As 2023 winds up, we look back on 12 tumultuous months through the best photojournalism.

It was a year which saw a bitter conflict reignited in Israel and Gaza, while Russia’s war in Ukraine continued unabated. Closer to home, the horrific stabbings and subsequent riots in Dublin shocked the nation and made headlines around the world.

Here are the pictures that defined the year.

January

The body of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI lies in state at St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. Photo: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

The slopes of the Rohrmoos skiing area in Schladming, Austria. Alpine ski resorts faced an unseasonably warm January that brought record temperatures to many parts of Europe. Photo: Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images

A protest about overcrowding at Letterkenny University Hospital. Nationwide demonstrations took place on January 21st over the hospital overcrowding crisis. Photo: Joe Boland/NW Newspix

Teacher Enoch Burke pictured outside Wilson’s Hospital School in Co Westmeath on January 25th, the week after he was formally dismissed by the school. Photo: PA Images

February

A man sleeps on a sofa near a collapsed building in Hatay, Turkey. A 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit near Gaziantep, causing widespread destruction in southern Turkey and northern Syria. Photo: Burak Kara/Getty Images

A rally is held in Omagh, Co Tyrone, after the attempted murder of an off-duty police officer in the town. DCI John Caldwell was shot at close range by two men as he coached a local children’s football team. Photo: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

UK prime minister Rishi Sunak and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen shake hands after securing a breakthrough deal to regulate trade in Northern Ireland. ‘I believe the Windsor Framework marks a turning point,’ Sunak said. Photo: Dan Kitwood/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

Graffiti on the Lia Fail standing stone, which is also known as the Stone of Destiny, on the Hill of Tara near Skryne, Co Meath. Photo: Niall Carson/PA Images

March

Laila Temori (47) searches for the remains of her relatives in a shipwreck along the coast of Calabria, Italy. She lost her brother’s entire family, including three children. Ninety-four migrants died, while 80 people were rescued attempting to cross the sea from Turkey. Photo: Alessio Mamo/Getty Images

Dominic Manta (three), from Clondalkin, pulls his sleigh in the Dublin mountains after heavy snow in the region. Photo: PA

St Patrick’s Day in Dublin. Photo: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

Former US president Donald Trump exits after speaking during his first rally since announcing his 2024 presidential campaign, in Waco, Texas. Photo: Brandon Bell/Getty Images

April

Gerard ‘The Monk’ Hutch leaving the Special Criminal Court after he was found not guilty of the murder of David Byrne. Photo: Collins

A dissident republican in the Creggan area of Derry city during the annual parade to mark the anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising. Photo: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

US president Joe Biden addresses a crowd of thousands in Ballina, Co Mayo, at the final event of his four-day visit to the island of Ireland. Photo: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood, former US president Bill Clinton, Rachel Eastwood (Colum’s wife) and governor Terrence McAuliffe have a pint of Guinness in Derry. Mr Clinton gave a speech at a tribute to the main architects of the Good Friday Agreement, John Hume and David Trimble. Photo: PA

May

Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla en route to Buckingham Palace after their coronation in Westminster Abbey, London. Photo: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Wild Youth’s singer Conor O’Donohoe performs during the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool, England. The Irish entry failed to make it to the final. Photo: Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images

Sinn Féin vice-president Michelle O’Neill celebrates with candidates and party workers during the Northern Ireland council elections count in Magherafelt, Co Derry. Photo: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

June

Beachgoers enjoying the sunny weather at Helen’s Bay, Co Down, during a warm spell in early June. Photo: PA

Smoky haze from wildfires in Canada turns the New York City skyline orange. New York topped the list of most polluted major cities in the world in June. Photo: David Dee Delgado/Getty Images

A staff protest takes place outside RTÉ’s headquarters in Dublin after the controversy over secret payments to top-paid presenter Ryan Tubridy. Photo: PA

Tánaiste Micheál Martin looks on as protesters interrupt the opening session of the forum on international security and defence policy in Cork. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA

July

Flowers outside St Michael’s College in Dublin after the deaths of two recent graduates. Andrew O’Donnell and Max Wall, both 18, died while on holiday on the Greek island of Ios. Photo: Conor Ó Mearáin/Collins

Broadcaster Ryan Tubridy (right) and his agent, Noel Kelly, outside Leinster House after giving evidence to the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee over the RTÉ payments controversy. Photo: Colin Keegan/Collins

Marching orange men in Belfast on July 12th. Photo: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar sits opposite Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy at a meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine. Photo: Clodagh Kilcoyne/AFP via Getty Images

August

People lay flowers and tributes on the hearse during the funeral procession of Sinead O’Connor in Bray, Co Wicklow. Photo: Paul Faith/AFP via Getty Images

