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International Landscape Photographer of the Year Contest Winners

Dec 20, 2023 By Admin in Photography

Winner, International Landscape Photograph of the Year. Blake Randall (Canada)

Australian photographer Tony Hewitt and Canadian photographer Blake Randall won the top prizes at the 2023 International Landscape Photographer of the Year contest. Hewitt was named Landscape Photographer of the Year for his impressive portfolio, while Blake’s single image of birch trees casting a reflection in the water was deemed the most impressive photo of the entire competition.

There were over 4,000 entries to the contest, which is now in its 10th year. In addition to the main prizes, the competition also hands out special awards that change each year. In 2023, awards for the best Aerial, Seascape, Black and White, Desert, and Ice & Snow photos were also handed out. Many different facets of the natural landscape were highlighted through these categories, and these international photographers saw their creative talents rewarded, whether they spent time in the forest or bundled up on an iceberg.

An esteemed panel of judges, which included 2022 Landscape Photographer of the Year Benjamin Briones Grandi, had the difficult task of sorting through the imagery. Aside from awarding the top three portfolios, single images, and deciding the special prizes, they also selected the top 200 landscape images overall.

Check out all of the winners and some of our favorite finalists. If you like what you see, pick up a copy of the 2023 competition book, which has all of the winners and top 101 images.

Here are the winners of the 2023 International Landscape Photographer of the Year contest.

Winner, International Landscape Photographer of the Year. Tony Hewitt (Australia)

3rd Place, International Landscape Photographer of the Year. Matt Meisenheimer (United States)

Runner-Up, International Landscape Photograph of the Year. Peter Meyer (Australia)

3rd Place, International Landscape Photographer of the Year. Matt Meisenheimer (United States)

International Landscape Photographer of the Year 2023

Runner-Up, International Landscape Photographer of the Year. Andrew Mielzynski (Canada)

3rd Place, International Landscape Photograph of the Year. Isabella Tabacchi (Italy)

Runner-Up, International Landscape Photographer of the Year. Andrew Mielzynski (Canada)

In addition to a portfolio and single image awards, prizes were also given out for several special categories.

Black and white photo of trees in the water

Winner, Black and White. Jim Guerard (United States)

Winner, Snow & Ice. Thomas Vijayan (Canada)

Winner, Desert. John Seager (United Kingdom)

Award-winning aerial landscape photography

Winner, Aerial. Casey McCallister (United States)

Winner, Seascapes. Ciaran Willmore (Ireland)

The winners, as well as the top 101 photos overall, will see their work published in the contest’s annual photo book.

Top 100 Photo. Carolyn Cheng (Canada)

Top 100 Photo. Froydis Dalheim (Norway)

Top 100 Photo. Shirley Wung (Taiwan)

Top 100 Photo. Marcin Zajac (Poland)

2023 International Landscape Photographer of the Year finalist

Top 100 Photo. Peter Adam Hoszang (Hungary)

Top 100 Photo. Kévin Pagès (Iceland)

Top 100 Photo. Hans Gunnar Aslaksen (Norway)

International Landscape Photographer of the Year: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by ILPOTY.

Landscape Photography Awards Rewards Authenticity in Photography

Independent Photographer Magazine Awards Best Landscape Imagery

Stunning Winners of the UK Landscape Photographer of the Year Contest

Stunning Panorama of Melting Polar Ice Wins Nature Photography Contest

ImageHunters.co Announces All Stock Photography Free for the Rest of the Year

Dec 20, 2023 By Admin in Photography

Industry: Art & Design

Unlock Creative Potential: Download Premium Photos Free from ImageHunters.co – Your Source for Quality Visuals

Singapore (PRUnderground) December 20th, 2023

ImageHunters.co, a leading provider of high-quality stock photography, is excited to announce a special year-end offer. Effective immediately, all images on the website are available for free download until December 31st. This unprecedented move in the stock photography industry is aimed at giving back to the creative community and supporting businesses, artists, and content creators globally.

