New York City’s iconic skyline has always inspired photographer Dan Martland. He loves it when stormy skies take over, as they often make for unique images. Martland was certainly lucky last week, when he got a rare shot of a lightning bolt striking Lady Liberty during a storm in the city.

While this isn’t the first time that Martland has captured lightning striking the Statue of Liberty, he was still surprised when he came away with the shot. “I wasn’t really expecting to get anything yesterday,” he tells My Modern Met. “I usually go for city shots, but the clouds were so low you couldn’t even see the buildings, so I decided to head to Liberty State Park and aim my cameras at the Statue of Liberty. A massive gamble focusing on something so small and precise. So, to get what I got was so lucky.”

Thanks to a dual camera setup, Martland actually caught a wide shot and a tight shot as the lightning bolt touched down on the statue’s torch. Incredibly, the shot is all down to timing, with Martland using a “lightning trigger” to ensure that he set off the shutter at the right time. As with all storm photography, this combination of precision, patience, and timing can make for some incredible shots.

“I usually track the weather with apps and head out if it’s looking good,” Martland explained while responding to comments on Instagram. “I’ve had a time where I’ve been out for eight hours and got nothing. Today was only an hour. The storm passed pretty quick. And the apps showed that there were no more cells coming my way.”

To purchase a print of this image, or any of Martland’s work, head over to his online shop.

Photographer Dan Martland was lucky enough to capture a photo of lightning striking the Statue of Liberty.

While some wondered if it was AI, the work is just the fruit of good photography skills, research, and patience.

Dan Martland: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Dan Martland.

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When I was a young photo student studying in college, my professor gave us a scavenger hunt for photography of sorts. One of the categories was “shoot from the hip.” I thought it was strange, but in hindsight, it was prescient advice.

Today, it sounds a bit silly to “shoot from the hip.” After all, most cameras have large, articulating screens. Such a concept is not only easy, but more accurate and precise than it ever was before. You can see exactly what you’re shooting, and it’s essentially no different than shooting through the viewfinder.

But it’s the spirit of that command – shoot from the hip – that resonates with me to this day. Cameras of that era didn’t have flipping screens, or at least most of them didn’t. Live view wasn’t even a thing in most cases for DSLRs. Autofocus only really worked well through a TTL viewfinder. It was that act of faith, of letting go and letting the composition gods decide what gets in the frame and what’s in focus, that made the image. What did I produce with my lowly Rebel XTi? About what you’d expect from a first semester photo student:

Uninspiring, to say the least.

But how can you take this sort of “assignment” and make it inspiring? England-based photographer Jeff Ascough of Walk Like Alice on YouTube has plenty of answers to take this particular style of photography to the next level.

He talks about how he often uses this method in street photography primarily because it affords him an element of stealth. People don’t often know he’s taken the shot, and for a shy photographer, that may be exactly the desire.

Beyond this, the style offers the potential for more interesting compositions. Everyone sees the world at eye level. Shooting from the hip avoids this photographic trope.

He also talks about why people may sometimes frown upon this particular type of shooting street photography.

There’s a lot more ground that Ascough covers in his video, in particular, some tips on picking the right lens (and sticking with it) for street photography, as well as how to set up your aperture, shutter speed, and focusing system to more consistently get things in focus than if you’re just spraying and praying as I was with the camera’s ancient autofocus system.

Check out the video above to see Ascough’s additional advice on shooting from the hip.

“Walk on the mallow side” by Jacki Gordon (United Kingdom). Production Paradise Previously Published, a category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024.
“During the COVID pandemic lockdown, I started photographing tiny railway model figures (just three quarters of an inch high) positioned with everyday items – usually food – in order to entertain my family and friends on social media. By the time the pandemic passed, I had developed an insatiable appetite for creating these little scenes.
The idea for this image came from me taking a bite out of a tea cake and being presented with its inner snow-like mallow – the perfect terrain for my tiny Nordic walkers to feel at home.”

Now in its 13th edition, the Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year is once again proving that photography can be both artistic and appetizing. The recently revealed shortlist of the 2024 competition highlights a plethora of food-related imagery from around the world. Selected from thousands of images from 65 countries that entered this year’s contest, the photos take us from a biker’s fast-food burger to the inner workings of a Michelin-starred restaurant.

The contest’s 17 categories offer ample scope for creative food photographers. Whether highlighting single ingredients or the bonds between people, the photographs remind us of the important role that food plays in our lives. A global judging panel will now have the difficult task of whittling down the list and selecting the winners, who will be announced at an awards ceremony in London in early June.

