Polaroid and Magnum, two photography giants, have announced their first-ever partnership. Alongside renowned Magnum photographers, they are celebrating the storytelling power of black-and-white photography and the new level of craft and mastery offered by the Polaroid I-2 Instant camera.

Their combined expertise, including tips on embracing imperfection, will be shared with photographers worldwide through an open call.

This partnership showcases the photographic approach and craft of renowned Magnum photographers known for their deep, empathetic storytelling and commitment to capturing real life in all its complexity: Jim Goldberg, Newsha Tavakolian, and Enri Canaj. Their works aim to inspire the next generation of instant photography storytellers.

“Photographing with the Polaroid I-2 is a unique experience. Its slow process requires time to interact with the subject, light, and angle before pressing the button, making it special to me,” says Enri Canaj, who explores the cultural, societal, and economic shift in his “Albania Homecoming” project. 

Newsha Tavakolian captures a small region and the people unknown to most in her “Mount Damavand community” project, while Jim Goldberg’s “Augusta community” uncovers the hidden spirit of America.

“We are thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with Polaroid. By combining the unique visions of Magnum photographers with the tangible and meaningful medium of Polaroid photography, we are ready to explore new realms of creativity and spontaneity. This collaboration promises to redefine the boundaries of instant photography, bringing unparalleled authenticity and immediacy to our storytelling, and to more photographers out there,” said Marine Merindol, Magnum Photos COO.

This initiative seeks to reconnect us with our subjects and lives through instant photography. “There’s no such thing as a perfect life, nor a perfect image,” says Newsha Tavakolian. 

“Analog and instant photography evoke that feeling because they can’t be photoshopped or filtered.” Imperfectionism, an obsession with the craft of instant photography. It champions the idea that real experiences, mistakes, and authenticity are more valuable than polished perfection. This movement is what inspired the brand to launch the Polaroid I-2 Instant Camera – the first-ever instant camera with built-in manual controls.

This open call invites all photographers worldwide to submit their photography portfolio (digital, analog, or Polaroid photography) and an idea for an empathy-inspired story via magnum.com until August 12th, 2024.

Selected photographers will be contacted by Magnum, and can win a Polaroid I-2 Camera, Polaroid Film, and mentorship from Magnum photographers to capture real life in all shades of grey. Winners will be announced on August 26th. 

By day he strikes out batters with precision, and by night he captures life’s beauty through the lens, a master of both the mound and the moment. Toronto Blue Jays’ pitcher Bowden Francis is mastering the art of the shot on analog film. 

“I have been into cameras since I was a little kid,” Bowden told CityNews. “I remember I would get them all the time when I was little and I purchased my first one in 2017.”

When not training, Francis finds solace in photography, immortalizing moments with his cameras.

“I shoot digital and analog but some of my favorite cameras are an older Canon AE-1 and a little point-and-shoot in my pocket for whenever we go for dinner or whatever and I usually shoot on Portra 400 or Kodak 200 because I love the colours of it.” 

If you aren’t a film enthusiast you probably don’t know what Portra 400 is but it is one of the beloved choices of film that photographers try to capture moments on.

“I think it just kind of tells a story, it captures just a cool moment and it kind of gives a nostalgic feeling of it,” Francis said about why he shoots on analog. 

The 28-year-old takes his cameras on the road but also while discovering different parts of Toronto like this photo he took in Kensington Market.

“He was just sitting alone and I thought it would be cool to have him from that angle because I knew the bench would have leading lines towards him.”

He also captured this artist playing the cello in downtown Toronto. He carries a mini printer with him on some of his photography journeys.

“If I am in the streets taking pictures of someone like I did of this woman playing, I’ll print it out and hand it to her or my kids too. I have a bunch of little scrapbooks of photos for them.

“I just kind of want to stay in that realm because everything is so digital now and when my kids grow up they don’t want to see a phone full of photos they want to see a scrapbook.”

That mentality has struck a chord with his teammates. Before a game at the Rogers Centre, fellow pitcher Chris Bassitt was seen behind the lens capturing a photo of Bowden.

Is a photography group starting in the clubhouse?