ImageHunters.co, known for its vast and diverse library of stock images, is opening its entire collection to the public. This includes thousands of high-resolution photos across various categories such as nature, technology, people, and urban landscapes. Whether for commercial use, personal projects, or educational purposes, users can now access a wide range of imagery without any cost.

“We believe in the power of visual storytelling and want to support the creative endeavors of professionals and hobbyists alike,” said Daniel, marketing director of ImageHunters.co. “By making our entire library free for a limited time, we hope to foster creativity and provide valuable resources to a wide audience.”

This offer is particularly beneficial for small businesses, startups, and freelance creators who often face budget constraints when sourcing quality visuals. With ImageHunters.co’s expansive and versatile collection, users can enhance their marketing materials, websites, and digital content without worrying about licensing fees.

The decision to make stock photos freely available is also part of ImageHunters.co’s commitment to supporting education and learning. Students, teachers, and academic institutions can now access professional-quality images for their projects and presentations, enriching the learning experience.

As an added bonus, ImageHunters.co ensures that all images are royalty-free, meaning users can use them without the need to attribute the photographer or the platform, further simplifying the process of using stock photography.

“Photography is a universal language that transcends barriers and connects people,” added Daniel. “Through this initiative, we aim to bridge the gap between high-quality imagery and those who need it most.”

Users can start downloading images immediately by visiting the ImageHunters.co website. The process is straightforward – no subscription or credit card information is required, making it accessible to everyone.

ImageHunters.co also invites photographers to contribute to their growing community. This platform not only serves as a resource for free images but also as a showcase for talented photographers to display their work to a global audience.

As the year draws to a close, ImageHunters.co is proud to present this gift to the world – a treasure trove of stunning images, now just a click away.

For more information about ImageHunters and to explore the free stock photography collection, please visit ImageHunters.co .

About ImageHunters

ImageHunters.co is a premier stock photography platform based in Singapore, offering a rich and diverse collection of high-quality, royalty-free images to a global audience. Our mission is to empower creators with accessible visual resources that inspire creativity and enhance storytelling. From stunning landscapes to dynamic urban scenes, our extensive library is curated to meet the needs of businesses, artists, educators, and content creators across various industries. With an emphasis on diversity and a user-friendly platform, we make it easy for you to find the perfect image for your next project. Visit us at www.imagehunters.co to explore our vibrant collection.

Photos of the Year from Staff photographer Stephen Pingry

Dec 20, 2023 By Admin in Photography

Council Oak Elementary School fourth grader Gabriel Sinnett heads into class after decorating the sidewalk as part of an Art Day during the last week of school in in May.

“This was an end of school photo that was supposed to get the students at Council Oak making chalk art on their side walk on their last day at school. After I shot the typical kids having fun with chalk I waited around for everyone to head back to class. I saw one boy wait to be the last student in and the photo turned out to be more artsy than anything I had shot.”

Craftsmen Todd Hewitt Expands His “Last Ditch” Designs by Four Furnishings

Dec 20, 2023 By Admin in Design

While Last Ditch Design may be in a nascent stage, founder and craftsman Todd Hewitt brings three decades of fabrication and production experience to the expansion of his already robust catalog with the introduction of four new pieces: the Silas Daybed, Annie Stools, Gallatin Bed, and BeBop Ottoman. Like the range they join, these fresh furnishings give form to a mid-century modern ethos distilled through a minimalist lens with a look that evokes a sense of future nostalgia.

The Silas Daybed prominently featured in Love House Flatiron

“My process first comes from a form or shape that sparks something within me. I am often looking outside of furniture for inspiration and find that tech products demonstrate a great use of shape and pattern that I can, with luck, translate into a piece of furniture,” Hewitt says. While some contemporary artifacts strive to be avante-garde for the sake of social currency, his form-first approach does not detract from function, nor does it trade merit for novelty. “I do aspire to honor the past while seeking fresh approaches to my designs. And I also hope these leave a lasting impression for generations to come while telling a story unique to those who live with them.”

