Photography

I went on a tour of Alaska to improve my photography. Here’s what I learned

I went on a tour of Alaska to improve my photography. Here’s what I learned

My Mission

Travel photography by Andrew Corless

(Image credit: Andrew Corless)

Mission: Turn a holiday tour of Alaska into a red-letter photography trip
Photographer: Andrew Corless
Location: Oxfordshire, UK
Kit used: Nikon Z7 II, Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/travelphoto588

I’ve been traveling at every opportunity all of my life. My parents used to drag me off across Europe in the early 1950s, before roll-on/roll-off ferries. Unfortunately, 10 years ago I had a stroke. Lying in hospital, I imagined that at least I would now have more time for photography. Imagine my dismay when I got home to find that I didn’t have the strength in my arms even to lift my Nikon D800. 

Thankfully, after some time with a compact camera, I’m back. Armed with a Nikon Z7 II and a Nikon Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR lens, my wife and I decided to head off to Alaska. I like to travel independently, but we now felt we needed the security of joining some group tours.

This curtailed many photo opportunities, of course, but it opened up many others. I spent some time considering this dilemma and came up with some constructive ideas so that we returned home with some credible images, not just factual reminders of our trip. Alaskans describe their state as the last frontier; every day was an adventure, and photographic opportunities abounded.

My best shots

(Image credit: Andrew Corless)

I always like to go for a window seat on a plane; seat reclined, beer in one hand and camera in the other. It’s surprising what you can capture as the world flies by, and what comes along may be a complete surprise.

Flying over the Rockies, I got a bird’s-eye view of the peaks, enabling an image that is not normally available to us.

(Image credit: Andrew Corless)

This chocolate-box landscape image was made available at a comfort stop on the bus tour. While some rushed to the loo, others waved their phones about taking selfies, crowding around each other for the best vantage point. By walking just 20 yards away down the path, I was able to dodge the crowd and capture the shot, still leaving enough time to use the facilities!

Always be prepared to grab a quick shot from a coach window; you’ll be surprised what opportunities might come your way. I travel with my Z7 II at the ready: Shutter Priority selected and set at, say, 1/400 sec; Auto ISO activated; and on single-point AF with focus prioritized, so that the shutter only fires when the subject is in focus.

When traveling on a bus, I like to select a window seat on the opposite side to the driver. This way, I don’t have to shoot across another lane of traffic. I’ve found that by pushing a finger hard onto the window and, an inch further up, a finger onto the lens hood, I can absorb some of the vibrations caused by the vehicle, while getting close enough to the glass to avoid reflections. One bonus is that modern coach and train windows are tinted, which I’ve found can work like a polarizer.

(Image credit: Andrew Corless)

On a very rough whale-watching tour – everyone looked very green – we were lucky enough to see four whales diving and forcing their prey up to the surface. It was a tremendous opportunity for my Nikon, just like a David Attenborough documentary. Despite our good luck, we couldn’t stand up safely for the rolling boat. I was able to get to the very stern of the craft and, by forcing one foot on the port side (left) of the boat, the other on the transom (rear) and pushing my back into a fixed seat, I was able to transform my body into a tripod, leaving my hands to fire away.

(Image credit: Andrew Corless)

We joined a small group on a brown bear viewing tour. Along with our guide, we ventured along a salmon river and, once again, we were in luck. I only had my trusty 24-200mm zoom lens and getting closer wasn’t an option, so I swapped to DX crop mode, which effectively turned the lens into a 300mm focal length, while sacrificing some pixels.

(Image credit: Andrew Corless)

Denali (once referred to as Mount McKinley) is the highest mountain in North America, but the peak is rarely visible, as it’s usually covered in cloud. This view is so occasional that the bus driver made an unscheduled stop at the nearest lay-by and let passengers off for photos. Even the driver joined in to capture this rare photographic opportunity.

I set my camera to Aperture Priority and changed the crop mode from FX to DX. This wasn’t solely to fill more of the frame with the mountain, but to bring in more forest, because I liked the contrast between the green trees, the white snow and the beautiful blue sky.

