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A royal photographer has revealed the moment he discovered that the late Duke of Edinburgh had a copy of a well-renowned sex book on his shelves during a photoshoot.

Julian Calder, who took the striking portraits of the late Queen on the Scottish Moors, has shared some fascinating insights about capturing images of Elizabeth II and Prince Philip on the first episode of season two of HELLO!’s A Right Royal Podcast.

“I once did a portrait of Prince Phillip in his office. And he was standing there, and I was quite young at the time,” he tells HELLO!

“And I’m looking through the lens, I thought ‘God just behind his right ear is a book – The Joy of Sex‘ – and I had to say ‘Prince Philip, should we move that?’ And he laughed and he got his equerry to come and move it.”

Dr Alex Comfort’s The Joy of Sex was first published in 1972 and became an international best seller.

In our first podcast episode, A Year On, Julian also shares how he got the late Queen to smile for one of his iconic photographs. Listen to the full episode here…

Meanwhile, writer and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth also joins HELLO!‘s podcast hosts to share his favourite memories of the late monarch, and the close relationship the Queen had with Margaret Thatcher.

Elsewhere, HELLO!‘s royal editor Emily Nash looks back at the past royal year and how much it has changed since the late Queen’s funeral. And what the second year of King Charles’ reign will bring.

The Armory Show has long had its share of photo-centric presentations, but this year it will be sharing the Javits Center with a new fair showcasing photography and related media: Photofairs New York, which will launch with 56 exhibitors. While the photography market seemed to have plateaued a decade ago, the arrival of a dedicated fair suggests that interest in the medium has grown significantly post-pandemic.

Two major Christie’s auctions in 2022 signalled the arrival of this new era: Man Ray’s Le Violon d’Ingres (1924) selling for $12.4m (with fees), and Edward Steichen’s Flatiron (1904) for $11.8m (with fees).

“These sales basically blew the lid off photography and created enormous amounts of pricing ambiguity,” says Bruce Silverstein, whose eponymous gallery is participating in The Armory Show. “With extraordinary images that might be $500,000 or $700,000, now we wonder, what are they worth? Are they $1m? Are they $5m? This huge chasm in pricing discovery represents enormous opportunity.”

Silverstein, who learned the language of photography from his photographer father at a young age, remains market savvy, especially at this pivotal moment.

“It’s beyond being affordable; it’s just extraordinarily undervalued,” he says. “But things are changing rapidly, the top collectors are starting to get involved and people are quickly becoming aware that there is this burgeoning field. It’s remarkable that you can still acquire works by leaders of history and photography at prices that are dwarfed by those in other media.”

Photography is now defined by its ubiquity. Collectors are deeply familiar with this medium, as they can access, edit and upload it in the palms of their hands. Yet it may be this commonality that drives the yearning for more sophisticated imagery.

“There is no other art form that has such an enormous percentage of the population actually participating in the creation process, and these individuals are becoming educated as to those who came before them, and who have influenced the way we all see,” Silverstein says.

Rapid crossover

For Helen Toomer, the director of Photofairs New York (and the former director of the Pulse Contemporary Art Fair), a spirit of accessibility and creative collaboration is essential to capturing the renewed interest in photography. “It’s not about smoke and mirrors; it’s about open arms,” she says. “It’s about ‘Come ask questions and connect.’ That is integral to the fair’s growth and success.”

An important factor fuelling resurgent demand for fine art photography seems to be the widespread interest in digital art, artificial intelligence (AI) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Digital methodologies are rapidly crossing over into more traditional photographic formats and the result is a new kind of image altogether, with AI seen as another tool of innovation.

Much of the AI-generated photography shown to date has been ultra-polished, running counter to many collectors’ interest in rawness and more historical imagery. The accessibility and immediacy of a physical, printed image remain powerful features.

“Because everyone spent so much time looking at their phones, they’re very happy to be looking at work in person and they’re leaving their phones in their pockets. That [behaviour] was disappearing before the pandemic,” says Tarrah von Lintel, whose Los Angeles-based Von Lintel Gallery is showing at Photofairs New York. “If you watch most people scroll through social media, it’s done at breakneck speed and there’s no way you could take in the entirety of the image.”

As such, works that do not reproduce well online are given new life in person at fairs and other public exhibitions. Von Lintel believes tastes are shifting away from the small, black-and-white images that are hallmarks of fine art photography, while Silverstein suggests that there is a fresh appeal for more intimate viewing experiences. Either way, everyone is championing unique pieces and experimentation in photography.

