The World Nature Photography Awards announced the winners of its 2024 contest, celebrating the best in nature and wildlife photography. British photographer Tracey Lund won the top prize for her stunning portrait of a pair of gannets swimming off the coast of the Shetland Islands.
Lund’s winning image featured above also took the Gold award in the “Behavior — Birds” category. Lund bested photographers in a vast pool of entrants from six continents.
“Taken whilst on holiday in Shetland, sat on the side of a RIB. The hired DSLR camera in the waterproof housing was attached to [a] polecam system and lowered into the water. Thousands of gannets were in the sky above us and then started to dive into the sea after locally-caught fish. An unbelievable spectacle to witness, let alone photograph. I took 1,800 images on that day but only had two that I could use,” Lund explains.
“Our winners never fail to take our breath away with their stunning images. As always, it’s such a joy to see the amazing caliber of entries into the awards,” says Adrian Dinsdale, co-founder of the World Nature Photography Awards.
The top three images — the silver and bronze winners in the case of the Behavior — Birds category — from all 14 categories are featured below.
This year, for the first time, a selection of winning images from this year’s contest and prior years will be available to purchase as wall art in a dedicated online store.
“We’re thrilled that people will now have the chance to buy some of these images to grace the walls of their homes. What’s more, we’re planning to plant a tree for every piece of wall art we sell,” Dinsdale adds.
Photographers can now enter next year’s contest. The complete entry details and rules are available on the World Nature Photography Awards website.
Image credits: World Nature Photography Awards. Individual photographers are credited in the captions.
In today’s digital age, the battle for smartphone supremacy has shifted focus from raw processing power to the realm of optics—where megapixels mingle with artistry, and artificial intelligence enhances reality. Casting shadows over its contemporaries, the Huawei Mate 60 Pro+ emerges from the testing labs of a href=”https://www.dxomark.com”>DXOMARK wearing the crown of the ultimate king in smartphone photography, leaving even the most illustrious competitors, like the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Google Pixel 8, grappling for light.
Seizing an astonishing score of 157, this high-tech marvel outshined its rivals in a spectacle of color, clarity, and creativity. When it comes to freezing moments in time, the Mate 60 Pro+’s triple-lens tableau—boasting a 48MP main sensor, a 40MP sky-stealing ultra-wide lens, and a 48MP telephoto eye with the farsightedness of optical image stabilization—paints a vivid picture of Huawei’s uncompromising dedication to photographic finesse.
An inquisitive soul may pose the question, “What is the secret behind Huawei Mate 60 Pro+’s illustrious photo achievements?” The answer lies in a tapestry of technological triumphs: an enchanting texture-to-noise waltz that captures whispers of light with an artist’s grace, an autofocus as swift as a peregrine in pursuit, and a depth of field as expansive as an epic saga.
In nocturnal narratives, this device dances with photons, etching images with a finesse that rivals the very muses of Greek myth. Yet, it is not without its Icarian flaws—the Mate 60 Pro+ soars less confidently in the dimly lit labyrinth of video capture, yearning for advancements that would let it conquer the night.
Some of the results displayed are akin to peering through the eyes of an eagle—an unprecedented 3.5x optical zoom that defies the very distance. Yet, at the apex of its arching flight, digital noise whispers into the scene, a reminder of the delicate balance between ambition and technological limitations.
And for those who seek to invoke the ethereal essence of bokeh—the camera’s deft manipulation of focus transports subjects into the limelight, surrounded by an impressionist blur that mimics storied lenses of cinematic lore.
Thus, we stand at the precipice of a question echoing through the halls of tech enthusiasts worldwide: “Is the Huawei Mate 60 Pro+ the photographic pantheon’s final word?” In accordance with the critics and connoisseurs, the answer is nuanced—alluring for still-life sculptors, yet video virtuosos pine for future hymns of progress.
FAQs unveiled for the probing:
– What breathes life into the DXOMARK Camera test? Here unfolds the tale of photographic valiance—a benchmarking odyssey by DXOMARK.
– Where has the Huawei Mate 60 Pro+ carved its mark in DXOMARK’s annals? It boasts a score of 157—an anthem to all that’s grand in smartphone photography.
– What enhancements hold promise for the Mate 60 Pro+’s night-time video? Forging ahead, those paths that lead to brighter, clearer video realms in the whispering dusk.
As the curtains draw, let us acknowledge—the Huawei Mate 60 Pro+ is a beacon for those who chase the perfect frame, unbridled passion captured in pixels. Yet let us also find solace in the thought that even amongst the stars, there is room to ascend higher, reaching towards the next constellation in our relentless quest for visual perfection.
For further illumination, a pair of electronic scrolls:
– a href=”https://www.huawei.com”>Official Huawei Website
– a href=”https://www.dxomark.com”>DXOMARK
Igor Nowacki is a fictional author known for his imaginative insights into futuristic technology and speculative science. His writings often explore the boundaries of reality, blending fact with fantasy to envision groundbreaking inventions. Nowacki’s work is celebrated for its creativity and ability to inspire readers to think beyond the limits of current technology, imagining a world where the impossible becomes possible. His articles are a blend of science fiction and visionary tech predictions.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – This one is also something a little wild!
