Over his many decades in the public eye, Alex Rodriguez has made some enemies, but considerably more friends. Recently, the MLB player-turned-entrepreneur offered a public shoutout to one of his lesser-known associates.

On June 12, photographer Nedim Vrabac graduated from Santa Monica College in California. Among the family and friends in attendance at Vrabac’s graduation was A-Rod, who snapped a picture of the new graduate to share on his personal Instagram.

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70% Win

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70% Win

(110-25-1)

70% Win

(110-25-1)

Rodriguez was first put into contact with Vrabac after the latter worked on-set with A-Rod’s ex, actress Jennifer Lopez. Vrabac has photography credits on two of Lopez’ films, “Marry Me” and “Halftime,” both produced in 2022.

Following Vrabac’s work with J-Lo, he was approached by Rodriguez for a project befitting of the former New York Yankees star. Vrabac met with A-Rod to produce a series of polaroid portraits, which the photographer was happy to share on his own Instagram page.

Although Rodriguez and Lopez split in 2022, the pair remain friendly. Lopez was a known favorite of A-Rod’s two daughters, although Rodriguez is now dating Canadian fitness guru Jaclyn Cordeiro.

“Soon to be offered in a limited edition book as well as a unique NFT collection. #nft #collection” – nedimvrabac

A former first overall Seattle Mariners draft pick in 1996, A-Rod spent 22 seasons as a member of three teams. After finishing his career with three MVP Awards, 14 All-Star nods, a World Series and a .295 batting average, the 48 year-old made his turn to business, the area where he spends most of his time.

Since retiring in 2016, A-Rod has kept himself busy, mainly through his fund, called A-Rod Corp. Though the investment outlet, Rodriguez has delved into various business ventures including real estate, E-sports and more recently, a minority ownership stake in the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves.

Alex Rodriguez’s long career has made him many friends along the way

Although the former MVP may not be playing anymore, he remains close to the game. As a regular contributor to FOX Sports, Rodriguez recently weighed in on the Mets’ season, suggesting they acquire a certain member of the Yankees:

“Look, the Red Sox broke the curse with getting this guy, today’s ‘this guy’ is Juan Soto. You get Juan Soto in a three-year process and start again.”

As a man who seems to have friends in a lot of places, at least A-Rod finds the time to celebrate with whoever he can.

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“I wasn’t even sure if the shot would be possible, but we got it!” says Traci Edwards. She and her husband, William Young are elopement photographers with their studio Adventure & Vow. They are also Rangefinder 30 Rising Stars of Photography for 2024. When asked to share an image that they are crazy about, they shared the most technically challenging elopement photography shot they have ever taken – an image that showcases the stars, the stunning features of Moab, and the newlyweds dangling from ropes — mid-rappel. 

Romantic Adventures and Technical Challenges 

The two describe their work as a mix of romance, candor, and adventure, but ultimately, each gallery is a collaboration between them and the couple. This shoot was for a couple who share a passion for climbing and star gazing. Edwards says, “After getting engaged in Moab while climbing, they decided to elope there — while climbing!” She goes on to share that the most challenging part of this shoot was for the couple themselves. Hanging mid-rappel means that they are engaged in a mental game as their photo is taken. They were suspended in the air for a long time with the rope spinning them around – an uncomfortable sensation to be sure. 

To reach the location, the couple had to climb several pitches to get to the top of the rope. Then as they rappelled down, Edwards let them know where to stop – right in the center of the arch. The couple wore lamps to help them stand out from the night, and Edwards and Young also had lights on the ground that they shined on them. Edwards captured the shot with a Canon R6 with a 35mm lens. She used a tripod for the long exposure. 

Try Something New, But Scout it Out First 

For photographers considering doing a similar shoot, Edwards recommends, “Do it!” She says that photographing starry nights requires taking time to play with lighting and settings. It might fail, but it might not. Be sure to communicate your ideas to your couples and make sure it aligns with their own vision. Also, make sure they are aware of any extra effort that might be required when going for a special shot. 

Edwards and Young also strongly recommend getting “boots on the trail” in advance of any outdoor elopement shoot. There are a lot of surprises in the great outdoors, so it’s important for you to be as prepared as possible. Make sure you’ve explored the area, ensuring hospitable conditions and planning out compositions you hope to capture on the day. Not only does this help you get in the zone and prepare your mindset for the day, it also will provide peace of mind to your clients – some of whom have never been to the areas they are eloping to. 