My travel tour photography tips

  • Travel as light as possible. I have a gilet with large pockets – this enables me to ‘wear’ my daily equipment. A versatile superzoom lens, such as my 24-200mm, allows you to shoot multiple genres.
  • Traveling with a tour group does limit your freedom, but opportunities will occur. Be prepared by keeping your camera at the ready, as you often only have a split second to grab an image.
  • If you have a choice, plan activities carefully. For example, opt for nature tours in the early morning or late afternoon for the best chance of catching animals in action.

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UTEP scientists capture first known photographs of tropical bird long thought lost

UTEP scientists capture first known photographs of tropical bird long thought lost
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The yellow-crested helmetshrike is a rare bird species endemic to Africa that had been listed as “lost” by the American Bird Conservancy when it hadn’t been seen in nearly two decades. Until now.

Scientists from the University of Texas at El Paso were able to locate and capture the first-ever photos of the bird during a six-week expedition through the cloud forests of a mountain range in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

It was just one of several exciting discoveries made during the trip, which was co-led by UTEP biological sciences professors Dr. Eli Greenbaum, a herpetologist, and Dr. Michael Harvey, an ornithologist.

Greenbaum joined the Standard to talk about the experience. Listen to the interview above or read the transcript below.

This transcript has been edited lightly for clarity:

Texas Standard: So what were you set out to find on this expedition? Was it just a looking for whatever species that you could find, and you were sort of open to all of the surprises?

Eli Greenbaum: Well, there’s a long history of research in the Albertine Rift mountains, which are the mountains sort of along the eastern border of Democratic Republic of the Congo. And it is one of the most biodiverse places in continental Africa. And within that, the Itombwe Plateau, where we focus our research, is sort of the crown jewel of all of that.

Congo was a Belgian colony back in the late 19th, early 20th century. And for some reason, the Belgians just didn’t spend a lot of time around Itombwe. But the little bit that they did was absolutely incredible. They found frogs that are in Itombwe and nowhere else.

So we kind of had an inkling that this was an area that has really high biodiversity, but also poorly known biodiversity.

Now, what are some of the reasons why it’s difficult to explore? I mean, it sounds like it’s just frankly a sort of difficult area to traverse. 

Yes. I mean, the terrain is really rugged.

So back in the colonial era, there was a road that the Belgians made for mining purposes. And we actually followed part of that road during the expedition that happened in December and January. But it’s been many decades since anyone used that road. And there are now trees growing in the middle of the road.

Every couple of hundred feet there’s a tree that has fallen down in the road. So you have to figure out, “gosh, okay, do I jump over this tree? Do I climb over it? Do I crawl down into the muddy water underneath it and sort of scoot underneath it?” So it’s like an obstacle course.

At one point during the expedition we walked 14 miles in seven hours through torrential downpour. So it’s not something that the average person would want to do. It’s really tough going through the terrain.

Now, in addition to that, Central Africa in general is really well-endowed for tropical disease. So you have everything from deadly Ebola to dengue fever, yellow fever, malaria. And then there are several armed groups that are active in and around Itombwe.

John Fielder’s Legacy: Colorado’s Premier Nature Photographer Dona…

John Fielder’s Legacy: Colorado’s Premier Nature Photographer Dona…
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Colorado’s rich tapestry of natural beauty, from its sprawling landscapes to its vital waterways, has long been a source of inspiration and awe. Integral to preserving and showcasing this beauty was John Fielder, a renowned nature photographer whose work has been pivotal in capturing Colorado’s essence for over five decades. In January 2023, Fielder made a significant contribution to the History Colorado museum by donating over 6,000 photographs, a gesture that ensures his legacy will continue to inspire long after his passing in August of the same year.

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A Life Dedicated to Colorado’s Natural Beauty

Fielder’s journey with photography began in 1973, initially as a means to earn a living. However, his path took a decisive turn towards activism in the 90s, as he began to leverage his photography to advocate for the preservation of Colorado’s unmatched outdoor spaces. His efforts were instrumental in the establishment of Great Outdoors Colorado, a unique initiative funded by lottery profits dedicated to conserving the state’s outdoor heritage. Fielder’s work transcended mere photography, becoming a powerful tool for environmental advocacy and education.

