Echoes of the mountains, tranquil seascapes, the poetic rhythm of life and enchanting shades of Nature will come alive this weekend at the TLN Sabha Hall in Andhra University. A two-day photography exhibition of the nineth batch of students pursuing a Diploma in Photography at the university will unfold diverse themes, with focus on landscape and portrait photography. The show is a glimpse of the budding photographers’ creative vision and storytelling abilities. About 25 students from the batch will showcase their photographs, marking the culmination of the course.

From breathtaking vistas of rolling hills and majestic mountains to tranquil seascapes and serene monuments, each photograph captures the essence of a place and conveys its mood and character.

Samina Sultana’s selection from her travels take one across the world to places of stunning beauty and give a peek into rare tribal cultures. One picture of the Lake Baikal in Siberia, the world’s deepest and most voluminous freshwater lake, portrays fascinating ice formations, undulating surface ice and icicles as travellers navigate through it. Speaking about her experience of walking across frozen ice to photograph the moment, Samina says: “Time stood frozen on Lake Baikal at minus 25 degree centigrade. Three-and-a-half feet deep, it was the hardest surface that I walked on for four consecutive days to capture the vast stunning wilderness. I was often greeted with a thunder-like roar that was nothing but the cracking of the lake’s surface.” One of her other pictures take one to the golden eagle hunters of the Kazakh tribe who reside in the Altai Mountains in Mongolia. A diminishing tribe, the pictures highlight the tough life they lead in a remote, rugged terrain and how they train golden eagles to hunt food for them in harsh winters.

A daily wage labourer carrying her child in the tub as she heads for work. The picture taken by Kotni Deva Sahayam will be one of the exhibits at the photography exhibition in Andhra University in Visakhapatnam.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

The many moods of Visakhapatnam are captured in the frames of Kotni Deva Sahayam as he travels across the city’s bylanes to freeze moments from daily life. A daily-wage labourer carrying her child in the same tub she loads the bricks from a site.

A potter working on the potter’s wheel. The picture taken by Kotni Deva Sahayam will be one of the exhibits at the photography exhibition in Andhra University in Visakhapatnam.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Four smiling children sit together outside their huts, depicting an innocent moment of childhood. Steady hands turning the potter’s wheel, showing a fast fading profession. Deva’s pictures share many emotions from the quotidian life.

A picture taken by Anita Rao of two children in a playful mood. 
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Anita Rao’s picture of two children involved in playful banter brings out the simple joys of childhood. “As a psychologist, I quietly observe human behaviour and like to freeze the moments in my camera. For instance, what arrested my attention was the moment children were animatedly having a good time, unmindful of safeguarding their fine clothes at a party or watching the proceedings of the grown-ups,” she says.

Behara Sharat captures the essence of Nature and wildlife in his images clicked at the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park and the picturesque beaches of Mangamaripeta.

Ravi Kumar, faculty of Department of Photography, Andhra University, says that more than just a visual art form, photography is a powerful medium that shares unique perspectives. “The diploma course gives a basic introduction into the parts of camera, how to operate one and develop a perspective,” says Ravi Kumar adding: “There has been a soaring interest in photography in the recent years with people exploring the intricacies of composition, lighting and storytelling through images at a time content creation has seen new dimensions in social media.”

The photography exhibition titled Auperturartists will be open for public on March 30 and 31 at TLN Sabha Hall, Andhra University, from 10am to 6pm.

Read Comments

In the palm of our hands lies a revolution, one that has transformed every one of us into potential Cartier-Bressons or Annie Leibovitzes. The camera phone: a contraption that seems mundane now, a standard feature on a device all of us possess. But let’s pause and reflect on the seismic shift this piece of technology has instigated. It has turned the art of capturing life into an everyday affair and turned us all into archivists of the fleeting moments.

Long gone are the cumbersome days of carrying multiple devices to snap a shot – the camera phone has streamlined the photography process, melding convenience with quality. Take a stroll down memory lane to the turn of the millennium, when the J-SH04 made its debut in Japan, not just as another mobile phone, but as the herald of the camera phone era (source: gsmarena.com). The grainy, low-res images of yesteryear are now high-definition memories captured on a whim. The profound leap from those initial snaps to what we behold on our screens today is not just one of quality, but of potential and creativity unleashed.