Adventure & Vow’ Tips for Star Shoots

1. Practice with just a landscape to get your night photography skills sharp! Night images with a couple can take a lot of time and be a game of trial and error since people typically move during longer exposure.
2. Start at ISO 2000, F2, 1/30th of a second just to the barrings, and then adjust as needed from there. Edwards uses a Canon R6 because they do well in low light. She tends toward 35mm for stars, but also sometimes needs the 24mm or 16mm, depending on the landscape and proximity to the couple. She uses manual focus and focuses on the stars (for landscapes).
3. When photographing couples with stars, shine a light on them to lock focus, switch to manual, turn off the light, and click the shutter. You can consider lighting them in silhouette. You can use a phone light, strobe, or flashlight, or have them light each other with headlamps.
4. Expect this to take time! You’ll need to play with the formulas of lighting the couple and the exposure for each couple because some couples can be very still and others cannot!
5. Useful apps to plan star shoots are Google Earth Pro, Nightsky, and Photo Pills.
6. A great time to photograph stars is 1.5 hours after or before sunset — unless you are chasing the Milky Way!
7. Have fun! And don’t be afraid to try new things!

Epic Experience, Lifelong Memories 

For Adeventure & Vow, elopements are all about couples being immersed in their love for each other and the great outdoors. Edwards says, “To us, an elopement is an expression of your love story, of your hardships and celebrations. It is a chance to experience something new, challenging, deep and filled with love in the most freeing way.”  

She goes on to say that her goal as a photographer is give her couples a voice and a space to freely showcase who they are as a couple. That extends into giving them a wedding day they will never forget. Edwards says that the day this couple put in an order for a large print of this article’s featured starry image for their home, she knew they had been successful in creating something for them that is not only beautiful, but profoundly meaningful for them.  

For every elopement shoot they go on, Adventure & Vow focuses on creating a memorable experience and epic photos that create lifelong memories. Edwards says, “Every elopement we photograph is greatly different from the next one or the one before, but they all have the same thing in common – heart.” 

To follow Traci Edwards and William Young’s epic adventures, follow them on Instagram. View the full 30 Rising Star Winners Gallery for 2024 here. 

 [Read: Legend Awards Elopement Photography Competition: Open till June 30]

As a thank you to our readers, we’re pleased to offer you a Rangefinder exclusive discount code to get 25% off The Portrait Masters course below. Use the code RF25 at check out to redeem. This code cannot be used in combination with other sales.

In the right place at the right time, cast your eyes to the sky and you may see something awe-inspiring.

This is the feeling evoked by these images, a few of the winners of this year’s Milky Way Photographer of the Year competition. Each year, the top 25 spellbinding shots of our galaxy, captured from prime spots around the world, are curated and published by Dan Zafra, editor of travel photography blog Capture the Atlas.

Tom Rae’s entry (main image), shows the Milky Way emerging from New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook, on a winter’s night. “In rare alpine weather conditions, I embarked on a journey up the glacial valley one night,” said Rae in an announcement on Zafra’s site. “Upon reaching the lake, the scene that unfolded made me feel like I had landed on another planet.”

In another elevated endeavour, Matej Mlakar captured an “arch” of the Milky Way (pictured above) over Vršič Pass – the highest mountain pass in Slovenia. The red blurs in the sky are clouds of glowing hydrogen called emission nebulae, which appear red due to emitting only at particular wavelengths. The light is produced due to the ionisation of atoms in the gas, caused by newly forming stars.

Meanwhile, the images above show remarkable scenes from the US. Brandt Ryder’s shot, first of the two, was taken in the Eastern Sierra region of California, where the Milky Way frames a violet sea of lupines. Stephanie Thi named her image, taken in Utah, Starry Hoodoo Wonderland – a nod to the toadstool-like hoodoo rocks that add to the aura of her starry backdrop.

HONOR has launched the new 200 series, aiming to revolutionize portrait photography with innovative features both in hardware and software. This latest series features updated HONOR RAW Domain algorithms supporting the rear smartphone cameras, enabling balanced, sharp portraits even in low light situations.

Additionally, the HONOR 200 Pro utilizes an AI Portrait engine developed in partnership with Studio Harcourt—a prestigious Parisian photography studio. This partnership and expertise aim to deliver a professional-grade photography experience. Over twenty imaging experts from HONOR and Studio Harcourt have invested more than 400 days analyzing a multitude of scenarios to improve the camera’s performance across different lighting conditions.