Preserving History Through the Lens

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Among Fielder’s most notable contributions is his book “Colorado 1870-2000,” where he juxtaposed his photographs with those of William Henry Jackson from the 1800s, offering a stark visual comparison of the state’s evolving landscape. This project highlighted the tangible impacts of human activity on nature and underscored the importance of conservation efforts. Fielder’s dedication to capturing every corner of Colorado has left an indelible mark, providing a visual record that continues to advocate for the protection of these landscapes.

Legacy of Inspiration and Protection

Fielder’s work extends beyond the realm of photography; it is a testament to the power of visual storytelling in environmental conservation. His photographs do more than capture the beauty of Colorado—they invite viewers to engage with nature, to explore and to protect it. The rotating exhibitions at the History Colorado museum, along with Fielder’s published works, ensure that his message and vision endure. Through his lens, Fielder has immortalized Colorado’s landscapes, inspiring current and future generations to appreciate and preserve the natural world.

Reflecting on John Fielder’s contributions offers a poignant reminder of the fragile beauty that surrounds us. His photographs not only serve as a window to Colorado’s soul but also as a call to action to safeguard these treasures for posterity. As we navigate the challenges of environmental conservation, Fielder’s legacy illuminates the path forward, reminding us of the profound impact one individual’s passion and dedication can have on the world.

Fotografiska New York Will Celebrate PEOPLE’s 50th Anniversary with One-of-a-Kind Photography Exhibition from May 9

Fotografiska New York Will Celebrate PEOPLE’s 50th Anniversary with One-of-a-Kind Photography Exhibition from May 9

The exhibit will cover 50 years of the brand’s most iconic photography from major cultural events of the 20th century

NEW YORK, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today, on PEOPLE’s 50th anniversary, Fotografiska New York is excited to announce that it will present the brand’s first-ever museum exhibition. PEOPLE: Celebrating 50 Years will open on May 9, 2024, featuring original covers and photographs from the magazine, multimedia, and interactive elements that let visitors become cover stars. The unique archive includes images and ephemera that celebrate the world’s most beloved celebrities and capture cultural moments that captivated the world.

Since its inception in 1974, PEOPLE has stayed true to its original mission of covering extraordinary people doing ordinary things and ordinary people doing extraordinary things, giving its audience a front-row seat on pop culture and an intimate look into the lives of everyday heroes. From its first nationwide cover with Mia Farrow (recreated by Taylor Swift for the brand’s 40th anniversary) to unforgettable covers of Princess Diana and the 9/11 tragedy, PEOPLE has featured A-listers and newsmakers and people from all walks of life, showcasing the diversity and dynamism of the human experience.

PEOPLE’s success has been deeply connected to the power of the photographic image, with the very first prospectus for the magazine stating, “the succession of dramatic images should make turning the pages irresistible.” Some of the greatest photographers of their generation have worked with the magazine, including Martin Schoeller, Harry Benson, Gordon Parks, Co Rentmeester (and daughter Coliena Rentmeester), Ruven Afanador, Cass Bird, Elinor Carucci and Art Streiber who is also creating the cover of PEOPLE’s 50th Special Issue on newsstands on April 12, 2024.

“The history of PEOPLE is a microcosm of the changes that have happened in pop culture over the past 50 years,” said Sophie Wright, Executive Director of Fotografiska New York. “At the heart of this story is photography, and we are delighted to collaborate on this exhibition that celebrates the images that have defined PEOPLE and brought its human centered storytelling to life. Featuring well known subjects from film, fashion, music and beyond, to issue based reportage  – it gives our visitors a chance to revisit some of its most notable coverage of the past 50 years.”

