Motorists using the roundabout at Mulberry and Second will soon have a public art piece in the center island as the Muscatine City Council approved the funding for an artwork.
Council approves roundabout sculpture
‘We stepped into his kitchen and he mentioned some kilts’: Glenn Homann’s best phone picture
It was approaching Christmas last year and Australian photographer Glenn Homann was exploring Brisbane’s heritage-rich satellite city of Ipswich with his iPhone. “I tend to go out looking for locations and objects to shoot. But occasionally, for whatever reason, a person appears on the scene,” says Homann, who lives about a half-hour’s drive away in the suburb of Inala. “I passed this green house with skimpily dressed mannequins propped up outside – an unusual take on Christmas decorations. I knocked on the door to find out more. Ron answered.”
The pair chatted and developed an easy rapport, and an unlikely friendship was born. A few weeks later Homann returned, hoping to shoot inside Ron’s shed. “He has two old motorbikes, a go-kart, model airplanes, more mannequins and these crazy paintings he’s created up on the walls. We stepped into his kitchen and he mentioned something about having a couple of kilts in his cupboard. He had grandparents from Scotland and Ireland, and is very proud of his heritage, so he pulled out his Irish one. I had intended to find some moodier lighting out in the shed, but it was such a hot day, the air-conditioning unit was right there, and this picture happened, with his dog, Teddy Bear, at his feet.”
The men have stayed in touch: Homann has photographed Ron’s paintings for him, so he’ll have copies, and has helped him work on the go-kart.
“He’s such a lovely guy,” Homann says. “He just drips Aussie charm.”
AI-generated ‘impossible statue’ exhibited at Stockholm museum
The “impossible statue”, created entirely by artificial intelligence (AI), fuses the signature styles of five master sculptors including Michelangelo, Rodin and Takamura.
Photographer captures magical shots of mountains around the world
Instagramming photographer captures otherworldly mountain landscapes that will blow your mind
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This talented photographer captures mountainscapes so otherworldly that it’s hard to believe they exist on planet Earth.
As a matter of fact, professional photographer Aytek Cetin says that some people question whether the landscapes he’s captured are real, as they look so unearthly.
The 41-year-old Turkish photographer, who also tutors fellow photographers in private photography tours and online classes, tells MailOnline Travel: ‘Sometimes we can be prejudiced about geography that we have not seen before. For example, for a photograph I took in Cappadocia [a region in Turkey], someone claimed that it was not a real place… I explained to this person that it was a real place and that I took others to this place to take pictures.’
Detailing why he’s drawn to epic mountain scenes, Cetin says: ‘What impresses me the most about mountains is that they are the most powerful beings of nature. They have been there in all their glory for millions of years and will continue to be.’
The photographer, who is drumming up a sizeable Instagram following – 87,000 followers and counting – explains that he sets out to ‘draw’ viewers into a mountain scene and ‘make them feel [like] they are there’ with his photography. He notes: ‘To do this, I try to use different perspectives than the scenes other people are accustomed to seeing.’
Capturing these remote landscapes is not without its challenges. As there’s often no transportation to off-grid peaks, Cetin regularly has to walk long distances carrying his camping gear and his camera equipment, which can weigh more than 70lb (31 kilos). The hard work is worth it, however, for the magical photographs he can capture. Scroll down to see evidence of a photographer at the peak of his powers…
![This dramatic mountain shot was captured in the Kackar Mountains National Park - a hotspot for hiking and climbing - in the Black Sea Region of Turkey. Cetin describes the location as one of the 'undiscovered valleys of [the] Black Sea'](https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/71774845-12160395-This_dramatic_mountain_shot_was_captured_in_the_Kackar_Mountains-a-4_1686928923448.jpg)
![Daisies spill over a grassy hilltop in this beautiful shot by Cetin, captured in Turkey's Kackar Mountains National Park. Cetin reflects: 'You can always get dramatic [weather] conditions in the Black Sea mountains'](https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/71774851-12160395-Daisies_spill_over_a_grassy_hilltop_in_this_beautiful_shot_by_Ce-a-66_1685963847381.jpg)
Behind the lens of the Suns unofficial photographer
PHOENIX — Gabe Chavez is the man behind the lens that has helped capture the essence of the Phoenix Suns from a unique standpoint.
“[It was] late 2016 and I was taking a few pictures everywhere else. I came to a game one day and I saw a lady had her own small camera. I figured you know what? Why not give it a try and bring my camera?” Chavez said.
