NEWS RELEASE
BROCK UNIVERSITY
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When the total solar eclipse takes place over North America on April 8, many people will naturally reach for their phones or cameras to capture the moment.
Brock Associate Professor of Visual Arts Amy Friend, an internationally recognized photographer, is offering tips on documenting the rare phenomenon safely while also encouraging the public to consider different ways of experiencing what for many will be a once-in-a-lifetime event. 

The chair of visual arts at Brock first points to taking safety precautions for viewing and documenting the eclipse, which can be found on Brock’s Eclipse on the Escarpment web page. Friend says it’s crucial to have a proper solar filter on any camera, including on a smartphone. 

“Solar filters for traditional cameras and cell phones are available online from several retailers, but consumer research is key to ensuring the purchase of an international standard filter (full-aperture and off-axis) with regulated qualities, making it safe for photographing the eclipse,” she says.

According to the award-winning photographer, practice is also key. Practise beforehand by photographing the everyday sun, without looking directly at it, Friend 
says. Taking photos of the sky on a sunny day will help determine appropriate aperture and shutter speed for such bright light. She also suggests getting comfortable with outdoor night photography.

“During totality, when the sun is fully blocked by the moon, turning the sky dark, the camera will need adjusted shutter speeds and aperture settings to take a successful photo,” Friend says.She recommends experimenting with the high dynamic ange (HDR) setting on cameras, which 
captures high-contrast photos. With this setting, many photos of the eclipse could be put together to create one image.

“The visual effect of this is very interesting as the second-to-second variations in the sun flare created by the eclipse combine creating a beautiful image capturing unique details,” Friend says. 

For those looking to get creative, there are other ways to view the solar eclipse, including pinhole projectors or building boxes that filter the sunlight and create a projection of the sunlight onto a nearby surface.

“Using this approach, the person would be looking at the projection instead of the eclipse itself,” Friend says. “What they would see is a darkening circle in the form of a crescent, which is the moon starting to cover the sun.”

While many people will want to capture a photo of the eclipse themselves, photographers throughout history have cautioned against photographing the celestial phenomenon, as it is difficult for the average person to achieve a great photo. 

“We know what it will look like, and yet we still want to photograph it. But we don’t want to miss an incredible experience in the process,” Friend says.

Through her research into the role of photography as proof of experience, however, Friend says the desire to personally capture the moment is very natural.

“There is also the excitement of going online and sharing your photo — the ‘after’ of the experience — that can be quite engaging and stirs up response and dialogue, simultaneously amplifying the experience and documenting it in popular culture,” she says.

Friend is fascinated by historic images of people experiencing celestial events in group settings as a visual time capsule into the culture and technology of the time. 

“I think there is something quite beautiful about that moment, where we all just stop and view something rare and spectacular in the sky together,” she says. “The sun and moon have paused life for a moment.”

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ORLEANS – Calling all photographers, it’s time to enter the Dogwood Festival photo contest.

The last day for entries is Friday, April 19th. Photos may be dropped off at the Orleans Public Library and picked up there the following week after the festival.

Starting Tuesday, April 23rd, photos will be on display at the Orleans Public Library during business and student art reception hours.

There are three skill levels for you to choose from for your entries:

Amateur – This is great if you’re just getting started and using your cell phone camera or a simple point-and-shoot camera, doing little to no editing, taking photos for fun, etc.

Intermediate – If you are comfortable with your photography but do not consider yourself a pro, this level is for you – Especially if you have a Facebook page, only occasionally share/sell your images, use intermediate equipment, edit images,

Advanced – This is an excellent level if you have your own photography business that brings you regular income or exposure, have your watermark/website, and consider your photography/equipment and editing skills to be advanced – if any of these things apply, please select this level.

It will be entirely up to you which level you choose to submit your photos to, but please be honest and accurate with your work. They want to welcome all talent levels and see what everyone can do.

Photographers are encouraged to print out a small bio/photo for an “About the Photographer” display that can sit next to their entries, but this is not required.

The subjects of your photos can be of your choice – But please be sure to include at least ONE Orleans-related photo with your entries.

Non-biased out-of-town judges will rate the photos based on several attributes.

There will be a first, second, and third place in each entry-level as well as several honorable mentions as:

• Favorite Nature Photo
• Favorite Animal Photo
• Favorite People Photo
• Favorite Black and White Photo
• The People’s Choice award for the Favorite Pride of Orleans Theme Related Photo will be decided by the public placing quarter votes.

This contest is for Orleans and surrounding township residents only. There will be a $1 entry fee for each photo you submit. Entries should be limited to no more than five photographs per person. You may only submit photos to the one level that best suits you and your photos.

Any photo of a person that you, as the photographer, have been permitted by the subject to submit your photo. Please be responsible.

All photos must be no smaller than a 5×7 and must be framed or matted. Entries should include the name and telephone number of the photographer, as well as the level of choice for judging. This can be done with a sticky note on the back of the frame or mat. People should not submit a photo unless they are the photographer.

All questions should be submitted to contest chair Katlin Phillips. She can be contacted at 812-653-8877; (texting is okay), or by e-mail at kcpcreative@hotmail.com.

