The artist Xiomaro, known for his photography commissioned by Morristown National Historical Park, has signed a contract with Fonthill Media, a leading publisher in England.
Under the worldwide agreement, the artist will author a book of his New York City street photographs set to be released in 2025.
Thomson Reuters building. Photo: Wikipedia.
The Reuters wire service is distancing itself from a freelance photographer after a pro-Israel journalism watchdog organization found an Instagram video of the photographer on October 7 appearing to urge Gazans to cross over into Israel.
The media monitoring group HonestReporting published what it said was a video of the photographer, Mohammed Fayq Abu Mostafa, saying in Arabic, “Advice, whoever can go – go. It is a one-time event that will not happen again.”
Asked about the video, a Reuters spokesperson said, “We consider unacceptable the behavior in the video of Mohammed Fayq Abu Mostafa.” The news organization clarified, “Mohammed Fayq Abu Mostafa is not a Reuters journalist. He is a photographer from whom we occasionally acquired images in October and November 2023 and we have not used his photos since.”
Reuters said it was “committed to delivering unbiased and reliable news.”
On social media and on its own website, HonestReporting has been critical of Reuters. “Does Reuters have no shame?” the group asked in a February 7 post on X, highlighting the agency’s use of an image by Mohammed Fayq Abu Mostafa in a photo gallery marking four months since the war began.
The New York Times published an image credited to Reuters and Mohammed Fayq Abu Mostafa as part of its 2023 “year in pictures” supplement. The image, apparently taken from the Israeli side of the Gaza border, was captioned, “Gazan border, Oct. 7. Palestinians used earth-moving equipment to breach the border fence between Gaza and Israel. Hamas gunmen surged into Israel by land, sea and air in a surprise attack that prompted a full-blown war.”
Media executives have been pushing back hard against any claims that any of their journalists on October 7 were participating in the Hamas attack rather than documenting it.
A New York Times Company senior vice President and deputy general counsel, David McCraw, wrote to the Israeli foreign ministry on November 12 to say that “the accusation that anyone associated with The Times had advance knowledge of the attack or was embedded with Hamas terrorists at any time is simply false.” McCraw’s letter said, “by adopting and perpetuating unsupported accusations of criminal behavior against journalists, you not only endanger them but undermine the journalistic work that the world depends on to understand the realities of the war.”
Reuters also said it was “deeply concerned” about “baseless speculation” and “damaging accusations,” “incendiary insinuations” and “inflammatory claims” with “no evidence” that it said “posed grave risks to journalists in the region, including those working for Reuters.”
“It is the job of journalists to document important news as it unfolds and to provide a first-hand account of events on the ground. This is the essential role of a free press in war zones, and we remain fully committed to providing this coverage both from Israel and Gaza as the conflict continues,” the Reuters statement said.
Ira Stoll was managing editor of The Forward and North American editor of The Jerusalem Post. His media critique, a regular Algemeiner feature, can be found here.
We’re only two months into the new year, but 2024 has already proven itself to be the year of local markets.
Just this month, three local markets that debuted last year have made their return including the Making Black History Market, Tucson Together Market (hey, that’s us!) and the Indigenous Market, which is now back for round two.
The Indigenous Market Vol. 2 is back from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25 at the Fourth Avenue Coalition Space at 311 E. Seventh St. The market features handcrafted goodies, beaded and silver jewelry, food and music from over 30 local Indigenous artists and makers.
A few pairs of the Sandia Beaded Hoops from local Indigenous artist Josie Rios (Beads Over Diamonds). Rios is the organizer behind the Indigenous Night Market at the Fourth Avenue Coalition Space.
Some of this year’s vendors include Beads Over Diamonds, Cactus Bloom Design, Kaotic Kitties and Spirit of Cukṣon.
There will also be food from Reservation Sensation and OaxaRico, along with live entertainment from local DJ MizSkoden.
The first Indigenous Market took place last year as a night event at the Fourth Avenue Coalition Space, thanks to local artist Josie Rios, who is also known as Beads Over Diamonds.
“The team at Historic Fourth Ave. Coalition inspired me,” Rios said in an email to #ThisIsTucson last year. “I love that they use their platform to uplift (underrepresented) voices and I wanted to do the same. I’ve always appreciated the opportunity I have been given and when the idea came up to utilize the Coalition Space as a platform, I couldn’t wait to jump at it and give Indigenous makers an opportunity to show the community their talent.”
A couple pairs of hand-beaded earrings from local Indigenous artist Josie Rios (Beads Over Diamonds). Rios is the organizer behind the Indigenous Night Market at the Fourth Avenue Coalition Space.
