Ellicottville Chamber, Griffis park to bring sculpture of astronaut to village
Several dozen people gathered in the rain last week across the street from a coned-off Ketchikan property. They held signs saying “No Fake Totem Poles” and “Protect Indigenous Artists.” They faced a small construction vehicle sitting atop a pile of rubble spilling onto two carved, wooden poles.
Leaders from a number of Native groups turned out for the May 5 protest, including Rob Sanderson, 3rd Vice President of the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska.
“The bottom line is that our people have come too far, too long to get to where we’re at,” Sanderson said to the crowd, gesturing over to the poles lying on the ground. “When I look at these poles, that’s a slap to the face of our local artists here in Ketchikan and abroad.”
At first glance, the poles resemble the art forms carved by Northwest Coast Indigenous artists for thousands of years. But in an interview with the Ketchikan Daily News, owner Joseph Machini said that he bought the poles from a non-Native Minnesota man named Carl Muggli in 2008.
In a bizarre twist, Muggli was later charged with murdering his wife with one of the 700-pound poles they crafted as part of their business. He eventually pleaded guilty to second-degree unintentional murder in that case.
Machini acknowledged that unfortunate history to the Daily News, and explained that he had sought poles from out-of-state suppliers because he wanted something done quickly, and “the Indians here were very busy.” Machini plans to have the imitation poles adorn five small kiosk shops where he will sell local arts and crafts.

Back at the protest, Willard Jackson, a Teiḵweidí Brown Bear spiritual leader, shared a story about respect before leading a song.
“This man doesn’t got any respect! Doesn’t have any at all,” Jackson said, referring to Machini. “It’s time we stand up and move forward as Native people! This is our land. It lives in our heart!”
Machini’s property sits directly across from one of Ketchikan’s cruise ship docks, and a number of disembarking tourists stopped to watch the protest. Ketchikan Indian Community President Norm Skan said that demonstration was just the beginning.
“Because really, as I always say, somebody from Iowa getting off one of these cruise ships is not going to know the difference,” Skan said. “But we know.”
Skan said he appreciates the business idea of creating spaces to sell local goods, but the imported poles are a different story.
“We don’t want these fake poles here made by a non-native person in Minnesota brought to our community and put up in Tlingit land,” Skan said. “And I’m surprised that our local politicians would put up with that, it just don’t make sense to me.”

In fact, one local politician did raise the issue at a Ketchikan City Council meeting days before the protest. Vice-Mayor Janalee Gage addressed her fellow council members during the citizen comment section.
“If we allow these poles to be raised, we will be no better than the individual who thought bringing those poles here that were carved by a non-native from Minnesota was okay,” Gage said. “This is appropriation at its finest.”
Gage cited the 1990 Indian Arts and Crafts Act, which prohibits the sale of products that are falsely marketed as being produced by Native artists.
“The owner may not be selling these poles, but he is selling an idea to those unsuspecting visitors, and our locals, that get off the ships,” Gage said. “They will think these are real, Native art.”
Gage requested a future agenda item to discuss what can be done.
City Manager Delilah Walsh has been looking into what potential regulation might look like to share with the Council. In a phone interview, she said the city works closely with Native organizations to promote authentic Alaska Native art.
“And we very much want to not only preserve, but to support not only that historic aspect of our local culture, but to respect what those items reflect,” Walsh said.
Walsh said that was the purpose behind the creation of the Totem Heritage Center, and its Native Art Studies program.
“It’s absolutely not acceptable for culturally appropriated poles to be surrounded with debris and treated as such,” Walsh said.
When it comes to the Indian Arts and Crafts Act though, Walsh said the law is really only aimed at fake items that are displayed for sale, whereas the Minnesotan poles are simply decorative.

Some residents are also concerned that the property owner has been drilling into the hillside to make room for the kiosk buildings. A busy, one-lane tunnel runs through that same hillside, and critics say the excavation endangers both the tunnel and the homes directly above it.
Walsh said Machini’s original building permit did not include permission to excavate, but once he was granted that, he obtained the services of an engineering firm which has been monitoring for seismic activity from the drilling. Walsh said thus far, the operation is structurally sound.
As far as what city management can do to intervene, Walsh said their authority is limited to building codes.
