‘In Poland we have a proverb: ‘What the eye does not see, the heart does not grieve over,’” says the 27-year-old wildlife photographer Mateusz Piesiak. “I believe that if there were no photos of wild animals showing their beauty and diversity, most people wouldn’t even be aware of their existence and certainly wouldn’t spend money on their protection.”

Piesiak, who has won numerous awards for his work — including for his picture of bramblings, above, taken with a wireless remote camera — is one of a new generation of snappers using the latest technology to capture images of animals that would not have been possible a generation ago. Camera traps, drones and all manner of innovative, remotely operated gear allows them to document animal behaviour

Are you a fan of gadgets? When it comes to photography, there are plenty of fabulous extras that we can use to improve what we do, but how about a smartwatch? I experimented with the Kumi GW5 Pro to see how useful it would be.

Years ago, I had a huge cable running from my camera to a remote trigger. My camera was sat on a tripod close to a stick, on which garden birds would land before flying to the feeding station. Thankfully, things have moved on, and I could both see what the camera saw and trigger the camera from my phone using a Bluetooth connection.

Recently, I was sent a Kumi GW5 Pro smartwatch to review. Smartwatches are not camera equipment, so I started thinking about how I could use them for photography. Could I use this for remote shooting with a smartphone as a repeater, thus expanding my remote-control distance?

An Introduction to the KimiGW5 Pro and Its Use for Photographers

This smartwatch is one of many affordable models on the market. It arrived well-presented in a strong cardboard case with a thin plastic wrapping. Inside was the watch, the charging cable, and the instruction booklet.

The watch has a plethora of functions, many of which, at first sight, are not really camera-related. However, there were functions that I would definitely find handy when out on a photoshoot, especially when alone on a dark, deserted beach late at night. One of which is being able to dial my phone without having to take the phone from my pocket, something that would be invaluable during an emergency. Similarly, being able to activate the phone’s voice assistant using the watch was useful for opening my camera’s phone app.

It also measures blood oxygen levels and pulse rate. If I were to fall ill during a photoshoot, then that feature would provide useful information to convey to the emergency services. Although I would not rely on that for a precise measurement, it can give a good idea of what is happening to the body. Saying that, I did compare the results with a medical pulse oximeter, and the readings were the same.

The blood pressure monitors on watches are known to be less accurate, with only the Omron blood pressure watch approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the USA. Still, this watch is useful for tracking trends and, again, for a photographer of what we euphemistically call “a certain age” – a bracket I fit firmly into – who is heading up a mountain.

The compass feature is not without its uses too, not only for navigating but for working out the bearing of the moon or sunrise so I know where to stand. Yes, there’s one on my phone, but it’s much easier looking at my watch.

The watch has other useful features for photographers such as a stopwatch, countdown timer, and a button to find one’s phone. If you’ve ever dropped your phone into the long grass at night when photographing star trails, as I have done just that, it’s a useful feature.

The large 1.4” AMOLED watch face itself is easy to read even without my glasses. Furthermore, the movement control that activates when you turn your wrist has just the correct amount of response. I’ve had other smartwatches where this didn’t work at all or were too sensitive. It’s comfortable to wear too, weighing just 1.55 oz (44g) and the strap is wide. The watch is also IP68 waterproof, so resistant to water for up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes.

A Failed Experiment

One important feature of this Kumi Smartwatch is the ability to trigger the phone’s camera. This can be very useful in several circumstances, especially when I want to appear in group shots taken with my phone. However, I wanted to know if I could use the watch to fire an interchangeable lens camera (ILC).

I tried a whole host of different settings on my phone and found no way that I could change the default camera of the phone or of the Kumi app to my camera. If it were the case that I could, I would connect one of my phones to my camera in the usual way, and to my watch at the same time. I would then be able to use the phone as a repeater and trigger the app to fire the camera’s shutter from my watch with a much greater distance between me and the camera. Sadly, it wasn’t to be.

I spoke to several people using many different combinations of smartphone and camera to ask whether it was possible to change their Android or iPhone’s default camera app to their main ILC camera, and it doesn’t appear to be possible. Therefore, it seems it is not possible to trigger any ILC from a smartwatch. I would guess that some clever reader will be able to hack their phone’s software or the camera’s app and make it possible. Please let me know in the comments.

