On Safari: My Wildlife Photography Adventure In 21 Photos

On Safari: My Wildlife Photography Adventure In 21 Photos

With nearly two decades of experience photographing African wildlife, I’ve become intimately acquainted with animal behavior. This familiarity often aids me in capturing extraordinary moments. Anticipating the route of the giraffes and predicting that the lead giraffe would stop to assess us before continuing on his way. What I hadn’t anticipated was the near-perfect symmetry that unfolded as the other giraffes continued their graceful stride in the background.

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My client was thrilled with the resulting composition, and so was I. As the giraffes proceeded toward the tree, it was the last giraffe that provided us with the quintessential African scene. Stretching its neck to reach the last dangling leaves, amidst the lush grass and billowing white clouds, a stunning photographic print was born.

As my tummy rumbled, signaling perfect timing for breakfast, we made our way to my cherished tree. While my guests stretched their legs, Steve and I swiftly set up a table and chairs, arranging a delightful spread that the lodge had prepared for us: coffee, croissants, muffins, cheeses, and meats. It was a scrumptious breakfast, enjoyed amidst the expansive beauty of the Mara.

50 of America’s top creatives, photographed by Inez & Vinoodh

50 of America’s top creatives, photographed by Inez & Vinoodh

Photographed by Inez & Vinoodh, we present an exclusive portfolio, celebrating 50 exceptional individuals driving the current discourse on American culture and its dynamic, creative evolution. Unrivalled at what they do and impassioned by their disciplines, some are instantly recognisable and some are not. But whether they are icons, change-makers or cultural renegades, all are creative American voices at the forefront of their field.

Creative America photographed by Inez & Vinoodh


1. Miles Greenberg, performance artist

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

Dubbed ‘the face of performance art for a new generation’, Miles Greenberg trained with choreographer Édouard Lock, as well as Robert Wilson and Marina Abramović, from whom he picked up an inclination for feats of endurance that push his body and mind to the limits. Sensorially immersive and site-specific, his installations are captured in real-time before the audience to generate later video works and sculptures.

milesgreenberg.com

2. Charles Matadin, model and artist

Portrait of Charles Matadin

(Image credit: Inez & Vinoodh)

Apart from being a sculpture and electronic music student at RISD, Charles Matadin was perhaps destined for a life in front of the camera, as the son of Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin. Now blazing his own trail, the burgeoning fashion model and artist has recently starred on the covers of Icon, shot by Mark Seliger, and Shadowplay, captured by his parents. He’s also walked in catwalk shows for the likes of Dior, Alexander Wang, Marc Jacobs and Rick Owens.

@charles.matadin

3. Willy Chavarria, fashion designer

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(Image credit: Inez & Vinoodh)

CFDA’s American Menswear Designer of 2023 (the first Latino to receive the accolade), Willy Chavarria plays with queer reinterpretations of Latin American culture, providing a commentary on US society through a minority lens. As well as running his own label, he has held roles at Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and American Eagle, each informing his unique spin on Americana that began growing up in a farming community in Fresno, California.

willychavarria.com

4. Chase Hall, artist

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

Chase Hall applies coffee to cotton canvas (both inextricably linked to Africa and slavery) to explore ‘the impossible absolute of biracial identity’. Mixed-race and raised in Minnesota, Chicago, Las Vegas, Colorado, LA and New York, the artist is perfectly positioned to reflect on his country’s variety of histories. Using drip-brew techniques derived from coffee beans and acrylic pigments, he aims to liberate his paintings ‘from a legacy of American portraiture’.

chasehallstudio.com

5. Ariana Papademetropoulos, artist

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

Ariana Papademetropoulos has gained a cult following for her ethereal, rainbow-hued paintings that blend mystical imagery and natural forms with figurative elements. The LA-based artist explores themes including femininity and sensuality through both her paintings and the highly stylised photographs of herself – either in costume or nude – that she posts to social media. Catch her dressed as a snail, imitating a zebra, or straddling a giant corn cob.

@arianapapademetropoulos

6. Clare Crespo, artist, author and fantasist

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

LA-based writer and declared fantasist, Clare Crespo has designed a set of Delft-inspired tiger plates; created an altar piece for a New Orleans hotel, featuring porcelain snakes tied in nautical knots; written, produced and starred in her own children’s cooking show, Yummyfun Kooking (the first three episodes of which she filmed in her garage); and has also written two books on food, Hey There, Cupcake! and The Secret Life of Food, which acts as both cookbook and kids’ story.

clarecrespo.com

7. Mel Ottenberg, editor-in-chief, Interview

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

Mel Ottenberg’s first high-profile client as a stylist was Courtney Love, circa 2000s. Appointed editor-in-chief of Interview magazine in 2021, he has since created such memorable covers as Kim Kardashian with bleached eyebrows for the American Dream issue, and a smoking Lana Del Rey, interviewed by Billie Eilish. Not content with dressing Rihanna in a yellow cape for the Met Gala, he is now making the magazine he wants to read and, it seems, that everyone else wants to read, too.

@melzy917

8. Jon Shook & Vinny Dotolo, chefs and restaurateurs

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

James Beard award-winning chefs Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo operate some of LA’s most celebrated restaurants. They put themselves on the map with Animal in 2008, then Son of a Gun in 2011, both of which received critical acclaim, and earned Shook and Dotolo snaps for innovating the city’s dining scene. They also partnered with sommelier Helen Johannesen to open an organic wine shop, and acquired microgrocery Cookbook Market.

jonandvinnys.com

9. Raul Lopez, fashion designer

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

Raul Lopez’s fashion label Luar seems to resonate with the Latin market, American pop stars, streetwear fans and luxury fiends alike. Its collections include the bestselling ‘Ana’ bag, introduced in 2022 and favoured by the likes of Dua Lipa and Rihanna. Lopez’s success is due in part to his celebration of his Dominican roots, with the ‘Ana’s shape a nod to the briefcase, a symbol of American success for many immigrant families.

luar.world

10. Hoa Xuande, actor

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

Australian-born, Vietnamese actor Hoa Xuande recently starred in The Sympathizer, an HBO miniseries adaptation of Viet Thanh Nguyen’s best-selling debut novel set at the end of the Vietnam War. His breakout role as a spy straddling the fence between North Vietnam and the US, as well as credits in Last King of the Cross and A Stitch in Time, have set up a career trajectory that looks set for multiple award wins.

