Things went awry in the Australian leg of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour after a photographer said he was punched by the singer’s father. 

Swift’s father, Scott Swift, allegedly assaulted photographer Ben McDonald who had been waiting for the singer and her entourage to exit a luxury yacht in Neutral Bay Wharf in the Sydney Harbor. McDonald said he was punched in the jaw, but he didn’t require any medical attention and there wasn’t any bruising. 

A spokesperson for the singer told Rolling Stone that two individuals were pushing their way through the crowd of photographers, grabbed at security personnel and threatened to throw a female staffer into the water. 

McDonald told Daily Mail that the statement from Swift’s team was “utter rubbish” and that the singer had exited the yacht, walked towards a security team who shielded her with umbrellas before he was allegedly hit by her father. 

The incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday in Australia, which was 10:30 a.m. on Monday on the East Coast, during what appeared to be a celebration following Swift’s final show in the country. The Berks County native performed for four nights in Sydney and three in Melbourne. 

New South Wales Police did not release names, but confirmed to the Associated Press that they were investigating an alleged assault of a 51-year-old man by a 71-year-old man. Scott Swift is reportedly 71-years-old. 

According to the Agence-France Press, Scott Swift has since left the country, but Australian police were continuing an inquiry into the incident. 

Leading Amsterdam-based production house and photography agency HALAL has proudly welcomed iconic Dutch photographer and director Ari Versluis to their talent roster. Ari is renowned for his keen eye and the captivating ‘Exactitudes’ series – a remarkable study of the complex dress codes within various social subcultures, illustrating the profound collaboration with Ellie Uyttenbroek. His joining of the HALAL roster brings a wealth of cultural insight and a unique approach to photography. Ari’s work, praised for its attention to detail and penetrating observations of social structures, perfectly complements HALAL’s mission to tell stories that go beyond established norms.

Gijs Determeijer, partner at HALAL, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration: “I’ve been following Ari since he and Ellie Uyttenbroek made the epic portraits of the Gabber culture in the nineties. On our recent collaborations, we’ve had an amazing time, Ari and his team bring so much energy! A joy to work together.”

Ari’s decision to join HALAL is a testament to the agency’s reputation as a crucible for innovative and daring creative work. “HALAL is a place where art and commerciality don’t just coexist; they fuel each other. I am eager to contribute to this vibrant community, where pushing the envelope is not just encouraged, it’s expected,” said Ari.

For more information about HALAL and Ari Versluis’s work, visit here. 

Rachel also began to investigate how the series might interact with the experience of middle-aged women, like her mother, who often steer clear of trendy fashion, instead “embodying a quiet resilience”, says Rachel. “I couldn’t help but ponder whether cultural norms and traditions have moulded them into being self-critical, or if this perception is solely a reflection through the eyes of a younger generation.” So she aimed for a fun, energetic shoot that shed the societal expectations of “mums” and instead demonstrated the bond between generations, as highlighted by the young designers crafting Mrs Wang’s clothes, “symbolising the harmonious coexistence of generations with the community”.

Soon after picking up her first camera (bought randomly on Facebook Marketplace after deciding to take her role as her friend group’s designated photographer more seriously) Rachel realised she had a passion for capturing unexpected moments across New York. And now, she always tries to maintain a level of spontaneity in her projects. “I typically don’t have a specific direction when it comes to building a concept,” says Rachel. “I tend to use what the area offers that day which also allows me to work collaboratively with other creatives in the team.” Originally, the shoot with Mrs Wang was planned to take place in a bank’s parking lot – the team thought its long, overgrown grass would make a cool background. On arrival, they discovered the grass had been cut clean, and so started wandering around Flushing, using colourful shop fronts as backdrops.

One of these off-the-cuff shots resulted in Rachel’s favourite image from the series: Mrs Wang stood outside of a clothes shop inspecting her tailored coat, with two young kids caught in the frame, looking slightly bemused. “These two boys happened to walk past probably on the way home from school, they glanced at Mrs. Wang for 0.5 seconds and then realised I was in front of them with a film camera,” says Rachel. “The photo ties in perfectly with the juxtaposition of old and young, mundane and creative which all happened in one frame.” For the rest of the shoot they made use of Mrs Wang’s home. In one image, taken in the trim setting of a backyard, the high-fashion outfit clashes brilliantly with the clean-cut suburbia.

