This incredible shot of a UFO-like lenticular cloud atop one of Chile’s most active volcanoes is among those shortlisted for this year’s Weather Photographer of the Year competition. 

Photographer Francisco Negroni titled his piece A Perfect Cloud, and we can see why. Lenticular clouds are a rare and striking phenomenon, arising when moist air flows over an obstacle like a mountain – in this case, the Villarrica volcano. 

Under the right conditions, standing waves form on the obstacle’s downwind side, just like ripples in water. If the temperature at the crest of these waves drops low enough, the moisture in the air can condense and form these flying saucer clouds.

In fact, it’s often said that lenticular clouds are behind many reported sightings of UFOs.

Negroni’s beautiful image, in which the very rotation of our planet is also captured in the streaking stars beyond the mountain, is just one of the shots shortlisted for the 2023 award.

Christoph Schaarschmidt caught this view of what he described as “incredible ice sculptures” on an unusually clear day on Fichtelberg Mountain, Germany.

“It was not easy to photograph this landscape because it was about -14 [°C; around 7°F], with strong winds,” Schaarschmidt said.

Back to the skies for this contender from Tania Engbo Dyck-Madsen. It’s another rare cloud formation, this time a polar stratospheric cloud, also known as a nacreous or mother-of-pearl cloud. 

For Dyck-Madsen, this was a truly serendipitous shot: “This beautiful, but rare cloud appeared in the sky while I was on holiday in Norway, and luckily I had my camera and tripod with me, so I could capture this amazing scene.”

The astonishing colors in these clouds come from particles within them that scatter light, causing interference patterns. It’s uncommon to see weather events in the stratosphere compared with the lower troposphere, which makes this image even more special.

All the above images were submitted to the main category of the competition, but the array of talent on display in the mobile category demonstrates to any budding photographer that you can get started with just the smartphone in your pocket.

The competition, now in its eighth year, is run by the Royal Meteorological Society in conjunction with Standard Chartered, and aims not only to showcase the spectacular weather our planet has to offer, but also to raise awareness of the impacts of our rapidly changing climate.

“In my eighth year of judging the Weather Photographer of the Year competition, the entrants never fail to astonish me,” said Professor Liz Bentley, Chief Executive of the Royal Meteorological Society, in a statement. “This year’s shortlist shows the world’s weather in all its variety, beauty, power and even its capacity to devastate.”

“Images bear witness to the impact of flooding, wildfires and drought on both natural habitats and human life. We hope that this will bring attention to the increasing frequency of these events caused by climate change, and prompt swifter action.”

You can view the full shortlist and vote for your favorite by visiting the competition website. The public vote will be open until September 24, with the announcement of the winner due on October 5.

Goma, the Democratic Republic of the Congo

People arrested during a military operation to prevent a planned demonstration against the United Nations by a religious sect, sit on the ground and are guarded by the army. At least 48 people have been killed and 168 arrested in a crackdown on anti-UN protest

Photograph: AFP/Getty Images

In a groundbreaking move that has ignited both admiration and controversy within the global art and photography community, the mesmerizing AI-generated image titled “The Electrician” has found its rightful place in the heart of Preston. This unprecedented event has set the stage for fervent discussions about the ever-evolving relationship between technology, creativity, and traditional artistic norms. Towering above the bustling city at nearly four meters in height, “The Electrician” now commands attention at the Sykes Street Car Park, serving as a captivating centerpiece of the esteemed Lancashire Photography Festival.

Lancashire photography festival,the fusion of modernity and tradition

The Lancashire Photography Festival, a veritable celebration of visual artistry, has breathed new life into the streets and parks of Preston, Lancashire. Boasting an array of projects by some of the world’s most distinguished photographers, the festival has become a vibrant canvas showcasing the convergence of contemporary and traditional artistic expressions. Amidst this eclectic showcase, “The Electrician” emerges as a bold testament to the harmonious blend of cutting-edge technology and timeless creativity.

A triumph shrouded in controversy: “The Electrician” Claims Top Honors

The saga of “The Electrician” began with its audacious victory in the creative category of the prestigious Sony World Photography Awards held in April 2023. This triumph, however, was swiftly followed by a storm of controversy. The enigmatic artist behind this captivating piece, Boris Eldagsen, garnered significant attention by boldly rejecting the accolade. Eldagsen’s stance revolves around the assertion that traditional photography competitions, including the illustrious Sony World Photography Awards, were ill-equipped to comprehend the profound implications of AI-generated art.