@hoaxuande

11. Jeffrey Deitch, art dealer and curator

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

For almost five decades, Jeffrey Deitch has been a prominent figure in the modern and contemporary art world, as a gallerist, dealer, curator, collector and advisor. With a stint as the director of MOCA in LA; close connections with artists ranging from Jean-Michel Basquiat to Jeff Koons; and as the curator of groundbreaking exhibitions, Deitch has seamlessly shifted the perceptions and values of art.

deitch.com

12. Martine Gutierrez, artist and performer

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

Both MoMA and the Whitney have recently acquired works by Martine Gutierrez, whose practice subverts the language of glossy magazines and advertising to question stereotypes and expose biases. Whether creating billboards for fake jeans brands or self-portraits with mannequins, Gutierrez, who identifies as a non-binary transwoman, asks us what it means to be a woman today.

martinegutierrez.com

13. Brian Oakes, artist

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

Based in New York but working with factories in Shenzhen, Brian Oakes uses circuit boards as a canvas to give life to ‘creatures’ that often present a structure for random sampling and recording, repeating things back to their audience or creating their own ambient drone soundtracks. Oakes describes their work as somewhere between ‘hyper-robotic to the point of natural’ and ‘so organic that it becomes mechanical’.

brianoakes.xyz

14. Natalie Brumley, artist and jewellery designer

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

Born in Kuala Lumpur and raised in Texas, Natalie Brumley focuses on the realm between contemporary art and jewellery design. Currently interning with Parisian jeweller Goossens, she admits to an affinity for metal. Her exploration of all things alloy, learning traditional techniques in its craftsmanship, has led her down a botanically-inspired path, creating forged silver orchid rings and copper fig brooches.

@natalie.brumley

15. Alexander May, creative consultant and curator

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

Alexander May’s wide-ranging oeuvre includes the curation of large-scale exhibitions, creative direction, brand strategy and set design, and he has worked with top brands ranging from Skims to Ssense. In 2021, he set up creative studio Sized, and a year later opened a minimalist, multifunctional event space in LA. He has also launched Sized Selects, a monthly curation of artworks, design objects and furniture from around the world.

sized.ltd

16. Leilah Babirye, sculptor

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

In 2015, Leilah Babirye fled to New York from her native Uganda after being publicly outed in a local newspaper. Her artworks celebrate her adoptive city by repurposing its waste, which she welds and burnishes into figurative sculptures. Represented by Max Hetzler, Stephen Friedman and Gordon Robichaux galleries, Babirye uses her work to respond to the anti-homosexuality legislation that has been recently passed in her home country.

@babiryesculptor

17. Nili Lotan, fashion designer

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

The self-described queen of Tribeca, Nili Lotan spent more than 20 years honing her design skills at companies such as Ralph Lauren before launching her eponymous label in 2003, in her forties. It’s now a $100m brand beloved for its high-quality, timeless basics, and impressively, Lotan built this success without ever taking part in fashion shows, preferring to bet on communication and sustainability.

18. Paola Antonelli, curator

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

Few people have had such an impact on contemporary design collection as Paola Antonelli, MoMA’s senior curator of architecture and design (and a 2019 Wallpaper* Design Awards judge), whose fascination lies where design intersects with other fields. She was at the forefront of rapid collecting, building the museum’s archive of culture-defining objects as they gained importance rather than years later, and she frequently hosts R&D Salons to identify new directions.

@paolantonelli

19. Pamela Shamshiri, interior designer

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

Born in Tehran and raised in California, interior designer Pamela Shamshiri was one of the four founding partners of design studio Commune before launching her eponymous practice in 2016. Her first monograph, also self-titled, was released last year and documents Studio Shamshiri’s work reimagining historic properties, including midcentury masterpieces by architects such as Rudolph Schindler and A Quincy Jones.

studioshamshiri.com

20. Chris Wolston, artist and designer

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

Channelling an interest in non-Western traditions and techniques into his colourful and expressive works, Chris Wolston uses a unique approach to art and design that has landed him collaborations with the likes of Fendi, Phillip Lim and Dior. Some of his most recognisable pieces, like the ‘Nalgona’ chair series, can be found in the permanent collections of museums around the world. He now splits his time between Brooklyn and Medellín.

chriswolston.com

21. Jane Mayle, fashion designer

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

When early 2000s fashion came back in vogue a few years ago, Jane Mayle was once again thrust into the spotlight, as young generations rediscovered the playfully feminine dresses that she once sold from her boutique on Elizabeth Street in New York. The indie model-turned-designer therefore recently relaunched and rebranded her label, now called Maison Mayle, carrying the same boho-influenced, print-forward aesthetic, but with a few updates.

maisonmayle.com

22. Dan Colen, artist

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

Originally known on New York’s art scene for being drunk and disorderly with his friends Dash Snow and Ryan McGinley, Dan Colen still has his Brooklyn studio but is now largely based at his upstate New York farm. Exploring the artistic possibilities of chewing gum led him to create highly sought-after, Jackson Pollock-like canvases, and his experiments with everyday objects continue with his hyperrealist paintings of J Crew catalogue pages or curtains made from crack pipes.

@hellhillel

23. Lindsey Adelman, lighting designer

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

Lindsey Adelman’s sculptural combinations of blown-glass orbs with delicate metal armatures, and various chains and accessories, have resulted in a series of covetable lighting collections. Recently, she’s turned her attention to reviving the ancient oil lamp as part of an artful collaboration with artisan glass blowers, which she debuted during New York Design Week 2024 in May.

lindseyadelman.com

24. Christopher Stringer & Elizabeth Paige Smith, product designer and artist

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

Artist and designer Elizabeth Paige Smith spent ten years living and working at a remote Frank Lloyd Wright house in Woodside, near Palo Alto. Now, working with her partner Christopher Stringer, a former lead designer at Apple, she has reinvented herself as a purveyor of stunning interiors, including their restored 1927 Venice Beach bungalow.

@elizabethpaigesmithart, @christopherjstringer

25. Amy Sall, writer and editor

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

A multi-hyphenate New Yorker with Senegalese roots, Amy Sall is the Columbia-educated founding editor of SUNU: Journal of African Affairs, Critical Thought + Aesthetics, as well as a part-time lecturer and model. Thames & Hudson has just published her first book, The African Gaze: Photography, Cinema and Power, which offers an exploration of postcolonial and contemporary African photography and cinema.

amysall.com

26. Aquaria, drag performer and DJ

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

One of the first drag queens to grace the red carpet at the Met Gala in 2019, Aquaria (aka Giovanni Palandrani) has inordinate amounts of charisma, verve and talent. After winning RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2018 at the tender age of 21, she described drag as both ‘a form of entertainment and a form of hope’. She quickly became a fashion-world favourite, appearing in an issue of Vogue Italia, and signing to IMG Models.

