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Creating black and white fine art images with Nik Color Efex 6

Creating black and white fine art images with Nik Color Efex 6

Tamron – Need lightweight, compact mirrorless lenses? Tamron has you covered, with superior optics perfect for any situation. With weather sealing and advanced image stabilization, you’ll open up your creative possibilities.

Radiant Photo – Radiant Photo superior quality finished photos with perfect color rendition, delivered in record time. Your photos — simply RADIANT. The way they are meant to be.

AfterShoot – AfterShoot helps photographers cull their photos faster, leaving them more time to spend on creative tasks. Save $10 with the code PHOTOFOCUS10.

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!

Local woman transforms cellphone into thriving photography business

Local woman transforms cellphone into thriving photography business

MOORHEAD — Professional photos aren’t just created from a handheld camera anymore.

Wendy Gerlach, of Moorhead, proves how it is possible. She recently created a business called

Behind The Lens Phone-tography

, where she solely takes and edits pictures on her cellphone. She believes that a photo from a cellphone can be just as good as a photo from a professional camera.

She likes to say it’s all about who’s behind the screen taking the picture.

Gerlach started by taking pictures as a hobby. She would take a nice image, edit it on her camera app, and then post it to social media.

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Wendy Gerlach, of Moorhead, does business as Behind The Lens Phone-tography, where she solely takes and edits pictures on her cellphone.

Contributed / Behind The Lens Phone-tography

She also sold greeting cards of her images. What made the greeting extra special was that it was an actual photo that customers could frame. Gerlach chose to do that because a lot of her customers just liked the image as a whole, and wanted to hang it up in their home. The cards are available at

Minn-Dak Market in West Acres Shopping Center

.

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After a while, Gerlach realized her work was more than just a hobby and she wanted to make it an official business for herself.

“I did it as a hobby forever, I just love photography,” Gerlach said. ” I would just shoot pictures of what I saw was cool, and then I’d just share them on social media.”

Not only does Gerlach take the pictures on her cellphone, but she also edits them there as well. She simply uses the camera app editing tools that come free with a phone.

“I edit everything in my phone, I don’t use Photoshop, I don’t use Lightroom, it’s all the settings in my phone,” Gerlach said.

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Gerlach can create vivid and colorful outdoor photos using her phone.

Contributed / Behind the Lens Phone-tograpy

Gerlach feels that a camera and a phone can take an equally fantastic photo. It doesn’t matter how expensive the equipment is, it solely depends on the skill of the person taking the photo.

“You can have a $7,000 camera, and a $7,000 lens and take a really crappy picture”

The big question Gerlach gets is “what kind of phone are you using to take these beautiful photos?”

She is currently using a Samsung, but she has used iPhones before.

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You can find some of her photos on display at Essentia Health Cardiac Rehab Center and the Essentia Health Cardiac Clinic.

Phone photography isn’t Gerlach’s full-time job, she also works for Lemongrass Spa in Fargo.

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Wendy Gerlach in action taking her cellphone photos in the Badlands of Medora, North Dakota.

Contributed photo/Michelle Ringdahl

Because her business has blown up, she decided to start offering a “Phone-tography” class. She offers it at the Daily Dose in Fargo. Gerlach describes some of what will be taught in her classes.

“We’ll talk about that in my photography class on framing a photo, positioning yourself, how to get something to look better, we want the picture to tell a story a little more,” Gerlach said.

Behind The Lens Phone-tography is a business created based on a hobby and Wendy is grateful to have started it, but she’s received a little backlash from some people aligned with traditional photography.

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In addition to landscapes, Gerlach uses her phone to create portraits.

Contributed / Behind the Lens Phone-tograpy

“Some of the people in the photography community were like “You’re not a real photographer,” Gerlach said.

But it’s not stopping Wendy. She had a dream, went forward with it, and created a very successful business, one click of the shutter (phone) button at a time.

“It’s been an amazing dream,” she said.

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Gerlach can be reached at her

website, WendyGerlach.com

or on

Facebook

at “Behind the Lens Phone-tography.”

Hannah Vig is a Minnesota State University Moorhead student and Forum intern.

WWE NXT Photographer Announces Departure After Four-Year Run

WWE NXT Photographer Announces Departure After Four-Year Run
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Esteban Cardenas has announced that he is leaving WWE NXT as a photographer after spending four years snapping shots for the gold brand.

