March 2024 marks a pivotal moment for photography enthusiasts and professionals alike, as the Platte River Photography Workshop gears up to offer a unique blend of learning, practice, and competition. Led by renowned photographers Ron Hayes, Chris Luse, Erin Schwartzkopf, and Jeremy Thies, this event promises an enriching experience against the backdrop of Wyoming’s breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. Positioned as a key event, the workshop is in collaboration with the Platte River Photography Show, a celebrated community event fostering photographic talent across the state and region.

Expert-Led Workshop: A Deep Dive into Photography

With a heritage spanning five years, the Platte River Photography Workshop is designed to elevate the skills of burgeoning photographers. Ron Hayes, known for his wildlife prowess, along with Chris Luse, the visionary behind Wyoming Camera Outfitters, bring unparalleled expertise to the table. They are joined by Erin Schwartzkopf, the critter whisperer with an impressive track record in animal photography, and Jeremy Thies, the digital maestro, to guide participants through a comprehensive curriculum covering equipment handling, photo composition, and post-processing techniques. The workshop culminates in a hands-on photo shoot, providing a practical testing ground for newly acquired skills.

Platte River Photography Show: Celebrating Artistic Expression

Preceding the workshop, the Platte River Photography Show and Reception sets the stage on March 22 at the Eastern Wyoming Community College: Douglas Campus. This event, a cornerstone for the Douglas community and beyond, invites photographers of all ages and skill levels to showcase their work, offering a platform for recognition and cash prizes. The synergy between the show and the workshop underscores a commitment to nurturing photographic talent and community engagement, making it a must-attend event for anyone passionate about the art of photography.

Join the Adventure: Sign Up and Capture the Moment

With a registration deadline of March 16, aspiring participants are encouraged to secure their spots promptly. The workshop offers several pricing options, including a comprehensive package at $275, which covers all classes, the photo shoot, and an editing class, presenting significant savings, especially for students and youth. This opportunity is not just about learning; it’s about joining a community, sharing experiences, and creating lasting memories through the lens of a camera. For more information and to register, prospective attendees are encouraged to reach out to Jen Goodwin at JGoodwinCandoWyoming.com or call 307-358-2000.

As the Platte River Photography Workshop and Show approach, the anticipation builds for what promises to be an unforgettable journey through the world of photography. Beyond the technical skills and the competition, it’s an invitation to view the world through a different lens, to capture moments that speak volumes, and to tell stories that resonate. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a budding photographer, this event stands as a beacon for all who wish to explore the vastness of their creative potential against the majestic backdrop of Wyoming.

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) – A new business in Brady had a grand opening and ribbon cutting on Friday to celebrate the start of a new chapter for Amy Bourge Photography.

Many people were there to celebrate and commemorate the studio’s grand opening.

The village of Brady Chairman Todd Roe said this was one stepping stone in the right direction to bring more businesses to Brady and was happy for Amy Bourge to be able to open her studio.

“It takes one to get two, and it takes two to get three,” Roe said. “So you can’t skip a step and she’s had the courage, along with some others in town, to put her risk on the line. We’re very proud and as a business owner myself it’s great to see.”

Amy Bourge hopes this studio will capture the cherished memories of people in the community because this is why she loves photography.

“It means a lot,” Bourge said. “I’ve loved photography my whole life and it’s my passion, for Brady to be so great to invite me in and be so supportive, is a dream come true.”

For more store information go to Amy Bourge Photography website.

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I’ve been traveling at every opportunity all of my life. My parents used to drag me off across Europe in the early 1950s, before roll-on/roll-off ferries. Unfortunately, 10 years ago I had a stroke. Lying in hospital, I imagined that at least I would now have more time for photography. Imagine my dismay when I got home to find that I didn’t have the strength in my arms even to lift my Nikon D800. 

Thankfully, after some time with a compact camera, I’m back. Armed with a Nikon Z7 II and a Nikon Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR lens, my wife and I decided to head off to Alaska. I like to travel independently, but we now felt we needed the security of joining some group tours.

