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As I write this, I am staring at this headline: “Will AI Ruin Travel Photography?”

For a few seconds, I just stared at it, like a caveman with a smartphone, slowly asking myself, “How could AI affect travel photography?”

I didn’t understand that at all, since travel photography is about preserving and sharing memories and, to a lesser extent, planning our next adventures.

But wait. What is travel photography? If travel photography is about winning clicks and likes, and if it is about outdoing other photographers, and if it is about cheating audiences into thinking you and your photography are something they are not to sell your images, then I’m not a travel photographer.

As it happened, right around this same time, a friend on social posted a 1999 photo of Monument Valley. Since I’ve been through there a few times, I looked in my files to find similar images, and, as looking at my photo files can do, I started thinking about one particular time I was there.

It was October 2006, and my wife Abby and I were in southern Utah for our second-anniversary vacation. On the second full day, we drove to Monument Valley for a Navajo-guided tour. I remember that morning like it was yesterday. It was sunny but very cold. Our first stop was on the north end of the valley, still in Utah, looking at the expanse of the area down the mostly-straight U.S. 163, at a spot that would eventually be “discovered” as Forrest Gump Point, the spot where the main character in the movie decides to stop running.

I remembered all the things we did and saw that day: the sun, the cold, the traditional chant the Navajo tour guide sang to us on the tour, and the beef barley soup I bought for Abby at the end of the day. We even saw and photographed people flying overhead in paragliders.

As I looked at all of our photos, hers and mine, from that week, I realized I was grinning from ear to ear, so happy to have these memories.

THAT is travel photography in its purest form, and nothing can ruin it.

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CHENNAI: It was for the first time that 560 government school students in Tamil Nadu were holding a professional camera to tell stories around them. As part of the state school education department’s Art Labs initiative to promote extracurricular activities, these children have been trained by a team of photojournalists in the last six months.
The students displayed 800 photographs at an exhibition in Chennai on Friday and Saturday.
The workshop was designed to teach students skills beyond the confines of traditional academics, said government school teacher Hemalatha C. Besides photography, the initiative also included theatre, storytelling, karate, martial arts, and parai (traditional art form).
The students received training in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Sessions were conducted thrice weekly after school hours, covering various aspects of photography including camera techniques, framing, storytelling and more.
Mariselvi S, a teacher from Vellore, said, “When I began teaching art to my students, I noticed a remarkable shift in their attitudes towards school.” “Attendance improved, and the stress about exams and assignments notably decreased,” she added.
For many students, the workshop was not just about learning a new skill but also about discovering potential career paths. Class XII student Dinesh Karthick said, “Learning photography has opened my eyes to a whole new world of creativity and expression. It’s shown me that there’s merit beyond textbooks and exams, and it’s empowered me to explore new interests and possibilities that I never thought possible.”

Editor:

Kudos to Jungmin Ham, the Outlook’s photographer, for your amazing photos. You are very talented. Keep ’em coming.

Peggy Smith,

Banff

Landscape photography is a pursuit that challenges photographers to harness the unpredictable beauty of nature, pushing them to adapt to ever-changing conditions. This genre demands not only an eye for composition but also the resilience to face natural elements, from navigating rugged terrains to capturing the dynamic interplay of light and shadow in remote locations.

Coming to you from William Patino, this enlightening video takes viewers on a journey to a breathtaking, hidden waterfall in the wild New Zealand landscape, emphasizing the importance of composition, inspiration, and technical prowess in nature photography. Patino revisits a previously explored site, aiming to recapture lost frames with a focus on overcoming environmental challenges such as wind. His approach to tackling these issues without a tripod, using handheld slow shutters and post-processing techniques, is not only innovative but also educational. The video underscores the necessity of adaptability in the field, encouraging photographers to embrace the elements and use them to enhance their imagery.

Moreover, Patino’s emphasis on not previsualizing too much and allowing the environment to inspire composition is a valuable lesson in creativity. His methodical yet flexible approach to capturing the landscape, from considering dominant shapes to incorporating foreground interest for depth, provides practical strategies for creating compelling images. The detailed explanation of how to manage wind-blown foliage during long exposures by blending different shutter speeds in post-production is particularly insightful. This technique, which can potentially eliminate the need for a tripod, opens up new possibilities for photographers looking to travel light and still achieve stunning long-exposure effects. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Patino.

And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out our latest tutorial, “Photographing the World: Japan With Elia Locardi!” 

William Mokrynski is a Canadian photo-based artist living in London.

The moment I heard the news of Russia’s incursions into Ukraine on the morning of Feb. 24, 2022, I instinctively felt that the world had changed. This was different from 2014: not an opportunistic snatching of Ukrainian territory, but Vladimir Putin’s full-on attempt to turn back the clocks and begin to rectify what he has repeatedly lamented as the greatest catastrophe of the past century: the loss of the Soviet empire, which included Ukraine.