“For 50 years, PEOPLE has chronicled the biggest moments in pop culture, and our photographs–combined with our unparalleled reporting–have given the world an up close and personal look not only at world’s most high-profile names, but also the unseen stories that make up the fabric of this country,” says Wendy Naugle, Editor in Chief, PEOPLE. “We are excited to show the brand’s evolution as we continue to innovate and lead the pop culture conversation on all platforms. I can’t wait for everyone to enjoy this immersive, multimedia experience at Fotografiska.”

The exhibit is co-curated by Pauline Vermare, an independent photography historian and curator based in New York City. Vermare was formerly the cultural director of Magnum Photos in New York, and a curator at the International Center of Photography and The Museum of Modern Art. She previously worked at the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson, in Paris.

PEOPLE: Celebrating 50 Years will run from May 9 through June 2, 2024, and will include live events and panels throughout the month.

About Fotografiska
Fotografiska is the contemporary museum for photography, art, and culture. Founded in Stockholm in 2010 and led globally by its Chairman Yoram Roth, Fotografiska is a destination to discover world-class photography, eclectic programming, elevated dining, and surprising new perspectives.

Guided by a mission to inspire a more conscious world through the power of photography, art, and culture, Fotografiska produces dynamic and unparalleled rotating exhibitions, spanning various genres in inclusive environments. With a dedicated international community and locations in Stockholm, New York City, Tallinn, Berlin and Shanghai, Fotografiska is the premier global gathering place for photography and culture.

www.fotografiska.com/nyc | @fotografiska.newyork

About PEOPLE
Dotdash Meredith’s PEOPLE revolutionized personality journalism when it launched as a weekly in 1974 with a mission to celebrate extraordinary people doing ordinary things and ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Ubiquitous and still at the center of pop culture for 50 years, the PEOPLE brand is accessible across all media and platforms (print, digital, video, podcasts, social) bringing more than 100 million consumers a unique mix of breaking entertainment news, exclusive photos, video, unparalleled access to the red carpet, celebrities, and in-depth reporting on the most compelling newsmakers of our time. An essential component of PEOPLE’s editorial vision remains human interest stories, which touch and often mirror the lives of our passionate audience. ComScore ranks the PEOPLE/Entertainment Weekly Digital Network No. 1 in the entertainment news category.

SOURCE PEOPLE

Lee Miller: From Model to Photographer

Lee Miller: From Model to Photographer

Lee Miller, an artist and pioneering photographer, left a mark on the world of photography and the broader art scene. Her creativity and a keen eye for capturing the essence of moments, have solidified her place as a trailblazer in the field.

Born Elizabeth “Lee” Miller on April 23, 1907, in Poughkeepsie, New York, she embarked on a journey that began as a fashion model in New York City during the 1920s where she captured the attention of renowned photographers such as Edward Steichen and Arnold Genthe. However, it was her transition from in front of the camera to behind it that would define her legacy and impact on photography. It was also around this time, Miller would move to Paris where she would immerse herself in the vibrant Surrealist and Dadaist art scenes. Here, she became the muse and collaborator of Surrealist artist Man Ray resulting in her stepping behind the camera. Shortly after picking up a camera, Miller captured the avant-garde spirit of the era featuring prominent figures like Pablo Picasso, Jean Cocteau, and Max Ernst.

Miller’s career took a drastic turn at the onset of World War II. While being a war correspondent for Vogue, she was one of the few female photojournalists covering the devastation of war by capturing powerful images from the Blitz in London, the liberation of Paris, and the concentration camps in Germany. Her photographs conveyed the human toll of conflict with raw emotion and empathy.

Lee Miller’s journey from a model in the bustling streets of New York to a front-line war correspondent in Europe is a testament to her technical proficiency in photography, her ability to seamlessly transition between genres – from fashion and portraiture to war journalism – showcased her versatility and mastery of the craft. Her legacy lives on not only in the iconic images she produced but also in the trail she blazed for future generations of photographers. The video above from, Joshua Timpko, delves into the life and legacy of Lee Miller, exploring her contributions to photography and her lasting impact on the art world.

Wedding photographer at centre of row with vicars calls for truce

Wedding photographer at centre of row with vicars calls for truce
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A wedding photographer at the centre of a row with vicars that has sparked an intervention by a former archbishop has called for the two camps to put aside their differences and work in peaceful harmony.