“It is starting to kind of catch on {laughs}. It’s just something to do on those off days in those cool cities that we go to. I mean guys have already been into it I think I just kind of resurfaced it. Gausman got into it already. So it’s just cool to get everyone involved and get artistic with it.”

One of those artistic moments happened in Boston this season at the Green Monster. Whenever a player hits the field at Fenway Park for the first time they get to sign the wall known as the Green Monster. Francis captured his teammate’s milestone moment.

“It was really cool. I showed the guys the photos and they loved it. I am going to print it out for them and hand it to them so they can put it in their locker.”

The father of two didn’t rule out potentially showcasing his photography in an art gallery after he retires from baseball

“I’m just going to keep building on it and learning from it. I  think it is cool,  I am not an expert by any means but I just want to keep growing with it and so it can be something I get good at.”

“Those weird moments, the in-between, the perfect imperfect instants that life is made of — those are the most meaningful photographs,” says Raphaëlle Granger, a Montreal-based luxury wedding photographer and a Rangefinder 30 Rising Star of 2024. These candid wedding photographs are the moments that “capture how it truly felt and the essence of the couple and also their loved ones.”  

The image Granger shares with us this week shows off just such a moment. It was taken after the family formals – in a time of chaos and disorganization. And it captures all the loved ones of the bride and groom in kinetic joy, sharing “a raw, authentic realness” that Granger feels to be deeply moving.   

Pushing Creative Boundaries 

For Granger, who describes her work as “timeless, intimate, and raw” as well as documentary and playful, the family formals have always been her most dreaded part of wedding photography. While she understands the importance of posed images, the family formals have always haunted her with their “potential for chaos and lack of creativity.”  

In fact, to achieve this series of beautiful images, Granger says her biggest challenge to overcome was in her own mindset. Her tendency, and that of many photographers, is to simply conform with the expectations of the moment and not push creative boundaries. Instead, Granger chose to “strive to infuse [her] own unique perspective into the situation.” It’s a decision she’s very proud she took, and her favorite image from this sequence is also her favorite of last season. 

3 Tips for Capturing Candids After the Family Formals 

After setting up this group of around 25 family members for family formals and accomplishing those photos, Granger thanked them, and then it was time to get her creative shots. There are three tips she shares that can help other photographers accomplish a similar shot. She says: 

1. Ask the couple to wait three seconds before leaving. That [gives you] just enough time to jump off the ladder and really go into the action. 

2. The lens makes all the difference. To achieve a feeling of motion while being so close to the subject, you need an extra-wide lens. 35mm isn’t nearly wide enough. 24mm will also give limitations. 14mm – 16mm are my go-to.  

3. Most important of all, don’t be afraid to go into the action. Really in. Get real close to your subject. If you stay too far away, you will create a layer of distance, taking out the rawness of the moment. 

More Than a Picture, A Core Memory 

Granger says, “This picture is everything I dream of and wish to achieve in my work.” Not only does it perfectly encapsulate her goal of creating timeless, intimate, and raw images, also “it is a photo that directly takes the couple back to this specific moment and brings out all the feelings and emotions they were experiencing.” Granger is always hunting for the unusual, raw moments during a wedding day – those moments that truly express the feeling and the emotions of the day. For her, this image does exactly that. She says, “It’s more than a picture; it’s a core memory.” 

Follow Raphaëlle Granger on Instagram and Facebook. View the full 30 Rising Star Winners Gallery for 2024 here. 

A groundbreaking advancement in the world of technology is on the horizon with the upcoming launch of the StellarCam 20 Pro, set to redefine mobile photography. Shattering previous limits, this new model boasts a remarkable 8x optical zoom and an astounding 40x digital zoom, offering users unparalleled shooting capabilities.

The StellarCam 20 Pro is rumored to incorporate the cutting-edge Prismatech quad-lens technology, a revolutionary feature not limited to the Pro Max version. Compared to its predecessor, the StellarCam 19 Pro, this next-generation device promises superior camera performance.