Taking to Twitter, Cardenas shared that this week’s NXT was his final episode of the show, and was grateful for his time with WWE.

– ADVERTISEMENT –

This week’s episode of WWE NXT saw the start of the 2023 Men’s Breakout Tournament and Carmelo Hayes was attacked backstage by a mystery assailant.

You can keep up with all your wrestling news right here on eWrestlingNews.com. Or, you can follow us over on our Twitter and Facebook pages.

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Best Mirrorless Cameras: Top 7 Brands Most Recommended By Photography Experts

Best Mirrorless Cameras: Top 7 Brands Most Recommended By Photography Experts

Mirrorless cameras are lightweight and easy on the shoulder, making them the low-maintenance buddies of photography gear. One perk is the absence of that clunky mirror you find in traditional cameras. Without it, the best mirrorless cameras can focus faster and capture moments in the blink of an eye. They boast an autofocus system that never misses a beat, whether you’re snapping a quick pic or chasing the perfect shot.

Unlike DSLRs with their bulky reflex mirrors, mirrorless cameras employ an electronic viewfinder (EVF) to display the scene directly from the sensor. This eliminates the mirror box, resulting in a lighter, more compact body that’s easier to carry and handle. But the benefits go beyond portability.

Benefits of Going Mirrorless: 

  • Unparalleled Image Quality: Mirrorless cameras boast high-resolution sensors and advanced image processing engines, delivering stunningly sharp, detailed images with exceptional low-light performance.
  • Faster Focusing: Most mirrorless cameras feature phase-detect autofocus systems on the sensor, offering blazing-fast and accurate focusing, even in challenging lighting conditions.
  • Live View Revolution: The EVF allows you to see the final image in real-time, adjusting settings and composing your shot with ease. No more peeking through the optical viewfinder!
  • Silent Operation: Say goodbye to the DSLR’s clunky mirror slap! Mirrorless cameras operate near silently, making them ideal for capturing quiet moments or discreet street photography.
  • Video Powerhouse: Many mirrorless cameras excel in video recording, offering features like high frame rates, smooth autofocus, and cinematic image profiles.
  • Compact Convenience: Ditch the bulky DSLR bag! Mirrorless cameras offer a more travel-friendly experience, letting you capture stunning images without weighing yourself down.

With so many cameras available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Here are some key factors to consider:

  • Sensor Size: Full-frame sensors offer the best image quality, but crop sensors are smaller and more affordable.
  • Resolution: Higher megapixel count means more detail, but consider file size and processing power.
  • Autofocus: Prioritize fast and accurate autofocus if you shoot action or low-light photography.
  • Video Features: If video is important, consider features like 4K recording, frame rates, and codecs.
  • Budget: Mirrorless cameras come at various price points, so set a realistic budget before exploring options.

The best mirrorless cameras are ideal for shooting smooth, cinematic footage. Their ability to handle high-quality video with ease means you can capture the action at your friend’s wedding dance or your cat’s acrobatics like a professional. It’s a win-win for both photographers and videographers looking to lighten their load without compromising on quality. We want that for you, which is why StudyFinds has crafted this list of the best mirrorless cameras most recommended by experts. Did we miss your favorite? Leave a comment to let us know!

Someone taking a photo
Someone taking a photo (Photo by Ailbhe Flynn on Unsplash)

The List: Best Mirrorless Cameras, According to Tech Experts

1. Canon EOS R7

At the top of our list is an impressive model by Canon. “The Canon EOS R7 is like one of the camera giant’s full-frame EOS R cameras, only with a smaller APS-C sensor. For the price, it’s impressively powerful, particularly if you’re fan of shooting wildlife or sports scenes. That’s because it boasts 15fps burst speeds (or 30fps if you switch to the electronic shutter). Our tests found that the EOS R7 can indeed hit these speeds, though you don’t get the deep buffers found on full-frame siblings like the EOS R6, so it can’t sustain those speeds for quite as long. Beyond rattling off frames of speeding animals, the EOS R7 offers comfortable handling, Canon’s latest subject-tracking autofocus system and dual UHS-II card slots, making it a camera that will also tempt pro EOS R series fans as a second body. The only downside? Canon has so far only made two native lenses for the EOS R7’s APS-C sensor. More should be en route, though, and you can always mount existing RF lenses or adapt older EF lenses from Canon’s DSLRs while you wait,” says Tech Radar.