Scientists photographed never-before-seen underwater species including pink “Barbie Pigs” during a deep-sea expedition.

An international team of Natural History Museum (NHM) scientists spent the last few weeks exploring the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean as part of the latest SMARTEX expedition to the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ).

The team’s mission was to discover the species that were living 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) beneath the surface.

And the scientists discovered several strange and curious species that are “new to science” during the deep sea expedition — including rattail fish, unicumbers, glass sponges, and pink Amperima sea pigs that have now been formally named “Barbie pigs.”

The astonishing animals have now been captured on camera for the first time ever in incredible photos.

“We can assume that many of these species will be new to science,” Regan Drennan, a post-doctoral marine biologist at London NHM, tells IFLScience..

“Sometimes they have been seen/observed/known before, but not collected or formally described. For example, the sea pig nicknamed the unicumber had been seen in previous seabed imagery surveys, but not collected or imaged in high definition to the best of our knowledge.”

University of Southampton PhD student Bethany Fleming coined the name “Barbie pig” for the hot pink alien-like species with sausage-like fingers after the team of scientists watched the Barbie movie on the plane together.

“All the specimens that have been collected will be brought back to the museum, where they will be identified and studied by the researchers here,” Eva Stewart, a post-doctoral marine biologist based at the NHM, tells IFLScience.

“Some may be described as new species, and lots of the specimens will be used for research looking at patterns of diversity across the seafloor in this area.”

 
Image credits: All photos by © SMARTEX Project, NERC.

Ana Topoleanu is a Romanian-Mexican photographer who blends elements from her origins into captivating visual narratives. Her journey into photography began as a means to express her thoughts and capture the essence of the world around her, a passion ignited after completing her studies at the University of Sociology in Bucharest. Since then, photography has become more than just a craft for Topoleanu: it is her universal language and preferred form of expression. Inspired by the diverse cultures of Romania and Mexico, Topoleanu’s work invites viewers on a journey of discovery, urging them to pause, reflect, and appreciate the beauty that exists in both the ordinary and extraordinary. Her photography delves into themes such as the role of women in society, the complexities of motherhood, and the power of human relationships and memories. Today, we discuss “My Pillow”, a project that reflects on memory; let’s see how.

Ana Topoleanu’s My Pillow

One of her most touching projects, “My Pillow,” is a testament to the emotional depth and complexity of her work. The project began during the last years of her grandmother’s life, who accompanied her during her formative years. Topoleanu fondly remembers her grandmother, affectionately called mamaia, as a source of love, guidance, and inspiration. As her grandmother’s health declined, Topoleanu embarked on a photographic journey to preserve the memories of their time together and honor her legacy.

Topoleanu felt that this approach lacked the depth she wanted to convey. Through continuous refinement and introspection, the project evolved into “My Pillow,” a title deeply rooted in memory, representing a poignant moment before her grandmother’s passing. While working on My Pillow, Topoleanu focused on capturing the ephemeral nature of time and the inevitable passage of generations. Each photograph served as an attempt to freeze moments slipping away, reflecting the gradual fading of precious memories and the profound impact of loss.

For Topoleanu, “My Pillow” is more than just a photographic series: it is a labor of love, a tribute to her grandmother, and a reflection of her personal journey through grief and healing. Through her lens, she invites viewers to explore the universal themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of memory.

Hannah Lee Bratz, a former corrections officer, has found purpose behind the lens of her camera, finding rescue animals find their home. Transitioning from law enforcement to the compassionate world of animal welfare, Bratz’s journey exemplifies the power of following one’s passions.

After spending two years navigating the complexities of human behavior within the walls of a corrections facility, Bratz felt a stirring desire to channel her energy toward something more altruistic. “I always wanted to make a difference in something,” she shares, reflecting on her aspirations. With an admiration for law enforcement, Bratz initially found herself drawn to a career path that aligned with her desire to serve her community.

However, fate had other plans in store for her. A serendipitous encounter with her future husband, a Marine stationed in Florida, set Bratz on a new course. Following her heart and marrying her now-husband eventually led her to Eastern North Carolina, where her husband’s military orders brought them to Cherry Point. It was here that Bratz’s latent passion for photography found its voice, nurtured by the Support of her spouse.

Encouraged by her husband to explore her artistic talents, Bratz found herself drawn to the Craven-Pamlico Animal Services Center (CPASC). Equipped with her camera, Bratz was on a mission to capture the essence of these animals, each possessing a unique personality yearning to be seen and understood.

Departing from the mundane snapshots reminiscent of mugshots, Bratz’s photography looks into the depths of each animal’s soul. “I wanted to show more of what the animals looked like,” she explains, emphasizing her commitment to portraying their true essence. Through her lens, Bratz offers a glimpse into the untold stories of these animals, illuminating their individuality and charm with every click of the shutter.

What began as pro-bono work for CPASC soon blossomed into a partnership with Operations Manager Alyssa Merget. Today, Bratz can be found at the shelter, volunteering her time and talent, bridging the gap between the animals in need and potential adopters through HLB Photography.

Best Things In Life Are Rescued Tee By Tiny Rescue: Animal Collection

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