Product Photography Best Practices To Follow In 2023

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Header Image Source: Pixabay

In today’s digital-first world, visual imagery is the sole representation of your products. The impression your product photos make on the customer decides whether they will proceed with the purchase. Blurry, pixilated, or photos with unhelpful information can flip the customers into viewing your brand as doubtful and untrustworthy.

We’re here to help you ensure your product photography is second to none. This article explores product photography best practices that you should implement this year.

Must-Know Tips and Tricks for Product Photography

beauty product photography best practices

Source: Pixabay

Setting Up the Table

From lighting and background to angles and composition, there’s a lot to consider when setting up the table for your shoot:

Choose the right surface: Choose a clean background that won’t compete with your product. A simple white or neutral-colored backdrop does the trick and draws attention to your product. For added interest, use props like colored paper or fabric to create a more interesting shot. 

Lighting is key: Natural light from the side can soften shadows and bring out the best features of your product. Shooting with natural light is difficult as the light changes every minute, so you must adjust repeatedly to stay consistent. You can also use artificial lighting, such as a ring light or softbox, to easily photograph and get creative with your shots.

Place your product: Position your product in the center of the frame for the best composition. This gives you lots of room to adjust and reflect on each photo. Balance your shots by keeping them symmetrical and experimenting with different angles. Your product should also be at least ten inches from the backdrop to avoid shadows.

Observe Brand Consistency

Brand consistency is hard to maintain when you want to step out of the box. An expertly taken photograph will show your product in the best light, but you must ensure that your product line appears consistent across all marketing materials.

The lighting, background, and composition should stay consistent throughout the photography. Also, ensure you follow a similar style of staging and color palettes for your products.

Take Many Photos from Many Angles

You will find only a few photos worth selecting for uploading on your product page.  But, for that to happen, you must take many photographs from all possible angles. Ensure you capture the product’s different sides – front, back, side view, and other details like buttons, stitches, or any design elements.

This will help customers get a better idea of how your product looks and will help them make an informed decision.

Show Product in Context

Context helps tell the story behind a product and gives customers a better understanding of its use. By showing a product in its natural environment, you can easily convey its unique features, benefits, or lifestyle aspirations. This will help customers identify with the product and give your photos an effortless look.

Product photography in context doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. It can be as simple as styling up the item on a desk or countertop. Consider adding props to create an interesting visual narrative that will draw customers in and help them to imagine their lives with the product.

Combine Various Types of Product Images

Product photography should be creative and visually attractive but must serve its purpose: capture your product in the best representation. Combining various types of product images drive this purpose home. The various types of product images are:

  • Flat Lay Images: Photographing multiple products of the same group together.
  • Texture Images: A close-up shot focuses on one or two products, clearly highlighting the details and craftsmanship of the product.
  • Lifestyle Images: A lifestyle shot places products in context with other elements like people, home décor, or outdoor items.
  • Inspirational Images: Capturing product as part of an inspirational theme or setting.
  • Customer Images: Customer images are real-life photos of customers using or wearing products.
  • Compatibility Images: Compatibility images show how products can be used together or combined.

Post-Production

Post-production is the final stage of product photography that can make or break your photos. No matter how good your lighting, composition, and staging are, there is always room to enhance the photos by editing. A few things you should focus on in post-production are:

  • Color correction
  • Adjusting highlights and shadows
  • Cropping
  • Spot-correction

An unwanted element in the background can steal all the focus from the product and result in lost conversions. This also applies to your backdrop being too noisy. You can fix that easily using a background remover by quickly replacing the background with a neutral color.

Key Takeaways

Product photography is a key means of marketing your products. The customers have only the photos to base their decision to purchase when shopping online. Providing them with a true, informational, and all-inclusive visual representation of your product helps them trust your brand, influencing their purchase decision.

The right setup, angles, context, and types of product images ensure you photograph the product in the best way that resonates with the customers. Also, remember to stay consistent with your photography’s themes, color, and style to maintain your brand’s identity.



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DDWS, refuge open submissions for annual amateur photo contest | News, Sports, Jobs – SANIBEL-CAPTIVA

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FRANK BRINKER
First place last year went to Frank Brinker, of Oberageri,Switzerland, for his photo titled “Speedy.”

The submission process recently kicked off for the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s annual contest for amateur photographers who enjoy capturing shots of nature and wildlife.

Sponsored by the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge, the 31st annual “Ding” Darling Amateur Nature Photography Contest opened on July 15. Held in conjunction with the refuge’s Art in the Wild Day, which is scheduled Oct. 21-22, it is open to non-professional photographers.

All entries must be submitted electronically.

The cash award prizes are $300 for first place, $225 for second, and $175 for third.

The complete contest rules are as follows:

SCOTT BECQUE
Last year’s second place winner was Scott Becque, of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, for “Azure Eye Ring.”

– There is a $25 per person entry fee that provides you with a membership to the DDWS and is used to defray the cost of the contest. One fee covers two entries per person.

– Only amateur (all ages) photographers are eligible to enter (may not possess a professional photographer tax identification number for the sale of photographs).

– Photos must be taken at the refuge and have been taken within two years of entry date.

– Each person may enter up to two photos but is eligible to win only one award.

– Photos must be submitted electronically via email to [email protected]. Each photo must be a JPEG file of at least 3000 x 2400 or four megabytes. Panoramic photos are not allowed.