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Market attendees can park in the paid parking lot directly across from the Coalition Space. Alternatively, downtown parking meters are free on weekends.
“I am just so grateful that I get to be part of this event and cannot wait to meet so many new people,” Rios said.
What: Indigenous Market Vol. 2.
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25.
Where: Fourth Avenue Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for goodies!
For more information, visit Rios’ Instagram page.
“Highest Mountain in the South of Vietnam” © Tran Tuan Viet, Vietnam, Winner, National Awards, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“With an elevation of 996 meters, Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh is the highest mountain in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. At its summit stands a Bodhisattva statue, which was cast from more than 170 tons of red bronze. At 72 meters tall, it is the tallest bronze Buddha statue in Asia to be located on a mountain peak.”
Over 395,000 images from over 220 countries and territories were submitted to the 2024 Sony World Photography Awards. This year, 59 of those countries participated in the National & Regional Awards, which is set up to spotlight local photography talent. From exceptional landscape photography to charming portraits, the 2024 National & Regional winners certainly prove just how much photographic talent lives in the world.
Pascal Fouquet was named the United States winner for his explosive photo of a Space X Falcon Heavy rocket transiting the moon while carrying the X-37B space plane into orbit. The Orlando-based photographer is always on the lookout for space-related photography opportunities and was rewarded handsomely for his diligence. He balances his passion for his photography hobby with his full-time job in the aviation industry, making his win even more impressive.
“I feel immensely honored and grateful to be the recipient of an international photography award,” he shared. “This past year was devoted to capturing the essence of rocket launches from the perspective of an Orlando resident, framing these awe-inspiring events against the backdrop of local landmarks.”
Other standout images include Tran Tuan Viet‘s stunning aerial view of Vietnam’s Ba Den Mountain. Covered in rolling fog, the lush green mountain shows traces of manmade interventions with its large Bodhisattva statue at the summit. Nepal’s Bibek Kunwar won his country’s award for an image with a decidedly different feel. His charming photo of a girl reveling in a pool of colorful felt balls is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face.
Scroll down to see more of our favorite winners, who will all receive Sony digital imaging equipment and will be included in the Sony World Photography Awards exhibition in London.
“A Colourful Dream” © Bibek Kunwar, Nepal, Winner, National Awards, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“I took this in a felt ball factory while I was shooting a documentary video. This small girl was curious about my camera, so while I was on a break, I took her picture. I saw these felt balls lying on the ground and had the idea to photograph the little girl there, covered with the colorful material, and asking her to close her eyes as if she were asleep.”
“Mookambika Gulikan Theyyam” © Vinaya Mohan, United Arab Emirates, Winner, National Awards, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“Gulikan Theyyam (or Guliga Theyyam) is a figure worshipped as Lord Shiva. In the Karnataka region, this deity is worshipped as the Hindu Culture’s Guliga Daiva. This was a challenging low-light photographic situation, as fire was the only light source. The God-Man jumps into the fire and moves all the time, which makes it very difficult to take a clear photograph.”
“To the Moon” © Pascal Fouquet, United States, Winner, National Awards, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“A SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket transits the moon carrying the X-37B space plane into orbit. Shockwaves from the rocket cause a ripple effect across the moon.”
“Traffic Circle” © Lim Chien Ting, Malaysia, Winner, National Awards, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“The design of the Pearl Ring Roundabout in Shanghai, China, harmonizes seamlessly with the detailed patterns of its surroundings.”
“The Fishman’s Life” © Kyaw Htet, Myanmar, Winner, National Awards, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“Inle Lake in Myanmar is known for its picturesque scenery. The local fishermen use a unique leg-rowing technique to propel their boats, and this photograph reveals a serene scene as a couple fish beneath the shade of a majestic, sprawling tree. The reflections on the water add an extra touch of beauty to the moment.”
“Elephant Sand Bath” © Ju Shen Lee, Singapore, Winner, National Awards, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“A sand bath protects an elephant’s skin against insect bites and keeps it warm in the cooler winter months. The fine sand found along the Narayani River makes a perfect ‘bath’.”
“At the Salon” © Onyekachi Iloh, Nigeria, Winner, National Awards, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“I took this photograph in a salon, and was drawn to the way in which the girl’s green uniform seemed to be in conversation with the green of the wall. When I positioned her, I realized that the hair extensions hanging on the wall behind her, and her own short hair, covered by her beret, seemed to say something about a person shielded from the harrowing world of beauty ‘standards’.”