So, he bought a cheap ticket and snuck his way into the lower bowl, snapping pictures and tagging players on Instagram. Little did he know that one game would change his life.
“Literally the very next day, I got a DM from one of the players that used to play for us,” Chavez recalled. “‘Yo, we like all the pictures you’re taking.’ He’s like, ‘We want to know if you can keep taking some for us.?’ And that’s when he was like, ‘We got a ticket for all the home games for you.'”
“As a Phoenix kid growing up, not being able to go that many games, that moment right there I was just jumping up and down. I was like, you know, a kid on Christmas.”
Under the Instagram handle @savagee, Chavez has gained more than 31K followers. His relationships with the players offer a different view through his photos.
“Cam Payne likes ones that show emotion,” he said. “Book’s transitioned to more of, I would say, like an old soul in a sense. He likes the black and white stuff now.”
“That’s probably one of the coolest things to me is being able to grow a relationship with these guys,” he said. “Even before I met Book, I was a fan of him for so long. And now, you know, we’re good friends.”
Just a kid from Maryvale who took his camera to a game one day and carved out a niche role as the Suns unofficial personal photographer.
“I still feel like it’s not real sometimes,” he said. “To be able to travel to away games, and getting the access I do, it’s just a blessing.”
If someone had told his high school self in his first photography class that he would now be doing this?
“I would have called you a liar,” Chavez said.
His truth for everyone else?
“Find a dream, chase it and don’t let nobody tell you, you can’t.”
Troy Main Street hosts Sculptures on the Square kick-off
Balloon artist Ranger Vic creates balloon sculptures for guests during the 2023 Sculptures on the Square opening celebration held on Friday, June 16 at Courthouse Plaza.
Contemporary Lakota artist showcased at the Sioux Indian Museum
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – The Sioux Indian Museum in Rapid City is showcasing a new Oglala Lakota artist, Gene Swallow.
June 16 through August 27 the Doll Revolution will showcase Swallows’ work. Some pieces will also be for sale.
Conor McMahon, the senior curator for the Indian Arts and Crafts Board, said what made Swallow stand out as an artist is that the museum wanted to showcase a contemporary Lakota artist who is making something unique.
“It features a variety of his dolls; he’s created all these dolls, especially for this exhibit. It includes some traditional baby dolls, as well as his unique animal-human hybrid dolls, and then also some fashion dolls,” said McMahon.
About four exhibits a year are showcased at the Sioux Indian Museum featuring Native American artists.
Copyright 2023 KOTA. All rights reserved.
Dogwood Arts Unveils New “Art In Public Places” Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition
Dogwood Arts recently began installing the 2023-2024 Art In Public Places Sculpture Exhibition.
Brides claim a Middle TN photographer cancelled before wedding
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Dozens of brides want to warn others about a wedding photographer based in Robertson County. Several people have claimed they spent months planning a wedding.
Then leading up to the big day, Madelynn Helm, the photographer they hired said she was not going to make it.
“It just felt, at that moment, like everything was crashing… Like what else is going to go wrong,” Caryn Crawford Brazier said as she described the frenzy, she experienced on her wedding day when the photographer who showed up was not the photographer she hired. “I was instantly shocked and kind of astounded like, what’s going on here and then she told me that Madelynn double booked herself which really floored me.”
The bride said she did not see this coming, especially when the contract she signed included a ‘failure to perform clause’.
The ‘failure to perform clause’ stated: “If the photographer cannot perform the services outlined in the contract due to illness or any other cause beyond the control of the photographer, the photographer will refund all monies paid, including retainer, and have no further liability with respect to this contract.”
Several other brides from a private Facebook group called, “Wedding Everything Middle TN” said wedding photographer Madelynn Helm canceled days before their big day. Then Helm scrambled to find someone to fill in for her. Many of those brides were left hoping a photographer would show up and create the pictures they had envisioned.
“The photography was something I was really really intent on getting right and now here we are,” said Kassandra Davers Wence.
Wence said Helm made the nearly four hour drive from Robertson County, Tennessee, to Sullivan, Indiana, for her wedding in October.
“I guess a red flag was that she seemed to be too good to be true in the beginning… Too good of a deal. Too good of a discount. Very very minimal travel fee,” Wence said she paid helm for a full day of photography, but was only sent photos from the ceremony.
She wants to get the rest of her pictures back or be compensated for those lost memories.