SCOTT DAVIDOW
Third place last year went to Scott Davidow, of Bayside, New York, for “The Whimsical River Otter.”

– Photos that have won awards in previous DDWS photo contests may not be resubmitted.

– Judging will be anonymous. Please do not put your name or anything that will identify you on your photograph.

– Judging criteria: Technical excellence (sharpness, lighting, composition and exposure); originality/creativity; interest; and ability to be reproduced for publication.

– Only limited image modifications are permitted. Minor manipulation should be used only to produce a more natural looking photograph. Cropping is allowed but adding any elements not existing in the original scene will not be accepted. Judges, at their discretion, will disqualify any photos that appear to be manipulated beyond these guidelines.

– All photo files will become the property of the DDWS. Photos may be used by the DDWS in any way with appropriate credit given to the photographer.

– First, second, and third place winners and honorable mentions will be formally announced during Art in the Wild Day on Oct. 21. For more information, visit dingartinthewild.com.

– The contest’s three judges will include a refuge staff person, professional photographer and member of the Sanibel community.

For an entry form and more information, visit dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/photo-contests.

Entries must be delivered by email to [email protected] by Sept. 15.

Entrants can pay by sending a check made out to the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society, P.O. Box 565, Sanibel, FL 33957, with a memo “for photo contest” or online at tinyurl.com/dingphotofee.


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Stellar Saving! Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM lens now $585 cheaper

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The Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM lens typically makes up one-third of the ‘holy trinity’ of lenses (usually a 16-35mm, a 24-70mm and a 70-200mm to cover a wide range of focal lengths), so we were stoked to see that Amazon is offering a big discount on this fantastic all-rounder lens that works for a number of different uses and shooting styles. 

It’s currently on sale on Amazon for $1598 (down from $2183.22), although at the time of writing, there are only 2 left in stock, so if you want to snap one up you’ll have to be quick. We’ve also found it on B&H Photo and Adorama for the same price, although their ‘before’ price is a lot lower, and we know how Amazon retailers love to inflate the prices just before the deals hit to make it look like a better discount than it actually is.

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AMAZON PRIME DAYS – 11th and 12th JULY 2023

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Welcome to our coverage of Amazon Prime Day, the highly anticipated annual shopping event that brings a myriad of fantastic deals on cameras, lenses, and photography accessories. This year, Prime Day falls on the 11th and 12th of July, providing a perfect opportunity for photographers and videographers to upgrade their kit, pick up that dream lens, or invest in essential accessories.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking for high-end gear or a budding enthusiast eager to explore new facets of photography, there’s something for everyone. From cutting-edge mirrorless cameras and razor-sharp lenses to versatile tripods and durable camera bags, expect substantial discounts on top brands and best sellers.

Remember, these deals are exclusively available to Amazon Prime members, so if you haven’t joined yet, now is the perfect time. Stay tuned as we scour the best deals and offer you insights to help you make the most of this shopping extravaganza. Get ready to capture the world in a new light with fantastic gear at incredible prices. Happy Prime Day shopping!

Save 11.5% Lexar Professional 1667x SDXC UHS-II SILVER series 128GB

As well as sun cream this summer, don’t forget to make space in your suitcase for holiday memories. The Lexar® Professional 1667x SDXC UHS-II SILVER Series card will be your perfect travel mate. With read transfer speeds of up to 250MB/s, it quickly captures and transfers high-quality photos, including 1080p Full-HD, 3D and 4K video.
Take advantage of the 11,5% discount on the 128GB version to go on holiday equipped.

https://amzn.to/3NL8jh8

Save up to 30% with the SmallRig Prime Day deals

Don’t miss the chance to upgrade your gear on Prime Day! Get up to 30% off SmallRig products! Enhance your video creation with the VB99 and VB50 mini V Mount Batteries or the All-In-One Video Kit for Smartphone Creators. Perfect your focus with the mini Follow Focus or stabilize your shots with the Heavy-Duty Carbon Fiber Tripod Kits. Get the perfect grip for your DJI stabilizer with the Sling Handgrip. Lastly, light up your scenes with the RC 120B Bi-color Point-Source Video Lights or get smooth panning shots with the Heavy-Duty Fluid Head Tripod. Hurry, before the deals end!

https://amzn.to/3PQRFPS

Up to 30% off Bluetti Power Stations

Power up your off-grid shoots with Bluetti’s range of Power Stations, now at an unbeatable discount of up to 30% off on Prime Day! Renowned for their high-capacity batteries and robust design, Bluetti Power Stations are the ultimate power solution for photographers and videographers working away from mains power. Whether you’re capturing the golden hour in a remote landscape or filming an all-day event, these power stations will keep your cameras, lights, and other devices running smoothly. Choose from a range of models to suit your power needs. Don’t miss out on this chance to make your field work more efficient and hassle-free with Bluetti. These deals won’t last, so act fast!

https://amzn.to/3O6AgjN

One of the biggest power station savings with up to 40% off

On this Prime Day, energize your outdoor shoots with Growatt’s acclaimed Power Stations, now available at an astonishing discount of up to 40%! Trusted by professionals worldwide, Growatt Power Stations provide dependable and convenient power solutions for photographers and videographers working on location. The Vita 550, a standout model with its compact design and advanced features, is dropping to an unbeatable price of just $399. Ideal for powering cameras, lights, and other essential gear, these power stations can significantly streamline your workflow in the field. With Growatt, you get reliable power, exceptional build quality, and the freedom to create without boundaries. Don’t miss this opportunity to upgrade your gear with Growatt at fantastic prices. Hurry, these amazing deals are for a limited time only!