Last week more than 900 wedding photographers signed a petition started by photographer Rachel Roberts, who urged vicars to “improve” their working conditions after complaints that some clergymen and women had been making it difficult to take photos inside church premises.

It stated that “problematic vicars” were more often than not “rude, humiliating, aggressive and abusive”. In a viral video on TikTok seen by more than 2m, one vicar is seen pausing a service to prevent a photographer from taking shots.

Former archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams waded into the debate, conceding that while vicars could be “irritating” that there are two sides to every story and it was not unreasonable to ask photographers to behave.

Roberts said tension between photographers and the clergy has been an ongoing issue in the industry for so long that she had to “light the flame under the community” and make sure people did something about it.

Roberts who is 37 and from Lincoln said: “Everyone’s just kind of sitting back and taking it lying down. And you know, from the perspective of the priests and vicars, they’re probably like, ‘oh, they just come in here and they do all this,’ and no one’s actually started a conversation about it.

“I think regardless of what vicars think we do, in terms of our behaviour, there’s never ever a reason to justify aggression and public humiliation, especially at someone’s wedding, like it is not the time and the place.

“Something needed to be started – it just took off because everyone felt so strongly about it, but also, because if it is anyone that you wouldn’t expect to be aggressive and publicly rude. It’s a vicar.”

Roberts also said that in her six years as a professional photographer she had had an experience working in a church where a vicar prohibited photography during a wedding ceremony and asked to set some up at the end, like two or three pose ones, but it meant missing key moments like the bride being walked down the aisle by her father.

She added: “They basically forget the fact that two people are getting married, and it’s the most important day of their lives. They put their own objectives and their own rules first and forget the reason why we’re all actually here.

“I don’t want to be seen as vicar bashing. I think people are relieved that I’m doing it in such a way so that we’re not falling out with priests and vicars. We’re actually trying to build bridges and move forward.”

Lambeth Palace has been approached for comment.

Jason Lee From ‘My Name is Earl’ Opened a Camera Store

Jason Lee From ‘My Name is Earl’ Opened a Camera Store

Eagle Rock Camera and Goods opens in Los Angeles. Analog photography store founded by actor Jason Lee.

Famous actor and avid photographer Jason Lee, best known for his eponymous role in NBC’s hit sitcom My Name Is Earl, recently opened a photography shop and camera store in Los Angeles with fellow photographer Raymond Molinar.

The aptly named Eagle Rock Camera & Goods, located at 1754 Colorado Boulevard in LA’s Eagle Rock neighborhood, may not yet have a fully-realized website but the shop opened late last year and has played host to guest speakers like Jerry Hsu and Greg Hunt.

Jason Lee, 53, has quite an eclectic career. He dropped out of high school in southern California to pursue professional skateboarding, turning pro in 1988 before retiring in 1996.

He had a few minor acting roles in the early 1990s and made his film debut in Kevin Smith’s 1995 cult classic Mallrats. Lee then earned leading roles in Heartbreakers, Stealing Harvard, and more, alongside supporting roles in major motion pictures including Vanilla Sky and Dreamcatcher. Lee is perhaps best known for his award-winning spell as Earl Hickey in NBC’s My Name is Earl, which ran for four seasons from 2005 through 2009.

Beyond skating and acting, Lee also got bitten by the photography bug. He began shooting regularly in the early 2000s and has published multiple photography books, including A Plain View in 2018.

Last spring, Lee’s name crossed PetaPixel‘s radar when he and other celebrities joined a Magnum Photos Square Print Sale.

In a 2022 interview with Japan Camera Hunter, Lee says after a few years of filming skateboarding, he dove headfirst into photography starting in 2002 when he bought a Leica M6 and Mamiya RZ67 medium format camera. Lee has long stuck with film photography, and analog equipment is the primary focus of the new Eagle Rock Camera & Goods shop.