The city actually filed a lawsuit against Machini in 2015 for failing to remove the burned down structure of a building he owned on the same tunnel-adjacent property. But Walsh said that didn’t come into play when approving his current building permit.
“Simply because, building code does not talk about prior performance,” Walsh said. “So code doesn’t say ‘if you had a bad relationship or interaction with the city in the past.’ That’s not something that would be considered.”
The City Council will discuss its regulatory authority over the imitation totem poles at its next meeting on Thursday. Walsh said the Council could try to enact new regulations, but that may be difficult due to the First Amendment rights of private property owners.
By Admin in Photography
At 19, Russell Frederick got his first studio apartment in Bedford Stuyvesant for $425 a month. It was the late 80s, and the neighborhood was not a desirable place to live.
“In the 80s and 90s, nobody wanted to come to Brooklyn,” said Frederick, who grew up in Bushwick.
Frederick, who’s current home studio is on the ground floor of a classic Brooklyn brownstone, has spent more than 25 years documenting Bed-Stuy and its people through his striking black-and-white photography. Now, the prolific photographer, who has been struggling with vision loss since 2015, is facing potential displacement from the home studio he lives and works in.
Frederick first fell in love with photography while working as a young nurse. He turned to the medium after becoming dismayed with the politics of the healthcare field.
“I saw that healthcare wasn’t about really the patient, it was a lot more about the business and the politics of it,” said Frederick. “I felt that I had a bigger calling than being of service as a nurse. And I also had a gut feeling that I was supposed to do something artistic.”
After taking a photography class at the International Center of Photography in 1997, Frederick decided to purse photography full time. “I was 27 and I never looked back.”
He looked to his neighborhood for inspiration. Frederick’s goal was to capture Black people and the people of Bed-Stuy in a truer fashion than he’d seen before. He wanted to show that the neighborhood had more to offer than its negative stereotypes, which centered around violence and poverty.
“I started to focus on Bed-Stuy because I wanted to change the way the world saw my community,” said Frederick. “Walking the streets, what I saw was not what I had read about Bed-Stuy.”
In the early days, Frederick would stand with his camera and light meter on the corner of Bedford and Fulton Streets, and strike up a conversation with people he wanted to photograph. He used black-and-white film to develop his signature style.
Even in the late 90s, Frederick said he anticipated the negative effects of gentrification on the historically Black community of Bed-Stuy.
“I knew I had to honor all of the good people who made up this community before they got priced out,” he said.
After becoming known for his work, Frederick went on to photograph in locations such as Ethiopia and Jamaica. His work has been displayed in galleries in Europe, Asia, and Africa, and he has taught as a guest lecturer at New York University, the School of Visual Arts, Columbia University and elsewhere.
“I saw how my camera could uplift people, I saw how my camera can make some people smile. I also saw how my camera could also to make some people nervous, and how my camera could be a reflection that some people weren’t always comfortable with,” he said.
When Frederick learned that he had a detached retina and a form of glaucoma in 2015, doctors told him his vision loss could one day be completely restored. Within the first year, he had three eye surgeries. By 2017, he was completely blind in his right eye.
At a follow-up visit, his ophthalmologist told him there was nothing further that could be done for his vision loss. For the photographer, this bleak diagnosis felt like a “death sentence.”
“I had to start using some other senses to kind of overcompensate for what I was losing in vision,” Frederick said. “The hardest part was just daily functions that I used take for granted like reading the newspaper, opening up some mail, reading the back of a food label.”
Glaucoma is an eye disease that typically has no symptoms on onset. It effects Black and Latino people at much higher rates than whites. According to a 2022 Mount Sinai study, Black patients are six times more likely to have advanced vision loss after a glaucoma diagnosis than white patients.
After spending half of his life taking photos, losing a large portion of his vision called for a major adjustment to how Frederick worked. He adapted by using digital cameras and the autofocus features.
“[Vision loss] has made me develop skill sets with digital photography, shooting more in color, as well as certain editing techniques on the computer,” he noted.
A decade into his battle with glaucoma, the impact of his vision loss on his ability to work has begun to add up. Numerous surgeries and long recovery periods have caused Frederick to miss out on work opportunities over the years, creating serious financial instability.