@ageofaquaria

27. Ales Ortuzar, art dealer

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(Image credit: Inez & Vinoodh)

Ales Ortuzar’s gallery, Ortuzar Projects, recently moved into a new space triple the size of its original Tribeca location. His hunch that focusing on international 20th- and 21st-century artists overlooked in the US could be of interest to institutions trying to diversify their collections proved to be a stroke of genius. Launched with a show dedicated to French abstract painter Michel Parmentier, his gallery looks after a roster of 14 now-sought-after artists.

ortuzarprojects.com

28. Shirley Kurata, costume designer and stylist

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

Bold and colourful, the signature style of Japanese-American stylist Shirley Kurata has been a big hit with celebrities such as Billie Eilish and Pharrell Williams. Last year, she was nominated for an Academy Award for best costume design for her work on indie film Everything Everywhere All at Once, while her gender-neutral streetwear is flying off the shelves of her East Hollywood boutique, Virgil Normal.

@shirleykurata

29. David Hertz, architect

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

David Hertz’s Studio of Environmental Architecture was way ahead of its time in designing and building sustainably, as shown by the 747 Wing House in Malibu, made from upcycled plane parts. Sustainability and regeneration within the built environment have been his top concerns for the past 40 years, and he continues to innovate as the global climate crisis worsens. He is also the co-founder of the Resilience Fund for Advancing Climate Technologies.

davidhertzfaia.com

30. Bianca Chen & Joel Chen, art and design curator and antiques dealer

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

LA antique dealer Joel Chen founded his West Hollywood gallery, JF Chen, in 1974, supplying American consumers with the work of early modernist designers. He also frequently works with filmmakers and set decorators to source pieces for TV and film. His daughter Bianca is a successful curator and art consultant in her own right, with recent solo shows of work by Tahmineh Javanbakht and Hun Chung Lee under her belt.

jfchen.com

biancachen.com

31. Jess Cuevas, artist and creative director

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

The artwork for Madonna’s Celebration tour came courtesy of Jess Cuevas, an artist and creative director who has worked with many of the top culture-defining publications including Paper, Totem and Candy. His unique takes on iconic imagery and fashion editorials blur the definitions of photography, graphics, and creative and art direction – see his recent work featuring Camila Cabello, Amanda Lepore and, of course, Madonna as great examples.

jesscuevasstyle.com

32. Lisa Cortés, film director and producer

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

From Oscar-winning film Precious to Little Richard: I am Everything, film producer and director Lisa Cortés’ work highlights social issues from the point of view of an always-relatable character. With a trajectory taking her from Connecticut to Hollywood, via Yale, Def Jam and Mercury Records, Cortés is a woman with many interests, including Black literature, hip-hop and fly fishing. Next up is The Empire of Ebony, a documentary about the Black media powerhouse.

@misscortes

33. Louisa Jacobson, actor

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

The daughter of Meryl Streep and sculptor Don Gummer, Louisa Jacobson currently stars in HBO’s period drama The Gilded Age. She initially tried to eschew the limelight, studying psychology and working in advertising, but was drawn to the stage, securing a place at Yale School of Drama. She recently finished filming romcom Materialists, directed by Celine Song, whose directorial debut, Past Lives, received critical acclaim.

@louisa_jacobson

34. Humberto Leon, fashion designer and restaurateur

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

As the co-founder of cult fashion brand Opening Ceremony, launched in 2002, Humberto Leon cemented his status as a tastemaker. He and professional partner Carol Lim were then tapped to be co-creative directors for Kenzo, and spent eight years helming the brand. In 2020, Leon shifted his focus to LA’s culinary scene and opened three restaurants that redefine experiential dining: Chifa in 2020, and Monarch and Arroz & Fun in 2023.

@humberto

35. Indya Moore, actor, model and social activist

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

Indya Moore shot to fame in FX drama series Pose, a Ryan Murphy production about the ballroom scene in 1980s/90s New York, and has since had roles in blockbuster movies, indie flicks and music videos. As a transgender and non-binary person, Moore is an activist for social equality and trans rights, speaking frequently on issues that affect LGBTQ+ and other marginalised communities. Using her platform to inspire others landed Moore on the Time 100 list in 2019.

@indyamoore

36. Gabriel Hendifar, designer and creative director

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

Gabriel Hendifar has been able to generate unprecedented buzz, with his lighting brand Apparatus, creating minimal, industrial forms that are often influenced by his Persian heritage. The brand’s three showrooms, in New York, LA and London, are periodically refreshed with an entirely new concept, and relaunched with a lavish themed party to celebrate, typically with a guestlist that reads as a who’s who of the creative industry.

apparatusstudio.com

37. Pierce Abernathy, recipe developer, chef and model

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

Pierce Abernathy started out producing food videos for BuzzFeed before getting noticed online when his own recipe posts began to rack up the likes. He is also now a model, walking for the likes of Gucci and Helmut Lang. He continues to share mouth watering videos of recipes for dishes such as strawberry clafoutis; works with eco-focused collective Aerthship; and writes a Substack called ‘Don’t Skip The Dip!’ (fans can also buy matching socks with the slogan).

@pierceabernathy

38. Jordan Wolfson, artist

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

Multimedia artist Jordan Wolfson uses tools such as CGI, animatronics and VR, manipulated to interrogate our relationship with technology and the media. His thought-provoking works include Female Figure and Colored Sculpture, capturing the viewer’s attention through a disconcerting mix of sound and movement. More recent pieces include Body Sculpture, a robotic cube that simulates a series of human gestures.

jordanwolfson.org

39. Takako Yamaguchi, artist

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

There has been a recent surge in interest in the 72-year-old Takako Yamaguchi, with her paintings appearing in high-profile sales at Christie’s and Sotheby’s, and at the latest Whitney Biennial. Her practice merges geometric shapes and nature-inspired patterns to create works that stand out for their precision, elaborate details and stylised form, referencing Japanese printmaking as well as art nouveau and deco styles.

