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Creative Response

“WOMEN: A Century of Change” is now open in the Visual Arts Center of the Washington Pavilion. This powerful traveling photography exhibition draws from the acclaimed National Geographic photo archives to showcase a global chronicle of the lives of women.

“We are so excited to host this significant exhibition and provide families, students, educators, women’s groups and beyond an opportunity to experience these celebrated photographs,” says Jana Anderson, Lead Curator for Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. “Come witness the power and impact radiating from this beautiful collection of National Geographic imagery!”

Created to recognize the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution giving women the right to vote, the exhibition illuminates where women have been, where they are now and where they are going and celebrates trailblazers who have redefined womanhood. The more than 100 images depict women from over 30 countries, offering a glimpse into the lives of women worldwide throughout the past century.

The exhibition is divided into six themes: Joy, Beauty, Love, Wisdom, Strength and Hope, with the collections in each theme evoking a sense of that emotion. From Amy Toensing’s photo of the joy felt between two women participating in India’s traditional Holi festival to Lynn Johnson‘s image conveying the strength of women traversing the desert plains of Kenya to bring water to their families, the pictures invite reflection and recognition of the fact that, despite differences and distance, we all experience similar emotions. Interspersed throughout the exhibition are fascinating “Through the Lens” panels that feature behind-the-scenes anecdotes by the photographers on their experiences capturing some of their most compelling shots.

Complementing the exhibition is an additional section, “Portraits of Power,” featuring arresting images of groundbreaking women such as media executive Oprah Winfrey, activist for gun violence prevention Emma González, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 2019 Women’s World Cup champion Alex Morgan, #MeToo movement founder Tarana Burke and philanthropist Melinda Gates.

In conjunction with this exhibition, the Washington Pavilion will host a three-part speaker series that will highlight local women of change. Tickets to speaker series events are on sale now. Purchase your event tickets online at WashingtonPavilion.org or at the Box Office at 301 S. Main Ave.

Events in the series include:

1. Uniting Generations of South Dakota Women | February 27 | Moderated Panel Discussion
2. Inspiring South Dakota Change Makers | April 10 | Speaker Event Featuring Local Artists
3. The Future Is Female | June 20 | Collegiate Lecture

The “Women: A Century of Change” exhibition will be on display in the Visual Arts Center until June 30, 2024. A companion book, “Women: The National Geographic Image Collection,” which contains nearly 450 photographs including those in the exhibition, is now available for purchase. For more information about the exhibition, visit WashingtonPavilion.org/NatGeo.

About The National Geographic Society

The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 15,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories and content. To learn more, visit www.nationalgeographic.org.

A “tuk-tuk” conveys travelers from Haridwar, India, toward the city of Roorkee on National Highway 58 this week. Indians often crowd into, pile on top of, and hold onto the exteriors of many kinds of vehicles as they creatively travel from place to place. India has a land area about a third the size of the United States but is home to more than 1.4 billion people. The population of the United States is around 3.3 million, approximately 23% of India’s. Tuk-tuks are also sometimes called auto rickshaws and are used in many countries in the world. (Shmuel Thaler – Santa Cruz Sentinel)

Imagine a tool that not only bridges the gap between your creative vision and the final photographic masterpiece but also enhances every step of the journey with precision, control, and ease. This is the promise of Capture One Pro, a name that has become synonymous with top-tier photo editing prowess. In a world where the nuances of color, texture, and light play pivotal roles, Capture One stands out for its exceptional raw file conversion quality, comprehensive editing tools, and superior tethering capabilities. Yet, in this fiercely competitive arena, every asset comes with its flip side.

The Power of Precision: Tethering and Smart Adjustments

Capture One Pro’s latest iteration brings to the forefront its unparalleled tethering capabilities. For photographers who thrive on the immediacy and control of capturing images directly through their computer, this feature offers a live monitor view and extensive camera setting controls. This capability not only streamlines the creative process but also opens up a realm of possibilities for live collaboration, allowing immediate feedback and adjustments. The introduction of more tethering options and enhancements to Smart Adjustments and Style Layers further cements Capture One’s position as a frontrunner in the digital photography space. Tethered shooting has evolved from a niche feature to a vital component in commercial, fashion, and portrait photography, enabling a level of precision and immediacy that is unparalleled.