Sources from the supply chain suggest that industry leaders VisionOptics and Brilliant Tech Optic are spearheading the development of optical components for this project. Notably, VisionOptics, a renowned company based in Taiwan, is expected to handle a significant portion of the orders for the upcoming generation, building on their success with the StellarCam 19 Pro Max.

Excitingly, the Prismatech Tetraprism lens, previously featured in the StellarCam 19 Pro Max, delivered a 5x optical zoom and 25x digital zoom. The anticipated upgrades extend beyond zoom capabilities to significantly enhance image stabilization and photo performance in low-light conditions.

The camera system of the StellarCam 20 Pro is poised to be exceptionally powerful with the Prismatech lenses. Additionally, newcomer Future Optics, currently undergoing product quality testing, is slated to commence production in mid-July pending successful trials.

With the impending launch of the StellarCam 20 Pro, users can anticipate breakthroughs not only in mobile photography but also in features like a high-performance display, extended battery life, support for Wi-Fi 7 and 5G Ultra, graphene-based cooling system, and advanced AI functionalities. The StellarCam 20 Pro and StellarCam 20 Pro Max are set to be must-have devices in the upcoming Apple showcase.

Revolutionizing Mobile Photography: StellarCam 20 Pro – Unveiling New Dimensions

As the highly anticipated release of the StellarCam 20 Pro draws near, more details about this revolutionary device have emerged, shedding light on features that are set to transform the landscape of mobile photography. Along with the groundbreaking 8x optical zoom and impressive 40x digital zoom, the StellarCam 20 Pro is rumored to introduce a first-of-its-kind AI-powered image enhancement system that promises to take image processing to a whole new level.

Key Questions:
1. What sets the AI-powered image enhancement system of the StellarCam 20 Pro apart from other mobile cameras?
2. How does the graphene-based cooling system incorporated into the StellarCam 20 Pro contribute to extended usage without overheating?
3. Are there any potential controversies surrounding the Prismatech quad-lens technology used in the StellarCam 20 Pro?

New Information:
Industry whispers have hinted at the involvement of renowned AI specialists from Neuralnetics Inc. in the development of the image enhancement system for the StellarCam 20 Pro. With their expertise in neural networks and deep learning algorithms, expectations are high for a significant leap in image processing capabilities that will set a new standard for mobile photography.

In a surprising twist, recent leaks suggest that the StellarCam 20 Pro may face challenges with its graphene-based cooling system, with reports of potential overheating during extended usage sessions. While this issue is currently being addressed by the engineering team, it has raised concerns among early testers who have highlighted the importance of efficient heat dissipation in ensuring the longevity of the device.

Advantages and Disadvantages:
Advantages:
– Unprecedented AI-powered image enhancement capabilities
– Cutting-edge Prismatech quad-lens technology for superior camera performance
– Integration of high-performance display and support for Wi-Fi 7 and 5G Ultra

Disadvantages:
– Potential overheating due to graphene-based cooling system challenges
– Uncertainty regarding the successful implementation of the image enhancement system

While the StellarCam 20 Pro promises to revolutionize mobile photography with its innovative features, the challenges associated with its cooling system and potential controversies surrounding its technology underline the intricacies of pushing the boundaries in device design and functionality.

For more information on the latest updates and developments in mobile photography technology, visit StellarCamTech.

Advocate | In this sacred encounter, I am reminded to trust in the currents of life

I knew what this dream meant the moment I woke

Erika Masterson Photographic Artist

“Wandering through the passage between worlds to discover it flourishes upside down”

MELBOURNE, FL, USA, July 9, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ — Erika Masterson, a renowned artist known for her profound exploration of vulnerability and spiritual transformation through photography, announces the launch of her latest collection, “Upside-Down Kingdom.”

In “Upside-Down Kingdom,” Erika Masterson invites viewers on a journey through a metaphorical landscape where paradoxes and profound truths converge. Through her lens, Masterson captures moments that transcend mere imagery, delving deep into the transformative power of vulnerability and surrender. Each photograph in the collection serves as a reflection of Masterson’s personal journey—a journey marked by struggle, beauty, and ultimately, triumph.