takakoyamaguchi.com

40. Edwina von Gal, landscape designer

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

Edwina von Gal has created natural, sustainable landscape designs for the likes of Richard Meier, Calvin Klein and Cindy Sherman. After designing a park for a Frank Gehry museum in Panama, she began campaigning for reforestation in the country, branching out to found the Perfect Earth Project to promote nature-based, toxic-free land care practices. She is anti perfectly manicured lawns and all for clovers and long blades swaying in the wind.

perfectearthproject.org

41. Christine & John Gachot, interior designers

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

The Gachots design elegant pared-back spaces unique to their location, with past projects including the Shinola Hotel in Detroit, cosmetics brand Glossier’s debut New York flagship store and Marc Jacobs’ West Village townhouse. They have also created incredible homes for themselves: they live in Paul Rudolph’s former home, a modernist penthouse in Manhattan known for its dizzying layout, and also have a retreat on Shelter Island.

gachotstudios.com

42. Johnny Ortiz-Concha & Maida Branch, artists and chefs

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

Spurred on by a passion for food, the New Mexico-based Johnny Ortiz-Concha and Maida Branch (pictured here with their daughter Florá) founded Shed in 2017 as ‘an ecosystem of practices that come together in the form of dinners celebrating nature and the fleeting of time’. Not only do they serve up dishes featuring canyon grape and foraged weeds at a long communal table, but they also create the tableware using local clay, beeswax and cedar.

shed-project.com

43. Jeffrey Gibson, artist

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

Jeffrey Gibson’s work is characterised by vibrant colour and pattern and the Choctaw-Cherokee artist is currently basking in the success of his critically-acclaimed US Pavilion at the 60th Venice Art Biennale, the country’s first solo presentation by an Indigenous artist at the event. Recent projects, including a collaboration with Dior and a book titled An Indigenous Present, have helped to cement him as one of America’s most important contemporary artists.

@jeffrune

44. Louise Bonnet & Adam Silverman, painter and sculptor

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

Louise Bonnet’s large-scale works in oil touch on multiple themes ranging from sex and beauty to tension and humour. However, they gained new significance when paired with her husband Adam Silverman’s highly sculptural ceramic vessels as part of a site-specific exhibition at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House last year, highlighting the globular forms visible in both of their works.

@louisebonnetstudio @adamsilvermanstudio

45. Dara, fashion director, Interview

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

Gender non-conforming model-turned-stylist Dara made her catwalk debut in 2017 for Marc Jacobs where her runway skills were praised by none other than Erdem Moralıoğlu. Now the fashion director of Interview magazine, more recently, her talents as a stylist got noticed when she dressed actor Hunter Schafer in a bold floral piece by Marni and a hand-painted panelled number by Schiaparelli for Schafer’s first major Hollywood press tour.

@dara._

46. Stephen Galloway, creative movement director

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

Stephen Galloway has built on a 25-year career in ballet and dance theatre, translatinghis experience across fields that span musical performance, fashion photography, costume design and brand consultancy. He has been a creative movement director for the likes of Versace, Yves Saint Laurent and Issey Miyake, while his ability to create a dance that can go viral, as he did with Miley Cyrus’ Flowers video, is a priceless commodity in today’s world.

@stephengalloway

47. John Derian, designer

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

John Derian has long been obsessed with decoupage, the art of cutting and pasting paper, and he and his small team of artisans are constantly creating decorative home items with imagery from an ever-expanding collection of 18th and 19th century prints. His pieces, which include collaborations with many high-end designers and brands, are sold under his brand Decoupage at homeware stores worldwide, as well as at his own boutique in Manhattan’s East Village.

johnderian.com

48. Kathy Ryan, photography director and photographer

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(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

Kathy Ryan was The New York Times Magazine’s photography director for more than three decades, an experience that kickstarted her book Office Romance, a collection of photographs taken in and around the Renzo Piano-designed NYT HQ. She stepped down from the role this year, but her department’s recent spectacular commissions include an unforgettable story by Lynsey Addario about the Ukrainian front line and a portfolio by James Nachtwey on ‘actors in the wild’.

@kathyryan

49. Jordan Kahn, chef and creative director

Creative America

(Image credit: Inez and Vinoodh)

At 17, Jordan Kahn became the youngest intern ever at Thomas Keller’s French Laundry after sending the chef a nine-page application letter. Stints under Grant Achatz and Michael Mina led to the opening of his first restaurant, Red Medicine, in 2010. His penchant for expressionist desserts has had him compared to Jackson Pollock, while his three Culver City restaurants (Destroyer, Meteora and Vespertine) offer deliciously avant-garde dining experiences.

@chefjordankahn

50. Arthur Jafa, artist and cinematographer

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Now in the collections of MoMA and MOCA, video artist Arthur Jafa’s seven-minute video essay Love is the Message, The Message is Death, set to Kanye West’s song Ultralight Beam, features a series of found images and clips exploring African American lives and resiliency. Winner of Venice’s Golden Lion in 2019 for The White Album, he also creates memorable visuals for music videos including Jay-Z’s 4:44, Solange’s Don’t Touch My Hair and Kanye West’s Wash Us in the Blood.

@anamibia

Lighting director: Jodokus Driessen. VLM Studio art director: Marc Kroop. Digi tech: Brian Anderson. Photography assistants: Fyodor Shiryaev, Chris Davis, Andrew Harless and Emma Mortimer. Producers: Michael Gleeson and John Nadhazi. Agent: Kim Pollock. Casting: Shay Nielsen Casting. LA portraits shot at Sized Ltd, with special thanks to Alexander May, sized.ltd, @sized_ltd

This article appears in the August 2024 issue of Wallpaper*, a guide to Creative America, available to download free when you sign up to our daily digest of news, in print on newsstands from 4 July, on the Wallpaper* app on Apple iOS, and to subscribers of Apple News +. Subscribe to Wallpaper* today

Capturing the Beauty of Sunflowers: Smartphone Photography Contest at Sunflower Theme Park

Capturing the Beauty of Sunflowers: Smartphone Photography Contest at Sunflower Theme Park

Discover the charm of sunflowers in a whole new light with the upcoming smartphone photography contest at Sunflower Theme Park in Hampshire County.

Sunflower enthusiasts will have the opportunity to showcase their creativity and photography skills in the inaugural “Sunflower Theme Park Smartphone Photo Contest” starting from August 8 to 28. Unlike traditional contests, this event encourages visitors to easily participate and enjoy by snapping pictures of the stunning sunflowers within the park using their smartphones.

Visitors of all ages and from any location are welcome to participate by capturing the beauty of the sunflower theme park and submitting their entries via the park’s QR code. Only smartphone photography is permitted for submission, and computer graphics or synthesized works will not be accepted.

