Grant Brittain Talks Skate Photography, Iconic Photos, DMSR Days And More on New Hawk Vs. Wolf Podcast
By Admin in Photography
By Admin in Photography
“Wandering through the passage between worlds to discover it flourishes upside down”
— Erika Masterson
MELBOURNE, FL, USA, July 9, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ — Erika Masterson, a renowned artist known for her profound exploration of vulnerability and spiritual transformation through photography, announces the launch of her latest collection, “Upside-Down Kingdom.”
In “Upside-Down Kingdom,” Erika Masterson invites viewers on a journey through a metaphorical landscape where paradoxes and profound truths converge. Through her lens, Masterson captures moments that transcend mere imagery, delving deep into the transformative power of vulnerability and surrender. Each photograph in the collection serves as a reflection of Masterson’s personal journey—a journey marked by struggle, beauty, and ultimately, triumph.
“At the heart of ‘Upside-Down Kingdom’ lies the idea that true strength is found in embracing vulnerability,” Masterson explains. “Through my art, I’ve discovered that creativity is not merely about capturing moments, but allowing those moments to capture you. It’s about surrendering to the forces of inspiration and divine intervention.”
Masterson’s artistic process is deeply intertwined with her faith and personal experiences. “God takes our logic, reason, and opinions and turns them completely upside down,” Masterson reflects. “In embracing vulnerability, we uncover true beauty and strength. My work aims to unveil this vulnerability as a path to refinement and spiritual growth.”
The collection challenges conventional perceptions of beauty and imperfection, offering a poignant reminder of the power of authenticity in an often curated world. “In the Upside-Down Kingdom, we discover the deepest truths through life’s paradoxes,” Masterson adds. “It’s in these upside-down moments that we unearth the essence of who we are.”
Erika Masterson’s “Upside-Down Kingdom” is more than a series of photographs; it is a testament to the divine beauty inherent in each individual. Through her art, Masterson invites viewers to set aside preconceptions and embrace the possibility of transformation.
For more information about Erika Masterson and her work, visit erikamasterson.com
About Erika Masterson: Erika Masterson is an artist who uses photography as a medium to explore themes of vulnerability, spiritual transformation, and divine intervention. Her work challenges conventional perceptions of beauty and imperfection, inviting viewers to embrace authenticity and surrender as pathways to personal and spiritual growth.
For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact: erika@erikamasterson.com
Erika Masterson
Erika Masterson Fine Art Photography
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By Admin in Photography
Whether state senators are discussing legislation, leading a press conference, or giving a presentation, official Senate photographer Jeff Walters is often called on to capture the scene.
Walters takes pride in producing the best images he can at any assignment.
“What I’m putting together, people will look at 20, 30, 40 and 50 years from now,” he said. “In an age when you can manipulate any photo you want, we have an unedited copy of images that go out in public. That’s critical these days.”
Walters has been in the position for a year after serving the 15 previous ones as photographer for the Assembly Democratic Caucus. He is one of the most recognizable faces at the Capitol and has taken photos of just about everybody, from Paris Hilton to the Dalai Lama.
His mother Ruth Degand said he has always had a passion for photography.
“I saw it so far back when he started taking pictures of family and wedding pictures,” she said. “What amazes me the most is he’s self-taught. He has never had formal training whatsoever.”
Walters, 58, has had a full life that has included service in the Air Force, driving trucks, raising four children, and nursing a crow named Blue back to health. He had a challenging childhood without a loving father present.
“All of those challenges have really made me a strong person and I think a person with integrity,” he said.
Born in Santa Monica but raised in Decatur, Ill., he was inspired by his older sister who had a talent for acrylic painting. Wanting to create something artistic himself, he started experimenting with photography when he was in high school.
When he graduated, there was no money for college, so he joined the Air Force. It was the first time he ever got in a jet, and it was steep learning curve to adjust to the demands of military service. By the end of his four years of service, he was stationed at Mather Air Force Base near Sacramento, and he didn’t want to leave.