The camera phone isn’t just about hardware; it’s a symphony of technology wherein each component – the lens, the image sensor, the processor – plays a crucial role in the final output. And while the layperson might measure a camera’s worth by its megapixel count, those in the know understand that the dance of light and color is also dictated by sensor size, lens quality, and the maestro that is the image processing software (source: dxomark.com).

The rippling effect of camera phone technology has waved its influence over various facets of society, most notably in the realms of photography and social media. It has democratized creativity, enabling the populace to tangibly share their perspectives. Platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok aren’t merely social networks; they are canvases for expression where the camera phone is both brush and palette.

Here’s where it gets provocative: Has the rise of the camera phone spelt the doom of traditional photography? Not quite. Though some purists may sneer at the notion, the reality is that professional photographers are incorporating these nifty devices in their arsenal. Camera phones haven’t sounded the death knell for professional gear but rather presented a new frontier (source: dpreview.com).

And now, the FAQs that niggle at the edges of your curious mind:

What exactly constitutes a camera phone? It’s the Frankensteinian spawn of mobile phones and digital cameras, possessing the ability to snap a picture or record life unfurling. But it’s evolved; it’s no longer a mere feature but the main event in many situations.

Can a camera phone truly replace the traditional camera? They won’t oust DSLRs and mirrorless cameras on professional shoots anytime soon, but for the majority of us, the camera phone is our go-to gadget for most photographic needs.

Does the megapixel count define the camera phone? While megapixels are an aspect of image quality, the narrative is far richer, delving into other crucial contributors like sensor size, lens quality, and the alchemy of image processing.

Are there professionals clicking away on camera phones? Absolutely! Many seasoned photographers have found a new love in the clever capabilities of modern camera phones, often complementing their heftier gear.

As the world continuously flows onward, camera phones are not just witnesses but participants in our collective story. The ease with which we capture the seconds slipping by has changed not only the face of photography but also the very fabric of how we share and communicate our lives. In the hands of an imaginative user, the camera phone becomes a wand capable of conjuring moments that transcend time.

With all this in mind, to delve deeper into the art and science of camera phones, chase after the digital annotations scattered across the web on websites like gsmarena.com, dxomark.com, and dpreview.com for a more nuanced understanding.

In truth, camera phones are a cultural phenomenon, tiny lenses that have captured nothing less than the human experience. They prompt us to ponder, what revolutionary glimpses into our world will we next share from the screens resting in our pockets?

Jerzy Lewandowski, a visionary in the realm of virtual reality and augmented reality technologies, has made significant contributions to the field with his pioneering research and innovative designs. His work primarily focuses on enhancing user experience and interaction within virtual environments, pushing the boundaries of immersive technology. Lewandowski’s groundbreaking projects have gained recognition for their ability to merge the digital and physical worlds, offering new possibilities in gaming, education, and professional training. His expertise and forward-thinking approach mark him as a key influencer in shaping the future of virtual and augmented reality applications.

This April 2024 Photography trends list presents the latest products that continue to shape the industry. This past month has seen significant advancements in camera technology, with new models offering enhanced features for both amateur and professional photographers. The market has also introduced stylish and functional camera bags designed for convenience and accessibility.

The Levi Drone from OPPO showcases notable advancements in remote camera technology. Despite being a remote-operated drone, the Levi is equipped with a CMOS camera, a thermal camera, and auxiliary cameras around it that enable it to monitor the focus and the surrounding environment in real-time. Additionally, this drone has a bladeless design that makes it more durable while reducing its potential to cause damage.

As for noteworthy accessories, the SWIFT-LOCK from SPINN is a magnetic camera holder that enhances the portability of DSLR cameras. It uses a small anodized aluminum base plate and a quick-release plate that ensure the camera is securely connected to the strap, but can also be removed easily when desired.

The Punahou Art Department is thrilled to welcome Steve McCurry, the celebrated American photographer whose “Afghan Girl” is among the world’s most recognizable photos, highlighting Punahou’s Creative Greats program from April 1 – 3.

In his 70s, McCurry’s career spans over five decades, with numerous assignments for National Geographic, membership with Magnum Photos since 1986, and coverage of significant global conflicts, earning him such accolades as the 1987 Medal of Honor for his coverage of the 1986 Philippine Revolution and his 2019 induction into the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum. A Philadelphia native, McCurry developed his photographic passion while working for the Penn State newspaper, The Daily Collegian.