“It’s just all I’ve known,” Lee tells Japan Camera Hunter of his love affair with analog photography. “And it’s incomparable. You can really feel film when you see it, even when it’s been scanned and digitally printed. And it’s archival.”

Eagle Rock Camera & Goods sells film cameras, film, camera and photo accessories, and photography books. It looks like a must-visit location for any photography enthusiasts living in or visiting the Los Angeles area.

The shop is open Wednesday through Sunday, and its complete hours are available on Instagram.


Image credits: Header photo created with an image licensed via Depositphotos.

Waco Man Arrested for Illegal Photography in Retail Mishap: Privac…

Waco Man Arrested for Illegal Photography in Retail Mishap: Privac…
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In a disturbing breach of privacy, a 27-year-old man, identified as Shai Christopher Melendez, was apprehended on Sunday in a Waco retail store for allegedly taking invasive photographs of a woman. The incident, which took place in the 5400 block of Bosque Boulevard, has sparked concerns over surveillance and personal safety in public spaces.

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Alert Employee Thwarts Privacy Invasion

An observant store employee was the first to notice Melendez’s suspicious behavior, as he appeared to be following a specific customer while clandestinely taking pictures up her skirt with his cell phone. Alarmed by his actions, the employee promptly alerted the unsuspecting customer and contacted the police. The swift response led to Melendez’s arrest, with officers seizing his cell phone and securing store security footage on a flash drive as evidence. A witness statement from the store employee further bolstered the case against Melendez.

Legal Ramifications and Public Reaction

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Following his arrest, Melendez was charged with improper photography or visual recording, a state jail felony, underscoring the seriousness of his actions. As he remained in McLennan County Jail awaiting bond determination, the incident has ignited a broader discussion on the rights to privacy and the need for vigilance in public spaces. Community members and privacy advocates are calling for stricter penalties and more robust protections to deter such invasive behavior and safeguard individuals’ dignity.

Enhancing Security Measures in Public Spaces

In response to the incident, retail stores in the area are re-evaluating their security protocols, with some considering increased surveillance and employee training on how to handle similar situations. The goal is to create a safer environment for customers and prevent future privacy violations. Legal experts also emphasize the importance of awareness and education in combatting such offenses, encouraging individuals to remain alert and report suspicious activities to authorities.

This unsettling event serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in maintaining personal privacy in the digital age. As technology continues to evolve, so too must the measures to protect against its misuse. Community members, retailers, and law enforcement agencies are urged to collaborate in fostering a culture of respect and safety, ensuring that public spaces remain welcoming and secure for everyone.

Kate Bakhuyzen finds an expressive outlet through jujitsu and photography

Kate Bakhuyzen finds an expressive outlet through jujitsu and photography
Kate Bakhuyzen

Kate and some of her friends at Unity jujitsu.

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When junior Kate Bakhuyzen took her boyfriend to one of her jujitsu classes, it resulted in a bloody nose and a funny memory for both of them.

Jujitsu is a form of martial art and fighting; it does not use weapons, instead, it utilizes the enemy’s energy against them and involves moves like holds and takedowns. 

Kate has been practicing the art of jujitsu for around two years at Unity (a Martial Arts School) in Grand Rapids. She enjoys doing jujitsu because of the surplus of skills she gains both physically and mentally. 

“[Jujitsu is] oddly calming,” Kate said. “not a lot of people get the opportunity to let their anger out, so I feel very fortunate that I have that outlet; I have really bad ADHD so it calms me down the next day.”

Kate is a fourth-degree white belt, which is one step below a blue belt—which is two belts below a black belt. Throughout her time participating in jujitsu, she has gained an abundance of traits and attributes that improve her everyday life. She has not always won in jujitsu, and because of jujitsu, she has become better at accepting her losses.

“I’ve learned a lot about patience and a lot about losing,” Kate said. “It takes a lot of determination because you will fail and never stop failing, even when you’re a black belt.”

I really love that I’m able to capture small moments in life and just show it to other people

— Kate Bakhuyzen

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One of the aspects of her sport Kate loves is the community she has found. She enjoys spending her time at lessons with all of the friends she has made. 