“After growing up in Decatur, being in California was like hitting the lottery,” he said.
He then drove garbage trucks and semi-trucks, got married and had children, while photography remained a hobby in the background. In the late 1990s, his babysitter asked him to take high school pictures. Her friends liked the photos so much that they asked him to take their pictures too. Suddenly, without trying, he had a photography business.
Walters developed his photography skills while still driving trucks by reading photography magazines on his lunch hour. He would go to camera stores, ask salespeople questions about the different lens and features, then take notes on what he learned.
As his skills grew, he entered the more lucrative wedding photography business. His work was featured on the cover of Sacramento Bride and Groom Magazine twice. He got connected to the Capitol after his then-wife got a job there.
Now divorced, he remains close with his four grown children. One child was a relative he adopted at age 11 after she had spent several years in foster care. When he got her, she was struggling academically, testing at a third-grade reading level in 7th grade. He is proud that she is now studying to become a nurse.
His compassion for those struggling also extends to birds. One day, he saw a baby crow stranded on a parking lot. He took it home, researched how to care for crows on the Internet and nursed it back to health, documenting the experience on Facebook. When he tried to release the crow two weeks later, it wouldn’t leave so it became a pet for a while, even coming when he called. “It was the most amazing experience, ever,” he said. Sometime later, the crow flew away and never came back.
The story reflects Walters’ generous spirit, noticed by those around him. Krishnia Parker, a former co-worker and mentee, said Walters is generous with his time and knowledge and never hesitates to share his knowledge of photography with others.
“He’s also generous with his encouragement and believes that anyone can become a better photographer,” Parker said. “He’s had my back both professionally and personally and I’ll always have his.”
Walters is grateful to have a career that allows him to pursue his passion.
“I could never imagine being here,” he said. “Even 20 years ago, it was the furthest thing from my life. I’ve never met anybody who is luckier and more fortunate than I am.”
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By Admin in Photography
CANMORE – Landscape photography is often used in conjunction with a wide lens to take in the vast scenes of dramatic skies, peaks, lakes and trees.
But what happens if you get closer?
With 100-500mm super telephoto lenses, two Canmore photographers got a new perspective to focus on.
Textures, colours, lines and curves that were captured are now in the spotlight at artsPlace till July 28 in the exhibit It’s All In The Details.
“A lot of the top photographs you see of the Rocky Mountains are the great big, beautiful vistas that we all love,” said one of the photographers, Pam Jenks. “I can see the beautiful vista but when I pull my camera out, I can’t take that picture.”
Lee Nordbye echoed Jenks’ comments.
“When I first started photographing the Rockies like everybody else, my first lens I bought was 14-24mm wide angle, and I spent years trying to make that thing work,” he said.
“I could never come home feeling satisfied.”
After a trip to Vermilion Lakes with his 70-200mm lens, Nordbye found a new way to photograph the iconic Rockies.
“From then on, I just became more and more drawn to the more detailed, intimate nuances of the Rockies,” said Nordbye.
Nordbye’s images strip the landscapes from their colour leaving a simple scene that focus on lines, textures and light.
“I took, of all things, a portrait black and white workshops several years ago, and became inspired to come away and try that in my landscape photography,” said Nordbye. “Over time, I just grew to loving tones and challenging myself to find stories and compositions that rely on other things than colour.”
In the other half of the exhibit, Jenks’ photographs are a juxtaposition to Nordbye with vibrant pops of yellows and blues.
“I’m drawn to colours, I like bright blues and yellows,” said Jenks. “I actually do a little bit of black and white but not as much, it’s not what my main focus is.”
When Jenks is trekking in the mountains, she keeps a keen eye for interesting lines and textures.
“If you look at a lot of my things you’ll see, not every one of them but quite a few of them, you’ll see some diagonal lines,” said Jenks while pointing to her photos.