Canon EOS R7Canon EOS R7
Canon EOS R7

Mirrorless cameras are your best bet for capturing spontaneous shots effortlessly. “The EOS R7 has a 30 FPS burst, 4K 60p filming, in-body image stabilization, and a great autofocus system. It also has one of my favorite features, a pre-release burst mode that allows you to record photos up to 1/2 second before you’ve fully pressed the shutter button. This is great for unpredictable wildlife photography. One potential issue is that the buffer is not as big as that of the Fuji X-H2S. The Canon EOS R7 gives you 93 shots at 30 FPS and 187 shots at 15 FPS (assuming that you’re using lossless compressed CRAW). These figures are not low, but not best-in-class either. Even so, the EOS R7 would be one of my first choices for sports and wildlife photography on a budget today,” writes Photography Life.

Their compact design makes them ideal for on-the-go photographers and filmmakers. “The R7 is the mirrorless replacement for three of the most popular DSLRs that Canon ever made: the EOS 90D, EOS 7D and EOS 80D. However, more than just doing the same thing but without a mirror, Canon has turned these speed-focused wildlife specialists into an all-purpose performer that can handle anything you throw at it. Of course, the Canon EOS R7 still retains its pedigree when it comes to wildlife, sports and action. Its blistering 30fps maximum shooting speed is on par with the flagship Canon EOS R3, and the 1.6x crop factor means that the effective focal length of your lenses is extended. My creaky old EF 75-300mm lens becomes a whopping 120-480mm on this camera! It also boasts the same bleeding-edge autofocus system found in the flagship camera, which I called a cheat code for wildlife photography,” shares Digital Camera World.

2. Nikon Z9

Second on our list is the Nikon Z9. “The autofocus is rapid, even in low light, giving you the best opportunity to capture fleeting moments at special occasions such as weddings or sporting events. Not to mention, it’s just as capable of shooting video as it is at stills. It also has an incredibly impressive burst speed, capable of shooting up to 120FPS! Although, the trade-off here is that 30, 60 and 120FPS are JPEG only, with RAW images topping out at 20FPS (which is still really good!),” says Space.

Nikon Z9Nikon Z9
Nikon Z9

You would think that it would cost less when there’s a part missing, but it doesn’t! “The Nikon Z9 is a workhorse no matter what subject you throw at it. This camera is Nikon’s best wildlife photography camera and Nikon’s best landscape photography camera. It has a 45-megapixel sensor, yet shoots 20 FPS bursts with a practically unlimited buffer (1000+ shots),” writes Photography Life.

Professional filmmakers often choose mirrorless cameras to deliver smooth, high-quality footage. “Some say that Nikon was late to the party with its pro mirrorless camera. The moment I used it, though, I knew that Nikon hadn’t been tardy: it had been canny. This is the most top-to-bottom capable mirrorless camera on the market right now.  The 8K is as good as anything I’ve experienced from the Sony or Canon, particularly its market-first 8K 60p. I was skeptical when I saw that Nikon had ditched the mechanical shutter but, with a blinding 120fps continuous shooting and a max shutter speed of 1/32,000, the Z9 simply stands in a league of its own. (Yes, admittedly those 120 frames are only 11MB JPEGs, but it’s still hugely impressive).The autofocus is a few steps behind Canon’s, and even Sony’s, but the deep learning-powered system is still truly incredible whether you’re shooting people, animals, planes, trains or automobiles. The stabilization is rock-solid, it’s as rugged as they come… the only thing I don’t like is Nikon’s counter-intuitive mounting and ring directions,” shares Digital Camera World.

3. Fujifilm X-T5

Third on our list is Fujifilm X-T5. “The X-T5 may not be an astrophotography specialist, but we think it does offer some useful tools for nighttime photography. Its interval timer can take several images at intervals of your choice, from one second to a full 24 hours, ideal for time-lapses, star trails and celestial events. Additionally, it features subject detection modes, including tracking for animals, birds, and vehicles,” says Space.

Fujifilm X-T5Fujifilm X-T5
Fujifilm X-T5

Science enthusiasts praise this brand without hesitation. “The Fujifilm X-T5 is a truly fantastic camera. In fact, one of our editors calls it one of the most enjoyable cameras he’s ever used. It offers lots of tactile controls, including an ISO dial and physical switch for shutter drive modes. These keep you from digging into menus nearly as often as other cameras. The body feels like a small SLR, including a physical dial for shutter speed, which makes the camera feel like an analog one.  Fujifilm built the camera around a high-resolution 40.2-megapixel sensor that does a great job of grabbing lots of detail from a scene. It comes with Fujifilm’s excellent film simulation modes, which could save you time when it comes to throwing it up on a monitor and editing. And the autofocus is responsive and accurate. While the camera is primarily for still shooters, there are plenty of impressive features for video creators. For example, it can shoot up to 6.2K 30p video or oversampled 4K footage. And it offers plenty of video capture formats, including F-LOG2 and Apple ProRes Raw,” writes Pop Sci.

