Photography

“Budding photographers shouldn’t be afraid to jump out of their comfort zone. When I first started out, I said yes to everything that came my way”.

By in Photography

“Budding photographers shouldn’t be afraid to jump out of their comfort zone. When I first started out, I said yes to everything that came my way”.

Content creation has gradually been revolutionizing the world of commercial photography and marketing. It’s transformed from a pool of images on platforms like Instagram and 500px into a dynamic and multifaceted art form. Having started out directing social media campaigns, photographer and videographer Chris Priestley is a full-time creator who harnesses the power of Canon cameras to bring his ideas to life.

You need energy, passion and a multi-skilled approach to succeed online in the crowded digital era, but Chris is careful with what he posts, usually opting for quality over quantity. Self-taught and seemingly self-driven, he now shoots white-label campaigns for massive global brands and has already worked with (and for) Starbucks, Red Bull and Aston Martin.

Blending a mixture of editorial and commercial genres, Chris’s luxury lifestyle content often receives millions of views, but his approach and budgets can be impressively low-key. Read on to discover the evolution of Chris’ career, and how switching from DSLR to mirrorless has been pivotal in helping him to create dramatic and compelling narratives that keep drawing audiences and clients back for more.

A headshot of photographer Chris Priestley
Chris Priestley

Based in London, Chris Priestley creates high-end commercial content for the social channels of major lifestyle, luxury travel and fashion brands. He was previously the in-house director and cinematographer at British digital media company Jungle Creations, where he directed viral videos and print stills for household names such as Red Bull. He regularly features on the Canon Europe website sharing tips, techniques and insights into his gear and portfolio.

Hey Chris. How would you describe your work?

It’s geared more towards social-first platforms, so my work needs to capture the eye of an audience who wouldn’t necessarily be searching for it. On a more basic level, I like my images to be dynamic and fun, with dramatic elements in both the foreground and the background. 

People also feature heavily in your work…

I love shooting portraits, focusing on the lights and shadows that fall in the foreground and background, and combining or matching colors to create a pleasing image. My portraits are more soft and colorful, where the foreground elements don’t contrast so heavily with the background.

I also produce content for my Instagram and TikTok, where I get to play around with different creative styles and try out new techniques. That could be learning how to light a portrait by photographing myself in my living room or challenging myself to shoot ‘spec ads’ for well-known brands.

One of the iconic waterfalls in the west of Iceland, shot with a long exposure to create that silky, glass-like look of the water (Image credit: Chris Priestley)

What drew you towards luxury travel, lifestyle and fashion?

When I first moved to London, I had a full-time job for a social media company, and in my spare time I started shooting with lifestyle influencers. From there, I had the opportunity to shoot for big brands in the industry. This included hotels around the world, and while I was out there I would offer these hotels content on top of the content I was shooting for the influencer. 

The social media company I worked for saw what I was doing and asked if I would create viral content. Some of these videos would garner up to 70 million views on Facebook back in the day.

What Canon gear would we find in your bag?

I always have my Canon EOS R5 as my main body and a Canon EOS R as a second shooter. I would pack my wide-angle lens, the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM, my mid-shot lens, the RF 50mm f/1.2L USM, and my telephoto RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM. 

Apart from that, nothing more than a few spare batteries and CFexpress cards. The fundamentals in my camera bag haven’t changed much over the years. I used to have the EOS-1D X Mark II and the equivalent EF lenses. They cover the full range of focal points that I use daily.

“Greece’s clean white walls offer the perfect backdrop for portraits. My friend was wearing a red dress that helped her stand out from the white walls and blue door” (Image credit: Chris Priestley)

Has moving to the EOS R mirrorless system made a big difference?

The EOS R systems came with a newer range of RF lenses, which had greater continuous shooting capacities, better autofocus and image stabilization – an additional upgrade on the previous systems. 

Moving over to the EOS R mirrorless system has made a world of difference to how and what I can create, and generally made my life easier as a photographer. Lots of shoots I work on can be very fast-paced and require a run-and-gun setup, and most of the time, I don’t have the luxury of perfectly framing my image. 

The higher megapixel count on the EOS R5 means I can reframe my images in post-production while keeping their high quality. The other huge benefit is the incredible autofocus. The different subject tracking modes for people, animals and cars mean I only have to worry about getting the subject in the frame. 

The R5 can shoot up to 8K RAW 30p (not that I need to use that just yet, but it’s great to know that it’s there for when I do), but I use the full-frame 4K 120p regularly.

Image 1 of 2

A female looking out from a scarf
“A portrait of my friend Lesley wearing traditional Arabian clothing. I asked her to raise the blue cloth, to frame her eyes”(Image credit: Chris Priestley)

A man skiing downhill with a helmet on
“I met up with an Olympic slalom skier in Alp d’Huez. I wanted the mountains to look huge, so I made sure I was a good distance from him, and used a long focal length to compress the foreground and background”(Image credit: Chris Priestley)

Do you do a lot of post-production work, then?

Editing is a big part of my work. I like to get creative with composites. I started using composites in product photography to ensure the product looked perfect before I could worry about the rest of the elements in the image. So, I started shooting each element separately. 

This gives me full control over how the image is built in post and this technique has given me the ability to create images I could never do in-camera. I also tend to shoot mostly on my own. The technique also frees me to work on one thing at a time.

What’s the key to keeping up with posting and platform trends?

That’s a good question. I don’t tend to post very often or follow trends. I like to put a lot of thought and work into each post, and before you know it, the trend has passed. I like to create content that the majority of viewers find relatable. 

This can range from teaching photography fundamentals to making a how-to-style video about shooting a hyperlapse. In the same way that I started in photography by watching tutorials on YouTube, I know that many people are scrolling through their social media, eager to learn more. I know that if you are a creative in any form, an easy way to keep up with posting is to document your process. People love to see behind the scenes and the work that goes into your craft and the results.

“I was on a hiking holiday in Switzerland, and we would always come across these cows. You could always hear them before you saw them, due to their huge cowbells” (Image credit: Chris Priestley)

What’s the most important skill for any photographer or creator who wants to turn pro?

I would say that budding photographers shouldn’t be afraid to jump out of their comfort zone. They won’t end up shooting the style of photography they want all the time. When I first started out, I said yes to everything that came my way. This meant I learned new camera and photographic skills, through trial and error, which have led to me developing a more well-rounded skill set.

What’s coming up next for you?