Nevertheless, this is still a useful tool for a photographer to own. It works well, and it is a lot less expensive than some of the big brands with similar functionality.

Other Functions on the Watch

Although I primarily tested this for photography purposes, you will no doubt be interested in its other functions, which include the following.

Making and answering calls from your phone using the watch and reading text messages is possible, including messages on Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, etc. The phone remembers ten contacts and your last ten calls.

The Health Monitoring Fitness functions provide automatic monitoring in real-time of your health metrics, such as heart rate, blood oxygen, sleep, and stress level. It also tracks your sleep status and analyzes your sleep quality. This data can be followed on your watch, and more detailed data can be displayed in the Kumi app. Although primarily designed and promoted as a men’s watch, it also has a function for female health monitoring too.

The 1.43″ AMOLED touch display is bright enough for easy visibility during the day. With more than 100 Sports Modes available, it also offers exercise monitoring, including heart rate, step count, distance, calories burned, and exercise duration.

It will also activate the phone’s voice assistant, great for hands-free use when on a photoshoot.

The Kumi smartwatch comes with 100+ in-app theme dials. Or, you can set up your photos as watch faces.

It also provides weather information, music playback control, phone camera control, alarm clock, stopwatch, timer, alarm clock, sedentary reminder, and a Find My Phone feature with a reciprocal Find My Watch built into the app.

Its NFC function supports QQ, WeChat, PayPal, and Alipay, although Alipay is only available in Chinese, which is likely to suit those who use that payment app. The NFC can be programmed so the watch works as a key to open electronic door locks. It also works as a business card that links to most of the popular social media platforms.

IP68 Waterproof rating, suitable for washing hands, showering, or taking photos in the rain.

The watch claims 5-7 days of battery with normal use. I was getting 10+ days when testing this quite extensively.

What I Liked and What Can Be Improved Next Time

What I Liked

• Many different functions as shown above.
• All those functions mentioned above seem to work well.
• It’s comfortable to wear.
• Battery life is good.
• The display is bright and clear with plenty of faces to choose between.
• You can take pictures with your phone camera using the watch.
• Affordable.

What Could Be Improved Next Time

• Its limited camera functionality in the app could be expanded; it takes a photo after a short countdown, and that’s all.
• The addition of other payment services like Google Pay would be useful.
• There’s no built-in GPS; I would pay more for that function.
• A more scratch-resistant face; I’ve already scratched this one, as I invariably do with all watches.
• Although there was a lot less plastic packaging than many other devices I’ve seen, there could be less still.
• Being able to activate the phone’s speaker mode and the voice recorder would be useful additional functions.

In Conclusion

Having been using this watch for the last few weeks, I can see that it is a good idea for photographers who venture into the great outdoors to own one. I can imagine situations where it will be useful, especially for personal safety.

Being able to operate the phone’s camera with the watch is useful. Although there is a wide range of useful functions, paying a little more for more functionality would be something I would be interested in.

There are a vast number of budget smartwatches on the market, and it is also a concern when spending well under $100 that you are going to get something worthwhile. But this watch works well and has many more features than others listed at a far higher price point. If you are not bothered about owning one of the big brand names and getting a lot of functionality for your money, then this watch is a good one to own.

It’s available on Amazon by clicking or tapping here.

By Marie Lodi, CNN

Los Angeles (CNN) — It’s been over a century since theater mogul Sid Grauman introduced the concept of the Hollywood red carpet at the 1922 premiere of “Robin Hood.” Ever since, the Tinseltown tradition has seen stars attend film premieres, festivals and award ceremonies bedecked in couture, debuting new looks or new relationships (or, perhaps, subtly hinting at a breakup) with photographers capturing their every move.

These behind-the-lens creatives are a crucial link between celebrity and civilian; their work serving as an arbiter of trends and beauty and aspiration in the moment, as well as visual time capsules for years to come. Photographer Chelsea Lauren has documented the red carpet scene for the photo agency Shutterstock for nearly a decade.

