Photography

Here Are 52 Winning Photos From The Mind’s Eye AAP Magazine Photography Awards

Here Are 52 Winning Photos From The Mind’s Eye AAP Magazine Photography Awards

The other winning photographers are:

John Francis (USA), Emily Fisher (USA), Emeric Lhuisset (France), Manuel Besse (France), Andre Hidayat (Indonesia), Elaine Klein (Israel), Fabien Dendiével (France), Ilaria Miani (Italy), Giovanni Diffidenti (Italy), Andrea Peruzzi (Italy), Zhenhuan Zhou (China), Jennifer Carlos (France), Md Tanveer Rohan (Bangladesh), Guillaume Petermann (France), Beamie Young (USA), Pedro Luis Ajuriaguerra (Spain), Silvia Alessi (Italy), Andreas Kanellopoulos (Greece), Mauro De Bettio (Italy), Alain Schroeder (Belgium), Maria Bratan (Moldavia), Gouguenheim Yannick (France), Dejan Mijovic (Slovenia), Martina Holmberg (Sweden), Achilleas Chiras (Greece), Georgi Georgiev (Bulgaria), Kazutoshi Kawakami (Japan), Daniel Sackheim (USA), Damian Lemański (Poland), Emily Marie Wilson (USA), Eric Davidove (USA), Deba Prasad Roy (India), Ares Jonekson (Indonesia), Sandro Maddalena (Italy), Jabin Botsford (USA), Mahmoud Hams (Palestine), John T. Pedersen (Norway), Gerdie Nurhadi (Indonesia), Francesco junior Mura (Italy), Alessandro Deluigi (Italy) and Ahmed El Hanjoul (Germany), Zay Yar Lin (Myanmar), Rémi Vinas (France).

The top 5 winners will be awarded $10,000.

Blood, blood, everywhere: how Frank Lebon turned a gory obsession into lyrical photographs

Blood, blood, everywhere: how Frank Lebon turned a gory obsession into lyrical photographs

Frank Lebon is fascinated by blood. It’s the connecting theme that flows through his first art book, One Blood, a photographic project that takes us through the Covid-19 pandemic, a type 1 diabetes diagnosis, and love, family and friendship.

“I’m always collecting some sort of imagery, but very rarely do I feel it’s worthy of sharing with the world,” the 30-year-old photographer and film-maker says from his bright and airy studio in south London. “With One Blood, I felt a real sense of serendipity, where all these connecting things came together to give it value and meaning.”

For the past decade, Lebon’s work has observed themes of death, family and the downright banal, subverted through his meticulous editing style: often, a portrait is scribbled over, torn apart and restitched, at times reminiscent of American counterculture figures such as Jim Goldberg, Larry Clark and Harmony Korine. His short films, meanwhile, have documented a crime-scene cleaner, London squats and a dog that had witnessed a murder. His work is often laced with a dark sense of humour, and Lebon has become a cult figure in the London art scene – as well as producing ad campaigns for brands including Gucci and Dior.

One Blood began in early 2020, when Lebon’s finger inadvertently covered half the flash of his digital camera while taking a photo of his mum, Camilla, washing the image in a luminous red light. For most, it would be a soon-deleted mishap. “It reminded me of blood,” Lebon says, moving his finger over the happy accident. “I love how the moon in the background gives the photo context, that I haven’t just dialled up the red.”

Lebon ordered blood testing kits and taught himself how to take samples from his own body. A few days later, he became seriously unwell; he was exhausted, dehydrated and urinating up to 40 times a day. He took himself to his local GP and met a junior doctor on her first ever shift. She didn’t know how to administer a blood test – but Lebon did, and ended up teaching her in the doctor’s room.

“It was like a signal that pointed me to the direction of making One Blood,” Lebon says – he was eventually diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Prompted by the isolation of the pandemic, as well as the Black Lives Matter protests that erupted that locked-down summer, Lebon started thinking about bigger existential questions. “Looking back, I think a big part of all the decisions I made for this project was this idea that we’re all connected, and that underneath the surface we’re all the same – we all have blood running through us.”

One Blood flicks through intimate moments taken in the past three years. There’s Lebon’s girlfriend sleeping in bed; his naked dad (photographer Mark Lebon); his mum rolling a cigarette. And there are mundane scenes, too: a derelict park; street views of a hospital; blood donor transit bikes. Then, as Lebon calls them, the “blood portraits”, of friends and relatives with a garish red light cast over their faces, imitating the original accident that kicked off the project. Among these are microscopic images of blood samples he had collected from his subjects.