The Fujifilm isn’t for the novice photographer; you have to be dedicated to recognize it’s quality. “The Fujifilm X-T5 is the best choice to bring your photography to a higher level. The sensor puts out surprisingly clean, detailed, color-accurate images even when you shoot in especially dim lighting. And Fujifilm’s film simulations evoke nostalgic memories through clever application of color and tones, if you opt to use them The camera is rugged and weather sealed, has dedicated dials for all of your most-used settings, sports a large electronic viewfinder that gives you a great view of what you’ll get, and captures beautiful 4K video. Plus, its tilting screen and built-in image stabilization make shooting in challenging situations even more manageable than with our top pick,” shares NY Times.

4. Panasonic Lumix S5 II review

Fourth on our list of the best mirrorless cameras is Panasonic. “The Lumix S5 Mark II is arguably the best value new full-frame camera around at the time of making this review, packing a wealth of features while comfortably undercutting key rivals on price. The long-awaited inclusion of phase-detect autofocus transforms both photo and video, eliminating the distracting pulsing which haunted earlier Lumix cameras. While the core features and specs are roughly similar to its rivals, drilling-down reveals unique benefits to each: Canon’s R6 II enjoyed the best subject detection in my tests, allows uncropped 4k up to 60p, in-camera focus stacking, multiple exposures, a bulb timer, pre-capture mode, 1080 180p slow motion, and the fastest mechanical burst speed of 12fps. Sony’s A7 IV has the highest resolution on a single frame, support for a faster memory card and access to a wealth of lenses including Tamron’s which aren’t yet available for L or RF mount. Meanwhile the S5 II boasts a high-res pixel shift mode, focus bracketing with a mechanical shutter that allows flash, open-gate 6k video, waveform and vector displays, anamorphic modes, real-time LUT previews, and potentially longer recording times under hotter conditions thanks to a built-in fan,” says Camera Labs.

Panasonic Lumix S5 II reviewPanasonic Lumix S5 II review
Panasonic Lumix S5 II review

Mirrorless cameras consistently deliver exceptional results, making them the tool of choice for the pros. “One area where Panasonic had been lagging behind the best mirrorless cameras from Nikon, Canon, and Sony was autofocus performance (at least in Panasonic’s full-frame cameras). The Panasonic S5 II fixes this by introducing the company’s phase-detect AF. Although the S5 II has a 24-megapixel sensor, don’t let that fool you if you’re a landscape photographer. Like some of the Sony and Fuji cameras on this list, the Panasonic S5 II has a high-resolution pixel-shift mode that quadruples a photo’s resolution to 96 megapixels! This only works if the subject is staying still, but I found that it produces fairly natural results in previous Panasonic mirrorless cameras, like the Panasonic S1R (see our review).  The Panasonic S5 II also has some very good video features, capturing up to 6K video internally,” shares Photography Life.

5. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

Coming in at number five is Olympus. “In the realm of micro four thirds, the OM System OM-1 is an amazing camera for sports photography and wildlife photography. It also has some of the most modern features of any camera on this list. Not only does it have a stacked 20MP sensor, it has an insane 120fps burst capability and advanced subject recognition modes for almost every situation. If you don’t want to carry around a massive full-frame camera, and you want access to some very compact, yet high-quality lenses, the OM-1 is worth considering. The downside, of course, is the smaller sensor size. Obviously Micro Four Thirds has a dedicated audience of photographers, and for something like wildlife or macro photography, it’s may not be a hinderance at all. But bigger sensors allow you to shoot in low-light conditions more easily, and they give you more flexibility in your depth of field,” says Photography Life.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IVOlympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

Consistent autofocus performance holds up even in challenging lighting situations. “Olympus has packed a lot into this stylish little pocketable camera. We have replaced the Mark III of this model in this guide with the Mark IV due to several worthwhile enhancements, including a better sensor, quicker focusing and generally a more refined and capable package. Olympus made much of its improved autofocus for the MK IV version of the camera, and we can safely say it delivers. The camera’s autofocus ability is up there with the best in its class and didn’t ever fail to lock on to motion at a reasonable distance. With 15FPS in burst mode, it also delivered when it came to capturing the right moments — particularly with regard to street photography and wildlife,” writes Space.

