‘Heroes of Cosplay’, an original photo exhibition in Barcelona

By in Photography

‘Heroes of Cosplay’, an original photo exhibition in Barcelona

Despite what its name implies, cosplay (a contraction of “costume” and “play”) is much more than a game of dress-up. Cosplayers, a global community that makes appearances at movie premieres, conventions, or manga fairs, use costumes and accessories to portray their favorite fictional characters. They not only dress up, but also try to become them, mimicking their gestures and poses, and in most cases investing large amounts of time and money in sewing their costumes and 3D printing their accessories.

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‘Lumière’ from ‘Beauty and the Beast’

Susan Onysko





Heroes of Cosplay: From Phenomenon to Photography is the new exhibition at FotoNostrum in Barcelona, which delves into the world of cosplay through 118 photographs taken by Susan Onysko at 43 conventions mainly in the United States. Onysko became involved in the cosplayer community through her daughters. She was surprised to see that people who put so much dedication (and large sums of money) into their creations only had a few photos taken with their mobile phones. For years, she has been offering them a model/rock star experience by providing free, high-quality photo sessions.

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Maleficent

Susan Onysko

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Rapunzel, the character with the longest hair in Disney

Susan Onysko

The exhibition also features comics and first editions loaned by the Museum of Comic and Illustration of Sant Cugat, as well as various costumes loaned by the cosplayers themselves.



Heroes of Cosplay

FotoNostrum
48 Diputació, Barcelona
Date and time: Until July 31st. Wednesday and Thursday, from 11am to 7pm. Friday and Saturday, from 11am to 9pm. Sundays, from 11am to 7pm
Price: €8.50 (€6.50 reduced entrance)
 fotonostrum.com

Infinite Eye unleashes new pet photography service

By in Photography

Infinite Eye unleashes new pet photography service

Get ready to be bow-wow’ed by the next photo going on your wall.

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That’s the aim of a new business venture by Sherwood Park’s Infinite Eye Photography. After expanding into a new location at #105 65 Chippewa Road, the local business added pet photography to its repertoire.

For Jason O’Donnell, owner of Infinite Eye Photography in Sherwood Park, CVO and photographer, there is value in having a portrait, not just a photo of your favourite furry friend.

“I’ve always done pet photography, but kind of on the side. Once we got our new space, there was such a huge studio space, we knew this was the time,” O’Donnell explained. “There is a difference between a portrait and a photo, where a photo is whatever we take with our own phone, but a portrait is when you’re guided through a session — how to smile, how to pose, and we do guide the dogs, even though they might not know they’re being guided. They don’t need to be well behaved either, we can see if they’re treat or toy orientated and we’ll make the photo work.”

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Infinite Eye Photography dogs
Sherwood Park’s Infinite Eye Photography, located at #105 65 Chippewa Road, is now offering pet photography. Photo courtesy Infinite Eye

As long-time dog lover and owner, O’Donnell said he’s well versed in dog body language.

“I’m confident that I will get the shot eventually. Some dog owners apologize saying that their dog didn’t behave, but I always tell them that we got the shot. We were able to capture true images of who that dog is. We’ve had dogs who started to play fight on set and we’ve had other who pose every which way you want. It’s all about staying calm, adjusting, and knowing how to get the dogs comfortable with the space.”

Infinite Eye Photography’s dog photog one-hour session is priced at $190 and includes digital photos as well as a $100 credit for a print. Photo courtesy Infinite Eye
Infinite Eye Photography’s dog photog one-hour session is priced at $190 and includes digital photos as well as a $100 credit for a print. Photo courtesy Infinite Eye

A one-hour session fee is $190, which could produce between 30 to 100 digital photos, depending on the level of cooperation by the pet, and it includes a $100 print credit.

“People love their pets. Our goal is to create the best image of their dog that they’ve ever seen,” O’Donnell said. “We have a large feature wall where we display the images on. Clients are often overwhelmed and say ‘Oh my gosh, these look so amazing’, which always makes me feel fulfilled because it makes people happy.”

Local photographer Jason O’Donnell promises to capture your pooch’s personality in that perfect shot. Photo courtesy of Infinite Eye
Local photographer Jason O’Donnell promises to capture your pooch’s personality in that perfect shot. Photo courtesy of Infinite Eye

Having the best shot of the dog hanging on someone’s wall for years to come is the overall goal.