A Bank of Ireland branch in Finglas, Dublin, after a glitch allowed customers to withdraw up to €1,000 even if their account was empty. This resulted in large queues of people at ATMs around the country as some customers sought to take advantage of the error, which made headlines around the world. Photo: PA

A boat in the English Channel carrying around 50 migrants moves into British waters. More than 100,000 migrants have crossed from France on small boats since the UK began publicly recording the arrivals in 2018. Photo: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

September

A woman sits among the rubble of her village that was almost completely destroyed by an earthquake in Douzrou, Morocco. Almost 3,000 died following the large quake that struck below villages in the High Atlas mountains. Photo: Carl Court/Getty Images

An angry protest took place outside Leinster House on the first day of the new Dáil term against various issues including immigration, Covid-19 vaccines, transgender rights, sex education in schools and proposed hate-speech laws. Photo: PA

Waves at high tide in Tramore, Co Waterford, during Storm Agnes. Photo: PA

The Sycamore Gap tree on Hadrian’s Wall lies on the ground after being cut down in an act of ‘vandalism’. The tree was one of the UK’s most photographed and appeared in the 1991 Kevin Costner film Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves. Photo: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

October

Israeli security forces search the Supernova Music Festival site, where hundreds were killed and dozens taken hostage by Hamas. On October 7th, the Palestinian militant group launched a surprise attack on Israel from Gaza by land, sea and air, killing over 1,300 people and wounding around 2,800. Photo: Leon Neal/Getty Images

An Israeli army unit fires towards Gaza. Israel sealed off Gaza and conducted deadly airstrikes on Palestinian territory after the Hamas attack. Photo: Alexi J Rosenfeld/Getty Images

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar observes the damage to local businesses on Main Street in Midleton, Co Cork, after Storm Babet, the second named storm of the season, swept in. Photo: PA

A woman cradles her son, eight-month-old Muhammad Bilal Abu Salah, as residents collect the bodies of Palestinians killed in reported Israeli air strikes in Khan Yunis, Gaza. Photo: Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty Images

Flood water surrounds Magee’s Bar in Newry, Co Down, ahead of Storm Ciarán. Photo: PA

November

Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald after her speech to the party Ard Fheis in Athlone, Co Westmeath. Photo: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

Ashling Murphy’s mother and sister, Kathleen and Amy, outside the Central Criminal Court after Jozef Puska was found guilty of the murder of the school teacher. Photo: Collins

A Garda car on fire during riots in Dublin city centre. Photo: Colin Keegan/Collins

Deliveroo driver Caio Benicio was among a group of people who stopped a knife attack outside a school on Parnell Square, Dublin. The incident left five people, including three children, injured. Photo: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

People walk past a destroyed Luas tram on O’Connell Street, Dublin, the morning after the riots. Photo: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

December

The funeral procession of The Pogues singer Shane MacGowan in Dublin. Photo: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

People ride horses on Donabate Beach, Co Dublin. Photo: PA

DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson exits Hillsborough Castle following talks with other Northern parties. The DUP has been boycotting the power-sharing government at Stormont since 2022 in protest of post-Brexit trade rules. Photo: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

People take part in a sunrise ceremony during the Winter Solstice at Newgrange, Co Meath. Photo: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

The Canon Speedlite EL-1 is a high-performance, professional-grade, weather-resistant flash, designed to meet the demands of the most demanding photographers. It features a powerful guide number of 60m (197 ft) at ISO 100, an insanely fast recycle time of 0.1-0.9 seconds, and up to 335 full-power flashes on a single charge. It also has a built-in LED modeling light for precise lighting control and a heavy-duty construction that will withstand the rigors of professional everyday use.

My Canon 600 EX-RT has been my workhorse for the past 10 years. It has worked in all weather and is one of the most reliable pieces of kit in my arsenal as a professional photographer. So, I was so pleased when Canon announced the new Speedlite EL-1, as it meant that we were obviously going to have something that was built on the existing rock-solid technology already produced while embracing new technologies to produce a speedlight for at least the next 10 years. This uses new LED technology, meaning faster recycle times and a more reliable and longer-lasting flashgun. 

Image Quality

The Canon Speedlite EL-1 produces consistent and balanced light and high-quality images with excellent color balance and exposure. Its powerful guide number allows it to light up even large scenes and subjects at a distance. The built-in bi-color LED modeling light is very helpful for setting up shots, ensuring that the lighting is even, and helping to judge where the light will fall and where the shadows will appear.

Included Accessories

• Battery Pack LP-EL
• Battery Charger LC-E6E
• Case
• Mini Stand
• Bounce Adapter SBA-EL
• Color Filter SCF-ELOR1
• Color Filter SCF-ELOR2

The case is great, as it allows you to store the color adapters and mini stand with the flash (something I’m always hunting for with my Canon 600 EX-RT).

