The Art Institute of Chicago has received a monumental gift that will transform its Photography and Media Department.

The Bucksbaum family has made a $25 million donation to the department — the largest philanthropic contribution in its history — according to an announcement Tuesday.

The primary focus from the funding will be the creation of the Bucksbaum Photography Center, which will contain the Department of Photography and Media and its collections.

The grant from the Bucksbaum family members — Carolyn (“Kay”), Jacolyn, (“Jackie”) and John — is one of the largest contributions to photography and media within a museum in the country, according to the Art Institute.

“It is an honor to work with Kay Bucksbaum and her family who have the vision and foresight to invest in our city’s cultural leadership,” said James Rondeau, president and Eloise W. Martin director of the Art Institute of Chicago, in a release. “We are immensely grateful for Kay, Jackie, and John’s long-term commitment to the museum and look forward to continuing our partnership.”

Kay Bucksbaum has had a long tenure at the museum, serving on the board since 2002, and as a member of the Photography and Media Curatorial Committee since 2003. Jackie Bucksbaum has served on the Committee on Photography and Media since 2016. Also a supporter of Chicago arts and culture, John Bucksbaum serves as a trustee at the Field Museum, and on the boards of Navy Pier and the Chicago Sports Commission for Sports Tourism.

“I have an abiding passion and appreciation for the power of photography and media,” Kay said in the release. “This gift from our family is an investment in the future of the department at the museum and the curators who are moving this field forward.”

Bucksbaum’s donation is a significant part of the Art Institute’s multi-year plan to “enhance the visitor experience,” according to the release. It will promote the visibility of the Photography and Media Department by supporting its collections, exhibitions, staff and facilities.

The Ballarat International Foto Biennale has announced the winners of GradFoto 2023, celebrating the best work of graduating students from selected Australian and New Zealand institutions whose artistic practice uses photography as its primary medium.

International judge Virginia Woods-Jack, curator of Women in Photography NZ & AU, selected 21 finalists, with Zina Sofer from RMIT University announced as the overall winner for their series Out of the Shadows, 2023. 

The image explores the history of the War Widows’ Guild of Australia and its founder and president Mrs. Jessie Mary Vasey O.B.E and C.B.E. At its height, the Guild was involved in advocacy, education, support, counselling, and housing for widows.

Today, part of its legacy is a large housing estate in Elsternwick that is now facing demolition to make room for luxury units. The estate was built in 1950s specifically for the war widows and their families by the Guild.

Speaking about the image, Woods-Jack described the image as captivating and beautifully executed.

“It pays tribute to this impactful organisation [War Widows’ Guild of Australia], the individual women, and the skills they employed to secure better futures for themselves and their families outside of the patriarchy in post-war Australia,” she said.

For many women involved with the Guild, weaving was a lifeline, as it supplemented widows’ unlivable pension, and it played one of the major roles in establishing weaving as an industry in Australia. 

Zina Sofer wins $1,000, with their image exhibited as part of the GradFoto 2023 exhibition. You can see the images here. 

Another finalist will be awarded one cash prize of $500 for the People’s Choice Award, as voted by the public throughout the GradFoto 2023 exhibition. Voting closes 4 March 2024. 

Tacoma photographer Roxann Murray will have an exhibition of eight photographs at the Washington State History Museum titled “Matriarch: Portraits of Indigenous Women in the Pacific Northwest Fighting for our Collective Future.” 

The exhibition will be on display Feb. 24 to May 20 in the community gallery. The exhibition is free to access during regular museum hours of Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on the third Thursday of each month from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. An opening reception commemorating Women’s History Month and a meet and greet with the artist and women featured in the exhibition will take place on March 2, at 2 p.m. 

“I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to photograph these women. They are my friends and mentors, and they have taught me about preserving traditions, protecting land and water, caring for community, and celebrating my own Native heritage,” Murray said.