During the contest period, entries received from Monday to Sunday will be displayed at the park’s on-site booth on the following Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for visitors to vote on their favorite pieces. Winning entries will be announced on the Hampshire County website and winners will be contacted individually for further details. The winning photographs will also be utilized for future exhibitions and promotional materials at the visitor center.

In addition to the contest, special events for participants will be held at the park’s event booth every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until August 4. For more information on the contest guidelines, interested individuals can refer to the Hampshire County official website or contact the Hampshire County Forestry and Greenery Department at 055-580-4592~5.

New Details Unveiled for the Sunflower Theme Park Smartphone Photography Contest

As the excitement builds for the upcoming smartphone photography contest at the Sunflower Theme Park in Hampshire County, a host of additional details have emerged that promise to make this event even more captivating for participants and visitors alike.

What are the most important questions individuals might have about this unique contest?
One key question that arises is whether individuals can use photo editing apps on their smartphones to enhance their sunflower shots. Another important query might revolve around the criteria the judges will use in selecting the winning entries. Additionally, participants could wonder whether there are any restrictions on the number of entries they can submit.

Are there any key challenges or controversies associated with this topic?
One potential challenge could be ensuring a fair judging process for the contest, especially given the subjective nature of photography. Another challenge might involve providing clear guidelines to participants on what types of photographic enhancements or filters are permissible, to maintain the integrity of the competition.

What advantages can participants expect from entering the contest?
Participants have the unique opportunity to showcase their creativity and photography skills in a vibrant and visually stunning setting. By engaging in the contest, individuals can also gain exposure for their work through the display of their images at the park’s booth and potential use in future exhibitions and promotions.

And what are the potential disadvantages of taking part in the contest?
One possible drawback could be the competitive nature of the event, leading to disappointment for some participants if their entries are not selected as winners. Additionally, individuals who prefer more traditional photography methods might find the smartphone-only requirement restrictive.

For more information on the contest guidelines and updates, interested individuals can visit the Hampshire County official website. For inquiries or assistance, the Hampshire County Forestry and Greenery Department can be reached at 055-580-4592~5.

The sunflower theme park awaits, ready to capture the beauty of these iconic flowers through the lenses of smartphone photographers from far and wide.

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The Wildlife Photographer of the Year has landed in the iconic Eden Project

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year has landed in the iconic Eden Project

The winning images of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition are now on display at the world famous Eden Project in Cornwall, England. 

After receiving over 50,000 entries, the winners and finalists were announced in February, and the images will now be displayed at the Eden Project from July 1 to September 1. 

The winning image, above, was taken by British amateur photographer Nima Sarikhani, who took home the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award. 

Dr Doug Gurr, director of the Natural History Museum, said: “We are facing urgent biodiversity and climate crises, and photography is a powerful catalyst for change. 

“The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition reveals some of nature’s most wondrous sights whilst offering hope and achievable actions visitors can take to help protect the natural world.”

Death in Waiting, Pietro Formis, Rijeka, Croatia

(Image credit: © Pietro Formis / Wildlife Photographer of the Year)

“Pietro approached the stargazer with care so as not to disturb it. Combining the concentrated light from the flash with a slow shutter speed and deliberate movement from his camera, Pietro presents the stargazer lit through a curtain of turquoise water.”

Equipment used: Canon EOS R5, 100mm f2.8 lens, 1/6 at f/16, ISO 160, Marelux housing, Inon Z-330 strobe + Marelux SOFT snoot

Ghost Cat, Sinheng Tse, Guangzhou Zoo, Guangdong, China

(Image credit: © Sinheng Tse / Wildlife Photographer of the Year)

“As this South China tiger paced around, Sinheng noticed the contrast between the pattern of its fur and the bars of the cage. The species is now extinct in the wild due to decades of persecution, and this individual is one of fewer than 200 left in zoos across China.

Just 70 years ago, an estimated 4,000 South China tigers roamed the southern forests – a habitat that’s since been fragmented or cleared for agriculture. The last confirmed sighting of a wild South China tiger was in 1988.

It’s believed that all captive South China tigers are descended from just six wild individuals.”

Equipment used: Canon EOS R6, 100–500mm f4.5–7.1 lens, 1/1000 at f/7.1, ISO 20000

The Vanishing Seal, Bruno D’Amicis, Greece

Beneath the clifftop where Bruno lay hidden, a Mediterranean monk seal glided through the shallows before disappearing into a cave. Masked by the reflections on the water, the seal appears to be almost vanishing in front of our eyes - an apt metaphor given that the species is on the brink of extinction.

(Image credit: © Bruno D’Amicis / Wildlife Photographer of the Year)

“Beneath the clifftop where Bruno lay hidden, a Mediterranean monk seal glided through the shallows before disappearing into a cave. Masked by the reflections on the water, the seal appears to be almost vanishing in front of our eyes – an apt metaphor given that the species is on the brink of extinction.

Working under permit and with the aim of raising awareness of this little-known mammal, Bruno reached the cliff before daylight. Lying on a tiny ledge, he monitored the seals on his camera screen so as not to disturb them.”

Equipment used: Canon EOS R5, 24–70mm f2.8 lens at 70mm, 1/250 at f/3.5, ISO 3200

Reflections on a Waterworld, Barbara Dall’Angelo, Guadalquivir Marshes, Andalucía, Spain

(Image credit: © Barbara Dall’Angelo / Wildlife Photographer of the Year)

“Flying in a little Cessna plane over the inland sea of rice paddies, Barbara was hoping for a striking reflective composition. What she hadn’t expected was this strange optical illusion, with the lower rectangular fields reflecting the sky as if from a sloping wall.”

Equipment used: Nikon D800, 70–200mm f2.8 lens, 1/800 at f/6.3, ISO 800

Face of the Forest, Vishnu Gopal, Tapiraí, São Paulo, Brazil

(Image credit: © Vishnu Gopal / Wildlife Photographer of the Year)

“Finding hoofprints on a forest track near his campsite, Vishnu waited nearby. An hour later, the tapir appeared. Using a long exposure and torchlight to capture texture and movement, Vishnu framed the tapir, head turned to the side, as it emerged from the forest.”

Equipment used: Nikon D850, 14–24mm f2.8 lens at 14mm, 1/30 at f6.3, ISO 1600, torch

Launched in 1995, the competition now receives stunning photographs from 95 countries across all continents, highlighting the stunning biodiversity of this planet, and the challenges it faces. 