A mustard colored ottoman in the foreground of a minimal designed interior.

The BeBop Ottoman featured in Love House Flatiron

This formula for longevity is equal parts functionality, endearing visual identity, and sustainability. A deep respect for the primary resource and its procurement inform the material palette. Hand-applied finishes of ash, oak, and walnut complement the wood’s natural properties and prove easy to maintain over time. Fabric selections will be broadened in the near future adding to the current earthy hues that further the aesthetic.

The main components of every object offered are conceptualized and created in California by Last Ditch, but in cases of experimentation Hewitt finds himself collaborating with artisans local to his Los Angeles studio. These particular additions are representative of the self-taught woodworker stepping out from his comfort zone to practice with stone, steel, and upholstery. “This education sparks passion, keeps me motivated, and is the reason why I quietly buzz with joy when I see a design take shape,” Hewitt continues. And it is clear his competitive résumé aids in the development of a visual language that carries over from one classification to another.

The Craftsman, designer, and founder behind Last Ditch Design, Todd Hewitt, sitting on his Nostromo Bench

But what’s in a name? Their quirky identities reveal Hewitt’s inspiration as his portfolio grows, pulling various monikers from mountain ranges, lakes, rivers, and trails local to his home state of Wyoming. Other historical references include “Silas,” which is contracted from “Silvanus,” Roman mythology’s god of the forest, as with 80’s pop culture pulling from the Alien franchise to name the Sulaco collection and Nostromo Bench whose sculptural forms are reminiscent of iconic spaceships from the movies of his youth.

Exposed wooden architecture, geometric forms, and the unique integration of upholstery employed in the Silas Ottoman and Lounge Chair echo in their new sibling. A modern interpretation of the classic sleigh bed, the Silas Daybed introduces a regal new form adorned with solid satin brass foot caps.

The Silas Daybed

Detail of a minimal daybed with green upholstery.

The Silas Daybed’s geometric cushion and architectural detailing

Multifunctional by design, the Annie Stool is minimalist in its well tailored composition to perform as an object of utility and beauty. The tubular design is softened by upholstery and can be fixed atop a powder coated steel or solid wood base.

A pair of minimalist stools with upholstered seats and backs.

The Annie Stools

Detail of upholstered stool's seat and back.

Detail of the Annie Stool’s upholstered tubular design

Soft yet strong. Bold yet understated. The Gallatin Bed boasts a sculptural wood frame that articulates a natural composition of pattern and flow from within the lumber. The fully upholstered headboard provides contrast to update a classic silhouette into a modern statement piece.

A large wooden bed frame with an upholstered headboard.

The Gallatin Bed

The headboard detail of an upholsted frame.

The Gallatin Bed upholstered headboard in contrast to the wood connection

Somewhere between mid-century modern and Neotenic design stands the oddly proportioned yet adorable BeBop Ottoman. Cousin to the Pouf, it assumes a wide stance on three legs with a low center of gravity and a flat top. It is available in 3 sizes, 7 wood finishes, and 15 fabric options.

A three-legged ottoman with mustard upholstery.

The BeBop Ottoman

The wooden leg detail of an ottoman with mustard upholstery.

The BeBop Ottoman’s leg detail

For more information on the expanded collection, visit LastDitchDesign.com.

With professional degrees in architecture and journalism, Joseph has a desire to make living beautifully accessible. His work seeks to enrich the lives of others with visual communication and storytelling through design. A regular contributor to titles under the SANDOW Design Group, including Luxe and Metropolis, Joseph serves the Design Milk team as their Managing Editor. When not practicing, he teaches visual communication, theory, and design. The New York-based writer has also contributed to exhibitions hosted by the AIA New York’s Center for Architecture and Architectural Digest, and recently published essays and collage illustrations with Proseterity, a literary publication.