Now, the die-hard Bed-Stuy resident may soon be displaced from the community he’s dedicated his life to reflecting. After falling behind on rent and facing a rent increase, a friend of Frederick’s has decided to launch a GoFundMe campaign to help him with back rent and moving expenses.
“To not be able to take care of some of your needs is not something that I wish on anybody,” said Frederick. “The Black and brown people who made this community what it is deserve better. Some laws must be passed to preserve & protect the long-term homeowners & renters, so Bed-Stuy does not turn into Park Slope.”
Frederick still plans to complete his most important project: compiling more than 10,000 photographs of Bed-Stuy into a book.
“To publish the work will be one of the happiest days of my life,” he said. “So many people have trusted me with their image over these 25 years. I have to honor them and show the world this visual journal of soul that Bed-Stuy is.”
By Admin in Photography

Best Deals On Mirrorless Cameras From Amazon
In the world of photography, every moment is precious – one look away and you’ve lost a picture worth a thousand words. Hence, capturing them with precision and finesse requires the right equipment. Mirrorless cameras have revolutionised the art of photography, offering compact designs without compromising on performance. Their sleek designs result in portability – so you can capture on the go. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an enthusiast, finding the perfect camera can make all the difference. Here, we present a fine selection of top mirrorless cameras from Amazon at exclusive prices that promise to unlock picture-perfect moments and elevate your photography experience.
Discount: 18% | Price: ₹74,521 | M.R.P.: ₹90,990 | Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
The Sony Alpha ILCE-6400L is a versatile companion for both amateurs and professionals alike. Featuring a 24.2MP APS-C sensor and real-time eye autofocus, it ensures crisp, sharp images and precise subject tracking. Whether you’re capturing stills or shooting 4K videos, this camera excels in every aspect.
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The Canon EOS R50 is a versatile mirrorless camera designed for both photography and vlogging. Boasting a 24.2MP sensor and 4K video recording capabilities, it delivers exceptional image quality and smooth footage. Paired with the RF-S18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 lens, it offers versatility for various shooting scenarios.
Key Features:
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The Panasonic LUMIX G7 is a powerful mirrorless camera kit tailored for enthusiasts and professionals. Featuring a 16.00MP sensor and 4K video recording capabilities, it delivers breathtaking image quality and cinematic footage. With the included 14-42mm lens, it offers flexibility for various shooting scenarios.
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The Sony Alpha ILCE-7M4 is a powerhouse of innovation, designed to meet the demands of professional photographers. Featuring a 33MP sensor and 4K 60P video recording capabilities, it offers unparalleled image quality and smooth footage. With real-time eye autofocus for humans, birds, and animals, it ensures precise subject tracking in any scenario.
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Discount: 12% | Price: ₹2,29,979 | M.R.P.: ₹2,62,490 | Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars
The Sony Alpha ILCE-7M4K is a versatile mirrorless camera kit designed for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Boasting a 33MP sensor and 4K 60P video recording capabilities, it delivers exceptional image quality and smooth footage. With real-time eye autofocus for humans, birds, and animals, it ensures precise subject tracking in any scenario.
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Discount: 19% | Price: ₹61,481 | M.R.P.: ₹75,990 | Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
The Sony Alpha ILCE 6100L is a versatile mirrorless camera designed to cater to the needs of photographers and vloggers. With its 24.2MP APS-C sensor and real-time eye autofocus, it ensures fast and accurate subject tracking. Whether you’re shooting stills or videos, this camera delivers exceptionally well.
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Discount: 13% | Price: ₹1,39,990 | M.R.P.: ₹1,61,490 | Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars
The Sony Alpha ILCE-7M3K is a full-frame mirrorless camera kit designed for professionals seeking uncompromising quality. Featuring a 24.2MP sensor and 4K full-frame video recording capabilities, it delivers stunning image quality and smooth footage. With real-time eye autofocus and a tiltable LCD, it offers enhanced usability and versatility.
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Discount: 13% | Price: ₹1,27,489.00 | M.R.P.: ₹1,46,990.00 | Rating: 4.5/5
Elevate your photography with the Sony Alpha ILCE-7M3. This full-frame mirrorless camera boasts a powerful 24.2MP sensor and real-time eye autofocus for crystal-clear shots. With 4K video capabilities and low-light performance, it’s perfect for both stills and vlogging.