“I have an image of my dog who passed away over 10 years ago, and I look at that everyday and I’m glad that I have that image there. It shows how much she was a part of the family,” the local photographer noted. “This is really the reason why we’re doing this. For the memories and the smiles 10 years after taking that image.”

For more information about the Infinite Eye Photography’s Dog Photog service or for other offerings, check out infiniteeye.ca.

lmorey@postmedia.com

X: LindsayDMorey

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Video Shows Chimpanzee Drinking From Photographer’s Hands

By in Photography

Video Shows Chimpanzee Drinking From Photographer’s Hands
Portrait of a chimpanzee

Photo: DeepGreen/Depositphotos (Not a photo of the actual chimpanzee.)

Thanks to a video posted online, a French photographer is reminding the world of chimpanzees’ intelligence and sensitivity. JC Pieri was in Cameroon at a sanctuary for orphaned chimpanzees run by Papaye International when he had a moving experience with a young chimp.

The clip begins with Pieri and the primate hunched over a small water source as we see the chimpanzee start to unbutton the photographer’s shirt. In an effort not to dirty Pieri’s shirt, the chimpanzee first rinses his hands in the water. Then, after rolling up Pieri’s sleeves, he puts the man’s hands together to make a cup. He gently dips Pieri’s hands into the water and drinks from this “cup” in a loving moment between two species.

In another video, Pieri shows more of his interaction with the orphans, who are being rehabilitated by Papaye International before being set free into the wild. In this clip, we see several chimpanzees looking curiously at Pieri’s camera as they try to manipulate the buttons, as well as warm embraces by the chimps. Pieri carries one young apw around the sanctuary, and in another moment, a small chimp sits on his lap and lovingly wraps his arms around Pieri.

“Am I dreaming?” This is the on-screen caption that sums up Pieri’s feelings. These primates seem to really care about Pieri, with one even gently brushing his beard, perhaps in an attempt to ensure that it’s clean and free of debris.

While the chimps in these videos are adorable, Pieri is quick to remind us that they certainly aren’t toys or attractions to be played with. In his captions, he emphasizes the important work that Papaye International does, collaborating with the Cameroonian government to rehabilitate chimps who have been orphaned by poachers or animal traffickers.

“It is therefore very important to emphasize that this intelligent, sensitive animal is and remains a wild animal,” he writes. “It’s not a toy, a stuffed animal, or a pet, and although the photos and videos show a being in search of games, hugs, and exchanges, let’s not forget that good human souls participate in rebuilding them, restoring their confidence in life and in the future after they experienced the worst, the horror, all of them arrived on site traumatized, sick, or injured.”

He goes on to point out that the sanctuary is a critical step in their ability to survive and that Papaye International’s sanctuaries are one of the only ones in the world to allow chimpanzees to reenter a natural habitat without enclosures or fences. In fact, once the chimps leave the sanctuary, they no longer have contact with their human caregivers unless there is a critical emergency.

Pieri’s videos demonstrate just how powerful collaborations between photographers and non-profits can be, amplifying the good work being done to help preserve this incredible species.

French photographer JC Pieri posted an incredible video of a chimpanzee using his hands to drink.

Another clip shows some of the powerful interactions he experienced at Papaye International’s sanctuary for orphaned chimpanzees.

JC Pieri: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Papaye International: Website | Instagram | Facebook
h/t: [PetaPixel]

Related Articles:

Orphaned Baby Gorilla and Chimpanzee Form an Adorable Friendship

Descendants of Rescued Zoo Chimpanzees Thrive in Tanzanian Jungle

Intelligent Orangutan Treats His Own Facial Injury with Medicinal Plant

These Orangutan Videos Show off How Smart the Critically Endangered Primates Are

Award-winning blind Indigenous artist Mattmac performs Saturday in Victoria

By in Native

Award-winning blind Indigenous artist Mattmac performs Saturday in Victoria

Matthew Monias a.k.a Mattmac’s story is one of triumph in the face of challenge.

The Oji-Cree artist hailing from Garden Hill First Nation nearly 500 km north of Winnipeg was born blind and credits music with helping him process and overcome hardships.

After Indigenous mobile production studio N’we Jinan visited his community to teach music production, Mattmac’s interest in creating music was piqued, fueled by an exploration of technologies needed to bring his creativity to life.

When writing music, he uses assisted technology to convert text to speech, allowing him to navigate the apps he uses to produce music.