All of the finalists will see their work on display at The Malls Gallery in London as part of the Plate! St. James festival celebrating food, drink, and photography. Scroll down to see some of our favorite finalists and view the full shortlist on the Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year website.

Here are some of our favorite finalists from the 2024 Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year competition.

“The Pirates Catch – The Last Few” by Sarah Louise Ramsay (United Kingdom). Shortlist, Production Paradise Previously Published,  a category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024.
“The Pirates Catch is from a series called, ‘The Last Few’ created in Havana, Cuba in 2023. By law, the bulk of fish caught in Cuban waters must be handed to the state for distribution amongst the people. However, some of the poorest in Havana are brave enough to provide for their families by venturing out to sea using nothing more than inner tubes from trucks and tractors as makeshift fishing rafts. As darkness falls, the Pirate heads home, to feed his waiting family and friends. There used to be many. Now there are just a few.”

“Love” by Mohammad Fayzul Mowla (Bangladesh). Shortlist, World Food Programme Food for Life,  a category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024.
“I took this photograph in Chittagong, Bangladesh. A woman is feeding her pet cats. She is called Minnie’s mother by all the locals, as she calls all her pets ‘Minnie’. This woman has many pets. She spends half of the money she earns daily to feed these animals. She earns money by working in other people’s homes.”

“Peter enjoying his Scotch Broth by the fire with his dog, Seoras” by Susie Lowe (United Kingdom). Food for the Family, a category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024.
“The image of Peter MacQueen enjoying his Scotch broth by the fire with his West Highland Terrier, Seòras at his feet, was shot at Guardswell Farm in Perthshire, Scotland. It was photographed while shooting the Hebridean Baker at Home cookbook by Coinneach MacLeod. Peter is Coinneach’s partner and official recipe tester! Scotch broth is a traditional Scottish recipe that has been handed down through many generations. It’s warming on a cold day, comforting, nourishing and makes use of locally produced ingredients.”

“Side Street Hanoi” by David Cotsworth (United Kingdom). Shortlist, unearthed® Food for Sale,  a category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024.
“This photo was taken in Hanoi, Vietnam. I was on a family holiday, and we were just wandering through the many narrow side streets in the city, and I came across this old bicycle full of fruit; the colors against the dark background and rusty old bike made it really stand out.”

“Italian Oyster Mushroom” by Lynn Karlin (United States). Shortlist, Hotel Art Group Cream of the Crop, a category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024.
“This Italian Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus pulmonarius) was locally grown indoors on straw at Bramble Hill Farm in Unity, Maine. It has an earthy, mild flavor. The texture of the large fluted light brown cap and white gills is accentuated by the soft natural side light.”

“A rice cracker eclipse” by Julien Mazille (France). Shortlist, MPB Award for Innovation, a category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024.
“I always strive to create visuals that say a little more than what they appear to say. I’m sure you have already read books and taken great pleasure in the intertextuality, seen movies where the implicit elevated certain scenes, admired a painting for its multiple layers of meaning. There’s a lot of that in photography too. We can try to give the viewer a spectacle that isn’t just aesthetic. Even in food photography.”

“Hot & Spicy Honey Bacon” by Jackie Alpers (United States). Shortlist, Marks & Spencer Food Portraiture,  a category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024.
“Hot Honey Bacon is a recipe illustration from the culinary arts book, The Unofficial Yellowstone Cookbook, which was written and photographed by food photographer Jackie Alpers. The cookbook illustrates Western Americana recipes inspired by the Dutton family’s Montana ranch and the relationship the ranchers have with food and the land on the dramatic and sometimes violent Yellowstone television series. The images reflect regional culinary influences while exploring food history, symbolism, and cultural significance.”

“Figgy Sweet Cake Temptation” by Seersa Abaza (Jordan). Shortlist, Tiptree Cake Award,  a category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024.
“‘Figgy Sweet Cake Temptation’ captures the irresistible allure of a delicious cake topped with fresh figs and drizzled with syrup, all set against a clean white background. The image invites viewers to indulge in the rich flavors and textures of this mouthwatering dessert, showcasing the artistry of culinary delights.”

The winners will be announced in early June at an awards ceremony in London.

“Back to front (of house) in one shot” by John Carey (United Kingdom). Shortlist, Philip Harben Award for Food in Action,  a category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024.
“I have always been fascinated by the two contrasting worlds of the dining room and the kitchen, the front and back of house. When photographing at Adam Byatt’s Michelin-starred Trinity Restaurant in Clapham, I noticed there was just a thin wall separating the two contrasting environments. This was shot just before evening service. I wanted to portray the calm, warm, welcoming ambience in the dining room, juxtaposed with the busy, buzzy, chefs in the kitchen. The differences are what makes this shot for me.”