AI is now a part of that discourse. At Photofairs, Von Lintel is showing works by the Turkish-French artist Sarp Kerem Yavuz, who used AI platform Midjourney to create his homoerotic series Polaroids from the Ottoman Empire (2023). The resulting photorealistic works are completely contradictory by nature, mixing past, present and future while challenging widely held assumptions about both photography and artificiality.

Toomer cites Von Lintel’s showcase as part of the broader conversation about how new technology is changing conversations about photography. “It always comes back to ‘What makes an image? What is truth?’” she says. “These are the questions that people have been asking about photographs since the beginning.”

Other participants will also test the boundaries between lens-based and new media art. New York’s Postmasters Gallery is showing Post Human Dog (2020) by mononym artist Damjanski, which uses AI to erase people from images; and Horror Chase (2002), a sculpture by Jennifer and Kevin McCoy that employs cinematic footage from 2002 recalibrated by an algorithm. Lower East Side gallery bitforms will show a selection of abstract digital works; and Miami-based Transfer gallery is featuring a selection of Huntrezz Janos’s augmented-reality face filters.

A more analogue type of hybrid that will be on show at Photofairs is woven photography. Von Lintel is showing hand-embroidered Lovers & Dreamers (2019-23) landscapes by Lucia Engstrom, where the woven component creates a trompe l’oeil effect, giving the image a sculptural dimension. In addition to his more blue-chip offerings, Silverstein is showing works by Sarah Sense, a Chitimacha and Choctaw artist who weaves photographs using traditional patterns learned from her family. These techniques seek to challenge expectations of photography’s documentary and archival uses.

Ultimately, this evolving context is about the intersection of contemporary art with photography, and everyone in the field agrees that the medium is evolving more rapidly now than it has in decades.

“We’re not drawing from light; we’re drawing from pixels. These images are no longer rooted in reality, but rather purely from the imagination of the creator, which is a very important evolutionary step,” Silverstein says. “Photography or image-based art will inevitably be the most influential art form moving forward, and the works that we’re dealing in—these small photographs from history—are the seeds of that movement.”

Toomer and Scott Gray, the founder and chief executive of Photofairs, hope that the fair will not only benefit participating artists and dealers, but the medium of photography itself, providing a space for these kinds of conversations to unfold on a yearly basis. “We’re putting down roots,” Toomer says, and “planting seeds this year”.

Welcome, September. It’s so hard to believe that summer has come to a close. School is back in session. The crowds have gone. The weather has cooled, as it tends to do this time of year. Though the forecast as I write this is for a beautiful first week of September. I bet there will be plenty of teachers making their way to the beach after these first days of school. Nothing like a beach break on the way home from work.

I hope everyone has a good return to school, teachers and families alike. It always takes some adjustment to ease out of summer mode and get back into school mode. Everyone has to figure out new schedules and get organized and do homework and all that other stuff. I wish everyone a great school year ahead.

Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Manny Estrella on August 29, Pam Melrose on August 30, Kalob Shipton and Alison Enos on Sept. 4, Linda Hathaway and Kathy Pogue on Sept. 5, and Sarah Parece and my brother-in-law, Phil Fleisher on Sept. 6.

On Saturday, Sept. 9, Tim DeWitt is offering a photography course: Capture the Island: Photography Class and Guided Hike at Menemsha Hills. This is one part of a three-part course, each at a different Trustees property. Per the write-up in the Things to Do section of the Times, a Trustees guide will direct the hike route, while Tim will support the creative exploration of participants. Students can look forward to personalized direction and critique as they solidify their creative vision in landscape photography. “This workshop is open to all levels of experience and any type of camera, though 35mm is preferable. Instruction and pace will vary based on class dynamics and participant needs. Each class will be approximately 2 to 3 miles of walking over medium to difficult terrain, including soft sand, packed dirt, and loose rocks. Please plan to bring: sun protection, sturdy walking shoes, insect/tick protection, and water/snacks. Participants may get their feet wet if the best shot requires stepping into the water”. Other dates are Oct. 21 and Nov. 18. Each session requires a separate ticket purchase. Contact the Trustees at cdrogin@thetrustees.org or 508-693-7662 for details and pricing. You can register for the Sept. 9 class/walk at thetrustees.org/event/89505.