Like many in Canada, I grew up connected with the culture and traditions handed down by family. My grandparents arrived from Ukraine to begin a new life around 1930. I suspect that other Canadians of Ukrainian descent would agree that Russia’s invasion, along with its revisionist rhetoric – straight out of George Orwell’s Ministry of Truth – was not only an attack on the land and people of Ukraine, but also an assault on a fragment of who we are.

I found the imagery that emerged in the days and weeks after Russia’s invasion difficult to digest. Scenes of missiles striking apartment buildings that could have been in any city of the world; the skeletal remains of destroyed shopping malls; bodies of those who didn’t manage to evacuate in time laying next to their roller suitcases; and blocks and blocks of houses reduced to rubble.

In the midst of this carnage was the ruthless destruction of Mariupol, a city with a prewar population of 425,000. I recall footage taken from the turret of a Russian tank that casually travelled along a residential street, shelling every house it passed. Then there was the theatre used as a shelter, with the word “Children” clearly marked on the ground in Russian so it could be seen from the air; it was destroyed by a bomb dropped from a plane. An extra-brutal punishment seemed to be directed at this Russian-speaking community that refused to welcome the Russian “liberators” with roses. As the foreign press fled, news from this city ended, and a steely silence descended with the full grip of occupation.

It was in the middle of March, 2022, that I began encountering the photographs in my social-media feed. At first glance, they seemed to be simple snapshots of ordinary people that any friend could have shared of family life. The auto-translated captions, however, revealed that these were calls for help by friends and family desperately searching for loved ones who had disappeared, primarily from the Mariupol region. Notices for missing people are not a new phenomenon. However, seeing them appear on my screen in real time from an active war zone, intermixed with the prosaic contents of my daily feed, was unsettling. My initial response was to screen-capture the photographs of these individuals as they appeared on my phone to prevent them from disappearing into the ocean of data oblivion.

I decided that these digital images needed to be made physical, taking up space in the real world and not easily deleted. Through an exposure of the photo on my phone screen in a darkroom, the image has been frozen within silver grains of photographic paper. Processing chemistry was hand-applied and allowed to leave its marks, both developing the print and introducing a sense of intrusion, violation and loss.

Included in my screen captures were fragments of the captions. After reading several of these together, I realized these texts provided a different dimension to the war from what we saw in the news: a firsthand glimpse of what was experienced in Mariupol.

It’s important for me to emphasize that this work is not a piece of journalism but my personal response as an artist. I do not know what happened to these individuals. They may have been located quickly or may still be missing. Sadly, we know very little about what is happening in this part of Ukraine.

The title, Styrannya, means erasure in Ukrainian. This work is my attempt to ensure that these events and the people affected by this war are not forgotten.

In the ever-evolving landscape of mobile photography, Huawei takes a significant leap forward with its upcoming P70 series. Slated for release in March 2023, these devices are not just another iteration in the smartphone market. They are a testament to Huawei’s relentless pursuit of innovation, particularly in the realm of photography. The highlight of the P70 series is its upgraded variable aperture technology, a feature set to redefine the standards of mobile imaging. This advancement, rooted in a patent authorized in February 2023, promises to deliver unprecedented control over image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions.

Revolutionizing Mobile Photography

The new variable aperture technology embedded within the Huawei P70 series is a marvel of engineering. Unlike its predecessor, the Huawei P60, which already boasted a flexible aperture range from F/1.4 to F/4.0, the P70 series aims to push these boundaries further. The essence of this technology lies in its ability to auto-adjust aperture sizes to meet the nuanced requirements of each shot. This means whether you’re capturing the subtle hues of a sunset or the vibrant chaos of a city at night, the P70’s camera is equipped to handle it with finesse. The patent, titled ‘Variable Aperture, Camera Module and Electronic Equipment,’ details improvements not only in the aperture’s stability and shooting effects but also showcases a design overhaul aimed at enhancing the overall imaging effect and quality of captured images.

The Technical Edge

At the heart of the P70 series’ camera module lies a sophisticated arrangement comprising a fixed base, rotating bracket, adjustable diaphragm, and M blades. These components work in harmony to adjust the aperture size, thereby controlling the amount of light that enters the lens. The result is a camera that can swiftly adapt to varying lighting conditions, ensuring that each photograph is not only well-exposed but also rich in detail. The upgraded variable aperture technology exemplifies Huawei’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in mobile photography. With around 10 different aperture sizes at its disposal, the P70 series stands as a beacon of innovation, showing that even in low-light scenarios, capturing clear and vibrant images is within reach.

Setting New Benchmarks

The Huawei P70 series, encompassing the P70, P70 Pro, and P70 Art, is more than just a new product launch. It represents a significant milestone in the journey of mobile photography. As we edge closer to the release date, the anticipation among photography enthusiasts and tech aficionados alike is palpable. This series is poised not only to meet but surpass the expectations set by its predecessors, thanks to its enhanced imaging capabilities. The inclusion of the upgraded variable aperture technology is a clear indication that Huawei intends to remain at the forefront of the smartphone photography revolution, setting new benchmarks for others to follow.