The exhibit includes portraits of eight Indigenous women who are leaders in their communities. The women include Carolyn Christmas (Mi’kmaq), Mariana Harvey (Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation), Sweetwater Nannauck (Tlingit, Tsimshian, Haida), Paige Pettibon (Bitterroot Salish), Nancy Shippentower (Puyallup, Tulalip), Janene Hampton (Snpink’tn, Syilx) Lisa Fruichantie (Seminole Nation of Oklahoma), and Elizabeth Satiacum (Quileute). The women were invited to participate in the project based on their leadership in environmental and social justice movements in their communities. 

“Know where you come from. Love who you are; love who your people are. If you step off track, it’s not the end of the world; you can always step back on it,” Carolyn Christmas said during her photoshoot with Murray.

Murray is a Tacoma-based artist with Nakota and Dakota descendancy, and she specializes in community, nature, and travel photography. Her work can be seen at https://atouchofwanderlustphotography.com or on Instagram at @atouchofwanderlust. 

“Matriarch: Portraits of Indigenous Women in the Pacific Northwest Fighting for our Collective Future” was funded by the Tacoma Arts Commission through the Tacoma Artists Initiative Program. 

Being in the right place at the right time helped an Alberta photographer capture some surreal snaps during a volcanic eruption in Iceland.

Kristopher Andres, from Banff, was in Iceland helping run a photography workshop.

Andres, along with another leader and the 12 workshop participants were woken up early in the morning on Feb. 8 when their beds started to shake.

“I was trying to fall back to sleep at 5:30 a.m. and shortly after that, the alarms started sounding.”

The photographers were forced to immediately evacuate the hotel near the Blue Lagoon.

“As we walked out of the hotel, it was just a huge orange glow in the distance,” said Andres. “As soon as we came around the first corner from the hotel, we were met by a big 80-foot, maybe 150-foot lava fountain.”

(Courtesy: Kristopher Andres/@Kristopherandres)

“It was just blistering watching these things. It was just so intense on how big mountains were and when you realize they’re actually about two kilometres away from us, it was even more unrealistic.”

The workshop evacuated to another hotel before they got an opportunity that was not advertised in the trip’s brochure.

“As soon as we got the clear, we shot over to our location that we thought would be best for the photography points and we shot for the next four hours.”

Police and local news crews were also stationed at the group’s location.

The group was aware of the possibility of a volcanic eruption. Two days prior they had heard the sirens being tested for an emergency response.

“When those sirens fired, it’s that unique feeling of, ‘Is this real? Is this really happening?’ So I called out all there and I’m like, ‘… is this for real?’”

(Courtesy: Kristopher Andres/@Kristopherandres)

The photos the group took will be around for a while, and they got an experience that will be hard to beat.

“It was just one of those surreal moments,” he said.

“How do you replicate this? How do you ever get another chance at a moment like this? So you just make the most of it.”

(Courtesy: Kristopher Andres/@Kristopherandres)

Andres had been to Iceland several times and said he figured the timing was going to work out for a volcanic eruption at some point.

Macro photography offers a unique lens through which photographers can explore the minutiae of the world around them, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. This technique is particularly compelling because it allows for the exploration of texture, color, and detail in subjects that might otherwise be overlooked, all without the need to even leave your home.

Coming to you from Andrew Lanxon Photography, this educational video showcases how macro photography can transform everyday household objects into captivating subjects. Lanxon emphasizes the versatility of macro photography, not limited by outdoor conditions, by focusing on items within the comfort of his home. This approach not only highlights the accessibility of macro photography but also demonstrates its significant overlap with product photography. Lanxon’s methodical exploration of capturing intricate details on everyday objects, like boots and headphones, using simple yet effective lighting techniques, underscores the importance of macro skills in enhancing product photography’s visual appeal.

