August is an astronomer’s dream, with a plethora of celestial events perfect for astrophotography. Whether you are a professional or an amateur photographer, the month of August offers a myriad of opportunities to capture breathtaking images of the night sky.
First on the calendar is the full “Sturgeon Moon” on August 1, which also happens to be a supermoon. This phenomenon occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth, making it appear larger and brighter. This is an excellent chance to capture the moonrise with its enchanting glow.
The waning moon in the first ten days of August is an ideal time to photograph the Milky Way. With less moonlight to compete with, the stars in our galaxy shine even brighter. Grab your camera and embrace the darkness as you capture the ethereal beauty of the Milky Way.
Mark your calendars for August 9, as it presents a rare opportunity to witness the moon rising next to the Pleiades cluster. This cluster, also known as the Seven Sisters, boasts a cluster of stars that will offer a stunning backdrop to the moon’s majestic ascent.
The highlight of the month is undoubtedly the Perseid meteor shower on August 12/13. Known for its prolific display of shooting stars, this celestial event is expected to produce around 100 meteors per hour. The absence of moonlight due to the New Moon creates the perfect environment to capture these fleeting wonders of the night sky.
As August draws to a close, gear up for the second full moon on August 30, which is also a “Blue Supermoon.” This full moon is not only the brightest of the year but also a photographic delight. Position yourself close to the eastern horizon to capture its full radiance as it rises.
Last but not least, on August 27, Saturn reaches opposition, a phenomenon where the planet is directly opposite the Sun in the Earth’s sky. This presents an ideal time to photograph Saturn and its iconic rings using specialized imaging techniques and telescopes.
So, prepare your cameras and make the most of August’s astronomical wonders. Whether it’s the Perseid meteor shower, the Sturgeon Moon, or the captivating beauty of the Milky Way, this month promises a visual feast for astrophotographers of all levels. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to capture these cosmic marvels and share them with the world.
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Lalith Ekanayake of Sri Lanka, one of the jury members, (third right), and Sanjay Jayavarthanavelu, Chairman and Managing Director of Lakshmi Machine Works (fourth right), with the winners of DJ Memorial Photography Contest in Coimbatore on Sunday.
| Photo Credit: Siva SaravananS
Lakshmi Machine Works Limited (LMW) gave away prizes worth ₹10 lakh on Sunday to winners of the DJ Memorial Photography Contest (DJMPC), an annual photography contest
The winner and runner-up are Ashok Nair of Bengaluru (photo title: Attention) and Dharashan Benjamine Julian of Sri Lanka (Dark Killer) respectively in the “Creative Nature” category and Dhanuparan Ka of Pollachi (Leopard Scoutings Its Territory) and Rajarshi Banerji of Kolkata ( Soulmaters Over Saltpan) are the winner and runner-up respectively in the “NatureScape” category.
A press release said the company instituted the DJMPC in memory of its past Chairman and Managing Director, D Jayavarthanavelu and the contest celebrates his passion for photography. The first edition was held in 2012 and this year (2023) it had 5,116 entries from 26 countries. There were 936 participants in the two categories of Creative Nature and NatureScape. Apart from the winner and runner-up, 10 participants in each category received certificate of merit.
The entries were received from May 1 to June 30 and were judged by a panel – Anish Andheria, Mumbai; Lalith Ekanayake, Sri Lanka; and Sachin Rai, Bengaluru. K. Maruthachalam was the contest mentor, and Vikram Sathyanathan was the contest administrator.
The contest concluded on July 30 at the Kasthuri Sreenivasan Cultural Centre in Coimbatore and an expo of select photographs of the contest will be on at the centre till August 5.
Muscat: One day, as the sun drew close to sunset, I strolled through the serene Al Ansab Wetland. The harmonious interplay between stillness and motion painted a breathtaking view before me. Amidst this tranquil setting, I spotted a man shouldering his camera, venturing among the vibrant Omani Plants that flourished in this wetland. With a gentle wave, he silently greeted the bustling flocks of birds.
Ahmed al Washahi, a renowned photographer specialising in biodiversity and wildlife, is also a respected water engineer. Though he originally aspired to study biology, an opportunity to delve into oil and gas emerged.