I never know what’s around the corner. I’ve just started my own production company with my co-founder, Ellie. So for now, I’m focused on building that up, working with more clients, and building up to working on larger productions. 

I started as a solo shooter, working on smaller productions – acting as an
art director, photographer, stylist, editor, and lighting technician. As I’ve progressed over the years, the productions have started to get bigger, allowing the opportunity to work with more specialized creatives collaboratively. I’m excited for these productions and teams to get bigger
as I work with larger clients

A longer version of this interview originally appeared in Issue 211 of Photo Plus magazine. Click the link below to see our latest special subscription deal!

Photographs of North Staffordshire’s unique oatcake shops that you won’t find anywhere else

By in Photography

Photographs of North Staffordshire’s unique oatcake shops that you won’t find anywhere else

No matter where we call home, we’ll never forget where we grew up. Those familiar streets and people, the experiences we had, make us who we are. We might be happier in our new location, but there is always a pull to “home” – a hunger for nostalgia, comfort, and the things we consider part of our roots.

For photographer David Fletcher, that’s the humble Staffordshire Oatcake from Stoke-on-Trent. If you’ve never heard of it, it’s a local delicacy of the Potteries. A sort of savoury pancake that you can’t find anywhere else in the world. “It’s a unique regional food, only found today in and around North Staffordshire,” says David. “It is a kind of savoury pancake – not hard like the more familiar Scottish oatcake – and about the size of a small dinner plate. It is traditionally eaten for breakfast, typically with bacon and cheese. Never made at home, it is bought from your local oatcake shop, each with its own closely-guarded recipe.”

The small shops David speaks of are almost always family-run, some of which have been in the same family for generations. “I know of one which has been in the same family since 1934. If a shop is sold, the recipe is part of the deal,” he says.

Growing up in Stoke-on-Trent, the oatcake was part of David’s life, and it was only when he moved away that he realised they weren’t available elsewhere. “Trips home may have been notionally undertaken to visit relatives and friends, but the purchase of oatcakes to bring home for the freezer was always part of the itinerary,” he says. “Not the same as fresh, but an adequate substitute when needs must.”

​Oatcakes are cooked on a griddle and traditionally hand-poured, but some shops have retro-fitted ingenious machines to pour the mixture, each one crafted to fit the existing grill. “These machines come from a tradition of precision engineering in the Potteries which complimented the pottery, brick-making, steel and mining industries,” David continues, “a tradition which produced the designer of the Spitfire by Reginald Mitchell.”

​Oatcakes can be purchased plain to use at home (make mine with cheese and pepper, please), but the griddle means shops can add and cook various fillings for those wanting to eat on the go. You can choose from traditional bacon and cheese to black pudding and beans. “It provides a kind of fast food ideal for sustaining the hard labour of workers in heavy industries,” David says.

Today, David is an award-winning documentary photographer based in the New Forest. When he began this project to document Stoke’s oatcake shops, he thought he might be recording a disappearing world but was delighted to discover that they’re still flourishing. “As well as the bricks and mortar, I wanted to capture the oatcake-making process and, importantly, the people on both sides of the counter. This story is little known outside Stoke, so I wanted to spread the word,” he says.

Covering all the oatcake shops in a Stoke-on-Trent postcode he’s aware of, David would love to know of any he might’ve missed. He has enjoyed meeting the people behind each location and would happily document more. “Oatcake shops are not just places to buy food; they are a social phenomenon. I also found shops that have been part of the same Stoke family for generations. I found one run by a woman from Latvia and one by a woman from Poland who is married to an Italian. Another shop has a champion darts player, the owner’s brother, making the oatcake mix.

What makes the oatcakes so special to him? “The localisation of the shops makes the whole story of Staffordshire oatcakes special – if Stoke was in France, I feel sure they would have their own protected status like Brioche Vendéenne or Pâtes d’Alsace. They are unusual in a world of fast food in that they are hand-made and sold fresh. But the most important thing is that they taste so good.”

As a “Stokie in exile”, David has definitely appreciated his roots as he’s got older, like many of us. “I suppose our spectacles become more rose-tinted as we age,” he says. “As the first generation in my family to go to school beyond 16, let alone go to university, I have grown to appreciate too what opportunities my parents and grandparents opened up for me. At 18, we are in a hurry to escape our hometowns and look for greener grass, but when I return to Stoke now, the strength of the memories evoked is like a physical force.”

David’s first experience of photography was with his father in a home darkroom and later in the studio of a Burslem printworks, where he rose from apprentice to manager. Other careers “got in the way”,” but he has since returned to photography professionally following an MA in Documentary Photography at the University of Westminster. Other recent documentary projects include New Forest Commoners, the Irish Border, and absentee slave-owners.

He says of his latest project on Stoke-on-Trent: “It’s not a pretty place, but it has a powerful, somewhat forgotten history. As well as being a leader of the world-renowned Stoke pottery industry, Burslem-born Josiah Wedgwood was a key figure in the 18th-century Midland Enlightenment along with engineers Matthew Boulton and James Watt, chemist Joseph Priestley and physician Erasmus Darwin. Leading advocates of the abolition of slavery, Erasmus and Josiah were the grandparents of Charles Darwin. Writer Arnold Bennett and designer of the Spitfire, Reginald Mitchell, were also sons of Stoke. Perhaps the oatcake can help to lead a Staffordshire renaissance!”

Meet Angela Hill, the Photographer Behind the World’s Coolest Bookshop

By in Photography

Meet Angela Hill, the Photographer Behind the World’s Coolest Bookshop

By

Photographed by
Hamish McMillan

July 8, 2024

Angela Hill, photographed by Hamish McMillan.

On a typical gray afternoon in London, I found myself inside a cozy Soho bookshop surrounded by a mosaic of vintage books and magazines. Architecture guides, Vogue Italia, David Bowie biographies, and Japanese film books were stacked by the hundreds. George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass spun on the record player. Shortbread cookies sat on a table with fresh flowers and a calculator. “It’s like you’re in my living room!” Angela Hill, the co-founder of IDEA books, told me. She offered me cookies and tea and led me to the interior design section. IDEA has occupied this space since 2009, but in February, it opened to the public. Hill never planned to own a bookshop, she revealed. She’s a fashion photographer who just loves collecting books and magazines. But when a friend of a friend asked to buy her collection to sell at Colette in Paris, the grand idea, if you will, materialized. From then on, Hill said, “it just got bigger.” I left the shop with a magazine and a hat, wanting to know more, so I called Hill last month to talk accidental career paths, 1980s Ibiza, 19th century literature, and her own photography practice. 

