HISTORIC TRIANGLE — Independence Day, also called Fourth of July or July Fourth is the annual celebration of nationhood for the United States of America. It commemorates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.

More about the history of Independence Day here in Williamsburg can be found here.

WYDaily wishes the community a fun and safe holiday. These photos are courtesy of local photographers from the Colonial Nature Photography Club.

Spectacular new photos of the moon have been shortlisted for the annual Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition.

The competition, which is run by the Royal Observatory Greenwich in London—the home of Greenwich Mean Time and the Prime Meridian—attracted 4,000 entries this year from amateur and professional photographers in 64 countries.

They’re vying for a prize of $12,600 (£10,000), with the winner due to be announced on September 14, 2023. The winning images will be displayed in an exhibition at London’s National Maritime Museum a couple of days later.

One of the most impressive shortlists is for the “Our Moon” category, which emcompasses the lunar surface, the moon’s conjunction with planets and lunar eclipses and transits.

Ball of Rock

The above image—called “Ball of Rock” was taken by Rich Addis from Wallasey on the Wirral in Merseyside, UK.

A composite of close-up images of the moon taken through a telescope when 78% illuminated and during a full moon, it was assembled to create a mosaic of the entire disk.

Crescent Moon in a Magical Sunset

Another shortlisted in “Our Moon” is this fabulous image, above, of the moon as a crescent. Called “Crescent Moon in a Magical Sunset,” it was shot by Eduardo Schaberger Poupeau from Rafaela in Santa Fe, Argentina.

A composite image of three exposures, it shows the scene in the western sky during sunset on August 1, 2022 as the moon was a 16%-lit crescent. It was taken with a relatively affordable Canon EOS 90D camera.

From Light to Dark

Lastly in “Our Moon” comes a stunning close-up image of Mare Crisium, a lunar sea in the moon’s Crisium basin, just northeast of Mare Tranquillitatis where Apollo 11 landed on July 20, 1969.

Called “From Light to Dark,” it was shot by Andrea Vanoni from Porto Mantovano, Mantua, Lombardy, Italy. It’s a mosaic photograph made of two high-resolution images shot using a Newton Ares 405 mm telescope.

Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.

Industry: Lifestyle

Introducing Photography-Ish’s New Underwater Services: Myrtle Beach Headquarters and East Coast Mobile Coverage

Myrtle Beach, SC (PRUnderground) July 3rd, 2023

Photography-Ish, a leading provider of professional photography and videography services, is proud to announce the expansion of its offerings to include underwater photography, videography, search & rescue, and inspections. With the recent acquisition of an advanced underwater unmanned submarine, Photography-Ish is poised to deliver unparalleled services to its clients.

Operating from their headquarters in the beautiful Myrtle Beach area, Photography-Ish is strategically located to serve the vibrant coastal communities of the East Coast. In addition to their local presence, Photography-Ish is excited to offer mobile services, extending their coverage to clients along the entire East Coast.

The addition of underwater capabilities further strengthens Photography-Ish’s position as a comprehensive media and exploration company. With extensive training planned over the coming weeks, Photography-Ish will be fully prepared to provide these innovative services starting mid-July.

Photography-Ish’s new underwater services encompass a wide range of applications. The company will specialize in underwater search & rescue, ensuring the safety and security of individuals in aquatic environments. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and expert personnel, Photography-Ish aims to enhance emergency response capabilities in water-related incidents.

In addition to search & rescue, Photography-Ish’s underwater services will cover various industries and fields. The company will offer Water Conservancy and Hydropower Inspection, enabling the assessment and maintenance of critical infrastructure. Scientific Exploration will also be a key focus, supporting researchers and scientists in their underwater discoveries.

Recognizing the importance of maintaining and inspecting maritime assets, Photography-Ish will provide Hull & Dock Inspection services. Through comprehensive inspections, clients can ensure the integrity and longevity of their underwater structures. Furthermore, aquaculture inspections will assist fish farmers in monitoring the health and productivity of their aquatic environments.

Offerings extend beyond inspection and rescue capabilities. The company will also provide video production services for content creators looking to capture captivating underwater footage. Moreover, Photography-Ish’s skilled photographers will deliver stunning underwater photography, showcasing the beauty and diversity of underwater landscapes.

To maximize visibility in challenging underwater conditions, Photography-Ish employs state-of-the-art technology. The company utilizes sonar, infrared cameras, and other cutting-edge tools to overcome low-visibility environments, providing comprehensive and accurate results to its clients.

“We are thrilled to introduce our expanded services in underwater photography, videography, search & rescue, and inspections,” said Sean Hakes, Founder of Photography-Ish. “By harnessing the power of our newly acquired underwater unmanned submarine and advanced technology, we are confident that we can meet the diverse needs of our clients while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.”

Photography-Ish invites interested parties to learn more about their new underwater services by visiting their website at www.photography-ish.com or contacting sean@aaero.com.

About Photography-Ish: Photography-Ish is a renowned provider of professional photography and videography services, committed to capturing unforgettable moments for its clients. With a team of talented photographers, videographers, and now underwater specialists, Photography-Ish offers diverse services, from event coverage to commercial projects. With a reputation for excellence and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Photography-Ish is dedicated to exceeding expectations in every project they undertake.

With digital photography more accessible than ever, is film worth it? I picked up my film camera and shot my first roll of black and white film in over 10 years. 

After a decade-long hiatus from shooting black and white film, my husband, David, challenged me to shoot a few rolls. David constantly pushes me to explore unfamiliar camera setups to keep me on my toes, and this time, he challenged me to photograph a portrait shoot using the Canon A-1 and Ilford HP5 film. David bought the Canon A-1 years ago off eBay, but I’d never used it before. It was just sitting on a shelf collecting dust, so it deserved to have a little fun.

As a former photography major who shot film regularly on everything from 35mm to large format cameras at one point, I was surprised by how out of practice I had become, but I had fun with it and embraced the opportunity to explore film photography and go back to my roots. It was my love of film photography that started my entire photography career after all. 

The Canon A-1 camera set the tone for the shoot, inspiring a desire to capture the essence of the late 70s. I aimed to infuse the images with grit and raw emotions, knowing that black and white photography has a unique way of evoking meaning and depth. For my backdrop, I choose a textured wall on a side of a building in downtown Richmond, Virginia filled with vertical lines. 

Other than battling the bright sun, my biggest challenge was remembering to advance the film between shots. I was so out of practice! It took a bit to regain my rhythm and overcome the rustiness, but eventually, I found my groove. Our model, Hannah, channeled some Penny Lane vibes and really brought these portraits to life. Shooting in public places is always fun because of the reactions you get from people passing by. So many people stopped to see what were we up to while we were photographing. 

I really loved the way the Canon A-1 felt in my hands, the crisp sound of the shutter, and the quality of the images it produced. The Ilford HP5 black and white film was an ideal combination. The resulting images exuded a rich tonality and had the desired gritty aesthetic I was hoping for with its noticeable grain.

It had been so long since I’d photographed with film. After the shoot, doubts started creeping in. I was nervous that none of the photos were going to turn out, let alone if the photos would meet my expectations. There’s an anxiety-inducing waiting game when it comes to film. I think that’s part of the allure of film photography. It creates an added drama. Would any of the shots turn out to be decent? Thankfully, every photo turned out and I was genuinely surprised by how much I liked the results.

I was hesitant at first, but shooting with the Canon A-1 reignited my passion for film photography. I fell in love with the medium all over again. The experience reminded me that as much as I love digital photography, there is just something special about film that can’t compare.

So, go pick up your old film camera and shoot something!