constructive criticism are also valuable traits. Remember, you’re hiring musicians for their talent and building a team that can work cohesively to bring your project to life.

5. Establish Clear Contractual Agreements

Once you’ve found the ideal contract musicians, it’s crucial to establish clear contractual agreements. Outline the terms of engagement, including compensation, rehearsal schedules, performance dates, and any additional requirements. Specify ownership and copyright of the music created during the project.

Clearly communicate expectations regarding attire, behavior, and any other relevant details. Having a written contract protects both parties and ensures a professional and transparent working relationship.

6. Assess Compatibility and Chemistry

Beyond musical skills, you’re also assessing compatibility and chemistry between you and the contract musicians you’re considering. Arrange a casual meeting or rehearsal session to see how well you collaborate and communicate with each other. The chemistry among musicians can greatly enhance the creative process and result in a more cohesive and enjoyable performance.

Look for musicians who are open to feedback, have good teamwork skills, and can adapt to different musical styles and dynamics.

Finding The Best Contract Musicians

7. Check Availability and Commitment

Before finalizing your decision, it’s important to check the availability and commitment of the contract musicians. Ensure they have the necessary time and flexibility to meet the demands of your project. Discuss any conflicts they might have with other engagements or commitments that may affect their availability.

Reliable and committed musicians are essential to maintaining the integrity and continuity of your project, and their dedication will ultimately contribute to its success.

8. Consider Budget and Negotiation

When hiring contract musicians, consider your budget and engage in negotiation if necessary. Clearly establish your financial limitations from the beginning and discuss compensation openly with the musicians. Be transparent about what you can offer and listen to their expectations as well.

While finding musicians within your budget is important, remember that quality and experience often come at a cost. Consider the value skilled musicians can bring to your project and be open to negotiation to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

Finding The Best Contract Musicians

To the Studio and Beyond

Finding the perfect contract musicians for your project requires a thoughtful and thorough approach.

Take the time to find the right musicians to bring your musical vision to life, and get ready to create an extraordinary and unforgettable experience together. The harmony of your project lies in the hands of the best contract musicians you choose.


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Photo exhibit at Resorts World |

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Don Riepe of the American Littoral Society is presenting a photography exhibition at the Red Wall gallery on the second floor of Resorts World Casino, located at 110-00 Rockaway Blvd., entitled “Wildlife and Nature in NYC.”

The exhibit contains 85 photos that showcase Riepe’s talent for capturing moments in nature around Jamaica Bay and the rest of the city. Riepe holds the honorary title of Jamaica Bay Guardian on behalf of the Littoral Society for his work in promoting the protection and conservation of the Jamaica Bay ecosystem.

The show will run from Aug. 11 through 31, wi

th an opening reception on the 11th from 2 to 4 p.m. A closing reception will be held on Aug. 27 at 3 p.m.

— Kristen Guglielmo

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RIBA exhibition showcases architectural photography with a social focus | News

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The RIBA’s Architecture Gallery is set to host the upcoming exhibition, Wide-Angle View: architecture as social space in the Manplan series 1969-1970.

The exhibition focuses on the Manplan series of publications, initiated in 1969, which sought to analyse the state of architecture and urban planning in Britain at the time. Utilising photography as a central medium, the series presented ideas and critiques about the societal impacts of architecture.

Over the course of eight issues released from September 1969 to September 1970, each instalment of Manplan focused on a distinct facet of human activity affected by design and planning decisions.

The series enlisted guest editors such as Norman Foster and Virginia Makins, along with specially commissioned photojournalists and street photographers, to effectively convey each issue’s thematic essence.

Themes explored in the series, included poverty, economic uncertainty, community involvement in planning, and the role of architects in societal fairness.

The exhibition will showcase the work of photographers including Ian Berry, Patrick Ward, and Tony Ray-Jones. The photographs have rarely been republished and have never been displayed publicly before.

Valeria Carullo, exhibition lead curator and RIBA’s photographs curator said, “This exhibition, with the raw power of its photographs, brings us back to a time of challenges, disparities, disillusionment, but also a time of questioning, protesting, campaigning – in many ways, much like our here and now. It is a timely reminder of the importance of citizens’ participation in the decisions that affect their communities and the role architects can play in creating a fairer society.”

> Also read: Peter Marlow’s The English Cathedral: ‘Creeping towards eternity’

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Why this viral photo of the world’s largest cruise ship is polarizing opinion

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The world’s largest cruise ship hasn’t welcomed a single passenger aboard yet, but it’s already set the internet on fire.

The Icon of the Seas — which recently completed its first set of sea trials in preparation for its maiden voyage in January 2024 — has amazing credentials: 1,198 feet long (316 feet longer than the Titanic), 159 feet wide, 20 total decks and a maximum capacity of almost 10,000 people including all passengers and crew.

