The Hague, the Netherlands

Joan Donoghue, the president of the international court of justice, and other judges ruling on a request by South Africa for emergency measures for Gaza. Donoghue said the court had decided Israel must ‘take all measures within its its power’ to prevent all acts within the scope of the genocide convention. It must also take immediate measures to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza

Photograph: Remko de Waal/EPA

Despite their talent continuously being pushed to the sidelines, the world of fashion revolves around those who photograph it. Ellen Stokes is a Colorado-based fashion photographer who has fought her way to the top.

Through years of experience photographing diverse levels of fashion, Stokes has become a legend in the Colorado fashion industry and she possesses a story to be told. From discussing the origin of her love to where she is today, Stokes took her time to share her story with us. 

Stokes was born and raised in Colorado Springs before moving to Idaho when she was 18 years old. Over the next few years, she moved around the country — from Idaho to Iowa, from Iowa to Ohio —working in real estate, but as time went on she grew restless.

She felt the need to move back to Colorado and reunite with the mountains she left years ago. It was then, she decided to find a solution to her restlessness and start creating art. In 2018, she officially pursued her passion for photography. 

Stokes gained an interest in photography when she was a young kid.

“My mom shot on film and my dad had a Polaroid,” She said. “I always liked it — I liked anything that used light,”

Even though she was too young to fully understand the complexity of lighting composition, she spent her free time messing with anything in her reach that interestingly refracted light. From magnifying glasses to disco balls, Stokes became fascinated with the manipulation of light. 

At this time of adolescence, Stokes also fell in love with the world of fashion.

“I grew up in a really strict religion which had certain parameters for what you could and could not wear,” She reflected. However, as time passed, the photographer grew grateful as she had to think outside of the box to discover her style.

“It was challenging, but now that I’ve evolved in my personal belief system, I wear what I want,” Stokes said. “It’s one of my greatest joys—finally being free in that capacity.” 

As Stokes grew into her career as a photographer and transitioned to shoot exclusively fashion related content. She felt the need to shoot art with no creative boundaries instead of being restricted by the unspoken guidelines of wedding and family photography. “I want to shoot gorgeous things. I want to shoot what I want to shoot,” She said.

During this time, Stokes also gained an interest in shooting self portraits. She believed it was a tool to help her work on self love and self acceptance. It also allowed to create what she wanted without the fear of failure. The photos were just for herself — there was no pressure to deliver a perfect product.

Stokes effortlessly thrived shooting fashion. She was happier with her work, and as a result, the product was even better. The photographer was able to create her favorite types of photoshoots more often — her favorites being those she found visually and emotionally exciting.

“I wanted my eye to linger on the image,” Stokes said.

Although Stokes was thriving and her work was growing, she was not immune to the creative slump that occurs in most art-related careers, “I used to feel a sense of failure a lot when I was younger. I would be very self-critical,” She said.

However, Stokes found a way to beat these slumps.

Whenever she struggles to create, she goes within. She sits down and meditates, letting her mind flow with no boundaries. She also dances around the living room with her children.

“Usually when I hit a slump, it’s because I’m ignoring my inner child,” She said. “Once I feel ‘at one’ with myself, the well is overflowing.”

The vibrant-romantic photographer takes inspiration from every form of art, like the way the stars look at night or work from her favorite photographer, Annie Lebovitz.

Stokes has followed Lebovitz’s work since she was 15 years old, falling in love with how the artist uses romanticism and spacing. “I admire her because she plans her shoots to perfection beforehand, so when her subjects arrive, the shoot is quick and energetic. It’s something I want to incorporate into my work,” Stokes stated. 

In addition to creative slumps, Stokes said she commonly finds herself drowning in the amount of messages she receives and struggles with inconsistent posting.

“Sometimes I go through week-long stretches of not posting on my photography [Instagram] page because I know if I go on there, people will be mad at me for not responding to all the messages,” She said.

Although the photographer responds as often as she can, she has learned to be picky with the requests she accepts. She tries to choose projects that excite her and fit within her schedule so that she can provide the best product possible.

With this, she wants to ensure that people never fear reaching out to her, “It’s more about keeping my cup full so I can give my best when I shoot.” She constantly looks for other creatives whose visions are more than a few photos on a Pinterest board.

Stokes encourages people to go within themselves and discover ideas that feed into their self identity. 

“One of my secrets is that I truly think everyone should be good at capturing the essence of their soul,” She said.

All photos by Ellen Stokes.

To reach Ellen Stokes, send her a message on Instagram.

SALIDA, Colo.— A collection of original photography by Robert Dimmitt is on display at Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center (HRRMC) now through March 31 of this year.

Mr. Dimmitt is a retired former employee at the HRRMC Buena Vista Health Center, and while he has been able to focus on his photography more in retirement, he has been capturing images of Colorado in and around Buena Vista for more than 35 years.