The HONOR 200 Pro showcases a Quad-curved Floating 1.5K display with technology that minimizes eye strain for extended usage. Its features include automatic color temperature adjustment and an AI Circadian Night Display that reduces blue light, aiding in better sleep quality.

Internally, the 200 Pro is powered by a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor and comes with 12GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and a sizable 5200mAh silicon-carbon battery. This battery allows up to 61 hours of continuous music streaming, while HONOR SuperCharge technology enables rapid full charging in just 41 minutes with a 100W wired connection, or in under an hour with 66W wireless charging.

This leading-edge phone boasts the MagicOS 8.0 operating system, based on Android 14, which features user-centric functions like Magic Portal, Magic Capsule, and Magic Ring.

The HONOR 200 Pro has been launched along with the HONOR 200, the latter featuring the same high-performance display, same battery capacity but differing in its processor—the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3—and camera specifications.

The HONOR 200 and 200 Pro devices are now available for purchase, with the 200 Pro offered in Ocean Cyan, Moonlight White, and Black, while the HONOR 200 comes in a wider array of colors. Complimentary gifts such as the Watch4 and a 100W charger are included with certain models, alongside a 100€ discount coupon available through HONOR’s official website.

Important Questions and Answers:

What are the new features focusing on portrait photography in the HONOR 200 series?
The HONOR 200 series features the updated HONOR RAW Domain algorithms to enhance portrait photography, particularly in low-light situations. The series also integrates an AI Portrait engine developed in partnership with Studio Harcourt, designed to provide a professional-grade photography experience.

What are the display features of the HONOR 200 Pro that benefit users?
The HONOR 200 Pro is equipped with a Quad-curved Floating 1.5K display, which includes features like automatic color temperature adjustment and an AI Circadian Night Display. These aim to reduce eye strain and blue light exposure, contributing to better sleep quality.

What are the charging capabilities of the HONOR 200 series?
The HONOR 200 series introduces HONOR SuperCharge technology that enables rapid charging. Specifically, the 200 Pro model can be fully charged in 41 minutes with a 100W wired connection or in under an hour with 66W wireless charging.

Key Challenges or Controversies:
A major challenge for the HONOR brand is differentiating its products within a competitive smartphone market dominated by well-established companies. Additionally, as a company that used to be under Huawei, HONOR has to overcome the perception issues arising from the US sanctions that were previously imposed on its former parent company.

Advantages and Disadvantages:

Advantages:
– Enhanced portrait photography with software and hardware integration.
– Professional-grade camera performance due to the collaboration with Studio Harcourt.
– The display technology provides eye comfort and may improve sleep quality.
– Quick charging capabilities shorten the time needed to power up the device.
– High-end device performance with a powerful processor and extensive memory and storage options.

Disadvantages:
– Users may find the high-end features reflected in a premium price point.
– Rapid advancements in smartphone technology could quickly outdate the device’s innovations.
– The HONOR brand may not be as widely recognized or trusted compared to other smartphone giants.

Related Links:
For more information about HONOR and their product ranges, you can visit their official website at HONOR. Please note that I cannot guarantee the validity of the URL as my last update was in April 2023, so be sure to verify the address in your web browser.

We’re reporting live from the Honor 200 Series launch in Paris today, with the smartphone brand revealing its latest line of mid-range devices to a packed audience of media and commercial partners. It seems no new phone launch is complete without a big-name collaboration these days, though we have to hand it to Honor, the team-up with iconic Parisian photography house Studio Harcourt is one of the more impressive ones we’ve seen, and it’s sure to be a popular choice with amateur smartphone photographers.

We first found out about the Honor and Studio Harcourt collaboration last month, with CEO George Zhao revealing the news at VivaTech 2024, but we didn’t get the full details until today. Having worked with a team of expert photographers from Studio Harcourt, the Honor 200 Pro combines a 50MP portrait telephoto camera with the new Honor AI Portrait Engine feature, which allows for in-depth manipulation of light and shadows to offer portrait shots the likes of which we’ve not seen on a smartphone before.

We’ve seen some pretty interesting AI camera features in this year’s Samsung phones, as well as those from Xiaomi and Google Pixel, but Honor’s bringing something pretty different to the table here.

