Beginners Photography Course 1-Introducing Your Digital Camera (Eltham) Tickets, Sun 17/12/2023 at 9:30 am

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I have had years of experience working with students from 9 to 99 years. I have been working in Photography for over 30 years and recently I completed 10 years running photography courses at Michaels media school in Melbourne’s CBD.

I am a working photography teacher who can help you take great images with your own camera.

My belief is to teach photography classes with “less physics, more photos.”

Why Alwyns Photo School is different.

We believe in working WITH all the special features on the camera,NOT turning them all off and going manual. The camera companies have spent millions in development, so why reinvent the wheel. We can teach YOU how to take great photos on YOUR own digital camera.

Alwyns Photo School, making great photography easier.

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Geneva Lake Conservancy Small Nature Photo Contest

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Geneva Lake Conservancy/Helen Rohner Children's Fishing Park, 159 Elkhorn Rd. (State Hwy. 67), Williams Bay

The Geneva Lake Conservancy’s Helen Rohner Children’s Fishing Park nature preserve, 159 Elkhorn Rd. (State Hwy. 67) in Williams Bay, adjoins 231-acre Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy, 251 Elkhorn Rd. Children can enjoy angling for brown trout in Southwick Creek or explore the preserve’s many amenities, including a boardwalk wetland area and amphibian pond, butterfly garden and native plant garden. The Geneva Lake Conservancy is a 501©(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of environmentally-sensitive lands, open space and the unique character and quality of life in Walworth County.


Eric Johnson



The Fontana-based Geneva Lake Conservancy is currently hosting its annual Small Nature Photo Contest.

Photos must be unedited and taken in Williams Bay at either Helen Rohner Children’s Fishing Park, 159 Elkhorn Rd. (State Hwy. 67), or the adjacent 251-acre Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy preserve, 251 Elkhorn Rd. (State Hwy. 67). The deadline for contest photo submissions is Thursday, Aug 10 at [email protected]. Entrants can submit up to five photos.

Winners will be announced for each of the following age categories: 4-12, 13-21 and 22-plus. Cash prizes in each age category are $150 for first place, $100 for second and $50 for third.

A reception to honor all contest participants will be held Thursday, Aug. 24 at 5 p.m. at Green Grocer & Deli, 24 W. Geneva St. (State Hwy. 67), Williams Bay.

“The Small Nature Photo Contest is a fantastic way to get all age groups involved with getting outside and appreciating the small species that make up our beautiful ecosystem,” said Geneva Lake Conservancy Community Outreach and Fundraising Manager Tai Thompson. “I love seeing families at Helen Rohner Park exploring and showing each other what they have found before snapping a picture. It’s a great family activity.”

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For more information about Geneva Lake Conservancy and Helen Rohner Children’s Fishing Park, visit genevalakeconservancy.org or call 262-275-5700.

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How to Win Gold with Your Snaps: iPhone Photography Awards 2024 Now Open for Submissions

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Showcase Your Artistry with iPhone Photography Awards 2024: Win Gold, Platinum, and More

Showcase Your Artistry with iPhone Photography Awards 2024: Win Gold, Platinum, and More

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • IPPA 2024 invites iPhone and iPad photographers to showcase their skills and compete for gold and platinum bars.
  • The competition emphasises authenticity, allowing image alterations only via iOS apps.
  • With 14 categories ranging from abstract to travel, IPPA 2024 offers a platform for every photographic passion.
As millions of users across the globe capture their everyday lives with the sophisticated cameras on their iPhones, the iPhone Photography Awards (IPPA) offers a stage for the most creative to shine. Though not an official Apple event, the IPPA has been celebrating the art of iPhone photography since 2007.

Participation Criteria: A Worldwide Call

IPPA extends its call to iPhone and iPad photographers around the globe. While the competition accepts photographs from personal archives, they should not have been previously published, with the exception of those shared on personal Facebook or Instagram accounts.

Submission Guidelines: Celebrating Authenticity

The IPPA emphasises authenticity, allowing minimal alterations using only iOS apps. Photos edited with desktop image processing programs such as Photoshop are not acceptable. iPhone add-on lenses, however, can be utilised to enhance image capture.

Rewarding Excellence: A Trove of Prizes

The competition offers an array of coveted prizes. The grand prize winner will be awarded an iPad Air, while the top three winners will receive an Apple Watch each. Moreover, the first-place winners across the 14 categories stand a chance to win a gold bar from a highly renowned private gold mint. Runners-up are not left behind either, with second and third-place winners receiving a platinum bar from the same mint.

