Photographer and marine biologist Cristina Mittermeier has dedicated her career to telling stories about the people and animals affected by climate change. And now, she is pouring 20 years of her work into a new book that is the embodiment of our planet’s resilience and humanity’s connection to nature. Hope is an artistic manifesto that sees Mittermeier weave her own personal narrative with visual stories.

While this is not Mittermeier’s first book, it is a departure for her. For Hope, she left behind traditional publishers, whom she felt stifled her creativity in the past, and turned to Hemeria, a boutique publisher and designer in Paris. This meant that she had more control over the entire project, which has resulted in a publication that is a true work of art.

Now that the design is complete, Mittermeier is turning to crowdfunding to launch the project. Supporters will not only have the opportunity to order Hope at a favorable price, but can also access special offers that include postcards, fine art prints, and signed copies.

“I believe this approach can offer a new avenue for photographers to publish their work in a landscape where traditional publishing has become increasingly challenging, especially for photography projects,” Mittermeier tells My Modern Met. “By showcasing this innovative method, I hope to support my fellow photographers in sharing their art with a broader audience.

“The most significant reason behind choosing crowdfunding is my belief that hope is not an individual pursuit. I aim to build a community around this project, fostering an environment where people can share and inspire one another. Those who participate in this crowdfunding campaign are essentially offering each other support and solidarity by expressing their belief in the power of hope.”

Hope includes over 130 of Mittermeier’s striking images and text by the photographer herself. Available as a bilingual French and English edition, supporters have until early May to order during the crowdfunding campaign.

Renowned conservation photographer Cristina Mittermeier is coming out with a new book.

Hope features over 130 images from the past 20 years and is now available via crowdfunding.

“Hope is more than a book. It is the embodiment of our planet’s resilience and humanity’s connection to nature.”

Cristina Mittermeier: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Cristina Mittermeier.

Related Articles:

Cristina Mittermeier on the Environmental Trials and Tribulations of Antarctica [Interview]

Haunting Underwater Photos Show How Climate Change Impacts the South Pacific [Interview]

Interview: Scientist Turns Hobby into Career as Award-Winning National Geographic Photographer

Conservation Photographer Cristina Mittermeier on the State of Our Oceans and Using Art To Take Action [Podcast]

Follow us as we venture into the photography realm with some choices of the best mirrorless cameras available online for you! With technology advancing, mirrorless cameras have indeed made it possible to shoot the moments as never before, amazing us with their lightweight designs, innovative features, and fantastic image quality. Whether you are an amateur or a pro, these cameras can satisfy all your needs and preferences guaranteeing a new level of experience that makes your photos more professional. Go through this article and discover what makes mirrorless cameras the favorite tool for photographers who go for both versatility and powerful camera performance.
Here’s a list of some of the best mirrorless cameras available online:

Fujifilm X-T3 26.1 MP Mirrorless Camera Body

Get a glimpse of unmatched mirrorless superiority with the Fujifilm X-T3. A 26.1 MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor with X-Processor 4 makes it the gold standard in performance and delivers uncompromised image quality. This camera has the features of fast and precise autofocus, 60P 4K video quality, and innovative film simulation so that non-professional photographers can now explore and reveal their creativity. By capturing amazing landscapes or dynamic portraits, the Fujifilm X-T3 seals every moment with the highest definition and brightness, marking it as the developmental need of each photography professional.
Key features:

User feedback:
Thrilled with the Fujifilm X-T3! The autofocus is lightning-fast, and the image quality is unparalleled. The 4K video capabilities are a game-changer, and the film simulation modes add a creative touch to my shots. Highly recommended for both photography and videography enthusiasts!

Sony Alpha Zv-E10 24.2 Mega Pixel Interchangeable-Lens Optical Zoom Mirrorless Vlog Camera

The Sony Alpha ZV-E10 seems like a godsend for all the creators out there! By featuring its 24.2MP APS-C sensor, sophisticated focusing, and 4K video recording in one device, it outdoes vlogging as well as photography. The loud and clear audio delivers audiovisual content of the highest quality while the interchangeable lens system facilitates user convenience. Using this mirrorless camera for both static and film works will give you a stunning result hence every hobbyist photographer who is seeking to raise his/her content creation standards has to own it.
Key Features:

Olympus OMD-EM-10-Mark-IV Mirrorless Digital Camera

The Olympus OMD-EM-10-Mark-IV is a comprehensive, mirrorless camera that triumphs in all aspects of photography. The size of the camera does not prevent it from shooting impressive photos in different situations as it is equipped with a zoom lens of 14-42 mm. The Silver finish presents a subtle elegance, and that is due to the addition of advanced features such as in-body image stabilization and high-speed autofocus which guarantees remarkable and flawless pictures every time. From beginner to advanced, it is without a doubt that this camera is made for the needs of everyone who loves photography and more.
Key features:

Nikon Z50 Mirrorless Camera

The Nikon Z50 Mirrorless Camera is a flexible and effective choice for photography lovers. The Z DX Camera together with the 16-50mm and 50-250mm lenses expands the range of focal lengths for taking outstanding photos in diverse circumstances. With sophisticated additions such as fast autofocus and in-body image stabilization, your snaps will be as sharp and stable as possible. Also, the additional battery means that you can take your shooting longer without a break. Whether you are a newbie or a seasoned photographer, the Nikon Z50 is a trusted and capable option for all your creative tasks.
Key features:

User feedback
Love the Nikon Z50! The dual lens kit covers all my photography needs. Image quality is superb, and the additional battery ensures I never miss a shot. Highly recommended!