For Rachel, the project demonstrates the “importance of celebrating and uplifting the community we’re from”. Not only did she initiate a collaboration between fellow young creatives, but between mother and daughter, all the while celebrating ageless fashion, and of course, Flushing. She hopes the series inspires creatives who are going through a change, a tough time or a lack of work, but also their mum and their aunt too.

Imagine turning your daily walk with your dogs into a thriving business that catches the eye of a Dragons’ Den star. For Kerry Jordan, a 46-year-old entrepreneur from Frizington, this is not a far-fetched dream but a vivid reality. Kerry, the creative mind behind Fur & Fables, has recently been honored with the prestigious Small Business Sunday award, a testament to her dedication and skill in pet photography, particularly within the pet industry. But Kerry’s journey to success was neither straightforward nor predictable. It is a story of passion, resilience, and an unwavering love for animals and nature.

From London PA to Celebrated Pet Photographer

Kerry’s adventure behind the lens began more than a decade ago when she transitioned from her role as a personal assistant in London to exploring the world of photography. Initially diving into wedding photography, Kerry soon realized that her true calling lay in combining her two loves: photography and pets. This realization led her to establish Fur & Fables, a photography business that specializes in capturing the essence of pets against the breathtaking landscapes of Cumbria. Kerry’s unique approach and ability to portray the personalities of pets have not only won her personal accolades but have also played a pivotal role in her clients’ successes in the very same Small Business Sunday awards.

The Impact of Imaginative Imagery in the Pet Industry

The pet industry is booming, with the UK’s annual expenditure on pets estimated at around £10 billion. In such a competitive market, the power of high-quality, imaginative imagery cannot be overstated. Kerry’s work exemplifies how compelling visuals can differentiate brands and capture the imagination of potential clients swiftly. With hundreds of dogs photographed, Kerry has honed her skills to ensure that each shot tells a story, embodying the spirit of the pet and the essence of the brand. Her recognition at the Small Business Sunday awards, an initiative by Theo Paphitis to celebrate small business achievements, underscores the critical role of visual storytelling in brand success.

A Testament to Supporting Small Businesses

Receiving the Small Business Sunday award from Theo Paphitis himself at a significant event in Birmingham was not just a personal triumph for Kerry but a moment of recognition for small businesses across the UK. Theo Paphitis, expressing his enthusiasm for welcoming new members, highlighted the importance of supporting small enterprises. For Kerry, this accolade is not the end but a milestone in her ongoing journey. It represents the culmination of years of perseverance, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to her craft and clientele. As Fur & Fables continues to grow, Kerry’s story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, reminding us that with passion and dedication, it is possible to turn a simple idea into a nationally recognized business.

Not even a week ago, Alessia Glaviano – Head of Global PhotoVogue – a guest on our Spigola podcast, reminded us that it no longer matters whether you shoot with a camera or a smartphone. What matters is the intention behind the shot, not the means. We pondered deeply on this statement, and although there was initially some skepticism, we concluded that to take a true stance on the matter, we had to try it ourselves: capturing moments solely with a smartphone, but with the same attitude we would have had with a professional camera. Xiaomi provided us with the opportunity and the means.

Almost by chance, Xiaomi presented us with a challenge: to visit a distant place and attempt to capture its uniqueness using the brand-new Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G. And so began our journey, short but very intense, in Bangkok.

All the promises of this new device – which, along with four others, forms the new Redmi Note 13 Series, further enriching the brand’s Redmi Note lineup – were substantial. Starting from the battery, rechargeable to 100% in just 19 minutes with a lasting capacity of days (not hours), and of course, the camera system consisting of 3 cameras, including a main 200 MP camera, an ultra-wide-angle camera, and a macro camera.