Quick burst shooting capabilities make them ideal for capturing fast-paced action. “I liked the E-M10 so much that I bought my partner one for her birthday. If that’s not putting my money where my mouth is, I don’t know what is! In addition to being one of the prettiest cameras on this list, the E-M10 Mark IV is also the smallest – making it perfect for travel and street photography, and an ideal holiday camera. And just because it’s the most affordable, doesn’t mean it skimps on features. With a guided user interface, it’s an exceptional camera for beginner and intermediate photographers eager to unlock new skills. It boasts super-sturdy in-body image stabilization, along with 4K video and a responsive touchscreen that flips down 180° – ideal for selfies and walkabout vlogging,”  shares Digital Camera World.

6. Sony Alpha 1

From another big name in the world of photography, “The Sony A1 is everything that Sony says it is. It’s a technological triumph, a camera that really can do everything. Previously, cameras might offer speed, resolution, or video capability, but the A1 offers all three – and even beats dedicated sports and video cameras at their own game. It has a lot in common with the Nikon Z8 and Z9; a high-resolution sensor (50MP), 8K video (up to 30p), blistering burst speeds (30fps)… but one thing it doesn’t have in common is the price. And that remains a major obstacle, as does its appeal being limited to shooters who need everything it does, not just one or two of those things, in order to justify the price…Still, for sheer firepower on all fronts, the A1 can’t be beat. In fact, it’s so powerful that Sony practically killed two of its other cameras by making this one! The Sony A9 II is a terrific sports camera that’s eclipsed by the A1, while the Sony A7S III’s excellent 4K video pales against the A1’s 8K capture. If you want it all, and can afford it, this camera is pretty much future-proof,” says Digital Camera World.

Sony Alpha 1Sony Alpha 1
Sony Alpha 1

Expert reviewers are torn when making a choice between the Sony A1 and other brands, yet, the Sony still ranks among the best. “The Sony A1 has extraordinary specifications, basically on par with the Nikon Z9. It can shoot 50 megapixel images at 30 frames per second, which is out of this world. It has an amazing autofocus system, too, making for great sports and action photography – alongside the obvious landscape photography applications. Between the Sony A1 and the Nikon Z9, it was very hard to pick which one deserved to be ranked higher. A lot of it comes down to whether you prefer the large form factor of a camera with a built-in grip like the Z9, or the portability of the Sony A1,”  writes  Photography Life.

These cameras offer flexibility with a variety of lenses for different shooting needs. “The Sony A1 is one of the best cameras on the market, but as we mentioned in our hands-on Sony A1 review, it has a hefty price tag, to say the least, and is most likely only accessible to professional photographers or those with a very big budget. With a massive 50.1MP stills resolution, 8K 30p video, a class-leading electronic viewfinder and in-body image stabilization of 5.5 stops, you’ll be able to capture every star in the sky. Not to mention, this menu system is one of the best and easiest to navigate that we’ve seen from Sony, who are notorious for having confusing menus — it seems they’ve listened to their customers. The impressive specs are ideal for astro work — the camera’s extended ISO range of up to 102,400 can help to produce some amazing astrophotography, and its 15 stops of dynamic range ensure that even the tiniest celestial specks can be captured. It also handles noise very well thanks to its stacked CMOS sensor,” shares Space.

7. Canon EOS R5

Last but not least on our list is the Canon. “The Canon EOS R5 has a 45 megapixel sensor and can shoot a whopping 20 FPS. It has an excellent autofocus system, and like the three cameras above, it can also shoot 8K video. Canon found a way to push a ton of data through the EOS R5’s imaging pipeline, and it makes this camera excellent for both action photography and landscapes. As you would expect, all this comes at a high price,” says Photography Life.

Canon EOS R5Canon EOS R5
Canon EOS R5

With no optical viewfinder, photographers can enjoy real-time digital previews for accurate composition. “The EOS R5 is Canon’s best overall camera for stills photography, out-performing and out-featuring pretty much every model its released to date. Pro sports and wildlife specialists may find reasons to prefer the 1Dx III – such as its larger battery, optical viewfinder being preferable in some situations and the bullet-proof build – but for everyone else, the R5 is hard to beat,” shares Pop Sci.