Nonetheless, fate smiled upon him after graduating as he secured a job at Nama Water Services. There, he worked as a process engineer in a wastewater treatment plant near the Al Ansab Wetland. “This environment,” he shared, “provides the perfect opportunity to develop my skills in biodiversity, as my company is deeply committed to preserving the natural world through various initiatives.”
Ahmed has dedicated the past decade to nature photography, showcasing his passion for wildlife through captivating action shots. His photographs and videos have graced the pages of esteemed international publications, including the prestigious National Geographic Magazine. Most notably, Al Washahi documented numerous bird species, particularly those frequenting Al Ansab Wetland. I was informed by a friend that Ahmed fostered a special connection with a family of foxes, regularly paying them visits.
Curiosity led me to ask Ahmed what drew him to Al Ansab Wetland. With a sigh, he gestured around the wetland and replied, “The allure lies in the heart of Muscat, where unique and migratory birds grace us with their presence. The breathtaking landscapes, teeming biodiversity, and the support from my company, which encourages photography and videography, make this place truly exceptional.”
One of Ahmed’s short video clips featuring the Pterocles bird garnered significant attention, reaching an audience of over three million through his digital platform and other channels.
One stands out vividly among the remarkable encounters Ahmed experienced at Al Ansab Wetland. “I used to visit the wetland daily, hoping to capture the Golden Eagle Bird, which typically resides here from November to January. By sheer chance, I witnessed the eagle preying on an Egret Bird. Though it fled as I approached, knowing the behaviour of predatory birds, I anticipated its return.” Determined, I promptly set up my tent and readied my equipment. After an hour, the eagle indeed returned, allowing me to capture striking photos that garnered appreciation from countless admirers.
Prior to documenting any species, Ahmed emphasised the importance of scientific integrity. A photographer must possess knowledge and references, familiarise themselves with bird species, and be well-versed in various resources. Personally, I meticulously documented three bird species that migrated to Al Ansab Wetland, relying on trusted references and books.
One prominent source I consulted was a book published by Sultan Qaboos University, specialising in ornithology.
When I inquired about dealing with swift bird movements and challenging lighting conditions, Ahmed once again took a deep breath. He shared, “Photographing birds demands patience and a deep understanding of their behaviour. Knowing when they sleep, feed, and other habits is crucial. Furthermore, photographers must approach their subject with the understanding that they may return with remarkable photos or an empty memory card.”
Eager to learn more about his bond with the fox family, I asked Ahmed for the story behind their friendship. He chuckled and replied, “Everyday, after the Al Fajr prayer, I would visit the fox and its adorable offspring. Initially, I approached with caution, minimising any movement or sound. Gradually, I started bringing food for them, and they would emerge, peering at me curiously.
Over time, a sense of familiarity blossomed, allowing me to stand close and capture the enchanting moments through my lens.” Al Ansab Wetland, nestled in the heart of Muscat, stands as one of the Sultanate of Oman’s most biodiverse and captivating regions. Photographers have long been captivated by its splendour, seeking to immortalise its beauty through their lenses.
While opportunities for photography exist year-round, the period from October to April offers a special season for capturing an abundance of immigrant bird species. Additionally, there are numerous distinguished locations to explore, showcasing the rich biodiversity, Omani plants, and other breathtaking scenes.
Four people who trespassed on the Lop Nor Wild Camel National Nature Reserve in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region have all died according to a report on Saturday from Nanguo Morning News, a news outlet based in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.
The police department of Ruoqiang county in Xinjiang was informed by peers in Dunhuang, Northwest China’s Gansu province, that four passengers went missing on Wednesday amid an unauthorized drive-through of the reserve by a fleet of cars that started from Dunhuang on July 22, according to a notice issued by the department on Friday.
After a search, three of the missing people were found with no vital signs and one was still absent. The rest of the fleet was sent back to Dunhuang.
As of Saturday, the remaining person was also found dead.
Lop Nor is characterized by vast stretches of sand dunes and desert terrain, and its arid climate and lack of vegetation contribute to its desertification. The harsh and inhospitable conditions make it challenging for people to live in this area.