The project is also influenced by French surrealist photographer Jacques-André Boiffard. Lebon first saw his work at a 2014 retrospective at the Pompidou Centre in Paris, but it wasn’t until the making of One Blood that the photographer rediscovered his works and began making connections with his own practice. Among the similarities are Boiffard’s focus on themes of death, his comically grotesque closeup shot of a big toe – Lebon once spent a period of time photographing his own big toe after he broke it – and medical examinations of blood.

“It was so spot-on with the work that I was doing,” Lebon says. This photographer that I’ve been subconsciously connected to since I was 20 had made the biggest impression on me. And here I was, doing something that he did back then. When you make those connections, it’s like a moment of enlightenment.”

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How far would YOU go to get the perfect photograph?

How far would YOU go to get the perfect photograph?

Passionate storm chaser Paige Vincent pushes the boundaries of extreme weather photography, capturing beautiful images in the most treacherous environments. 

In a recent short documentary, The Road Less Traveled: Storm Chasing, in collaboration with outdoor clothing brand Kühl, she shares her passion for finding art and the thrill in the ever-changing environment of a storm. 

Although not her full-time career, Vincent’s extreme passion leads to her creating unique once-in-a-lifetime photographs that can never be recaptured. 

Above: Watch the documentary short on Paige Vincent’s photography

The short documentary is the first of four that follow Kühl brand ambassadors through the many environments their passions take them to. The first episode in the Roads Less Travelled series, it provides a dramatic insight into the work behind Vincent’s exceptional images. 

Storms are ever-changing, and this documentary follows Vincent through Arizona capturing images in a particularly heavy monsoon season. The Grand Canyon State is the top choice for the photographer, as she says the “Arizona landscape lends itself to beautiful compositions”. 

Despite a large emphasis on the importance of planning and safety, storm chasing is a dangerous pursuit and one that should not be taken lightly. Weather can change at the drop of a hat, so constant surveillance of the weather is vital to prevent getting ‘blown out’ by the wind. 

The risk and thrill of the environment solidify Vincent’s relationship with nature, and she recounts the feeling and energy of a thunderous bolt of lightning smashing the ground less than a quarter of a mile away. 

“The closest a bolt has ever struck near me is less than a quarter of a mile”, says Paige. “The sound that comes out of the bolt when it hits the ground that close to you is like nothing you’ve ever heard.” (Image credit: KÜHL / Paige Vincent)

(Image credit: KÜHL / Paige Vincent)

The fluctuating environment means quick and easy camera setups are a must, as often Vincent has to set up andm two minutes later, pack up to either flee or get closer to the traveling action, as the best shots are the closest shots. She states that being in the right place at the right time and shooting many frames is the key to capturing unique action images. 

In addition to capturing thunderous weather systems, Vincent takes things further by adding a unique spin to her images. Amid the storms, she would take self-portraits of herself in a red cocktail dress with the storm as a backdrop. This series is titled ‘The Red Dress Series’. (Image credit: Paige Vincent)

In the 2022 Storm Photo of the Year contest, Paige Vincent was awarded Photo of the Year. She has provided us with an insight into her camera equipment, and must-haves for storm photography.

For her camera, she uses a Nikon Z6 II with a combination of lenses including the 15-30mm, 24-70mm, and 70-300mm. 

Also found in her kit bag is a sturdy tripod, which will enable the capture of lightning bolts through a slower shutter speed and is crucial for capturing sharp images in low light. 

Not unlike other landscape photography genres, ND filters play a large part in ensuring correct exposure throughout the scene and for longer exposures. Vincent also uses a UV filter to protect the lens from debris.

The short documentary provides a great insight into a genre of photography that I have previously been ignorant of, most likely because the extent of bad weather in the UK is a blown-over fence. I recommend checking out on the official Kühl page for more details on camera settings and equipment. 

Get storm weather ready with the best cameras for landscapes, the best tripods, and the best camera rain covers

How many megapixels do you actually need?

How many megapixels do you actually need?
Freelance photographer woman at home office editing photos

I thought that the megapixel debate was a thing of the past. But I recently discussed it with a few friends, and it looks like it’s time for a reminder. David Bergman and Adorama TV’s recent video came at the perfect time to explain the whole megapixel story to new photographers, and he does it in an incredibly clear and informative way.

