Map services often employ photographers to capture road and street view imagery. In 2010, the Korean map service, Daum Kakao Maps, sent a photographer to capture the first street-view images of a little island in South Korea. The photographer soon realized that he was being followed, even though no one except a family of three lived on this island.

Daum Kakao is a service quite similar to Google Maps and Google Earth. It provides interactive panoramas from positions along many streets in Korea. This time, they sent a photographer to capture some snaps of Jukdo, a small inhabited island near Ulleungdo Island, located 4 kilometers apart from Jeodonghang Port and 7 kilometers away from Dodonghang Port in the East Sea of Korea.

Jukdo is less than half a mile long and only a third of a mile wide. So, while the photographer was steering along the scenic trails of the pristine island, snapping everything, from tall bamboo grasses to vast flower pastures and sunlit emerald-grey cliffs, he soon comprehended that wherever he went, he was being accompanied by someone.

As it turned out, a fluffy golden retriever was trotting by his side, almost as if guiding him along the island’s trails and wooded pathways. The dog appears in almost every snapshot of the street view galleries of Kakao Maps. Since then, the pooch has become a photogenic symbol of Jukdo island, a watermark of its pictures.

The Daum Kakao photographer first came to know about this dog outside a home on the island. The canine led him to its favorite spots on the island, showing him statues and fields. Nearly every picture that he took is marked with the portrait of this fur buddy who seemed to be quite hospitable to the island’s sole guest.

The story of this doggo photobombing street-view photos garnered love on social media, instantly becoming viral. It was also shared on Reddit’s r/MadeMeSmile group. According to the Green Me Magazine, the dog’s name was Maru. It arrived on the island at the age of two and lived there for a few years, after which, Maru passed away. Several Korean newspapers paid tribute to Maru, describing him as a sociable and affectionate dog.

Despite living on an island that is quite isolated, the pup managed to create a memorable history of his lifetime, in the form of golden marks that appear on the screen every time an avid traveler looks at the photographs of this small Korean island.

You can catch a glimpse of the adorable golden pooch here.

Kochi: The winners of the 15th Greenstorm Global Photography Festival, jointly organised by the Kochi-based Greenstorm Foundation and the G20 Global Land Initiative at the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, have been announced.
The thirteen winning photographs were selected from the 17,716 landscape images submitted from 153 countries. The winners received prizes ranging between $10,000 and $750 from the $30,000 total prize fund.

Aung Chan Thar of Myanmar won the coveted top position in the camera category. He won $10,000 in prize money, for the photograph of Indonesia’s Bromo volcano landscape in stunning colours at dawn. Second-place in this category was won by Roberto Corinaldesi of Italy, who received $5,000, for his colourful picture of Cornwall’s landscape early in the morning. Myat Zaw Hein, also from Myanmar, took third place and $3,000 in prize money, for his photo of a family walking in a single file in a gold-coloured rice field landscape in Myanmar.

Sadek Khafaga of Saudi Arabia took first place in the mobile phone category for his captivating photo of a colourful masterpiece of the sandstone landscape in Arizona sculpted by wind over time. He received $3,000 in prize money. Soumya Nair of Canada took second place and was awarded $2,000, while third-placed Aleksandr Razumov of Russia received $1,000.
Three jury mentions in the camera category went to Andrea Curzi of Italy, Anoop Krishna of India and Morteza Salehi of Iran. Each received a prize money of $1,000. The two top student winners in each category are from India, Myanmar, Poland and Spain. Each received $750.

In his keynote address, Ibrahim Thiaw, UNCCD Executive Secretary, called for urgent action to restore land. “While we celebrate the stunning imagery captured in this year’s festival, we must also confront the stark reality of our planet’s decline. With one hundred million hectares of land lost every year, the need for action has never been more urgent,” Thiaw said, in an address delivered on his behalf by Muralee Thummarukudy, Director of the G20 Global Land Initiative.
Dileep Narayanan, Managing Trustee of Greenstorm Foundation, said the overwhelming engagement with this year’s festival underscored the profound power of creativity and the vast reach of online media as vital tools for environmental conservation.

