Veronika Lerner is a successful, self-taught Fine Art photographer from Kazakhstan whose work has received international recognition. Early in her career, an image of her grandmother sitting near-naked in her kitchen, was selected for inclusion in the portrait collection of the prestigious 5^th Exposure Award exhibition at the Louvre, Paris. Deemed controversial when it appeared online, it embodied Lerner’s interest and talent in conceptual photography. Her portraits have been placed in the international  ‘Shoot The Face’ competition as well as ‘My Amazing Kazakhstan’, and in 2016 and 2022, her series “Strangers” was featured in exhibitions in St. Petersburg.

One of Kazakhstan’s finest contemporary photographers, Veronika continues to make a significant contribution to the development of Kazakh photography.

TCA: What inspired you to take up photography?

I turned to photography in 2007, when studying to be an artist-designer at college. I had no formal art school training and though keen to develop my own style in drawing, was disillusioned when criticized for my use of shading. Photography allowed me more freedom and with no one editing what I was doing, I was able to express myself fully.

TCA: How has your career evolved and what changes have you noticed in the field along the way?

After college, I continued taking photos and a post with a print publication led to a second job in which I was required to photograph just about everything. Parallel to my job, I worked independently on creative shoots and by developing my practice, my career in photography was soon in full swing. During that period, my style became much lighter and more cheerful. I moved away from black and white contrast shots towards color and my images became airier and more dynamic.

TCA: Where do you find inspiration for your work? Are there any photographers in particular whose work you admire?

I find inspiration in everyday life, new experiences, and the beauty of the world around me. 

Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908-2004), is a brilliant photographer. Working as a photo-journalist for Magnum, he pioneered street photography and was the first Western photographer to work ‘freely’ in the former Soviet Union. Capturing seemingly unimportant moments of ordinary life, there is something elusive and eternal about his work. 

I greatly admire photographers whose work resonates with the contemporary culture. 

Irina Dmitrovskaya was a journalist prior to attaining a degree from Docdocdoc, St Petersburg School of Modern Photography. Focusing on identity and societal constructs, and issues concerning the LGBT+ community, her work raises questions about the Kazakh perception of beauty and femininity and last year, was lauded in the exhibition ‘Bodily Autonomies’ at the Queer Festival, Heidelberg. https://queer-festival.de/bodily-autonomies/

I am also inspired by black and white images in which by Moscow-based Anisiya Kuznina, https://anisiakuzmina.com  explores the concept of individuality; by Evgeny Mokhorev https://heyboymag.com/evgeny-mokhorev-life-through-the-lens-of-emotion-controversy/ for his raw, black and white evocative studies of St Petersburg’s marginalized youth, and by Didar Kushamanov https://t.me/s/kushamanov for his use of camera obscura.

In addition to work by other photographers, my approach to subject matter is often influenced by contemporary authors.

TCA: How, in your opinion, does Kazakh photography compare with that of other countries?

Photography in Kazakhstan is characterized by local flavour and colour. We have many excellent reportage and art photographers whose work is distinguished by its reference to national themes.

TCA: How would you assess the current state of Kazakhstan’s market for photography?  Are there any unique trends or peculiarities?

The current market for photography in Kazakhstan is quite popsy and brightly-coloured pictures are very much in demand. Black-and-white images in the main, are the reserve of professional and amateur photographers who use the medium as a form of Fine Art.

TCA: What are the main challenges facing photographers in Kazakhstan?

As a photographer, author, and artist, I acknowledge that in general, most people are attracted by colourful images of things with which they are familiar or are easily understood. As a result, they dismiss or struggle to engage with monochrome images of more conceptual subject matter.

I would like to see more opportunities to expand the exposure of Fine Art photography and by educating the public, attract more interest in this genre. 

TCA: What opportunities exist for training and the professional development of photographers in Kazakhstan?

In Kazakhstan, education regarding photography is quite good, comprising numerous courses, master classes and educational programs for both beginners and amateur-professionals, both face-to-face and online.

TCA: What role does Kazakhstan’s culture play in contemporary photography?

Kazakh art was traditionally confined to the applied arts – textiles, jewellery, metalwork etc.-   and fine art -painting, drawing, sculpture-, did not emerge until the 20^th century via exposure to classical Russian art. Photography was a relatively latecomer but from the outset, has been significantly informed by national culture; a ‘special branch’ where Kazakhstan’s colourful history, contemporary life and nature are fully explored and conveyed.

