Have you made a photo-related resolution for 2024 yet? Why not try a fun photo challenge to level up your skills?

Every sports coach in the world has said, “practice makes perfect” to their players. The same is also true for photographers. Consistent practice, coupled with honest feedback from peers and professional judges, can help you grow immensely in ways that you might not imagine otherwise. 

The idea of taking photos every week might seem daunting at first, However, one way of thinking about it is, it’s a simple way to give yourself permission to consistently do something you love! 

It’s a commitment that will pay off in spades. But how to get started?

Oh sure, you could make this a personal resolution and do it all yourself. After all, a tool like ChatGPT could generate a list of topics, and off you go. However, I think a better approach might be to join a cohort of like-minded photographers where you can all support and learn from one another.

SlickPic Photo Challenge

SlickPic just announced their FREE 52-week Photo Challenge. This is one you might consider joining since a wide variety of fun topics have been developed. Plus, viewing galleries, judging and prizes are all in place. Click here to view some of the first submissions for the Challenge.

Two things I like about the SlickPic Photo Challenge:

1. You can draw from your back catalog as well as take new photos per week. This flexibility can be important for some as the year ebbs and flows. Plus, it also gives you a chance to re-imagine older images and potentially reprocess them using software like Radiant Photo or Luminar Neo.

2. The team at SlickPic is passionate about image review, positive feedback and constructive criticism as a way to enhance your photography skills, both in capture and post-processing. This feedback loop is invaluable for improvement. 

To become better at virtually anything, you need to do it consistently. A weekly challenge featuring a wide variety of assignments will literally “force” you to grow as a photographer. That regular practice will bend your brain around the topic and get your creative juices flowing.

At the end of the year, not only will you have a solid body of work to add to your portfolio you will have matured as an artist and probably made a few new friends along the way!

Note: The SlickPic 2024 52-week Photo Challenge is absolutely FREE and open to anyone around the world! A max of 3 photos per week per participant is permitted, so registration is required in order to track the number of photos per person. Photos are always the property of the photographer.

If you don’t have a SlickPic account, just register during your first upload (it’s free) or, better yet, sign up for their 14-day trial. This will let you explore the entire platform (including creating your own galleries and website building), plus you’ll be able to use this account for the entire Challenge.

Photography is one of the most expressive art forms that allows you to freeze time, evoke emotions and narrate visual stories. It is a blend of art and science, offering endless possibilities for self-expression and storytelling.

Get started

The obvious and the most important tool you require is a camera. Today’s mobile cameras are quite advanced, but if you are interested in pursuing photography and nurturing your hobby, then you must start with a basic entry level DSLR or a mirrorless camera. Ensure you have interchangeable lenses so that you have the flexibility of changing lenses depending on what you wish to shoot.

In order to start, you need to learn the basics of photography like ‘Exposure’ which is dependent on ‘Aperture’, ‘Shutter Speed’ and ‘ISO’. All three of them control the brightness of your photo, although they do so in different ways. In other words, each brings its own “side effects” to an image. So, it is a bit of an art to know exactly how to balance all three for a given photo. Exposure is the most important basic and the first photography concept that you need to understand. Photography is about capturing light, and exposure is important because it is the amount of light collected by your camera.

What is exposure?

The photography exposure basics are composed of different elements. The fundamental thing to understand is the effect of exposure, which is to capture the image with a determined brightness. Ideally, the image should be correctly exposed. However, in photography exposure, there is no right or wrong. For now, we will focus on the elements to capture a correct exposure.

Shutter speed: The amount of time your camera sensor is exposed to while taking a picture

Aperture: Represents a ‘pupil’ in your lens that open and close to let in varied amounts of light

ISO: Technically a bit more complex behind the scenes, but similar to the sensitivity of film for taking pictures in different lighting conditions. Also similar to brightening or darkening a photo in post-processing

You also need to learn about technical elements like ‘Exposure Triangle’, ‘Depth of Field’, ‘Focal Length’, ‘Sensor Size’, ‘how to achieve sharp Focus’, ‘Metering modes’, ‘White Balance’ and ‘Histogram’.

What is composition?

It is the language of photography, and using different compositional elements and rules, you will be able to capture and shape your visual message. When you compose your image, you have to arrange the elements of the scene to make them attractive and help you represent your visual message in a impactful way.