———

LEILA SHERIDAN: How are you? How’s the London weather?

ANGELA HILL: It’s our one warm day out of 365.

SHERIDAN: Oh, and I missed it.

HILL: Yeah. People go nuts when they see a bit of sun here, literally pulling their shirts off. The guys are topless, the girls are all down at the lido. 

SHERIDAN: Well, happy to hear that it’s nice outside. What makes your ideal reading spot? 

HILL: It’s the same whether I am researching, reading a novel, or just flicking through a magazine. I like being on my own. There’s quite a few ideal environments. One is indoors at home, might be winter. You feel cozy and comfortable and you’ve got the luxury of maybe an afternoon ahead of you—you can use that time to read. Or my childhood house in the garden after school, which is my mother’s house now. She has a Scandinavian summer house with a little terrace deck. I’d either sit in there in cooler weather or sit out on the terrace on the deck with a cup of tea.

SHERIDAN: Perfect. Are you reading anything right now?

HILL: I’ve been reading the 19th century female authors. I’ve done Jane Austen, all the Brontës, and now I’m getting through the works of George Eliot while concurrently reading Martin Amis, which is a good contrast.

SHERIDAN: Wow. Could you take me through the birth of IDEA? 

HILL: I never meant to be a bookseller, but when I was working as a photographer in the ’90s, I wasn’t getting the jobs to make it work full-time. I was getting editorial, but they weren’t paying. Sarah [Andelman], who owned Colette in Paris, came to where I lived in West London with flatmates, because she was a friend of one of them, and saw my books that I had for photography and said, “Can I buy your books?” I said, “No, but when I come over to Paris for a job or something, I will bring as many books as I can carry.” And that was what we did for quite a while. I used to go to Paris with a couple of plastic bags and she’d give me some money and put the books in her shop, and it just got bigger. I bought more and more, got other clients who were mostly just coming around my house, and this just continued. And then Sarah said Dover Street was opening in London, the first Dover Street, and that I should have a space in there and go and talk to them. So I did. By this time, my husband had joined me because he was doing two freelance jobs and they’d both fizzled out at the same time. Our accountant rented us half an office on the street and when I moved in, I told him, “One day I’ll have this whole building.” And now I do.

SHERIDAN: Wow.

HILL: But it was a slow process. It didn’t happen overnight. And I never meant for it to happen in the first place. 

SHERIDAN: Were you always collecting books or was it mostly for editorial inspiration?

HILL: That’s easy to answer. Always collecting books.

SHERIDAN: Always?

HILL: Ever since [I was] a child.

SHERIDAN: Did you always gravitate to specific types of books?

HILL: When I was a child, I was obsessed with horses and ballet. I bought all of those. I also used to do a lot of reading when I was little. And then I got into fashion. I buy a lot of film because I like my photography to look like film stills. We find that a lot of creatives buy film books, but fashion people don’t buy fashion books. They buy interiors, film, graphics, but not fashion books.

SHERIDAN: Speaking of fashion people, I know that you rent out the shop for days at a time and sort through inspiration. What does the shop look like when this happens? How is it different from a normal day? 

HILL: Yeah, sometimes teams of 10 come along and we shut off the rare book room so that they can have peace and quiet in there. The shop does look different because then people who come can’t go into that room, they go in the magazine room. That’s always fun because I love to help people. I notice them looking at one particular book and then I think, “Ah, I bet they don’t know about …” and then I show them something that’s complementary. I love that whole process.

SHERIDAN: How did the fashion world discover IDEA?

HILL: Instagram was a real turning point for us. It transformed our business, and we suddenly got a cult following.

SHERIDAN: How have you used Instagram to leverage the book selling business and connect with people?

HILL: We try and make it fun and instantaneous, because Instagram is a very, very good place to show books. I might have a 150-page book and only show you three images, but if they’re cleverly chosen, they will make you very curious to look at more.

SHERIDAN: Right. Do you think your background as a fashion photographer helps you determine what would be the most captivating Instagram posts?

HILL: Yes, in some ways. It’s mostly my partner in the business, David, who does Instagram, but we tend to weirdly totally agree on imagery. And sometimes it’s very obvious. We do very well with books about Ibiza. There are just certain images from the ’80s of Ibiza playboys and clubs and everything where one page can sell a book.

SHERIDAN: I’ve never been to Ibiza, but—

HILL: Nor have I. Nor have I.

SHERIDAN: Really? None of these pictures make you want to go?

HILL: Yes, in some ways, but we mainly deal in the old Ibiza. We even have books going back to the ’60s in black and white. And then the proliferation of the clubs and everything, ’80s supper clubs. Even the ’90s books sell. It never ends.

SHERIDAN: Is there a time period where you have sourced most of your books and magazines?

HILL: We both love the ’80s. But we have a lot of ’90s and 2000s, too. 

SHERIDAN: What makes a good book or magazine to resell? How do you know if something’s going to be coveted?

HILL: That’s a difficult one because I don’t know why I picked something out from the shelf. It’s got appeal, it’s got imagery. I always have the feeling I need to store things so that I never forget them. I might record it in a book with a Post-it note, but I might not revisit that book for 10 years. Then I pull it off the shelf and I think, “Oh god, I remember that. That’s why I put the Post-it note there,” and then I’ll use it. So I have mental storage in my head at all times.

SHERIDAN: Do you know how many books and magazines you have in your entire shop inventory?

HILL: Whoa. I literally have no idea.

SHERIDAN: Do you have a favorite? I know it’s like choosing a favorite child. 

HILL: It’s easier to choose a favorite child. But she’s never going to see this, so she won’t know. I’m just joking. Tina Barney is a favorite photographer of mine, any Tina Barney title. Interiors from the ’80s I particularly love. I like Japanese interiors. I like Japanese gardens. I also love any kind of hippie, West Coast of the States, utopian attitude of, “Yeah, we can all live in a commune together. It will work perfectly. We’re going to save the world.” That kind of attitude in the ’70s, including literally making your own clothes from an old tea towel, it’s amazing. Paris, Texas is also never going to go away for me. The book of the film is almost as good as the film itself. Because you get all the Polaroids from the location hunting before, you get the full script, you get all the stills. And then at the end you get those wonderfully charming cast biographies and the picture from when the crew wrapped up the film and they get together for a picture and they’re all waving. It’s just so charming and real, and it takes you through the whole process of making a film.

SHERIDAN: You’re also a book publisher.

