The Milky Way Photographer of the Year Contest Celebrates the Dazzling Band of Light in Our Skies

The Milky Way Photographer of the Year Contest Celebrates the Dazzling Band of Light in Our Skies

Lorenzo Ranieri, “The Lions Den,” Atacama Desert, Chile. All images courtesy of Capture the Atlas, shared with permission

Whether seen from the craggy mountain landscapes of New Zealand or the vast, arid expanses of the Atacama Desert, the Milky Way is a brilliant band of light that glitters in the night sky above every spot on Earth. A photo contest devoted to our galaxy celebrates the diverse, dazzling appearances of the star-studded system from around the globe.

Now in its 7th year, the Milky Way Photographer of the Year competition by Capture the Atlas showcases 25 spectacular images chosen from more than 5,000 entries. Included are Lorenzo Ranieri’s shot of the galaxy shooting across the sky like a kaleidoscopic arch that frames a mass of rocks, along with a photo by Tom Rae taken in New Zealand’s Mount Cook National Park. As the Milky Way bursts upward like a celestial flare in the sky, twinkling stars are reflected in the lake below, connecting Earth and the cosmos.

Find more of the winning images on the contest website.

 

the brilliant star studded milky way above a desert with cacti

Maximilian Höfling, “The Tajinaste,” Mirador El Tabonal Negro, Tenerife, Spain

the brilliant star studded milky way above a desert with hoodoos

Stephanie Thi, “Starry Hoodoo Wonderland,” Kanab, Utah, USA

the brilliant star studded milky way above a mountainous landscape with a red shack and tents

Kavan Chay, “Starlight Therapy,” Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, New Zealand

the brilliant star studded milky way above a desert landscape with hoodoos and sand

John Rutter, “Mungo Dreamtime,” Mungo National Park, NSW, Australia

the brilliant star studded milky way above a lake with mountains in the background

Tom Rae, “Lightning Lake,” Aoraki, Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

the brilliant star studded milky way above a lake with mountains in the background

Yuri Beletsky, “Blue Lagoon Under the Stars,” Atacama Desert, Chile

the brilliant star studded milky way above a craggy landscape with a single baobab tree

Rositsa Dimitrova, “Blooming Bottle Tree,” Socotra Island, Yemen

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 The Milky Way Photographer of the Year Contest Celebrates the Dazzling Band of Light in Our Skies appeared first on Colossal.

Grumpy-looking newborn’s photos go viral for Cincinnati photographer

Grumpy-looking newborn’s photos go viral for Cincinnati photographer

CINCINNATI (WXIX) – A newborn’s photoshoot is going viral for his grumpy facial expressions.

Lauren Carson’s Cincinnati-based Drawing in Light Photography posted photos of a 7-day-old baby boy that is melting the hearts of social media users.

Her Facebook post from May 15 has received more than 17,000 comments and 32,000 shares.

Carson, a former school teacher, says she has been a professional photographer for 11 years.

In her decade of photographing newborns, she says no baby’s expressions compare to the ones she got from this little fella.

“I’ve been photographing newborns for a decade and have photographed hundreds of babies who have given me tons of great expressions,” Carson wrote on Facebook. “But none, and I mean NONE compare to the looks this sweet guy threw my way.”

Despite his funny faces, Carson wrote that the little guy was “a sweet little snuggle bug.”

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Fstoppers Interviews Paige Vincent, Extreme Weather Photographer |

Fstoppers Interviews Paige Vincent, Extreme Weather Photographer |

The Great Plains offer some of the most extreme and jaw-dropping weather on Earth, and those who venture there with their camera are rewarded with some of the most unique and stunning images possible. We interviewed Paige Vincent, a photographer capturing those phenomena.

Introduction

Warning: storm chasing is extremely dangerous and should not be attempted by anyone without deep meteorology knowledge and experience. Do not attempt what you see in this article yourself.