Despite its harsh environment, it is an important habitat for Bactrian camels, a critically endangered species under first-grade protection in China. The reserve was set up in 2003 in order to better protect the animals.
Tourists are not allowed in the reserve without permission, a worker told the newspaper.
“We welcome tourists to come and visit. But for their own good and for the protection of the animals in the reserve, they are not allowed in the reserve without permission,” the worker said.
Since 2017, the reserve has repeatedly issued notices stating all are strictly prohibited from entering the reserve, and these disobey who will be punished in accordance with the law and may be investigated for criminal responsibility.
Apple’s MacBook Air ultrathin laptops are primarily designed for lightweight office and school work on the go. But as Apple’s own M-series processors have become more capable, so too have the MacBooks they’re in. I’m a professional photographer, and I’ve spent the past couple of months with the latest 15-inch M2-equipped MacBook Air, putting it through its paces on photo shoots, both in the studio and on location. I’m impressed.
For me, its 15-inch display is the perfect balance between size and portability. It’s big enough to comfortably edit photos in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop without needing a bigger monitor. It offers plenty of screen space for all my tools, as well as providing ample room for video timelines when working with video in Premiere, away from my desk.
But the narrow display bezel and the laptop’s 11.5mm thickness means it’ll still slip into the laptop pouch of even my smaller camera backpacks. Sure, it isn’t the lightest Air ever made, but its 1.5kg weight is an acceptable addition for my spine to cope with when I’m out on shoots. Though it feels every bit as well put together as most of Apple’s gear, I do worry that the nice, deep, dusky blue of my test model could easily get scratched and scuffed over months or years of photoshoots. Still, I managed to avoid any major blemishes during my time with it.
With Apple’s M2 chip and 16GB of RAM, my test model was extremely capable for most uses. It handled all my photo editing in Lightroom and Lightroom Classic, importing 1,000-plus batches of raw photos from my CFExpress cards extremely quickly and showing zero slowdowns as I navigated the library and batch-applied editing presets. For my work on location, this has been a real treat, being able to quickly back up my files after a shoot before I hit the road.
Watch this: 15-Inch MacBook Air Review: Way Cheaper Than a Pro
But I increasingly work in video and still imagery, both for CNET and on my own YouTube channel, and I found the Air capable of blitzing my edits in Premiere and DaVinci Resolve. I edited multiple 4K videos for my channel on this Air and imported my test Premiere project that utilized high bitrate, 4K C-Log video files, with effects and stabilization applied to many clips. I could scrub through and play back the project at full resolution without any issues, and export the final 4K file in a little over nine minutes — not bad, considering that the M2 Pro-equipped Mac Mini I tested recently did it in a little over seven.
Overall I found it to be an extremely swift machine, easily handling any of my professional editing needs for photos and 4K video production. Then there’s the battery life, which I found to be solid, barely dropping while importing and culling photos and generally allowing me to work on it without even needing to consider whether I’d get through my edits before needing to find a plug. And I haven’t even mentioned that it does all this with no fans whirring while I work.
So, it’s perfect? Well, no, and let’s address the elephant in the room: price. The 15-inch MacBook Air starts at $1,299, but that’s with only 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, and if you’re using it for photo and video editing, you’ll blow through that in no time (the cards I use in my camera are 2TB). Opting for more RAM and storage always means a big jump in price for Apple devices. My choice, if I were buying one, would be the model with the max 24GB of RAM and 1TB storage, but that brings the cost just north of $2,000. My review model comes in at $1,499.
But that’s still cheaper than the base 14-inch MacBook Pro and a lot cheaper than the base 16-inch Pro, so I do think the Air represents relatively decent value here. Would I choose a Pro model instead? If money were no object, then sure, I’d maybe go for the 14-inch Pro with M2 Max chip, 64GB RAM and 2TB storage, and I’d laugh about the $4,000 price tag while I drove off into the sunset in my new Lambo.