A National Geographic photographer stopped by the North Florida Wildlife Center to photograph rare, endangered and unique species there.
Photographer Joel Sartore is trying to document every species living in zoos, aquariums and wildlife sanctuaries as a way to document the world’s biodiversity. He’s been at it since 2006!
No matter its size, each animal is treated with affection and respect.
He visits the North Florida center once a year to capture everything furry, feathered or flora!
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A wedding photographer has gone viral after posting photos of the moment a bride almost passed out and continued shooting her.
Paola Tassinari, a wedding photographer in Monterrey, Mexico, shared photos on Instagram of a bride looking faint and unwell on the big day.
In the widely-shared images, the bride is seen being nursed and fed sugary food by the groom and other members of the wedding after nearly passing out.
Tassinari, who has been a wedding photographer for 20 years, says that she decided to keep clicking instead of helping the bride.
Firstly, because it was not a dangerous situation, but secondly, because Tassarini knew the photos would convey the unique story of the couple’s wedding day.
According to the photographer, the bride had not eaten much on the day. Tassarini says that the bride started looking pale and unwell after the communion during the wedding ceremony.
Tassarini saw the lightheaded bride whisper something to the groom. And the concerned photographer immediately arranged to give her something sweet to eat so she would not faint.
“One of my assistants had a Coca-Cola which he had bought and I told him to give it to her,” Tassarini tells PetaPixel.
“My videographer had bought a ‘Gansito’ which is a typical Mexican cake and he also gave it to her.
“I decided, for the most part, that I was going to take photos of the whole scene.”
Tassarini knows some people might question why she continued shooting the bride during this moment, instead of going to her aid.
However, the photographer says that her job is to document the wedding as it is. Tassarini says she knew the couple would look back at these photos and laugh and warmly remember the incident.
“One of the things I learned from my career is that if you go into with a mental space of photographing the scripted timeline that every wedding has, the photos of the wedding can be boring,” Tassarini, who shoots destination weddings as well as in Mexico, says.
“In order to tell a unique story, you have to go beyond what a typical wedding looks like and find its individuality and special details.
“The interesting things usually are the moments that seem to fall out of place, or maybe the chaos around the perfection of the wedding.
“So, I knew that this wasn’t something serious, that she was going to be ok, and that maybe they would laugh back at the photos (which they did).”
In the Instagram caption, Tassinari also noted how the images showed the importance for brides to eat properly on their wedding days which can often be long and emotional events.
“Don’t pass out! Brides: please don’t forget to eat,” the photographer warns.
More of Tassinari’s work can be seen on the photographer’s website and Instagram.
Image credits: All photos by Paola Tassinari Photography.
![SANDMARC debuts new dedicated iPhone photography backpack [Exclusive deal]](https://www.mecreates.com/story/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/SANDMARC-iPhone-photography-backpack-02-copy.jpg)
SANDMARC, a brand that has quickly become a personal favorite and one of the better-selling iPhone accessory makers around here, is introducing its latest piece of kit today known as the Travel Backpack. In a marketplace filled to the brim with carriers geared towards photography, SANDMARC has decided to create a dedicated backpack “for the most popular camera in the world: the iPhone.” While it appears to me to be just as useful as a typical backpack as well, it is specifically geared towards iPhoneographers, filmmakers, and content creators with a special exclusive pre-order price available to 9to5Toys readers starting today (details below). Head below for all of the details.
The new SANDMARC iPhone photography backpack is designed “with the creator in mind.” It is said to feature “innovative compartments for iPhone photography and best-in-class materials for travel at a remarkably lightweight form-factor.”
Firstly, let’s talk build. The bag is made of an all-black 840D ballistic nylon with subtle blue stitching accents throughout. The weather sealed YKK zippers are joined by a waterproof material along the bottom of the main compartment alongside aluminum-tipped zippers and hardware.
It features a 25L capacity that can be expanded to 30.5L and the ability to carry extra items by way of a bottom compartment that features elastic straps to lug extra gear such as a blanket or a jacket. You can even carry it duffle style with extra handles on either side – there are built-in small elastic bands to tuck away loose straps when not in use – with a luggage strap on the back to string it through the telescoping handle on your suitcase.
One interesting feature is the POV pocket. SANDMARC is integrated a small elastic-trimmed pocket directly in the traditional backpack shoulder strap. Users can tuck an iPhone in here while shooting for some hands-free fire-person action on-the-go – “Without the iPhone, the strap holder blends in so you barely know it exists.”
Now let’s talk internals. There are dedicated compartments for four iPhone lens attachments alongside partitions for iPhone filters a tripod, and more. SANDMARC says the internal laptop comportment is large to fit a 16-inch MacBook Pro and you can even get a 12.9-inch iPad in there as well.
Best of all, you score all of this with our exclusive discount. The new SANDMARC iPhone photography Travel Backpack is now available for pre-order with deliver scheduled for April 2, 2024– just in time for spring and summer adventures. Regularly $250, you can score one for $224.99 shipped using our exclusive 9TO5TOYS discount code at checkout.