Canon EOS R10 24.2MP Mirrorless Digital Camera

The Canon EOS R10 is a risk taker for photo addition instruments involved in photography. Its 24.2MP APS-C sensor and RF-S18-45mm are equipped with the lens kit and capture awesome image quality. Discover the best workforce management services vessel tracking software (position report) for your business needs. Equipped with 23 FPS continuous shooting, the latest autofocus, and advanced image stabilization technologies, it can capture sharp and shaky-free images. The quality of its 4K videos brings this camera even more versatility which is why it is suitable to be used as both a photography and videography tool. It has a hearing feature that makes it outstanding in every aspect of capturing either stills or videos, which means it’s the number one option for keen amateurs who need the best performance and reliability.
Key features:

User feedback
The Canon EOS R10 will exceed your expectations! Its autofocus is lightning-fast, and the image stabilization ensures crystal-clear shots every time. Plus, shooting in 4K is a game-changer for my videos!

Panasonic LUMIX G7 16.00 MP 4K Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera

Panasonic LUMIX G7 is acknowledged as an all-around camera from the perspective of picture and video making. Boasting a 16.00 MP sensor and a 14-42 mm lens, the camera has a minimal 3x zoom, but it provides unbelievable image quality and varying shooting possibilities. Such a camera with its 4K video allows for capturing extremely sharp pictures, and it is possible to use such a camera when expeditious shooting is necessary due to its amazing appearance and small size. From novice to expert, the LUMIX G7 is a handy instrument that will help you in your photographic journey to record life’s events with stunning details and clarity.
Key features:

User feedback:
Excellent camera! Captures stunning 4K videos and sharp images. Interchangeable lenses and optical zoom provide versatility. Lightweight and easy to handle. Highly recommended for both beginners and enthusiasts.
DISCLAIMER: At TOI, we keep you informed about the newest trends and products. The products listed have been well studied and researched, and are also in line with customer ratings. TOI is part of an affiliate partnership, meaning we may receive a portion of the revenue from your purchases. The product prices mentioned in the article are subject to change, as per retailers’ deals

The shortlist has been unveiled for this year’s Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year – and as ever there are some amazingly tasty images competing for the £5,000 overall prize.

Launched in 2011, the Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year has become one of the best-known photographic awards on the competitions calendar – and is open to both professional and amateur photographers.

This year’s global judging panel, chaired by legendary food photographer, David Loftus, includes: Clare Reichenbach, CEO, the James Beard Foundation, Tom Athron, CEO, Fortnum & Mason, Asma Khan, Presenter, Chef’s Table, Cookbook Author and Founder, Darjeeling Express, Fiona Shields, Picture Editor, The Guardian and Rein Skullerud, Senior Photographer & Photo Editor, World Food Programme.

You can see all 700 of the shortlisted entries, across 28 categories, on the 2024 Awards website.

The winners of this year’s Pink Lady® Food Photography Awards will be announced at an awards ceremony on the evening of June 4. This will be followed by our Finalists Exhibition at the Mall Galleries, London from June 5-9.

We all have our favorites when it comes to focal lengths. When I’m out and about on city streets, shooting with a full-frame camera, I’ve become a big fan of compact, lightweight 40mm lenses. Personal preferences include the Nikon Z 40mm f/2, Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G and Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM. I find the field of view delivered by these lenses makes them very versatile for street photography and general shooting, bridging the gap between wide-angle 35mm and standard 50mm lenses. Of course, different rules apply for medium format rather than full-frame cameras. In this case, a 50mm lens gives the same viewing angle, due to the comparatively large image sensor of the camera body – it’s like the opposite of a ‘crop factor’.

The Fujifilm GF 55mm F1.7 R WR is actually one of my all-time favorite lenses and it’s definitely one of the best Fujifilm GF lenses on the market. However, as it’s a medium format lens and one of the ‘fastest’ of the breed with a bright f/1.7 aperture, it’s necessarily quite large and heavy, as well as being very expensive. The GF 50mm that I’m reviewing here gives an ‘effective’ focal length of 40mm in full-frame terms and is less than half the length, weight and price of the bigger GF 55mm. It therefore makes a tempting compact, lightweight and relatively affordable alternative for the best Fujifilm cameras.