But when an image of its stern section went viral in July, it polarized opinions, eliciting passionate reactions on all sides. The artist’s impression depicted the fully laden ship in vibrant colors, emphasizing its massive water park — featuring record-breaking water slides — and conveying the ship’s extraordinary size and density.

Not everyone interpreted it as a delightful vision of lavish fun and relaxation at sea. It got billed as a “monstrosity,” a “pile of decadence,” and one user suggested a better name for it would be “Icon of Disease.” It was called “intricately tacky and vulgar” and compared to “being stuck on a floating Walmart” or “a barely balanced stack of full plates of food; chaotic, messy, possibly precarious.”

Many juxtaposed it to visions of hell, with one commenter suggesting a parallel with Hieronymus Bosch, a Dutch Renaissance artist known for his intricate infernal landscapes. Another gave a more contemporary cultural reference, saying the ship looks like the Candy Crush version of the dystopian underground world in “Silo,” a TV show in which humanity survives the apocalypse by retreating to a subterranean city, hundreds of levels deep.

But what is it about the image that provokes such strong emotions?

A trick of perspective?

“I found the rendering oddly unusual as well,” Tom Davis, a professor of psychology at the University of Alabama, tells CNN. “After looking a bit more closely, I think I find the unsettling nature an interesting combination of the artistic perspective chosen and post-pandemic personal space/social distance training that’s been drilled into all of us.”

Davis says the fact that this is a rendering, not an actual photograph, plays a crucial role. “It almost gives the impression of a short, over-tall, stacked vessel that is on choppy seas, but in reality this may be a trick of perspective, as the actual vessel is apparently three to four times longer than the idea I get by looking downward at the rendering. The images I’ve seen that are more in profile add a more reasonable, I think, sense of the height in context to the overall length.”

He adds that the reaction may be down to a lot of variables, including personal anxieties and phobias as well as personal experiences with resorts and cruises. “For some, a vessel this size with so much packed on it likely represents a lot of fun with ongoing activities and freedom from boredom. For others, they may have never been on a cruise and think this is too much to take in all at once,” he says.

“The choice will come down to one’s own experiences and personal makeup — are fears of social situations, the open water, small spaces a problem? Then this picture will trigger memories of everything from news stories of viruses to movies like ‘Jaws,’ ‘The Poseidon Adventure’ and ‘Titanic.’

“For others, their experiences with cruises and the numerous successful trips provide corrective information that leads them to view the situation differently.”

According to Adam Cox, a psychologist and phobia expert, the common description of the Icon of the Seas as “five times larger” than the Titanic may suggest the idea of a potentially larger disaster: “Even more so after the recent tragedy with the Titanic submarine,” he says. “This provokes a protective desire to prevent a similar tragedy.”

The levels on the ship also create a feeling of claustrophobia in some people, he continues, as they will perceive the ship to be a place where thousands are trapped, rather than enjoying a cruise holiday. “And for others, the candy colors make the ship seem like a toy, creating questions over safety that wouldn’t be there if the ship were in more neutral colors,” he adds.

The ship will be home to the world's largest water park at sea. - Royal Caribbean International

The ship will be home to the world’s largest water park at sea. – Royal Caribbean International

Money maker

Jonathan Abramowitz, a psychologist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, thinks the image comes across as quite harried and confusing: “Maybe it’s the idea of so much going on at once and the fact that it’s all taking place at sea, with nowhere to go if there was any sort of emergency.”

But Ross Klein, a sociologist at the Memorial University of Newfoundland and a cruise expert, says the ship’s design is a natural progression for Royal Caribbean, the Miami-based cruise line that owns the ship. “It is a bit comic-like, something with a mystical overtone. But it’s an extension of where they have been going in the past 25 years with their ship design.”

He believes the reactions are mostly based on previous experience with cruises. “I think the Royal Caribbean enthusiasts are going to look at this and go ‘Wow, something new! This is pretty exciting, I can’t wait to get out and see what’s going on there!,” he says.

“But the people who don’t cruise, or people who perhaps like a different style of cruising, such as smaller ships, ultra-luxury ships or the even something in between, they will see this as just a monstrosity and go, ‘Why would you ever do that?’”

Cruise expert Stewart Chiron agrees. “Images of Royal Caribbean’s ships have often elicited strong responses,” he tells CNN. “The negative responses to Icon of the Sea are evidently from non-cruisers. The current image is quite colorful and depicts a ship with lots of options. The positive responses far outweigh the others.”

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson, when contacted by CNN, did not comment on the feedback to this specific image, but said that since the Icon of the Seas was revealed in October 2022 there has been an “incredible reaction,” which has led to the highest volume booking week in the company’s history when sales opened.

With some sailings already sold out — and prices starting at around $2,000 per person for a seven-day cruise — the ship is likely to become a money-maker, according to Ross Klein. “Royal Caribbean is notable for exceeding 100% capacity on their ships. And part of that is they give people something to want to come on board for, and spend lots of money once they’re there,” he says.

“That ship’s gonna take in $10 million a week.”

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