Interface and Usability: A Double-Edged Sword

Despite its many strengths, Capture One does not come without its shortcomings. Critics often point out the software’s interface, which, in comparison to its rivals like Adobe Lightroom Classic and DXO PhotoLab, lacks sleekness and can appear daunting to newcomers. This steep learning curve may deter potential users who prefer more intuitive platforms. Furthermore, while Capture One excels in manual image corrections and adjustments, it falls slightly behind in automatic image corrections. This gap highlights an area where Capture One could further refine its offerings to enhance user experience and accessibility.

The Verdict: Balancing Excellence with Accessibility

Capture One Pro’s pricing model, set at $299 for an outright purchase or available through a subscription model at $24 per month or $179 per year, positions it as a premium offering in the market. Coupled with its demand for a substantial hardware setup, it’s clear that Capture One targets professionals and serious enthusiasts who require the highest level of control and quality in their work. This focus on excellence is evident in the software’s remarkable raw file rendering performance, often outperforming competitors in initial conversions. Yet, as Capture One continues to evolve, bridging the gap between high-end functionality and user-friendly design remains a critical challenge. By addressing these areas, Capture One can not only solidify its place among the elite but also broaden its appeal to a wider audience of photography enthusiasts.

Imagine stepping back in time, where each photograph tells a story of bravery, despair, and the complexities of the human spirit during the American Civil War. On March 16, the William Root House in Marietta, Georgia, opens its doors for a unique event that promises to do just that. Hosted by historian Chad Carlson, this lecture is not just an exhibition but a journey into the past, exploring the depths of Civil War soldier photography. As an expert in historic preservation and a passionate collector, Carlson brings the era to life, offering insights that transcend the boundaries of time.

A Glimpse into the Past Through the Lens

The heart of this lecture lies in its ability to connect us with the individuals who lived through one of America’s most tumultuous periods. Carlson, leveraging his expertise and personal collection, will guide attendees through the evolution of photographic techniques of the time. This exploration is more than technical; it’s a window into the daily lives, the unspoken emotions, and the untold stories of those who fought. The visual legacy of the Civil War, with its raw, unfiltered portrayal of soldier life, offers a poignant reminder of the war’s reality, far removed from the grandeur often depicted in history books.

The Venue: A Portal to the 1860s

Hosting this event, the William Root House stands as a beacon of historical preservation. Its significance extends beyond architecture, embodying the essence of mid-19th century Georgian life. This venue, chosen for its historical fidelity and innovative presentation methods, including self-guided touchscreen tours, sets the perfect backdrop for Carlson’s lecture. It’s a place where the past and present converge, offering a comprehensive understanding of both the average household and the broader societal structures of the time, including the narratives of the Root family and their enslaved house servants. The commitment of the Cobb Landmarks & Historical Society to this preservation underscores the importance of community engagement in the ongoing dialogue about history and progress.

Securing a Seat in History

Given the limited seating and the anticipated high demand for a lecture of this caliber, interested attendees are encouraged to secure their spots in advance. This event is not only an opportunity to learn about a pivotal era in American history but also to engage with it in a manner that is both educational and deeply moving. The City of Marietta, by highlighting this lecture, emphasizes the role of public events in fostering a deeper appreciation for our collective past. As we look forward to March 16, the anticipation builds for an evening that promises to be as enlightening as it is memorable.

As we delve into the stories and images that Chad Carlson has meticulously collected and preserved, we are reminded of the power of photography to capture moments of historical significance. This lecture at the William Root House is more than an educational opportunity; it is an invitation to connect with the past in a way that is both intimate and profound. Through the lens of Civil War soldier photography, we are offered a glimpse into the human experiences that shaped our nation, ensuring that these stories continue to resonate with generations to come.

Award-winning National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore is coming to the Tennessee Aquarium for his National Geographic Photo Ark exhibition.