In conclusion, the Huawei P70 series stands as a testament to the brand’s innovative spirit and its unwavering commitment to enhancing the mobile photography experience. Through the introduction of its upgraded variable aperture technology, Huawei is set to offer users unparalleled control over their photography, ensuring that each image captured is a masterpiece in its own right. As we await the release of the P70 series, one thing is clear: the future of mobile photography looks brighter than ever.

When it comes to photography it’s not just about what kit you have, it’s how you use it. But whether you’re a novice with a dream or a seasoned snapper you can always scrub up on your techniques and best practice. That shouldn’t put you off though. After all, you can delete a bad picture, but a great picture is a great picture forever and worth putting the time into getting just right. 

If you want to hone your craft, try some of the latest tech or pick up one of the best mirrorless cameras or accessories then The Photography & Video Show 2024 might be the place for you. Running on 16-19 March at The NEC, some of the biggest names in the game will be on hand to see you right. Including this trio of industry leaders. 

1. Canon 

Canon has been making some of the best camera tech out there since 1933 so I think if anyone knows their stuff, you’ve found them. As you’d expect, Canon will have a significant presence at the exhibition. Their EOS R6 Mark II is our current pick for the best mirrorless camera for most people. 

Here you’ll be able to get hands-on with the new EOS R5 C mirrorless camera as well as try the new RF 5.2mm F2.8L dual fisheye lens as well as get familiar the company’s suite of apps and services. 

On top of that, Canon will also be hosting a series of ‘Creator Sessions’ to help you create the most inspiring content possible across stills, video and vlogging.  

2. Nikon

Another of the giants of the industry, Nikon will be running a bunch of sessions throughout the show. Most interestingly there’s one on shooting a music video, including the proposal process, capturing the video itself and even post-production. 

If nature is more your thing then you’re also in luck. Acclaimed wildlife photographer, filmmaker and artist Matthias Klum will be on hand to talk you through his work spanning his nearly 40-year career. 

Those looking to further their career and get their name and work out there can also attend a session entitled “Making it personal – leveraging the right social platforms for you”. 

3. Sony 

You couldn’t have a camera show without Sony. At their stand you’ll be able to get hands-on and try a pair of their new mirrorless cameras, the A9iii and A7RV as well as hear from established professionals. 

The workshop Perfecting Your Portraits obviously tackles portrait photography with tips on how to pose your subject, lighting and how to put them at ease to get their essence across. 

In Into the Congo, wildlife photographer Will Burrard-Lucas will recount his time spent in the Congo rainforest photographing incredible wildlife both in person and using camera traps to grab shots of dangerous predators. Great fun! 

Kim Grant is one of the featured speakers at The Photography & Video Show, taking place March 16-19 at the NEC in Birmingham England.

For Kim Grant, there’s no place like home. The nurse turned landscape photographer lives in a seaside village on the scenic Moray coast in northeast Scotland. There is a calming assurance in her voice that is both clear and rhythmical, a reflection, I think, of life’s gentle pace in her home surroundings: she looks and sounds relaxed. 

“Have you been out this morning?” I ask when we both get our video link up and running. “For a walk, yes, but not with the camera,” she replies. Except for five years in Aberdeenshire, Kim has lived all her life in Moray and recently returned to her home village of Burghead. 

Her affection for the place runs deep: “It’s a wonderful place to live and to do photography because you’ve got it all here, the seaside and woodlands, farmland and rivers. You’ve got everything really, apart from mountains, but I’m not really into mountain photography.”

And yet, this summer Kim surprised thousands of followers on her YouTube channel by announcing that she had fallen out of love with traditional landscape photography. More than that, she added: “If I’m completely honest, I find it boring now.” 

However, she continues to see herself as a landscape photographer; the difference is that Kim’s new work is more intricate, less obvious, and triggered by an emotional connection to her subject rather than a snap response to a spectacular view. But to fall out of love with traditional landscape photography means she must have been in love to begin with, so I start by asking her the obvious question…  

Kim is a landscape and nature photographer and online presenter who inspires others to connect with the natural world through the art of photography.  After growing up in northeast Scotland, she worked as an NHS nurse before deciding to turn her photography hobby into a profession.    

Today, Kim dedicates her life to finding new ways to connect with nature using her camera and sharing the positive benefits this can bring to our wellbeing. She shares her insights and inspiring stories for free on her Visualising Scotland YouTube channel and weekly Photographic Connections podcast.  

A Nikon Creator and NiSi UK brand ambassador, she offers an online members community, in-person photography workshops and online one-to-one tuition.  

This interview first appeared in N-Photo magazine. Scarlet is a headline speaker at The Photography & Video Show. You can find out about his talks at the Show website, and you can get 20% off tickets with our exclusive discount code.

You might be interested in the best Nikon cameras along with the best Nikon lenses – and particularly the best Nikon Z lenses designed for its mirrorless cameras.