You might also be interested in:

Sources:

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.

Top 10 Architecture Posts of 2023

Top 10 Architecture Posts of 2023

Bourgeois / Lechasseur architects are the firm behind this residence in Les Forges by the Saint-Maurice River in Quebec, Canada. Built within dense pine trees, the Des Forges Residence, which uniquely resembles a three-sided star or a triangular speaker found in many conference rooms, resides on the edge of a cliff with access from the main road via a long private driveway.

Photo: Pankaj Anand

In Bhilai, India’s tranquil landscape, Atelier Varun Goyal designed The Courtyard House by seamlessly fusing design and functionality. Created for two brothers, this unique home redefines modern living while celebrating the essence of togetherness and individuality. The Courtyard House project was envisioned as two interconnected yet distinct homes for two brothers. The central courtyard plays a pivotal role in uniting these homes and preserving their family bond.

angled exterior shot of three paneled A-frame cabin in woods

Photo: Jag Studio

In the the Galapagos Islands, SULA is a prefabricated A-frame cabin designed by Diana Salvador that defies convention. SULA’s two-month design build in Ecuador, resulted in approximately 2,000 custom-made components, held together by over 17,000 screws and pins. These meticulously crafted elements were then bundled into two containers, braving a voyage across the sea to Santa Cruz Island. There, SULA was erected over the span of four weeks.

angled evening view of modern a-frame house with lights on inside

Photo: Cameron Munn, courtesy The Pass Life

With its distinctive triangular shape and soaring roofline, the A-frame has captivated the imaginations of architects and homeowners alike for decades. The unique architectural style seamlessly blends the allure of nature with the cutting-edge design sensibilities of today. To celebrate this nostalgic design, we rounded up 10 remarkable modern A-frame houses that stand as testaments to their timeless allure.

If you search the internet for kitchen design inspo, chances are you’re going to get kitchens in all-white options, pale, muted colors, or wood being the prominent material. Then there are those rare finds where architects and designers really think outside the box and opt for a more dramatic look. We happen to love how sophisticated black can be in most modern spaces, and the kitchen is a perfect example. So, if you’re ready to jump into the abyss, we rounded up 10 modern black kitchens that might just tempt you to the dark side!

modern living room view with modular light gray sofa, print rug, and built-in shelving

Photo: Tomas Dittrich.

Located in Prague, Czech Republic, House for Dorothy was designed by boq architekti who were brought in at the late stages of construction to design the interior for the family. The interior boasts concrete and wood as the materials of choice, which are topped off with playful details throughout. On the ground floor, the open living space feels bright and open with surrounding windows and sliding glass doors that lead to the outdoor space. The designers kept the color palette neutral with the use of white, anthracite gray, and natural wood, along with the occasional curated use of color.

Located in thecity of Kamakura, just outside of Tokyo, stands a pretty unique house, named A Cat Tree House. It’s a feline paradise designed for a couple in their thirties and their two beloved cats. Architect Tan Yamanouchi of AWGL has redefined what it means to design a home by taking inspiration from the clients, the four-legged kind, who don’t speak human language. Since the couple has lived with the two cats for ten years, the architects looked at them as more than just pets, instead as clients that had their own needs.

Front and center exterior view of black Eichler home with large vestibule area with white ceiling

Photo: David Duncan Livingston, courtesy of v2com

California-based studio Gustave Carlson Design and Atlanta-based Atelier Davis were hired to renovate a local Eichler house in need of updating. Originally built in 1971 in the Palo Alto hills, the prized family home was a custom commission by architect John S. Lynd, a close friend of Joseph Eichler. The house received a respectful renovation that honored the history while adapting it for modern times.

exterior view of large modern black house with green yard

Photo: Timothy Kaye

After an adjacent property came on the market next to a young family of five, they bought it to create their dream Hideaway House. They hired Cera Stribley who utilized the excavated lot to design an underground living space that could house everything an adult could dream of, including an indoor pool, bar and lounge, gold room, and gym. The original home’s basement has been converted into a new guest suite and connects the house to the new underground space.

And the most popular architecture post of 2023 is…

end exterior view of dark brown rectangular tiny home in dessert

Renderings: UVISUAL

While still in the concept phase, this 484-square-foot tiny home design by Bologna-based firm STUDIOFEM was too good not to share. Architects Francesca Morsiani and Mujgan Merve Rinaldi designed The Mini with a proposed location in the village of Cavusin, Nevsehir, Turkey surrounded by mountains. Despite the project not being built yet, you all fell in love and so did we!