UGREEN Offer power solutions savings this Prime Day

Upgrade your workspace efficiency with UGREEN’s high-quality computer docks and adapters, now available with significant Prime Day discounts! UGREEN is renowned for creating reliable and highly compatible accessories that seamlessly connect your devices and streamline your digital life. From transforming your laptop into a powerful workstation with a versatile dock to ensuring your devices always stay connected with the most durable adapters, UGREEN’s range of products is designed to meet every tech need. These great deals offer a fantastic opportunity to enhance your productivity setup without breaking the bank. With UGREEN, you’re not just buying an accessory, you’re investing in a solution that optimizes your technology usage. Make sure to grab these incredible deals while they last, and redefine your computing experience with UGREEN. Prime Day is the perfect time to upgrade your tech, so don’t miss out!

https://amzn.to/3O7J61J

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Photographer captures cool beauty in Jilin province

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Tianchi, or Heavenly Lake, glistens atop Changbai Mountain in Yanbian Korean autonomous prefecture, Jilin province. [Photo by Meng Fanying/For chinadaily.com.cn]

With the arrival of midsummer, Changbai Mountain in Yanbian Korean autonomous prefecture, Jilin province, welcomes its most beautiful season.

Photographer Meng Fanying recently captured images of Changbai Mountain Nature Reserve, including sunrise and sunset at Tianchi Lake, spectacular waterfalls and flowers blooming all over the mountain.

The reserve is known as a summer holiday destination for people seeking cooler temperatures. It is home to Tianchi, or Heavenly Lake, a crater lake atop Changbai Mountain. It covers nine square kilometers at an altitude of 2,194 meters.

While people around the nation are sweltering in the summer heat, tourists who visit Tianchi Lake can enjoy refreshing cool breezes.

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OPPO redefines portrait photography with its Reno10 Series telephoto camera setup

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OPPO redefines portrait photography with its Reno10 Series telephoto camera setup

OPPO, the leading global smart devices brand, has launched the newest additions to its Reno series in India. The Reno10 Pro+ 5G, the Reno10 Pro 5G, and the Reno10 5G come with OPPO technology innovations such as BHE for batteries that last over four years, SUPERVOOCTM for fast charging, and the Dynamic Computing Engine that runs 40+ apps smoothly in the background. The Reno10 Pro+ 5G and the Reno10 Pro 5G are priced at INR 54,999 and INR 39,999, respectively.

Along with the Reno10 Series, OPPO unveiled their latest TWS, the Enco Air3 Pro, priced at INR 4,999.

Commenting on the launch, Damyant Singh Khanoria, Chief Marketing Officer of OPPO India, said, “OPPO continues to push the boundaries of technological advancements, establishing itself as a leading innovator in the industry. With the introduction of the Reno10 Series, we have revolutionised portrait photography through our cutting-edge telephoto camera and homegrown SUPERVOOCTM flash charging technology to offer users an exceptional experience. This sleek and stylish series packs a punch with its sterling performance and will deliver a greater value proposition to our consumers.”

Reno10 Pro+ 5G

The Reno10 Pro+ 5G features a 120Hz 6.74-inch OLED 10-bit colour display with a resolution of 2772×1240px, a high 93.9% screen-to-body ratio, and Dragontrail Star 2 glass for protection.

Its camera module sports a two-tone design comprising scratch-resistant glass and aluminium for resistance to corrosion and damage from drops. Around this camera module, the device boasts a Gorilla Glass 5 back panel, available in two colours: Glossy Purple and Silvery Grey. At the top and bottom edges, the Reno10 Pro+ 5G packs Dual Track stereo speakers for audio output that is crisp and distinct.

OPPO has used a new periscope design to create the highest megapixel telephoto portrait camera—with a 64MP OV64B sensor—that excels at photographs in low-light settings with up to 3x optical zoom; this allows photographers to capture beautifully-proportionate portraits with natural optical bokeh and background compression.

The periscope design also allows OPPO to stack more lenses in its camera module while still crafting a handset that is just 8.28mm thin.

In addition, Reno10 Pro+ 5G comes with the 50MP IMX890 ultra-clear main camera and the 8MP IMX355 ultra wide-angle snapper with a 112° field of view. Its 32MP front camera has an IMX709 RGBW sensor—co-developed by OPPO and Sony—for improved light capture, colour reproduction and image quality in low-light environments.

To strike a balance between performance and battery, the Reno10 Pro+ 5G is powered by Qualcomm’s 4nm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset that posts a 10% improvement in GPU performance and a 30% improvement in efficiency when stacked against the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC. Also, its AI performance per watt is 20% better than its predecessor.

The Reno10 Pro+ 5G uses Ultra-Conductive Graphite—a high-performance polymer used in aerospace—for thermal conductivity. The handset’s vapour chamber (VC) heat dissipation capacity is increased by 92% compared to the Reno8 Pro; its overall heat dissipation capacity is increased by 4%, and the temperature while gaming (PUBGM) is lowered by 2.1°C*.

