Pinedale, WY, March 06, 2024 –(PR.com)– Tanya Hamner, whose love for the cowboy was instilled when she was a young girl, has completed her new book, “The American Cowboy”: a collection of beautiful photography rooted in authenticity as it displays the story of life as a cowboy.

Author Tanya Hamner was raised in Wyoming among some of the Lord’s greatest creations. His sunsets, sunrises, mountains, waterfalls, people, and wildlife are just a few small blessings she glimpses of his beautiful creation. Tanya lives on a sheep ranch in Wyoming with horses. She works daily with Columbia sheep. She has discovered the beautiful moments and the hardships of what a rancher experiences daily. A cowboy’s way of life embraces hard work, trust, and respect. A cowboy lends a hand to a neighbor in their time of need, feeds the hungry, and cherishes the land. It is a life lived for a greater purpose. This is what “Riding for the Brand” means. It is based on a poem her dad introduced her to called “Ride for the Brand” by Paul Harwitz. It is a reminder of the life that one should live, that we are here on this earth to serve Christ, our Savior. It goes hand with the cowboy’s way of life.

When Tanya had set out to start her photography journey, she tried to capture everything she saw. She first discovered her love for photography in the darkroom at Northwest College. While she was not a photography major, her agriculture communications degree required the Intro to Photography course. She was fortunate enough to have to use a darkroom to develop her own film. When she was in the darkroom for the first time, watching her professor develop prints, it was like magic to her. After a few days of her own developing, the darkroom became a magical place that gave Tanya peace and made moments come to life. During this time, she did not think of taking photography to the next level. Her professors encouraged her to stick to photography because she has a unique eye to see what others don’t.

After getting her bachelor’s degree, Tanya decided to pursue photography and discovered the Academy of Art University. While in school, she wanted to showcase not only the glorious moments of a cowboy but also the daily struggles and triumphs of the American cowboy. Thus, this is what her unique style in art has become. Instead of staging the scenes, she wants to bring the viewer to a live view of what the cowboy does every day. She rides along with the cowboys to document their livelihood.

While photographing on the side, Tanya runs and operates the family sheep ranch. They raise Columbia sheep and natural-colored sheep. She has her PRCA Photographers Card (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association), and now besides traveling to ranches, she travels to PRCA rodeos to capture eight seconds at a time.

Tanya writes, “To truly be the best photographer at your subject, one must somehow have a connection between the subject and the camera. Most wildlife photographers live among the wildlife and study their everyday moves. The best sports photographers are those who have played the game and know what moves are about to happen. To be the best ranching photographer, one must live the life, understand the life, and know the ins and outs of ranching. This is how I decided to specialize in ranching photography. My day-to-day life involves going out on the ranch and taking care of sheep, feeding them, and caring for them. I live the life, and by living this lifestyle, I can communicate the same language as other ranchers. I know the rules and know where to go so that I am not in the way when taking photographs. I know the subtle cues that livestock give. I can anticipate the animals’ reactions to me and when they will be moving. I know their behavior and communicate with the rancher.”

Published by Page Publishing, Tanya Hamner’s engaging work draws readers in, inviting them to witness the lives of ranchers,

Readers who wish to experience this memorable work can purchase “The American Cowboy” at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors’ books, including distribution in the world’s largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not mired in logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and so on. Page’s accomplished writers and publishing professionals allow authors to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at www.pagepublishing.com.

Sometimes, you just want to look for real photography on the web. But the problem is that it’s often not really available and hidden by various algorithms. And at other times, all the lists are copying one another. Look for any list of the best photography blogs on the web, and they’ll all be focused on gear-centric websites. However, photography is about a lot more than just gear. So we’re rounding up the best photography blogs for real photographers who don’t want to focus primarily on gear. Instead, they care about photography, art, and the creative mind.

How We’re Defining the Best Photography Blogs

We’re defining the best photography blogs for photographers using a few parameters:

• They’ve been around for several years: This means that they’ve received quite a following over the years and have been steadily reporting on photography as an art.
• Leadership: The best photography blogs on this list have worked with galleries, museums, and photographers in a credible way, involving what we can deduce to be permissions from the original photographers and subsidiaries.
• Accreditation: The blogs have to be worthy of being used as a resource in schools. We’re defining this through their coverage in helping readers to understand the work they’re presenting. Some of these publications also follow various journalistic ethics standards.
• Art-first in Photography: These photography blogs have a focus on art, in some way or another, first before anything else. Specifically, within their arts coverage, they focus on photography first. Creative Boom, My Modern Met, and others are fantastic places for art — but they don’t seem to prioritize photography as much.
• Originality: Each publication needs to have an original voice and won’t necessarily try to cover what every other photography blog covers. Journalism suffers when there is a lack of originality. In the gear world around photography, many have accused various other publications of near plagiarism.

