Arriving in London from Beijing by way of New York, the photographer’s tender portraits explore the recent history of east Asian migration to the UK

Summer has arrived and so has Insect Week here in the UK (June 24 – 30), as the winning images in the Royal Entomological Society’s Photography Competition 2023. 

The annual photography competition is organized by the UK’s leading insect science charity, and showcases the very best of amateur insect photography, helping bring the often overlooked miniature world of insects into sharp focus. 

The competition is open to all ages, and this year’s youngest victor is multi-award-winning Jamie Smart, aged eight, who was overall runner up in the ‘18 and under’ category for her image ‘Robber fly breakfast’. Her photo depicted a slender-footed robber fly. 

The talented eight year old has previously won awards from World Wildlife Trust, British Wildlife Photography Awards, and the RSPCA. 

Talking about her image she said:

“I was up early one morning and decided to have a wander around our wild garden with my camera when I saw this fly on grass. I didn’t realize until looking on the computer that he was actually eating another fly!”

All photographs entered in the competition needed to feature an insect, or group of insects, occurring naturally in the situation in which it was photographed. It can be in any life stage, from egg through nymph, larva or pupa, to adult, and from anywhere in the world.

Prizes range from £250 to £750 ($320 to $950). 

The overall winner in the ‘18 and over’ category is Yorkshire-based Luke Chambers, for capturing his image ‘Sleeping cuckoos’, depicting two cuckoo bees resting on a blade of grass. 

Chambers said:

“Something I didn’t expect to see when I visited a fairly new location to me, but one of my best encounters to date. Finding any sleeping invertebrate is always brilliant, but two so close together, well that’s like winning the photography lottery!”

17 year old Swedish photographer Gugstav Parenmark won the ‘Under 18’ category with his image ‘Tranquility’, capturing a banded demoiselle damselfly at rest. Gustav has won the competition before and said:

“Waking up early is the key to photographing sleeping odonates. This species of damselfly is usually very skittish, but I went out at 4am to capture them inactive, making them easier to photograph.”

Ashleigh Whiffin, RES committee member, Entomology Curator at the National Museum of Scotland, keen photographer, and one of the competition judges, said: 

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the number of entries to the competition this year! It’s wonderful to know that so many individuals have engaged with insects in this way, capturing some incredible moments for their world and showcasing the beauty and diversity of insects.”

Tim Jonas’s picture of caddis-fly larvae in the UK came in second in the over 18s category. 

Check out the best cameras for macro photography, and the best macro lenses. Why not take a look at the best cameras for wildlife photography as well?

Tracy L Chandler’s new book, A Poor Sort of Memory – published by Deadbeat Club – draws from the photographer’s childhood memories and traumas, which are an integral part of her growth journey. It is a true journey into the Californian desert of the town where she was born and raised, years after having left it. Not only the desert landscapes that welcomed her – away from the morbid atmosphere of the family home – but also details that evoke feelings of claustrophobia and alienation. These very atmospheres tell the stories of Chandler’s memories, emotions, and even the ghosts of her past.

«As I revisited old hideouts in concrete washes and private bunks in rock formations, I was reminded of a past laden with trauma and my desperation to find both a sense of belonging and an independent self» recounts Tracy L Chandler talks about A Poor Sort of Memory and the process of reconciling objective reality with the subjective truth of her painful memories. In this dualism, Chandler embraced her role as an unreliable narrator, using what remains of her history to create a new, genuine photographic fiction.

«I found myself chasing ghosts and evading monsters, and I struggled to parse memory from fantasy and reflection from projection […] Do I believe that making photographs will bring back some sort of truth? My experience is the opposite» concludes Chandler.

A Poor Sort of Memory will launch at the San Francisco Art Book Fair, between Thursday 18th July and Sunday 21st July. 

Exploring the Innovations in Smartphone Cameras

Enhancing images through automatic algorithms is the backbone of computational photography. From utilizing HDR to blend multiple exposure photos to achieving a background blur effect in portrait mode, smartphone cameras have transcended mere megapixels in capturing high-quality photos and videos.

Pushing Boundaries with Innovative Features

Google’s astrophotography mode allows users to capture stunning visuals of stars by employing long exposure and automatic image processing on Google Pixel models. The camera shutter remains open for about 30 seconds, capturing the essence of the starry night sky. While the process may take several minutes per frame, the result is an authentic starlit photograph, setting a new benchmark for mobile photography.

Revolutionizing Mobile Videography

realme’s FlashSnap feature revolutionizes capturing moving objects by analyzing and detailing each frame in real-time. Complemented by an astrophotography mode and Light Fusion algorithms, realme offers users unparalleled versatility and depth in their photos.