Hailing from Germany, Eldagsen is steadfast in his belief that AI-generated images transcend the realm of traditional photography, rendering them unfit for direct competition against photographs created by human hands. His provocative stance has ignited impassioned debates throughout the artistic community, sparking dialogues about the fluid nature of art in an increasingly digitized era.

The mesmerizing masterpiece itself, “The Electrician,” stands as a compelling testament to the astonishing capabilities of artificial intelligence in the realm of visual art. Crafted entirely by intricate AI algorithms, this artwork defies conventional definitions of human creativity and the artistic process. Its emergence challenges viewers to recalibrate their understanding of art, urging them to explore the uncharted boundaries between human ingenuity and the innovation driven by machines.

Boris Eldagsen’s principled rejection of the Sony World Photography Award shines a spotlight on his progressive views on the evolving landscape of artistic expression. In a poignant interview with The Guardian, Eldagsen reflected on his series titled “The Confession,” a collection that raised intriguing questions about the nature of truth and deception in photography. This series artfully demonstrated how images could be manipulated, providing a glimpse into the artist’s profound concerns about the susceptibility of traditional photography to manipulation.

AI’s potential and perils shape the future of art

As “The Electrician” continues to cast its imposing shadow across the Sykes Street Car Park, it simultaneously casts a metaphorical light on the broader implications of AI’s integration into the world of art. The artwork’s presence prompts viewers to contemplate the intricate interplay between human imagination and technological advancement, sparking inquiries into the authentic essence of creativity itself. In a world marked by rapid technological progress, “The Electrician” serves as a harbinger of an exciting yet controversial era, where AI’s contributions to art are poised to revolutionize the very fabric of creative expression.

The unveiling of “The Electrician” amid the Lancashire Photography Festival heralds a new chapter in the narrative of art and technology. As traditional boundaries continue to blur, the clash of ideas and perspectives intensifies, propelling humanity toward a new understanding of artistic creation. Boris Eldagsen’s bold refusal of the Sony World Photography Award resonates as a clarion call for embracing the complexities of AI-generated art. In the heart of Preston, this captivating image beckons us to explore the synergy between human artistry and AI’s innovative potential, forging a path toward a future where artistic endeavors redefine the limits of creativity.

A photographer explains to PetaPixel how to give photos the look of Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer movie.

Matt Solie (@ayitsphotography), from Vancouver, Canada, says it all comes down to using greens correctly.

“Oppenheimer has many different visual looks, but the most prominent is the scenes containing a duller green tone and darker shadows,” he says.

“This can be replicated using the tone curve, color grading, and lowered darks as shown in my video. Shooting your photos with a very direct focal point as well as the photo having depth can also make your photo more cinematic and match that 65mm film look!”

Solie posted a video to his TikTok page where he shows his audience how to use Adobe Lightroom to make the photos look like Oppenheimer.

@ayitsphotography how to make your photos look like OPPENHEIMER! 📸🔥 #oppenheimer #christophernolan #emilyblunt #florencepugh #film #lightroom #lightroompreset #photography #fyp ♬ Solitude ( Felsmann + Tiley Reinterpretation) – Slowed Down – M83 & Felsmann + Tiley

“Although I was unfortunately not able to catch the film in a true 65mm large format showing, I watched the movie on IMAX the weekend it opened and adored it,” Solie says.

“I am a huge fan of biopics; the way Christopher Nolan conveyed the life of this important yet flawed scientist kept me engaged throughout the entire movie (which is a feat considering its three-hour run time!)

“The use of practical effects throughout filming was a marvel of cinematography, in my opinion. It was a pleasure to watch how much emotion was conveyed in each of the shots.”

Solie says he was “super excited” about Oppenheimer’s release and also made a video on Oppenheimer’s unlikely cinema pairing: Barbie.

“Once I saw that ‘Barbenheimer’ was taking the internet by storm, I knew it was a perfect opportunity to make a video on both films and show people how to recreate their looks!”

@ayitsphotography how to make your photos look like BARBIE! 📸🛍 #barbie #barbiemovie #pink #dreamy #barbiegirl #margotrobbie #lightroompreset #lightroom #photography #fyp ♬ Speed Drive (From Barbie The Album) – Charli XCX

Solie focuses on teaching photography on his TikTok and online platforms, specifically photo editing and Adobe Lightroom.

“[I] showcase cinematic videos I have made and compilations of my photography,” he adds.

“When I started my account in early 2021, I never would have thought that editing would become my primary source of content, yet it is what most people know me for now — and I love it!”