Practice makes one perfect

Once you have understood the science and art, now is the time to practice and experiment on the field. You can specialise in any genre for instance, portraits, wildlife, sports, street, fashion, food, travel and many more. Now each of these has its ways to capturing the perfect shot. For instance, wildlife photography demands patience and a deep connection with nature. It is about capturing the beauty and behaviour of animals in their natural habitat, telling stories through images and also raising awareness about conservation and the delicate balance of ecosystems. The platform you shoot from is not steady and handling long focal length lenses is quite challenging. But, when you come up with even one compelling image, all the sweat and toil seems more than worth it.

To be a good photographer, you need to learn from your mistakes, ask for someone who understands the art to critique your images. Photography is a journey that helps you discover, create and learn from your very own experiences. By being patient you can create visual stories that fill you with a sense of fulfillment!

(Parag Bhatt is an award-winning, self-taught wildlife photographer. You can check out his work at: https://www.paragbhattphotography.com/)

Some folks spend their evenings and weekends at the ballgame or catching up on their favorite shows or spending time in the garden. Me? I’ve spent the last 20 years attending protest rallies taking photographs.

I’ve captured images of activists fighting for and against every kind of cause: women’s rights, Black lives, gay rights, war, the arts and more. Just about anything people might rally to voice an opinion about, I’ve been there with my camera.

They wave flags, carry signs, shout slogans, give speeches, sing and chant.

Dallas protests

View Gallery

Do protests work? According to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, the answer is maybe. Peaceful protests can work in a democracy. They can offer people a sense of community around a cause and of empowerment against feelings of isolation and helplessness.

In 1963, 250,000 people participated in the Civil Rights march on Washington. They were successful in pressuring the Kennedy administration to initiate a strong federal Civil Rights bill in Congress.

College students’ protests helped bring about the end of the Vietnam War. They burned the American flag. “Make love not war” and “Hell no, we won’t go,” were signs of their times. The ’60s might feel like the height of protests but, in fact, protests have only grown in number around the world.

The largest protests in American history were those after the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer in 2020. By some estimates, 26 million people demonstrated against police brutality and racism, carrying signs with messages like “Silence is violence” and “I can’t breathe.” They instigated change to federal, state and local laws. Dallas police instituted their own policy changes after the protests.

I know people have strong points of view around these issues. I have my own strong points of view. But I want these photographs to speak for themselves. I want the images to have their own influence. That’s what’s most important to me.

Why have I done this for so many years? I want to believe that protesting works. I do believe that people exercising their rights peacefully is one of the greatest means of expression we have. And I love the crowds. I love the people speaking out. I feed off their energy. I want protests to live on. I want history to understand why people spoke out. It matters to democracy. It matters to the conversations we need to have. It matters to the change we need.

Dallas photographer Danny Hurley’s exhibit “Signs of Our Times” opens Jan. 6 in the Lillian Bradshaw Gallery at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library in downtown Dallas.

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Esteemed photographer Betsy Wilson is set to deliver a riveting presentation titled ‘Capturing Motion’ at the upcoming Sandhills Photography Club meeting. The event is scheduled for Monday, January 8, at 7 p.m. and will be hosted at the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens Ball Visitors Center, located in the picturesque Southern Pines.

Exploring the Dynamics of Motion

In her presentation, Wilson plans to unravel the mystery surrounding the capture of motion in photography. She intends to break down traditional techniques that revolve around the control of shutter speed, a fundamental aspect of photography that dictates how motion is captured and portrayed.

Diving into Unconventional Approaches

Yet, Wilson’s discussion won’t be limited to conventional photography techniques. She’s also set to introduce participants to some unconventional approaches in capturing dynamic images. Among these are the use of camera motion and light-painting, techniques that encourage photographers to step outside the confines of traditional photography rules and explore their creativity.

Transcending Normal Perception

By mastering the art of capturing motion, photographers can transcend the normal perception of movement and open up a realm of creative possibilities. Betsy Wilson’s session is anticipated to be a treasure trove of insights for photographers interested in expanding their skills and experimenting with new ways of capturing dynamic images. With her expertise and passion for sharing knowledge, attendees can expect an enlightening expedition into the world of motion photography.

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Mylio Photos – Access your photos from anywhere, without the cloud! Easily showcase your photos on-the-go, resolve duplicates, find faces and look for those stunning locations.