But here in the real world, I’d need to think about what I actually need and how much that’s worth. I work out and about a lot, frequently editing in cars, trains, cafes or maybe just from my bed when I can’t be bothered getting up and sitting at my desk. Traveling light is crucial to my workflow. The 15-inch Air is ideal for this, and it’s more than powerful enough to plow through my photo and video edits without breaking a sweat. And against the lofty prices of the Pro line, even the $2,000 for the 24GB, 1TB configuration I’d recommend seems reasonable.
Oh, and sure, the latest Pro models have SD card slots to appease creatives. But those slots returned just as I — and no doubt many other pro shooters — upgraded all SD cards to faster CFExpress cards. Having that slot would simply be a redundant hole I’d rarely need, and I’d still need to carry a dongle.
For power video creators, editing feature films with huge numbers of 8K video tracks, effects and whatnot, then no, the MacBook Air isn’t going to cut it, at least not for full-time use. But professional photographers like myself who work largely in stills, with a bit of video production on the side — perhaps wedding photographers or event shooters who also want to offer video packages to their clients — will be well catered for with the 15-inch MacBook Air.
SINGAPORE – Like putting a swab into the nose to detect Covid-19, a “swab” of the forest can reveal much about the myriad of flora and fauna there.
To document as many species in as little time as possible, Swiss team ETH BiodivX deployed five drones to Singapore’s Central Catchment Nature Reserve – to sample the air, collect genetic material from trees, and collect water samples.
Meanwhile, a robotic rover roamed the forest floor, snapping photos of the surrounding flora and fauna and collecting DNA samples from vegetation.
The team, led by Swiss university ETH Zurich, was one of 13 from around the world who tested its technology in Singapore from late May to early June, as part of the semi-finals, for a US$10 million (S$13.3 million) global competition.
Known as XPrize Rainforest, the California-based organisation is looking to identify viable tech solutions that could automate how scientists survey and study the world’s degrading rainforests.
There are three rainforest basins in the world – the Amazon, which is the largest at 6.7 million sq km, more than twice the size of India; the Congo basin; and South-east Asia.
They play an important role in the climate system, because trees on the equator can absorb planet-warming carbon dioxide through photosynthesis all year round.
Rainforests are also home to many human communities, as well as many different species of rare wildlife.
Teams comprising scientists and robotics engineers had 24 hours to test their technologies in a defined plot within the nature reserve, and another 48 hours to analyse the data and provide an assessment of the species found there.
On Monday, ETH BiodivX was one of six teams selected to advance to the finals of the competition, as they presented technologies which had the best potential to survey rainforests remotely.
Next year’s finals, according to the organisers, will be held at a more “remote and challenging” location.
Teams will also need to demonstrate the scalability of their technology and maximise performance on both biodiversity surveying and producing insights in order to meet the prize criteria, said XPrize.
Explaining ETH BiodivX’s technology, Dr Stefano Mintchev, the team’s co-lead researcher, told The Straits Times that environmental DNA (eDNA) represents the genetic traces that a living thing leaves in the environment.
“This could be an animal that is losing skin and hair particles, its saliva, or its faeces, that we collect and process in our database – which we can then trace back to the relevant species.”
Fairgoers headed to New York City’s Javits Center this fall to visit the Armory Show should plan to also attend Photofairs New York, the city’s newest art fair focused on photography. A sister event to Photofairs Shanghai, the inaugural U.S. edition will showcase photo-based and digital works.
Held concurrently with the Armory Show from September 8 to September 10 and hosted in the same location, Photofairs New York will feature exhibitors from more than 20 different cities around the world. Like Photofairs Shanghai, which debuted in 2014 and is Asia’s largest photography art fair, the contemporary photo show will be organized by events company Creo and its majority shareholder, Angus Montgomery Arts.
More than a third of Photofairs New York will be dedicated to solo exhibitions, as announced by the fair today (July 27). Highlights will include images exploring indigenization from Adama Delphine Fawundu and Ghanaian street photography by Caleb Kwarteng Prah. Nicole Wilson’s photographs capturing the process of ancient and contemporary tattoo practices will be included among the solo presentations, as will Maleonn’s tribute to Hieronymus Bosch’s 15th-century work The Garden of Earthly Delights.