The life of a professional photographer is often romanticized, but the reality is that it can be a demanding and stressful career path. From the pressure to constantly create to the financial instability that often comes with freelance work, there are many challenges that photographers face. However, there are also ways to find happiness and success in this field.

Coming to you from Scott Choucino with Tin House Studio, this insightful video explores various aspects of a photographer’s life that can contribute to overall well-being and success. Choucino emphasizes the importance of financial stability, advocating for the creation of multiple income streams to alleviate the stress associated with unpredictable freelance work. He debunks the myth of the “purist” photographer who solely relies on photography for income, encouraging viewers to explore additional avenues that can provide financial security and creative fulfillment. 

Choucino also stresses the significance of discipline over inspiration and motivation. He acknowledges the challenges of staying motivated, particularly during difficult times or uninspiring weather, but emphasizes the power of setting a schedule and sticking to it. By prioritizing discipline, photographers can ensure consistent progress and avoid the pitfalls of waiting for inspiration to strike. Additionally, Choucino advocates for living below one’s means, a practice that provides financial security during slow periods and allows for greater freedom and peace of mind.

Building on these foundational principles, Choucino highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He shares his personal experience of prioritizing sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet, emphasizing the positive impact these changes have had on his energy levels, mental clarity, and overall well-being. By taking care of their physical and mental health, photographers can optimize their creative potential and approach their work with renewed focus and enthusiasm. Finally, Choucino encourages viewers to pursue their passions within the field of photography. He shares his own journey of transitioning from wedding photography, which he found unfulfilling, to studio work that aligns with his personal interests and creative vision. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Choucino.

In a world increasingly dominated by digital content and virtual experiences, there’s something refreshingly tangible about holding a printed magazine in your hands. Since its launch in 2020, quarterly magazine FRAMES has captivated photography enthusiasts by delivering that tactile experience – with the highest quality of paper stock and printing.

But that’s not all! The membership fee also includes access to additional monthly digital publications, a fantastic digital platform, a thriving online community that can help you critique your work, and a series of events in which you can chat directly with world-class photographers.

So what’s on offer, exactly, and how can photographers take advantage? Essentially, there are three main strands to a FRAMES membership, so let’s look at each of these in turn.

1. The print magazine

Each issue of the FRAMES Quarterly Magazine is a meticulously curated collection of the world’s most inspiring and thought-provoking photography across diverse genres and styles. The guiding ethos is simple yet powerful: “Excellent photography belongs on paper.”

This stunning 112-page publication, printed on luxurious 140gsm uncoated paper, is filled with striking images and captivating stories. Contributors range from legendary photojournalists such as Steve McCurry to emerging talents just finding their creative voices.

“We don’t concentrate on any specific style: the common denominator is just great imagery,” explains editor-in-chief Tomasz Trzebiatowski. “So a typical issue might feature gritty street photography alongside serene landscapes and conceptual portraits.”

By paying the utmost attention to printing quality and material selection, FRAMES magazine creates an absorbing, distraction-free experience. Tomasz explains, “We want readers to truly be present with the photography, to appreciate the nuances, colours and emotion in these powerful images.”

2. The digital content

The FRAMES experience extends far beyond the printed page. Members gain access to a wealth of digital content, starting with the monthly FRAMES Digital Companions. These downloadable PDF publications complement the quarterly magazine with additional features, including interviews, photography how-tos and hi-res image galleries.

The digital aspect allows FRAMES to constantly educate and inspire members. As Tomasz points out, “We have talented writers contributing new content regularly, so you’ll always have fresh material to stimulate your creativity between printed issues.”

3. The worldwide community

Perhaps the thing that sets FRAMES apart the most is the lively community of photographers that it connects via its exclusive website and bespoke app. This is where members can truly immerse themselves in a global hub of photographic knowledge and inspiration.