Aperture

Aperture is a non-profit that regularly runs contests, awards, image sales, and so much more. They’re a publication that also coordinates with galleries to tell various stories. Their magazine is beautiful, and the work that they do puts photographers and their artwork at the fore.

Visit their website.

Blind

Blind Magazine has been around for several years. And there was a point in my early career where I truly wanted Phoblographer’s art team to produce work akin to theirs. They stand out a lot with the design of their desktop website and interactivity of their articles to draw people further into the work of the photographers they present.

Visit their website.

The British Journal of Photography

After the weird drama around NFTs and ownership, the British Journal of Photography is still persevering to deliver authentic and real stories. Part of what makes them so special is that they’re the oldest photography publication having been around since 1854.

Visit their website.

Photograph Mag

Photograph has to be absolutely one of the most pioneering websites in photography around. Their email newsletter rounds up various galleries and exhibits featuring photography around the world. Because of this, they’re the single best place to understand where many of the best photo exhibits are currently being held.

Visit their website.

Lensculture

Lensculture is mostly known for its awards and excellent selections based off of these awards. But beyond this, the articles are consistently a fascinating read and flip-through of their images.

Visit their website.

Feature Shoot

I mean, how do you not include Feature Shoot on this list? They’ve been a super influential place to showcase photojournalism and some fine art photographers. Part of their effectiveness is their ethics on pushing progressive policies in the photography world that make photographers innovate and create images we haven’t really seen before. If you think that nothing is original these days, then you should check out Feature Shoot.

Visit their website.

Magnum Photos Magazine

Magnum Photos is one of the most well-known photo agencies pushing fine art documentary stories and producing photographers with images we don’t see in the mainstream media. Their magazine sometimes dives into their archives and highlights mentally stimulating things.

Visit their website.

A Photo Editor

This website has helped many photographers push their careers ahead over the years. But more importantly, they’re actively speaking with several photographers on their Instagram about transparency in how other photographers get paid, make their money, etc. It’s all fantastic reads and great information that so many other photographers can learn from.

Visit their website.

Ignant

Ignant is an arts magazine, but they have a heavy emphasis on photography. They talk with some big photographers and have a unique spin on various photojournalistic stories with a fine art look. Combine that with their minimal advertising, and you’ve got a beautiful thing.

Visit their website.

Urth

Urth is primarily a manufacturer of things like bags, filters, and other accessories. But their photography magazine is something special to behold. It regularly features work that you don’t find anywhere else.

Visit their website.

The Phoblographer

We’re putting ourselves on this list for several reasons. First off, the Phoblographer works to help people understand how to connect their technical and artistic brains. We do this through interviews and advocacy within the photography world. We’re one of the only photo-speciality publications that puts a massive emphasis on diversity hiring and coverage. We regularly feature POCs, women, and LGBTQAI photographers. We’re also very big on naming our sources and have connections with several museums and galleries throughout the world.

There was a time where gear wasn’t our main focus. And we’re actively revisiting this with new ideas and vision while keeping our original goals in mind.

Visit their website.

As Foshan’s art scene thrives, a series of exhibitions highlight the city’s rich cultural tapestry, from traditional customs and photography to international artistic exchanges. Showcasing works from local and global artists, these events offer a deep dive into the unique charm of southern China and beyond.

Traditions Reimagined

From the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month to the 26th day of the first lunar month, the Four Seasons Art Gallery and Ancient Nanfeng Kiln host exhibitions that breathe new life into Foshan’s traditional customs. With a focus on welcoming spring, celebrating the New Year, and ushering in blessings, artists Ji Weiwei, Fu Weiwei, Wang Zhuo, and Xiao Haisheng capture the essence of Lingnan’s rich cultural heritage through their artistry.

Photographic Journey Through Time

The “Weaving Time” exhibition at Serrangel Art Space until March 31, 2024, pays homage to a century of photographic development in Guangdong. By selecting works from a hundred photography masters, the exhibition threads together narratives that reflect the region’s significant contribution to the fabric of Chinese photographic history, offering a panoramic view of Guangdong’s grand history of photography.

Artistic Dialogues Across Borders

The Boxes Art Museum and the He Art Museum present exhibitions that foster international dialogue through art. Go Yayanagii and Tetsuo Mizu showcase the fusion of diverse cultures in their works, while the He Art Museum’s upcoming exhibition features Billy Childish’s paintings alongside landscapes by Chinese contemporary artists. These events highlight the transformative power of art in bridging cultural divides and exploring the spiritual and natural world.