Camera and smartphone companies constantly advertise ever-increasing megapixel counts. However, megapixels are just one piece of the image quality puzzle, and more megapixels aren’t always better. So, let’s delve into what megapixels are and what to consider when choosing a camera.

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Understanding megapixels

Imagine your camera sensor as a canvas covered in millions of tiny light receptors called photosites. The number of megapixels on your camera simply refers to the total number of these photosites. Generally, more megapixels translate to more image detail. But how many megapixels are too many? Yes, there is such a thing as too many megapixels. Let’s jump right in.

How many megapixels are too many?

Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of megapixels to help you decide:

Image quality

While more megapixels from the same-size sensor can provide more detail, they can also come at a cost. Smaller photosites, crammed in to fit a higher megapixel count, capture less light. This was often the case with earlier smartphones and compact cameras (for those of you who remember them). This can lead to reduced image quality, especially in low-light situations where you need high ISO. Remember, other factors like lens quality and sensor size play a significant role in overall image quality.

Display and printing

Let’s start by briefly discussing DPI (dots per inch) and PPI (pixels per inch). They are both used in relation to image resolution and size. DPI is important for printers and refers to the number of color dots a printer uses to recreate an image’s colors. PPI applies to digital images, indicating the density of pixels in an image. You can read more about it in this article.

Most photos today are viewed on screens with far fewer megapixels than your camera has. For example, David mentions that Instagram uses around 1920 pixels on the longest side. So, even a basic 2 MP camera (around 1600×1200 pixels) would comfortably meet this minimum requirement. Even high-resolution displays won’t utilize the full potential of a super high-megapixel image.

When it comes to printing, the number of megapixels you need depends on the desired print size, but also viewing distance. For example, a 4×6 print needs only 2 MP. A larger 11×14 print would need roughly 13.8 megapixels at 300 PPI (pixels per inch).

And what about huge billboards? A larger size means more pixels, right? If you printed them at 300 PPI, you’d need nearly 9,000 MP, as David calculates. However, the pixel count isn’t as crucial when printing billboards as we view them from a much greater distance than we do with photos. Usually, a lower PPI (between 10 and 40) is perfectly acceptable.

Cropping and file size

When you crop your photos, you take away some of those precious megapixels. But this comes in handy for event and concert photography where you have to act fast. We normally capture a bit more of what’s going on so we can crop the photo later. If you heavily crop your photos to zoom in on specific details, you’ll need more megapixels to maintain enough image detail in the final image.

Finally, David mentions that you need to be prepared for larger file sizes with higher-megapixel cameras. This automatically means that you’ll need more storage space on your memory cards and hard drives. This isn’t necessarily bad, but it’s just something to keep in mind.

So, how many megapixels do you really need?

The good news is that, for most photographers, a camera in the 20 to 24-megapixel range offers more than enough. You’ll get excellent image quality suitable for both displaying and printing your photos.

But David mentions a few scenarios where a high-megapixel camera might be the better choice:

  • You heavily crop your photos and need the extra detail
  • You’re future-proofing for potential advancements in printing technology
  • You shoot professional portraits or fine art photography where capturing maximum detail is crucial

The best megapixel count for you depends on your individual needs. Consider how you plan to use your photos, what image quality is most important to you and why, and how much storage space you have available. Don’t get caught up in the megapixel hype; focus on finding a camera that meets your specific photography goals.

[How Many Megapixels Do You Need? | Ask David Bergman | Adorama TV]

Photography Services Market Demand will reach a value of USD 56 billion by the year 2032 at a CAGR of 5.7%

Photography Services Market Demand will reach a value of USD 56 billion by the year 2032 at a CAGR of 5.7%
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Photography services Market

Photography services market was valued at $32.6 billion in 2022, and is estimated to reach $56 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2023 to 2032

DELAWARE, WILMINGTON, UNITED STATES, May 7, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ — According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Photography Services Market,” The photography services market was valued at $32.6 billion in 2022, and is estimated to reach $56 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2023 to 2032.