Luminar Neo GenExpand: The game-changer in your photography tool kit

Dec 20, 2023 By Admin in Photography

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Mylio Photos – Access your photos from anywhere, without the cloud! Easily showcase your photos on-the-go, resolve duplicates, find faces and look for those stunning locations.

Skylum – Your photos, more beautiful in minutes. Skylum adapts to your style and skill level. Check out Luminar Neo’s unique sky replacement and portrait editing tools, now available.

B&H – B&H is a world renowned supplier of all the gear photographers, videographers, and cinematographers need and want to create their very best work.

MPB – Grab used but perfectly working cameras and lenses for less, or turn your old gear into cash by trading and selling them on MPB!

Adventure Photographer Attacked By Stag In Scotland

Dec 20, 2023 By Admin in Photography

Wild video out of the highlands of Scotland where adventure photographer Dan Milner got a face full of wild stag during a trip to snap pics for the now defunct magazine Transworld Snowboarding around Cairngorm, The Lecht and Glencoe ski resorts back in March of 2011.

Dan got a puncture wound on his nose and scratch on his camera lens which ended up costing him £1,400. Dan had a sense of humor about the incident and posted this quote to his personal blog:

“You’d think I’d be braced for pretty much anything the weather can throw at me by now with 15 years of pro shooting in remote corners of the world tucked under my belt, but hey ho, Scotland was playing its joker when it came to photographer-bashing last week.”

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Scottish stags, or red deer (Cervus elaphus), are iconic symbols of the Scottish Highlands, embodying the rugged and majestic beauty of the region. With their impressive antlers, these majestic creatures are a common sight in the expansive landscapes of Scotland. The stags play a central role in Scottish folklore and traditions, often symbolizing strength, resilience, and the untamed spirit of the Highlands.

During the autumn rutting season, male stags engage in fierce battles for dominance and mating rights. The haunting sound of their echoing roars fills the air as they establish their territories and compete for the attention of hind groups. The sight of a powerful stag silhouetted against the dramatic Scottish scenery is a testament to the wild and untamed nature of the Highlands.

Conservation efforts have been crucial in preserving the red deer population, balancing their presence with the delicate ecosystems of the Scottish landscape. These efforts contribute to the overall biodiversity and maintain the ecological balance of the region.

Encountering a Scottish stag in its natural habitat is a captivating experience, evoking a sense of awe and connecting visitors with the untamed spirit of the Scottish Highlands.

A model subject gets his close-up in ‘Chuck: Photographs by George Platt Lynes’

Dec 20, 2023 By Admin in Photography

George Platt Lynes, American (1907-1955), “[Chuck Howard],” circa 1950. Vintage gelatin silver print. From “Chuck: Photographs by George Platt Lynes” at Childs Gallery.George Platt Lynes

A trope about the artist’s gaze suggests the model is merely an object. But in front of a camera, Charles “Chuck” Howard was a force. “Chuck: Photographs by George Platt Lynes” at Childs Gallery provides an intimate peek into Lynes’s work with a favorite model.

George Platt Lynes, “[Self portrait with Chuck Howard],” circa 1950. Vintage gelatin silver print.George Platt Lynes

Lynes, who died at 48 in 1955, was known for his often surreal, always formalist fashion and celebrity photography for Vogue. He photographed dancers from Lincoln Kirstein’s American Ballet Company, now the New York City Ballet.

His place in LGBTQ history and stamp on mid-20th-century modernism is prompting a re-examination of his life and work. He was a gay man in an accepting cultural community in pre-Stonewall-era New York, as detailed in “George Platt Lynes: The Daring Eye,” Allen Ellenzweig’s 2021 biography from Oxford University Press.

This year, filmmaker Sam Shahid’s documentary “Hidden Master: The Legacy of George Platt Lynes” explores the photographer’s male nudes — a collection Lynes donated to sex researcher Alfred Kinsey’s Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction. “Body Language,” a new MIT Press book by Nick Mauss and Dr. Angela Miller, considers his work as a precedent to social media’s performance for the camera.