HILL: Yeah.

SHERIDAN: I was hoping you could talk about what started this venture, and how it feels different to sell a book that you created versus one that you sourced?

HILL: There’s an artist, skateboarder, filmmaker named Gosha Rubchinskiy, who had a little installation in Dover Street Market, London around 2009 or 2010. I found a couple of his little zines he’d made to go with his collection. It was a very small collection of tracksuit bottoms, skateboard style. They were shots in St. Petersburg of some young boys, skateboarders, because Gosha is Russian, and I bought everything that was there. I said to the guys in Dover Street, “Does this guy ever come in?” And they said, “Yeah, sometimes.” And I said, “Well, I’m going to leave these zines here, but can you ask him to sign them?” Then I found out that one of my very good friends, a Russian girl, actually knew him. So through her, I contacted him and said, “Can you come in the office sometime? Have you got spare images? Do you want to publish with me?” And we weren’t publishing at all, I just really wanted to do it. My partner in the business was very reluctant at first, because he didn’t think we’d make money, but I said, “Okay, I’m going to do it anyway and I’ll publish it under my own name, not under IDEA.” So that’s the only book we’ve ever published with the name “Hill” in it, not IDEA. That was the first and it sold out.

SHERIDAN: And it proved that you guys could really do it.

HILL: Then we moved on to Collier Schorr, Willy Vanderperre, Glen Luchford, Suzanne Koller. Over the years we’ve published so much.

SHERIDAN: And you published your own photography book, Sylvia, right?

HILL: Yeah. And Edith, the number two. I’m doing a trilogy, so I’m working on number three now.

SHERIDAN: This is a question going back to a previous conversation we had. Your shop was initially appointment-only. What made you want to open up the doors to people like me?

HILL: When we were able to expand and get the whole building, we moved the publishing department and admin to the third floor, which is where I am now. We expanded and renovated the second floor and made it into the shop. The first floor is all about packing parcels, more admin, dealing with customers over the phone, couriers. But to go back to your previous question, it does make a difference when I’m selling my own publication versus IDEA’s publication, because you want people to like what you like, but also what you’re showing them. You want them to go away happy and maybe a little changed after they’ve been in the shop. Maybe they come in with a whole set of ideas in their head, we can show them other stuff, and they go out with a whole different route of thinking, like “Oh yeah, I could shoot it like that,” or, “I could design a skirt.” Or you’ve got the best gift for someone and that makes you happy to see them happy. All of those things add up. 

SHERIDAN: Yeah, I could imagine how incredible that would feel. How many books do you publish a year? 

HILL: This year’s the biggest ever, 10, 12. 

SHERIDAN: Do people come to you? Do you go seek them out?

HILL: A lot of people come to us because they all think they’ve got a bestselling book. We see a lot of beautiful things, but we know from experience that some aren’t going to be sold to anyone apart from family members. So most of the books that are published  are those we seek out, and some people we’ve been working with over and over again. We just ask them, “Have you got anything else? What are you working on? Should we do a book of this?”

SHERIDAN: Is there a recently published book that you’re most excited about, or an upcoming one?

HILL: Always Nadia Lee Cohen. She’s just an amazing, creative filmmaker, photographer, actress, model. We’re doing something with her at the end of the year. I’m also really proud of the Buck Ellison book we just published. He’s an American artist. We launched Winter Vandenbrink’s VANDALS in Paris last Saturday, and that is great. Anything we ever do with Glen Luchford, Suzanne Koller, all these people at the top of their game. It’s their brilliance we’re just putting onto paper.

SHERIDAN: So in addition to reselling and publishing, you have some fun hats and accessories. What inspired that?

HILL: I wanted to do a bag or a t-shirt and I started to think, “Why are some people cult figures?” Chloe Sevigny, Sofia Coppola, Winona Ryder, Keanu Reeves. We also sold and still sell these Japanese icon books produced in the ’80s, ’90s, where it’s just photos of one particular model, actress, actor, whatever. They can be anything from Robert De Niro, Sofia Coppola, Chloe Sevigny, Kate Moss. She’s always going to be cool, I suppose. I thought, “What names are out there that make you only think of one person?” Winona is very much one of those names. So we started with a bag or a t-shirt for Winona and they’re still selling now. Keanu is another one where you say the name and most people think Keanu Reeves. The Keanu Reeves cushion sold out. 

SHERIDAN: And now your merch says things like “Spoilt Brat,” which I have.

HILL: I love “Spoilt Brat.” Our bestselling hats are, “Sorry I Don’t Work Here.” And the “Collier” hat. It’s very, very big in South Korea because one of the K-Pop stars wore it.

SHERIDAN: What’s your favorite slogan? 

HILL: At the moment, I like “Risk Management.” I don’t know why. I just like corporate sounding things.

SHERIDAN: I like “Annual Leave.”

HILL: “Annual Leave” is good. We used to do an “Intern” t-shirt with the idea that the boss of the company would wear it in an ironic way. We haven’t made any for a while, but yesterday in the shop, a guy came in the pale gray “intern” T-shirt and looked really cool in it.

SHERIDAN: You should bring it back. I would get one.

HILL: I should bring it back.

Realme collaborates with Sony, says on-device AI to enhance photography

By in Photography

Realme collaborates with Sony, says on-device AI to enhance photography

BANGKOK: The combination of on-device artificial intelligence (AI) processing and flagship-grade optical sensors in smartphones will significantly enhance the photography experience for users, according to Realme. The Chinese smartphone maker has inked a strategic partnership with Sony to equip its smartphones, starting with the Realme 13 Pro 5G series, with the Japanese conglomerate’s imaging sensors.

“Cutting-edge optics is the foundation of any image solution. But even the best optics will always be limited (in capabilities) due to size constraints. That is where the on-device AI can understand complex shooting scenarios, and enhance effects like lights and shadows. We are now moving towards a solution that intuitively understands what a good-quality photo looks like,” Francis Wong, Head of Product Marketing at Realme told reporters at a press conference.

Realme has developed its three-layered AI photography architecture, called Hyprimage+, consisting of flagship optics, on-device AI imaging algorithms, and cloud-based AI image editing.

“We are bringing all these innovations to Realme smartphones. So, the Realme 13 Pro+ will come with our most advanced imaging system Hyperimage+,” Wong said.

“I am very excited to announce that we have entered into a strategic collaboration with Sony. From now on, Realme flagships will be powered by Sony’s image sensors,” the Realme executive said, adding that the Realme 13 Pro series will come with the 50MP main camera with Sony LYT-701 sensor and a 50MP periscope telephoto camera with the Sony LYT-600 sensor.