For the past six years, Vincent has been passionately pursuing storm chasing. Initially, Vincent accompanied friends who were experienced storm chasers, taking on the role of passenger and navigator to safely get close enough to observe tornadoes. This experience allowed her to become well-acquainted with the road networks across the Plains. As a native of Texas, tornadoes had always instilled a sense of fear, yet they were also a source of fascination. After witnessing her first tornado, her obsession was solidified. We spoke with her about her work and experience. 

The Art of Storm Photography

Beyond the dramatic storm structure, what other elements do you look for to create compelling images (e.g., foreground interest, light, color, etc.)?

There’s not much to choose from as far as foreground in the plains, but if you can find a windmill, livestock, or the jackpot—an abandoned house—that’s all you need to add some perspective and scale to a storm. Sometimes I even leave chaser cars in the shot to tell more of a behind-the-scenes story.

How do you balance capturing the raw power of nature with artistic composition and visual storytelling in your storm photography?

You don’t have a ton of time to set up your ideal composition when chasing storms. It’s more of 1. park in a safe spot off the road, 2. grab your camera and run, 3. shoot and hope for the best! It is very fast-paced because these storms are moving at around 40–50 mph and you have to stay with them.

What post-processing techniques do you use to enhance your storm images while maintaining authenticity and realism?

What I love about storms is that they are so unique and eye-catching on their own that they don’t require much editing. Sometimes they are even the subject, background, and foreground of my shots! In my editing, I usually only have to bring my raws into Lightroom to enhance the contrast and clarity because when shooting supercells, what’s really interesting to me is all of the layers in the storm. The structure of each storm is much more complex than what you see with your naked eye.

Many storm chasers use time-lapse or video. How does your approach to still photography differ, and what unique challenges and rewards does it offer?

I love being able to look at the details in a shot from a single moment in time, to analyze the structure of what was really going on. I still record videos on my phone to capture the speed, wind, and strength of the storm, but photos have always been my favorite way to reflect and share moments with others.

Safety and Challenges

Storm chasing inherently involves risk. How do you prioritize safety while still pursuing captivating shots?

Safety ALWAYS comes first! No shot is more important than your life. I study the way a storm is moving and follow along at a safe distance beside the storm, never in front of it. You always have to keep in mind an exit route as well to escape if the situation takes a turn.

Have you ever faced a situation where you had to choose between capturing the perfect shot and prioritizing your safety? How did you navigate that decision?

Almost every chase. The road network in the plains is not always the best. There is a lot of farmland, meaning a lot of dirt roads. I drive a stock Subaru Outback, and it can do most of the roads pretty well, but if I see mud, I’m avoiding it at all costs. The last thing you want to do is get stuck in mud while a tornado is forming near you. A good way to ensure this doesn’t happen is to follow the recommended routes on Google/Apple Maps. They typically will follow paved roads, but it is also helpful to have chased in the plains for 6 years and to learn the road networks there in case you don’t have GPS.

Passion and Community

What was your favorite storm? Favorite story?

My favorite storm was April 22, 2022, in Badlands, South Dakota. I knew it was a risky storm to chase because it had a lower probability of producing versus a storm in Kansas and Texas the same day, but it paid off and produced one of the most beautiful supercells I’ve seen to date.

What initially drew you to storm chasing and photography, and how has your passion evolved over time?

I always used to sit on my patio with my sister and watch storms roll in. We loved watching the lightning and then counting the seconds until the thunder sounded. About seven years ago, I met some friends who were into storm chasing, so I started tagging along and got hooked! It wasn’t until a few years later that I finally purchased my own camera and started combining my love for photography and storm chasing.

How has storm chasing changed your perspective on nature, weather, and the world around us?

I am much more aware of how destructive nature can be and how many people are still unprepared for a storm. I love showing people the juxtaposition of how beautiful a storm can be even though it looks terrifying and destructive. The more you understand why a storm forms and how it moves, the more you respect it and can sit back and enjoy it.

What role does the storm chasing community play in your work, and how do you collaborate and share knowledge with fellow photographers?