Fujifilm GF 50mm F3.5 R LM WR: Specifications

Fujifilm GF 50mm F3.5 R LM WR: Price & Availability

Sold by retailers around the world who stock Fujifilm camera equipment, the GF 50mm costs around $999/£949. That’s a hefty price tag for a 50mm lens with a modest f/3.5 aperture rating and there’s no getting away from the fact that if you want to go medium format, you need deep pockets. Even so, GF 50mm is less than half the price of most Fujifilm GF lenses and, unlike the vast majority of its siblings, it will actually fit in a coat pocket.

Fujifilm GF 50mm F3.5 R LM WR: Design & Handling

I like being able to shoot on busy city streets without drawing attention to myself. Measuring just 48mm (1.89 inches) in length, the GF 50mm is amazingly compact for a medium format lens and, despite upsized GFX system camera bodies, the overall package is relatively unobtrusive. 

It makes a good package for candid street photography. Another factor on my hit list is that, if I’m walking around for hours on end, a lightweight lens is less of a burden. This one weighs in at just 335g which, again, is remarkably light for a medium format lens.

I’ve seen plenty of compact, lightweight lenses that are cut to the bone. Many have no onboard controls whatsoever, relying on me to delve into camera menus to make any adjustments, which can be a time-consuming frustration when I’m shooting on the fly. Some also have a retractable design which, although saving space for stowage, gives me one more thing to remember when I need to react quickly to an unfolding shooting scenario. 

I like that the GF 55mm is ready to roll and that it features the usual aperture control ring, common to GF lenses. As such, I can intuitively adjust the aperture in one-third f/stop clicks from f/3.5 right down to f/32. I also like the inclusion of an aperture ring lock release button, so I don’t accidentally jog the ring from its A or C settings. 

As with other GF lenses, Auto enables the aperture value to be set automatically by the camera body, whereas Command allows aperture adjustment from the camera’s command dial. However, there’s no de-click option for the aperture ring, which would be useful for shooting video.

The aperture diaphragm is well-rounded, based on nine diaphragm blades. The diaphragm itself is placed just behind the leading two elements, and forward of the remaining seven elements in the optical path. Fujifilm says that this helps to minimize internal reflections which can cause ghosting and flare, as well as reducing chromatic aberrations. The optical design also features one aspherical element, which helps to boost image quality as well as reducing the overall physical size.

Although comparatively small and lightweight for a GF medium format lens, build quality feels solid. As with other lenses in the series, the GF 50mm features weather-seals and has a stated operating range of temperatures down to -10C (14F). 

Fujifilm GF 50mm F3.5 R LM WR: Photo Performance

Looking at the relatively small size of this lens in general and its front element in particular, it’s easy to assume that image quality is going to be a bit second-rate. I was pleasantly surprised with the GF 50mm’s edge-to-edge sharpness, clarity, contrast and color quality. It certainly punches above its weight for a relatively compact medium format lens, and is well able to do justice to the 102 megapixel image sensor of the Fujifilm GFX 100 II, which I used for testing the lens. Autofocus is fast and snappy for stills and smooth and virtually silent for video, as well as proving consistently accurate throughout my testing.

Resistance to ghosting and flare is good, and there’s nothing to worry about in terms of color fringing, which is entirely negligible. Our lab tests revealed a slight touch of barrel distortion but it’s generally unnoticeable in real-world shooting. All in all, the lens is an excellent performer.

Fujifilm GF 50mm F3.5 R LM WR: Sample Images

This gallery of sample images was taken in the English city of Bath and at ‘The Newt’ in Somerset.

Image 1 of 16

EXIF: Fujifilm GFX 100 II + Fujifilm GF 50mm F3.5 R LM WR lens (1/1500 sec, f/3.5, ISO 200)

Fujifilm GF 50mm F3.5 R LM WR: Lab Results

We run a range of lab tests under controlled conditions, using the Imatest Master testing suite. Photos of test charts are taken across the range of apertures and zooms (where available), then analyzed for sharpness, distortion and chromatic aberrations.

We use Imatest SFR (spatial frequency response) charts and analysis software to plot lens resolution at the center of the image frame, corners and mid-point distances, across the range of aperture settings and, with zoom lenses, at four different focal lengths. The tests also measure distortion and color fringing (chromatic aberration).

Sharpness:

In our lab tests, the GF 50mm didn’t prove quite as scary-sharp as some GF lenses towards the extreme edges and corners of the frame. In real-world tests, however, it delivered excellent sharpness across the entire image frame, as demonstrated by some of our example shots in which the edges of the frame fall within the depth of field.

Fringing:

Color fringing is absolutely negligible, right out to the edges and corners of the image frame, throughout the entire aperture range.

Distortion: -1.11

There’s a hint of barrel distortion but it’s of such a low order that it’ll generally go unnoticed in real-world images, even for architectural shots.

Fujifilm GF 50mm F3.5 R LM WR: Verdict

I really like the GF 50mm. I find its ‘effective’ 40mm focal length makes it very versatile for street photography and general shooting. Better still, it’s less than half the length, weight and price of many Fujifilm GF prime lenses, making it a much more manageable proposition in every way. I’m impressed that there’s no downsizing when it comes to image quality and all-round performance. All in all, it’s a great little lens and something of a bargain for a medium format optic.

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