“This collaboration is about more than just technology, it’s about empowering everyone to capture and share their world in ways never before imagined,” Toshimitsu Kurosaka, Vice President of Sony Semiconductor Solutions (Shanghai) Limited, said in a virtual address.

The company separately said in a statement that by bringing AI capabilities to image processing in RAW, the Realme AI HyperRAW algorithm significantly boosts image clarity and dynamic range to capture “authentic light and shadow with true-to-life results”.

The Realme 13 Pro 5G series will feature AI Pure Bokeh, AI Natural Skin Tone, and AI Ultra Clarity features.

Realme is the latest handset brand to dip its toes into the AI waters to improve device functionalities for its users. Its Chinese peers Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo, as well as, South Korean Google, and internet major Google are either integrating AI or generative AI, or plan to introduce features driven by this technology into their devices in some form.

(The author was in Thailand at the invitation of Realme)

  • Published On Jul 8, 2024 at 01:43 PM IST

Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals

Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis.

Download ETTelecom App

  • Get Realtime updates
  • Save your favourite articles


Scan to download App


Discover the Honor 200 Pro: Elevate your portrait photography with ‘AI-empowered’ device

By in Photography

Discover the Honor 200 Pro: Elevate your portrait photography with ‘AI-empowered’ device
Honor 200 series

Honor has introduced its latest lineup of AI-powered smartphones, bringing cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology to the mid-range market with the launch of the Honor 200, Honor 200 Pro, and Honor 200 Lite. 

The new lineup aims to set a new standard for smartphones in their category by combining powerful AI features with eye-catching exteriors. 

First impressions

The Honor 200 Pro differentiates itself by promising flagship-level performance and looks in the mid-market segment. It features a striking curved screen, great battery life, rapid charging capabilities, and a sophisticated AI-powered camera system. 

The device’s 6.78-inch display is particularly eye-catching, complemented by a unique cameo brooch-shaped camera module inspired by Gaudi’s “Casa Milá” and a mother-of-pearl finish on the back panel. 

Overall, the Honor 200 Pro presents a compelling package, both inside and out.

Camera: Honor ties up with Studio Harcourt

One of the standout features of the Honor 200 Pro is its camera system. It is equipped with a triple 50MP studio-quality lens combination that includes a main portrait camera with an f/1.3 aperture, a telephoto camera offering 50X digital zoom, and an ultra-wide 12MP macro camera.

This setup is ideal for capturing a variety of scenes with clarity and DSLR-level detail.

Image credit: Supplied

The main camera is optimised for low-light conditions, offering a 105 per cent improvement in noise reduction, making it perfect for capturing live music and concert photography. 

Image credit: Sourced

Additionally, the camera system includes the advanced Harcourt Portrait modes, developed in collaboration with the renowned Studio Harcourt in Paris. These modes allow users to take celebrity-quality portraits by leveraging AI to enhance image quality and settings automatically.

Users can choose between three modes – vibrant, colour or classic black-and-white styles for portraits.

Image credit: Supplied

The Honor 200 Pro also excels in dark conditions due to the ‘AI-enhanced Night Portrait mode’, capturing clear and detailed photos even in dim lighting.

Image credit: Supplied

It supports 8K video recording, enabling users to create high-resolution videos with stunning detail.

AI-powered performance 

Earlier this year, Honor introduced a groundbreaking ‘Four-Layer AI’ that focuses on ‘On Device-AI’. It starts with Cross-device and Cross-OS AI, creating an open ecosystem for sharing computing power. The Platform-level AI layer personalises the operating system for intent-based interactions. 

Next, app-level AI drives innovative applications, enhancing user experiences. At the top, interface to Cloud-AI services provides access to extensive cloud services with a focus on privacy protection.

This AI architecture, combined with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 mobile processor and operating on the AI-enhanced MagicOS 8.0, ensures an extremely smooth performance and intuitive, efficient multitasking capabilities.

AI-empowered Magic Portal

One of the key AI features introduced in the Honor 200 Pro is the AI-empowered Magic Portal. Honor promises intuitive identification and understanding of a user’s needs and presents the required services without any prompts. 

For example, Magic Portal can recognise addresses in text messages and direct users to Google Maps for easy navigation. It also simplifies interactions on social media platforms, allowing users to share booking details or search results, effortlessly. Additionally, it brings to fore the possibilities of AI-enabled experience with image-based shopping experiences. 

Display and build quality

The Honor 200 Pro features a 6.78-inch AMOLED quad-curved floating display, housed in an ultra-thin 82mm body, and weighs just 199 grams. This makes it extremely handy and easy to navigate. 

The display offers a sharp 2,700 x 1,224-pixel resolution with a 120 Hz refresh rate, and it provides excellent brightness, making it readable even in bright outdoor conditions. The stereo speakers deliver impressive sound quality, enhancing the multimedia experience.

The device also includes the AI Circadian Night Display, which adjusts the screen’s colour temperature based on the user’s environment and habits, reducing blue light exposure to promote better sleep. 

Additionally, the AI Natural Tone 2.0 feature automatically adjusts the screen’s colour temperature and brightness according to the surrounding ambient light.

Battery and charging 

The Honor 200 Pro is equipped with a powerful 5200mAh silicon-carbon battery that supports 100W wired charging, 66W wireless charging, and reverse charging capabilities. 

The phone can be fully charged in approximately 45 minutes using the included USB-C cable and 100W charger. For wireless charging, the device supports up to 66 watts but requires Honor’s specific charger for maximum efficiency.

Image credit: Honor

In the crowded device market, the Honor 200 Pro stands out with its elegant design, powerful performance, and advanced AI capabilities.

Top 8 Nikon Cameras for Beginners and Travel Photography Enthusiasts

By in Photography

Top 8 Nikon Cameras for Beginners and Travel Photography Enthusiasts
image

Explore Nikon’s offerings designed to empower your photographic endeavours. Whether opting for the robust functionality of a DSLR or the portability of a mirrorless camera, Nikon ensures reliability and performance. Choose a Nikon camera that aligns perfectly with your vision and captures every moment with clarity and brilliance.

1. Nikon D7500 DX-Format Digital SLR Body (Black)

The Nikon D7500 is a powerful DSLR camera that offers exceptional image quality and performance. With a 20.9MP sensor and 51-point autofocus system, this camera is perfect for capturing stunning photos and videos. Its 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen makes it easy to compose shots from any angle, while its robust build ensures durability for travel and outdoor use.