A focus on digital artwork and the process of photography
The fair’s wide-ranging presentations offer “an expansive and forward-thinking view of photograph and image-making,” said Helen Toomer, director of Photofairs New York, in a statement. Several artists will showcase works focused on the process of image making, including a series from Rhiannon Adams consisting of large-scale Polaroid emulsion lifts on watercolor paper.
Explorations of digital media are another theme explored by Photofairs New York, which will include an exhibition by Postmasters Gallery featuring an artificial intelligence (A.I.)-assisted app from Damjanski and a sculpture by Jennifer and Kevin McCoy that utilizes cinematic footage created through an algorithm.
Special projects from Photofairs New York programming partners will include Fotografiska’s installation of Indigeneity and Futurism portraits from Cara Romero and art collective For Freedom’s collection of photography-based artwork. Beyond photos, attendees will see activations like an algorithm-controlled project from Daniel Rozin, presented by bitforms, and a video animation and soundscape commemorating an extinct pigeon species created by Sayler/Morris.
Partners like the Cultivist, Gagosian Quarterly and the International Center of Photography will support a Photofairs conversation series. And through its partnership with museum and hotel chain 21c, Photofairs New York will launch the inaugural 21c Acquisition Prize, with an exhibiting artist’s work joining the 21c collection. “We are excited about discovering visionary artists working in innovative photographic and digital media,” said Alice Gray Stites, director and chief curator at 21c, in a statement.
Embark on a visual journey with Canadian photographer Benjamin Von Wong as he shines a spotlight on critical environmental issues affecting our planet. More than just an artist, Von Wong is a photographer-activist who uses his craft to convey important messages to the world.
Initially known for his complex and awe-inspiring shots taken on building walls and in breathtaking underwater settings, Von Wong’s work has evolved to make a lasting impact. Beyond creating stunning art pieces, his photography now serves as a vehicle to raise awareness about pressing global concerns.
In an effort to share his creative process and connect with his audience on a deeper level, Benjamin Von Wong goes beyond showcasing the final photographs on social media. He generously unveils behind-the-scenes shots, offering a glimpse into the backstage of his awe-inspiring photoshoots.
Join us as we dive into the world of Benjamin Von Wong, where art, activism, and passion for the planet converge in a powerful and inspiring way. Experience the artistry and the messages that lie within each frame, inviting us all to think, feel, and act for a better future.
Scroll down and inspire yourself. Please check Ben’s Instagram for more amazing work.
You can find Benjamin Von Wong on the web:
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Discover the World through the Lens of Benjamin Von Wong: A Photographer-Activist with a Purpose
August is one of the best months of the year for astrophotography – and this year that goes double. Not only are the night skies graced by the year’s most famous meteor shower of all – the Perseids – but there are two full moons. An occasional consequence of the moon orbiting Earth every 29 days (or so), August 1’s ‘Sturgeon Moon’ will be followed by August 30’s ‘Blue Moon.’
Add Saturn reaching its opposition and August 2023 is a great time to dust off that camera and tripod and get outside looking up.
Read: Night photography techniques, tips and tricks
Tuesday, August 1: a full ‘Sturgeon Supermoon’
The appearance of the full moon each month is a highlight for many astrophotographers, clear skies allowing. The trick is to recognize that the most impactful moment is when the full moon appears in east on the horizon soon after sunset where there’s still light on the surrounding environment. This month that moment comes at moonrise where you are a few hours after it’s precisely opposite the sun with regard to Earth. As a bonus, the full ‘Sturgeon Moon’ is also the second of four supermoons in 2023, though practically speaking that means very little to the casual observer. Arm yourself with a 70-300mm lens, a tripod, and a remote shutter release and experiment with short exposures from a high position with a good view down to the eastern horizon.
Read: How to photograph the full moon
Tuesday, August 6: ‘Milky Way window’
Tonight is Last Quarter Moon, meaning that our satellite will be half-lit, on the wane and rising after midnight. That makes the next 10 or so nights excellent for astrophotography of all kinds and, this month, for wide-angle shots of the summer Milky Way.