Nordbye, while has a similar approach, looks for “natures sculptures” made by the elements, as well as light and shadows, and textures.
“I spend a lot of time in the snow and ice,” he said. “Often I’m drawn to what I describe as natures sculptures, that are these creations of nature through wind, rain, sun, snow, ice, [which] can sculpt these beautiful or amazing structures.”
The pair are feeling grateful to exhibit their work at artsPlace as Jenks says not many galleries consider photography to be art.
“We found that a lot of galleries don’t consider photography to be art,” she said. “It’s really nice to find it the gallery but that celebrates all kinds of art, including photography.”
Jenks and Nordbye met through multiple photography workshops where they were asked to start hiking with another Canmore photographer, Amy Liu.
Since then, the three photogs, alongside others, have been marching through the landscapes capturing their own take of the photogenic scenes. Jenks, Nordbye and Liu recently were exhibited together early in the year in the Three Sisters Gallery at Elevation Place for the Exposure Photography Festival.
“I just love to print and so anytime to exhibit is awesome, but then to exhibit with a great friend who shares a similar interest in adventuring, and a similar interest in photography is that much better,” said Nordbye.
By Admin in Photography
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NEW YORK, July 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — On July 9, 2024, globally renowned photography accessory brand PGYTECH proudly unveils the OnePro series, featuring two innovative outdoor camera backpacks: Flex and Focux. The series makes its debut on Kickstarter at 10 AM EDT, marking PGYTECH’s return to the crowdfunding platform after more than four years.
Addressing User Pain Points: Revolutionizing Outdoor Camera Backpacks with Suspension
After three years of intensive research and development, exploring over ten concept directions, and creating more than 20 test samples, the PGYTECH team has developed the OnePro series of camera backpacks for outdoor photography enthusiasts. Based on years of expertise in the photography accessory field, the PGYTECH product development team identified a long-standing issue: outdoor landscape photographers have struggled to find products that combine the protective features of camera backpacks with the comfortable carrying systems of hiking backpacks. Addressing this market gap, the OnePro series by PGYTECH integrates professional hiking backpack functionality into a camera backpack for the first time, fulfilling this unmet need.
Kickstarter link: https://kck.st/3xWNsmW
More Than a Camera Backpack: A Trusted Creative Partner
Leo, the founder and CEO of PGYTECH, states, “After four years, we are thrilled to reconnect with our backers on Kickstarter. The journey of creating the OnePro series began with a deep understanding of the pain points faced by outdoor photographers. Through our team’s collaborative efforts, we finally designed a solution that offers both comfort for users and protection for camera gear.”
Vice President Wei adds, “From the outset, we envisioned the OnePro series not merely as a camera backpack but as a trusted partner in the creation of journey. Hence, we incorporated numerous user-orientated details into the design and development process. For example, we used a 7-series aerospace aluminum 3D arch suspension frame paired with a airy mesh material for the carrying system. This ensures a perfect fit to the human back’s curvature, provides highly efficient ventilation, and achieves lightweight performance. Moreover, OnePro features a groundbreaking 180° lay-flat opening design. To ensure the opening’s security, we utilized YKK zippers with a lifespan three times that of standard zippers and added a magnetic anti-burst buckle, offering double protection and eliminating concerns about zipper failures during use.”
He further emphasizes, “To cater to different user groups, we divided the OnePro series into the Flex Version and the Focux Version. Flex features a detachable camera insert design, ideal for outdoor photographers with diverse travel needs. Users can flexibly choose different insert bags based on actual requirements, efficiently allocating space for photography equipment and outdoor essentials. Focux includes a main compartment with protective DIY dividers for directly storing and safeguarding equipment. It’s perfect for outdoor photographers who frequently carry a large amount of gear, providing ample storage for large equipment like telephoto lenses.”