This curtailed many photo opportunities, of course, but it opened up many others. I spent some time considering this dilemma and came up with some constructive ideas so that we returned home with some credible images, not just factual reminders of our trip. Alaskans describe their state as the last frontier; every day was an adventure, and photographic opportunities abounded.

My best shots

I always like to go for a window seat on a plane; seat reclined, beer in one hand and camera in the other. It’s surprising what you can capture as the world flies by, and what comes along may be a complete surprise.

Flying over the Rockies, I got a bird’s-eye view of the peaks, enabling an image that is not normally available to us.

This chocolate-box landscape image was made available at a comfort stop on the bus tour. While some rushed to the loo, others waved their phones about taking selfies, crowding around each other for the best vantage point. By walking just 20 yards away down the path, I was able to dodge the crowd and capture the shot, still leaving enough time to use the facilities!

Always be prepared to grab a quick shot from a coach window; you’ll be surprised what opportunities might come your way. I travel with my Z7 II at the ready: Shutter Priority selected and set at, say, 1/400 sec; Auto ISO activated; and on single-point AF with focus prioritized, so that the shutter only fires when the subject is in focus.

When traveling on a bus, I like to select a window seat on the opposite side to the driver. This way, I don’t have to shoot across another lane of traffic. I’ve found that by pushing a finger hard onto the window and, an inch further up, a finger onto the lens hood, I can absorb some of the vibrations caused by the vehicle, while getting close enough to the glass to avoid reflections. One bonus is that modern coach and train windows are tinted, which I’ve found can work like a polarizer.

On a very rough whale-watching tour – everyone looked very green – we were lucky enough to see four whales diving and forcing their prey up to the surface. It was a tremendous opportunity for my Nikon, just like a David Attenborough documentary. Despite our good luck, we couldn’t stand up safely for the rolling boat. I was able to get to the very stern of the craft and, by forcing one foot on the port side (left) of the boat, the other on the transom (rear) and pushing my back into a fixed seat, I was able to transform my body into a tripod, leaving my hands to fire away.

We joined a small group on a brown bear viewing tour. Along with our guide, we ventured along a salmon river and, once again, we were in luck. I only had my trusty 24-200mm zoom lens and getting closer wasn’t an option, so I swapped to DX crop mode, which effectively turned the lens into a 300mm focal length, while sacrificing some pixels.

Denali (once referred to as Mount McKinley) is the highest mountain in North America, but the peak is rarely visible, as it’s usually covered in cloud. This view is so occasional that the bus driver made an unscheduled stop at the nearest lay-by and let passengers off for photos. Even the driver joined in to capture this rare photographic opportunity.

I set my camera to Aperture Priority and changed the crop mode from FX to DX. This wasn’t solely to fill more of the frame with the mountain, but to bring in more forest, because I liked the contrast between the green trees, the white snow and the beautiful blue sky.

My travel tour photography tips

• Travel as light as possible. I have a gilet with large pockets – this enables me to ‘wear’ my daily equipment. A versatile superzoom lens, such as my 24-200mm, allows you to shoot multiple genres.
• Traveling with a tour group does limit your freedom, but opportunities will occur. Be prepared by keeping your camera at the ready, as you often only have a split second to grab an image.
• If you have a choice, plan activities carefully. For example, opt for nature tours in the early morning or late afternoon for the best chance of catching animals in action.

Read more:

The yellow-crested helmetshrike is a rare bird species endemic to Africa that had been listed as “lost” by the American Bird Conservancy when it hadn’t been seen in nearly two decades. Until now.

Scientists from the University of Texas at El Paso were able to locate and capture the first-ever photos of the bird during a six-week expedition through the cloud forests of a mountain range in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

It was just one of several exciting discoveries made during the trip, which was co-led by UTEP biological sciences professors Dr. Eli Greenbaum, a herpetologist, and Dr. Michael Harvey, an ornithologist.

Greenbaum joined the Standard to talk about the experience. Listen to the interview above or read the transcript below.

This transcript has been edited lightly for clarity:

Texas Standard: So what were you set out to find on this expedition? Was it just a looking for whatever species that you could find, and you were sort of open to all of the surprises?