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Discount: 8% | Price: ₹54,990.00 | M.R.P.: ₹59,490.00 | Rating: 4.6/5
Designed for creators, the Sony Alpha Zv-E10 is a powerhouse for vlogging and content creation. With a 24.2MP sensor and advanced autofocus, it delivers stunning visuals and clear audio. Features like product showcase setting and flexible connectivity make it a must-have for aspiring vloggers.
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Discount: 11% | Price: ₹3,19,990.00 | M.R.P.: ₹3,60,000.00 | Rating: 5.0/5
Step into the world of full-frame excellence with the Canon EOS R6 Mark II. With a 24.2MP sensor and 6K RAW capabilities, it delivers unparalleled image quality. Shoot up to 40 frames per second with 8-stop image stabilisation for crisp, blur-free shots.
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Discount: 16% | Price: ₹88,890.00 | M.R.P.: ₹1,05,995.00 | Rating: 4.2/5
Unleash your creativity with the Nikon Z50. This versatile mirrorless camera features a 20.9MP sensor and 4K video recording for stunning visuals. With up to 11 fps shooting and a tilting LCD screen, it’s perfect for capturing every moment with precision.
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Discount: 10% | Price: ₹83,999.00 | M.R.P.: ₹92,995.00 | Rating: 4.5/5
Upgrade your content game with the Canon EOS R10. With 4K video capabilities and a 24.2MP sensor, it delivers stunning visuals every time. Shoot up to 23 frames per second and enjoy seamless connectivity with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
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Discount: 8% | Price: ₹1,58,662.00 | M.R.P.: ₹1,71,995.00 | Rating: 4.2/5
The Nikon Z5 DSLR Camera Lens Kit is a versatile companion for photography enthusiasts. With a powerful optical zoom range from 24mm to 200mm, it offers unparalleled flexibility in capturing various scenes. Equipped with a Nikon Z mount and compatible with a wide range of NIKKOR lenses, this camera empowers you to explore your creativity without limits.
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Discount: 12% | Price: ₹1,88,990.00 | M.R.P.: ₹2,14,990.00 | Rating: 3.4/5
Elevate your vlogging game with the Sony Alpha Zv-E1. This full-frame mirrorless camera boasts a compact and lightweight design, making it the perfect companion for creators on the go. With advanced AI-based autofocus and 4K 120P recording capabilities, it delivers stunning visuals and crystal-clear audio for immersive storytelling.
Key Features:
As we conclude our journey exploring these mirrorless cameras which could soon be your travel buddy, one thing becomes clear: the future of photography is brighter than ever. With compact designs, advanced features, and unparalleled performance, these top picks empower photographers and content creators to reach the full potential of their creativity, without any obstacles in between. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting, there’s a mirrorless camera out there waiting to accompany you on your photographic journey. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to unlock picture-perfect photography and capture beautiful moments that last a lifetime. Shop now on Amazon.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Admin in Photography
Left: Mohammed Salem/Reuters | Right: AP Photo/Ivan Valencia
The Pulitzer Prize Board has honored the photography staffs of Reuters and the Associated Press for their outstanding work. The Reuters staff was recognized with the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News, while the Associated Press was awarded the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography.
Since 1917, the Pulitzer Prize has been handed out to honor exceptional achievements in American “journalism, arts, and letters.” The photography staff at Reuters was recognized for “raw and urgent photographs documenting the October 7th deadly attack in Israel by Hamas and the first weeks of Israel’s devastating assault on Gaza.”
The AP, which has won a total of 59 Pulitzer Prizes, was singled out for “poignant photographs chronicling unprecedented masses of migrants and their arduous journey north from Colombia to the border of the United States.” The 15 photographs were shot by AP staffers Greg Bull, Eric Gay, Fernando Llano, Marco Ugarte, and Eduardo Verdugo, and longtime AP freelancers Christian Chavez, Felix Marquez, and Ivan Valencia.
“These raw and emotional images came about through day-to-day coverage of a historic moment in multiple countries documenting migrants at every step of their treacherous journeys,” shares Julie Pace, the AP’s senior vice president and executive editor.