Innovative Features: Striving to Be the Ultimate Outdoor Photography Backpack
For expansion options, the OnePro series abandons the common roll-top expansion design. Instead, Flex adopts a folding expansion style, allowing users to switch between top pack/expansion/external attachment modes. Focux features a 4L companion pouch, offering an additional external expansion solution. The pouch can be worn as a chest pack using attachment points or converted into a sling-camera bag with the included shoulder strap.
Additionally, to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, the OnePro series developed HypeGuard high-performance fabric. The base layer uses CORDURA® fabric with cross-woven technique, offering double the abrasion and tear resistance of standard nylon fabric. The surface layer has a high-performance PU coating, making it lightweight, more durable, and splash-proof.
Both versions include a tripod attachment solution, with tripod pocket and pre-set attachment points allowing users to carry a tripod on the front or side of the backpack. Focux can also hold two tripods simultaneously on the front with the help of straps, ensuring readiness for any situation.
It is reported that the OnePro series will offer nine sets on the Kickstarter platform, along with multiple PGYTECH products available for add-on purchases. To reward early adopters, the product prices will be 30% off. Customers from over 30 countries and regions, including the USA, Canada, Germany, the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, and South Korea, can be the first to experience the OnePro series.
By Admin in Photography
AMSTERDAM, July 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Polaroid and Magnum Photos launch Open Call to discover the next generation of photographic storytellers with renowned Magnum photographers Enri Canaj, Jim Goldberg, and Newsha Tavakolian
Polaroid and Magnum, two icons of photography, announce their first ever partnership. Along with renowned Magnum photographers, they are celebrating the storytelling power of black-and-white photography and the new level of craft, detail and mastery made possible by the Polaroid I-2 Instant Camera. Their combined expertise—including tips on overcoming perfection—will be shared with photographers worldwide via an open call.
Inspiring new narratives in instant photography
The partnership features the photographic approach and craft of renowned Magnum photographers known for their deep storytelling and commitment to capturing real life in all its complexity: Jim Goldberg, Newsha Tavakolian and Enri Canaj. Their works aim to inspire the next wave of instant photography storytellers. “Photographing with the Polaroid I-2 is a unique experience. Its slow process requires time to interact with the subject, light, and angle before pressing the button, making it special to me”, says Enri Canaj who explores the cultural, societal and economic shift in his “Albania Homecoming” project. Newsha Tavakolian captures a small region and the people unknown to most, in her “Mount Damavand community” project, while “Augusta community” by Jim Goldberg uncovers the hidden spirit of America.
“We are thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with Polaroid. By combining the unique visions of Magnum photographers with the tangible and meaningful medium of Polaroid photography, we are ready to explore new realms of creativity and spontaneity. This collaboration promises to redefine the boundaries of instant photography, bringing unparalleled authenticity and immediacy to our storytelling, and to more photographers out there.” Marine Merindol, Magnum Photos COO
Imperfectionism: Reject perfectionism, pursue mastery instead
This movement seeks to reconnect us with our subjects, and lives, through instant photography. “There’s no such thing as a perfect life, nor a perfect image,” says Newsha Tavakolian “Analog and instant photography evoke that feeling because they can’t be photoshopped or filtered.” Imperfectionism is an obsession with the craft of instant photography. It champions the idea that real experiences, mistakes, and authenticity are more valuable than polished perfection. This movement is what inspired the brand to launch the Polaroid I-2 Instant Camera – the first-ever instant camera with built-in manual controls.
“Beauty isn’t just in pretty moments; it’s in the moments you can’t plan for, in mistakes, in our everyday. It’s everywhere. That’s what I truly believe.” Jim Goldberg, Magnum photographer
Open Call Details
The open call invites all photographers worldwide to submit their photography portfolio and an idea for an empathy inspired story via polaroid.com until August 12, 2024. Winners will be announced on August 26.
