First Photographs Of Humpback Whale Sex Feature Two Males

First Photographs Of Humpback Whale Sex Feature Two Males

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Humans’ first sighting of humpback whale sex appears to have been coitus between two males.

A study published by the Marine Mammal Science journal details researchers’ first-ever observation of humpback intercourse, which was captured by photographers off the coast of Maui, Hawaii in January 2022.

Photographers Lyle Krannichfeld and Brandi Romano witnessed two male humpback whales approach a boat and circle around it before engaging in sexual activity underneath.

The underwater tryst marks both the first time humpback whales — a species which can span 50 feet long and weigh more than 30 tons — have been observed copulating and is the first recorded instance of homosexual behavior in the species.

According to Stephanie Stack, a whale researcher at the Pacific Whale Foundation and lead author of the new paper, the sexual behavior of humpback whales has “remained mostly a mystery until now.”

Close-up of a less amorous humpback.

Close-up of a less amorous humpback.
George Ofei / 500px via Getty Images

“This discovery challenges our preconceived notions about humpback whale behavior,” she told The Guardian. “While we have long recognized the complex social structures of these incredible creatures, witnessing the copulation of two male whales for the first time is a unique and remarkable event.”

According to the paper, witnesses saw one of the whales holding the other in place with its pectoral fins while penetrating it.

Humpback whale penises are usually concealed in a “genital slit” and scientists have only rarely seen them unsheathed, according to the study. The paper speculates that the male humpbacks could have used the genital slit or anus for same-sex copulation.

Scientists think humpback’s homosexual tendencies may be a way to practice reproductive behaviors, could be a way to form social alliances or to assert dominance.

Read the complete study here.

Larsa Pippen Launches Larsa Light, Revolutionizing Mobile Photogra…

Larsa Pippen Launches Larsa Light, Revolutionizing Mobile Photogra…
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MIAMI, Feb. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — In a significant leap forward for mobile photography enthusiasts, Larsa Pippen, alongside her partner LeAnn Berman (Crupi), has unveiled the Larsa Light, a groundbreaking mobile accessory designed to drastically enhance the quality of smartphone photos. This innovation promises to transform mobile photography by providing adjustable brightness and color temperature controls in a sleek, portable device that attaches to any smartphone.

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Revolutionizing Mobile Photography

The Larsa Light, born from Pippen’s passion for aesthetics and high-quality photography, addresses the common challenge of inadequate lighting in mobile photography. Its introduction into the market signifies a major advancement in how smartphone users capture images, offering a professional-grade solution that is accessible to all. With features such as adjustable brightness and customizable color temperatures, the Larsa Light ensures that users can achieve optimal lighting in any setting, effectively eliminating shadows and enhancing detail.

Designed for Elegance and Durability

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Not only is the Larsa Light an epitome of functional innovation, but it also boasts a design that complements the aesthetics of any smartphone. Crafted from premium materials, the device embodies durability without compromising on style, reflecting Pippen’s commitment to merging practicality with elegance. This attention to design and quality places the Larsa Light at the forefront of mobile photography accessories, setting a new standard for how moments are captured and remembered.

Empowering Photographers of All Skill Levels

With the launch of the Larsa Light, Larsa Pippen invites photography enthusiasts, regardless of their skill level, to experience a new era of mobile photography. By eliminating the limitations posed by poor lighting conditions, the device empowers users to capture every moment in its truest form, ensuring that no detail is lost. The Larsa Light represents not just a technological breakthrough but a commitment to enhancing the mobile photography experience, making it an indispensable tool for anyone looking to elevate their photography game.

For more information about this game-changing mobile photography accessory and to join the revolution, visit www.TheLarsaLight.com. As the world of mobile photography continues to evolve, the Larsa Light stands out as a beacon of innovation, promising to redefine the standards of quality and convenience in capturing life’s most precious moments.