Diverse Categories: A Platform for Every Passion

The competition encompasses a broad range of categories, including Abstract, Animals, Architecture, Children, Citylife/Cityscape, Landscape, Lifestyle, Nature, People, Portrait, Series (3 images), Still Life, Travel, and Other.

Registration Details: Open Till March 31, 2024

Participants are required to pay an entry fee per image, which ranges from $5.50 (roughly ₹470) for a single image to $135.50 for submitting 50 images. The submission deadline is set for March 31, 2024, allowing ample time for aspiring participants.

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Wilber Ortega and his Complicity with Nature (+Photos)

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Landscape Expo Así tan natural, by artist Wilber Ortega

Wilber Ortega remembers his childhood in constant observation of nature. His curiosity for the environment and the inexplicable delight of discovery created the foundations – without him suspecting it – of the complete landscape artist he is today. Thus, as natural as the name of the exhibition he is currently exhibiting at the gallery of the Provincial Committee of the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC in Spanish), he tells 26 about some of the experiences and worldviews that mark his work.

Landscape painter Wilber Ortega“Since I was a child, I have had the privilege of living in the countryside. I grew up exploring the environment, with the habit that – when I looked at something far away – I wanted to know what was there, whether it was a mountain, a tree, a river… I feel fortunate to have those visual experiences, to perceive different scales of colors, and to see how the horizon merges with the sky. But I did all that innately, I didn’t imagine that one day they would be an essential part of my profession,” says the father of the pictorial event Confluencia, based in the municipality of Majibacoa.

“When I was in high school and pre-school, I needed to make drawings in notebooks and notebooks. I would let my imagination run wild during class shifts of subjects that did not offer any interest to me. But I still didn’t think it could be a profession as such,” he continues in his parsimonious and polite voice.

After a series of intermittent intermittences in the student and work spheres, he began to appreciate the landscape of his life more clearly. The certainty of the profession came to him unknowingly, many years ago. “I didn’t finish my pre-university studies. I worked at whatever I could. My parents had divorced…

“It was in Las Parras, working in Construction Maintenance – where I worked for nine months – that I discovered a glimpse of what I would do later on. At that time I was gluing asphalt, in street repairs. It stuck to my shoes, my clothes, everything. I had to use a trowel, work with rocks, and achieve the different levels… it wasn’t easy.

“One day, when a pipe with oil accidentally tipped over, the contents spilled out. It was a kind of black mirror, it had a great impact on me. In a way, I had glimpsed a landscape there. Then I went to my local cultural center, saw an instructor, and began to prepare myself to take the exam for the Las Tunas Provincial Academy of Plastic Arts. And happily, I passed,” he sums up.

Painting by Wilber OrtegaThe future was finally looking brighter. He had found his way into the gaze of a canvas. Now, in the hands of specialized teachers, she would discover the world of visual art, art history, and everything possible in terms of painting techniques. From then on, nature would not only be his ally but also his source of inspiration. And from then on, a “magical” relationship would be established between the author and his work.
“Nature offers us all the elements we need to capture reality, such as sky, atmosphere, colors… And that allows us to make – even – an abstract or another aspect of plastic art. It makes it easier for us to adapt any nuance harmoniously in the painting”, explains the virtuoso of the paintbrush.

Today his name is more than a paradigm in landscape painting. However, Wilber is still that noble and simple boy, who does not “go to his head with fame” and therefore helps new cultivators to perfect their work. Some of his disciples are currently sharing their creations in the collective exhibition Confluencia, based in the branch from Las Tunas of the Nicolás Guillén Foundation (FNG).

Painting by Wilber Ortega“I believe that those of us who first practiced landscape painting were assisted by a gift from God. Like all painters, we seek to communicate ideas through art. And that need to say leads us down a path where we define our style and personal vision of the world,” he says.
Although he has shown mastery of the traditional landscape, it is surrealism that marks his work, full of symbols and concepts that merge with nature to give us his interpretation of the environment, from his thematic lines. And it is when new themes appear and even some perhaps trite ones within the plastic art become different because the treatment is different, and it seems to us to be inside a dream or oneiric landscape.

“It is the movement within the History of Art that has had the greatest impact on me because you can apply the technique and also represent the background of a thought or idea, it is incredible what can be achieved with the imagination, how you can create a new reality. From the past to the present, various artists have been seduced by this expression,” Ortega confesses.