With her experience of jujitsu, she would recommend it to others. It provides knowledge in many skills regarding self-defense.

“I would encourage people to do jujitsu, especially girls,” Kate said. “I think all girls should know at least a little bit of jujitsu because it’s all ground fighting. For women, it is very important self-defense that we all [should] know.

Another hobby Kate enjoys spending her time with is photography. She does Macro photography—a type of close-up photography that involves photographing small objects to make them appear life-sized or larger in the picture than they are in reality. 

Kate has taken photos of many different subjects including flowers, trees, plants, and animals. She has also taken photographs at places like Fredrick Meijer Gardens where they have an abundance of plant life. One of her favorite photos features a bonsai tree.

“I took a photo of a bonsai tree and I like it because it makes you feel like you’re inside of the tree,” Kate said. “I follow the natural curve line of the tree, and it just looks cool.”

Taking photos allows Kate to express herself. She is very creative and loves the outlet to display her creativity. One skill she excels at is playing with sunlight and capturing it in many different ways.

“I really love that I’m able to capture small moments in life and just show it to other people,” Kate said. “[Photography makes me] really proud because I’m not good at drawing, but I’m an artist. It’s a way for me to convey my creativity in a skillful way.”

Kate Bakhuyzen

Though her two hobbies seem to be different from in each other most ways, they do have their similarities. Traits she has learned from photography have carried over into jujitsu and vice versa. Kate has applied valuable aspects of both photography and jujitsu into her life and they allow her to express herself in different ways. 

“Noticing small details in photography helps with jujitsu because you need to notice every little thing the person is doing,” Kate said. “Then, the patience that I learned in jujitsu helps with photography and getting the right shot.”

The last sciatica healer in Francalanci’s shots

The last sciatica healer in Francalanci’s shots

The world is changing, and the realm of technology seems to do so faster than others. The evidence lies in the dozens of innovations presented every month, and just when we think there’s no further to go, we are proven wrong by a new invention. However, something remains constant: the importance of the bond between mobile telephony and photography. How often does the purchase of a smartphone hinge on the quality of its camera? Ultimately, what we desire is a device we can rely on not only for calling, messaging, or working but also for capturing our daily lives in a single shot, documenting what happens around us on the streets, the faces we encounter every day. Xiaomi understands this better than others, and since 2022, when it decided to join forces with Leica, it has offered the possibility of having a device capable of turning anyone into a professional photographer.

On February 25th, in Barcelona, Xiaomi reaffirmed its position by introducing the new Xiaomi 14 Series, which includes the two smartphones Xiaomi 14 and 14 Ultra.

We decided to put the Xiaomi 14 and its three cameras to the test, and what better place to do it than Barcelona? The grid of streets in the capital of Catalonia, alternating between wide avenues and narrow alleys, gave us the opportunity to play with zoom and wide-angle lenses to capture all its elements, while long exposure came to our aid in freezing the city’s dynamism in time.

We couldn’t miss out on the contribution Leica has provided. The Leica Vivace style came to our rescue in one of Barcelona’s most chaotic places, La Boqueria. Here, the colors and neon lights of the stalls are as numerous as the scents and smells of the typical products, which are impossible to resist.

We moved to the other side of the city, precisely to the Barcelona Pavilion designed by the German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for the 1929 Universal Exposition, to make the most of the Leica Authentico style. Here, Barcelona’s typical natural light enhances the linear and severe forms of the structure, highlighting the colors of the various marbles used. The Xiaomi managed to capture its beauty, not leaving behind even the reflections of the two water mirrors in the Pavilion.

Finally, we focused the lens of the Xiaomi 14 on the people, the true soul of the city. With many kilometers in our legs and the gallery full of photos, we stopped to make the most of the smartphone technology that integrates cutting-edge AI, allowing us to give the last days of February in Barcelona a clear sky and romantic sunsets.

On February 25th, Xiaomi also unveiled the latest Smart Life products: Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4, Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro, Xiaomi Watch S3, and Xiaomi Watch 2. Discover their entire world on the Xiaomi website!

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