If all this wasn’t exciting enough, as part of the 200 Series reveal, Honor unveiled a new partnership with Rankin, the legendary portrait photographer who’s worked with names like Madonna, David Bowie, Kate Moss, and even the late Queen Elizabeth II. Unfortunately, we weren’t treated to the results of the partnership today. However, in a short clip, Rankin admitted he was “absolutely amazed” with the quality of the Honor 200 Series cameras, and we were told to expect an exciting event from Honor and the photographer in London later this summer.

Outside of the fresh Studio Harcourt-inspired feature, the Honor 200 Pro seems like a pretty impressive bit of kit in its own right. The premium option of the 200 Series powers stellar performance with a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset and 12GB of RAM, juices up its 5,200 mAH battery in no time with 100W wired and 66W wireless superfast charging, and has more than enough space to save all your dazzling portraits with 512GB of storage.

You can find the full specs on the official Honor website, as well as the all-important details for the Honor 200 base model and Lite version.

In terms of colorways, the Honor 200 Pro is available in Ocean Cyan, Moonlight White, and Black, while the base model 200 comes in Moonlight White, Emerald Green, and Black. We had a look at the Moonlight White at the event, and it has a wonderful marbled effect that looks markedly different from anything else we’ve seen in the mid-range price point. We’re big fans.

If you want to get your hands on one of the Honor 200 devices yourself, the first thing to note is that, unfortunately, it doesn’t look like this series is arriving in the US just yet, if at all. However, pre-orders begin today for the 200 Pro and base model on the Honor site in the UK and Europe for $699.99 and $499.99, respectively. The Lite version is also available for the lower price of $279.99, with an extra £30 off if you use the code ‘A200L30’ before checking out.

There you have it, all the key details from the Honor 200 Pro launch. While you’re here, be sure to check out what the other big brands out of China have to offer with our guides to the best Xiaomi phones and the best OnePlus phones. Or, if you’re more interested in the next Apple device, see our iPhone 16 hub for all the latest leaks and rumors.

Now on view at CLAMP in New York, Morrisroe’s 8mm home movie follows a phone sex operator and her friends, one of whom meets an unfortunate end

June 12, 2024

According to nature photographer Frank Gorga of Antrim, equipment and technique are only a small part of the process of taking great photographs.

“With nature photography, it’s all about how to approach your subject. It is as much fieldcraft as it is photography,” Gorga said. “You have to know how to find your subject, and you have to figure out how to get close.” 

Gorga’s photographs of dragonflies, damselflies and birds are on exhibit at the Harris Center for Conservation Education in Hancock until June 28. The exhibit is titled “Odes and Aves” after the species “odonata,” which includes dragonflies and damselflies, and “avians,” or birds, which are some of Gorga’s favorite subjects.

Gorga, a retired chemistry professor, became interested in dragonflies and damselflies over years of spending time at a family camp on Gregg Lake in Antrim. While he was interested in photography in high school, Gorga took time off from his hobby during the busy years of raising his family and building his career. In 2004, when the first digital cameras came out, Gorga started to get interested in photography again. 

“I majored in biology, but I was never a field biologist. I was always interested in nature; I grew up watching Jacques Cousteau,” Gorga recalled.

Gorga says at first, he knew nothing more than the basics about damselflies and dragonflies. He notes that the easiest way to tell the two apart is to notice what they do with their wings when they land — dragonflies keep their wings out, and damselflies pull them in.

“It was great, when I was still teaching, to be able to take my photos downstairs to my friends in the biology department, and they could identify what was in my pictures, and tell me about their habitats, their life cycles,” Gorga said. 

Gorga estimates he typically sees about 50 separate species of dragonflies and damselflies in a summer. 

“I am crazy enough to drive an hour to see a rare dragonfly,” Gorga said. “I drove all the way to somewhere near Nashua to see an American ruby spot.”

In 2007, NH Audubon launched the NH Dragonfly Survey. Volunteers tracked and recorded dragonfly species in New Hampshire for five years, recording 157 of the 164 dragonfly species ever reported in the state. Gorga, who is currently teaching a dragonfly and damselfly photography class at the Harris Center, has become expert at finding dragonfly and damselfly habitats.  The last two classes in the series will be held in the field. 

“The different types of odes all have their preferred habitats. Some need big lakes, some need small beaver ponds, some need rivers, some need small streams with sandy bottoms,” Gorga said. “This time of year, odes are getting away from the water as fast as they can, before something eats them. They like sunny fields, or you will see them in the middle of roads, out of the shade.”