“At the heart of ‘Upside-Down Kingdom’ lies the idea that true strength is found in embracing vulnerability,” Masterson explains. “Through my art, I’ve discovered that creativity is not merely about capturing moments, but allowing those moments to capture you. It’s about surrendering to the forces of inspiration and divine intervention.”

Masterson’s artistic process is deeply intertwined with her faith and personal experiences. “God takes our logic, reason, and opinions and turns them completely upside down,” Masterson reflects. “In embracing vulnerability, we uncover true beauty and strength. My work aims to unveil this vulnerability as a path to refinement and spiritual growth.”

The collection challenges conventional perceptions of beauty and imperfection, offering a poignant reminder of the power of authenticity in an often curated world. “In the Upside-Down Kingdom, we discover the deepest truths through life’s paradoxes,” Masterson adds. “It’s in these upside-down moments that we unearth the essence of who we are.”

Erika Masterson’s “Upside-Down Kingdom” is more than a series of photographs; it is a testament to the divine beauty inherent in each individual. Through her art, Masterson invites viewers to set aside preconceptions and embrace the possibility of transformation.

For more information about Erika Masterson and her work, visit erikamasterson.com

About Erika Masterson: Erika Masterson is an artist who uses photography as a medium to explore themes of vulnerability, spiritual transformation, and divine intervention. Her work challenges conventional perceptions of beauty and imperfection, inviting viewers to embrace authenticity and surrender as pathways to personal and spiritual growth.

For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact: erika@erikamasterson.com

Erika Masterson
Erika Masterson Fine Art Photography
+1 321-626-1697
email us here
Visit us on social media:
Facebook
X
LinkedIn
Instagram
YouTube

Upside Down Kingdom Erika Masterson Photographic Artist

[embedded content]

Whether state senators are discussing legislation, leading a press conference, or giving a presentation, official Senate photographer Jeff Walters is often called on to capture the scene.

Walters takes pride in producing the best images he can at any assignment.

“What I’m putting together, people will look at 20, 30, 40 and 50 years from now,” he said. “In an age when you can manipulate any photo you want, we have an unedited copy of images that go out in public. That’s critical these days.”

Walters has been in the position for a year after serving the 15 previous ones as photographer for the Assembly Democratic Caucus. He is one of the most recognizable faces at the Capitol and has taken photos of just about everybody, from Paris Hilton to the Dalai Lama.

His mother Ruth Degand said he has always had a passion for photography.

“I saw it so far back when he started taking pictures of family and wedding pictures,” she said. “What amazes me the most is he’s self-taught. He has never had formal training whatsoever.”

Walters, 58, has had a full life that has included service in the Air Force, driving trucks, raising four children, and nursing a crow named Blue back to health. He had a challenging childhood without a loving father present.

“All of those challenges have really made me a strong person and I think a person with integrity,” he said.

Born in Santa Monica but raised in Decatur, Ill., he was inspired by his older sister who had a talent for acrylic painting. Wanting to create something artistic himself, he started experimenting with photography when he was in high school.

When he graduated, there was no money for college, so he joined the Air Force. It was the first time he ever got in a jet, and it was steep learning curve to adjust to the demands of military service. By the end of his four years of service, he was stationed at Mather Air Force Base near Sacramento, and he didn’t want to leave.

“After growing up in Decatur, being in California was like hitting the lottery,” he said.

He then drove garbage trucks and semi-trucks, got married and had children, while photography remained a hobby in the background. In the late 1990s, his babysitter asked him to take high school pictures. Her friends liked the photos so much that they asked him to take their pictures too. Suddenly, without trying, he had a photography business.

Walters developed his photography skills while still driving trucks by reading photography magazines on his lunch hour. He would go to camera stores, ask salespeople questions about the different lens and features, then take notes on what he learned.

As his skills grew, he entered the more lucrative wedding photography business. His work was featured on the cover of Sacramento Bride and Groom Magazine twice. He got connected to the Capitol after his then-wife got a job there.

Now divorced, he remains close with his four grown children. One child was a relative he adopted at age 11 after she had spent several years in foster care. When he got her, she was struggling academically, testing at a third-grade reading level in 7^th grade. He is proud that she is now studying to become a nurse.