Mattmac’s genre is melodic pop-trap beats, overlayed with inspiring and hard-hitting hip-hop lyrics. His music career launched at 16 years old, highlights of which include working with Grammy and Juno Award-winning artist Nelly Furtado, winning the grand prize of Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program in 2022 and winning Album of the Year from the International Indigenous Hip-Hop Awards.

Now in his mid-20s, his songs have been streamed 30+ million times across platforms, with thoughtful lyrics that touch his fans, on topics such as social pressure, anxiety, navigating new love, and new responsibilities that come with recognition and isolation.

In advance of his highly collaborative third studio album, Mattmac has teamed up with Stella Standingbear, one of the leading Indigenous female hip-hop artists in the United States to create Imposters, a melodic Trap-Pop song. This contemporary anthem offers up vulnerable lyrics of inadequacy and insecurity as the two artists navigate their rising awareness in the public eye, all while encouraging their communities to pursue their dreams in the face of hardship.

Released on Friday, May 17, the song can be found on all streaming platforms.

“Sometimes what we do can be misunderstood or surprising, so the haters are still going to hate, but that doesn’t prevent us from finding our own way to rise to the top. We want to show our people that you can go for this life if you want it,” Mattmac said in a press release.

On Saturday, June 1 at 7 p.m., this talented artist will headline Voices In the Circle at Farquhar Auditorium, an ongoing series by We at Co-Parent Productions that showcases amazing Indigenous talent, performers and artists.

The event is pay what you can, starting at $5.00. Opening the show will be local native hip-hop artists: Masstriple7, NKY E, Stax and Pindian, plus a performance by the Traditional Lekwungen Dancers.

To see a show of this calibre on a sliding scale is a fantastic opportunity that will be well worth attending for hip-hop fans.

READ ALSO: Rapper Flo Rida spinning right round into Victoria this September

Susanne Page, Who Took Rare Photos of the Hopi and Navajo, Dies at 86

By in Photography

Susanne Page, Who Took Rare Photos of the Hopi and Navajo, Dies at 86
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She was the first photographer allowed to document life among the Hopi, in the Southwest, since the early 20th century. Her work appeared in books and magazines.

Susanne Page, whose intimate photographs of the Hopi tribe and Navajo nation opened a rare window on the everyday culture of Indigenous people in America’s Southwest, died on May 13 in Alexandria, Va. She was 86.

The cause of her death, at the home of her daughter, Kendall Barrett, was brain cancer, another daughter, Lindsey Truitt, said.

Ms. Page was in the midst of a 40-year career as a photographer for the United States Information Agency when she began creating vivid images of Native Americans and the flora and fauna that sustained them — work that embraced the beauty of the natural world and its profound spiritual significance to those Indigenous people. Her work appeared in magazines like National Geographic and Smithsonian and in several books.

Along the way she introduced the subject of Native Americans of the Southwest to Jake Page, an editor and columnist at Smithsonian.

Intrigued by her first book, “Song of the Earth Spirit” (1972), about traditional Navajo life in Arizona, Mr. Page commissioned her to write an article about Navajo witchcraft. While that article failed to materialize, Hopi elders, impressed by the seriousness of the Navajo book, invited Ms. Page, who went by the name Susanne Anderson then, to document their tribe, offering her access to its reservation in Northern Arizona.

She seized on the opportunity, becoming the first outside photographer to be authorized to work on the reservation since early in the 20th century. She also invited Mr. Page to help on the project, a prospect so enticing to him that he retired from Smithsonian so that he could join her.

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Innovative & Portable Continuous LED Light for Photography

By in Photography

Innovative & Portable Continuous LED Light for Photography
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Your light deserves to be seen. This is the founding principle behind Hobolite. Leveraging over two decades of expertise from its parent company, AEC Lighting Solutions, Hobolite has garnered global acclaim for its exceptional portable continuous LED light for photography. Recognized with prestigious awards like the iF Design and Red Dot Design Awards, Hobolite stands out in the market for its innovative design and powerful output.

This article is presented in partnership with Hobolite.

Discover how Hobolite’s commitment to quality and its range of bi-color LED lighting kits cater to the needs of modern photographers and content creators.

Illuminate Your Vision with Bi-Color LED Lighting Kits

In the dynamic realm of content creation, Hobolite constantly evaluates what is essential to photographers and videographers. Supporting creative professionals to enhance their craft, establish their artistic identity, and increase productivity, Hobolite resonates deeply with creatives worldwide.

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Performance Meets Beauty

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