Painting by Wilber OrtegaThe author attributes to imagination the secret of keeping alive that “childlike impetus” that leads him along ever more luminous paths. For this reason, it is not surprising that it gives him “great satisfaction to see a finished work” and that he always has projects or series of paintings in mind. “I try not to fall into a routine or lose interest, motivation is important,” he adds.

Finally, he thanks God for the privilege of giving him eyes to enjoy the beautiful creation that is nature and for the talent that has led him to hold personal and collective exhibitions in such prestigious places as the National Theatre of Cuba, the Convent of San Francisco de Asís and the Palacio de las Convenciones, institutions based in Havana.

He has also participated in international events such as the VI, VII, and VIII editions of the International Art Biennial SUBA, held in Colombia, as well as exhibitions in Spain and elsewhere. His multiple awards speak – in addition – of the mastery achieved by this native of Majibacoa, who one day – in a kind of black and shiny mirror – discovered, to our good fortune, the “supreme enjoyment” of landscape painting.

Painting by Wilber Ortega

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The five best campgrounds in Alberta, listed

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Alberta, Canada, offers numerous beautiful campgrounds to enjoy its stunning natural landscapes. It’s important to note that preferences for campgrounds can vary based on individual tastes and interests. However, here are five popular and highly-regarded campgrounds in Alberta:

  • Jasper National Park

    Camping in Jasper National Park offers a truly immersive experience in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. The park is known for its awe-inspiring landscapes, including towering mountains, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. There are several campgrounds within the park, each offering a unique camping experience.

    One of the most popular campgrounds in Jasper is Whistlers Campground, which provides various amenities such as flush toilets, showers, and fire pits. It is conveniently located near the town of Jasper, making it easily accessible for campers.

    Wapiti Campground is another well-liked option, situated along the Athabasca River. It offers a peaceful atmosphere and easy access to nearby trails and attractions.

    For a more remote experience, campers can head to more rustic campgrounds like Snaring Campground, which provides a more secluded setting and is popular among nature enthusiasts.

    Camping in Jasper National Park provides an opportunity to engage in a wide range of outdoor activities. Hiking is one of the most popular activities, with a multitude of trails catering to various skill levels. The park also offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, including sightings of elk, deer, bears, and bighorn sheep.

    Additionally, the area is a designated Dark Sky Preserve, making it an excellent destination for stargazing and astrophotography.

    To ensure a smooth camping experience, it’s essential to be well-prepared. Campers should make reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons, and check the park’s website for any updates on campground availability and regulations.

    As with any camping trip, visitors should practice Leave No Trace principles, respect wildlife, and adhere to fire regulations to help preserve the natural beauty of Jasper National Park for future generations.

  • Banff National Park

    Camping in Banff National Park is an extraordinary experience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the stunning beauty of the Canadian Rockies. As Canada’s oldest national park, Banff offers a wide range of camping options, each providing unique opportunities to connect with nature.

    Tunnel Mountain Campground, situated just minutes away from the town of Banff, is a popular choice for both RV and tent campers. It offers various amenities such as hot showers, flush toilets, and access to nearby hiking trails.

    Two Jack Lakeside Campground is another sought-after destination, offering picturesque views of Two Jack Lake and the surrounding mountains. It provides a more serene setting for camping, with access to water activities and scenic vistas.

    For a rustic camping experience, visitors can opt for backcountry camping, where they can trek into the wilderness and camp in designated sites. This type of camping allows for a deeper connection with nature and a chance to explore more remote areas of the park.

    While camping in Banff, campers have a plethora of outdoor activities to enjoy. Hiking is one of the most popular pastimes, with numerous trails ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes leading to breathtaking viewpoints.

    The park’s lakes, such as Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, offer opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and simply enjoying the serene beauty of the turquoise waters.

    Wildlife viewing is also a highlight of camping in Banff National Park. Visitors might encounter elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and even bears during their stay, so it’s crucial to practice wildlife safety and keep a safe distance.

    Banff is also designated as a Dark Sky Preserve, making it an ideal location for stargazing on clear nights.

    When camping in Banff, it’s essential to plan ahead and make reservations, especially during peak seasons, as campgrounds can fill up quickly. Additionally, campers should adhere to all park regulations and practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the park’s natural beauty and wilderness for future generations to enjoy.