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B&H – B&H is a world renowned supplier of all the gear photographers, videographers, and cinematographers need and want to create their very best work.

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Blue Mountain Lake, NY- Those at Adirondack Experience, the Museum on Blue Mountain Lake (ADKX) have a series of online and in-person events on the docket for 2024, including an Adirondack Photographers, 1850 – 1950 program led by author Sally Svenson via Zoom webinar on the evening of Monday, January 8. ADKX will also be celebrating the total solar eclipse on campus in April and will offer fun and educational members-only programs throughout the year as well as popular flagship events such as FallFest, Mushroom Mania, and more. ADKX intends to reopen its doors for the regular season on May 24, 2024.

Please see below for a sample of what is in store for the next couple months.

Adirondack Photographers, 1850 – 1950 by Sally Svenson

Photos provided by ADKX.

Monday, January 8, from 7 to 8 p.m.
This series takes place on Zoom

Join us on January 8 when we will be speaking with Sally Svenson, author of Adirondack Photographers, 1850 – 1950.

This free virtual program offers a comprehensive look at the first one hundred years of photography through the lives of those who captured this unique rural region of New York State. Svenson’s fascinating biographical dictionary is enriched with over seventy illustrations.

Soundbath Experience with Andrea Lisette Villiere

Soundbath setup. Photo provided by ADKX.

Rest, relax, and recharge before the holidays as you join Andrea Lisette Villiere, certified sound healing practitioner, for a Soundbath at the ADKX on Saturday, January 27 at 2 p.m. (Exhibits will be closed.)

Immerse yourself in the healing vibrations of gongs, Tibetan, quartz crystal, alchemy singing bowls, the hypnotic drone of the Shruti, chimes, the drum, rattle and much more! Let the sounds transport you on a magical journey.

Sound baths create the space for self-healing and transformation. The resonance of the instruments is not just an auditory experience—it’s like receiving a full body sound massage. The healing harmonics work to realign your entire system ~ a restorative bath of sound.

Cost: $60 per person

To register, contact Andrea Lisette Villiere at (518) 304-3763
 or andreavilliere@icloud.com

ADKX Winter Fun Day

Photo provided by ADKX.

The ADKX is opening its campus for a special Winter Fun Day on Monday, February 19, 2024 from 1 to 4 p.m. Bring your family for a day of winter fun on the museum’s grounds and explore the museum’s newest interactive exhibition, Artists & Inspiration in the Wild.

Indoor and outdoor activities will be available including:

• Self-guided tours of Artists & Inspiration in the Wild
• Curator’s corner featuring new acquisitions to the collection
• Guided Snowshoe Hike* with Ed Kanze**
• Campfire and s’mores on campus
• Board games in the Visitors Center
• Hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and light snacks
• Shopping in the ADKX store—20% discount for members

*Extra Registration fee, space is limited to 20 people. Visitors who register for the hike will need to bring gear and clothing appropriate for a 1.5-mile roundtrip hike in winter conditions. The ADKX will not be providing snowshoes, micro spikes, or other equipment.

**Ed Kanze is a licensed guide and a seventh generation Adirondacker with decades of experience as a wilderness leader and interpretive naturalist. He brings a deep knowledge of the region’s history and an expert’s firsthand knowledge of its wild things.

Cancellation Policy: If the Adirondack Experience is required to cancel the event due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, customers will receive a full refund. There will be no refunds for no-shows. 

Get tickets here.

Adirondack Avian Walk (This is an offsite event taking place in Long Lake, NY)

Photo courtesy of Brisbane Young. Photo provided by ADKX.

Saturday, February 24
5:45 AM – 1:30 PM

(Bird) Calling all wildlife photographers, professional and amateur. Join NYS Guide and President of Adirondack Avian Expeditions Joan Collins and wildlife photographer Brisbane Young on a half-day excursion around the central Adirondack hamlet of Long Lake. Participants will spend their morning at various hot spots around town, spotting, listening to, and capturing images of the local bird population. That afternoon, participants will head over to the Adirondack Hotel to warm up, relax, and enjoy lunch.

– Please note this experience requires traveling to and from various locations around Long Lake. ADKX will NOT be providing transportation. Participants are required to have access to a vehicle. Carpooling is encouraged.