As Foshan’s art exhibitions unfold, they not only celebrate the city’s cultural diversity but also underscore the global interconnectedness of the art world. Through these exhibitions, Foshan asserts itself as a vibrant hub for artistic exploration and dialogue, inviting audiences to reflect on the enduring impact of art across time and space.

I didn’t know what to expect when I found out I would be traveling to Savannah. I had never looked into what Georgia was like, and no one around me had been there either. When I started researching it, I was surprised by how lush the nature was. Even from the plane, I could see the marshes that surround the city, and I began to understand where I was landing.

I come from the Catalan region of Empordà, where I developed my passion for nature as a kid. After moving to Barcelona I started to photograph my surroundings, including friends and lovers, I began to realize my connection with nature, too. Since then I’ve been growing my interest in it and diving deeper through the years.

Entering the city of Savannah, everywhere you look, majestic oaks adorned with spanish moss seem to guide you. This moss creates an enchanted air on every avenue and often forms huge hanging structures. It plays a crucial role in setting the mood of the place—now I can understand why it is sometimes regarded by locals as the “enchanted” city. 

One day, a friend and I decided to visit a national park about an hour northwest of Savannah, where we went kayaking through the swamp. We loved paddling through the quiet, still black water. We were lucky enough to be alone for a long time, enjoying the peaceful and serene park, meandering around, surrounded by the submerged cypress trees. Those trees rose so high up that it felt like they’d touch the sky—it was surreal.

In a way, it felt like heaven with the serenity of the water and the sounds of birds; but there was a glimpse of mystery too, with the water’s darkness and distant splashing from time to time.

Capturing the natural beauty of this place was easy for me, but it was trickier to capture the hidden details of the ecosystem, like spiderwebs, camouflaged little insects, and lichen. Once you start contemplating those small details of the ecosystem, you only see more and more depth, eventually feeling the complexity of it all.

Before leaving, we sat in silence to appreciate our surroundings one last time when I saw a baby alligator swimming a few meters away from us. We were aware there could be some, as pointed out in several signs around the park, but that gave us a great ending to the adventure.

Nature is my most beloved subject and enjoying a place like this made me want to share how impressive this landscape was, the wide extension and the never ending little details. I like to think that—apart from capturing the scene—I might also encapsulate a sense of time and emotion from within, the aura that draws you closer to the image.

Born and raised in Manila, Charissa Soriano has become a notable figure in documenting the Filipino diaspora through her compelling photography, bridging communities across Seattle and Manila. With a focus on Filipino women’s multifaceted identities, her work challenges stereotypical narratives and offers a fresh perspective on migration and cultural identity.

From Economics to Photojournalism

Soriano’s journey from an economics major to a dedicated photojournalist underscores her passion for storytelling through visuals. Her transition was sparked by a desire to move beyond conventional photography, leading her to document significant social issues with the UN International Organization for Migration and later, through her studies at the University of Washington-Seattle. Her projects, including “Multitudes” and “Filipina,” highlight the diverse experiences of Filipino-American women, moving past the usual depiction of them in media.

Representing the Unseen

Through her work, Soriano seeks to represent the unseen and unheard, focusing on the totality of human experience. Her approach is influenced by the concept of histoire totale, aiming to encapsulate the political, cultural, and domestic spheres of life in a single narrative. This holistic perspective is evident in her project “Filipina,” which challenges the monolithic portrayal of Filipino-American women by showcasing their diverse roles and experiences in society.

Impact and Recognition

Soriano’s unique lens on the Filipino diaspora has garnered her significant recognition, including a Northwest Journalists of Color visual journalism scholarship and an Emerging Tech and Social Justice Fellowship. Her recent project, “Balikbayan,” revisits the notion of home through the experiences of those who navigate between cultures and geographies. Despite facing visa issues that prevented her from attending her exhibit in Seattle, Soriano remains committed to her craft, emphasizing the importance of documentary photography in shaping narratives around migration and identity.

Through Charissa Soriano’s lens, we are invited to see beyond the surface, to understand the complex narratives of the Filipino diaspora. Her work not only contributes to a richer discourse on migration and identity but also empowers individuals within these communities by highlighting their multidimensional lives. Soriano’s dedication to her craft is a testament to the power of visual storytelling in bridging gaps between cultures and bringing to light the diverse experiences that define the human condition.

A recent study by Cape Town-based travel portal Go2Africa has identified Kenya as the best destination for wildlife spotting and photography in the world. Singapore and India also made it to the top ten list, ranking third and ninth, respectively, for wildlife photography opportunities in Asia.