  • Kananaskis Country

    Camping in Kananaskis Country offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the rugged beauty of the Canadian Rockies in a less crowded and more tranquil setting compared to nearby Banff and Jasper National Parks. Kananaskis Country, located just west of Calgary, Alberta, encompasses a vast area of mountainous terrain, forests, rivers, and pristine alpine lakes.

    There are several campgrounds throughout Kananaskis, each offering a unique camping experience. For those seeking convenient and family-friendly camping, Bow Valley Campground is a popular choice with its easy access to amenities and nearby trails.

    Mount Kidd RV Park is another well-liked option, offering full-service sites and a beautiful mountain backdrop. It’s a great choice for campers looking for more comfort and modern facilities.

    Backcountry camping is also a highlight of Kananaskis Country. Adventurous campers can hike into the wilderness and camp at designated backcountry sites, allowing for a more remote and immersive experience in nature.

    The area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with an extensive network of hiking and biking trails that cater to various skill levels. Popular hiking trails include the Chester Lake Trail, Ha Ling Peak, and Ptarmigan Cirque, each offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

    Kananaskis Country is also a haven for wildlife viewing, and visitors may encounter elk, deer, moose, and even bighorn sheep during their camping trip.

    In addition to hiking and wildlife viewing, Kananaskis offers a plethora of outdoor activities, such as fishing in its pristine lakes and rivers, horseback riding, rock climbing, and canoeing or kayaking on crystal-clear waters.

    During the winter months, Kananaskis transforms into a winter wonderland, offering opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and even ice climbing for the more adventurous campers.

    As with any camping trip, it’s essential to check for campground availability and regulations, especially during peak seasons. Visitors should also familiarize themselves with wildlife safety guidelines and practice Leave No Trace principles to protect the natural environment and preserve the wilderness for future generations

  • Dinosaur Provincial Park

    Camping in Dinosaur Provincial Park is a truly unique and immersive experience in the Badlands of southeastern Alberta, Canada. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its rich paleontological history, stunning landscapes, and abundant dinosaur fossils.

    The park offers two campgrounds: Dinosaur Provincial Park Campground and Dinosaur Provincial Park Group Campground. The main campground provides both unserviced and powered sites for RVs and tents, while the group campground is ideal for larger groups and offers a more private setting.

    Camping in Dinosaur Provincial Park allows visitors to explore the rugged and otherworldly terrain of the Badlands. The landscape features distinctive hoodoos, sandstone formations, and coulees, offering a unique and surreal backdrop for campers.

    As a designated Dark Sky Preserve, Dinosaur Provincial Park is an excellent destination for stargazing and astrophotography. On clear nights, campers can witness a breathtaking display of stars and celestial wonders.

    During the day, visitors can participate in guided tours led by knowledgeable interpreters, where they can learn about the park’s paleontological significance and the ancient dinosaurs that once roamed the area. The park’s visitor center also offers interactive exhibits and displays related to the region’s geological and paleontological history.

    While camping in Dinosaur Provincial Park, visitors can partake in hiking and nature walks on the park’s trails, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including pronghorns, mule deer, coyotes, and a diverse range of bird species.

    Given the sensitive nature of the park’s environment and the importance of preserving its unique features, campers are encouraged to adhere to strict Leave No Trace principles and follow all park regulations.

    Overall, camping in Dinosaur Provincial Park offers a chance to step back in time and connect with the ancient history and natural wonders of the Badlands, making it a memorable and educational experience for nature enthusiasts and families alike.

     

  • Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park

    Camping in Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is a one-of-a-kind experience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the rich indigenous history and stunning landscapes of southern Alberta, Canada. This provincial park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its unique rock art and cultural significance.

    The campground in Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park provides a tranquil and scenic setting along the Milk River. Campers can choose between both unserviced and powered sites for RVs and tents, all with easy access to the park’s natural and cultural attractions.

    The highlight of camping in Writing-on-Stone is the opportunity to explore the park’s ancient rock art and petroglyphs, created by Indigenous peoples thousands of years ago. Guided tours are available, allowing visitors to learn about the meaning and significance of the rock art, as well as the cultural heritage of the Blackfoot people.

    Hiking is another popular activity in the park, with trails leading to stunning viewpoints, unique rock formations, and the banks of the Milk River. Campers can enjoy nature walks while spotting local wildlife and bird species, including pronghorns, mule deer, and various bird species.