– This event is great for wildlife photographers of all levels.

– Participants are required to provide their own camera(s) and camera equipment.

– We highly recommend winter hiking boots, hats, gloves, plenty of layers, and avoiding cotton.

– Participants may wish to bring micro-spikes and/or trekking poles based on personal preference.

This experience requires participants to spend several hours outdoors in cold temperatures, and will require walking and hiking through wooded areas.

Cost: $50/member, $75/non-member

Registration closes February 16.

Get tickets here.

About the Presenters: 

Joan Collins is a birding enthusiast and leads year-round birding walks in the Adirondacks. She is President of Adirondack Avian Expeditions & Workshops, LLC, a New York State licensed guide, and an Adirondack 46er. She is a past President of the New York State Ornithological Association and Editor of New York Birders. She served for many years as a Board of Directors member of the Audubon Council of New York State, and is a current Board of Director’s member of Northern New York Audubon Society and past President. Joan writes the Birdwatch column for the Adirondack Explorer She has published several journal, magazine, and newspaper articles on wildlife and conservation topics in various publications including Audubon, New York Birders, Conservationist, Adirondack Life Magazine, Adirondack Explorer, LOCALadk Magazine, and The Kingbird.

Brisbane Young’s journey into photography began over 30 years ago with a Bellows Medium Format camera. His portfolio includes landscapes, wildlife, portraiture, and wedding photography. More recently, Brisbane has found a passion in birding and loves photographing raptors. Brisbane continues to utilize manual settings on his cameras to capture his images and enjoys teaching and sharing his techniques and images with fellow photographers.

Click here to view more upcoming ADKX events. 

Photo at top: Adirondack Experience (ADKX) museum in winter. Photo provided by ADKX.

As the smartphone industry continues to evolve, manufacturers keep pushing the boundaries of what these devices can do, particularly in the realm of photography. One such innovator, Samsung, is gearing up for its next major release: the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Expected to feature a 5x optical telephoto lens with a 50-megapixel resolution, this device promises to significantly advance smartphone photography.

A Glimpse at the S24 Ultra’s Camera

The Galaxy S24 Ultra is rumored to up the ante on smartphone photography with its impressive camera setup. Leaks suggest this device will feature four rear cameras: a 200MP primary, a 12MP ultrawide, a 10MP telephoto with a 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP periscope telephoto with a 5x optical zoom. Insider information and camera samples hint at significant improvements in the device’s zoom capabilities, with photos taken at 10x zoom reportedly outshining those of the current S23 Ultra. This substantial upgrade in zoom and image quality could set a new standard for smartphone cameras.

Innovative AI-Powered Camera Features

Another development that’s got tech enthusiasts buzzing is Samsung’s introduction of new AI-powered camera features. Named ‘Zoom with Galaxy AI’, these features are expected to include ‘Nightography Zoom’ and ‘Generative Edit’ functions. This new AI software, dubbed Eureka, is believed to power the innovative 10x zoom range and ‘object zoom’ effect showcased in Samsung’s latest teaser videos. However, users may need a Samsung account and internet connection for cloud-based processing of these AI-based features.

Video Capabilities

Beyond still photography, Samsung is also making significant strides in video technology. The S24 Ultra is expected to offer exceptional video zoom capabilities, with the ability to switch seamlessly between all cameras when recording 4K 60 fps video. This feature, coupled with the rumored 4K video recording at 120fps, hints at a great leap forward in video quality for smartphone devices.

Anticipation for the Unpacked 2024 Event

According to several sources, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra will be unveiled at the ‘Unpacked 2024’ event on January 17. The device is rumored to support an S-Pen stylus and will be the first to ship with 12 GB RAM. With a speculated starting price of $1,449, pre-order promotions might include a $50 credit on your purchase and potential double storage and discount vouchers for accessories. The device is expected to showcase a sleek design with titanium sides, a row of vertical camera lenses, and squared-off edges, available in a range of vibrant colors.

The Future of Smartphone Photography

The rumored features of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra underscore the ongoing evolution of smartphone photography. From the improved zoom to the innovative AI features and advanced video capabilities, this device seems poised to redefine what we can capture with our smartphones. As we await the official unveiling at the Unpacked 2024 event, it’s safe to say that the Galaxy S24 Ultra could mark a significant milestone in the journey of smartphone photography.