George Platt Lynes, “[Chuck Howard Sitting],” circa 1950. Vintage gelatin silver print.George Platt Lynes

Howard, Lynes’s lover and model from 1948 to 1951, had chemistry with the camera, and with artists. He also modeled for painters Paul Cadmus and Jared French. Twenty years Lynes’s junior, Howard later worked as a designer for Bill Blass and Anne Klein. He died in 2002 at 75.

A glamorously handsome man with a boyish grin, Howard brought nuanced energy to each photo. In a portrait with Lynes, he’s the picture of an all-American boy, his face animated and open. Then, shirtless on the floor of a porch in “[Chuck Howard Sitting],” he plays the role of an erotic object who is nonetheless in full command.

The artist and model appear to have been in creative sync. In “[Chuck Howard Laying Down with Arrow],” it’s as if they’re solving a problem — how to get all the angles right. In photos featuring a Christmas tree, Howard poses first in shadowy profile, and then as if ensnared by glowing tinsel.

George Platt Lynes, “[Chuck Howard Posing Among an Adorned Tree II],” circa 1950. Vintage gelatin silver print.George Platt Lynes

The holiday photos are goofy failures; the tree dominates the model. But they capture a spirit of playfulness and experimentation. Lynes’s artist partnership with Howard wasn’t about power; it was about electric collaboration.

CHUCK: PHOTOGRAPHS BY GEORGE PLATT LYNES

At Childs Gallery, 168 Newbury St., through Feb. 3. 617-266-1108, www.childsgallery.com

Cate McQuaid can be reached at catemcquaid@gmail.com. Follow her on Instagram @cate.mcquaid.

My favorite photography books of 2023: perfect gifts for photographers

Dec 20, 2023 By Admin in Photography

With hundreds of photography books published every year, it can be easy to miss a classic. I’ve rounded up my favorites of 2023, from inspirational monographs to practical technique guides. And so, in no particular order…

The School of Photography Beginner’s Guide

$24.99/£19.99
Octopus

Could this be the best photo technique book published in 2023? TSoP founder Marc Newton takes the reader through the basics of photography.

My verdict: An excellent photography primer that eschews slabs of text for an easy-to-follow visual approach.

Life, Death and Everything In Between

$95/£80
Gost

A new book celebrating the work of revered British photographer Don McCullin, Life, Death and Everything in Between showcases new and previously unseen work. Publisher Gost Books says that the new volume is neither a retrospective nor a definitive publication, but presents “a selection of images valued by McCullin with the benefits of both hindsight and wisdom, encapsulating his prolific, varied, and ongoing career.”

My verdict: From images of postwar London to recent works in the Middle East via his gritty war photos, this is a must for fans of McCullin’s photography.

Landscape Photographer of the Year Collection 16

$40/£35
Ilex

The 16th edition of the Landscape Photographer of the Year book proves that this is the competition to win if you’re serious about shooting scenics. The latest collection of winning entries is a visual treat for followers of landscape photography.

My verdict: Keep your LPOTY books set up to date with another superb set of landscape photos to explore.

Tokyo Unseen

$45/£19.95
teNeues

Another volume in this ‘unseen cities’ series from teNeues. Lukasz Palka takes the reader on a tour of one of the most intriguing and captivating places on earth. A riot of modernity and kinetic energy that’s home to 14 million people, Palka still manages to capture moments of calm and reflection away from all the bustle.

My verdict: Straddling the genres of street and urban photography, this is a fascinating document of Tokyo.

Lee Miller: Photographs

$45/£30
Thames & Hudson

Cover model turned fashion and war photographer, Lee Miller had an extraordinary life. Introduced to photography by her father, she turned to the medium after studying art. This collection of her work comprises 100 photos taken between 1930 and 1953.

My verdict: Showcases the breadth of Miller’s oeuvre – there’s something here for all photographers to savor.