Want to learn to play croquet? Saturdays in September and October from 9 to 10 am the Edgartown Croquet Club is offering an introduction and lessons for American 6 Wicket Croquet. These lessons are free. Sounds like fun.

The Martha’s Vineyard Wind Festival a.k.a. Kite Festival is Saturday, Sept. 9, from 10:30 am until 7:30 pm. Kids can make kites, adult kite flying competitions will happen in the afternoon, and fun can be had by the whole family. For details, check out their website at mvwindfestival.com or just show up at Ocean Park on Saturday. The rain date is Sunday.

Gerald Yukevich (Ivan Cox) is signing his book, “Blood Pudding,” at Edgartown Books on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 2 to 4 pm. The book is about the struggles of an immigrant family from Poland. I’ve heard the author tell stories before and bet the book is a great read. You might just see me in line.

The Edgartown Village Market continues through September on Tuesdays at the Daniel Fisher House from 9 am until 2 pm. This open air market is just the place to get fresh produce, flowers, and artwork and crafts by local artisans.

The Edgartown library is offering “Stress Relief Through Diet” with registered functional medicine dietitian, Ana Cristina Lewis on Sept. 12 from 5 to 6 pm. Learn what you can do to support your body’s response to stress. And who doesn’t have stress, right? Registration is not required.

My condolences go out to the family and friends of Fred Mascolo, who passed away this week. He was always so kind and generous, supporting so many Island causes and people. It is a big loss for the Island and he will be missed for sure.

That about does it for this week. The holiday weekend prompted an early deadline. I apologize if I missed any news that was sent in after Friday. I’ll be sure to share it next week. Here’s to a slower pace now that September is here. Have a great week.

If you have any Edgartown Town Column suggestions, email Gail Gardner, ggardnermv@gmail.com.

São Paulo market, where this was taken, is near the heart of Luanda, the capital of Angola. It is one of the most important markets in the city, not just because of how many people rely on it to make a living, but because it’s a place where Luanda’s population come to mingle, from the rich to the poor. On this day in June 2022, the sun was beating down and I wanted to show the market in all its colour, movement and life, and to situate it within the city at large. I decided I needed to get above street level to show the mix of colours that make it feel so exciting, all the different paths people weave through it.

This image was taken with a drone hovering high above the market. It allowed me to have a different view from the one visitors usually have – the bright orange of the parasols, the sense of so many people in motion, the sheer scale of it stretching off into the distance. But the drone also meant I could situate the market in the rest of the city: the oranges of the market set against the reds of the roofs and the blues of the surrounding buildings. It’s a view many Angolans do not get to see. When people think of Angola, I don’t think this is what they imagine, but it is my country at its very best.

In Angola, there are two realities. There is suffering: poverty is common, and our people have struggled through difficult times, both during the decades of civil war and in the peace ever since. Life is not easy for many people. But Angola is also a country with a rich culture. Our music is without comparison, blending different styles and traditions to create new kinds of art. Our cities, Luanda in particular, are places of incredible colour and diversity. And the people – my people – are so welcoming, especially to outsiders. We have a sense of hospitality that is beautiful.

I first came to photography almost by chance. I grew up in Benguela, a province on Angola’s western coast, about 500km south of Luanda. As a young man I had always loved art. I painted, I drew, I made music – but when a friend lent me her camera, something felt different. In an instant, I could capture everything in front of me. The feeling of taking that first image changed everything for me. I had found my medium.

Trying to make it in Angola isn’t easy. I have faced many struggles in becoming a photographer. Before me, nobody in my family had shown an artistic side, and so my family weren’t sure what to make of it when I told them about my plans to work as a photographer. They didn’t respond to my dream enthusiastically, but ultimately they respected my decision.

When I started taking pictures, I first looked for photography schools in Angola, but there were no schools where I could graduate. Everything I have learned was through tutorials on YouTube and from friends and peers. But the main problem is the government: they don’t support the young. Pursuing your dreams is something that, too often, people have to do without any support, which means that many people are not able to. There is so much potential in my country, but it is not encouraged and nurtured by the political system and its institutions.

The aim of my work is to showcase everything Angola has to offer. I want to take what is most beautiful in my country and show it on the world stage. I would love foreigners to see Angola as a destination for tourism. I think they would be amazed.