Solie says that it’s been great seeing how much attention a movie such as Oppenheimer has received. “I can’t wait to see what movie comes into the spotlight next,” he adds.

More of Solie’s work can be found on his TikTok and Instagram.

Image credits: All photos by Matt Solie/@ayitsphotography.

When traveling, it’s often the case that photographers zero in on the iconic sights that everyone else gets: the Eiffel Tower in France, Big Ben in London, etc. But instead of capturing what everyone else gets, there are ways to capture the feel of a place without necessarily getting the “standard” shot.

Travel and lifestyle photographer Patrick Stapleton shares a few tips and tricks that he uses when he’s in a different country shooting photographs in this video. While there’s nothing wrong with the “Instagram shot” that shows that you’re in the location; after all, a location is popular because it offers a reliably good photograph. That’s generally what people expect.

To get a little more off the beaten path, Stapleton suggests three things: try to show that you’re in a location without showing the obvious tell that you’re in the location, add people, and look for details.

For the first suggestion, that often means incorporating key sights into the background of a photo, but not necessarily making it the focus. That could mean finding a different object or person for the foreground or incorporating people or parts of the language of the area in the photos.

That second piece of advice about people is something that photojournalists work to do all the time. Incorporating people in an image, whether it’s incidentally or intentionally, makes for a stronger image. Sometimes, it’s even just a portrait of a person that can tell the story of a place, Stapleton adds.

Finally, where photographers are often concerned with the wide angles, the big picture shots that are expected from a particular place, sometimes it’s showing the little details that can reveal the story of the place, give the viewer something the wide, scene-setting photo doesn’t give them.

Do you have travel photography tips of your own to share? Leave them in the comments below.

Patrick Demarchelier: Legacy

Atlas Gallery presents a selection of prints from the archive of the late Patrick Demarchelier (1943-2022), who was revered as a master of light, colour and composition.

The exhibition focuses on works produced from the mid-1970s to 2007, which cemented the Frenchman as one of the greats; highlights include the world-famous portrait of Diana, Princess of Wales (1990), Nude, St Barthélémy (1989) and Christy Turlington, New York (1990). Atlas Gallery, London, from 29 September to 18 November, atlasgallery.com

Van Leo: Becoming Van Leo

This is the first international survey of work by the Armenian-Egyptian Van Leo, who died in 2002. From images inspired by his first encounter with a camera in the 1930s through to his days in the studio capturing the glamorous A-list of the Arab world and his experiments in self-portraiture, the exhibition offers a holistic view of the self-described “Man Ray of Egypt”.

Hammer Museum, Los Angeles, until 5 November, hammer.ucla.edu

Philippe Garner: Summer – Seventies – Saint Tropez

Hamiltons hosts the first solo exhibition of photographs by the former deputy chairman of Christie’s Philippe Garner.

Shot entirely on Kodachrome film, the images transport viewers to the “bohemian-chic heyday” of the south of France, where Garner was born, and effortlessly captures the spirit of summer through a bold, vibrant palette. Hamiltons, London, 4 October, hamiltonsgallery.com

Ara Güler: A Play of Light and Shadow

In collaboration with photographer and co-curator Ahmet Polat and the Ara Güler Museum, Foam presents a four-part exhibition in honour of the visual legacy left behind by Turkish photojournalist Ara Güler, who was often referred to as “The Eye of Istanbul”.

The display of black and white images alongside other unseen and experimental works captures precious moments across his beloved country and city, be it in street scenes or portraits of daily life. Foam, Amsterdam, until 8 November, foam.org 

Viviane Sassen: Art & Fashion 

Art & Fashion marks the first retrospective in France of the Dutch artist known for her dynamic and innovative fashion images, which have featured in campaigns for Jacquemus, Nike and Louis Vuitton.

More than 200 of Sassen’s works will display her skills in photography, collage, painting and video. MEP Paris, from 18 October to 11 February, 2024, mep-fr.org

Wolfgang Tillmans: Fold Me

Tillmans’s fourth solo exhibition with David Zwirner will comprise an entirely new body of work, building on the artist’s 2022 retrospective at New York’s MoMA.

The idea of the fold as “an encounter between inside and the out, a change of direction leaving a physical impression” is explored through photographs, video projections and paper sculptures. From the more literal folds in the Earth’s surface captured in Lunar Landscape (2022) to a series of portraits examining “what it means to depict a person”, Tillmans, as always, encourages us to observe the world as it turns. David Zwirner, New York, from 7 September to 14 October, davidzwirner.com