With the super-charged 100W SUPERVOOCTM —the highest wattage in the Reno series yet—the handset’s 4,700mAh battery gets charged to 50% in 9 minutes and 30 seconds, and up to 100% in just 27 minutes. Additionally, Reno10 Pro+ 5G supports three years of OS and four years of security updates.

Reno10 Pro 5G

The Reno10 Pro 5G, which follows the same sleek and compact design language of the Reno10 Pro+ 5G, features a 120Hz 6.7-inch OLED 3D curved screen with Dragontrail Star 2 glass display and is available in Glossy Purple and Silvery Grey colours with Gorilla Glass 5 protection for the body. It boasts a 93% screen-to-body ratio for its industry-leading borderless viewing experience.

Like the Reno10 Pro+ 5G, the Reno10 Pro 5G comes with a triple camera setup, comprising the 50MP IMX890 ultra-clear main camera, the 32MP IMX709 RGBW telephoto portrait camera with 2X optical zoom, and the 8MP IMX355 ultra wide-angle snapper, which offers a 112° field of view. Its 32MP IMX709 RGBW selfie camera—like the Reno10 Pro+ 5G—supports autofocus for sharp self-portraits in all lighting conditions.

At the heart of Reno10 Pro 5G is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 778G 5G SoC, built on the 6nm process to balance powerful performance with reduced power consumption. For cooling, the handset uses the second generation of a new high-performance graphite with 33% higher thermal conductivity than ordinary graphite. In comparison with the Reno8 Pro, its cooling area has increased by 96%, heat dissipation capacity by 1%, and the temperature while gaming (PUBGM) is lower by 2°C*.

The Reno10 Pro packs a 4600mAh battery with 80W SUPERVOOCTM that gets juiced to 100% within 28 minutes; a quick 5-minute charge offers 3.2 hours of video streaming, 3 hours of texting, or 2.8 hours of social media usage. This means users can stay connected and engaged without worrying about running out of battery. Additionally, Reno10 Pro 5G will support two years of OS and three years of security updates.

Reno10 5G

In keeping with the series, the Reno10 5G sports an ultra-slim body—available in Ice Blue and Silvery Grey—that is comfortable to hold. Its 3D curved design is fronted by a 120Hz 6.7-inch AMOLED display with an impressive 93% screen-to-body ratio to provide an industry-leading borderless viewing experience. This handset comes with Dragontrail Star 2 protection for the display and a durable polycarbonate premium back.

The device boasts a powerful camera system comprising the 64MP OV64B ultra-clear main camera, the 32MP IMX709 telephoto portrait camera, the 8MP IMX355 112° ultra-wide camera, and the 32MP OV32C ultra-clear selfie camera. This setup captures every detail in photos with great clarity, whether in low light, portrait photography, or wide-angled vistas.

The Reno10 is driven by the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 SoC that promises lag-free reliable performance with a CPU speed of up to 2.6GHz. It packs a 5000mAh battery—the largest ever in the Reno series—with 67W SUPERVOOCTM charging for a speed of 47 minutes to 100%. For users who are always on the go, a 30-minute charge is enough to top up an additional 70%.

On the Reno10, heat dissipation is handled by high-performance T19 bilayer graphite for effective cooling and glitch-free usability. It comes with two years of OS and three years of security updates.

Reno10 Series – Smooth Performance with Smart Experiences   

Infrared Remote Control: The Reno10 Series comes with an infrared remote-control app that allows users to choose the specific appliance type and model within the app itself. Then, by simply pointing the phone’s infrared transmitter towards the desired home appliance—TVs, ACs, Set-top boxes, etc—the phone can be used to remotely operate appliances.

BHE: OPPO has equipped the Reno10 Series with its Battery Health Engine (BHE) technology that intelligently controls the current and voltage through real-time monitoring to prolong the charging lifespan. BHE ensures that the battery maintains its health up to 80% even after 1,600 charge cycles to last over four years. OPPO has passed the Upgraded TÜV Rheinland Safe Fast-Charge System Certification after having undergone 40 rigorous tests. BHE has also won the 2023 SEAL Sustainable Product Award for this green innovation.

SUPERVOOC S: This time, OPPO has also introduced SUPERVOOC S, its first independently developed power-management chip that increases battery discharge efficiency from 97.5% to a maximum of 99.5%. In real-world use, this 2% increase means that the battery life of the Reno10 Pro+, for instance, can support up to 37 extra minutes of talk just because of this tweak. SUPERVOOC S also packs hardware-level security that can cut off power when it detects a faulty/fake charger or water in the charging port that could cause battery malfunction.

Dynamic Computing Engine:  For smooth operations, the Reno10 Series comes with OPPO’s Dynamic Computing Engine that increases app opening speed by 12% in comparison to the last generation. Further, up to 40+ apps can run smoothly in the background without lag. This feature—in conjunction with other homegrown technologies—earned the Reno10 Pro+ and the Reno10 Pro the TÜV SUD 48-Month Fluency Certification. These devices received an ‘A’ rating in these tests, which means they perform as smoothly as a new device, even after four years.

RAM Expansion: Computing on the Reno10 Series is backed by OPPO’s RAM Expansion technology—up to 12GB for Reno10 Pro+ and Reno10 Pro and 8GB for Reno10—that allots space from the device’s storage to its RAM for greater operating efficiency in demanding tasks such as gaming and video processing.