Redefining Portrait Photography

OPPO, in collaboration with Hasselblad, renowned for its legendary lenses, has optimized its flagship smartphones for portrait photography, imbuing images with the signature Hasselblad aesthetics. The incorporation of Hasselblad XCD lens characteristics and color recognition technology elevates OPPO’s camera capabilities to redefine portrait photography quality and authenticity.

Technological Advancements and Creative Dimensions

Tecno’s Universal Tone technology, developed in partnership with the University of Leeds School of Design, ensures natural skin tone representation in photos by utilizing a vast database of skin tones. This innovative approach accentuates Tecno’s commitment to inclusive and true-to-life photography experiences.

Mobile photography continues to evolve, driven by sophisticated algorithms and cutting-edge technologies, transforming smartphones from mere communication devices into powerful creative tools in the hands of users.

Exploring Cutting-Edge Developments in Mobile Photography

In the realm of computational photography, recent advancements have pushed the boundaries of what mobile cameras can achieve. One noteworthy innovation is the integration of AI-powered night mode capabilities that enhance low-light photography by combining multiple exposures to produce stunningly sharp and vibrant images, even in challenging lighting conditions.

Unleashing the Power of Computational Imaging

One of the key questions that arises in the context of computational photography is how these advanced imaging techniques impact the authenticity and realism of photographs. While these technologies undeniably offer creative possibilities and enhance image quality, there is ongoing debate about whether they can sometimes lead to an over-processed or artificial look in photos. Striking a balance between artistic enhancement and maintaining the integrity of the original scene remains a critical challenge for manufacturers and users alike.

The Proliferation of Computational Photography

As smartphone manufacturers race to integrate computational photography features into their devices, a key advantage emerges for users: the democratization of professional-level photography tools. With intricate algorithms handling complex tasks like image processing and scene recognition, even novice photographers can capture impressive shots with minimal effort. However, this accessibility also raises concerns about the potential homogenization of photographic styles and the loss of individual creativity in image composition.

Challenges on the Horizon

One of the primary challenges facing the adoption of computational photography is the ethical implications of advanced editing capabilities. With AI-driven tools capable of seamlessly altering reality in images, questions about authenticity, trustworthiness, and the impact on visual storytelling continue to surface. Additionally, the reliance on intensive computational processing raises concerns about battery life, device performance, and data privacy in the era of smart imaging technologies.

Mobile photography enthusiasts must navigate the evolving landscape of computational imaging with an awareness of both its benefits and drawbacks. While these technologies offer unprecedented creative possibilities and image enhancements, they also present complex challenges that require careful consideration and ethical reflection.

Learn more about the latest trends and technologies shaping the future of mobile photography at DPReview.

Amidst rumors of Samantha Ruth Prabhu collaborating with Rajkumar Hirani and Shah Rukh Khan for a patriotic film, the actress has shared a few glimpses from her recent vacation. And, Samantha looks straight out of heaven in her bookmark-worthy vacation outfits.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu shares stunning pics from her vacation

Samantha Ruth Prabhu seems to have taken time off from her busy schedule and is enjoying a relaxing vacation that seems to be somewhere abroad. The Yashoda actress took to Instagram to share pictures from her trip today. 

Check out her Instagram post below!

In the first picture, the Majili actress can be seen enjoying perhaps her coffee at an aesthetic local cafe. In another picture, Samantha looks casual yet chic in her uber-cool outfit. Clad in denim, paired with an oversized jacket, the actress opted for classic sunglasses and minimal makeup to complete her look. 

The highlight of the photo series is the mirror selfie of Samantha Ruth Prabhu in a black dress. The beautiful body-hugging gown, when styled properly can be your perfect go-to outfit for various events.

Last but not least, Samantha posed for a picture in a cute and sexy backless maroon top, paired with jeans which enhanced her beautiful curves.

What’s next for Samantha Ruth Prabhu?

Meanwhile, on the work front, the Khushi actress is gearing up for Citadel: Honey Bunny. The upcoming web series will be an Indian adaptation of the Russo brothers’ Citadel. The original series starred Priyanka Chopra and Richard Madden, while Samantha and Bollywood actor, Varun Dhawan will be playing the roles of Honey and Bunny in the Indian version. The series will premiere this year on Amazon Prime Video.

Besides, Samantha will also be seen in another film, which she announced on her birthday, this year. The film is a little extra special for the actress as it would mark her debut as a producer.

Announcing the news, the Oo Oo Antava sensation unveiled motion and static posters for the tentatively titled Telugu film Bangaram, marking her debut as a producer. Samantha will also play the lead role in the film set for a multi-lingual release in 2025.

Moreover, as per buzz, the Theri actress is set to collaborate with Shah Rukh Khan for Rajkumar Hirani’s patriotic film. However, no official confirmation has been made so far.

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