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.

SMP & ACA present musical photography exhibition

SMP & ACA present musical photography exhibition
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The Southeast Museum of Photography, in partnership with Atlantic Center for the Arts, presents “Taking Note,” an exhibition of photographic works paired with written reflections by photojournalist Colin Finlay. The exhibit is on display now through Feb. 3 in the Master Artist Gallery at Atlantic Center for the Arts, 1414 Art Center Ave., New Smyrna Beach.

The photographs capture remarkable moments: an intimate view of Linda Perry composing music at home; Rick Rubin framed within the front seat of The Band’s old VW tour bus; Mike Campbell hanging around The Clubhouse, the exclusive space in which Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers recorded and rehearsed; Beck writing notes in the margins of his lyrics; and Bonnie Raitt’s profile softly illuminated against the dark, wood-paneled studio at Grandmaster Recorders.

Also featured is Mr. Finlay’s commercial portraiture and campaign work, in which he places subjects against the backdrop of Los Angeles’ city streets, historic buildings and coastlines.

In addition to the photographs, a selection of vinyl records related to the exhibition are mounted on the walls. The gallery also features a Spotify playlist, allowing visitors to explore the richness and diversity of each artist through a curated selection of their songs.

ACA is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, call (386) 427-6975 or visit atlanticcenterforthearts.org.

Photography drives December grad

Photography drives December grad
Hevin Ramsey

Hevin Ramsey felt a pressure to succeed as a Black student who was the lone member of the University of Louisville’s photography program.

She relied on UofL’s resources, faculty and staff to get her through her toughest challenge—a comprehensive review of all she had learned—leading the way to a bachelor of fine arts from the Hite Institute of Art and Design in the College of Arts & Sciences.

“UofL helped me pass my review and graduate this fall because of the fantastic people … who played a significant role in who I am as an artist and as a future alumnus of UofL,” Ramsey said.

“Althea,” an image from Ramsey’s BFA thesis.

Ramsey, a Woodford R. Porter Scholar, worked at the independent student newspaper, The Louisville Cardinal, and as a student assistant at Ekstrom Library. Read more about her Fall BFA Thesis Exhibition here.

Asked about her favorite class, she said her experience in a directed study working on a PhotoVoice project with Professor Mary Carothers of the Hite Institute made a profound impact on her.

The project focused on a Metro United Way/Russell Place of Promise guaranteed income program called YALift! Ramsey and other artists reflected on the meaning of guaranteed income in their work. Called “Take this!” the project included narratives to go with their imagery.

“Paring narratives with imagery greatly influenced my BFA track,” Ramsey said, “which solidified my love for UofL. If I had not gone here, I would have never met Mary Carothers or participated in the PhotoVoice project. It was an experience I will never forget.”

The experience also served as inspiration for her future higher education goals: Ramsey hopes to someday return to UofL for a Master of Fine Arts degree or an individualized major in visual sociology.

Ramsey, of Louisville, said her family has close ties to the university and she feels it has evolved along with the city. Being accepted at UofL was a “dream come true,” she said.

“I loved visiting different places that integrate the community and the university, such as the MFA building in Portland and the Cressman Center,” she said.

After graduation, Ramsey plans to open a small business focused on film photography and crochet projects.

Photography exhibition highlights human rights situation

Photography exhibition highlights human rights situation


Visitors look at displayed photographs at an exhibition titled ‘Rage and Hope’ at the DrikPath Bhobon in Dhaka on Thursday. — Md Saurav

A photography exhibition highlighting the human rights situation in the country was inaugurated at the DrikPath Bhobon in Dhaka on Thursday.

The exhibition titled ‘Rage and Hope’ has been jointly organised by Drik Picture Library and the UN Resident Coordinator Office in Dhaka marking the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, observed globally on December 10.

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The exhibition is featuring 29 photographs, one audio installation and one video installation addressing border killings, tea-estate workers’ protests, enforced disappearances, extra-judicial killings, structural discrimination, green protests, working conditions of labourers and more.

In his welcome speech, photographer and activist Shahidul Alam said that the photographs, which were taken under challenging circumstances,  portray both human rights violations and signs of hope.

Senior human rights adviser to the UNRC Huma Khan said that equality for all was still not a reality.

