Artist Carrie Usmar, of Wyoming, is one of the featured artists in Providence Art Club’s third annual Community Invitational Exhibition, on view in the organization’s Dodge House Gallery on Thomas Street in Providence. Usmar’s photo, “Efficient, a self-portrait,” depicting Usmar holding a pile of shoes.

First mounted during the pandemic and now an annual tradition, the Community Invitationals provide an opportunity for talented artists from across the state to exhibit in historic art galleries in the region. Organized by the club’s gallery manager, Michael Rose, the show includes examples of work by many gifted artists who are active throughout the state and region.

Usmar, who received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Rhode Island, is an artist, writer and stay-at-home mother who lives in Wyoming with her husband and four children. Much of her work is autobiographical and focuses on issues and experiences related to motherhood. A photographer, Usmar’s work has been shown in exhibitions at the Newport Art Museum, Rhode Island Center for Photographic Arts and Hera Gallery. She earned Best Series in the Women Seen by Women category of the 18th annual Julia Margaret Cameron Awards.

The exhibit, which runs through Thursday, Feb. 15, is open Sunday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m.

• The 27-year-old cornerback showed off some athleticism in the second half 
• He was a doubt ahead of the Super Bowl after missing media duties on Monday 
• DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news 

By Alastair Talbot For Dailymail.Com

Published: 22:41 EST, 11 February 2024 | Updated: 23:15 EST, 11 February 2024

Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed showed off his athleticism in the Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers when he hurdled over a photographer during a play, as he narrowly avoided a serious injury. 

The 27-year-old and Niners wide receiver Deebo Samuel were both going for the ball in the second half, before emerging out of bounce and close to on-field professional photographers. 

But, as they were slowing down, Sneed saw a photographer wearing a lime safety jacket in his way, prompting him to jump over the individual rather than go by or crash into him. 

Fans were amazed by the replay, with many calling it the ‘hurdle of the game.’ 

‘That was really close,’ a user on X, formerly Twitter, shared. 

‘Most amazing play of the game,’ another joked, as neither team has scored more than a touchdown in Sunday’s game, with the game tied at 19 apiece heading into extra time.

‘I thought L’Jarius Sneed punching the ball out at the goal line against the Ravens was peak performance but avoiding nailing this poor camera man in the head might top it,’ tweeted a fan. 

‘This is kind of insane haha,’ another individual wrote on X. 

Sneed was a major doubt heading into the Super Bowl after missing the game’s opening night media responsibilities for what head coach Andy Reid labeled as ‘personal reasons.’ 

In photos posted on Instagram by Bella Wu, Sneed’s girlfriend, the couple appeared to be at a Kansas City hospital for the delivery of Sneed’s second child. Sneed is the father of a sixth-year-old son from a previous relationship. 

Reid said during the playoffs, pointing particularly to Sneed’s shutdown showing against Dolphins All-Pro Tyreek Hill, that there wasn’t an NFL cornerback playing at his level in 2023. 

‘You saw, one catch (Hill) had,’ Reid said. ‘You don’t see Tyreek get knocked down very often, but Sneed did that. I have a hard time believing there’s another corner as good as him in this league.’ 

Sneed, 27, is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent in March and is considered a strong candidate for the franchise tag. 

Iconic photographer Sebastião Salgado has announced that at 80, it is time to step away from photographing in the field.

“I know I won’t live much longer. But I don’t want to live much longer. I’ve lived so much and seen so many things,” he said to the Guardian. 

In the interview published last week, he told the British media outlet that despite still being strong and active, and able to walk or cycle several kilometres a day – his body is paying the price for his years working in some of the world’s most hostile and challenging places.

Salgado lives with a blood disorder from improperly treated malaria caught in Indonesia, along with problems with his spine from a landmine that blew up his vehicle in 1974 during Mozambique’s war of independence.

The Brazilian photographer is known for his powerful black-and-white imagery incorporating themes of poverty, war, displacement, and the environment captured over a career spanning more than 50 years.

His last field-project was the imagery captured for his book Amazônia, published in 2021. 

Stepping away from the lens, the photographer says he will instead shift his focus to his archive, thought to contain more than a million images, and its preservation.

Salgado is also working on a project with the Wende Museum in Los Angeles on industry in the Soviet Union, and preparing for a retrospective exhibition set to open in April, after he received an Outstanding Contribution to Photography Award from the Sony World Photography Awards 2024.

Julio Cortez, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer for the Associated Press, is set to host an online webcast dedicated to teaching techniques for capturing the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. This exclusive event will not only showcase iconic AP eclipse photographs but also delve into the fascinating stories behind them, illustrating the methods employed to capture these extraordinary moments.

A Celestial Photography Masterclass

Cortez, who has spent years perfecting his craft and documenting significant events, will share his expertise in photographing celestial phenomena during this highly anticipated webcast. Open to professionals and hobbyists alike, this online gathering promises to be an enlightening journey into the world of eclipse photography.