Specifications of Nikon D7500 DX-Format Digital SLR Camera:

  • 20.9MP sensor
  • 51-point autofocus system
  • 4K UHD video recording
  • 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen
  • Weather-sealed body

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid
Exceptional image quality Relatively high price point
Fast and accurate autofocus Heavier than some mirrorless options
Tilting touchscreen for versatile shooting angles

2. Nikon D7500 20.9MP Digital SLR Camera (Black) with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens

The Nikon D7500 with 18-140mm lens kit is a versatile option for photographers who want a single solution for a wide range of shooting scenarios. With the same powerful features of the D7500 DSLR, this kit also includes a high-quality 18-140mm lens, allowing for greater flexibility and convenience in capturing different subjects and scenes.

Specifications of Nikon D7500 DX-Format Digital SLR Camera with 18-140mm Lens:

  • 20.9MP sensor
  • 18-140mm lens included
  • 4K UHD video recording
  • 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen
  • 51-point autofocus system

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid
Versatile lens kit for different shooting scenarios Higher price due to lens kit
High-quality 18-140mm lens included Heavier and bulkier than some mirrorless options
Same exceptional image quality as the D7500 DSLR

Also Read: DSLR cameras for high-definition images: Check out top 10 options in 2024

3. Nikon Store COOLPIX P950 Digital Camera – Black

The Nikon COOLPIX P950 is a high-performance digital camera with a powerful 83x optical zoom lens, perfect for travel photography and wildlife enthusiasts. With a 16MP sensor and 4K UHD video recording, this camera offers incredible versatility and image quality in a compact and portable package.

Specifications of Nikon COOLPIX P950 Digital Camera:

  • 16MP sensor
  • 83x optical zoom lens
  • 4K UHD video recording
  • 3.2-inch tilting LCD
  • RAW shooting capability

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid
Incredible 83x optical zoom range Smaller sensor size
Compact and portable design Limited manual control options
High-quality 4K video recording

Also Read: Best cameras for beginners in 2024: Top 8 user-friendly and affordable options for novice photographers

4. Nikon Z6 II Mirrorless Camera Z 24-70mm Lens with Additional Battery, Optical Zoom, Black

The Nikon Z6 is a full-frame mirrorless camera that offers exceptional low-light performance and image quality. Paired with a high-quality 24-70mm lens, this camera is perfect for professional photographers and enthusiasts looking for the best in mirrorless technology.

Specifications of Nikon Z6 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 24-70mm Lens:

  • 24.5MP sensor
  • 4K UHD video recording
  • 5-axis in-body image stabilization
  • 273-point hybrid autofocus system
  • Weather-sealed body

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid
Exceptional low-light performance Higher price point
High-quality 24-70mm lens included Limited native lens options compared to DSLR
Compact and lightweight design

Also Read: Best cameras for photography: 9 top-rated DSLR and mirrorless cameras for high-quality shots

5. Nikon Mirrorless Z fc Body with Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR [SL] Lens with Additional Battery, Camera Bag & 64 GB SD Card, SmallRig L-Shape Grip,Optical Zoom,Black

The Nikon Z50 is a compact and lightweight mirrorless camera that delivers exceptional image quality and performance. Paired with a 16-50mm lens, this camera is perfect for travel and everyday photography, offering versatility and convenience in a portable package.

Specifications of Nikon Z fc Body with Z DX 16-50mm Lens:

  • 20.9MP sensor
  • 4K UHD video recording
  • 209-point hybrid autofocus system
  • 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen
  • Compact and lightweight design

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid
Compact and lightweight design Smaller grip compared to DSLR
Versatile 16-50mm lens included Limited native lens options
High-quality 4K video recording

Also Read: Camera buying guide for amateurs, professionals, creators, and enthusiasts: All you need to know before buying

6. Nikon Z50 Mirrorless Camera with Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR & Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR Lens with Additional Battery

The Nikon Z50 with dual lens kit offers the ultimate versatility for photography enthusiasts. With both 16-50mm and 50-250mm lenses included, this camera provides a wide range of focal lengths for capturing everything from wide-angle landscapes to distant subjects. Its compact and lightweight design makes it perfect for travel and everyday use.

Specifications of Nikon Z50 Mirrorless Camera with 16-50mm and 50-250mm Lenses:

  • 20.9MP sensor
  • 4K UHD video recording
  • 209-point hybrid autofocus system
  • 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen
  • Dual lens kit included

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid
Dual lens kit for ultimate versatility May require additional lens options for specific needs
Compact and lightweight design Smaller grip compared to DSLR
High-quality 4K video recording

Also Read: DSLR cameras for beginners are affordable and easy to use: Here are top 10 picks

7. Nikon Mirrorless Z6 II Body Only with Additional Battery, Optical Zoom, Black

The Nikon Z6 II is the next-generation mirrorless camera with improved performance and features. With a 24.5MP sensor, 4K UHD video recording, and 5-axis in-body image stabilization, this camera is perfect for professional photographers and enthusiasts who demand the best in mirrorless technology.

Specifications of Nikon Mirrorless Z6 II Body Only with Additional Battery:

  • 24.5MP sensor
  • 4K UHD video recording
  • 5-axis in-body image stabilization
  • 273-point hybrid autofocus system
  • Dual memory card slots

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid
Improved performance and features Higher price point
High-quality 4K video recording Limited native lens options compared to DSLR
Dual memory card slots for backup and overflow

Also Read: Best cameras for professional photography: 10 options to choose from

8. Nikon Z30 Kit with Z Dx 18-140Mm Lens,64Gb Uhs-I Sd Card,Bag,&Mh-32-Creator-Ready Digital Camera,Black

The Nikon Z30 with creator kit is a compact and versatile mirrorless camera designed for content creators and vloggers. With an 18-140mm lens and essential accessories included, this camera provides everything you need to start creating high-quality content for your audience.