All members gain access to an online forum for sharing work, giving and receiving feedback, discussing techniques and connecting with other passionate photographers worldwide. There are dedicated channels for interviews, editing tutorials, photo contests and more.

“The community is extremely supportive and welcoming to all levels,” notes Tomasz. “Beginners can get advice from seasoned pros, while accomplished artists still find value in seeing different perspectives and styles.”

The crown jewel of the community is the live monthly events featuring legendary photographers such as Martin Parr, Alec Soth, Ami Vitale, Martin Parr and Nick Brandt. FRAMES members have exclusive access to these virtual masterclasses and can engage in direct chats with these iconic practitioners.

“Imagine being able to have a candid conversation about creativity and get feedback directly from one of the world’s top photographers,” says Tomasz. “That’s an incredible opportunity FRAMES provides: it’s like an ongoing photography conference or workshop.”

Seamless experience

We’d suggest that these three individual elements are each, in themselves, worth the membership cost alone. What makes FRAMES so special, though, is how it blends diverse mediums and delivery methods into one cohesive, constantly refreshing photography experience.

So, for example, at any given time, you can:

• Absorb the latest issue of the beautiful printed magazine
• Dig into insightful articles and tutorials in the Digital Companions
• Share and critique your own work, and that of others, in the online forum
• Attend a live virtual workshop with a renowned photographer
• Browse tips and discussions in the FRAMES mobile app

In short, you’re not just subscribing to a magazine; you’re joining a vibrant, multi-faceted photography community that continually sparks enthusiasm, a growth mindset and networking opportunities.

As Tomasz says: “We’ve created a hub that feeds the photography passion through every possible channel: in your hands, on your devices, in live conversations. Our goal is to inspire and educate photographers in as many ways as possible, meaning everyone from total beginners to experienced professionals will find it super-useful.”

So how much does all this cost?

Incredibly, it costs just $17 per month, including free global shipping of the printed magazine wherever you are in the world. And we reckon that represents excellent value for avid photographers of all types.

Whether you’re a professional or an enthusiast, FRAMES has created a global community united by a love of capturing striking visuals and telling evocative stories. As Tomasz says: “We believe in providing a community that inspires people to pick up a camera and let their creativity run wild. That’s the core of what FRAMES is all about – delivering the absolute best photography experience to ignite and nurture everyone’s artistic expression.”

Valentina Sergi (1997) is a fashion photographer with a passion for pastel colors, bold contrasts, and the vibrancy of images. Her professional work has led her to photograph a variety of subjects in exclusive locations, and her photographs have become a constant presence in many well-known fashion publications. However, what truly sets Valentina Sergi apart is her ability to craft an emotionally compelling narrative through the lens of her camera. Colors, the interplay of light and shadows, patterns, people’s hands, the warmth of an embrace, places steeped in nostalgia, and the hidden stories behind a wrinkle are all elements that Valentina Sergi seeks to capture in order to create a pure aesthetic composed of images that oscillate between the real and the surreal.

The A-Mors Series: A Deep Exploration of Love

One of Valentina Sergi’s most significant projects is the series titled A-Mors. This series delves into the theme of love in a profound and provocative manner. It revolves around genuine love, a love that has been eagerly anticipated, yet so strong that it overcomes the fragility of a tender heart. The intriguing wordplay in the title, where “A-Mors” appears to derive from the Latin “a-mors” (without death), underscores the eternity of this sentiment. In this series, Valentina Sergi explores the concept of an eternal love that transcends temporal boundaries. Her photographs capture moments of passion and affection, while simultaneously evoking a sense of transcendence.

Sergi’s works are emotional and surreal, with a strong conceptual underpinning. Valentina understands that photography is not merely the recording of an objective reality, but rather the presentation of stories, concepts, and worlds as she perceives them through her personal experiences, culture, and sensibilities.

Her connection between cinema and photography is evident, and this cross-pollination of the arts allows her to bring innovation to her work. The photographer leaves us with a famous quote by Vincent Peters, who states, “A photograph is not just made with a camera; it is brought to the act of photography with all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved.“