Every year, from January to April, Lauren shoots most of the major awards ceremonies — the Golden Globes, Emmys, Grammys, alongside other industry events like the Costume Design Guild Awards and Independent Spirit Awards. It’s a hectic time.

Billed as the celebrity event of the year, with its 900-foot-long red carpet that sweeps down Hollywood Boulevard and into the Dolby Theatre, the Oscars are on another level.

There’s a hierarchy to the arrivals — non-famous attendees take a less central route down the red carpet, while the biggest stars arrive last. But Lauren admits it can be overwhelming, even for some of the seasoned celebrities in attendance. It’s noisy — photographers vie for the attention of stars by calling out their names — and despite a sea of professional lights, camera flashes go off all around as live TV cameras roll.

“I have a lot of (actors) tell me they look for me on the carpet because it makes them feel calmer and safe,” Lauren told CNN. “It’s a lot to be screamed at like that… Sometimes, they’ll break from posing and run over to me on the carpet to give me a hug.”

Having worked the circuit for several years, Lauren says many celebrities have begun to feel comfortable in her presence — some have even become friends. She cites the likes of Paris Hilton (Lauren took her wedding photos), singer Janelle Monáe and actor and 2024 Oscar nominee Colman Domingo. “He is the most beautiful, wonderful human being in the whole world,” she said of the “Rustin” star. “I’m so proud of him and seeing him flourish this season.”

While the stars step out in their finery, the photographers at the Oscars have to put on a show too. It’s one of the only awards shows where there is a dress code, even for those covering the event: Long gowns for women and suits for men.

Sartorial mishaps are a major concern for celebrities in the media eye; Lauren recounts a time when one helped her create a bond with actor Daniel Kaluuya at a pre-Oscars party after someone spilt red wine on his suit. “I had a stain remover in my purse that I had just gotten that day… We spent like 20 minutes trying to get this stain out,” she recalled. When they weren’t successful, Lauren helped sneak him out of the party so the other photographers wouldn’t catch it. The next day on the Oscars red carpet, Kaluuya pointed at Lauren and yelled “You’re my G!” “It’s just the little moments like that,” she said. “I treat people like people and not like ATMs. Those result in some fun photos sometimes.”

While undoubtedly fun, being a red carpet photographer is not all glamour. Lauren says that people don’t realize how much there is to be done at the same time — from recognizing, by name, the hundreds of celebrities who come past her lens to getting a variety of images of each person.

Every year for the Oscars, Lauren’s assignment changes. Sometimes, it’s shooting the show, executive arrivals or the afterparty. This year, she is only shooting arrivals — since she’ll be on a plane the very next morning to shoot studio portraits at South by Southwest. “Once that’s done, maybe I’ll get to sleep,” she laughed.

With a warm demeanor and talent behind the lens, Lauren is a natural celebrity photographer, but her career began as a hobby. (Growing up in the LA suburbs, Lauren also worked as a child actor herself, but now says she’s much happier as a “celebrity adjacent.”) “When I was younger, my grandparents got me a nice camera, and I used to take it everywhere,” she told CNN. Eventually, when her portfolio was strong enough, Lauren went for a job at an agency. “I brought in a big book of photos, all old-school, and plopped it down,” says Lauren. She landed the job, working for the agency for about seven years until Shutterstock hired her.

A lot has changed since Lauren first began her career. Back then, she was one of “very few” women on the red carpet — only 30 percent of the press pack she estimates, with the rest being “men who were significantly older.”

“I don’t like conflict at all,” Lauren said. “And other photographers would try to push me around or try to claim their territory and say, ‘You can’t do this. You go over here.’ Now, I’m like, ‘No, I’m good here.’ I’m gonna stand my ground. I wish I’d been a little more aggressive about that,” she said.

Now, however, the gender split is closer to 50/50 which has brought about changes at events. “I have definitely seen a shift. Certain behaviors aren’t so acceptable anymore, which is really wonderful because it became a more welcoming place for women to work,” she said. “Diversity is increasing in general, which is wonderful.”