Canada closely follows Kenya in second place, with Australia taking the fourth spot in the list of best wildlife destinations spotting in the world. Botswana and Tanzania secure the fifth and sixth positions, while Lithuania ranks seventh. Namibia and South Africa round out the top ten, holding the eighth and tenth spots, respectively.

Kenya to India: Top destinations for wildlife photography

The study, which analysed around 70 million images on Flickr, highlights the top ten destinations with the highest number of wildlife photographs. The results reveal that half of the images originate from African countries such as Kenya, Botswana, Tanzania, Namibia, and South Africa, with the highest count recorded at Kruger National Park, totalling 40,965 photos.

Kenya emerges as a wildlife haven, boasting over 25,000 species of animals, 7,000 species of plants, and 2,000 fungi and bacteria. With excellent chances of spotting the iconic ‘Big 5’ – lions, leopards, elephants, African buffalo, and rhinoceroses – Kenya draws wildlife enthusiasts from across the globe.

While North America, Oceania, and Europe each have one country in the top ten list, Asia is represented by two countries, Singapore and India.

Singapore, famed for its dense rainforests, offers ample opportunities to spot wildlife such as monkeys, birds, monitor lizards, otters, and crocodiles in their natural habitats. Some of the best wildlife photography spots in the city-state include Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Pulau Ubin, Punggol Waterway Park, and Coney Island.

India, celebrated for its diverse landscape, boasts numerous wildlife destinations ideal for game spotting. From the majestic Bengal tiger to Asian elephants and Asiatic wild dogs, India’s national parks and reserves offer unparalleled opportunities for wildlife photography. Whether it’s Hemis National Park in Jammu and Kashmir, Kaziranga National Park in Assam, Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan, or Satpura National Park in Madhya Pradesh, India beckons wildlife enthusiasts with its rich biodiversity.

For further insights into the study, visit Go2Africa.

(Feature image credit: Fokke Baarssen/ Shutterstock)

Related: This Land And Cruise Safari Will Bring Travellers To See Incredible Wildlife

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In the bustling landscape of India’s smartphone market, realme has emerged as a frontrunner, boasting an impressive track record of delivering cutting-edge devices that resonate with consumers. The recent success of the realme 12 Pro+ series, in collaboration with Sony, underscores the brand’s commitment to innovation and excellence in mobile technology.

According to a spokesperson from realme, the realme 12 Pro+ quickly ascended to the top spot on Flipkart, garnering widespread acclaim and trust from consumers. With an astounding 150,000 units sold during its debut and over 120,000 pre-bookings in the INR 25K-35K price segment, the series has solidified its position as a leader in the mid-premium smartphone category. Notably, in January 2024, it clinched the title of India’s No.1 Online Sales Performer, a testament to its unrivalled success in the market.

Central to the success of the realme 12 Pro+ series is its integration of Sony’s state-of-the-art imaging technology. In an exclusive interview with Business Today’s Pranav Dixit, Katsumi Toma, Senior Director of Sony Semiconductor Solution (Shanghai) Limited shared some key insights regarding the collaboration between realme and Sony.

Toma elucidated on the specific Sony specifications incorporated into the realme 12 Pro series, elucidating how they enhance the devices’ overall performance and user experience. The series boasts Sony’s flagship sensors on the main camera, meticulously calibrated and optimized for optimal performance. 

“The realme 12 Pro+ features the IMX890 sensor, boasting a large 1/1.56” sensor size, while the realme 12 Pro is equipped with the IMX882 sensor, both supporting optical stabilisation. Additionally, the inclusion of the IMX709 sensor in the realme 12 Pro 5G offers users an unparalleled telephoto lens experience, delivering exceptional clarity and detail.” Toma added.

The collaboration between realme and Sony reflects a shared vision for innovation and excellence in mobile technology. Toma expressed Sony’s aim to empower consumers to capture the beauty of emotions effortlessly, aligning with realme’s ethos of understanding and catering to the needs of young users. This partnership has resulted in the creation of robust imaging products, setting new standards in their respective segments.

Looking ahead, Toma said that both realme and Sony envision a year of deep collaboration, with plans to introduce cutting-edge imaging technologies in subsequent product releases. Through their ongoing commitment to local production and made-in-India initiatives, Sony aims to contribute significantly to the growth and development of the Indian electronics manufacturing sector. Their collective efforts seek to drive economic progress and technological advancement in India while offering consumers the latest and leading imaging experiences.

Meanwhile, realme has launched the 12+ 5G in India today with a segment-first 50MP SONY Portrait Camera with OIS.