Eli Greenbaum: Well, there’s a long history of research in the Albertine Rift mountains, which are the mountains sort of along the eastern border of Democratic Republic of the Congo. And it is one of the most biodiverse places in continental Africa. And within that, the Itombwe Plateau, where we focus our research, is sort of the crown jewel of all of that.

Congo was a Belgian colony back in the late 19th, early 20th century. And for some reason, the Belgians just didn’t spend a lot of time around Itombwe. But the little bit that they did was absolutely incredible. They found frogs that are in Itombwe and nowhere else.

So we kind of had an inkling that this was an area that has really high biodiversity, but also poorly known biodiversity.

Now, what are some of the reasons why it’s difficult to explore? I mean, it sounds like it’s just frankly a sort of difficult area to traverse. 

Yes. I mean, the terrain is really rugged.

So back in the colonial era, there was a road that the Belgians made for mining purposes. And we actually followed part of that road during the expedition that happened in December and January. But it’s been many decades since anyone used that road. And there are now trees growing in the middle of the road.

Every couple of hundred feet there’s a tree that has fallen down in the road. So you have to figure out, “gosh, okay, do I jump over this tree? Do I climb over it? Do I crawl down into the muddy water underneath it and sort of scoot underneath it?” So it’s like an obstacle course.

At one point during the expedition we walked 14 miles in seven hours through torrential downpour. So it’s not something that the average person would want to do. It’s really tough going through the terrain.

Now, in addition to that, Central Africa in general is really well-endowed for tropical disease. So you have everything from deadly Ebola to dengue fever, yellow fever, malaria. And then there are several armed groups that are active in and around Itombwe.

Colorado’s rich tapestry of natural beauty, from its sprawling landscapes to its vital waterways, has long been a source of inspiration and awe. Integral to preserving and showcasing this beauty was John Fielder, a renowned nature photographer whose work has been pivotal in capturing Colorado’s essence for over five decades. In January 2023, Fielder made a significant contribution to the History Colorado museum by donating over 6,000 photographs, a gesture that ensures his legacy will continue to inspire long after his passing in August of the same year.

A Life Dedicated to Colorado’s Natural Beauty

Fielder’s journey with photography began in 1973, initially as a means to earn a living. However, his path took a decisive turn towards activism in the 90s, as he began to leverage his photography to advocate for the preservation of Colorado’s unmatched outdoor spaces. His efforts were instrumental in the establishment of Great Outdoors Colorado, a unique initiative funded by lottery profits dedicated to conserving the state’s outdoor heritage. Fielder’s work transcended mere photography, becoming a powerful tool for environmental advocacy and education.

Preserving History Through the Lens

Among Fielder’s most notable contributions is his book “Colorado 1870-2000,” where he juxtaposed his photographs with those of William Henry Jackson from the 1800s, offering a stark visual comparison of the state’s evolving landscape. This project highlighted the tangible impacts of human activity on nature and underscored the importance of conservation efforts. Fielder’s dedication to capturing every corner of Colorado has left an indelible mark, providing a visual record that continues to advocate for the protection of these landscapes.

Legacy of Inspiration and Protection

Fielder’s work extends beyond the realm of photography; it is a testament to the power of visual storytelling in environmental conservation. His photographs do more than capture the beauty of Colorado—they invite viewers to engage with nature, to explore and to protect it. The rotating exhibitions at the History Colorado museum, along with Fielder’s published works, ensure that his message and vision endure. Through his lens, Fielder has immortalized Colorado’s landscapes, inspiring current and future generations to appreciate and preserve the natural world.

Reflecting on John Fielder’s contributions offers a poignant reminder of the fragile beauty that surrounds us. His photographs not only serve as a window to Colorado’s soul but also as a call to action to safeguard these treasures for posterity. As we navigate the challenges of environmental conservation, Fielder’s legacy illuminates the path forward, reminding us of the profound impact one individual’s passion and dedication can have on the world.