Untitled © Yasser Alomari, Saudi Arabia, Winner, National Awards, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“A supermoon sits at the top of the Saudi Public Investment Fund tower in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.”
“At the Border” © Vladimir Karamazov, Bulgaria, Winner, Regional Awards, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“To find yourself at a border, having to leave your life and go looking for another one, is something that has become more and more common in recent years.”
“Falling Out of Time” © Ana Skobe, Slovenia, Winner, Regional Awards, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“Bathed in soft evening light, a lighthouse rises into the clear sky, its clean, sleek, geometric design contrasting with the coastal landscape. Positioned at its base is a figure – a contemplative man gazing out at the expanse of the ocean before him. The juxtaposition of the solitary silhouette against the infinite horizon creates a moment of reflection and connection with the vastness of the ocean.”
“Gas Station in Winter Garb” © Tomáš Havrda, Czech Republic, Winner, Regional Awards, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“I took this photograph on my way home from work.”
“Heading Down” © Abdulla AL-Mushaifri, Qatar, Winner, National Awards, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“One of these riders was about to fall after he tried to stand on his horse’s back, but his colleague supported him and held his hand. This photograph was taken in the Sultanate of Oman, where horse races are still organized in the classic peer-to-peer racing tradition.”
“September” © Viktors Rimarevs, Latvia, Winner, Regional Awards, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“Baltic Sea, Tuja.”
“Silence” © Barbara Szydlowska, Poland, Winner, National Awards, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
” I photographed these Japanese-inspired costumes in the hills of the historic center of Krakow.”
“Feathers in Focus” © Mohammad Mirza, Kuwait, Winner, National Awards, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“The European shag is a medium-sized seabird belonging to the cormorant family. I took this photograph during a winter trip to Hornoya island in Norway, which gave me the unique opportunity to capture the resilience and beauty of this remarkable bird in its natural habitat.”
“Pabbajja Samanera” © Dhiky Aditya, Indonesia, Winner, National Awards, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
” The warm light of the lanterns illuminates the hearts of pabbajja novices in the courtyard of Borobudur temple, Indonesia.”
“Approaching Danger” © Okan Yilmaz, Turkey, Winner, National Awards, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“A lone tree stands, in the vast expanse, A sentinel of resilience, in the dry dance. Beside, a puddle, a tiny oasis so dear, Mirroring the threat of drought drawing near.”
“Light of a New Day” © Thanayu Jongwattanasilkul, Thailand, Winner, National Awards, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“A man walking along the beach towards Vestrahorn mountain in Iceland.”
A teen photographer shot a stunning series of stunning portraits of her friends on a 100-year-old camera.
19-year-old photographer and student Aila Cason, who is based in Atlanta, Georgia, usually uses a Nikon D7500 to shoot professionally.
However, in a viral TikTok video, Cason revealed how she used a Kodak Folding Autographic Brownie No.2 — manufactured between 1915 and 1926 — to take photos of her friends.
“The type of camera I typically use varies,” Cason, who has the username @fairyonfilm on TikTok, tells PetaPixel.
“For professional shoots, I usually use my DSLR, which is a Nikon D7500, but I am a huge fan of analog photography and like to use an assortment of older cameras for those types of photography.
“Digital photography has made taking photographs easier and more accessible, but I think that film and historical photographic processes are under-appreciated.
“I collect old cameras and love historical photographic processes, so that’s what inspired me to use the 100-year-old camera. ”
Cason shot the beautiful black-and-white portraits of her friends with a Kodak Folding Autographic Brownie No. 2 camera that was acquired from a flea market. She used an expired Arista EDU Ultra 100 ISO 120 size film for the photos.
Cason says that the Kodak Folding Autographic Brownie No. 2 was relatively easy to use — considering that the device was a century-old.
“I’ve been shooting film since I was 15, so I’ve learned to navigate older cameras pretty well, and using the brownie camera was pretty easy in my opinion,” Cason explains.
“I love how film and older photographic processes capture nostalgia and the essence of their subjects, thought it would be cool to capture my lovely friends with this medium.
“I set up the camera on a tripod outside in the street in front of my best friend’s house and took their portraits. This only took around 20 minutes.
“Then I developed and scanned the film myself at home, which usually takes me around two hours.”
Cason explains that she shot the portraits on the century-old camera as a test exercise to see if the device actually worked. But the photographer was pleasantly surprised by how popular her images were on social media.
“The shoot was really just to test to see if the camera even worked, I wasn’t expecting so many people to love the images!” Cason says.