Read: The best lenses for astrophotography
Wednesday, August 9: Moon and Pleiades
If you are up early this morning (as in, just after midnight), there’s a rare chance to catch a late-night moonrise to the right of the famous open cluster of stars called the Pleiades (or the ‘Seven Sisters’). Typically associated with winter, the Pleiades is now rising in the small hours. Although you likely won’t be able to capture it in your camera, Uranus will be to the right of the moon.
Read: When to photograph the moon
Saturday/Sunday, August 12/13: Perseid meteor shower
Although the media likes to hype all kinds of meteor showers these days, astrophotographers have for many decades been imaging this annual event. Predicted to produce around 100 “shooting stars” per hour during its pre-dawn peak on Sunday, August 13, the Perseids is an ideal time to go hunting for a dark place. None more so than this year because, by lucky chance, the Perseids’ peak occurs just a few days before New Moon, so the night skies will be dark. Capturing ‘shooting stars’ is best done automatically (all you need is a tripod, an intervalometer or a shutter release cable that can be locked in place). One option is to take a lawn chair so you can sit back behind the camera’s field of view and watch the show with your own eyes. Another is to point your ‘shooting star’ camera northeast (where the source constellation of Perseus will be) and get busy with another camera capturing the Milky Way in the south.
Read:How to photograph a meteor shower
Read:How to photograph the stunning Perseid meteor shower
Wednesday, August 30: a full ‘Blue Supermoon’
The second full moon of August is the third of four supermoons and, technically, it’s the biggest and brightest of the year. It’s actually the brightness you’ll notice most, though only if you regularly image the full moon. However, try to capture it close to the eastern horizon, where it will appear largest purely because it will rise next to buildings, trees and hills. It will be best photographed at moonrise where you are tonight, with Europe having a second chance to photograph it early in the twilight on Thursday, August 31.
Read:The best cameras for astrophotography
Astrophotography shot of the month: close-up of Saturn at opposition
The best time to image the two largest planets in the solar system – Saturn and Jupiter – is during their annual opposition. Since Earth orbits the Sun a lot more quickly than Saturn (29 years) and Jupiter (12 years), once each year we get in between the Sun and one of these planets and they get the full glare of the sun from our point of view. On that night (and for a few weeks on either side) it’s possible to image Saturn and Jupiter full-on and, as a bonus, they rise in the east and dusk and set in the west at dawn.
This month, Saturn reaches opposition, with the date of August 27 the actual moment when it’s 100%-lit from our point of view in 2023. It’s the ideal time to put a telescope on Saturn to see its rings. In almost all backyard telescopes it appears very small. So to image the ringed planet requires a long focal length, a lot of magnification, and some special techniques.
Although any DSLR or mirrorless camera using a wide-angle lens can capture Saturn as a bright dot in the night sky, for a close-up you’ll need a telescope with a minimum of 1,000mm focal length on a tracking mount and one of the best CCD/CMOS digital imaging cameras (also called astronomy or planetary cameras). These cameras shoot high-speed video. You then extract the sharpest frames – something called ‘lucky imaging’ – then stack them using RegiStax (or similar) to create sharp-looking and colorful images.AstroBackyard has a useful overview of the process.
Read:Best CCD cameras for astrophotography: specialist cameras for space watchers
THE Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) is making a final call to all interested amateur and professional photographers to submit their entries on or before the July 31, 2023 deadline.
With the theme “Sa’n Tayo Next?”, the competition aims to highlight the unadulterated yet equally beautiful places in the Philippines with tourism potential.
For more information about the Pagcor Photography Contest 2023, visit www.pagcor.ph or follow Pagcor’s Facebook page. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Pagcor’s photography contest 2023 has two categories: Conventional Category (includes photos taken using all types of traditional or conventional cameras like Single-Lens Reflex or Digital SLR, compact cameras and the like) and Mobile Category (photos taken using apps in all types of mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, drone-mounted cameras and action cameras).
There will be 12 grand winners for the conventional category, who will each receive P80,000, while the 12 grand winners for the mobile category will take home P35,000 each.
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The 16 non-winning grand finalists will also get consolation prizes while a special cash prize of P10,000 will also be awarded to the “Most Liked Photo” in each category.