Kim Praise’s work is on display as part of Kizomba Design Museum, which launches this week with a three-day immersive experience in São Paulo, 6-8 September

Kim Praise’s CV

Born: Benguela, Angola, 1994
Influences: Aboya (Ghana), Jessé Manuel (Angola), Ju Almeida (Brazil), Edgar Esteves (USA), Karl Shakur (Nigeria)
High point: “My contribution to the forthcoming Kizomba Design Museum project: having my work in a museum is a dream come true”
Low point: “When I arrived in Luanda and thought about giving up photography because I didn’t have many resources, and adapting was difficult”
Top tip: “Always believe in your dreams and chase after them”

A couple ended up unexpectedly proposing to each other at the exact same time — after they both hired the same photographer to capture the surprise moment.

In a viral TikTok video, photographer McKailie Conger revealed how she captured the moment Autumn Velin and Rebecca Dolge both unwittingly dropped to one knee to propose to each other on holiday in Denver, Colorado in April.

@mckailienicole Still one of my favorite moments 🤍💍 #elopementphotographer #weddingphotographer #surpiseproposal #loveislove ♬ original sound – 🙂

Autumn, 23, and Rebecca, 21, had been dating for two years when they both individually realized that they wanted to propose to each other

Autumn was the first person to contact McKailie. She booked the photographer to shoot the moment she would propose to Rebecca in Denver.

Autumn later told Rebecca that she had booked McKailie for a photo shoot to capture some “cute pictures” of the pair together — without revealing that she was going to propose during the session.

An Unexpected Text Message

However, shortly afterward, McKailie received a text message from an unknown number. The text message turned out to be from Autumn’s partner Rebecca.

Rebecca secretly reached out to McKailie and told the photographer that she was secretly planning on proposing during the shoot — not knowing that Autumn was planning to do the same.

“I received the booking from Autumn and phoned her, she told me about the situation with her proposing, so I got started the planning process,” McKailie tells NewsFlare.

“I then received a second message saying ‘nice to meet you, I’m going to propose on the shoot day.’”

“I was really confused at first, then it came to me, they are both proposing, and they don’t know it.”

A Secret For Three Months

The photographer had to keep the surprise proposals a secret from the couple for three months.

McKailie even had separate conversations with Autumn and Rebecca about the day’s plans as they individually planned their surprise proposals to one another.

On April 14, McKailie met Autumn and Rebecca at Horsetooth Reservoir and took some romantic photos of the couple. The photographer then guided the couple to the spot that she had selected for their surprise proposals.

“I told them to stand about three meters apart from each other and after a countdown, they would turn around,” McKailie tells NewsFlare.

“The plan was to get them to turn around and they would both bring out their rings.”

The photographer then shot the incredible moment that the pair both dropped to their knees in unison and joyfully got engaged. McKailie described the photo shoot as her “dream job.”

“The build-up to the moment and then seeing it happen, to share that moment, I wish I could do it over and over – just amazing to witness,” the photographer says.

More of McKailie’s work can be seen on Instagram, TikTok, and website.

Image credits: Header photo licensed via Depositphotos.

Kyiv, Ukraine

Amputee soldiers attend a football training session. The group of men, with amputations incurred in both military and civilian life, meet every week. Most of them were keen players before their injuries

Photograph: Roman Pilipey/AFP/Getty Images

In the ever-evolving world of drone technology, where innovation meets creativity, one name stands out: **HOVERAir X1** by **Zero Zero Robotics**. This pocket-sized self-flying aerial camera has set a new standard for easy, fun, and captivating photography experiences. In this comprehensive review, we will dive deep into the remarkable features of this drone that is changing the way we capture moments from above.

A glimpse of the future

The HOVERAir X1 is a camera drone that redefines the concepts of portability and simplicity. From the moment you unbox it, its sleek carbon black or white finish hints at the powerful technology within. Weighing just 125g, its compact design allows it to fit comfortably into your pocket or handbag.

Ease of use

One of the standout features of the HOVERAir X1 is its ease of use. Unlike many drones that require a controller or complex app setup, the X1 is ready to fly with just the press of a button. The enclosed design ensures safety around people, and its 3-second palm take-off and landing eliminate any learning curve. For those who want more control, the companion app offers options for customizing flight parameters, real-time previews, quick media editing, and seamless sharing.