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About Imperfectionism
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2454535/Polaroid_Newsha_Tavakolian.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2457188/Jim_Goldberg.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2457189/Polaroid_x_Magnum_Open_Call.jpg
SOURCE Polaroid International

By Admin in Photography
Love it or hate it, AI is here and being used to do everything, from improving social media postings, to writing grant proposals and creating images that didn’t really exist. But what if we used it for good? I was at a recent photography coffee and chat session and the topic came up with image review via AI. I decided to give it a try.
I jumped on Chat GPT. Other programs are available, but not all will review portraits. I asked Chat GPT, “Give a review of this image, what could be done to improve it?” I then uploaded a recent creative portrait. See below.
This image has a compelling and evocative style that could indeed be worthy of a photographic competition. Here’s a detailed review:
The image is visually striking and has many elements that make it stand out. With a few adjustments in post-processing and perhaps slight variations in posing and expression, it could be a very strong contender in a photographic competition. The current elements of mood, costume, and composition are excellent foundations to build upon.
So, I took these suggestions on board and did a High Pass Filter on the headdress, skull and face. I did a dodge and burn and increased contrast. Next, I added a texture to the background as well as a gradient. In regards to the color balance, I did a LUTs (teal-orange plus contrast) plus played with the Channel Mixer and Color balance to create a subtle change of the colors and add more blue and yellow in the highlights.


I then uploaded the new edit to Chat GPT and asked if it had improved. Here’s the newly updated response I got.
The adjustments in this new version have indeed improved the overall impact of the image. Here’s a review of the updated version:
The adjustments made in this version significantly enhance the image’s overall impact, making it even more suitable for a photographic competition. The improvements in sharpness, contrast, and color balance have strengthened the visual narrative, making the image more compelling and visually striking. With a few more tweaks, it could be an exceptional entry.
So I took these suggestions onboard as well and a blur on the background (Neural filter and Gaussian blur), added two photo filters to even out the skin tone and removed some of the blue tints on skin and skull. I also added a vignette. Then again, I uploaded it to Chat GPT for review.
The latest version of the image introduces even more dramatic lighting and contrast, further enhancing its impact. Here’s a detailed review:
This version significantly enhances the image’s dramatic and atmospheric qualities, making it a very strong contender for photographic competition. The sharpness, contrast, and overall mood are compelling and visually arresting. With some minor adjustments to maintain detail in the shadows and control highlights, this image can be exceptionally impactful and memorable.
While I could have gone back and forth a few times, I left it here. The free version did not give me any more opportunities until the following day. It was certainly interesting getting the perspective of a AI chat program in regards to my own photos. While I think it did make the image stronger than my original, I’m not sure if number three is just a touch too much? What do you think? Which is better — image 1, 2 or 3?
Now, I am not planning to enter this image in a competition. But if I did, would this be considered cheating, or no different than asking a trusted photography friend or mentor for a review and critique? I’m curious to hear your feedback on the subject. Likewise, have you tried this as well?
By Admin in Photography
The BC SPCA invites the public to participate in its 16th annual Wildlife-in- Focus photography contest running July 2 through 22.
Amateur photographers 14 years and older can submit their awe-inspiring images of owls, eagles, foxes, bees, whales, and other amazing creatures until July 22.
You can enter as many times as you like and there is no entry fee.
“Wildlife-in-Focus celebrates the incredible variety of wild animals who call B.C. home,” says BC SPCA wild animal welfare specialist Nadia Xenakis. “It is also a great opportunity for British Columbians to showcase engaging with natural spaces in an ethical and responsible way, all while helping wild animals at Wild ARC.”
Previous contest entries have been featured in the BC SPCA’s AnimalSense and Bark! magazines, BC SPCA educational materials, local newspapers, websites, and social media. Prizes will be awarded for the top three photos, as determined by the judges, in each of two categories: Wild Settings and Backyard Habitats.
There is also a donate-to-vote option for a People’s Choice Award – the 12 photos with the most votes and the top three from each category will be featured in a limited-edition Wildlife-in-Focus pack of greeting cards and have the chance to be featured on a limited edition tote bag – available for purchase on shop.spca.bc.ca after the contest closes.