Furthermore, Lanxon’s video serves as a practical guide to employing macro photography for creative product imagery, emphasizing the importance of lighting and composition. The use of a single light source to sculpt the subject with light and shadow is particularly insightful, showcasing how minimal equipment can yield professional results. His emphasis on the simplicity and ease of these techniques offers encouragement to photographers at any skill level as well. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Lanxon.

If you would like to continue learning about macro photography, be sure to check out “Mastering Macro Photography: The Complete Shooting and Editing Tutorial With Andres Moline!”

Many of us are thankful for the work of photographers like Gordon Parks and Jamel Shabazz for being pioneers in more than just one way. Without the work of these incredible artists, many photographers today probably would have never picked up a camera. For over 14 years, the Phoblographer has done some of the most work around inclusivity within photography publications. We don’t only feature black photographers during Black History Month — we do it all year around. This year, we’re doing an unsponsored partnership with VSCO: the platform that gives photographers the tools and community the modern web lacks. Here are the best Black Photographers that you should watch in 2024.

Editor’s Note: This is an unsponsored collaboration of the Best Black Photographers to Watch in 2024 is done with VSCO: the company making the community and tools for those who identify as photographers first. This article was put together between Phoblographer Editor-in-Chief Chris Gampat and VSCO Senior Manager of Integrated Marketing Ashley Robinson. The lead image is by Nwabisa Salukazana and was used with permission in our original interview.

The Best Black Photographers to Watch in 2024 were selected by us and are folks with work that we adore and believe in.

Romain Maya

Blending fun ideas with wild actions together, Romain is surely one of the best black photographers we’ve seen in a while. We’re also really loving the use of light in the images.

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Wulf Bradley

Looking for a sense of calm beauty? Look no further than Wulf!

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Adaeze Okaro

Dive into Adaeze’s work and you’ll find buried treasure amongst the web — which can sometimes feel like a creative desert.

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Christopher Michael

Dem tonez, right? There’s plenty of them in Christopher’s work.

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Shamaal Bloodman

If you’re into the idea of lots of warmth in your images, you’ll like what Shamaal has.

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John Baloy

John’s photographs feel like moments that you haven’t seen before.

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Ruby Okoro

Combine effective use of color with curious framing and fun ideas and you’ve got the work of Ruby.

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Brandon Thomas Brown

You need to dive into Brandon’s work to understand and feel each image’s beauty.

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Ubani Chidindu

Jag’s portraits feel like they’re channeling the vibes we get from both Vogue and the Fader at the same time.

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Vanessa Mwingira

There’s a sense of both classic cool and modern takes in this Comfort Inn.

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Philip Boakye

From the use of flash in portraits to the creative colors in the scenes, there’s a lot to love here.

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Nate King

Some of Nate’s images really make you sit and stare while marveling at their simplicity. He’s surely one of the best black photographers of 2024 in our book.

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Jordé

We’re smitten with the idea of conceptual portraiture; and there’s lots of it here.

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Elijah Barnes

Elijah gives us a look at contemporary life that many fashion photographers of the past would adore. Dive in and study Elijah’s photos and you’ll find traces of not only the best black photographers, but David Seidner and more.

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Nwabisa Salukazana

Finding good conceptual portrait photographers is one of our favorite things to do. Not much Photoshop is used here; and so Nwabisa is surely one of the best black photographers we’ve seen recently.

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Rhulani Anthony Bila

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Majira Mchana

Majira uses color in a way that so many old-school photographers would be proud of.

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Everyday People Stories

Here, you’ll find various portraits showing off a lot about various people; and the portraits are all fascinating.

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Chauncey Magnum

There’s a sense of wild, fun-loving energy in Chauncey’s photographs.

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Sheridon & Stephnie

Some of Stephnie and Sheridon’s images make us stare and wonder how they were made. Check them out, you’ll see.

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Kwaku Yeboah Sarkodie

Wait until you see Kwaku’s fashion work. He’s surely one of the best black photographers we’ve found recently.