McCurry is celebrated for his compelling captures of human and environmental narratives worldwide, particularly the piercing gaze of the “Afghan Girl” featured on the 1985 National Geographic cover. His unique blend of portraiture, journalism, landscapes and fine art – marked by a mastery of color, light and composition – defies genre classification. Notably, McCurry was honored to shoot the last roll of Kodak’s iconic Kodachrome film.

McCurry’s visit to Punahou encompasses classroom interactions, a special community event in the Chapel on April 2, and the chance for faculty to use his photographs for educational purposes. The school will showcase his work in a gallery installation in the Bishop Learning Commons from March through April. This exhibit, centered on the theme of water, will highlight our interconnectedness with water across seven continents, evoking Hawai‘i’s geographical identity and the significance of Ka Punahou, the spring at the heart of campus.

Supported by the Advancement and Communications teams and the Class of 1950 Distinguished Speakers Fund, this visit offers the Punahou community the opportunity to engage with the art and insights of a photographic legend. Punahou’s Creative Greats program hosted Pixar Animation Studios veterans last May.

ARLINGTON — When Alex Bregman hammered an Aroldis Chapman slider deep to left field late in Game 1 of the ALCS last fall, it seemed certain to bring home at least one run, if not erase the Ranger’s slim two-run lead. 

The television camera followed the flight of the ball. Other photographers followed Bregman waiting for a celebratory reaction. As Bailey Orr tells it, being the Rangers team photographer, she has the benefit of being able to always focus on one team. 

She was sure left fielder Evan Carter had a chance to catch it.

The next day, her photo of Carter leaping, his left arm stretched straight above his head, with the ball about to fall into his glove, was everywhere.

This season, the Rangers turned the photo into a bobblehead for a promotional day at Globe Life Field.

“My favorite part of that shot though is actually the bullpen that’s right behind him,” the Orr said this week. 

“I think it’s [Jose] Leclerc and someone else who immediately scream. They’re so excited, and he just looks at the ball and throws it back.”

That’s one of the stories the 24-year-old said she strives to tell with her Rangers photography, beyond just capturing moments of action on the field.

Her storytelling during the team’s historic championship season came about somewhat unexpectedly. An assistant on the staff she was promoted into the vacant top job just before the All-Star Break. Suddenly she was in Seattle with a half dozen players and tasked with leading a team of photographers in the middle of a playoff race. 

“That’s when it started hitting me, it was like ‘ok, this isn’t just about capturing he was here. He did this.’ It was all about trying to capture that race,” she said.

Orr was ready for it. She recalled her mother’s love of film photography when she was growing up as likely leading to her first interest in the craft and remembers picking up a camera herself sometime in middle school.

The “big camera” went with her on a family trip to Yellowstone, and soon friends and family were asking her to take portraits and capture events.

In college at Texas A&M she took a position with Twelfth Man Productions and was instantly hooked on shooting sports.

She was booking her calendar full of weddings and portraits after college when the job with the Rangers opened during the 2022 season. Baseball, she says, “is where I find the most joy in life,” and it was a no-brainer to move up from her home south of Houston to take the job.

She now takes pictures at every home game. She’s been to the All-Star Game; the World Series; the Hall of Fame as new member Adrian Beltre toured for the first time.

Her team’s pictures caused some of the players to almost come to tears this spring, as they were presented with the framed photos of moments she helped pick out, that they might not have remembered; like Dane Dunning hugging his wife, with the child sandwiched in between, in celebration on the field.

“To watch them relive the moments that are otherwise a blur for them is probably one of my favorite parts of the job,” she said.

She was quick to credit her team, and veteran photographers from around the sport who helped point her to the important moments she would want to be there for during the fall.

This season, her eye, and all eyes, will be on the defending champs. She will be aiming to capture the fans, the ballpark, and the energy of it all, which she admits will be hard to do.

“Day by day. That’s how we’re going to do it.”

Jason Allen

Jason, a Southern California native, came to North Texas after working as a reporter for four years in Orlando. He received his bachelor’s degree in communication arts from Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois, and then began his career as a producer/reporter at Primary Focus. Jason went on to work as a reporter/anchor at KTWO-TV in Casper, Wyoming, and later as a reporter at WBAY-TV in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Twitter

Facebook