Through this 17-year (and counting) effort, Sartore has archived unique portraits of more than 15,000 species across more than 50,000 images. He estimates completing the archive could take another seven to eight years. 

“The Photo Ark is really my last-ditch, desperate effort to get people to care about nature,” Sartore says.

Beginning March 1 and continuing through the end of the year, the Aquarium will exhibit two dozen images from the Photo Ark throughout its campus. Sartore will also be there on February 29 previewing this special exhibition. 

To attend the event, visit the Tennessee Aquarium’s website.

History buffs and photography enthusiasts will have the opportunity to delve into the visual legacy of the Civil War at a special lecture presented by historian Chad Carlson. The event, which focuses on Civil War soldier photography, is scheduled for March 16 at the William Root House in Marietta, Georgia. Carlson, a Georgia State University alum and expert in historic preservation, will share insights from his personal collection of Civil War imagery, which promises to offer attendees a unique glimpse into the past.

The lecture will commence at 6pm, allowing attendees enough time to engage with Carlson’s extensive knowledge of the era’s photographic techniques and the personal stories captured in his collection, he serves as a historian at the Georgia Department of Transportation and leverages his expertise to benefit the preservation of Georgia’s historical narrative. Those interested in attending should note that seating is limited, and securing a ticket in advance through the William Root House website is highly recommended.

The City of Marietta’s official announcement provides essential details about the event, including its location at 80 N Marietta Parkway, NW, in the heart of Marietta. The Root House Museum stands as a testament to the daily life of the mid-19th century, contrasting the grandeur of plantation homes with a more truthful representation of average Georgian households during that period.

As the first house museum in the nation to implement a fully self-guided touchscreen tour, the William Root House offers an interactive experience that brings historical education into the modern age, while its grounds and home have been restored to their 1860 appearance, the museum integrates technology to tell the stories of both the Root family and their enslaved house servants. Cobb Landmarks & Historical Society, the steward organization, has been dedicated to preserving such significant sites since 1974, fostering community knowledge of our collective history as a foundation for progress.

Gear and bag company Wandrd is well known by photographers and travel enthusiasts. The company has released four new products in a new Transit Travel line to expand its offerings.

First up in the new release is the Wandrd Transit Travel Backpack. This camera backpack offers loads of pockets for organizing gear. The customizable interior is ideal for carrying photography equipment along with personal belongings, making it a versatile option.

As with Wandrd’s other offerings, the Transit Travel Backpack is very travel-focused. The pack features a hidden passport and travel wallet pocket and a hidden AirTag pocket to keep essentials safe. A luggage pass-through makes it more comfortable to cruise through airports with a roller bag. And it offers a weather-resistant build with reinforced zippers as well, so it should hold up over time. It’s available in 35 or 45L sizes and in either black or Wasatch Green colorways.

The Wandrd Transit Carry-On Roller is a new option for those who prefer rolling through airports. It is a carry-on-sized roller bag and plays well with the above bag’s luggage pass-through. Like the Transit Travel Backpack, it offers a hidden AirTag pocket and plenty of other organization pockets. It includes an oversized laptop compartment to make going through security easier. Crush-proof wheels, weather-resistant materials, and a two-stage retractable handle should make it easy to transport and plenty durable.

The Wandrd Tote Backpack offers a solution for shorter outings or as a second bag on longer trips. As the name suggests, this bag serves as both a classic tote bag and backpack for greater versatility. It’s made of durable materials to hold up to travel and daily outings. The expandable roll-top makes it easier to adjust the size of the bag, and the self-standing design means it won’t fall over when set down. There are dual water bottle pockets, a key hook, and a luggage pass-through. It’s compatible with Wandrd’s Essential Camera Cube, making it a multi-purpose bag.

Finally, the Wandrd Travel Wallet promises a “perfect blend of style and function,” according to the Wandrd website. It features hidden cash and AirTag pockets and magnetic closure. It also offers RFID protection for extra security while traveling.

All four new products are available for purchase now on Wandrd’s website. The Transit Travel Backpack is priced at $299 for the 35L and $329 for the 45L. The Transit Carry-On Roller is $379, while the Tote BackPack is $129, and the Travel Wallet is $74.