Larsa Pippen unveils game-changing “Larsa Light” to enhance mobile photography

Larsa Pippen unveils game-changing “Larsa Light” to enhance mobile photography

The Larsa Light is a compact and portable device that attaches seamlessly to any smartphone, instantly enhancing lighting conditions for stunning photographs. Whether indoors or outdoors, day or night, users can now achieve optimal illumination, eliminating shadows and capturing every detail with clarity and precision.

“Larsa Light is more than just a gadget; it’s a game-changer for anyone who values impeccable photography,” said Larsa Pippen, Founder and CEO of Larsa Light. “We’ve poured our hearts into creating a product that empowers individuals to capture moments in their best light, effortlessly elevating their photography game.” “It’s really important when enjoying an amazing experience to be able to cherish that memory with a great photo.”

Equipped with adjustable brightness settings and color temperature controls, the Larsa Light offers unparalleled versatility to adapt to any shooting environment. From flattering selfies to captivating landscapes, users can customize their lighting experience to achieve the perfect ambiance for every shot.

Pippen’s commitment to quality extends beyond functionality, with the Larsa Light boasting a sleek and stylish design that complements the aesthetic of any smartphone. Crafted from premium materials, this accessory is as durable as it is elegant, embodying Pippen’s dedication to excellence in every aspect of her brand. The Light will also feature some secrets….

The Larsa Light is poised to disrupt the mobile photography market, offering a solution that transcends the limitations of traditional smartphone cameras. With its launch, Larsa Pippen invites photographers of all skill levels to experience a new era of photography, where every moment is captured in its truest form.

For more information about the Larsa Light and to join the photography revolution, visit www.TheLarsaLight.com.

About Larsa Pippen: Larsa Pippen is a renowned influencer, entrepreneur, and taste maker known for her expertise in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. With a keen eye for aesthetics and a passion for innovation, Pippen is dedicated to empowering individuals to express their unique style and creativity.

For media inquiries, please contact: Larsa Light PR Team Email: [email protected]

Follow Larsa Light on social media: Instagram: @larsalight

Brighter is Always Better

Media Contact

Larsa Pippen, The Larsa Light, 1 5613515266, [email protected], www.TheLarsaLight.com

SOURCE The Larsa Light

Get gardening, photography tips and learn about oysters this week

Get gardening, photography tips and learn about oysters this week
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Learn more about Central Oregon and its surrounding ecosystem at these talks and lectures this week.

Find out the best vegetables to grow in the High Desert with Oregon State University’s Extension Service. Get pointers from experienced photographers on capturing wildlife. Hear about the economic and environmental impact of oysters in Oregon. And listen to stories of the early days of what would become the U.S. Coast Guard.

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Creative Soul Photography Champions Diversity and Self-Love Among …

Creative Soul Photography Champions Diversity and Self-Love Among …
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Kahran and Regis, the dynamic duo behind Creative Soul Photography, have turned their lens towards fostering diversity and promoting self-love among children, particularly emphasizing the beauty of natural hair and melanated skin. Initially spurred by the stark lack of diversity in children’s fashion photography, they embarked on a mission to alter perceptions and encourage children to embrace their natural beauty.

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Breaking Barriers in Children’s Fashion

The journey of Creative Soul Photography began with a simple observation: the fashion industry’s narrow standards of beauty, especially for children. Kahran and Regis noticed a concerning trend where parents felt compelled to alter their children’s natural hair for industry acceptance. “We’re teaching these kids that they’re not good enough, that their hair is not acceptable,” Kahran remarked, highlighting the early seeds of self-doubt planted by such practices. Determined to change this narrative, they leveraged their platform to celebrate the natural beauty of Black children through fashion and beyond.

Empowering Through Stories and Images

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Their work transcends mere photography; Kahran and Regis have crafted a movement centered on empowerment and representation. Through creative shoots and the publication of two photo books, they delve into the personal stories of kids like Bakari, whose burgeoning confidence is a testament to the impact of their work. From historical tributes to campaigns focused on albinism awareness, their projects serve as a beacon of representation and empowerment. “We really just serve as dream-makers for them,” Kahran stated, underscoring their role in fostering self-esteem and leadership among Black youth.