“I want the photos of me and my family and me and my extended family because I can’t just do that again. There will never be pictures of me, my mom, and my dad and my husband on my wedding day. If the pictures are gone, then they are gone,” Wence explained.
Helm told WSMV4 she sent that bride all the photos worth editing.
“I never included eyes closed/ blurry/ things that you wouldn’t want anyways,” Helm said.
Helm did admit, she owes people money after overbooking and setting her prices low.
“I’m working on paying them back because I work minimum wage outside of this. I am working on paying them back,” Helm said.
She has taken down her photography website and is not booking weddings at this time.
“I messed up. I know I messed up, but I am human and I am fixing it,” Helm said.
The Tennessee Professional Photographers Association sent this advice for those looking to hire a photographer:
- Always ask about a business license and liability insurance. All legitimate professionals will have both.
- Do not hire based solely on photographs seen on social media sites. A Facebook page with a few photos is not the mark of a professional.
- If the work seems inconsistent from wedding to wedding, use a reverse image search on Google to see if the posted photos are from another photographer. Scammers often steal photos from other photographers and post them as their own.
- Google Reviews! Always check reviews to learn what others have experienced.
- Most pro photographers will schedule an in-person or online consultation prior to booking to ensure that they are a good fit for your special day. If you are being asked for a deposit before the meeting, it’s a good indication they are only looking for your money.
- Check with your venue to see if they have worked with the photographer or if they have any recommendations. Other wedding vendors are also great resources such as florists, musicians, and caterers.
- The Professional Photographers of America offers multiple accreditations, look for a Certified Professional Photographer or a Master of Wedding Photography for someone who has proven skill and serious dedication to the art and craft of photography. PPA hosts https://www.findaphotographer.com/ for a list of professionals in your area listed by specialty.
- Ask for references and to see work from recent bookings. They should be able to show printed work or have a website with a portfolio to view.
- Never place a deposit without a written contract.
- Ask a local photographer that does not specialize in weddings for a recommendation. Many photographers belong to networks and associations and are happy to refer you to another professional that is a specialist.
- A professional will offer multiple options for your finished work including a variety of albums, prints, & wall art and some may offer finished files for social media.
- Ask for referrals from friends, family, and coworkers who have previously hired a photographer they loved.
- A great wedding photographer is someone you will have a rapport with and will inspire confidence. If you don’t feel comfortable with someone, trust your instincts and walk away.
- Always remember that hiring a photographer for your wedding is an investment in something that happens once in a lifetime. Someone who is experienced in wedding photography knows the amount of work involved and will charge accordingly. The extra money spent will save heartache later.
Copyright 2023 WSMV. All rights reserved.
Juneteenth photography collection to elevate black women
PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) – The Sports Bra in Northeast Portland will showcase an exhibit in recognition of Juneteenth.
It’s a photography collection to help elevate women in the sports industry, featuring sports images from black women photographers.
“It is always important to advocate for black women photographers especially for sports photographers because there’s not a lot of us,” Curator Amanda Cain explained.
Amanda is the NHL’s first black female photographer and says the exhibition is a celebration of black women photographers. With over 250 photos submitted, she narrowed it down to 25 pieces done by 15 artists.
“It was mostly based off of feel. It was like yes, I want to show showcase women’s hockey, because that is a thing that needs to be advocated more of,” Cain said.
One of the artists displayed, Dominique Whittaker, a photographer for the Portland Timbers and Thorns for two seasons.
“I shoot a lot of matches where I’m the only woman or only black woman. And to know that this space and Amanda has put together, this group has been… It’s just heartwarming,” Whittaker said.
Whittaker is showcasing a photo of Thorns Forward, Sophia Smith in a match against the Houston Dash.
“I love a good pun, so it’s called So-phisticated,” says Whittaker. “I show her and all of her strength and brilliance. In that moment, you can see is the focus and the determination and how she approached situation, and you can feel joy.”
Whittaker says she takes dozenS of shots in a match, but when you know, you know.
“There’s a perfect storm. I would say a perfect storm. I would say I’ve just you being in the spot on the side as a photographer and you see the action coming and kind of know what’s going to transpire in front of you and it’s just making sure you’ve got all your settings and you’re just going feel when I am taking photos where I just capture what is the women’s pass to kind of come back and you’re like I got it.” says Whittaker.
The photos are for sale and prices start at $150, just contact The Sports Bra.
Copyright 2023 KPTV-KPDX. All rights reserved.