Specifications of Nikon Z30 Kit with Z Dx 18-140Mm Lens,64Gb:

  • 20.9MP sensor
  • 4K UHD video recording
  • 209-point hybrid autofocus system
  • 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen
  • Creator kit with essential accessories

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid
Compact and versatile design for content creators Limited native lens options
High-quality 18-140mm lens included May require additional accessories for specific needs
Essential accessories for vlogging and content creation

Top 3 features of best Nikon cameras:

Best Nikon Cameras Resolution Autofocus System Video Recording
Nikon D7500 DX-Format Digital SLR Camera 20.9MP 51-point 4K UHD
Nikon D7500 DX-Format Digital SLR Camera with 18-140mm Lens 20.9MP 51-point 4K UHD
Nikon COOLPIX P950 Digital Camera 16MP 83x optical zoom 4K UHD
Nikon Z6 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 24-70mm Lens 24.5MP 273-point hybrid 4K UHD
Nikon Z50 Mirrorless Camera with 16-50mm Lens 20.9MP 209-point hybrid 4K UHD
Nikon Z50 Mirrorless Camera with 16-50mm and 50-250mm Lenses 20.9MP 209-point hybrid 4K UHD
Nikon Z6 II Mirrorless Camera Body 24.5MP 273-point hybrid 4K UHD
Nikon Z30 Mirrorless Camera with 18-140mm Lens and Creator Kit 20.9MP 209-point hybrid 4K UHD

Best value for money of Nikon camera:

The Nikon COOLPIX P950 Digital Camera offers the best value for money, with its powerful 83x optical zoom lens, 4K UHD video recording, and compact design. It provides incredible versatility for travel photography and wildlife enthusiasts without breaking the bank.

Best overall Nikon camera:

The Nikon Z6 II Mirrorless Camera Body stands out as the best overall product in this category, with its improved performance, 24.5MP sensor, 4K UHD video recording, and 5-axis in-body image stabilization. It’s a top choice for professional photographers and enthusiasts seeking the best in mirrorless technology.

Factors to keep in mind while choosing the best Nikon camera:

Camera type: Decide between DSLR or mirrorless cameras based on your photography style, preferences, and portability needs.

Sensor size and resolution: Evaluate sensor sizes (APS-C or full-frame) and resolution (megapixels) for image quality and low-light performance.

Lens compatibility: Check lens compatibility with Nikon’s F-mount or Z-mount system, ensuring availability of lenses for future expansion.

Features and technology: Look for features like autofocus system, image stabilization, video capabilities, and connectivity options (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth).

Budget and value: Balance your budget with camera features, opting for the best value that meets your photography goals and financial considerations.

Similar articles for you

Best cameras for beginners in 2024: Top 8 user-friendly and affordable options for novice photographers

Best cameras for photography: 9 top-rated DSLR and mirrorless cameras for high-quality shots

Best cameras for professional photography: 10 options to choose from

FAQs

Question : What is the price range of Nikon cameras?

Ans : The price range of Nikon cameras varies depending on the model, features, and included accessories. Entry-level DSLR cameras start at around Rs. 30,000, while high-end mirrorless cameras can go up to Rs. 3,00,000 or more.

Question : What are the key features to look for in a Nikon camera?

Ans : When choosing a Nikon camera, look for features such as high-resolution sensors, advanced autofocus systems, 4K video recording, compact and lightweight designs, and versatile lens options to suit your specific photography needs.

Question : How effective are Nikon cameras for travel photography?

Ans : Nikon cameras are highly effective for travel photography, offering a range of compact and lightweight options with powerful features such as high-resolution sensors, 4K video recording, and versatile lens kits for capturing stunning travel moments.

Question : What is the newest release in Nikon cameras this year?

Ans : The newest release in Nikon cameras this year is the Nikon Z30 Mirrorless Camera with 18-140mm Lens and Creator Kit, offering a compact and versatile design for content creators and vloggers, along with essential accessories for creating high-quality content.

Disclaimer: At Livemint, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Mint has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.

3.6 Crore Indians visited in a single day choosing us as India’s undisputed platform for General Election Results. Explore the latest updates here!

Catch all the Technology News and Updates on Live Mint.
Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates & Live Business News.

More
Less

Published: 08 Jul 2024, 10:00 AM IST

Duluth Folk School hosts smartphone photography class

By in Photography

Duluth Folk School hosts smartphone photography class

DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) – Many people have a camera with them at all times, in the form of a smartphone.

While using it may seem second nature to some, others may want to learn a few tricks from a pro to get their shots looking their best.

The Duluth Folk School held a special class Sunday to teach people smartphone photography.

Instructor Mark Bergman has been taking pictures for close to 60 years and has seen the art form change from black and white, to color, to digital.

He said getting a good shot requires a blend of of technology and choosing how the shot will be laid out.

”The technology side really determines how good the picture is taken, the artistic about the composition. We go into both of those,” said Bergman.

Bergman said one way to make your smartphone photos look better is to turn on the grid feature in the camera, which can help with composition.

He also suggests not turning on your filters before taking pictures, urging people to wait and do that after you’ve taken the shot.

For more information about classes offered at the Duluth Folk School, click here.

Click here to download the Northern News Now app or our Northern News Now First Alert weather app.

Copyright 2024 Northern News Now. All rights reserved.

Stampede is here: What our photographers saw during this first weekend

By in Photography

Stampede is here: What our photographers saw during this first weekend

THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

  • Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
  • Get exclusive access to the Calgary Herald ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
  • Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
  • Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
  • Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

  • Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
  • Get exclusive access to the Calgary Herald ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
  • Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
  • Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
  • Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

  • Access articles from across Canada with one account.
  • Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
  • Enjoy additional articles per month.
  • Get email updates from your favourite authors.

Cody Stampede Launched ‘Click’ Thompson’s Career As Top Rodeo…

By in Photography

Cody Stampede Launched ‘Click’ Thompson’s Career As Top Rodeo…

CODY — Two-time National Finals Rodeo Photographer of the Year Christopher “Click” Thompson has returned to this legendary Western Wyoming town that helped launch a rodeo photography career that has exceeded even his own wildest dreams.

Thompson returned this week to shoot the Cody Stampede Rodeo.

While he was here, he took time to give a little something back to the town that helped him get his start by hosting an exclusive photography seminar for rodeo shutterbugs.

Thompson has captured artistic, gritty shots from hundreds of rodeos, and he’s a regular at some of the best rodeos in the world. That includes Cheyenne Frontier Days and the Cody Stampede, as well as the Calgary Stampede and the Pendleton Roundup.

“It’s a surreal moment being back here,” Thompson told Cowboy State Daily. “Five years later, the resume looks quite a bit different than it did then.”

Then, Thompson was flat broke. He barely had enough money to buy a camping tent, and he wasn’t exactly sure how he was going afford gas to get back home to Texas.

He needed to shoot five Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) rodeos to become a card-carrying photographer on the circuit. A friend of his, who was the main photographer at the Cody Nite Rodeo and the Stampede Rodeo, invited him to come out and work with him to complete that task.