Remembering Leopards

$60/£49.50
Remembering Wildlife

Remembering Leopards is the eighth book in the Remembering Wildlife series and celebrates the beauty and wonder of this elusive and endangered big cat. Eight sub-species of leopard appear over the 196 pages of this hardback book, including African, Indian, Sri Lankan, clouded and snow leopards. High production values show the photos at their best and profits from the book will support various leopard conservation efforts around the world.

My verdict: This is a visual treat for leopard lovers, and a must-buy book for wildlife enthusiasts looking to do their bit for conservation.

Joel Meyerowitz: A Question of Color

$27.95/£20
Thames & Hudson

We take color photography for granted these days, but it wasn’t always so. In this book, a photography legend makes the case for equal billing for colour.

My verdict: A compelling and well-argued case for color from a leading exponent of the form.

ViewPoint: Human Stories through the Smartphone Lens

$39.99/£30
Ilex

Jo Bradford has compiled a volume of human stories told through the medium of smartphone photography. Bradford interviews 54 people about their lives and photography, each of whom describes the images they supply.

My verdict: A wide-ranging survey of photos from around the world, and a real insight into the image makers.

David Hurn: Photographs 1955–2020

$85/£60
RRB Photo Books

Hurn is a bona fide great of documentary photography, and this new book features famous photos as well as lesser-known ones. 129 black-and-white pictures, taken around the world, appear with explanatory notes.

My verdict: An essential collection of Hurn’s ‘non-fiction’ photography from one of the masters of the craft.

Store Front NYC

$40/£28.60
Penguin Random House

Over two decades, the photographers James and Karla Murray captured frontages of ‘mom-and-pop’ shops in New York City. Many have now been lost to development, so Store Front NYC freezes slices of time in the evolution of a city. With this second volume on shopfronts, the Murrays have created something special.

My verdict: An exploration of local communities in NYC and the small businesses that serve them.

Other photography book guides:

Rare Sense unleashes AI tool that may disrupt fashion photography landscape | Retail Tech News USA

Dec 20, 2023 By Admin in Photography

Image Courtesy : https://www.pressrelease.com/

Rare Sense, a venture-backed tech firm specialising in AI, has unveiled an AI tool revolutionising fashion photography. This tech enables fashion brands to produce high-end photoshoots for real-world fashion items using Artificial Intelligence. Brands can transition from a handful of clothing item photos to intricate photoshoots within minutes, eliminating the need for elaborate, time-consuming, and costly traditional photoshoots.

Conventionally, fashion brands allocate substantial resources to complex photoshoots, involving models, makeup artists, locations, photographers, equipment, and extensive post-production. These shoots can span weeks to months, straining time and finances. Rare Sense’s AI offers customisation options, previously unattainable in conventional shoots. Furthermore, it aligns with the industry’s sustainability trend by reducing the demand for physical resources.

Sophia Pervez, Rare Sense’s Chief Sales Officer, highlights the tool’s impact on fashion photography, providing creative freedom while circumventing logistical challenges and costs. The AI facilitates:

Unprecedented Creative Control: Empowering creative directors to customise models, poses, lighting, and locations, transcending traditional limitations.

Cost-Efficiency: Slashing product photography expenses by up to 90 per cent, eliminating costly elements like models and locations.

Time Optimisation: Rapidly generating stunning photoshoots, in contrast to the prolonged timelines of conventional methods, expediting marketing campaigns.

Rare Sense currently offers a concierge AI service for fashion brands, catering to campaign shoots, lookbooks, editorials, and social media visuals. It aims to introduce AI assistants enabling brands to autonomously create photoshoots, moving toward a ‘text-to-photoshoot’ service. Operating across nine countries, the company collaborates with 50+ fashion brands, influencers, and gaming apps.

Nevertheless, Rare Sense faces growing competition in fashion photography, notably from Botika, Picaai, and Blend AI Studio. These platforms leverage Generative AI to transform product photos into professional fashion shots, allowing easy creation of realistic AI images and professional product photo designs, challenging Rare Sense’s innovation in the industry.