“Even though film photography has had a recent resurgence, historical photography is somewhat of a forgotten art, and it makes me happy to see so many people appreciating it.”
More of Cason’s work can be seen on Instagram and TikTok.
Image credits: All photos by TikTok/Aila Cason/@fairybyfilm.
Two lucky photographers will be paid $5,000 each and fly in a private helicopter to capture the total solar eclipse when it takes place in April.
The hotel brand Days Inn by Wyndham is offering “2024’s hottest gig” by flying two lucky photographers to a vantage spot of 10,000 feet to witness the much-anticipated celestial event.
However, it seems that the hotel chain may not necessarily be looking for grisled veteran photographers as the winners will receive some camera tuition before the flight that will take place in San Antonio, Texas.
“Days Inn invites all photo-obsessed BFFs to apply for the role. In addition to scoring $5,000 each for their work, the Sun-terns will receive a professional photography class, hotel accommodation, travel stipend, Wyndham Rewards® Diamond membership and of course, plenty of Days Inn swag,” the company says in a press release.
Days Inn by Wyndham’s logo has a recognizable rising Sun logo hence them referring to the role as being a “Sun-tern.”
“Since 2018, our Sun-ternship program has helped travel-obsessed photographers Seize the Days® with once-in-a-lifetime travel opportunities. This year, we’re elevating the job to new heights, giving not just one but two Sun-terns a front-row seat to capture and share the magic of the eclipse,” says Days Inn by Wyndham’s president John Henderson.
The two photographers will be expected to “document their experience with photo and video content for Days Inn social channels” while also filling their own social media pages with imagery from the trip.
Taking off in the helicopters means that applicants will need to be comfortable working at heights and they will also need to be a resident of the U.S. or Canada (excluding Quebec).
The total solar eclipse will take place on April 8 and will be the last in the U.S. for 20 years. It will be visible across large swathes of the United States and a map created by The Planetary Society and The Eclipse Company will help photographers select the best location from which to see it.
To apply for the gig, head to Days Inn by Wyndham’s Sun-ternship page.
Image credits: Header photo licensed via Depositphotos.
A gigantic plume of plasma recently exploded from the sun’s south pole, where solar eruptions almost never occur. The explosion, which a photographer captured in stunning detail, is another telltale sign that the sun is about to enter its most active phase — the solar maximum.
The rare phenomenon occurred on Feb. 17, when a solar flare exploded from a sunspot near the sun’s south pole, releasing a gigantic column of ionized gas, or plasma, that towered around 124,300 miles (200,000 kilometers) above the solar surface — around 15 times taller than Earth, Spaceweather.com reported. The plasma eventually snapped away from the sun and hurtled into space as a gigantic cloud, known as a coronal mass ejection (CME).
Astrophotographer Eduardo Schaberger Poupeau captured a highly detailed composite image of the plume before it broke away from the solar surface. “The plasma column was so large, I had to rotate the camera to fit it into the frame,” Poupeau told Spaceweather.com. “It was truly a wonderful spectacle.”
This stellar blast was extremely unusual because it erupted from the sun’s south pole: Most solar flares erupt from sunspots on or around the sun’s equator and almost never from near the magnetic poles, because the poles are where the sun’s magnetic field is strongest, which normally suppresses sunspot formation.
Due to the orientation of the flare, the CME was directed away from Earth and the rest of the planets, which all orbit the sun on the same plane.
Related: 15 signs the sun is gearing up for its explosive peak — the solar maximum
The unusual eruption was likely triggered by what scientists call a polar crown filament (PCF) — a loop of magnetism that circles the sun’s magnetic poles, according to Spaceweather.com. The plasma plume that was spat out by the flare is known as a polar crown prominence (PCP).
PCPs become more common during the solar maximum — the most active phase of the sun’s roughly 11-year solar cycle. During this phase, PCFs shrink in size, “like a tightening noose around their respective poles,” Spaceweather.com reported. As these magnetic crowns constrict, they “strangle” the nearby magnetic fields, making them more likely to explode.
Experts believe the solar maximum will arrive at some point in the next few months — earlier than originally predicted.
As we approach solar maximum, more and more weird phenomena are occurring at the sun’s poles: In February 2023, a PCP broke off from the sun and got caught in a PCF, creating a swirling plasma vortex that raged around the sun’s north pole for eight hours. And in March last year, a PCP collapsed in on itself, creating a gigantic plasma waterfall near the sun’s south pole, which was shortly followed by an enormous plume of rotating plasma, known as a “solar tornado,” near the solar north pole that lasted for three days.