The winning photos from Reuters include Mohammed Salem’s photo of a Palestinian woman cradling her niece’s body after she was killed in Israeli strikes on Khan Younis. The heartbreaking photo was already named 2024 World Press Photo of the Year. In addition to Salem, the Pulitzer photography team includes staff photographers Ahmed Zakot, Amir Cohen, Ammar Awad, Evelyn Hockstein, Anas al-Shareef, Ibraheem Abu Mustafa and Ronen Zvulun, and freelance journalist Yasser Qudih.
The win was particularly poignant for Reuters, whose staff face grave danger while out on assignment. In October, Issam Abdullah, a Reuters visuals journalist, was killed by an Israeli tank while filming shelling at the Lebanon-Israel border.
The photography prize was one of two Pulitzers that Reuters took home. It also won the National Reporting Prize for its investigation into serious issues at various companies owned by Elon Musk. Reuters uncovered worker injuries, animal mistreatment, and a coverup of serious defects in Teslas, which sparked investigations in the United States and Europe.
Reuters President Paul Bascobert says, “Our winning work exemplifies why journalism is so vital to informing the public and holding power to account.”

Haitian migrants wade through water as they cross the Darién Gap from Colombia to Panama in hopes of reaching the U.S., Tuesday, May 9, 2023. (Photo: AP Photo/Ivan Valencia)

In a final embrace Inas Abu Maamar, 36, cradles the shroud-wrapped body of her five-year-old niece, Saly, who died in Israeli strikes on Khan Younis, at the Nasser Hospital morgue before her funeral in southern Gaza, October 17, 2023. (Photo: Mohammed Salem/Reuters)
Pulitzer Prize: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Powerful Regional Winners From the 2024 World Press Photo Contest
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By Admin in Photography
UPDATE: The individual in the mall surveillance video has been identified and the investigation is ongoing.
May 14, 2024 – Police in Franklin are searching for a man who allegedly used his phone to take photos and/or video of a minor using the restroom.
The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon, May 4 in a men’s restroom at Cool Springs Galleria. The victim, 11, told police that while he was using the bathroom, somebody held their cell phone under the stall, pointing the camera in his direction.
Police have identified the suspect as a white man with long blonde hair and a black beard. While visiting the mall, he was wearing a grey long-sleeve t-shirt, black pants, purple hat, and grey Nike sneakers with an orange trim. The suspect was seen arriving at the mall in a grey or silver SUV.
[embedded content]2024001393 from Franklin Police Public Affairs on Vimeo.
Anyone with information on the suspect is urged to contact the Franklin Police Department at (615) 794-2513. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Williamson County here, or by contacting the organization at (615) 794-4000. If the information leads to an arrest, Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 in reward money.
Source: Franklin police
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By Admin in Photography
May 14, 2024 – Police in Franklin are searching for a man who allegedly used his phone to take photos and/or video of a minor using the restroom.
The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon, May 4 in a men’s restroom at Cool Springs Galleria. The victim, 11, told police that while he was using the bathroom, somebody held their cell phone under the stall, pointing the camera in his direction.
Police have identified the suspect as a white man with long blonde hair and a black beard. While visiting the mall, he was wearing a grey long-sleeve t-shirt, black pants, purple hat, and grey Nike sneakers with an orange trim. The suspect was seen arriving at the mall in a grey or silver SUV.
[embedded content]2024001393 from Franklin Police Public Affairs on Vimeo.
Anyone with information on the suspect is urged to contact the Franklin Police Department at (615) 794-2513. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Williamson County here, or by contacting the organization at (615) 794-4000. If the information leads to an arrest, Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 in reward money.
Source: Franklin police
Please join our FREE Newsletter
Milwaukee Art Museum announces new Herzfeld Center for Photography show
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The loon traveled from Los Angeles to its permanent home in the Twin Cities.
A new beetle species has been named to honor a fellow Husker, bridging the worlds of academia and wildlife conservation.
Silversea, a premier brand in experiential luxury and expedition travel, recently concluded the inaugural season of its first Nova-class ship, Silver Nova,
Silversea, a premier brand in experiential luxury and expedition travel, recently concluded the inaugural season of its first Nova-class ship, Silver Nova,
The Desert Foothills Land Trust (DFLT) is proud to announce a special presentation event featuring acclaimed botanical photographer Jimmy Fike on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Sanderson