‘We are committed to protecting the rights of Bangladesh’s people,’ she said.

She also said that the exhibition celebrated diverse opinions and views of people coming from different backgrounds.

Photographer Taslima Akhter said that people were not able to speak freely due to the fear of being murdered and enforced disappearances.

‘At present, the common people and workers of the country are faced with a suffocating situation. We want things to change,’ added Taslima.

Coordinator of Mayer Daak, a platform for the families of the victims of enforced disappearances, Afroja Islam Akhi said that the current state of affairs in the country was well-known to everyone.

She said, ‘Families and loved ones of missing persons are passing their days in extreme difficulty. But, we can see hope because many people, who used to spend their lives indoors, are protesting and speaking out on the streets.’

The exhibition will remain open for everyone till December 18.

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Crusader photographer Worsom Robinson laid to rest after big sendoff

Crusader photographer Worsom Robinson laid to rest after big sendoff

Reverend Marshall Hatch said Worsom was his friend and a member at New Mt. Pilgrim Church who took portraits of him as the leader of the church.

It was the perfect picture, one that Worsom would have loved and appreciated.

At funeral services for the beloved Crusader photographer, formally known as Darrell “Worsom” Robinson, a dozen photographers stood up, held their cameras towards the ceiling and set off their flash bulbs. Cheers and applause erupted in the packed sanctuary at New Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church on the West Side.

It was part of a fitting tribute and sendoff to Worsom, a much loved photographer known to many only by his nickname, Worsom. His memorial service on December 9 drew relatives, friends and colleagues who remembered and honored him as a fearless, hardworking and selfless individual and prominent photographer.

The nearly two-hour service celebrated Worsom’s life and long career as a prolific, award-winning, photographer who mentored and trained a new generation of professionals, while working for prominent publications, including the Chicago Crusader, Chicago Defender and the Chicago Sun-Times.

The service reflected Worsom’s love for Chicago’s West Side, where he resided until his death on November 27 following a long illness. He was laid to rest at Oakridge Cemetery in Hillside; he was 56.

Alderman Jason Ervin (28th) and his wife, Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin paid their respects, as well as several Crusader journalists, Crusader photographer Marcus Robinson and professionals from other news organizations.

Local singer LaTanya Hughes opened the service with a moving rendition of Yolanda Adams’ gospel hit “Open My Heart.” The four-page funeral program included colorful photos and portraits of Worsom as an individual, photographer and avid swimmer who loved visiting Chicago’s pools and beaches. There were also photos of Worsom with relatives and his fiancé, SheNita “Nita” Thomas.

Outside the church, a large framed photo of Worsom with his camera was flanked by a large garland full of red roses.

Mary Datcher, former managing editor for the Chicago Defender, said Worsom captured numerous photos of recording artists during the time she was involved in her music entertainment firm, Global Mixx Media Group. She also recalled when she held her first journalism job at the West Side newspaper, Windy City Word, and her memory of working with Worsom while there.

“He was always kind, always on time.”

Mourners laughed when Datcher shared a story about Worsom when the Defender owed him thousands in unpaid work. Datcher said when the Defender told him that he would have to go to Detroit to get his money from the Defender’s parent company, Real Time Media, Worsom got in his car and drove nearly 300 miles to the company’s headquarters.

“He told the CEO (Hiram Jackson), ‘I’m not going anywhere until I get my check.’ That’s exactly what he got: his check. That shows the testimony of his determination.

“Worsom did not [let anyone] play with his money.”

Reverend Marshall Hatch said Worsom was his friend and a member at New Mt. Pilgrim Church who took portraits of him as the leader of the church.

“Worsom was unique. I was proud to be his pastor. He had such a real and authentic faith that was grounded. Worsom was a born photographer. A photographer understands that before you take a picture, you have to see a picture.”

Born in Winona, Mississippi, Worsom attended Collins High School. When just six months old, Worsom was adopted by parents who moved to Chicago. For many years, Worsom worked as a lifeguard for the Chicago Park District and held other jobs. Worsom began taking pictures as a hobby; his passion and interest led to him becoming a professional photographer.

Mourners at the service expressed amazement at his work history when his obituary was read aloud. In addition to the Crusader and the Defender, Worsom freelanced for Ebony and Jet Magazines, the Chicago Tribune, the New York Times, Essence Magazine, Sports Illustrated, B.E.T, Disney, Vibe Magazine and CNN.