“First date in Vienna” by Guido Caltabiano (Italy). Shortlist, Food at the Table,  a category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024.
“I took this image during a trip to Vienna. It was a gloomy and freezing day. Stopping in the Café Museum for a quick coffee, I noticed this couple sharing an apple strudel. The café was packed with people, but they didn’t care. Coincidentally, a void had been created around them. The lines converged on them. With those pastel colors and the shelves full of books it seemed as if the scene was suspended in time. I liked the idea of it being their first date. I turned on the camera and shot.”

“Lunchtime at the Ashram” by Sue O’Connell (United Kingdom). Shortlist, Food for the Family,  a category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024.
“These gentlemen are pilgrims attending the mighty Kumbh Mela Hindu festival, reputed to be the largest gathering of humanity on earth. The venue is the northern Indian city of Haridwar on the banks of the Ganges. All pilgrims are offered food, usually dhal and rice, by local ashrams, and I was struck by the patience and discipline involved. Once the gates opened, a hundred or more men walked calmly and silently into the building and took up their places, waiting to be served. The meal over, they rose as one man and left as silently as they had entered.”

“Tomato Cans” by Alana Dimou (Australia). Shortlist, Claire Aho Award for Women Photographers,  a category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024.
“My Egyptian mother once told me, ” My mum used to say you’ll never go hungry if you have a tin of tomatoes in the pantry.” The beauty of tinned foods is often revered for its package and label design. In this case, I wanted to give prominence to the textures and abundance of tomatoes in a familiar setting, lauding this essential ingredient in Egyptian cooking.

“Biker Stop 2” by Harry Williams (United Kingdom). Shortlist, On the Phone,  a category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024.
“This image was shot on my iPhone at a roadside meeting place popular with bikers in the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales. I had arranged to meet a good friend, who is an avid biker, for a catch-up in the fresh air amongst the hills. I treated him to a burger on the condition that I could use it, and his bike, for the shot (no expense spared!).”

“Cave Fishing” by Natnattcha Chaturapitamorn (Thailand). Shortlist, Tenderstem® Bring Home the Harvest,  a category of Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year 2024.
“A father and son catching fish by using bamboo basket trap inside a karst cave in South Vietnam during the monsoon season. Cave fishing can only be done in the monsoon season when the cave chamber is flooded by rainwater.”

Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year: Website | Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year.

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Exiting the elevator on the 7th floor of Pace Gallery thrusts a person right into the latest solo exhibition of the incredible Josef Koudelka. But it doesn’t prepare you for what you’re about to experience. It feels almost like you understand a secret language only true artists and photographers speak. Specifically, one must also understand the Koudlekan dialect — which should be a romance language in which one must forget all they know about landscapes and documentary photography. One can stare at Josef’s images the way one stares at the stars at night in amazement and wonder.

Josef Koudelka Industry can be seen at Pace Gallery in NYC until April 27th, 2024.

Josef Koudelka: His Importance

“Photography is big,” Koudleka is quoted saying in a 2015 article we wrote. “There’s room for everyone.” That’s part of what’s so incredible about his work. His images take the panoramic format, mix in black and white, and add abstractions to the many landscapes he photographs. There’s a genre of photographers who wouldn’t call what he does landscape photography, but it is a completely different type. Josef documents slices of life without humans that tell many stories in single frames. His work is brilliant because Josef doesn’t only look, but he sees. More specifically, he sees and understands what the human eye and a camera can’t see — then he makes his images.

Josef is arguably one of the most important Magnum Photographers alive today — and I’d argue that he will be one of the most important even when he passes. To this day, no one has made work like him. He’s known for his panoramic work, though he’s also done a lot of other documentary-style images. We called his book Chaos the greatest black-and-white photography book ever made. And he also rated Exiles as a book that would inspire you.

Solo exhibits of Koudelka’s are fairly rare — a notable one was at the Leitz Museum a few years ago.

A New Yorker article relates that Josef once had his belongings stolen from him and hints that lost images of his might be out there still.

The Photos of a Quiet Genius at Pace Gallery

The room at Pace Gallery has only a few massive prints on the wall hanging in a frame. When you look at the images, you see one world — and when you turn around, you see the buildings of NYC. In this one room, you’re absolutely, fully surrounded by Industry — which is what this series is about. That means the prints have reflections, but they pretty much disappear at the right viewing distance. However, that doesn’t fight the urge to get close to the prints and observe their little details.