OPPO Enco Air3 Pro: A New Level of Audio Excellence   

For audiophiles, OPPO has announced its best-in-class noise-cancelling TWS, Enco Air3 Pro – the world’s first earbuds with a natural bamboo fibre diaphragm for clear, crisp sound. Its high-definition audio recreates reality with LDAC, while its 49dB adaptive noise cancelling makes for an immersive listening experience.

The Enco Air3 Pro features OPPO Alive audio for spatial surround sound when viewing movies on a smartphone. The TWS also comes with Golden Sound 2.0, which creates a user-specific ear canal model after a short listening test to configure the buds specifically to the user’s hearing. The earbuds offer IP55 dust and water resistance which makes them perfect for outdoor activities. A single charge promises 30 hours of listening pleasure.

 

Specification  Reno10 Pro+ 5G  Reno10 Pro 5G  Reno10 5G 
Platform​ Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 Snapdragon 778G 5G Dimensity 7050 5G
Display​ 6.7-inch OLED
3D Curved Screen, 120Hz Refresh Rate, up to 240Hz touch sampling rate		 6.7-inch OLED
3D Curved Screen, 120Hz Refresh Rate, up to 240Hz touch sampling rate		 6.7-inch AMOLED
3D Curved Screen, 120Hz Refresh Rate, up to 240Hz touch sampling rate
Front Camera​ 32MP IMX709 RGBW sensor, autofocus 32MP IMX709 RGBW sensor, autofocus 32MP OV32C sensor

 
Rear Cameras​ 50MP IMX890, OIS

 

64MP OV64B sensor with Telephoto

 

112° wide-angle 8MP IMX355

 50MP IMX890, OIS

 

32MP IMX709 RGBW with Telephoto

 

112° wide-angle 8MP IMX355

 64MP OV64B

​

32MP IMX709 RGBW with Telephoto​

 

112° wide-angle 8MP IMX355
Storage​/RAM 256GB UFS 3.1/
12GB DDR5		 256GB UFS 3.0/
12GB DDR4		 128GB UFS 3.0/
8GB DDR4
Battery 4700mAh battery,

100W SUPERVOOCTM

 4600mAh battery,

80W SUPERVOOCTM

 5000mAh battery, 67W SUPERVOOCTM
Profile/weight 8.28mm/194g 7.89mm/185g 7.89mm/185g

 

Price and Availability

OPPO Reno10 Pro+ 5G, priced at INR 54,999, and OPPO Reno10 Pro, priced at INR39,999, will be available for sale from 13th July 2023, 12am onwards. The devices are available for purchase from Flipkart, OPPO store and mainline retail outlets. The OPPO Enco Air3 Pro, priced at INR4,999, will be available for purchase from Flipkart, Amazon and the OPPO store from 11th July 2023, 12pm onwards.

Offers

Customers can avail of the following offers on the first sale of the OPPO Reno10 Pro+ 5G and OPPO Reno10 Pro 5G…

  • Customers can enjoy discounts of up to INR4000 on Flipkart and OPPO Stores, and no-cost EMI for up to 9 months on HDFC, ICICI Bank and SBI Cards.
  • Customers can avail cashback of up to INR4000 from mainline retail outlets and no-cost EMI for up to 9 months on leading banks cards like SBI Cards, Kotak Bank, Bank of Baroda, IDFC First Bank, One Card, AU Small Finance.
  • Customer can also avail cash back up to INR4000 on consumer loan partners like TVS Credit, HDB Financial & IDFC First Bank. Additionally, customers can enjoy the benefit of Zero Down Payment schemes from leading financers.
  • Loyal OPPO customers can avail an Exchange + Loyalty Bonus of up to INR4000 online & offline.
  • Users can enjoy free trials of YouTube Premium and Google One for up to 6 months through MyOPPO.
  • Customers who buy a phone between 13th and 19th July can enter the MyOPPO raffle and win a trip to Dubai and other exciting prizes. Buy the Reno10Pro+ 5G and Reno10 Pro 5G between July 13 – July 31 and get OPPO Pad Air(4+128GB) at a discount of INR1500.

 

OPPO Premium Service Offer

  • All the issues/queries will be resolved within 24 working hours by a team of dedicated experts (Exclusive hotline – 9958808080)
  • Free pick up and drop facility available across 13,000+ pin codes with resolution of issues within 72 hours of the complaint.
  • OPPO offers affordable EMI for the service/repairs of smartphones. The lowest EMI starts from INR3200 from all the leading financiers. Customers will have the option to decide on EMI instalment and tenure at their convenience.

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Eco Forum Global highlights China’s contribution to harmony between man, nature- China.org.cn

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This photo taken on July 9, 2023 shows the closing ceremony of the Eco Forum Global Guiyang 2023 in Guiyang, southwest China’s Guizhou Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

During the two-day-long Eco Forum Global Guiyang 2023, which concluded Sunday at the capital of southwest China’s Guizhou Province, participants spoke highly of China’s contribution to the global cause of promoting ecological conservation and green development.

“We are facing a global climate emergency amid a time when countries are still addressing and rebounding from the socio-economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic,” James George, deputy resident representative of the United Nations Development Programme in China, told Xinhua in an interview.