    During the warmer months, canoeing or kayaking along the Milk River is a great way to experience the park from a different perspective and take in the surrounding beauty.

    Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is also a designated Dark Sky Preserve, offering campers excellent opportunities for stargazing and experiencing the brilliance of the night sky.

    As with any camping trip, visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles, respect the cultural heritage and natural environment of the park, and follow all park regulations to ensure the preservation of this unique and sacred site for generations to come. Camping in Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park provides an extraordinary opportunity to connect with history, nature, and the cultural significance of the region, making it a memorable and enriching experience for all who visit.

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    Kildare Nationalist — Kildare man’s photo features in Reach for the Stars astrophotography exhibition

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    A Kildare man’s photo has been selected to feature as part of the 2023 Reach for the Stars astrophotography outdoor exhibition, run by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies.

     

     

    The photo entitled Timeless Wonder was captured by Kacper Groblicki from Maynooth. The image features the Poulnabrone Dolmen, which, for thousands of years has stood as a testament to the ingenuity of our ancient ancestors, beckoning visitors to ponder its mysteries and marvel at its beauty. Above it, the Milky Way has shone for millions of years, a collection of stars, gas and dust that has captivated humans since the dawn of time.

    Kacper Groblicki’s image will be showcased as part of an outdoor exhibition at DIAS’s premises at 10 Burlington Road, Dublin, from Tuesday, 1st August. The 14 top-rated images from the competition will be displayed alongside Kacper’s. The exhibition is free to attend.

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    DJI Osmo Action 4 price, specs, release date announced

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    It’s been a year since the release of the DJI OSMO Action 3 and now, the all new, although surprisingly similar DJI OSMO Action 4 has been released. It seems that DJI has taken a page from the GoPro song book, in as far as the OSMO Action took a performance boost last year and this year refines those features. 

    Watch the announcement on YouTube

    Because of this the DJI OSMO Action 4 initially looks, aside from the 4 on the front like almost the same camera as the Action 3, however, check the specifications and there is a difference in the sensor. Going from a 1/1.7-inch to a 1/1.3-inch looks set to boost the video quality, low light and all round feature set.

    DJI OSMO Action 4

    Another thing to note is that action cameras have always been associated with outdoor sports enthusiasts, throwing themselves off mountains, speeding round racetracks and inevitably finding new and ingenious ways to film themselves narrowly avoiding death. However, in recent years it’s become obvious that action cameras are also well suited to many far more sedate activities and this has been the challenge for action camera manufacturers to find that wider appeal. 

    The small size, high image quality and features make action cameras a perfect everyday camera, and as they’re designed to tough it out in the most extreme conditions, being stuffed into a coat or bag pocket is something that they are more than sturdy enough to cope with. Having that second camera as a companion to your phone also saves on valuable storage space and battery life, not to mention the fact that the video quality is also a huge step-up.

    DJI OSMO Action 4

    With this new camera DJI has focus on what it is people are after from this small go anywhere cameras and that’s exceptional image quality, unparalleled flexibility, low-light performance and of course ease of use.

    Improved Image Quality and Low-Light Performance

    One of the standout features of the Osmo Action series has been it’s excellent image quality. Now the OSMO Action 4 sees an increase in its imaging potential with the invlcusion of a 1/1.3-inch image sensor, wide f/2.8 aperture, and 2.4μm-equivalent pixel size, enabling it to shoot 4K video at a staggering 120fps. The camera’s 155° ultra-wide field of view ensures you can capture shots full of detail, even in low-light conditions. 

    DJI OSMO Action 4

    Rock-Solid Stabilization and Flexibility

    Image stabalisation has really been the break through feature for action cameras in recent years and now DJI introduces a major boost to the already impressive RockSteady suite of stabalising tools. With its 360° HorizonSteady stabilization modes, including the FPV-focused RockSteady 3.0/3.0+ and the HorizonBalancing/HorizonSteady for horizontal shots, you can achieve stable and high-quality imagery in various sports and non-sporty scenarios. Moreover, the 10-bit D-Log M colour mode, offeris over one billion colours and a wider dynamic range, opens up a world of possibilities for post-production editing, making is an ideal choice to intergrate in with professional workflows as well as just having some fun. 

    Robust Battery and Versatile Features

    One of the feature that is really making the Osmo Action 4 stand out is the battery life that offers over 2.5 hours without interruption. Recharging has also been addressed and it’s now possible to boost the battery charge in just 18 minutes to reach 80%. 