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Travis X

There’s simply too much to talk about with Travis’s work and all the creative effects he uses.

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Football has always been the biggest sport within North Africa and across the Middle East (MENA). But in 2022, both regions wrote a triumphant page in the history books as Qatar hosted the FIFA World Cup and Morocco finished in the semi-finals — the first Arab nation to do so. A new book shines a light on the passion that MENA nations have for the Beautiful Game.

Published by MIDDLE EAST ARCHIVE and designed by Lack of Guidance co-founder Akaar, Football transcends the limitations of sport to explore how the game has become an essential aspect of the region’s cultural identity.

The book contains photographs that were taken between the late 1980s up until 2023, from Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt and the UAE, to Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, Oman, Palestine, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Kurdistan. Photographers include Abbas, Nikos Economopoulos, Karim Sahib, Jinane Ennasri, Marco Di Lauro, Alex Webb, and Salah Malkawi.

Football is a linen-bound book that spans 126 pages in both English and Arabic. The book is available to purchase for $50 USD online and at select retailers, such as Printed Matter in New York.

Muholi is drawn to patterns made by embracing bodies and entwined limbs. Their portrait of queer couple Musa Ngubane and Mabongi Ndlovu shows a hug in which hands and arms seem almost preternaturally connected. The shot of Katlego Mashiloane and Nosipho Lavuta bent over, bathing together, makes the pair’s backs look as though they are merging together into one.

This sense of cohesion makes these images feel so intimate, emotionally raw and powerful. Eye Me can at times be an overwhelming experience for the intensity and quantity of emotions that permeate from virtually every shot in the show.

The largest gallery in Eye Me is reserved for work from Muholi’s magisterial series “Somnyama Ngonyama,” in which they took 365 self-portraits as a vast array of alter egos in locations around the world, from Kyoto to Charlottesville to Nuoro, Italy. Striking in their intricacy (see the dozens of combs carefully arrayed in Muholi’s hair for “Qiniso”) as well as provocative (for “Faniswa,” Muholi painted a uterus on their shoulder), the photographs show the artist often adopting postures of coiled power and great intensity.

For the exhibit, SFMOMA reproduced several of the images from this series to mural size, and the effect is electrifying. In a piece like “Manzi I,” the larger size gives audiences the chance to fully appreciate Muholi’s intricate interplay of textures and masterful arrangement of tones, and their facial expression of wariness, fatigue and resistance hits all the harder.

Exploring familiar landscapes with a fresh perspective is a challenge many photographers face, particularly when seeking to maintain creativity and inspiration in their work. This issue is particularly relevant for those who frequently revisit the same locations, where finding new angles and approaches can significantly enhance the photographic experience and outcome.

Coming to you from Ben Harvey Photography, this insightful video looks into how Harvey confronts the monotony of photographing the same places by adopting a minimalist approach, limiting his gear to just one camera and one lens. Harvey’s decision to simplify his photographic process is not just about making life more difficult for himself; rather, it’s a strategic choice to gain clarity and focus. This method encourages photographers to deeply engage with their environment, forcing them to look beyond the obvious shots and discover unique compositions and lighting conditions that they might otherwise overlook. Harvey’s experiment with minimalism, particularly in the stunning landscapes of Sussex, serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that constraints can have on creativity.

Moreover, Harvey introduces the concept of the “Prime Challenge,” a series aimed at pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with a single focal length. This approach not only tests a photographer’s skill and adaptability but also highlights the importance of creativity within limitations. Additionally, Harvey shares a novel, streamlined method for carrying and accessing his camera, emphasizing efficiency and mobility in the field. This advice is particularly valuable for photographers looking to reduce the physical burden of their gear while maximizing their ability to capture fleeting moments. Harvey’s reflections, coupled with practical tips on gear and timing, offer invaluable insights for photographers of all levels seeking to rejuvenate their passion and technique. Check out the video above for the full rundown.