The storm chasing community is pretty close-knit but has been rapidly growing due to social media in the last 5 years. I love that more people are aware of storm chasing and want to pursue it, but it is probably one of the more challenging hobbies to master. The storm chasing community is one of the most supportive as far as supporting each other’s work online and even helping a friend in need during a storm.

What are your future aspirations as a storm chaser photographer, and what message do you hope to convey through your work?

I would love for my work to be recognized on a broader scale and for more people to appreciate this niche hobby of chasing storms. I love that people have different opinions of the storms in my photos: some are in awe of the beauty and some are terrified, but I love bringing people into that moment and having them experience what I felt while capturing it.

Misconceptions and Technology

What are some common misconceptions about storm chasing and storm chaser photographers?

That we all drive tornado-proof cars! My Subaru has had a few cracks, a lot of hail dents, and one new windshield, but it cannot withstand a tornado! Haha.

How has technology (e.g., weather forecasting, communication, camera gear) impacted your approach to storm chasing photography?

I exclusively use my phone for radar and road mapping while I chase, and I’m not sure how chasers even 10 years ago used paper maps and old-school dial-up to look at radar! Technology has come so far and made it more available for anyone to learn how to chase.

Tell me more about Girls Who Chase.

Girls Who Chase is an amazing organization started by Jen Walton, who is also based here in Colorado! We realized there wasn’t a huge representation of women in the storm chasing community. The storm chasing community was pretty male-dominated when I started and you didn’t hear of many chasers who were women, so through GWC we are able to better connect and share the work and knowledge of women on a larger scale.

How do you navigate the business side of storm chasing photography, including licensing, prints, and other revenue streams?

I only do storm chasing as a hobby. I list my prints on my website for sale, but only because other people over the years have had interest in having them for themselves! I do it for the thrill and to capture amazing memories.

Anything to add?

I didn’t see anywhere this would make sense, but a fact I love is that a lot of storm chasers are CPR and First-Aid certified and because we are typically the first to a scene after a tornado hits, we stop to render aid before the paramedics are there.

KÜHL

Vincent was also featured in the new KÜHL clothing brand series “The Road Less Traveled.” You can watch her episode below:

[embedded content]

Conclusion

Vincent’s dedication to storm chasing and photography underscores the blend of art and science required to capture the raw power and beauty of nature. In a world driven by risk-taking for clicks her emphasis on the importance of respect and safety when pursuing such a dangerous passion is quite refreshing. Her work not only highlights the dramatic elegance of storms but also serves as a reminder of the awe-inspiring force of the natural world. You can see more of Vincent’s work and purchase prints on her website, and you can follow her on Instagram and Twitter.

All body images used with permission of Paige Vincent. Lead image by KÜHL and used with permission.

Cody’s Caravan

Cody’s Caravan

Cody’s Caravan – Al Golub Photography – Good Day Sacramento


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Cody has taken the caravan to Coulterville this morning to meet photographer Al Golub, they’re talking about Al’s distinguished career and looking at some of his favorite photographs!

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A Visual Journey: Unveiling the Beauty of Metart’s Photography The Hype Magazine: Unveiling the Pulse of Urban Culture – From Hip Hop to Hollywood! Explore a Diverse Tapestry of Stories, Interviews, and Impactful Editorials Spanning Fashion, Gaming, Movies, MMA, EDM, Rock, and Beyond! www.thehypemagazine.com – The Hype Magazine The Hype Magazine – News From Hip Hop To Hollywood!

A Visual Journey: Unveiling the Beauty of Metart’s Photography The Hype Magazine: Unveiling the Pulse of Urban Culture – From Hip Hop to Hollywood! Explore a Diverse Tapestry of Stories, Interviews, and Impactful Editorials Spanning Fashion, Gaming, Movies, MMA, EDM, Rock, and Beyond! www.thehypemagazine.com – The Hype Magazine The Hype Magazine – News From Hip Hop To Hollywood!