He’d been looking at a cheap hotel in the area, but it seemed pretty sketch. His friend suggested camping instead.

“I had never camped before,” Thompson said. “But they had their RV here at the Ponderosa campgrounds, and you can tent camp there as well. I”m like, ‘Well it saves me money, so why not?’”

His friend did a lot of work at the time for Coleman, an outdoor outfitters company, so they went to Walmart to buy Coleman camping gear, and Thompson placed his tent at the bottom of the hill at the campground, so it would make a cool photography shot.

“I was right by the river,” Thompson recalled. “And there were some 4H kids there.”

Thompson realized, watching the 4H kids working on their camps, that he probably didn’t know as much about camping as those youths.

He also had even less money than when he’d landed in Cody.

But there was a shower upstairs and he just had to have faith that all was going to be well. All his needs were being taken care of, somehow some way. All he had to do was concentrate on his best photography while he was here at the Cody Stampede Rodeo.

  • Click Thompson brought an impressive array of lenses and camera bodies to an exclusive seminar for rodeo shutterbugs.
    Click Thompson brought an impressive array of lenses and camera bodies to an exclusive seminar for rodeo shutterbugs. (Renee Jean, Cowboy State Daily)
  • Two-time Rodeo Photographer of the Year Christopher “Click” Thompson watches the action while Carrie Mazelin takes a few photos during a photography workshop with Thompson for rodeo shutterbugs. (Renee Jean, Cowboy State Daily)
  • That rope looked like it was going to land — but looks can be deceiving in rodeo. That's all part of the challenge when it comes to taking great photos at the Cody Stampede Rodeo.
    That rope looked like it was going to land — but looks can be deceiving in rodeo. That’s all part of the challenge when it comes to taking great photos at the Cody Stampede Rodeo. (Renee Jean, Cowboy State Daily)
  • The Cody Stampede Rodeo hosted Two-Time Rodeo Photographer of the Year Christopher “Click” Thompson, who also gave a seminar for rodeo shutterbugs while he was in Cody. (Renee Jean, Cowboy State Daily)

The Check Was In The Mail

Thompson had second-guessed leaving his Department of Defense job to chase photography dreams many times.

The time he spent in Cody was no different. Being flat broke, not knowing exactly how he was going to get back home, was a scary place to be in life.

“I think part of the reason my Plan A was successful was I really didn’t have a Plan B,” he said. “I mean, I knew that I would be OK if it didn’t work out. I knew there were other ways I could go, but I was kind of all in on this deal.”

About the time he was doubting his path the most, his mom called to tell him a check had arrived in the mail for him. It had $150 on it.

“Put that check in the bank,” he told her. “That is how I’m getting home.”

To this day, he doesn’t know where that check came from. Maybe he’d paid too much in taxes. But it didn’t matter. It was the boost he’d needed, right when he’d needed it.

“Every time I would maybe kind of second guess or doubt what I was doing, God would give me some reason, or there would be some sign that like, I’m on the right path,” Thompson said. “This was that moment in Cody.”

Camping in Cody was the first and the last time he ever had to sleep in a tent, Thompson said.

“Now I’m sleeping at the Holiday Inn, and I”m teaching people how to do what I do,” he said.

Home At The Rodeo

For Thompson, Rodeo has been one the most welcoming of environments. That’s part of the reason he fell in love with the sport while he was in Virginia.

A friend had invited him out to take photographs at a rodeo. Thompson arrived without expectations — but was almost immediately hooked.

There was the movement of the bulls — those muscles rippling under the surface, that power in their eyes. Each had a different personality. A personality he could capture with his camera.

They were captivating — and that was before he even saw bull-riding.

“Then a downpour came and here I am standing under a tent with a bunch of people I don’t know,” he said. “And it’s just a bunch of cowboys.”

But Thompson had this feeling that somehow he’d come home. This was where he was meant to be.

After that, he’d do a rodeo as often as he could. He was obsessed.

The bulls were raw power. Forces of nature.

And the cowboys who rode them …

He couldn’t get enough.

Before too long, Thompson’s photos were getting a lot of attention, and he got a couple of rodeo gigs over the course of a year, which made around $20,000.

“I thought if I could just string a couple more of these events together and do a few things on the side, maybe I might have something here,” he said. “I mean, it ain’t going to be the luxury lifestyle, but the freedom and the quality of life is definitely going to change.”

  • Two-time PRCA Rodeo Photographer of the Year Christopher “Click” Thompson shares tips for shooting the Cody Stampede Rodeo. (Renee Jean, Cowboy State Daily)
  • Christopher “Click” Thompson talks about making this photo, an award winner of a cowboy riding a horse that looks like a hurricane. (Renee Jean, Cowboy State Daily)
  • Two-time PRCA Rodeo Photographer of the Year Christopher “Click” Thompson talks about shooting the Cody Stampede Rodeo for an exclusive photography workshop for rodeo shutterbugs. (Renee Jean, Cowboy State Daily)
  • Action is fast at the Cody Stampede Rodeo — even when its during what’s known as “slack.” (Renee Jean, Cowboy State Daily)

That Gold Buckle Feeling

When Thompson shows up for a photography seminar, he brings an impressive array of telephoto and wide angle lenses. There’s at least 16 on the table and that’s not even all of the lenses he has.

But what really makes the difference is not the equipment. It’s his mindset.

He’s going to change his location. He’s going to think like the bulls and the cowboys, so he can anticipate where the action that makes the best photo is likeliest to happen.

He also knows the cowboys well. He knows their habits. He knows which ones are going to jump off the horse and fly through the air and which ones are going to take that moment to pump their fist when they taste victory in the dusty air.

The technical understanding of his equipment is important, but it’s the emotions he captures that makes a photographer of the year.

It’s an approach he freely shares with other rodeo shutterbugs during his seminars. It’s his way of giving back what he feels the universe of rodeo has given to him.

Being named PRCA Photographer of the Year for two years in a row was an awesome feeling, Thompson said.

But what really gives him the gold buckle feeling is knowing that he isn’t a Ferrari in first gear any more.

He’s in full throttle, chasing after his dreams, and, in doing that, he’s found his place in the world.

“No day is the same,” he said. “Each day is different. And there’s always new opportunities and I get to share what I do with people. So that’s pretty cool.”

Renée Jean can be reached at renee@cowboystatedaily.com.

In case you missed it

«< 27 28 29 30 31 >»