Extending Impact Beyond Photography

The influence of Creative Soul Photography stretches into classrooms, where their books and messages of self-love have resonated with educators and students alike. By partnering with schools and focusing on campaigns like albinism awareness, they have cultivated an environment where children like Journie can stand as leaders, embodying confidence and community spirit. As Regis aptly puts it, the enduring confidence that remains even after the costumes come off is the true measure of their success. Their mission, rooted in empowerment and representation, continues to inspire and transform lives.

In a world quick to impose narrow standards of beauty, Kahran and Regis of Creative Soul Photography stand out as beacons of change, encouraging children to embrace their unique beauty and potential. Through their visionary work, they not only challenge prevailing narratives but also build a foundation of confidence and self-love that extends far beyond the camera’s lens.

Black photography duo encourages Black youth to embrace natural hair

Black photography duo encourages Black youth to embrace natural hair

Kahran and Regis began Creative Soul Photography as a passion project to work in the children’s fashion industry, but seeing a lack of diversity in terms of children with natural hair, they say they found their purpose.

“They would have their kids’ hair straightened before they came in, because they thought that’s what they needed to do to get their kid into the industry. And so we thought, at an early age, we’re teaching these kids that they’re not good enough, that their hair is not acceptable,” said Kahran. 

Since then, the couple has produced many creative shoots, which has helped them gain a social media following ,and create two photo books.

“We were able to dive into more than just hair and fashion, it really delves into the stories behind each one of the kids,” said Kahran. 

Kids like Bakari, who shot with the couple several times now. His confidence continues to grow. 

“When I saw what it was, I was like, wow, I’m gonna be wearing that? I was definitely surprised,” Bakari said. “It’s like I’m doing the ‘Wakanda Forever’ from ‘Black Panther.’ I was really like, is that even me? Because I actually looked very nice in those pictures.”

His mom Kimberly says the pictures are a confidence booster for him. 

“I love the fact that they are about positively highlighting melanated kids with their hair and letting them know that they’re just as special,” said Kimberly. “He also got to be in their HBCU photo shoot, which he loved that, and also be a soldier. And he got to do the 50th hip-hop tribute, which that was my favorite. And he was part of the group A Tribe Called Quest.”

The couple has also been spreading the message of self-love, and it turns out many schools were hungry for the kinds of messages in their books.

“We’ve been visiting classrooms, and either doing hands-on activities with them, you know, for self-empowerment, or really just partnering and collaborating with educators on how they can use our books to teach about, you know, self-love and empowerment,” said Kahran. 

The couple completed an albinism-awareness campaign for children with albinism to also feel empowered. 

“Journie was born with albinism. Albinism is a lack or no pigmentation in the hair, skin and eyes. And they, some of them come with vision impairment. We decided to put her in modeling so that can build her confidence and creative soul just blended right in with that,” said Larcenia Muse, Journie’s mom. “It lets people know that she is very confident, and she wants to carry that out as being a leader for the albinism community.”

Kharan and Regis have come a long way from their passion, to what they now say is their mission.

“We really just serve as dream-makers for them. So that serves as a catalyst for us for what we do. Now I like to say that we are more than just photographers, you know, we really are an empowerment brand for Black youth,” said Kahran. 

“When everything comes off and makeup and the costumes, that confidence is still there. And that’s how I know that we’ve done our job,” said Regis. 

Visual Artist & Photographer John E. Ruggles | Artists Speak Out

Visual Artist & Photographer John E. Ruggles | Artists Speak Out

Visual Artist & Photographer John E. Ruggles | Artists Speak Out – BCTV Skip to Content

/ Video / Arts & Culture /

Feb 28, 2024

Host Lucille DiGiamberardino chats with visual artist and photographer John E. Ruggles about his work and inspirations.

Originally aired on BCTV: 2/27/24
For a full listing of BCTV’s live broadcast schedule, visit https://www.bctv.org/tv-schedule/.