Intelligent flight modes

HOVERAir X1 offers a range of flight modes that make capturing cinematic shots effortless. Fixed modes like Hover, Follow, Zoom Out, Orbit, and Bird’s Eye cater to various scenarios, while advanced in-app modes like Snapshot and Dolly Track provide even more creative options. The camera’s ability to smoothly track subjects while maintaining stable footage elevates your content to professional levels.

Capturing the world in stunning detail

The integration of triple stabilization—a mechanical gimbal, electronic image stabilization, and horizon leveling—ensures the HOVERAir X1 delivers super-smooth videos. Advanced computer vision algorithms keep the drone locked onto your subject, even during dynamic activities like running or biking. The VIO technology and ToF laser altitude determination system enable centimeter-level precision, allowing seamless indoor and outdoor transitions.

With its 2.7K and 1080p capabilities, the HOVERAir X1 produces high-quality videos that capture every detail of your adventures. The Burst Mode is perfect for capturing fast-paced action, while HDR support enhances contrast and color accuracy. The results are stunning, ensuring your memories are portrayed with the brilliance they deserve.

Seamless shooting and Rrmote control

The Hover X1 APP serves as your digital cockpit, enabling you to connect your HOVERAir X1 to your smartphone effortlessly. Once connected, you gain remote control over the drone’s flight using virtual buttons on your phone’s screen. This means you can initiate take-offs, landings, and maneuvers with just a tap, providing an unparalleled level of convenience for those moments when you want to capture the perfect shot without fumbling for a controller.

Real-time preview

One of the most exciting features of the Hover X1 APP is the real-time preview function. As your drone takes to the skies, the app provides a live feed of what the HOVERAir X1’s camera is capturing. This not only lets you frame your shots with precision but also allows you to make on-the-fly adjustments to achieve the perfect composition. Whether you are capturing sweeping landscapes or following a subject in motion, the real-time preview empowers you to fine-tune your shots and ensures you never miss the shot you envision.

Download and browse clips

Once you have completed your flight, the Hover X1 APP continues to be your companion in the post-flight phase. All the clips and media you have captured with the drone can be easily downloaded and accessed in the app’s Memory section. This centralized storage makes it convenient to review, select, and edit your footage right on your smartphone.

Effortless sharing on social media

The Hover X1 APP streamlines the sharing process, allowing you to effortlessly share your content on social media platforms. With just one click, you can send your beautifully captured aerial footage to your preferred social media channels. This feature makes sharing your adventures and experiences with friends, family, and followers an instant and hassle-free process.

Battery life

The heart of any drone’s performance lies in its battery life, and the HOVERAir X1 doesn’t disappoint. With a powerful 1050 mAh battery at its core, this compact wonder delivers an impressive 11+ minutes of flight time. But what truly sets the HOVERAir X1 apart is not just the numbers, but the practicality it brings to the table.

Unlike traditional remote-controlled drones that often require setup time before you can grab your shot, the HOVERAir X1 eliminates these barriers. Every second of its flight time is devoted to creating usable, shareable content. No more struggling with complex configurations or spending precious minutes getting your drone ready for action. With the HOVERAir X1, you are not just getting flight time; you are getting content creation time.

Flight environment and regulations

The HoverAir X1 provides a stable flight experience thanks to its VIO positioning system and wind resistance of up to level 4. However, users should adhere to recommended flight environments and regulations to ensure safe operation. Operating within line of sight, avoiding dark areas and unclear ground textures, such as vast solid color ground, water surfaces, or transparent regions, as well as areas with strong reflections or rapidly changing lighting conditions, restricted zones and compliance with local laws, all constitute critical aspects of responsible drone usage.

Make flying fun again with the HOVERAir X1

In the rapidly evolving world of drones, the HOVERAir X1 Self-Flying Camera (Standard Combo) stands out as an exceptional choice. With its advanced AI capabilities, powerful camera module, and user-friendly controls, this drone redefines the way we capture the world from above.

Whether you are a photography enthusiast, a content creator, or a professional in need of a reliable aerial tool, the HOVERAir X1 is a testament to Zero Zero Robotics’s dedication to innovation and excellence in the drone industry. So, don’t just take our word for it—take flight with the HOVERAir X1 and experience the future of aerial exploration for yourself. Capture your moments from a whole new perspective and make flying fun again with the HOVERAir X1 by Zero Zero Robotics.