The event will cover a wide range of topics, including essential equipment, camera settings, and composition techniques specifically tailored for photographing a solar eclipse. Cortez will also address safety concerns and precautions to ensure that both the photographer and their equipment remain unharmed during the process.

One of the unique aspects of this webcast is the inclusion of a Q&A session, providing participants with the opportunity to engage directly with Cortez and gain invaluable insights into the art of eclipse photography. This interactive element fosters a sense of community among attendees and allows for a more personalized learning experience.

A Trustworthy Source in Global News

The Associated Press, a globally recognized news organization founded in 1846, has consistently prioritized factual reporting and ethical journalism. Their commitment to delivering accurate and unbiased information extends to this webcast, ensuring that participants receive reliable and trustworthy guidance on photographing the solar eclipse.

As a testament to their dedication to providing comprehensive resources, the live sessions will be recorded and made available for 60 days after registration. This feature allows participants to revisit the material at their convenience, ensuring they can fully absorb the wealth of knowledge shared during the event.

Preparing for the Cosmic Spectacle

The upcoming solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, presents a rare opportunity for photographers worldwide to capture a breathtaking display of celestial mechanics. With Julio Cortez’s expert guidance, attendees of this webcast will be well-equipped to seize this moment and create stunning visual narratives of this cosmic spectacle.

As the countdown to the eclipse begins, photographers across the globe eagerly await the chance to learn from a seasoned professional and contribute their unique perspectives to the collective visual archive of this awe-inspiring astronomical event.

Julio Cortez’s upcoming webcast, hosted by the Associated Press, promises to be an enlightening experience for photographers looking to hone their skills in capturing the beauty and wonder of a solar eclipse. By sharing his expertise and offering insights into the techniques employed in creating iconic AP eclipse photographs, Cortez aims to empower both professionals and hobbyists alike to create their own memorable visual narratives of this celestial phenomenon.

With the opportunity to engage directly with Cortez during the Q&A session and access to the recorded sessions for 60 days after registration, participants are ensured a comprehensive and personalized learning experience. As the world prepares to witness the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, photographers can look forward to capturing this cosmic spectacle with newfound confidence and artistry, thanks to the invaluable guidance provided by Julio Cortez and the Associated Press.

When a resident of Banff, Alta., was planning a group photography trip to Iceland, he thought it would be a good idea to end the excursion with a dip in the country’s famous Blue Lagoon spa.

But instead of a rejuvenating morning soak, the group was met by a 6 a.m. evacuation order. Over the hill from the hotel they were staying in, a volcano had just erupted. 

On Sunday, Banff based photographer Paul Zizka spoke to CBC News from the Keflavik airport in Iceland, where he was about to board a plane home. Zizka was co-leading a group of mostly Canadian photographers on a trip to the country when, on Feb. 8, a volcanic eruption occurred along a three-kilometre fissure northeast of Mount Sýlingarfell, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office. 

It was the third time the volcano in southwestern Iceland has erupted since December, sending jets of lava into the sky and triggering an evacuation of the Blue Lagoon spa, one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions. 

“It was a very eventful way to end our programming, I can tell you that,” said Zizka. 

Zizka said that while some members of the group were shaken awake by tremors at 5:30 in the morning, the rest of them were met by a knock on their hotel room doors from hotel employees shortly after, saying that there had been an eruption and they needed to evacuate. 

“Within about 20 minutes we were all [outside] with our luggage in the parking lot under this massive column of orange billowing from behind the mountain,” said Zizka. 

He said that the group, made up of 14 people in total, alongside approximately 15 other guests who were staying at the hotel, then piled into vehicles and caravanned to a nearby town for safety. The hotel, called the Northern Light Inn, was about two kilometres away from the eruption when it happened, said Zizka. 

“About five minutes after setting out on the road [the eruption] finally came within sight. We saw those massive columns of lava shooting up and down, I think 50 to 80 metres in the air. Everything was glowing orange … the snow would reflect the colour all over the place. It was unforgettable, to say the least.”

The eruption left several communities on the Reykjanes Peninsula cut off from heat and hot water after a river of lava engulfed a supply pipeline. Zizka said his group got out of the area just in time, before lava crossed the road blocking the escape route. 

The strength of the eruption had decreased by mid-afternoon, the Meteorological Office said, although lava continued to spew from parts of the fissure and a huge plume of steam rose over a section of the crack where magma mixed with groundwater.

Overall, Zizka said the evacuation went smoothly.

“You can tell that it’s something that Icelanders are used to living with.”

“Probably the hardest part is to get a bunch of photographers to hustle when lava was going off in the background and everybody’s kind of drawn to the cameras. But safety first, we got people to safety.” 

Once they got to a safe place, the group were able to stop and photograph the eruption from a more comfortable distance away, which Zizka said was the highlight of the trip.