Lifestyle/Art

Published on May 21st, 2024 |
by Jameelah “Just Jay” Wilkerson

Metart, renowned for its exquisite photography, offers a captivating visual journey into the realm of artistic erotica. Through its meticulously curated collection of images, Metart transcends the conventional boundaries of adult content, inviting viewers to explore the beauty of the human form in all its diversity. Each photograph is a masterful composition, meticulously crafted to evoke emotions and ignite the imagination. From intimate close-ups to sweeping landscapes, Metart’s photography celebrates sensuality as a form of art, challenging societal taboos and redefining the boundaries of erotic expression.

The Art of Composition: 

Metart’s photographers skillfully utilize composition techniques such as framing, leading lines, and rule of thirds to create visually stunning and emotionally resonant images that draw viewers in and evoke a sense of intimacy.

Playing with Light and Shadow: 

Delving into the intricate interplay of light and shadow in Metart’s photography, exploring how subtle shifts in lighting can dramatically enhance mood and atmosphere, adding depth and dimension to each image.

Capturing Natural Beauty: 

Metart’s commitment to authenticity and unretouched beauty, celebrating the natural allure of its models and embracing imperfections as integral elements of the photographic narrative.

Exploring Sensuality Through Portraiture: 

An exploration of Metart’s captivating portraits, which capture the essence of sensuality and vulnerability, inviting viewers to connect with the emotions and experiences of the subjects.

Embracing Diversity: 

Metart’s inclusive approach to photography, featuring models of diverse backgrounds, body types, and identities, fostering a sense of empowerment and representation within its community.

From Studio to Nature: 

Examining the versatility of Metart’s photography, which seamlessly transitions from studio settings to outdoor landscapes, showcasing the beauty of both controlled environments and the natural world.

Erotic Imagery with Elegance: 

Metart’s ability to blend eroticism with elegance, creating images that are both provocative and tasteful, challenging stereotypes and promoting a more nuanced understanding of sensuality.

Storytelling Through Photography: 

The narrative power of Metart’s imagery, which goes beyond mere visual aesthetics to tell compelling stories and evoke emotions, inviting viewers to interpret and engage with the art on a deeper level.

Inspiring Creativity and Expression: 

How Metart’s photography serves as a source of inspiration for artists and enthusiasts alike, sparking creativity and encouraging individuals to explore their own sensuality through photography.

Appreciating the Artistry: 

Reflecting on the artistic merit of Metart’s photography and its contributions to the broader landscape of erotic art, acknowledging its influence and legacy in shaping cultural perceptions.

Learn more with what Metart offers a mesmerizing journey into the world of artistic erotica through its exquisite photography. With a commitment to celebrating the beauty of the human form in all its diversity, Metart’s collection of images transcends the realm of traditional adult content, inviting viewers to explore sensuality as a form of art. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of erotic photography, Metart provides a welcoming and enriching experience, with each photograph meticulously crafted to evoke emotions and ignite the imagination. Explore the boundless beauty of Metart’s photography and uncover a new appreciation for the art of sensuality.



The 2024 winners of prestigious Milky Way photo competition revealed

The 2024 winners of prestigious Milky Way photo competition revealed
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Talented photographers are putting stars in our eyes.

Travel photography blog Capture the Atlas has revealed the 25 best photos of the Milky Way for 2024 in its annual Milky Way Photographer of the Year awards.

The winners are released each May during peak ‘Milky Way season’, when the stars can best be captured in all their glory.

This year’s list was selected from more than 5,000 entries taken in 15 countries from the U.S to New Zealand, with locations including national parks, mountain lion reserves, deserts and even the grounds of a castle.

Capture the Atlas explained that the Milky Way season ranges from February to October in the Northern Hemisphere and from January to November in the Southern Hemisphere. The best time to see and photograph the Milky Way, the blog added, is usually between May and June, with the maximum hours of visibility on both hemispheres.