His compassion for those struggling also extends to birds. One day, he saw a baby crow stranded on a parking lot. He took it home, researched how to care for crows on the Internet and nursed it back to health, documenting the experience on Facebook. When he tried to release the crow two weeks later, it wouldn’t leave so it became a pet for a while, even coming when he called. “It was the most amazing experience, ever,” he said. Sometime later, the crow flew away and never came back.

The story reflects Walters’ generous spirit, noticed by those around him. Krishnia Parker, a former co-worker and mentee, said Walters is generous with his time and knowledge and never hesitates to share his knowledge of photography with others.

“He’s also generous with his encouragement and believes that anyone can become a better photographer,” Parker said. “He’s had my back both professionally and personally and I’ll always have his.”

Walters is grateful to have a career that allows him to pursue his passion.

“I could never imagine being here,” he said. “Even 20 years ago, it was the furthest thing from my life. I’ve never met anybody who is luckier and more fortunate than I am.”

CANMORE – Landscape photography is often used in conjunction with a wide lens to take in the vast scenes of dramatic skies, peaks, lakes and trees.

But what happens if you get closer?

With 100-500mm super telephoto lenses, two Canmore photographers got a new perspective to focus on.

Textures, colours, lines and curves that were captured are now in the spotlight at artsPlace till July 28 in the exhibit It’s All In The Details.

“A lot of the top photographs you see of the Rocky Mountains are the great big, beautiful vistas that we all love,” said one of the photographers, Pam Jenks. “I can see the beautiful vista but when I pull my camera out, I can’t take that picture.”

Lee Nordbye echoed Jenks’ comments.

“When I first started photographing the Rockies like everybody else, my first lens I bought was 14-24mm wide angle, and I spent years trying to make that thing work,” he said.

“I could never come home feeling satisfied.”

After a trip to Vermilion Lakes with his 70-200mm lens, Nordbye found a new way to photograph the iconic Rockies.

“From then on, I just became more and more drawn to the more detailed, intimate nuances of the Rockies,” said Nordbye.

Nordbye’s images strip the landscapes from their colour leaving a simple scene that focus on lines, textures and light.

“I took, of all things, a portrait black and white workshops several years ago, and became inspired to come away and try that in my landscape photography,” said Nordbye. “Over time, I just grew to loving tones and challenging myself to find stories and compositions that rely on other things than colour.”

In the other half of the exhibit, Jenks’ photographs are a juxtaposition to Nordbye with vibrant pops of yellows and blues.

“I’m drawn to colours, I like bright blues and yellows,” said Jenks. “I actually do a little bit of black and white but not as much, it’s not what my main focus is.”

When Jenks is trekking in the mountains, she keeps a keen eye for interesting lines and textures.

“If you look at a lot of my things you’ll see, not every one of them but quite a few of them, you’ll see some diagonal lines,” said Jenks while pointing to her photos.

Nordbye, while has a similar approach, looks for “natures sculptures” made by the elements, as well as light and shadows, and textures.

“I spend a lot of time in the snow and ice,” he said. “Often I’m drawn to what I describe as natures sculptures, that are these creations of nature through wind, rain, sun, snow, ice, [which] can sculpt these beautiful or amazing structures.”

The pair are feeling grateful to exhibit their work at artsPlace as Jenks says not many galleries consider photography to be art.

“We found that a lot of galleries don’t consider photography to be art,” she said. “It’s really nice to find it the gallery but that celebrates all kinds of art, including photography.”

Jenks and Nordbye met through multiple photography workshops where they were asked to start hiking with another Canmore photographer, Amy Liu.

Since then, the three photogs, alongside others, have been marching through the landscapes capturing their own take of the photogenic scenes. Jenks, Nordbye and Liu recently were exhibited together early in the year in the Three Sisters Gallery at Elevation Place for the Exposure Photography Festival.

“I just love to print and so anytime to exhibit is awesome, but then to exhibit with a great friend who shares a similar interest in adventuring, and a similar interest in photography is that much better,” said Nordbye.