Performance

The Canon Speedlite EL-1 is a very fast flash, with a recycle time of 0.1-0.9 seconds. This means that you can capture multiple shots in quick succession without having to wait for the flash to be recycled. You can shoot up to 170 full-power flashes in a burst. The Canon Speedlite EL-1 uses just one large-capacity lithium-ion battery. The LP-EL (1920mAh, 7.2 volts) is capable of approximately 335 flashes on a full charge, more than three times that which is possible with the Speedlite 600EX II-RT using four standard AA batteries, and while the LP-EL looks like the LP-E6 battery used in many advanced EOS cameras, it cannot be used in cameras. However, it can be charged using the same charger as the one used for R6/5 cameras.

Features

The Speedlite EL-1 has a ton of features that make it an incredibly versatile tool for photographers. It has a built-in bi-color LED modeling light, weather-resistant construction, and a huge range of power settings. It also supports Canon’s E-TTL II metering system for automatic exposure control. Optical and radio transmission are included, although you do need the Canon Speedlite ST-E3-RT for optical and radio transmission of up to 30 meters. 

The photo above was shot with two Canon EL-1 speedlites. The key light is behind a MagMod 24 Octabox and the fill light on the right is at 1/512 power, giving a lift to the shadows.

Ease of Use

The Speedlite EL-1 is easy to use and control. Its controls and menus have been redesigned to be quick and easy to use and are well labeled and easy to reach. It also has a large, clear LCD screen that displays all of the important settings.

Value

Okay, so this is an expensive piece of kit for enthusiasts, coming in at $1,099 from B&H here in the States and at £1451 through Amazon in the UK, but make no mistake, this is a premium piece of technology, and that’s what you’re paying for. The 600EX-RT lasted me over 10 years, and it’s still going strong. The Speedlite EL-1 is a high-quality flash that is worth the investment for photographers who need a powerful and versatile tool. It is a great choice for professionals and advanced amateurs alike.

Build Quality

In addition to its high performance, the Speedlite EL-1 is also very durable. It is built to withstand the rigors of professional use, and it is weather-resistant so that you can use it in a variety of conditions. Rubberized grips and easy-to-open and close battery panels mean that this should not need any regular maintenance. It even comes with a little rubber hot shoe cover!

What I Love About the Canon Speedlite EL-1

• Powerful guide number of 60 m (197 ft) at ISO 100
• Insanely fast recycle time of 0.1-0.9 seconds
• Up to 170 full power flashes on a single charge 
• Built-in LED modeling light, which is so handy for seeing where my light is going and showing me the shadows that will appear
• Weather-resistant construction means no more Ikea plastic bags covering my flashguns
• Easy to use and control menus and system
• Pairs with my ST-E3-RT with a firmware upgrade available from Canon

What I Dislike About the Canon Speedlite EL-1

• Expensive if you’re an enthusiast or are replacing more than one flashgun 
• In-camera flash settings are not compatible with all Canon cameras, as some cameras don’t have this ability
• Slightly larger than the 600 EX-RT II, meaning I can’t fit two side by side in my MagMod Mag Ring

Verdict

The Canon Speedlite EL-1 is an excellent, high-performance flash that is perfect for professional and advanced amateur photographers who need a powerful and versatile tool. It is a bit expensive, but it is worth the investment for photographers who need the best. I love mine and will slowly be replacing the Canon 600 EX-RTs when they either fail or need service. The thing I love is that they just feel so good. It’s a quality piece of kit you’re buying, and Canon has obviously put a lot of thought and effort into creating the most useful flash I’ve seen since the 600 EX-RT II.  

This article was previously published and is being featured as one of many of our top stories for 2023.

By Agrippina Fadel

Capturing a bird in flight or a predator on the hunt are some of the hardest feats in wildlife photography, yet Parkland photographer Lee Sussman loves those shots the most.

A Parkland Golf and Country Club resident for the past 11 years, Lee grew up in New Jersey and moved to Florida 40 years ago. A former financial advisor, he is now retired, giving him more time to enjoy South Florida nature.

While photography is a relatively new hobby for him, his stunning shots of Florida birds are already winning contests, being recognized by top wildlife photography publications, and even being featured in British newspapers The Sun and The Daily Star.

Lee’s photo of a Red-Tailed Hawk he took in Colorado last spring recently made the front cover of the Highlander magazine, and two of his shots won the Audubon “Florida’s Natural Beauty” photo contest this year. A shot of an Osprey with a fish in its talons took first place, and the photo of three green herons came second.

“It is nice to be recognized,” said Lee. “I see how my work has progressed in the past years, and seeing it in magazines is very cool.”

Photography caught his attention in seventh grade, but he didn’t pursue it seriously until his wife Linda gave him a good camera a few years back.

Lee’s friend, Jim Donnelly, a fellow writer at Talk Media, “showed him the ropes” and taught him how to use the camera and what to look for when taking photos.