    DJI OSMO Action 4

    To make the use of the OSMO action as easy as possible the actual handling of the camera has been carefully considered.  A magnetic quick-release design allows for swift switching between setups, while dual water-stain resistant touchscreens provide a hassle-free way to adjust parameters during selfies, mode switching, or video playback. Customisable modes and a Quick Switch button make transitions between shooting modes seamless, and the native vertical shooting capability opens new creative possibilities without sacrificing quality.

    Adventure with Confidence: Durability and Waterproof Rating

    Like all true action cameras the DJI OSMO Action 4 has been designed for extreme environments, and can withstand depths of up to 18 meters without the need for a separate waterproof case. The camera and its accompanying Waterproof Case have an IP68 waterproof rating, giving you confidence to take it on aquatic adventures, even in high water impact pressure environments. The Osmo Action 4 is also dust-resistant and freeze-resistant, ensuring that it can keep up with the most daring pursuits.

    DJI OSMO Action 4

    Price and Availability

    The Osmo Action 4 is available today from store.dji.com and authorised retail partners. 

    DJI Osmo Action 4 Standard Combo retails for £379 / €429, 

    DJI Osmo Action 4 Adventure Combo retails for £469 / €529. 

    Both combos include essential accessories to enhance the filming experience.

    For more information check out the DJI official website

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    A ghost ship and galactic dance win astrophotography contest

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    The DIAS competition showed multiple breathtaking photos of the cosmos, with Adrian Hendroff and Sara Harvey taking the top spots.

    Several awe-inspiring photos have taken the top prizes at the ‘Reach for the Stars’ astrophotography competition, run by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS).

    The winners were selected from more than 70 entries, which contained a range of breathtaking photos that show the surface of the Earth and the deep wonders of the cosmos.

    Taking the top prize in the Back on Earth category was an image of the Milky Way over the Port Láirge Shipwreck in Wexford. This ‘Ghost Ship’ image was captured by Adrian Hendroff, from Stepaside, Dublin.

    A rusty ship laying under a night sky, which shows large amounts of stars and gases from space.

    ‘Ghost Ship’. Image: Adrian Hendroff

    Prof Peter Gallagher, head of astrophysics at DIAS and a member of the judging panel, said the image “mesmerised the panel” when they saw it.

    “The Milky Way captured above the ship in all its glory is perfectly framed with the rusting ship, seaweed laced mudflats and the faint glow of the Northern Lights,” Gallagher said. “It’s clear a huge amount of thought and creativity went into capturing this image.”

    In addition to winning this category of the astrophotography contest, Hendroff also took the top spot in the Public Choice category, receiving the most votes for his ‘Illuminate’ image.

    Image of a lighthouse with a light shining from the top and the night sky above it. Stars and gases are visible in the sky above.

    ‘Illuminate’. Image: Adrian Hendroff

     

    A galactic dance

    The winning photo for the Out of this World category shows the Whirlpool Galaxy, located 31m light years from Earth. This galaxy has a face-on appearance when viewed from the Earth, with a distinct spiral structure and galactic core.

    An image of a spiral galaxy, with other stars visible in the space around it.

    ‘M51 – A Galactic Dance’. Image: Sara Harvey

    This photo, called ‘M51 – A Galactic Dance’ was captured by Sara Harvey from Bishopstown, Cork. Gallagher said the level of detail captured in the photo was a “technically brilliant image” with a high level of detail.

    “It is well framed to include many points of interest including the hot, young stars and yellow, older stars within the winding, graceful arms of the galaxy,” Gallagher said. “You can also see some tiny galaxies floating in the background and its companion galaxy NGC 5195 is clearly visible.”

    The DIAS Reach for the Stars competition is run in partnership with The Irish Times and is sponsored by Alice Public Relations. The winning photos and runner-ups are available to view on the competition website.

    Meanwhile, DIAS researchers are leading a project that aims to use AI to get faster and more accurate warnings about space weather events like solar flares.

    10 things you need to know direct to your inbox every weekday. Sign up for the Daily Brief, Silicon Republic’s digest of essential sci-tech news.

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    Musselburgh woman labelled ‘a rising star’ in photography

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    Leanne Mackay was named Most Promising Photographer of the Year at the Scottish Master Photographers’ annual awards ceremony – just over a year after changing career path.