More efforts must be made to maintain the harmony between humanity and nature to realize the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for a better future for both people and the planet, he added.

Talking about China’s efforts in ecological conservation, he noted that “China’s efforts in utilizing spatial planning to safeguard and protect key ecological function zones and fragile areas have helped improve the living environment for communities and promote biodiversity conservation.”

“This is one of the lessons that could be shared with other countries in the world for strengthening conservation efforts,” he noted.

During the event, Tamas Hajba, senior advisor for China and head of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Beijing Office, told Xinhua that China’s role in tackling climate change and low-carbon transition is very important.

China has a lot of experiences and a lot to share with the world. It is a leading country in terms of the application of renewable energy in the world, Hajba noted.

“More importantly, China has managed to bring down the prices of renewable energies, in other words, to commercialize renewable energies much faster and much earlier than other countries,” he added.

In 2022, China’s renewable energy generation was equivalent to a reduction of 2.26 billion tonnes of domestic carbon dioxide emissions. Its wind power and photovoltaic product exports helped other countries reduce emissions by approximately 573 million tonnes.

The two figures added up to 2.83 billion tonnes of emissions, or about 41 percent of the world’s total carbon emissions reduction converted from renewable energy, data from the National Energy Administration showed.

A firm practitioner for ecological conservation and a pilot in green development, China has also actively shared experiences and cooperated with countries globally to facilitate the harmonious coexistence of man and nature.

Pakistan’s Karot hydropower project epitomizes China’s global cooperation in promoting sustainable development.

The station, constructed by the China Three Gorges Corporation, can generate electricity to meet the daily power demand of about 5 million people while saving around 1.4 million tonnes of standard coal each year.

In an interview with Xinhua, Mostak Ahamed Galib, executive director of the cross-cultural communication and Belt and Road Initiative research center at the Wuhan University of Technology, hailed the China-built Padma multipurpose bridge in Bangladesh.

“Affected by rising sea level and tropical cyclones, which are heavily linked with global climate change, people’s livelihoods in some parts of southwestern Bangladesh significantly deteriorated due to problems including land salinization,” he said.

“The bridge has brought opportunities and new hope to people living in these areas by greatly shortening the trip to the country’s capital city,” he noted. With convenient transportation, thousands of domestic and foreign tourists have come to see coastal mangrove tigers in local forests.

This boosted tourism, increased the income of local residents and raised the awareness of biodiversity conservation, making people better understand how to live harmoniously with nature, he commended.

China is playing a critical role globally in terms of green development and green technology, Yanga Viwe Socikwa, a national community member of the Young Communist League of South Africa, said in an interview at the forum.

He hoped to apply China’s strategies and tactics in the context of his own country and advance projects that balance environmental protection and economic growth, such as the transformation of coal mines.

Tu Ruihe, head of the UN Environment Programme China Office, expected China to continue to support international multilateral cooperation and lead global environmental governance with more active and pragmatic actions to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

“We hope that China will share experiences in the fields of low-carbon transformation, green development, environmental protection, and ecological restoration, and support developing countries in green transformation,” he said in a keynote speech at the forum. 

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Photography project captures 48 hours in Preston

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Image of people on platform at Preston Station taken for 48hrs in Preston Pic: Haze Mathers
Pic: Haze Mathers

Dozens of photographers descended on to the streets of Preston over two days to capture how the people of the city live, work and play.



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48hrs in Preston was a two-day participatory project that invited photographers of all abilities to take snaps in and around the city.

Event organiser Garry Cook said: “It was inspiring to see so many people out with their cameras taking photos.

“I really tried to encourage people to take photos of other people, in shops at work or enjoying themselves. This can be a really hard thing to do – it pushes you out of your comfort zone – but so many people tried it, and the result is a load of wonderful images. I’m so grateful to the enthusiasm of everyone who has taken part.

“The idea of asking loads of photographers to take images across 48 hours is to build a snapshot of the people of Preston. These images mark a moment in time and eventually will provide a unique nostalgic look back what Preston and its people looked like in 2023.

“So many shops, cafes, bars and pubs welcomed me and other photographers onto their premises – I am really grateful to the staff and managers of every venue.

“This is one of the first photography projects in Lancashire Photography Festival that will help make Preston a city of photography. I’m expecting thousands of visitors to the festival over the next few months – and people’s perceptions of Preston will change because of Lancashire Photography Festival.”

Local photographer Chris Darley, who took part in 48hrs in Preston, said: “I hope this idea grows and continues. I enjoyed a couple of hours walking in Preston. As always welcoming and friendly people in Preston, thanks to each and every one for their time.”

The unique project is part of the outdoor Lancashire Photography Festival, which has already unveiled images on the streets of Preston, most notable The Temple of Photography at Sykes Street Car Park – the site of the old Tokyo Jo’s nightclub.

Read more: UK’s biggest outdoor photo festival creates Preston’s ‘Temple of Photography’

The main part of the festival launches in mid-July with images on display in the city centre, Winckley Square, and Avenham and Miller Parks.

Lancashire Photography Festival is supported by Arts Council England, Winckley Square CIC, Preston City Council and Preston BID. The festival is on until September.

A selection of images from 48hrs in Preston can be viewed below.

More will be displayed at a projection event in August and large-scale prints will be carried around the city for the unique Preston Photography Parade on Saturday 19 August.