The Eden Project was opened in 2001 as an experimental garden to encourage people to reconnect with nature, as well as an educational charity and a social enterprise all rolled into one. The site sits on a reclaimed china pit, and is dominated by two large enclosures consisting of conjoining domes, home to thousands of plant species living inside their own natural biome. 

The 59th exhibition will be available for public viewing around the world throughout the year at other locations too.

Check out our guides to the best cameras for wildlife photography, best lenses for bird photography.

We’ve also got a guide to the best trail cameras.

Getty Images Photographers Recognized at 2024 World Sports Photography Awards

Getty Images Photographers Recognized at 2024 World Sports Photography Awards

New York – July 4, 2024: Getty Images (NYSE: GETY), a preeminent global visual content creator and marketplace, has taken home 27 prizes at the World Sports Photography Awards, including staff photographer Ryan Pierse, who took home bronze in the Overall Winners 2024 and gold in the Aquatic category. Steph Chambers, Bruce Bennett, Sean M. Haffey and Alexander Hassenstein were also recognized with gold in Basketball, Ice Hockey, Swimming &  Diving and Winter Sports, respectively.

In addition, a larger group of Getty Images staff photographers from around the globe were honored across a variety of categories, including:

  • Al Bello: awarded special merit in Swimming & Diving for “Impact”; special merit in Other Sports for “Ecstasy and Agony”
  • Alexander Hassenstein: awarded gold in Winter Sports for “MIKAELAS WORLD ‑ SKI WELT CUP”; special merit in Football (Soccer) for “WINNERS!!
  • Bruce Bennett: awarded gold in Ice Hockey for “50th Anniversary Score”; special merit in Ice Hockey for “Snowstorm”. 
  • Clive Brunskill: awarded special merit in Tennis for “Shadow Play”, “I’ve got it!” and “Andy Murray serves”
  • Clive Mason: awarded special merit in Formula 1 for “Bellagio”, “Dusk Drifting” and “The Strip”
  • Ezra Shaw: awarded special merit in Baseball for “Diving Home”; special merit in Swimming & Diving for “Diving Practice”
  • Kevin Cox: awarded special merit in Baseball for “Sliding Under The Glove”
  • Patrick Smith: awarded silver in American Football for “Dobbins dive”; silver in Tennis for “Backs to Forhead”; special merit in Boxing for “Boxing Backflip”
  • Richard Heathcote: awarded special merit in Golf for “Oh Tommy Tommy”
  • Robert Cianflone: awarded special merit in Cricket for “Flying Marnus”
  • Ryan Pierse: awarded bronze in Overall 2024 Winners for “Duck Dive”; gold in Aquatic for “Duck Dive”; bronze in Cycling for “Velo”
  • Sean M. Haffey: awarded gold in Swimming and Diving for “Submerged”; silver in Martial Arts for “On the Button”; bronze in Tennis for “Serve it up”
  • Steph Chambers: awarded gold in Basketball for “Rainbow Hair”

Michael Heiman, Vice President of Global Sports Photography at Getty Images, said: “We are immensely proud of our exceptional team of photographers who have been honored at this year’s World Sports Photography Awards. Their remarkable work captures the heart and soul of sports, reflecting its universal significance. This recognition is a testament to their unparalleled skill, unwavering dedication, and boundless creativity. For nearly three decades, we have committed to documenting the awe‑inspiring moments in sports—from thrilling victories to poignant defeats—and we are excited to continue sharing the beauty and emotion of sports for many more years to come.”

Getty Images has the most comprehensive sports collection available today, covering more than 50,000 sporting events annually, and partnering with many of the most significant sports leagues and governing bodies in the world.

Photo credits: Ryan Pierse /Getty Images

10 winners of World Nature Photography Awards that show nature in its absolute brilliance

10 winners of World Nature Photography Awards that show nature in its absolute brilliance

Miki Spitzer from Israel won gold in the Nature Art category with his artistic photo capturing the intricate patterns of Iceland’s topography. The image features icy blue watery veins, shimmering glacial braids, and glistening golden sediment, creating a mesmerizing visual effect. The shapes and colors evoke the forms of various animals, leaving the interpretation up to the viewer’s imagination. This photo beautifully showcases the natural artistry found in Iceland’s landscapes.

Image: worldnaturephotographyawards/Instagram

10 Best Cameras for Photography and Videography in 2022

10 Best Cameras for Photography and Videography in 2022

Best cameras for photography and videography in 2024: Top 8 picks that capture every moment with precision and clarity

ByAffiliate Desk

Jul 04, 2024 09:30 AM IST

Discover the top 8 cameras for photography and videography in 2024, including mirrorless, DSLR and cameras with interchangeable lenses.

In today’s digital age, having the right camera is essential for capturing high-quality photos and videos. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a hobbyist looking to upgrade your gear, finding the best camera for your needs is crucial. With a vast array of options on the market, it can be challenging to determine which camera is the best fit. To assist you in making an informed decision, we have curated a list of the top 8 cameras for photography and videography in 2024.

Explore the latest in cameras for photography and videography, capturing every moment with clarity and creativity.(Pexels)
Explore the latest in cameras for photography and videography, capturing every moment with clarity and creativity.(Pexels)

This comprehensive list includes everything from mirrorless cameras to DSLRs and interchangeable lens cameras, covering all the essential features you need to know. Our guide aims to simplify your search, providing detailed insights into each camera’s strengths and capabilities. Whether you’re looking for superior image quality, advanced video features, or versatile lens options, our curated selection ensures you’ll find the perfect camera to meet your creative needs and elevate your photography and videography experience.

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera is a compact and stylish camera that produces high-quality instant prints. With its automatic exposure function and built-in flash, it’s perfect for capturing spontaneous moments. Its sleek design and ease of use make it an ideal choice for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

Specifications of Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera

  • Automatic exposure function
  • Built-in flash
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • High-quality instant prints
  • Easy to use
Reasons to buy  Reasons to avoid
Produces high-quality instant prints Limited advanced features
Compact and lightweight design  
Easy to use  

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7KGW-K is a versatile mirrorless camera that offers stunning 4K video and high-resolution photos. Its compact and lightweight design, along with its advanced autofocus system, makes it a top choice for both photography and videography enthusiasts. With its interchangeable lens system, you can customize the camera to suit your specific needs.