In 2023, Wildlife-in-Focus raised more than $10,000 for the specialized diets, treatment, blankets, and other supplies necessary to support the rehabilitation of wild animals at BC SPCA’s Wild ARC. Over 2,000 injured and orphaned wild animals are cared for at Wild ARC each year.
All wildlife photos submitted to the contest must be taken within B.C. and submitted digitally. “Wildlife” includes free-living birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish, and insects, but not exotic, feral, or domestic animals, or wildlife in zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries, or rehabilitation facilities.
For more information on the contest, visit spca.bc.ca/wildlife-in-focus.
Lead image: Last year’s backyard habitats winner; two raccoon kits climbing tree. Photo by Andrew Harnden
BC SPCA
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By Admin in Photography

...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Iowa... Missouri...Illinois... Mississippi River at Keokuk LD19 affecting Lee, Clark and Hancock Counties. Mississippi River at Gregory Landing affecting Hancock and Clark Counties. Mississippi River at Le Claire LD14 affecting Rock Island and Scott Counties. Mississippi River at Bellevue LD12 affecting Carroll, Jo Daviess, Jackson and Clinton Counties. Mississippi River at Fulton LD13 affecting Carroll, Clinton and Whiteside Counties. Mississippi River at Ill. City LD16 affecting Rock Island and Muscatine Counties. Mississippi River at Muscatine affecting Rock Island, Louisa, Muscatine and Mercer Counties. Mississippi River at Keithsburg affecting Henderson, Des Moines, Louisa and Mercer Counties. Mississippi River at New Boston LD17 affecting Louisa and Mercer Counties. Mississippi River at Camanche affecting Scott, Clinton, Whiteside and Rock Island Counties. Mississippi River at Dubuque LD11 affecting Jo Daviess and Dubuque Counties. Mississippi River at Rock Island LD15 affecting Scott, Muscatine and Rock Island Counties. Mississippi River at Burlington affecting Lee, Des Moines, Henderson and Hancock Counties. Mississippi River at Gladstone LD18 affecting Des Moines and Henderson Counties. Mississippi River at Dubuque affecting Jo Daviess, Jackson and Dubuque Counties. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas. Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks. The next statement will be issued by Tuesday evening at 1000 PM CDT. && ...FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE... * WHAT...Major flooding is occurring. * WHERE...Mississippi River at Bellevue LD12. * WHEN...Until further notice. * IMPACTS...At 20.0 feet, Water affects the railroad tracks south of Bellevue. Water is also into the Municipal Boat Ramp parking lot. Water affects the riverfront parking lot in Savanna. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 9:30 PM CDT Monday the stage was 20.0 feet. - Recent Activity...The river is just coming off the crest. - Forecast...The river is expected to fall to 17.4 feet Monday, July 15. - Flood stage is 17.0 feet. &&
By Admin in Photography
This video was recently captured at a nature preserve in South Africa. And this is the moment one wildlife photographer had their dreams come true, when a mama cheetah wandered into the road with her cubs in tow. Buzz60’s Tony Spitz has the details.
Milwaukee Art Museum announces new Herzfeld Center for Photography show
Wondering what’s the importance of PDF editing software for photographers? Hop inside this guide to find out!
The loon traveled from Los Angeles to its permanent home in the Twin Cities.
A new beetle species has been named to honor a fellow Husker, bridging the worlds of academia and wildlife conservation.
Silversea, a premier brand in experiential luxury and expedition travel, recently concluded the inaugural season of its first Nova-class ship, Silver Nova,
Silversea, a premier brand in experiential luxury and expedition travel, recently concluded the inaugural season of its first Nova-class ship, Silver Nova,
The Desert Foothills Land Trust (DFLT) is proud to announce a special presentation event featuring acclaimed botanical photographer Jimmy Fike on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Sanderson