We decided to put Xiaomi to the test in every moment spent in the Thai capital. The first stop was at the Royal Palace and the Wat Pho temple, where the goal was to capture the colors of the mosaics and decorations.

Being one of the most touristy places in the city, we encountered many people who, like us, were fascinated by the architecture of these sacred places. The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G came to our aid in this moment as well. The smartphone is equipped with AI-based editing tools that, among other things, allow us to remove people who accidentally end up in our shots. You know those photos you see on Instagram of tourist spots always empty? Now you can have them too, effortlessly!

But a city is not only visited during the day; often, it comes to life at night, illuminated by a myriad of different lights. In our case, the lights were those of the legendary tuk-tuks, indispensable in a trip to Bangkok. In this case, the challenge was formidable: darkness, colored lights, movement. All the ingredients for a challenging shot were present.

Not content with just the shot, we continued to play with AI tools and added a bit more movement, some stars, many stars.

When traveling, we know very well that we are not only captivated by architecture, landscape, and glimpses, but we also focus on the faces we encounter on the streets. However, we often don’t have much time to photograph them, sometimes because they move, other times because we are the ones on the move. That’s exactly what happened to us in the characteristic Thai markets, first and foremost the Floating Market.

Reviewing the photos on the return flight and at home with friends was like reliving the journey once again, leaving no detail behind.

In Bangkok, on the occasion of the launch of the new Redmi Note 13 Series, the brand also introduced the brand-new Redmi Watch 4 and Redmi Buds 5 Pro. Visit Xiaomi’s website to discover all the features of these devices.

Photos shot on Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G

Taylor Swift’s father has been accused of assaulting a photographer after the singer’s concert.

Paparazzo Ben McDonald claims he was punched by 71-year-old Scott Swift following the final night of his daughter’s Eras tour in Sydney, Australia.

51-year-old McDonald, who is the chief executive of picture agency Matrix Media Group, was photographing Taylor as she got off a yacht at the Neutral Bay wharf around 02:30 on the Sydney Harbour on Monday.

Footage of the incident, published by Australian media, shows Taylor who is concealed beneath an umbrella, walking with her father and security guards.

According to The Guardian, Mcdonald claims Taylor got off the boat and walked down the wharf, when security allegedly pushed umbrellas into his face and camera.

Once Taylor had entered the car, McDonald alleges that her father Scott struck him in the face before also getting in the car and driving away.

‘In 23 Years of Doing This, I’ve Never Been Assaulted’

“He charged in and punched me in the face,” McDonald tells ABC News.

“In 23 years of doing this, I’ve never been assaulted, let alone been punched in the face by a father.”

Australian police are now investigating the allegation made by the photographer that he was assaulted by Scott.

“Police have been told a 71-year-old man allegedly assaulted a 51-year-old man,” the New South Wales Police say in a statement, without naming Taylor’s father Scott.

“The younger man reported the incident and inquiries are now underway by officers attached to North Shore Police Area Command. The man did not require medical treatment.”

‘Agressive’

A spokesperson for Taylor addressed the reports of Scott’s involvement in an altercation with the Australian photographer. They said that two people were aggressively pushing to get to the megastar and threatened a member of the singer’s staff.

“Two individuals were aggressively pushing their way towards Taylor, grabbing at her security personnel, and threatening to throw a female staff member into the water,” Swift’s representative tells Rolling Stone in a statement.

However, McDonald claimed that he did not provoke the incident and says that the photographers were “civil” when Taylor got off the boat.

“In 23 years, I haven’t been assaulted and punched in the chops, particularly by the talent’s dad,” he tells Sky News.

“We didn’t go rushing down the jetty. We didn’t go rushing to the back of the boat. We waited for her to come up. Kept it very civil.”

Image credits: Header photo licensed via Depositphotos.

In a world dominated by instant gratification, a London-based startup, Lapse, co-founded by Ben and Dan Silvertown, is bringing a refreshing change to the photo-sharing space. The app, known for its unique delayed viewing feature that mimics the experience of using a disposable camera, has recently secured a robust $30 million in Series A funding. The round was led by Greylock and DST Global Partners, with significant contributions from a blend of venture-capital firms and angel investors. This move marks a significant milestone for Lapse, emphasizing its growing influence in redefining social media interactions.