Specifications of Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7KGW-K Mirrorless Camera

  • 4K video recording
  • High-resolution photos
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Advanced autofocus system
  • Interchangeable lens system
Reasons to buy  Reasons to avoid
Stunning 4K video Limited lens options
High-resolution photos  
Advanced autofocus system  

The Sony ZV-1 is a compact and powerful vlogging camera designed for content creators. It features a built-in microphone and advanced autofocus technology, making it ideal for capturing high-quality videos. With its flip-out screen and easy-to-use interface, it’s the perfect choice for vloggers and social media influencers.

Specifications of Sony ZV-1 Compact Vlogging Camera

  • Built-in microphone
  • Advanced autofocus technology
  • Flip-out screen
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Easy-to-use interface
Reasons to buy Reasons to avoid
Ideal for vlogging Limited zoom capabilities
High-quality videos  
Easy-to-use interface  

Also read:Best car dash cams for daily commutes and trips: Top 7 options for better safety while driving

The Canon EOS RP is a full-frame mirrorless camera that delivers stunning image quality and performance. With its compact and lightweight design, it’s perfect for travel and everyday photography. Its advanced autofocus system and image stabilization technology make it an excellent choice for professional photographers and enthusiasts.

Specifications of Canon EOS RP Mirrorless Digital Camera

  • Full-frame sensor
  • Stunning image quality
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Advanced autofocus system
  • Image stabilization technology
Reasons to buy Reasons to avoid
Stunning image quality Limited lens options
Compact and lightweight design  
Advanced autofocus system  

The Canon EOS 3000D is an entry-level DSLR camera that offers excellent image quality and user-friendly features. With its 18-55mm lens, it’s perfect for beginners and photography enthusiasts looking to upgrade from a smartphone or point-and-shoot camera. Its intuitive interface and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity make it a versatile and convenient choice.

Specifications of Canon EOS 3000D DSLR Camera

  • Excellent image quality
  • 18-55mm lens included
  • User-friendly features
  • Intuitive interface
  • Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity
Reasons to buy Reasons to avoid
Excellent image quality Limited advanced features
User-friendly features  
Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity  

Also read:Best 16GB RAM laptops: 8 productive and efficient options

 

The Sony Alpha ILCE-6400M is a high-performance mirrorless camera that delivers exceptional image quality and speed. Its advanced autofocus system and real-time tracking make it a top choice for capturing fast-moving subjects. With its 18-135mm lens and 4K video recording capabilities, it’s perfect for professional photographers and videographers.

Specifications of Sony Alpha ILCE-6400M Mirrorless Digital Camera

  • Exceptional image quality
  • Advanced autofocus system
  • Real-time tracking
  • 18-135mm lens included
  • 4K video recording capabilities
Reasons to buy Reasons to avoid
Exceptional image quality Higher price point
Advanced autofocus system  
4K video recording capabilities  

Also read:Best gaming laptops under 1 lakh: Top 8 picks to elevate your gaming experience and deliver unmatched performance

The Sony Alpha ILCE-7M3 is a full-frame mirrorless camera that offers outstanding image quality and performance. With its advanced image sensor and powerful processing capabilities, it’s the perfect choice for professional photographers and serious enthusiasts. Its 4K video recording and advanced autofocus system make it ideal for capturing stunning visuals.

Specifications of Sony Alpha ILCE-7M3 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera

  • Outstanding image quality
  • Advanced image sensor
  • High-performance processing
  • 4K video recording capabilities
  • Advanced autofocus system
Reasons to buy Reasons to avoid
Outstanding image quality Higher price point
4K video recording capabilities  
Advanced autofocus system  

The Nikon Z50 is a versatile mirrorless camera that offers excellent image quality and performance. With its compact and lightweight design, it’s perfect for travel and everyday photography. Its fast autofocus system and 4K video recording capabilities make it a top choice for photography and videography enthusiasts.

Specifications of Nikon Z50 Mirrorless Camera

  • Excellent image quality
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Fast autofocus system
  • 4K video recording capabilities
  • Versatile performance

&nbsp&nbspReasons to buy

&nbsp&nbspReasons to avoid

Excellent image quality

Limited lens options

Fast autofocus system

4K video recording capabilities

Also read:Car dash camera buying guide: Types, tips, and 5 best picks; All that you need to know before buying one

Top 3 features of best camera for photography and videography:

Best Camera for Photography and Videography 4K Video Recording Image Quality Autofocus System Price
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera No High-quality Automatic Low
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7KGW-K Mirrorless Camera Yes Stunning Advanced Medium
Sony ZV-1 Compact Vlogging Camera Yes High-quality Advanced Medium
Canon EOS RP Mirrorless Digital Camera Yes Stunning Advanced High
Canon EOS 3000D DSLR Camera No Excellent User-friendly Low
Sony Alpha ILCE-6400M Mirrorless Digital Camera Yes Exceptional Advanced High
Sony Alpha ILCE-7M3 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera Yes Outstanding Advanced High
Nikon Z50 Mirrorless Camera Yes Excellent Fast Medium

Best value for money best camera for photography and videography:

The Canon EOS 3000D DSLR Camera offers excellent image quality and user-friendly features at an affordable price, making it the best value for money in this category.

Best overall best camera for photography and videography:

The Sony Alpha ILCE-7M3 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera stands out as the best overall product in this category, offering outstanding image quality, 4K video recording capabilities, and advanced autofocus technology.

Factors to keep in mind while choosing the best camera for photography and videography:

Image quality: Look for cameras with high-resolution sensors and good low-light performance to ensure your photos and videos are sharp and clear.

Lens options: Consider cameras with interchangeable lenses to give you flexibility for different shooting scenarios, from wide-angle landscapes to detailed close-ups.

Video capabilities: Check the camera’s video resolution and frame rates. For professional videography, look for 4K or higher resolution and the ability to shoot at various frame rates.

Autofocus system: A reliable and fast autofocus system is crucial for both photography and videography, ensuring that your subjects are always in sharp focus.

Portability and ergonomics: Choose a camera that is comfortable to hold and easy to carry. Mirrorless cameras are generally lighter and more compact than DSLRs.

Battery life: For long shooting sessions, a camera with good battery life is essential. Look for models with removable batteries for extended use.

Budget: Determine your budget and find a camera that offers the best features within your price range. Remember to consider the cost of additional lenses and accessories.

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Best cameras for photography: Top 6 picks for all enthusiasts to help them capture the best shots

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Best DSLR for professional photography: Top 8 high-end cameras to capture stunning pictures and videos

Best cameras that will help you create memory for a lifetime: Top 6 options for stunning pictures

FAQs on best camera for photography and videography

  • What is the price range of these cameras?