Along another wall, you’ll find loads of small prints that look almost like a stack your grandfather would pull out of his wallet. These require you to get up close — and they’ll all transport you to a place you wouldn’t have thought existed. In this way, you realize the true power of print’s ability to be able to captivate someone even at a small size. Of course, it helps that the work is great and matters how it was done.

But one of the best parts is the display of Josef’s books. Books often go mostly untouched in most exhibits and galleries because of the understanding that you’re in a museum exhibit. However, you’re really encouraged to go through the books here. Joel Meyerowitz, another Magnum photographer, teaches an important lesson of engaging the senses- perhaps the biggest thing here. As video engages the eyes and ears, the print engages the eyes and hands. Touch and sight are where some photographers might get the best experience coupled with the subtle northern light from the floor-to-ceiling windows. That light provides a soft glow to the images in the book, making them radiate a beauty akin to a family wearing their Sunday best to church.

Embark on a journey of discovery and create memories that will last a lifetime with LocationScout — an innovative platform designed to help travelers and photographers find the world’s most beautiful spots. With LocationScout, users gain access to exact geo-positions for stunning locations and expert advice on capturing them in the best possible way.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or an aspiring photographer, LocationScout offers a treasure trove of inspiration and guidance. Simply type in your destination, and the platform pulls up a curated selection of breathtaking places to explore and photograph.

LocationScout empowers users to make the most of their travels and photography excursions, ensuring that every moment is captured in its full splendor. With its user-friendly interface and expert recommendations, LocationScout is your ultimate companion for creating unforgettable memories around the globe.

Image Credit: LocationScout

A love of photography and the West started Stoecklein Photography’s workshops, and that passion continues to energize these amazing experiences.

In 2010, world-renowned photographer David Stoecklein began hosting photography workshops at his family ranch in Mackay, Idaho. His goal was to share his love of photography and of the West — its culture, landscapes, and people. Since Stoecklein’s death in 2014, his son Drew, also a professional photographer, has continued sharing his father’s passion with fellow photographers in workshops at various ranches across the country.

Now, C&I’s Stoecklein Photography Western Photo Workshop Giveaway is offering a lucky winner the chance to attend one of these unforgettable two-day workshops to see the sights and learn the skills in Idaho’s Stoecklein country.

At Stoecklein Photography’s Western Photo Workshop, photography is more than just taking pictures. It’s about capturing a moment, telling a story, and sharing your perspective with the world. The one-of-a-kind workshops offer a unique Western experience, allowing you to learn from the best in the field. Each workshop is designed to help develop your vision and refine your skills, no matter what level you are.

Click and scroll right to preview images from Stoecklein Photography’s Western Photo Workshops.

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Enter below for your chance to win a coveted spot at Stoecklein Photography’s September Western Photo Workshop.

WHEN: Sep. 27, 2024, 6:00 p.m. – Sep 29, 2024, 9:30 p.m.

Workshop Itinerary
Fri, Sept 27: Check-in and orientation at 6PM
Sat, Sept 28: Workshop
Sun, Sept 29: Workshop and final slideshow until 9:30PM
Mon, Sept 30: Departures

WHERE: Three Sisters Ranch, Mackay, ID

HOTEL / LODGING: Complimentary 3 night stay at Bear Bottom Inn, 412 Spruce St., Mackay, Idaho 83251

ABOUT: Outdoor Photographer once listed the Three Sisters Ranch as one of the “greatest outdoor photo studios in the world.” Nestled at the top of Idaho in the picturesque Lost River Valley, the ranch sits at almost 6,000 feet with the majestic Lost River Range rising above it with peaks of over 12,000 feet. This was David Stoecklein’s favorite place to take photographs. Here, he created countless images for iconic brands like Chevrolet, Copenhagen, Stetson, and Marlboro — to name a few. Students in the workshop will capture fall colors in the mountains, running horses, and candid moments with cowboys, cowgirls, and cattle.

And, don’t worry about what to wear – Roper Apparel & Footwear is contributing a $1,000 gift certificate.

Speaking of Idaho: Be sure to watch for our feature on the photogenic state in the July issue of C&I, on sale June 4.

All Photography Courtesy of Stoecklein Photography

The Giveaway is open to legal residents of the United States and the District of Columbia, age 21 or older at the time of entry. Void outside of the United States and where prohibited. All methods of entry have an equal chance of winning.

Click here for full Terms & Conditions.

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