Find out more on the Enjoy the Show website.

Image of children in front of BHS photo display taken for 48hrs in Preston Pic: Wioletta Maj
Pic: Wioletta Maj
Image of person with green mohawk taken for 48hrs in Preston Pic: Mark Inglis
Pic: Mark Inglis
Image of people behind counter taken for 48hrs in Preston Pic: Colette Fry
Pic: Colette Fry
Image of woman under umbrella taken for 48hrs in Preston Pic: Kostek Poland
Pic: Kostek Poland
Image of woman at the Bus Station taken for 48hrs in Preston Pic: Dave Bennion
Pic: Dave Bennion
Image of two people on phone taken for 48hrs in Preston Pic: Jill Rediy
Pic: Jill Rediy
Image of woman and girl taken for 48hrs in Preston Pic: Emma Fisher
Pic: Emma Fisher
Image of market stall Pic: Kate Rosindale
Pic: Kate Rosindale
Image of tattooed person taken for 48hrs in Preston Pic: Jonathan Lonsdale
Pic: Jonathan Lonsdale
Pic: Garry Cook
Pic: Garry Cook
Image of man outside fish n chip shop taken for 48hrs in Preston Pic: Stephen Geraghty
Pic: Stephen Geraghty
Image of barber and customer taken for 48hrs in Preston Pic: Chris Darley
Pic: Chris Darley

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines 



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Maui-based nonprofit seeks photo submissions for 2024 Marine Life Calendar : Maui Now

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July 10, 2023, 1:45 PM HST

Pacific Whale Foundation Announces Whale of a Photo Contest

Ocean conservation nonprofit Pacific Whale Foundation invites nature photographers from around the globe to enter their favorite marine wildlife image in PWF’s fourth annual Whale of a Photo Contest now through July 20, 2023, for possible inclusion in the organization’s 2024 Marine Life Calendar. 

One of Pacific Whale Foundation’s most popular fundraising campaigns, this wall calendar features stunning images, marine wildlife fun facts, tips on how you can help protect the ocean and the personal stories behind each month’s featured photograph.

It is a great way for professional and emerging photographers to showcase their talents while helping to support the nonprofit’s mission to protect the ocean through science and advocacy and inspire environmental stewardship.

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All funds received from submissions and public voting directly benefit PWF’s Research, Education and Conservation programs working to mitigate the five major identified threats to whales and dolphins: bycatch (fisheries interactions), marine plastic pollution, climate change, unsustainable tourism and vessel collisions with marine animals.

Each submission must be accompanied by a $10 donation with multiple entries accepted. The top 12 photos selected by the organization’s panel of judges will be published in the calendar and advance to the online public voting round held Aug. 3–24, 2023. 

Votes are $1 each with no limit on the number of votes allowed per entry. The image receiving the most votes will grace the cover of PWF’s 2024 Marine Life Calendar, which will also include a short profile about the winning photographer.

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GENERAL SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

  • OPEN: All submissions will be considered regardless of the entrant’s profession, location or expertise.
  • THEME: Marine wildlife
  • DONATION: Each submission must be accompanied by a $10 donation benefiting Pacific Whale Foundation. There is no limit to the number of entries per person.
  • CONTEST PERIOD: Now through July 20, 2023; entries received after midnight July 20 will not be considered. Online voting for top 12 entries takes place Aug. 3–24, with the winner announced on Aug. 31.
  • SELECTION: PWF’s panel of judges will select the top 12 images for entry into the online photo contest. Finalists will be contacted on or after July 20, with additional submission instructions as necessary. The winning photo will be determined by the number of votes received.
  • HOW TO SUBMIT: Fill out the entry form at pacificwhale.org/calendar and you will receive an email with further instructions.
  • PRIZE: The winner will have his, her or their image featured on the cover of Pacific Whale Foundation’s 2024 Marine Life Calendar accompanied by a brief bio, receive a free calendar, and the intrinsic satisfaction of contributing to PWF’s fundraising efforts.

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Saving nature: WWF study highlights the best places for ecological restoration in Canada

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The park, which is in Markham, Ont., at the northeastern edge of Toronto, hugs the Rouge River and is the site of a major ecological restoration effort just steps away from people’s homes.

On a cloudy day in June, hundreds of volunteers were planting trees and shrubs in an effort to restore a barren part of the park.

In 10 to 15 years, they should grow up to 20, 30, even 50 feet [15 metres]. And it should look like a nice, thriving forest, said Nishad Islam, environmental project coordinator at the Friends of the Rouge Watershed, which was coordinating the event.

And hopefully it’ll be home to a lot of endangered wildlife species, different types of turtles, salamanders as well.

A man holding a spade, surrounded by young trees and green shoots.

Nishad Islam coordinates planting events at the Friends of the Rouge Watershed, and sees direct benefits for local residents near restored habitats

Photo:  (CBC) / Inayat Singh

The Friends have a decades-long history in this part of the Greater Toronto Area, advocating for the nearby Rouge National Urban Park — the largest urban park in Canada, over 19 times the size of Stanley Park in Vancouver.

Many conservationists consider it one of the best examples of nature restoration in the country — home to 1,700 plant and animal species, 42 species at risk, a place where students learn to camp and people hike and picnic — while also being surrounded by millions of people in Canada’s largest metropolitan area with Highway 401, North America’s busiest, running right through it.