This program was produced at the BCTV studio in beautiful downtown Reading, PA. If you’re a member of the Berks County community and are interested in producing or submitting a program for air on BCTV, visit https://www.bctv.org/about-us/propose-a-program/.

#BerksCounty #Pennsylvania #CommunityMedia

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From the program: Artists Speak Out

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‘Giants of Uniontown’: Local photographer highlights prominent African Americans in photo series

‘Giants of Uniontown’: Local photographer highlights prominent African Americans in photo series

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Melvin Morgan Jr.

Courtesy of Aopvisuals

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Angela Brown

Courtesy of Aopvisuals

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Terry Vassar

Courtesy of Aopvisuals


February is Black History Month, and Melvin Morgan Jr. has been working all month long on a project that honors that history by recognizing well-known African Americans in Uniontown.

Morgan, owner of AOP Visuals (Aopvisuals), a Christian-based photography business, has been using his talent to create Giants of Uniontown, a photo series focusing on a different member of the Uniontown community each day. Along with a photo shoot, Morgan conducts an in-depth interview with each person covering such topics as their inspirations, differences they hope to make in the community, and the messages they want to send to the city and African American youth.

Morgan said Giants of Uniontown is an idea that had been brewing for a few years.

“The idea came back in 2019, right before COVID,” he said. “My vision was for African American people who have been active in the community, or a big part of it, to be recognized – African Americans who own businesses, or maybe are heavily involved with the youth, or are simply trying to make Uniontown a better place.”

Morgan said he chose subjects based largely on those who have inspired or encouraged him.

“The people I picked were mostly people I’ve had good personal experiences and encounters with – people I’ve looked up to, people who’ve inspired and encouraged me, even if from a distance, from artists to preachers to athletes to teachers, politicians, electricians, hairstylists, DJs, and everything in-between,” he said. “African Americans have successful people here in Uniontown, a lot living and serving on the east side. I want our youth, especially our troubled youth, to see a future, to see they, too, can walk in the footsteps of people who have been and are big parts of the very same community they live in.”

Morgan started Aopvisuals five years ago but has been interested in and studying photography for twice that amount of time. “I first became interested in photography almost 10 years ago,” he said. “I took a photo of a seagull, perfectly frozen in motion, and thought it was cool.”

Morgan continued to shoot wildlife photos, and read articles and watched YouTube videos to teach himself the art of photography. Though this is the first year for his Giants of Uniontown series, Morgan’s talents are already being appreciated.

Angela Brown is a Uniontown city councilwoman who works in behavioral health and co-owns Brown Innovators. One of Morgan’s first featured subjects, Brown said the project has the potential to do a great deal of good in the community.

“One way to erase the divide is through education,” she said. “I feel, if others outside of this community actually see the good, hard-working residents in the city of Uniontown, they may be more compelled to join us in the efforts to bring life back into our community. We do not want to move from our lifelong homes. We love our community and want to bring back the days when we all were safe and thriving in life. Melvin’s vision sheds light on us all.”

Terry Vassar, co-founder of One Voice One Community, also was chosen and said he liked the idea of spotlighting people within the community. Vassar noted many of the community’s youth are unaware of the sacrifices and accomplishments of people they see daily, and the Giants of Uniontown project is helping to spotlight them.

“I thought it was a great thing to do because we always look to (recognize) people outside the community, but there are a lot of people right here doing things that these kids are seeing every day,” he said.

Morgan posts his photos and interviews on the AOP Visuals Facebook page and said he has received good feedback.

“The response has been amazing, just seeing everyone showing each other love,” he said. “Even if it’s just on Facebook, people are uplifting one another, sharing stories of how some of these giants helped them or even changed their lives. After seeing the outcome of this project, I want to do it again for February 2025.”

He also might consider expanding the scope of the project.

“This project was created to highlight Uniontown, but after seeing the response it got, I would love to highlight other towns throughout Fayette County in coming years,” he said.

To learn more about Giants of Uniontown, visit the Aopvisuals Facebook page at www.facebook.com/alwaysonpointvisuals.