The photographic service market shows high growth potential in Europe and Asia-Pacific regions. The photographic service market in Europe is a dynamic and diverse industry, encompassing a wide range of products and services catering to various customer segments. Europe is home to many of the world’s leading camera and photographic service equipment manufacturers, as well as numerous photographic service-related businesses and service providers. One of the key sub-segments of the European photographic service market is the consumer market, which includes individual customers who purchase photographic service-related products and services for personal use.

➡️𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 & 𝐓𝐎𝐂 : https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/74909

The photography services industry is mostly driven by the increasing demand for high-quality visual content across various industries, the rise of social media and online marketing, advances in technology, and the availability of photographic service education and training results in photography services market trends. As businesses and individuals continue to prioritize visual content, the photographic service market is expected to continue to grow in the coming years which surges the photography services market share.

However, one of the major problems hindering the expansion of the photographic service market is the increase in competition. Market competition can also lead to prioritizing quantity over quality. As companies compete to offer the lowest prices, they may need to make adjustments in quality and customer service for the photography services market growth. This can lead to dissatisfied customers who may turn to other vendors for their photography needs. Additionally, increased competition could lead to the commoditization of photography services, with companies offering similar services and packages. This can make it harder for businesses to stand out in the photography services market size.

The photography services market analysis on the basis of type, end-user, and region. By type, the market is divided into commercial photographic service and consumer photographic service. Further, the consumer photographic service segment is classified into wedding photographic service, portrait photographic service, wildlife photographic service, and others. As per end user, the market is divided into individual and commercial. Region wise, the market is divided into North America (U.S., Canada, and Mexico), Europe (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), and LAMEA (Brazil, Argentina, UAE, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Rest of LAMEA).

By type, the market is divided into commercial photographic service and consumer photographic service. The consumer photographic service segment held the major share of the market in 2022 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Commercial photographic service is the practice of creating photographs for use in commercial contexts, such as advertising, marketing, or sales. Commercial photographers may work on a variety of projects, including product photographic service, fashion photographic service, architectural photographic service, and editorial photographic service which increases the photography services market demand.

➡️𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐞 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭:
https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-for-customization/74909

By end user, the market is divided into individual and commercial. The individual segment held the major share in the market in 2022 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Individuals are a significant market segment in the photographic service industry, encompassing a wide range of consumers who purchase photographic service-related products and services for personal or professional use. Individuals in the photographic service market are often characterized by their desire for high-quality, personalized products and services that reflect their individual tastes and interests. Individual trends in the photographic service market are constantly evolving and changing, driven by advances in technology, changing consumer preferences, and emerging cultural trends. One of the key trends in recent years has been the rise of mobile photographic service, with many individuals using their smartphones as their primary photographic service tool. This has led to an increased demand for mobile photographic service accessories and apps that can enhance the quality of images captured on mobile devices.

By region, the market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. The North America region held the major share in the market in 2022 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The photographic service market in North America is a diverse and thriving industry, encompassing a wide range of products and services catering to a variety of clients and customers. North America is home to many of the world’s leading photographic service companies and businesses, including major camera manufacturers, photographic service equipment retailers, and large-scale photographic service providers. With a large and diverse customer base and a wide range of products and services on offer, the North American photographic service market is likely to continue to be a significant player in the global photographic service industry for years to come.

The major players operating in the market focus on key market strategies, such as mergers, product launches, acquisitions, collaborations, and partnerships. They also have been focusing on strengthening their market reach to maintain their goodwill in the ever-competitive market. Some of the key players in the photographic service market include Fisher Studios Ltd., Carma Media Productions, Bella Baby Photographic Service, Angle Platform, Shutterfly, LLC, Studio Alice Co. Ltd., Getty Images Holdings, Inc., Lifetouch Inc., Portrait Innovations Inc., and Cherry Hill Programs, Inc.

➡️𝐁𝐮𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 @
https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout-final/e3180cd68a72e66e16355ac357ac34c8

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲 :
• This report provides a quantitative analysis of the market segments, current trends, estimations, and dynamics of the photography services market analysis from 2022 to 2032 to identify the prevailing photography services market opportunities.
• The market research is offered along with information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities.
• Porter’s five forces analysis highlights the potency of buyers and suppliers to enable stakeholders make profit-oriented business decisions and strengthen their supplier-buyer network.
• In-depth analysis of the photography services market segmentation assists to determine the prevailing market opportunities.
• Major countries in each region are mapped according to their revenue contribution to the global market.
• Market player positioning facilitates benchmarking and provides a clear understanding of the present position of the market players.
• The report includes the analysis of the regional as well as global photography services market trends, key players, market segments, application areas, and market growth strategies.