    The price range of these cameras varies from low to high, depending on the features and capabilities of each model.

  • Do these cameras come with interchangeable lenses?

    Yes, most of these cameras offer interchangeable lens systems, allowing you to customize the camera to suit your specific photography and videography needs.

  • Are these cameras suitable for professional use?

    Yes, many of these cameras are suitable for professional use, offering advanced features and capabilities for professional photography and videography.

  • Do these cameras have built-in Wi-Fi connectivity?

    Some of these cameras have built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to easily transfer and share your photos and videos wirelessly.

At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.

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Teen photographer chosen as featured artist at Harbour View Gallery

Teen photographer chosen as featured artist at Harbour View Gallery
Eli Atack with his tried and true Cannon Rebel SL2 DSLR camera. COURTESY PHOTO

Eli Atack with his tried and true Cannon Rebel SL2 DSLR camera. COURTESY PHOTO

A few years ago, Eli Atack’s aunt gave him his first camera.

@media(max-width: 600px) { .in-article-ad{ width: 300; height: 250; } }

“Right then, I used it,” he says. “I was told I had a photographer’s eye.”

He soon upgraded his camera and then upgraded again.

He now uses a Canon Rebel SL2.

Throughout the month of July, the 14-year-old, who attends The Fletcher School (on Pine Island Road), will be a highlighted artist at Harbour View Gallery in Cape Coral.

Atack, pronounced A-tack, specializes in nature photography.

“I like being out in nature and seeing the animals,” he says, “and to get a real good picture that’s clear and crisp with good lighting is really satisfying.”

Sometimes, he’ll shoot landscapes, too.

He’s taken photos locally at Six Mile Cypress Slough and at the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia.

He says his favorite photo is one he took of burrowing owls. (Atack lives in Cape Coral, along with countless burrowing owls.)

TOP: Female burrowing owl • BOTTOM LEFT: Baby alligator • BOTTOM RIGHT: Mother duck with her babies. COUTESY PHOTOSTOP: Female burrowing owl • BOTTOM LEFT: Baby alligator • BOTTOM RIGHT: Mother duck with her babies. COUTESY PHOTOS

Female burrowing owl. COUTESY PHOTOS

This year, he won an honorable mention in the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife Burrowing Owl Photo Contest.

@media(max-width: 600px) { .in-article-ad{ width: 300; height: 250; } }

He’d learned about the Harbour View Gallery, an artist co-op in Cape Coral, and inquired about joining it. (Artist co-ops are places where artists pay to belong and exhibit their work.) He applied, and a week later, the board accepted him.

“They have a new featured artist every month, and it’s very popular,” Atack says. “I had to wait for over a year to get my spot for this July.”

He plans to have about 30 to 40 pieces of his work for sale, which include stickers, posters, wall canvas and plaques.

As an artist at the co-op, “you get 60 percent of what you sell,” he says.

“It’s peaceful, getting out (to take photos). You won’t find the animals around a lot of people. You have to track them down or be very patient. You can’t get close, or they will run away or fly away.”

He uses a 300 mm ES telephoto zoom lens to capture his images of animals.

  

Baby alligator

“You can get very close-up images of the animal without getting very close to them,” he says.

He also uses a photo editor afterward to adjust the sharpness and brightness.

Atack’s also interested in sports, naming baseball, soccer, pickleball and football as his favorites.

He doesn’t have any photographers he follows or admires and doesn’t think he’ll go into it as a profession.

For now, it’s just a fun hobby. ¦

  

Mother duck with her babies.

Teen photographer chosen as featured artist at Harbour View Gallery – Bonita Springs Florida Weekly

Teen photographer chosen as featured artist at Harbour View Gallery – Bonita Springs Florida Weekly
Eli Atack with his tried and true Canon Rebel SL2 DSLR camera. COURTESY PHOTO

Eli Atack with his tried and true Canon Rebel SL2 DSLR camera. COURTESY PHOTO

A few years ago, Eli Atack’s aunt gave him his first camera.

@media(max-width: 600px) { .in-article-ad{ width: 300; height: 250; } }

“Right then, I used it,” he says. “I was told I had a photographer’s eye.”

He soon upgraded his camera and then upgraded again.

He now uses a Canon Rebel SL2.

Throughout the month of July, the 14-year-old, who attends The Fletcher School (on Pine Island Road), will be a highlighted artist at Harbour View Gallery in Cape Coral.

Atack, pronounced A-tack, specializes in nature photography.

“I like being out in nature and seeing the animals,” he says, “and to get a real good picture that’s clear and crisp with good lighting is really satisfying.”

Sometimes, he’ll shoot landscapes, too.

He’s taken photos locally at Six Mile Cypress Slough and at the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia.

He says his favorite photo is one he took of burrowing owls. (Atack lives in Cape Coral, along with countless burrowing owls.)

Female burrowing owlFemale burrowing owl

Female burrowing owl

This year, he won an honorable mention in the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife Burrowing Owl Photo Contest.

@media(max-width: 600px) { .in-article-ad{ width: 300; height: 250; } }

He’d learned about the Harbour View Gallery, an artist co-op in Cape Coral, and inquired about joining it. (Artist co-ops are places where artists pay to belong and exhibit their work.) He applied, and a week later, the board accepted him.

“They have a new featured artist every month, and it’s very popular,” Atack says. “I had to wait for over a year to get my spot for this July.”

He plans to have about 30 to 40 pieces of his work for sale, which include stickers, posters, wall canvas and plaques.

As an artist at the co-op, “you get 60 percent of what you sell,” he says.

“It’s peaceful, getting out (to take photos). You won’t find the animals around a lot of people. You have to track them down or be very patient. You can’t get close, or they will run away or fly away.”

He uses a 300 mm ES telephoto zoom lens to capture his images of animals.

Baby alligatorBaby alligator

Baby alligator

“You can get very close-up images of the animal without getting very close to them,” he says.

He also uses a photo editor afterward to adjust the sharpness and brightness.

Atack’s also interested in sports, naming baseball, soccer, pickleball and football as his favorites.

He doesn’t have any photographers he follows or admires and doesn’t think he’ll go into it as a profession.

For now, it’s just a fun hobby. ¦

Mother duck with her babies. COURTESY PHOTOSMother duck with her babies. COURTESY PHOTOS

Mother duck with her babies. COURTESY PHOTOS