Capture the Atlas added: ‘Besides the timing, the other requirement for seeing the Milky Way is a dark sky that is far away from light pollution. The quality of the image, the story behind the shot, and the overall inspiration that the photograph can provide are the main factors in selecting the images every year.’

Keep scrolling to see this year’s dazzling winning shots…

Baillie Farley took this shot in the Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve in Australia's Northern Territory, on a trip during which she experienced 'some of the darkest southern night skies in the world'. She added: 'This area exudes a unique charm, with its vibrant hues and stunning geological formations'

Photographer Alexander Forst took this shot by a lake in Graubuenden, an Alpine region of Switzerland. He said: 'Situated at 2,000m [6,561ft] altitude, it gets very cold after sunset. We had forgotten our jackets in the car, 1.5 hours away. I had a clear view of the Milky Way for just 30 minutes before it vanished behind clouds again'

A mesmerising shot taken by Hugo Valle in Egypt's White Desert - a national park covering more than 2.8million square kilometres, from the Nile into Libya. Hugo noted: 'The night skies are among the best I have ever seen'

On December 15, Andrea Curzi snapped this overview of a starry sky above untouched snowfall on Italy's Passo Giau, a  2,236m- (7,335ft) high pass in the Dolomites. The photographer said it was a scene he'd 'long dreamt of capturing'

Francesco Dall¿Olmo trekked to natural viewpoint Laguna de los Tres, in Argentinian Patagonia, and snapped this impressive twilight shot, capturing mountain Fitz Roy framed by the Milky Way arch

Above is a heavenly shot of renowned hot spring 'Morning Glory' in the Yellowstone National Park. The image was taken by Jerry Zhang, who explained that the pool was originally blue, but has turned green due to 'human interference and pollution'.  He added: 'In this photo, the pool mirrors [constellation] Scorpius, notably [star] Antares, against a clear dark sky and brilliant Milky Way'

Behold Rainbow Valley in Chile's Atacama Desert. An area 3,200m (10,498ft) up in the Cordillera Domeyko mountain range that the photographer behind this incredible shot, Cari Letelier, likens to Mordor from the Lord of the Rings movies. She explained that the shot was taken under a Bortle 1 sky, a classification that means it's among the least light-polluted places on Earth

John Rutter took this photo of the Milky Way deep in the 'Mars-like' Mungo National Park in New South Wales, Australia. He explains that the landscape 'houses the oldest human remains outside Africa', adding: 'Its remote location grants it a Bortle 1 sky, allowing you to stand where the first Australians once did and gaze at the same sky they beheld 100,000 years ago'

Kerry-Ann Lecky Hepburn took this wow-factor snap 15,000ft up in the Atacama Desert in Chile, following 'an eerie 40-minute trek in the dark along a salt trail'. A torch was used to make the lagoons reflect a bright blue

Yuri Beletsky's shot of the 'Galactic Centre' shining brightly over the Atacama Desert

Marcin Zajac, the photographer behind this image, explains that it was taken in Goblin Valley State Park in Utah in a remote corner of the Colorado Plateau, which 'yields one of the darkest skies in [America]'. In the foreground are wildflowers, blooming in front of an eye-catching rock formation known as the Three Sisters

An 'alien-looking' bottle tree captured beneath the stars by Rosita Dimitrova on the island of Socotra in Yemen

The striking image above was taken by Mihail Minkov in Jordan's Wadi Rum Desert, with the photographer explaining that the concept was 'to highlight the stark contrast between the vastness of the cosmos and the minuscule nature of humanity'. He added: 'The composition intentionally draws the viewer¿s focus to a small figure, underscoring our insignificance in the grand scheme of the universe, while the majestic Milky Way core dominates the background'

This image shows the Milky Way 'emerging' from New Zealand¿s highest mountain, Aoraki, also known as Mount Cook. Photographer Tom Rae said: 'The scene made me feel like I had landed on another planet. The image features icebergs in the cyan-blue glacial lake, red airglow painting the sky, and the glow of billions of stars in the Milky Way'