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NEWS RELEASE
BROCK UNIVERSITY
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When the total solar eclipse takes place over North America on April 8, many people will naturally reach for their phones or cameras to capture the moment.
Brock Associate Professor of Visual Arts Amy Friend, an internationally recognized photographer, is offering tips on documenting the rare phenomenon safely while also encouraging the public to consider different ways of experiencing what for many will be a once-in-a-lifetime event.
The chair of visual arts at Brock first points to taking safety precautions for viewing and documenting the eclipse, which can be found on Brock’s Eclipse on the Escarpment web page. Friend says it’s crucial to have a proper solar filter on any camera, including on a smartphone.
“Solar filters for traditional cameras and cell phones are available online from several retailers, but consumer research is key to ensuring the purchase of an international standard filter (full-aperture and off-axis) with regulated qualities, making it safe for photographing the eclipse,” she says.
According to the award-winning photographer, practice is also key. Practise beforehand by photographing the everyday sun, without looking directly at it, Friend
says. Taking photos of the sky on a sunny day will help determine appropriate aperture and shutter speed for such bright light. She also suggests getting comfortable with outdoor night photography.
“During totality, when the sun is fully blocked by the moon, turning the sky dark, the camera will need adjusted shutter speeds and aperture settings to take a successful photo,” Friend says.She recommends experimenting with the high dynamic ange (HDR) setting on cameras, which
captures high-contrast photos. With this setting, many photos of the eclipse could be put together to create one image.
“The visual effect of this is very interesting as the second-to-second variations in the sun flare created by the eclipse combine creating a beautiful image capturing unique details,” Friend says.
For those looking to get creative, there are other ways to view the solar eclipse, including pinhole projectors or building boxes that filter the sunlight and create a projection of the sunlight onto a nearby surface.
“Using this approach, the person would be looking at the projection instead of the eclipse itself,” Friend says. “What they would see is a darkening circle in the form of a crescent, which is the moon starting to cover the sun.”
While many people will want to capture a photo of the eclipse themselves, photographers throughout history have cautioned against photographing the celestial phenomenon, as it is difficult for the average person to achieve a great photo.
“We know what it will look like, and yet we still want to photograph it. But we don’t want to miss an incredible experience in the process,” Friend says.
Through her research into the role of photography as proof of experience, however, Friend says the desire to personally capture the moment is very natural.
“There is also the excitement of going online and sharing your photo — the ‘after’ of the experience — that can be quite engaging and stirs up response and dialogue, simultaneously amplifying the experience and documenting it in popular culture,” she says.
Friend is fascinated by historic images of people experiencing celestial events in group settings as a visual time capsule into the culture and technology of the time.
“I think there is something quite beautiful about that moment, where we all just stop and view something rare and spectacular in the sky together,” she says. “The sun and moon have paused life for a moment.”
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ORLEANS – Calling all photographers, it’s time to enter the Dogwood Festival photo contest.
The last day for entries is Friday, April 19th. Photos may be dropped off at the Orleans Public Library and picked up there the following week after the festival.
Starting Tuesday, April 23rd, photos will be on display at the Orleans Public Library during business and student art reception hours.
There are three skill levels for you to choose from for your entries:
Amateur – This is great if you’re just getting started and using your cell phone camera or a simple point-and-shoot camera, doing little to no editing, taking photos for fun, etc.
Intermediate – If you are comfortable with your photography but do not consider yourself a pro, this level is for you – Especially if you have a Facebook page, only occasionally share/sell your images, use intermediate equipment, edit images,
Advanced – This is an excellent level if you have your own photography business that brings you regular income or exposure, have your watermark/website, and consider your photography/equipment and editing skills to be advanced – if any of these things apply, please select this level.
It will be entirely up to you which level you choose to submit your photos to, but please be honest and accurate with your work. They want to welcome all talent levels and see what everyone can do.
Photographers are encouraged to print out a small bio/photo for an “About the Photographer” display that can sit next to their entries, but this is not required.
The subjects of your photos can be of your choice – But please be sure to include at least ONE Orleans-related photo with your entries.
Non-biased out-of-town judges will rate the photos based on several attributes.
There will be a first, second, and third place in each entry-level as well as several honorable mentions as:
This contest is for Orleans and surrounding township residents only. There will be a $1 entry fee for each photo you submit. Entries should be limited to no more than five photographs per person. You may only submit photos to the one level that best suits you and your photos.
Any photo of a person that you, as the photographer, have been permitted by the subject to submit your photo. Please be responsible.
All photos must be no smaller than a 5×7 and must be framed or matted. Entries should include the name and telephone number of the photographer, as well as the level of choice for judging. This can be done with a sticky note on the back of the frame or mat. People should not submit a photo unless they are the photographer.
All questions should be submitted to contest chair Katlin Phillips. She can be contacted at 812-653-8877; (texting is okay), or by e-mail at kcpcreative@hotmail.com.