Gorga has photographed the  entire odes life cycle, including the dramatic “emergence”  event, when the adult dragonfly breaks out from the smaller nymph body. 

“Dragonflies spend most of their lives underwater, as nymphs. Around here, they typically start coming out of the water in early May, when the water in their habitat hits a certain temperature,” Gorga said. 

Gorga also enjoys photographing birds, including loons, and took a series of a family of loons on Gregg Lake two years ago. The photographs from the current exhibit are from a birding trip to Star Island led by the Harris Center’s Eric Masterson. 

Gorga said teaching the class at the Harris Center has been a joy. He credits Harris Center naturalist Susie Spikol, who saw him one evening taking photographs at Norway Pond,  with organizing the class and the exhibit. 

“It’s been great to get more people interested in odes, and in the photography,” Gorga said. “I tell my class, you have to pay attention. With nature photography, you just never know what you’re going to see.”

For information on Gorga’s photography, visit frg-photo.com.

Paris has witnessed the captivating launch of Honor’s 200 Series smartphones, a mid-range marvel that has caught the attention of technology aficionados and industry partners alike. Honor has teamed up with the storied Parisian photography institution, Studio Harcourt, in a collaboration that is stirring excitement among photography enthusiasts. The synergy between Honor’s innovative technology and Studio Harcourt’s photographic pedigree has culminated in a new frontier for smartphone imaging.

The Honor 200 Pro, a standout in the new series, is crafted in collaboration with Studio Harcourt’s skilled photographers. It boasts a 50MP portrait telephoto camera powered by an advanced AI Portrait Engine. This cutting-edge feature revolutionizes how light and shadow are used, setting a new benchmark for smartphone portraiture.

In a strategic move, Honor has also partnered with renowned portrait photographer Rankin. Though the fruits of this union were not showcased, a teaser featuring Rankin’s admiration for the 200 Series’ camera capabilities has generated anticipation for a later event in London.

The distinction of the Honor 200 Pro goes beyond its camera. Equipped with a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, 12GB of RAM, and a robust 5,200 mAH battery with ultra-fast charging, the device is a powerhouse of performance. In addition, a generous 512GB storage capacity ensures ample space for high-quality portraits and more.

The Pro model’s allure is further heightened by its selection of hues—Ocean Cyan, Moonlight White, and classic Black—with the Moonlight White rendition showcasing a unique marbled look that sets a new aesthetic standard in the mid-range category.

For interested buyers in the UK and Europe, pre-orders for the 200 Pro and the standard 200 model have commenced, with pricing at $699.99 and $499.99, respectively. The series also includes a more budget-friendly Lite version, available at $279.99, including a promotional discount for early purchasers.

For more details and full specs, the official Honor website is the go-to source, also featuring information on the basic model and the Lite variant.

Important Questions and Answers:

Q: What type of collaboration has Honor entered into for its new 200 Series phones?
A: Honor has partnered with Studio Harcourt, a prestigious Parisian photography institution, to enhance the photographic capabilities of its Honor 200 Series phones, particularly the 50MP portrait telephoto camera of the Honor 200 Pro.

Q: What are some technological specs of the Honor 200 Pro device?
A: The Honor 200 Pro is equipped with a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, 12GB of RAM, and a 5,200 mAh battery with ultra-fast charging. It also offers 512GB of storage capacity.

Q: What are the available color options for the Honor 200 Pro?
A: The Honor 200 Pro comes in Ocean Cyan, Moonlight White, and classic Black, with Moonlight White featuring a unique marbled appearance.

Key Challenges or Controversies:
The smartphone market is extremely competitive, and Honor’s re-entry into various markets after its separation from Huawei poses a challenge in gaining customer trust and market share against established brands. There might be concerns about the availability of Google services on Honor devices, which can impact consumer decisions.

Advantages and Disadvantages:
The partnership with photography experts like Studio Harcourt and Rankin gives the Honor 200 Series an edge in portrait photography, potentially attracting customers interested in high-quality smartphone photography. The inclusion of a Lite variant offers accessibility to customers with a smaller budget.

However, the mid-range market is crowded, and the Honor 200 Series may face stiff competition from other brands offering similar specs at competitive prices. Additionally, pricing may be a disadvantage for consumers expecting lower prices for mid-range phones.

For more information and updates, interested individuals can visit the official Honor website at Honor.