A Nostalgic Approach to Modern Social Media

Lapse has captured the attention of users and investors alike by offering an antidote to the polished, often inauthentic representation of life on traditional social media platforms. Instead of allowing immediate photo viewing and editing, Lapse introduces a delay, making images available one to three hours after they are taken. This concept, inspired by the disposables used by Ben Silvertown during a 2021 trip to Vietnam, encourages users to stay present and enjoy their experiences without the distraction of immediate sharing or editing.

Once available, the images can be shared, archived, or deleted with a simple swipe, simplifying the photo-sharing process to its bare essentials. Although minimal, Lapse does apply enhancements to give photos a film-like aesthetic, including lens flares, grain, and color bleeding, maintaining the authenticity of the moment captured.

Charting a Different Course

Lapse’s approach is a stark contrast to the prevailing trend in the social media landscape, where AI and computational photography tools allow for extensive manipulation of images. Co-founder Dan Silvertown emphasizes that Lapse’s direction is perpendicular to the market’s movement towards optimized, but often inauthentic imagery. He believes that the satisfaction derived from creating real memories, untainted by excessive editing, is unparalleled.

The app does offer editing tools, but these are reserved for the Lab section, where images can be prepared for export to other platforms. This feature, along with the app’s unique aesthetic and user experience, positions Lapse as a pioneer in promoting a more authentic, satisfying way of capturing and sharing life’s moments.

Future Prospects and Expansion

With the $30 million infusion, Lapse plans to modestly expand its 20-person team while continuing to enhance the user experience. The startup has raised a total of $42 million to date, including this latest round, and is exploring revenue options like ads, in-app purchases, and subscriptions for future sustainability.

The Series A funding round saw re-investments from GV, SpeedInvest, and Octopus Ventures, along with contributions from angel investors with backgrounds in major tech companies. This broad base of support underscores the confidence in Lapse’s vision and its potential to reshape the landscape of social media and photography.

In an era where the authenticity of digital interactions is increasingly questioned, Lapse stands out as a beacon of genuine connection, proving that sometimes, slowing down can be the key to moving forward.

Taylor Swift’s father has been accused of attacking a photographer who was “aggressively pushing their way” towards the singer.

The ‘Bad Blood’ singer’s dad Scott allegedly punched a photographer in Sydney after the Australian leg of her Eras Tour came to an end.

According to TMZ, a man resembling Scott, 71, was walked along a wharf next to someone who appeared to be Taylor, who covered her head and upper body under an umbrella.

A photographer started taking photos, but it’s said he was blocked by a man holding an umbrella in front of the camera, and words were then exchanged off camera.

A spokesperson for the NSW Police Force told E! News: “Police have been told a 71-year-old man allegedly assaulted a 51-year-old man at Neutral Bay Wharf.

“The younger man reported the incident and inquiries are now underway by officers.”

It was added that the man in question didn’t require any medical treatment.

A spokesperson for Taylor has addressed the alleged incident and claimed the photographers were behaving “aggressively”.

They told the Daily Mail newspaper: “‘Two individuals were aggressively pushing their way towards Taylor, grabbing at her security personnel, and threatening to throw a female staff member into the water.”

Taylor’s boyfriend Travis Kelce joined her in Australia last week, and endeared himself to her fans as he was spotted handing out guitar picks to fans.

Footage on social media also showed the Kansas City Chiefs star getting a friendship bracelet from a Taylor fan in exchange for a plectrum.

Also along for the trip was Travis’ dad Ed, who was seen handing out sandwiches from the VIP tent to fans in the middle of Taylor’s show.

Taylor has been paying tribute to Travis in her gigs by changing her lyrics.

At her Sydney show, she pointed to Travis as she sang the line “that’s my man’ in her song ‘Willow’ – before changing the words to her tune ‘Karma’ to mention “the guy on the Chiefs”.