Bob Willoughby, the pioneering photographer who first brought the magic of Hollywood to life from behind the scenes, is the subject of an enthralling exhibit at the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center. “Backstage Hollywood: The Photographs of Bob Willoughby” invites visitors to delve into the golden age of cinema through 92 evocative images from 17 iconic films, available for viewing until March 16.

A Lens into Hollywood’s Golden Age

As the first external photographer granted access to Hollywood film sets, Willoughby captured the essence of the industry’s most illustrious stars in their unguarded moments. His innovative techniques, such as employing radio-controlled cameras, allowed him to document intimate scenes that would otherwise have been lost to the whirlwind of production.

The exhibition, a touring collection owned by the Bob Willoughby Archives and presented by Exhibits USA of Mid-America Arts Alliance, showcases a diverse array of Willoughby’s work. Among the 92 photographs on display are captivating images of Audrey Hepburn, Alfred Hitchcock, Judy Garland, Dustin Hoffman, and Natalie Wood, each immortalized in their element.

Some of the most striking photographs include Jean Seberg tentatively trying a cigarette for the first time, Marilyn Monroe sitting alone on set, and Richard Burton with a reflection of Elizabeth Taylor in his eyeglasses.

The Artist Behind the Exhibit

Willoughby’s career spanned three decades, during which he worked on over 100 films, television shows, and album covers. His work has been featured in numerous publications, including Life, Look, Paris Match, and Variety. The exhibit pays homage not only to Willoughby’s photographic prowess but also to his ability to forge close relationships with the stars he captured on film.

The exhibit includes 10 informative panels that offer insights into Willoughby’s life and career. These panels provide context for the photographs and allow visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the man behind the lens.

A Final Glimpse into the Past

As the exhibition draws to a close, visitors are left with an indelible impression of the glamour and intrigue that characterized Hollywood’s golden age. Through Willoughby’s photographs, the enigmatic personas of some of the most iconic figures in cinema history are rendered accessible, offering a rare glimpse into their private lives and the inner workings of the film industry.

The exhibition serves as a poignant reminder of the power of photography to capture moments in time and preserve them for future generations. As the last visitors depart and the exhibition is dismantled, the legacy of Bob Willoughby and his invaluable contribution to the world of photography endures.

Understanding the differences between TTL (Through The Lens) and manual flash settings is crucial for photographers looking to enhance their control over lighting conditions. If you are new to working with flash, this helpful video tutorial will show you everything you need to know. 

Coming to you from Gavin Hoey with Adorama, this informative video meticulously explores the advantages and limitations of both TTL and manual flash settings. Hoey provides real-world examples to demonstrate when each method excels, offering a balanced perspective that acknowledges the strengths of TTL for its convenience and speed in adaptive shooting environments, while also highlighting the precision and consistency afforded by manual flash. This distinction is particularly vital for photographers aiming to optimize their workflow in varied shooting conditions.

Furthermore, Hoey’s experiments with complex lighting setups reveal the inherent flexibility of manual flash in achieving desired outcomes with greater accuracy. By showcasing scenarios where TTL may falter due to its automated nature, Hoey effectively underscores the importance of understanding how to manipulate manual settings to secure your creative vision. This emphasis on skillful manipulation of flash settings, coupled with practical demonstrations of converting TTL readings to manual adjustments, equips creatives with the knowledge to navigate between these modes seamlessly, enhancing your ability to produce consistently high-quality images regardless of the lighting challenges encountered. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Hoey.

If you would like to continue learning about how to light a portrait, be sure to check out “Illuminating The Face: Lighting for Headshots and Portraits With Peter Hurley!”

Photography’s viability as a career in 2024 is a topic of considerable debate, casting light on the evolving landscape of the industry. It’s a question that touches the heart of both seasoned professionals and aspiring photographers alike, challenging the traditional pathways to success within the field.

Coming to you from Scott Choucino with Tin House Studio, this contemplative video explores the multifaceted nature of pursuing photography as a profession in 2024. Choucino dives deep into the contrasting realities faced by photographers today, breaking down the journey into scenarios based on personal commitments and aspirations. His candid discussion on the distinction between pursuing photography out of passion versus the drive for financial gain provides a sobering perspective. The video stresses the importance of aligning one’s expectations with the realities of the industry, emphasizing that success in photography, like in any field, requires a combination of talent, hard work, and sometimes, a bit of luck. Choucino’s reflections on his own career trajectory, fluctuating between the “starving artist” and the commercially successful photographer, serve as a testament to the diverse paths one can take within the realm of photography.

Moreover, Choucino addresses the harsh truth that not everyone will make it in the competitive world of professional photography. This honesty is refreshing and necessary, as it challenges the viewer to critically assess their own skills, motivations, and goals. He encourages a pragmatic approach to entering the industry, advising on the practicality of managing financial expectations and the importance of passion for the craft over the allure of gear and technical mastery, offering guidance on navigating the intricate balance between financial stability and artistic fulfillment. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Choucino.