Sculpture Milwaukee teams with Company Brewing for companion beer
Sculpture Milwaukee teams with Company Brewing for companion beer
This Photographer Captured The Mystery Of Prenatal Development, And Here Are His 19 Best Shots
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Prague airport contains a wild illusion sculpture you have to see
If you don’t know the name Václav Havel, you’ll be familiar with him as soon as you land in Prague. On the ground floor of Terminal 2 in the airport that bears his name, sculptor Patrik Proško has created an anamorphic sculpture of the former president using 3,000 objects that
Vincent van Gecko: Researchers Dub a Newly-Discovered Reptile After the Artist of ‘Starry Night’
Cnemaspis vangoghi. Photos by Akshay Khandekar
In the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India, scientists have discovered two new gecko species, and one in particular has inspired an art historical name. The research team, consisting of Akshay Khandekar, Tejas Thackeray, Swapnil Pawar, Ishan Agarwal, Satpal Gangalmale, and Vivek Waghe, landed on the name Cnemaspis vangoghi because the blue coloration evoked Vincent van Gogh’s iconic “Starry Night” (1889).
As a result of sexual dimorphism, only the males resemble the Post-Impressionist painting and are largely blue except for a faded brown collar and upper body. Especially on the specimen’s head, light blue stripes appear to swirl through darker areas, evocative of the way van Gogh painted light emanating from stars and the moon. The females are entirely brown in color with cream, black, and deep sepia spots.
Learn more about Cnemaspis vangoghi, along with another painted gecko called Cnemaspis sathuragiriensisf, named for the Sathuragiri Hills where it was discovered, in the report published on ZooKeys. You may also enjoy other remarkable dispatches from Tamil Nadu, like billions of synchronous fireflires or the epic flamingo migration.
Left: Vincent van Gogh, “Starry Night” (1889), oil on canvas, 29 x 36 1/4 inches. Image via Wikimedia Commons. Right: Cnemaspis vangoghi’s colorful patterns
Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Vincent van Gecko: Researchers Dub a Newly-Discovered Reptile After the Artist of ‘Starry Night’ appeared first on Colossal.
Chasing the Golden Hour: Essential gear for capturing stunning sunsets and sunrises
Sunsets and sunrises offer photographers a magical time to capture breathtaking landscapes bathed in warm hues. But with ever-changing light and potentially challenging conditions, having the right gear can make all the difference. Here’s a breakdown of the essential photography gear I use when I chase those Golden Hour moments.
Camera
While any camera can capture a sunrise or sunset, a DSLR or mirrorless camera offers greater control over settings and image quality. Look for a camera with a good low-light performance, measured by megapixels and sensor size. Higher megapixels generally translate to better image detail, and a larger sensor captures more light, crucial for those pre-dawn or post-dusk hours. A camera that allows for either Manual Mode or Aperture Priority is a good idea too. I personally love the current Sony A7RV.
Lens
A wide-angle lens is your best friend for capturing expansive landscapes. Ideally, aim for a focal length between 16mm and 35mm on a full-frame camera (or the equivalent on APS-C or other sensor sizes). This allows you to include the vastness of the sky and surrounding scenery. Don’t forget to consider a fast lens (f/2.8 or wider) for capturing sharp images in low-light conditions. If you don’t have a wide-angle something like a 24-70mm will also work quite well. Something like the Sony 16-35mm wide angle or even the Tamron 28-75mm works a treat too.
Tripod
A sturdy tripod is essential for capturing sharp photos during sunrise and sunset when shutter speeds tend to be slower due to lower light levels. Even the slightest camera shake can blur your images, ruining the magic of the moment. Consider a lightweight travel tripod if portability is a concern. Something like the Peak Design Travel Tripod is my go-to these days.
Using a remote shutter release minimizes camera shake even further. By remotely triggering the shutter, you eliminate any vibrations caused by pressing the shutter button on the camera body. This is particularly helpful when using longer shutter speeds for silky smooth water effects or capturing star trails during twilight. Alternatively, you can put your camera on a 2-second timer to avoid camera shake.
Neutral Density (ND) Filters
ND filters are optional but can be powerful tools for creative expression during sunrises and sunsets. These filters reduce the amount of light reaching the sensor, allowing you to use slower shutter speeds for creative effects, like blurring clouds or water movement, without overexposing your image. Graduated ND filters are particularly useful for balancing bright skies with darker foreground elements. If you’re after a standard screw-on type ND filter, the OKKO are fabulous. But they are not graduated.
Bonus gear
- Circular Polarizer Filter: This filter helps reduce glare and reflections on water or glass surfaces, enhancing the vibrancy of colors in your sunrise or sunset scene.
- Headlamp or flashlight: A headlamp or flashlight comes in handy for navigating in low-light conditions as you reach (or leave) your shooting location.
- Extra batteries and memory cards: Pack extra batteries and memory cards to ensure you don’t miss a shot due to a dead battery or full card.
Remember, the best gear is the one you have with you. But having the right tools can elevate your sunrise and sunset photography experience, allowing you to capture the breathtaking beauty of these fleeting moments. So, grab your camera, pack your essentials and head out to chase the Golden Hour!
A Decade Of Nature’s Best: 28 Winning Shots From Siena Awards’ “Beauty Of Nature” Category
Moderator, BoredPanda staff
Beyond work, you’ll catch me traveling, listening to vinyl and diving into movies, art exhibitions, and concerts. I’m a culture buff at heart, always eager to explore and embrace the richness of the human experience.
Public artwork a noisy ‘eyesore’, locals complain in planning row
Large brass installation in Farnharm town centre has weathered in the last year and now resembles ‘black dented cones’
Richard Serra In SoCal
See sculptures and works on paper by Richard Serra
Tallest Engineering Sculpture – India Book of Records
The record for manufacturing and installing the ‘Tallest Engineering Sculpture’ was set by the Cochin Shipyard Limited, Cochin, Kerala.
Parker: Fairmont Palliser marks 110 years with historic photography exhibition