With restoration work, we are essentially just making it more of a natural bigger space for those endangered species to come, and as well as for people to kind of enjoy this beautiful area that we have, Islam said.

The work here is part of efforts across Canada to restore nature and bring back biodiversity — as governments, communities and researchers realize the importance of green spaces in fighting climate change and preparing for extreme weather.

The work is backed by new research (new window) from the World Wildlife Fund that shows that areas of top importance for ecological restoration are also near where people live, especially in southern Ontario, Manitoba and Quebec.

A map.Enlarge image (new window)

Source: World Wildlife Fund Canada, Mapcreator|OSM.org

Photo:  (CBC)

A global push to save nature

Unlike environmental protection, which involves establishing parks and conservation areas to protect natural areas, restoration involves going into degraded areas and planting trees and shrubs to restore the land, approaching what it once was before human activities changed it.

Restoration is key to Canada’s efforts to reverse biodiversity loss — now a part of the country’s international obligations, after the COP15 UN biodiversity conference (new window) which was hosted in Montreal last December. 

Countries around the world reached a landmark deal to save nature and establish targets for protecting and restoring ecosystems, and observers want Canada, as a host country, to lead by example.

WATCH | How Canada can meet its ambition to restore nature: 

Coming out of COP15 in December, we saw really ambitious goals and targets committed to by the government of Canada, said James Snider, vice president of science, knowledge and innovation at WWF Canada and a co-author on the study.

But now that we have these ambitious goals and targets, we actually have to begin to implement them.

Using field and satellite data, researchers calculated carbon storage potential and benefits to biodiversity for the areas of Canada that have been transformed by humans. 

The study considered three different potential restoration targets — from 5 million hectares to 15 million hectares (the latter representing a target of restoring 30 per cent of Canada’s converted landscapes). In all these scenarios, the most important areas for restoration were in southern Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba — also the places that have been modified the most by human activity.

A before-and-after poster from the Friends of the Rouge Watershed, showcasing their ecological restoration work at a site in the eastern part of Toronto.Enlarge image (new window)

A before-and-after poster from the Friends of the Rouge Watershed, showcasing their ecological restoration work at a site in the eastern part of Toronto.

Photo: Submitted by the Friends of the Rouge Watershed

Snider says that means that restoring those areas have direct benefits for people, such as protecting water supplies, providing clean air and preventing floods.

It’s not only those people that live directly adjacent to those areas that benefit from having those natural areas, but more broadly the people that live, you know, throughout the region, Snider said.

Finding land — and people — for restoration work

But the location of the tree planting event along the Rouge also showed the challenge of doing restoration so close where people live. The WWF’s analysis did not include urban areas with residential development, because it does not suggest displacing people for nature. 

But getting access to land to restore can be challenge. Michael Petryk from Tree Canada, a national organization that helped organize the event in Markham, said groups like his have to get creative to find spaces to restore, since there’s pressure from the need to build more homes and farms.

A man.

Michael Petryk, director of operations at Tree Canada, hopes events like the tree planting at Tomlinson Park inspire people to take up this work in their careers and communities

Photo:  (CBC) / Inayat Singh

Beyond that, he also pointed out that there’s just a shortage of skilled workers to do the restoration, something he hopes large volunteer tree-planting events can counter.

This is a great opportunity to introduce people to urban forestry, that it’s a career, maybe they can talk to their children about it, get people into it, he said.

Restore the land and the species will come

Jill Crosthwaite works at another restoration project, at a small but ecologically crucial island in Lake Erie, about 400 km west of Toronto. Pelee Island is an important staging ground for migratory birds, welcoming over 300 species of birds during their travels. 

The Nature Conservancy of Canada, a conservation group that acquires land to protect and restore it, has restored shorelines, forests and wetlands on the island. 

A woman holding a tree shoot.

Jill Crosthwaite, conservation biology coordinator for the Nature Conservancy of Canada, works on various restoration projects in southern Ontario, including on Pelee Island.

Photo: Submitted by the Nature Conservancy of Canada

If we’re working somewhere like Pelee Island, it’s got amazing diversity as it is. It’s got a lot of species that are quite rare and not found in many other places in Canada, Crosthwaite said. 

A lot of those species are really anxious for more habitat. So they’ll get in there and start using it quite quickly.

Crosthwaite said the NCC looks for lands close to important habitats — like forests and wetlands — and works to restore them based on what those nearby habitats look like. A lot of the land they work on has been converted by humans for over a century — but once restored, it can take just a year or two for animal and bird species to start moving back in.

There are many benefits to humans as well — known as ecosystem services. Most importantly, restored wetlands hold rainfall and control the amount of flooding, and the plants in those wetlands help filter the water and clean out pollutants like fertilizers before it all flows out into the lake, Crosthwaite said.

The new habitats can also be places for people to visit.

That really gives people a place they can go and walk, they can get exercise, they can connect with nature, Crosthwaite said. 

They can see things that maybe they wouldn’t have been able to see.

Wetlands.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada is restoring wetlands on Pelee Island to provide habitats for species.

Photo: Submitted by the Nature Conservancy of Canada

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Inayat Singh (new window) · CBC News · Reporter

Inayat Singh covers the environment and climate change at CBC News. He is based in Toronto and has previously reported from Winnipeg. Email: [email protected]

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