➡️𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬:
• Baby Walker Market
https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/baby-walker-market-A15090

• Badminton Apparel Market
https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/badminton-apparel-market-A15091

• Bagster Bags Market
https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/bagster-bag-market-A15094

• Bicycle Horn Market
https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/bicycle-horn-market-A15093

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Pawan Kumar, the CEO of Allied Market Research, is leading the organization toward providing high-quality data and insights. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.

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Lost Faces Found: New Tech Reveals Hidden Images in Early Photographs

Lost Faces Found: New Tech Reveals Hidden Images in Early Photographs

A team of Canadian and US researchers has demonstrated incredible results when restoring old corroded daguerreotypes (very early types of photos), via a technique known as synchrotron imaging – using X-ray beams to precisely identify material compositions.

At the simplest level, the technique runs a chemical analysis to detect where the corrosion and damage on a daguerreotype are. Once that’s been established, it’s possible to work backwards to figure out what the original image showed.

Daguerreotypes were popular in the mid-1800s, and involved images being impressed on copper plates that had been chemically treated to be light-sensitive. They naturally degrade, and trying to clean them up can make the damage worse. Scientists now seem to have found a way to bring them back.

“Revealing images that seemed lost forever is what’s most exciting,” says Tson-Kong Sham, a chemist at Western University in Canada.

“We get a glimpse of people living in the 19th century that we wouldn’t have otherwise and learn about their history and culture.”

Woman photo
Different chemicals were isolated in the plates. (National Gallery of Canada/Sham et al., Journal of Cultural Heritage, 2024)

Running the synchrotron imaging analysis on a daguerreotype gives the researchers measures for silver and mercury levels at each point in the photo. These chemicals are essential for creating the picture in the first place, so these snapshots can be used to reconstruct the image again.

The new study builds on a similar earlier study by establishing that this kind of picture recovery is always possible, as long as the image particles under any corrosion remain intact. It also adds new information about using the X-ray process safely – beams that are too intense can cause fresh damage.

“X-ray usually doesn’t damage metals visibly, so I didn’t think it would affect the plates,” says Sham, who worked on both studies.

“Perhaps chemical impurities or the corrosion itself on the daguerreotype got heated and left a small mark where the X-ray beam light went through.”

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The researchers say their technique shows a lot of potential for exploring the cultural heritage of the mid-19th century. Many daguerreotypes are on display in museums and galleries worldwide, and this technique could reveal a lot more about how people looked, dressed, and lived during that period.

What’s more, the process might also be able to be adapted for different types of materials where corrosion or degradation has occurred – such as archaeological artifacts and fossils that need to be restored.

Baby photo
As long as the image particles are still present, the image can be restored. (National Gallery of Canada/Sham et al., Journal of Cultural Heritage, 2024)

“This technique can be used widely in all walks of science, from looking at tissues to materials science,” says Sham.

“You could determine whether or how a metal may be corrosion-resistant. Or in the case of an already corroded material, you can learn what the product of that corrosion is and its distribution on the surface, and then you can work back and think about how to prevent that corrosion from happening.”

The research has been published in the Journal of Cultural Heritage.

Stray Kids gets disrespected by paparazzi at 2024 Met Gala; Fans criticize photographers for offensive comments

Stray Kids gets disrespected by paparazzi at 2024 Met Gala; Fans criticize photographers for offensive comments

Stray Kids attended the 2024 Met Gala, becoming the first K-pop group with all members to walk on the carpet. While the K-pop boy group made history, fans noticed that some paparazzi were quite rude towards the members and made some offensive remarks. Not only did they comment on their expressions but also assumed that they didn’t understand English. Here is what happened. 

Stray Kids disrespected by paparazzi at Met Gala 2024 

On May 6, Stray Kids attended the 2024 Met Gala and were wearing custom Tommy Hilfiger for the event. Fans noticed that some paparazzi acted rudely towards the members and also made offensive comments. One photographer was heard saying that the K-pop idols had the most emotionless faces and another remarked that they looked like robots. When the group did their outfit reveal, the first also exclaimed, “Now, let’s do it with feeling!”.  