Mr. Dimmitt’s favorite images to capture include the ever-changing Collegiate Peaks and upper Arkansas Valley, an area he has called home since early childhood. Constant change in the surrounding mountainscapes are natural subject matters for him to capture, as he has seen much change in the Buena Vista area over the years.

Several of Mr. Dimmitt’s are on display at the Buena Vista Health Center, in addition to his current display in the lobby of the hospital.

HRRMC displays the work of regional artists each quarter, with an emphasis on the Arkansas Valley. Call 719-530-2217 for more information on exhibiting art at HRRMC.

Vietnam, a land of diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is home to a hidden gem that has recently managed to captivate the hearts of photographers and travellers alike. Quang Phu Cau, a small village nestled in the outskirts of Hanoi, is renowned for its centuries-old tradition of crafting incense. What was once a quaint village pursuing an ancient craft has now transformed into a photographer’s paradise, attracting artists seeking to capture the essence of Vietnam’s cultural richness.

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The village of Quang Phu Cau has been a centre for incense making for generations, with families passing down the intricate art from one to another. Traditionally, incense making was a way of paying homage to ancestors and seeking blessings for the future. The narrow lanes of the village are lined with traditional houses, each playing a role in the age-old process of crafting these aromatic sticks.

One of the most magical features of Quang Phu Cau is the visual feast it provides to photographers. The air is infused with the subtle fragrance of various incense blends as artisans meticulously work on their craft. Narrow alleyways are adorned with vibrant bundles of drying incense sticks, creating a burst of colours that dance in the sunlight. The contrast between the earthy tones of the village and the vibrant hues of the drying incense is a photographer’s dream, offering an opportunity to capture the essence of a tradition deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture.

Read more: Sahasralinga, and the mysterious link behind 1000 Shiva lingas in India and Cambodia

Photographers visiting Quang Phu Cau find inspiration in every corner. The hands of skilled artisans, stained with the colours of the incense they create, tell a story of dedication and craftsmanship.

The rhythmic sound of bamboo strips being cut and the delicate movements of workers blending aromatic ingredients provide a sensory experience that transcends the visual. Capturing these moments becomes a journey into the heart of Vietnam’s cultural tapestry.

The changing seasons also add to the allure of Quang Phu Cau as a photography destination. During the harvest season, the village comes alive with vibrant greens as bamboo, a crucial ingredient in incense making, is collected and prepared. In contrast, the drying season transforms the village into a canvas of warm tones as incense sticks bask in the sun, waiting to be packaged and shared with the world.

Beyond the visual aesthetics, Quang Phu Cau offers photographers the chance to engage with the local community. Conversations with artisans reveal the intricacies of incense making, the symbolism behind each fragrance, and the cultural significance of their craft. The genuine warmth and hospitality of the villagers create an environment where photographers can not only capture images but also immerse themselves in the living history of Vietnam.

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As the world continues to modernise, places like Quang Phu Cau stand as guardians of traditions that risk fading away. The village has become not just a haven for photographers seeking captivating visuals but also a symbol of preserving cultural heritage. The images captured in Quang Phu Cau tell a story of resilience, creativity, and the profound beauty found in the simplicity of a traditional way of life.

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When planning a subject photo session, you need to prepare for it properly. Thus, the photographer should have a system of tripods to be able to work from several angles. It is important to have several light sources, as well as softboxes or diffusers. Consider in advance how the post-processing will take place, whether you will do the retouching yourself or outsource this task. RetouchMe Pro service is a team of designers and image processing specialists who are ready to take your order at any time of the day. To get perfectly retouched photos, just go to https://retouchme.com/pro/packages/product-photo-retouching, upload your images, and describe your requirements for further work. 

What can be used as a background?

The background in subject photography is as important as the subject itself: it sets the overall mood, but should not draw excessive attention from the viewer. Different materials are used as a background: wood or chipboard, a sheet of absorbent cotton of a suitable shade, stone or its imitation, black slate board, textured fabric, laminate or linoleum, kraft or wrapping paper, plaid or carpet. Shooting on the background of chromakey – a monochrome green background, on which then with the help of the program is applied the desired picture. If there is no desire to spend time on the choice, you can shoot objects in a softbox, and then at the stage of post-processing cut them out and place them on such a substrate that the customer chooses.

Properly set up the camera

Post-processing can correct any imperfections in the pictures. But a properly set up camera will reduce the amount of work for retouchers, which means less time and money.

1. Manual mode and aperture priority mode are suitable. The more it is opened – the greater will be the effect of blurring the background.
2. Use a low light sensitivity (ISO) so that there is no strong digital noise in the photo.
3. Do not rely on automatic white balance, adjust it manually so that the real shades are not distorted.
4. Favor an external flash. It gives soft shadows and calm light and shadow patterns, and does not create the visual sensation of a “flat photo”.

When the material is captured, you can start processing it or entrust it to professionals and devote your free time to new interesting projects.  RetouchMe Pro guarantees high-quality retouching because it does not use AI, all work is done manually. At the same time, an affordable price level is maintained – from 0.5 dollars per photo. Clients have access to a wide range of functionality: you can order both basic contrast adjustment and color correction, and deep retouching with drawing highlights, background replacement, and framing. The service guarantees full confidentiality of all received materials and respect for copyrights.