A series of mushroom-shaped stone structures in Utah called the 'Toadstool Hoodoos' form the foreground for this dazzling shot by Stephnanie Thi, which was taken during the 'blue hour' - the time after the sun has set but before it's completely dark

Julien Looten here has captured the Milky Way's entire 'winter arc' at the foot of a medieval castle in the Dordogne, France. Also present in the image is a natural phenomenon called 'air glow'. Julien explained: 'This occurs due to a chemical reaction in the upper atmosphere, emitting faint light known as chemiluminescence.' The stars can be identified from left to right as Sirius and the constellation of Orion, Mars, the Pleiades, the California Nebula, Cassiopeia, the double cluster of Perseus, and the Andromeda galaxy. The image is formed from 40 exposures that took an hour to record

Marc Rassel drove four-and-a-half hours to reach this spot in Lake Superior, Minnesota, in the U.S. He said: 'I managed to complete the sky frames and most of the foregrounds. The final edit required blending the foreground seamlessly as twilight approached'

Photographer Matej Mlakar set up his camera for this picture on Prednje robi¿je (1,941m/6,368ft), a mountain in Slovenia's Julian Alps

There are few places on the planet as dark as the spot where this photo was taken, according to the photographer, Rachel Roberts. The location is Bluff Hut, nestled in the Southern Alps on New Zealand¿s South Island. It's only accessed by a difficult hike or helicopter flight. Rachel got there via the latter, explaining that the spot was chosen by the pilot after bad weather ruined Rachel's first-choice location. She said: 'I trusted the chopper pilot to choose the best spot for clear skies that evening. Thankfully, he didn¿t disappoint, and I was able to capture the Milky Way arching majestically over the hut from one of the darkest places on the planet'

While camping out in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, New Zealand, photographer Kavan Chay took this shot as the sun rose and a kea bird 'harassed' campers. He said: 'The ascent was a struggle with 20-25kg of gear, but I managed a respectable time'

The Milky Way hangs over desert vegetation in this incredible shot by Maximilian Höfling, captured in Teide National Park in Tenerife, in the Canary Islands. He said: 'In the Teide National Park, situated at an altitude of around 2,000 metres (6,561ft), clear skies are almost guaranteed, with lower clouds shielding city lights, minimizing light pollution'

Photographer Lorenzo Ranieri explained that he captured this image 'during an adventurous night on the plateau of the Atacama Desert [in Chile], a potentially dangerous area due to its designation as a mountain lion reserve', adding: 'After a whole afternoon of searching for compositions, I stumbled upon this remarkable mass of rocks adorned with tufts of grass, now burnt by the harsh environment. The area was littered with bones of small animals and footprints of a significant size, indicating the presence of wildlife not typically associated with peaceful sheep. Spending the night there was admittedly a bit nerve-wracking, but the opportunity to photograph such beauty made it worthwhile'

Explaining how this enchanting shot was captured, photographer Brandt Ryder explains: 'In May of 2023, I spent a couple of days around the iconic town of Lone Pine, California, where the lupines in the foothills were just coming into peak bloom and the skies are notoriously dark. I knew I wanted to create an image that transported the viewer into a sea of purple flowers framed by the snow-covered Sierra and the Milky Way rising above. Although this spot was special, it was the incredible panoply of colour in the night sky that I captured on this night that really elevates this image. Every time I look back at this image, I can still smell those flowers'

Benjamin Barakat took this snap of the skies above from beneath a 'twisted' juniper tree on Jebel Shams, which at 3,018m (9,902ft), is the highest mountain in Oman

Tervel Kutsev's enticing entry was taken in Bulgaria's Pirin mountain range, with Tervel explaining that the peak in the centre of the panorama is Vihren (2,914m/9,560ft). The Pirin Mountains are named after one of the most powerful gods in Slavic mythology ¿ Perun ¿ the god of thunder, and Vihren is considered his throne, Tervel reveals