Another also asked them to jump as they yelled, “Everybody jump.”. A paparazzi was also heard saying, “How do you say right in Korean?” as they assumed that the members don’t speak English, coming off as ignorant. 

Fans called this behaviour racist, disrespectful, and rude and voiced their displeasure. 

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The members were clad in customary Tommy Hilfiger attire for the event. During an interview, Tommy Hilfiger revealed that Stary Kids would be embarking on a 40-city world tour. The group wrapped up their Manic World Tour in 2023, which attracted thousands of fans with 42 shows. 

Stray Kids’ recent activities

Stray Kids was formed through a reality show by JYP Entertainment in 2017. The group includes Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N. They officially debuted in March 2018 with the EP I Am Not. Their latest release was the EP Rock-Star, which came out on November 10, accompanied by a music video for its title track, Lalala.

Recent reports indicate that Stray Kids is preparing for a comeback this June, their first since their November 2023 album. They’ve also collaborated with American singer Charlie Puth on an upcoming track, Lose My Breath, scheduled for release on May 10.

The group is set to headline several international music festivals: I-Days in Milan on July 12, BST Hyde Park in London on July 14, and Lollapalooza Chicago on August 2.

Stay updated with the latest Hallyu news on: Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and Snapchat

ALSO READ: Stray Kids to embark on 40-stop world tour; Tommy Hilfiger accidentally drops announcement at Met Gala 2024

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Former San Quentin inmate who found passion for photography behind bars relishes second chance

Former San Quentin inmate who found passion for photography behind bars relishes second chance

Once known as California’s toughest state prison, San Quentin is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Its death row is being emptied out, with more than 500 condemned inmates being transferred to other facilities. 

That move is part of a larger effort to shift the focus from punishment to rehabilitation, offering inmates more job training, education, and skills to get them ready for life outside the walls of prison. 

While there may be some skepticism about this model, one former gang member says he’s proof that it works. 

Eddie Herena found his passion for photography behind bars. He spent nearly 15 years in prison convicted of various crimes, including second-degree murder.

“I just have to look at my life and reflect on the things that I did, you know, in the past. And I did a lot of ugly stuff,” said Herena. 

The San Jose native became entrenched in gang life as a teenager. But while serving a life sentence at San Quentin, he found the beauty of photography through the prison art program. 

“Once the camera was put in my hand, I realized I really like this. I don’t want to do nothing else,” said Herena. 

Now 41 years old, he has poured his energy into photography since getting out in 2018. Some of his work has been published in magazines, including Rolling Stone. 

“I’m in prison and my picture is in a popular magazine!” said Herena. 

His work, along with those of nine other formerly incarcerated men at San Quentin, is being featured at the Belvedere Tiburon Library Art Gallery this spring.

Curator and co-chair Lucy Churton spearheaded the effort to showcase and sell their art.  

“So exciting to tell them that their art artwork was sold on our first day,” said Churton. 

The funds will help them pursue their passion, pay some bills, and continue their transition into a post-prison world. 

“This show is really cool, because it showcases how the formerly incarcerated are able to transform their lives through art,” said Churton.

As Governor Newsom and state officials face a multi-billion dollar budget deficit, difficult decisions about program cuts are looming. The state’s current corrections budget is nearly $15 billion. 

As Herena dove deeper into his art while working as a photograph for the San Quentin News, he severed all ties to gang life, not knowing if that move could cost him his own life too.  

“I just knew I had to make that stand. I made the stand and was going to deal with the consequences. That was stressful. I just didn’t know what was going to happen,” said Herena. 

He has found much more to live for in the six years since being granted parole. Adeline, his only daughter, is four years old. 

“I love her to death. We’re buddies, you know? Life is crazy. It can be cruel sometimes; actually, a lot of times. I just want to teach her to be kind and respectful,” said Herena. 

Herena earned various degrees in prison. He’s now studying photography and working for a non-profit in the East Bay that helps homeless women. He’s engaged to be married this fall.   

“I feel like something is watching over me. Thank God,” said Herena. “I don’t deserve any of this. I just feel like doors continue to open for me.”  

That’s a reason to smile. A life transformed, and recaptured, through the beauty of art and the will to change. 

Herena gave a TEDx speech about his path to prison and journey out.  He also appeared in the award-winning documentary, “The Prison Within.” 

The exhibit at the Belvedere Tiburon Library Art Gallery runs through the second week of June.