My name is Charly Clérisse and I am an Underwater Photographer, Diving Instructor and Ocean lover. Born in France, I grew up in Spain close to the Mediterranean Sea: I always was attracted to the ocean but it wasn’t until 2015 I did my first dive, in the Canary Islands. I got hooked on the spot, and since then have been living for diving and exploring the seas.

As of right now, I am the Dive Manager on board Scubaspa Yang, located in the Maldives. My job allows me to work doing what I love, scuba diving on a daily basis! Most of the time, we run trips through the Central Atolls of Maldives, having amazing interactions with sharks and manta rays all year around. Sometimes I am also guiding underwater photographers, helping them to get the best shots they can while on board.

I started Underwater Photography in 2016, just using a GoPro and a light, to keep memories of the beauty hidden underwater, to mostly share what I saw with my friends and family who were not divers. Later on I purchased a little Olympus TG5 with an old second hand strobe, that I owned for over 2 years, allowing me to learn a lot about photography.

In late 2019, I purchased my current camera, a Sony a6500 in Fantasea Housing, with which I managed to gain some recognition over the years. I am now currently using a Sony a6500, in an EasyDive Leo Wii 3 Housing, with the Sony 10-18mm for Wide Angle and the Sony 90mm for Macro, adding occasionally a Nauticam SMC-1 for Super Macro. As per strobes, I am currently using dual Sea&Sea YS-D3 Mark ll.

One of my proudest moments as an Underwater Photographer was in April 2023, when my picture ‘Pretty in Pink’ was shortlisted at the Sony World Award Competition, and was displayed on a giant 2mx3m canvas! Also, in October 2022, my picture ‘It’s my turn to get the camera’ was featured on the front cover of Scubadiving Magazine, being my first ever publication in a magazine.

My favourite subjects to photograph are, of course, Nudibranchs: slow movers, elegant, crazy patterns and the most vivid colours. How not to? I do enjoy shooting Squids and Octopus, as they are smart, you can observe very unique behaviours and get very interesting pictures. Mantas and larger animals are also on my list, but I am a big Macro lover all the way!

In the near future, I hope to be able to give more time to my photography journey and invest in a bigger setup: as per right now, my eyes are set on the Sony a7RV, let’s see what the future will bring!

‘Cuttlefish Portrait’ – a curious Pharaoh Cuttlefish posing for my camera in Gili Air, Indonesia.

‘Paparazzi’ – a diver trying to take a picture of a fairly uncommon Olive Ridley Turtle in Tulamben, Bali.

‘Diamond in the Rough’ – a lovely little Berry’s Bobtail Squid ready to bury itself during a night dive in Amed, Bali.

‘Slug Portrait’ – Hypselodoris tryonii in Bunutan, Bali.

‘Standing Proud’ – Hypselodoris apolegma standing up in Tulamben, Bali.

‘Shaun the Sheep’ – close up of a little Sheep Nudi in Amed, Bali.

‘Macro Maldives’ – a close-up of a beautiful Goniobranchus gleineii in South Ari Atoll, Maldives.

‘It’s my turn to get the camera!’ – a very curious Common Octopus wrestling me to get my camera in Tenerife, Spain.

‘Where Mermaids Dream’ – a freediver laying near some very healthy coral reef in Tulamben, Bali.

‘Slugs & Stars’ – a beautiful Hypselodoris zephyra with low aperture in Tulamben, Bali,

‘Harlequin’ – a big Harlequin Shrimp hanging outside of its burrow in Tulamben, Bali.

‘Giant in the Night’ – a juvenile whale shark feeding on plankton near our boat in South Ari Atoll, Maldives.

‘Clown & Stars’ – a Clark’s anemonefish posing in front of a big school of silverfish in South Ari Atoll, Maldives.

‘Friendly Ray’ – a huge female Marbled Ray feeding at night at Maaya Thila, Maldives.

‘Shark in the Night’ – a juvenile Grey Reef Shark in hunting mode during a night in Maaya Thila, Maldives.

‘Octo-Stare’ – a juvenile Coconut Octopus staring during a night dive in Amed, Bali.

‘Pretty in Pink’ – a Bargibanti pygmy seahorse staring at my camera in Tulamben, Bali.

‘Tiny Gem’ – a small cowrie is standing on top of a coral it has been feeding on in Kubu, Bali.

‘ROOOOAR!’ – a juvenile painted frogfish trying to scare me away in Kubu, Bali.

‘Ikea Sheep Nudi‘ – Costasiella sp. resting on a leaf in Tulamben, Bali.

You can find more from Charly, including prints for sale, on his website at www.charlyclerisse.com, and Instagram @diving_charly

If you’d like to see your underwater photography published on these pages and shared across our social media feed and weekly newsletter, why not drop us a line at info@divemagazine.com.