    Leanne, who works for Grahame Smith at GWS Photography as a baby photographer, was “absolutely delighted” to even be at the awards.

    She said: “Grahame wanted me to get some through to the awards and he submitted 18 [images] to the awards.

    “All the 18 got through – it is insane, it is crazy – for five different categories.

    “One was the Most Promising Photographer and I was just happy to be involved.”

    The former Musselburgh Grammar School pupil joined GWS Photography in February last year.

    However, she did not respond to any job advert.

    READ MORE: Musselburgh Festival: Great costumes showcased at fancy dress parade

    Leanne, who lives with husband, Callum, and two-year-old daughter, Freya, in Edinburgh, had visited the studio, near Longniddry, as a customer.

    The 28-year-old said: “I had a job in admin and hated every single second of it.

    “It was very boring and I used to do bits on the side, crafty stuff, to keep me going.

    “I had studied photography at college but gave up on it.

    “We had gone to Grahame for our family photographs in about October 2020.

    “We had our daughter and when we were there he asked if we had any photographs done before.

    “The only ones we had done were of when she was just born and I said I had gone to college but never did any more with it.

    “I had gone back to collect our photographs and Grahame offered me a job.

    “He had not seen my work or anything but we really clicked really well.”

    Leanne is now targeting a number of other awards, including newborn photographer of the year and photographer of the year.

    She said: “I, honestly, just love babies – they are the best.

    READ MORE: Musselburgh Grammar class of ’68 celebrate reunion in style

    “I really do love it and most parents when they come, afterwards they say, ‘I cannot believe how good Leanne was.’

    “I just seem to have a little bit of a knack and get them to calm down – even when they don’t want to!”

    Grahame, who has been taking photographs for more than 40 years, set up GWS Photography in 2010.

    He was quick to praise his colleague and said: “Impressed by her personality and attitude and a natural eye for detail and composition, I offered her a position as a baby photographer at our new studio as soon as it was available.

    “After qualifying as a professional photographer last year, Leanne has now achieved her first award, which is a great testament to her dedication and hard work.

    “Her photographs showcase her unique style, which is a blend of traditional and contemporary elements, creating stunning and memorable images that capture the essence of her subjects.

    “In receiving this prestigious award, Leanne has cemented her place as a rising star in the photography industry.”



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    World Sports Photography Awards announces 2023 winners from over 700 entries | Other | Sport

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    From jubilant football celebrations, from a golfer who seems to – quite literally – have his head in the clouds, these striking images have been crowned the winners of the World Sports Photography Awards 2023. The 24 winning images cover a variety of sports, including Football, Basketball, Cycling, Golf, Motorsports, American Football, Cricket, and Gymnastics.

    The finalists were selected from over 700 entries from professional sports photographers, from over 70 countries around the world.

    And the prestigious competition is the only global award for sports photography – entered by the world’s best sports photographers, and judged by leading figures from sport, media, and creative industries.

    The overall winner is a truly “ace” shot of English professional golfer, and Majesticks GC captain, Lee Westwood, captured in Florida last October by Patrick Smith.

    The heavenly photo shows sport and nature colliding, as the golfer appears to be standing on clouds that engulf him as he prepares to take a swing.

    In second place at the photography competition was Portuguese photographer, Octávio Passos, for a dramatic surfing photo of mighty waves crashing around French surfer, Justine Dupont, in Portugal.

    And third place was awarded to Phil Noble, for his picture of Trinidad and Tobago runner, Jereem Richards, celebrating winning gold in the men’s 200m at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

    Elsewhere in the winning photographs, another category winner showed a vividly colourful picture of two young men practising the ancient Indonesian martial art of Silek Lanyah in a stream.

    The subjects range from grassroot community kickabouts, to elite events, designed to recognise and celebrate incredible sporting images, and the photographers who take them.

    The World Sports Photography Awards tell compelling stories of the emotion, passion, athleticism, and focus that are at the heart of sport.

    Sophie Collins, CMO at specialist photographic equipment suppliers, MPB, said: “As a judge, I was incredibly impressed by the quality of this year’s entries.

    “The art of photography is about encapsulating emotions and feelings in an instant, and being able to tell a compelling story which aims to inspire the spectator long after they’ve experienced it.

    “It’s been exciting to see the new entries in the “Pro” space being shortlisted for the awards, too, as they have elevated the expectations for next year’s participants.”

    The full gallery of winning images, including Top 10s in every sporting category, are available to view here.

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