He uses both the Canon R6 and the Canon R7 for his photography shoots.

Lee’s subjects are mostly colorful birds and creatures: from songbirds and ibises to alligators and river otters. “I just love the wildlife and the outdoors. I do landscapes too. My wife says I do lousy people, so I got to stick to the animals.” he laughed.

During the winter, Lee photographs wildlife in and around Parkland and often ventures out to Green Cay Wetlands, Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, and Peaceful Waters Sanctuary. Some days, birds come to him: Lee has a bird feeder in the backyard.

The couple, who also own a home in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, spends a few months out of a year there, where Lee photographs different animals and birds. Bears and bald eagles soaring over the snow are regulars in his reel.

Still, Lee says Florida is one of the best places in the country to observe and photograph birds. The climate that allows the residents to enjoy the outdoors all year round, the incredible variety of native species, and all the migrating birds create a perfect environment for a curious and patient photographer.

“I love watching the birds and animals in nature. But it is a challenge, too. A lot of the pictures I take are not easy to get. Getting a bird perched on a tree is easy. Catching them in flight, attacking, or eating something is more difficult, and that is what I like most,” Lee said.

A few action shots show native birds as they hunt, which he is particularly proud of. Some examples include a hawk with a snake in its mouth, another, a hawk flying with a rabbit in its talons, and the recent shot of an egret struggling with a field mouse.

“A lot of it is luck and timing and being in the right place at the right moment,” Lee said.

Sometimes he captures animals in a funny or cute moment. His photo of two chipmunks shot in Colorado last summer, where one has its paw on the other’s head, makes it look like a chipmunk is “blessing” his friend. While photographing a bear trying to get into a garbage can, Lee realized the angle made it look like it was taking out the trash – hence another funny shot.

Lee hopes his photos of local wildlife can help bring nature closer to Parkland residents.

“People always ask me, “Where did you take this picture?” There are so many places in Parkland and around South Florida in a hundred-mile area that have amazing natural habitats,” he said.

Lee enjoys sharing the beauty of nature with others through his photographs.

“A lot of people don’t know about Green Cay or Loxahatchee, where you can see the birds and other wildlife. I like showing people what’s going on in nature around us that might be unseen to them otherwise,” he added.

When asked what the future holds, Lee said he will keep learning and improving his technique, always chasing that perfect shot. He is also working on a professional website.

After taking photos of most of the native wildlife in the area, Lee hopes one day to capture the elusive Florida panther. A huge fan of the Florida Panthers NHL team, that accomplishment would mean a lot to him for more reasons than one.

Send your news to Parkland’s #1 Award-Winning News Source, Parkland Talk. Don’t miss reading Tamarac Talk, Coral Springs Talk, Coconut Creek Talk, and Margate Talk. 

Author Profile

Agrippina Fadel

Agrippina Fadel grew up in Siberia and received her master’s in journalism from Tyumen State University. Agrippina is also a writer and editor at Draftsy.net. She has been a US resident for over ten years and speaks English and Russian.

Apple’s smartphones have continued to revolutionize the world of mobile photography, offering a plethora of camera features and tools. From Portrait Mode to Photographic Styles, the tech giant’s iPhones provide users with a variety of options to capture their perfect shot. However, it’s not just the headline features that are enhancing iPhone photography. There are several other tools and settings embedded in iOS that can significantly improve the composition of your photos.

Grid Tool and the Rule of Thirds

One of the key tools at your disposal is the Grid tool. Designed to aid in composing shots, this tool applies the rule of thirds by dividing the photo frame into nine equal parts. This composition technique helps guide the viewer’s eye to the most significant elements of a photo, improving the overall aesthetic quality of your shots.

Camera Level for Balanced Shots

Another tool that iOS offers is the camera level. This tool allows users to capture balanced shots from above or below, eliminating the need for tripods or mounts. Apple separated this tool from the Grid overlay in iOS 17, and it now includes an additional horizontal level for straight-on photos. This ensures your photos are always perfectly balanced, regardless of your shooting angle.

Burst Mode for Rapid Succession Photos

Burst Mode is another feature available for iPhone users. Ideal for capturing action scenes or unexpected events, this mode allows for multiple photos to be taken in rapid succession. This ensures you never miss a crucial moment, providing you with a series of photos to choose your perfect shot from.

Mirrored Selfies and View Outside the Frame

For those who love taking selfies, the iPhone’s Camera app has a unique feature. By default, selfies taken with the app automatically flip the image. However, users have the option to modify this behavior, allowing them to capture mirrored selfies instead. Furthermore, for iPhone 11 and later models, there’s the View Outside the Frame setting. This feature reveals what’s outside the photo’s frame when using the wide or telephoto lens. It allows for better alignment of photos and videos, ensuring you capture everything you intend to.