Even though she’s been photographing the stars for over 15 years, Lauren hasn’t lost her perspective. “I’m grateful to be around the most creative, talented, artistic, beautiful human beings in the world,” she said. It’s easy to forget when you’re in the midst of working, but if you take a step back from yourself, it’s like, ‘wow, I have a dream job.’ It’s really special.”

The-CNN-Wire
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In the final countdown to the total solar eclipse, North Texans are planning for the day and preparing to capture this once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Saturday, photographer David Downs shared his expertise with the Heard Nature Photography Club on how to best capture the moment the sun, the Earth, and the moon align next month.

“If you live in this area, it’s like that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so we’re trying to take advantage of it,” said Downs.

Like glasses are essential for those hoping to watch, Downs explained photographer’s tools.

“You should get a solar filter if you have a camera,” he said.

Downs added Mylar, which will likely be the most accessible and affordable option, while glass filters are another.  

“We don’t have to travel anywhere to go see it. It’s right here in literally our own backyards,” said club member Steven Earls.

Earls among those here polishing skills first practiced last fall during the annular eclipse.

“I figured out, I can do it,” he said.

With thousands expected to flock to North Texas communities on April 8^th, Downs reminded those planning to take part to arrive early and to prepare for crowds.

He also encouraged them to take a break from the viewfinder to soak in a moment most will never experience again.  

“They say a picture’s worth a thousand words. I think a photograph doesn’t do this justice,” he said.

You’re taking more than a “walk on the wild side” when you use your camera out on the streets today. Pursuing that perfect moment could quickly transform into a matter of life or death.

It’s dangerous out there, and the first thing you DON’T want to be is “that” guy. You’ve seen him, Mr. Red Dot with stylish black cameras draped around his neck and a Billingham bag or two hanging off his shoulders. Don’t do that; blend in with the crowd and become disarmingly inconspicuous.

How can you avoid conflict? It’s easy, shoot like Diane Arbus.

Rather than delving into Diane Arbus’ unique compositional style, focus, instead, on her preferred street camera…the Rollei Rolleiflex Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) camera. While initially using a 35mm Nikon F camera for her street photography, she switched to the Rolleiflex based on one signature trait of the TLR–a waist-level viewfinder which provided her with an unparalleled access to street life.

What you’ll need:

• Waist-Level Viewfinder; for example, Hasselblad Waist-Level Viewfinder for 500C/M; please note: Mamiya calls the viewfinder for its line of TLR cameras a Focusing Hood.
  or,
• Right Angle Viewfinder; for example, Nikon DR-4 Right Angle Viewfinder Attachment for F4, F5, and F6. Also, Nikon DR-6 Right Angle Viewfinder Attachment for D70, D80, and D100. An Olympus right angle viewfinder is featured in Figure 2.

or,

• A Tilting LCD Panel on a Digital Camera; ensure your LCD can be pitched so that it is parallel with the ground; for example, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II shown in Figure 3.

Finally,

• If you’d like to copy Diane Arbus’ TLR technique, Lomography sells a plastic-body TLR camera called the Lomo Lubitel 166+ (see Figures 4a & 4b). Be forewarned, however, this extremely popular $399 camera is frequently “out of stock.” You can check availability here, or on Lomography.

A waist-level viewfinder causes the photographer to look down onto the focusing screen of the camera. Therefore, your big mug isn’t staring into the lives of your subjects, rather it’s facing downward and hidden from view. This photographic technique renders you virtually invisible to most street denizens.

This same invisibility can be achieved by using a right angle viewfinder attachment that is available for most popular 35mm film cameras (see Figure 5). Furthermore, you can also use a tilting LCD panel found on most popular digital cameras as a waist-level surrogate (see Figure 6).

One final aspect of “going incognito” on the street is selecting a chrome camera body versus a black body. Yes, this flies in the face of conventional wisdom, but holding a large black box in your hands is typically seen as some form of modern technology. Conversely, a chrome camera body looks innocuously “antique” (e.g., “Hey, Dad, get with the 2000’s!”) and is seen as less of a threat (see Figure 7).

It’s easy to stalk your elusive public prey, like the two characters in Figure 8, by looking down at your feet while holding a small silver camera that sets your inner Lou Reed free to “hit the streets, looking for soul food.”

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