The exhibit will cover 50 years of the brand’s most iconic photography from major cultural events of the 20th century

NEW YORK, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today, on PEOPLE’s 50th anniversary, Fotografiska New York is excited to announce that it will present the brand’s first-ever museum exhibition. PEOPLE: Celebrating 50 Years will open on May 9, 2024, featuring original covers and photographs from the magazine, multimedia, and interactive elements that let visitors become cover stars. The unique archive includes images and ephemera that celebrate the world’s most beloved celebrities and capture cultural moments that captivated the world.

Since its inception in 1974, PEOPLE has stayed true to its original mission of covering extraordinary people doing ordinary things and ordinary people doing extraordinary things, giving its audience a front-row seat on pop culture and an intimate look into the lives of everyday heroes. From its first nationwide cover with Mia Farrow (recreated by Taylor Swift for the brand’s 40th anniversary) to unforgettable covers of Princess Diana and the 9/11 tragedy, PEOPLE has featured A-listers and newsmakers and people from all walks of life, showcasing the diversity and dynamism of the human experience.

PEOPLE’s success has been deeply connected to the power of the photographic image, with the very first prospectus for the magazine stating, “the succession of dramatic images should make turning the pages irresistible.” Some of the greatest photographers of their generation have worked with the magazine, including Martin Schoeller, Harry Benson, Gordon Parks, Co Rentmeester (and daughter Coliena Rentmeester), Ruven Afanador, Cass Bird, Elinor Carucci and Art Streiber who is also creating the cover of PEOPLE’s 50th Special Issue on newsstands on April 12, 2024.

“The history of PEOPLE is a microcosm of the changes that have happened in pop culture over the past 50 years,” said Sophie Wright, Executive Director of Fotografiska New York. “At the heart of this story is photography, and we are delighted to collaborate on this exhibition that celebrates the images that have defined PEOPLE and brought its human centered storytelling to life. Featuring well known subjects from film, fashion, music and beyond, to issue based reportage  – it gives our visitors a chance to revisit some of its most notable coverage of the past 50 years.”

“For 50 years, PEOPLE has chronicled the biggest moments in pop culture, and our photographs–combined with our unparalleled reporting–have given the world an up close and personal look not only at world’s most high-profile names, but also the unseen stories that make up the fabric of this country,” says Wendy Naugle, Editor in Chief, PEOPLE. “We are excited to show the brand’s evolution as we continue to innovate and lead the pop culture conversation on all platforms. I can’t wait for everyone to enjoy this immersive, multimedia experience at Fotografiska.”

The exhibit is co-curated by Pauline Vermare, an independent photography historian and curator based in New York City. Vermare was formerly the cultural director of Magnum Photos in New York, and a curator at the International Center of Photography and The Museum of Modern Art. She previously worked at the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson, in Paris.

PEOPLE: Celebrating 50 Years will run from May 9 through June 2, 2024, and will include live events and panels throughout the month.

About Fotografiska
Fotografiska is the contemporary museum for photography, art, and culture. Founded in Stockholm in 2010 and led globally by its Chairman Yoram Roth, Fotografiska is a destination to discover world-class photography, eclectic programming, elevated dining, and surprising new perspectives.

Guided by a mission to inspire a more conscious world through the power of photography, art, and culture, Fotografiska produces dynamic and unparalleled rotating exhibitions, spanning various genres in inclusive environments. With a dedicated international community and locations in Stockholm, New York City, Tallinn, Berlin and Shanghai, Fotografiska is the premier global gathering place for photography and culture.

www.fotografiska.com/nyc | @fotografiska.newyork

About PEOPLE
Dotdash Meredith’s PEOPLE revolutionized personality journalism when it launched as a weekly in 1974 with a mission to celebrate extraordinary people doing ordinary things and ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Ubiquitous and still at the center of pop culture for 50 years, the PEOPLE brand is accessible across all media and platforms (print, digital, video, podcasts, social) bringing more than 100 million consumers a unique mix of breaking entertainment news, exclusive photos, video, unparalleled access to the red carpet, celebrities, and in-depth reporting on the most compelling newsmakers of our time. An essential component of PEOPLE’s editorial vision remains human interest stories, which touch and often mirror the lives of our passionate audience. ComScore ranks the PEOPLE/Entertainment Weekly Digital Network No. 1 in the entertainment news category.

SOURCE PEOPLE