TCA: How do you envisage the future of the photography in Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan is home to a lot of highly talented photographers who by actively experimenting with the medium and unafraid of pushing boundaries, are making themselves known both here and abroad.

The industry is undoubtedly gathering pace and the future is promising.

 
Belgian photographer Eric T’Kindt won the overall prize at the 2024 World Sports Photography Awards with his image of Japanese gymnast Daiki Hashimoto at the 2023 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Antwerp, Belgium.
 
T’Kindt was one of 24 gold medal winners at the annual awards, each topping a different category ranging from American Football and Aquatics to Urban & Extreme and Winter Sports.
 

 
Below are all the gold medal-winning images. 
 

This image, titled ″Glorious mud″ by photographer David Davies, won the Equestrian category at the 2024 World Sports Photography Awards. [DAVID DAVIES]

This image, titled ″A New Superhero″ by photographer Issac Julian Morillas San, won the Other category at the 2024 World Sports Photography Awards. [ISSAC JULIAN MORILLAS SAN]

Photographer Marcelo Guelber Goes’ image of Cristiano Ronaldo during a Euros qualifier against Slovakia won the Football category at the 2024 World Sports Photography Awards. [MARCELO GUELBER GOES]

Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez laughs as teammate Teoscar Hernandez douses him as they celebrate a 9-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles in a baseball game on Aug. 11, 2023, in Seattle. This image, by Lindsey Wasson for AP, won the Baseball category at the 2024 World Sports Photography Awards. [LINDSEY WASSON]

This image of the 2023 Strade Biancha bicycle race in Tuscany by photographer James Startt won the Cycling category at the 2024 World Sports Photography Awards. [JAMES STARTT]

This image captured by photographer Benjamin Lau at the World Table Tennis Champions Frankfurt quarterfinals in November 2023 won the Racquet Sports category at the 2024 World Sports Photography Awards. [BENJAMIN LAU]

Mercedes Russell of the Seattle Storm defends Aliyah Boston of the Indiana Fever in this photo taken by Steph Chambers at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington on June 22, 2023. It won the Basketball category at the 2024 World Sports Photography Awards. [STEPH CHAMBERS]

This image, taken during a game between Australia and New Zealand at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in Dharamsala, India, by photographer Darrian Traynor won the CRICKET category at the 2024 World Sports Photography Awards. [DARRIAN TRAYNOR]

Juan Postigo Arce of Spain plays a shot on the driving range prior to the ISPS HANDA World Invitational presented by AVIV Clinics at Galgorm Castle Golf Club in Northern Ireland on Aug. 15, 2023. This image, taken by photographer Octavio Passos, topped the Golf category at the 2024 World Sports Photography Awards. [OCTAVIO PASSOS]

This image, titled ″The Sprint″ by photographer Tetsu Lee, won the Athletics category at the 2024 World Sports Photography Awards. [TETSU LEE]

Bo Horvat of the New York Islanders scores a third period goal against Antti Raanta of the Carolina Hurricanes during Game Four in the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York on April 23, 2023 in this photo by Bruce Bennett. This image topped the Hockey category at the 2024 World Sports Photography Awards. [BRUCE BENNETT]

This aerial view of the football pitch in the tussock near Mt Cook in New Zealand by photographer Brett Phibbs won the Venues & Views category at the 024 World Sports Photography Awards. [BRETT PHIBBS]

Max Verstappen drives on Las Vegas Boulevard during a Formula 1 race on Nov. 18, 2023. This image, by Cristiano Barni, won the Formula 1 category at the 2024 World Sports Photography Awards. [CRISTIANO BARNI]

England’s Maro Itoje surrounded by Irish players in a maul during the Six Nations at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. This image, by photographer Morgan Treacy, won the Rugby category at the 2024 World Sports Photography Awards. [MORGAN TREACY]

Australian surfer Olivia Ottaway dives under a wave on Aug. 19, 2023 in Teahupo’o, French Polynesia in this Aquatics category-winning image taken by Ryan Pierse. As well as this gold award, Pierse also won bronze in the Cycling category at the 2024 World Sports Photography Awards. [RYAN PIERSE]

This image of Luciano Benavides by photographer Pavol Tomaskin won gold in the Motorsports category at the 2024 World Sports Photography Awards. [PAVOL TOMASKIN]

This photograph of Novac Djokovic by photographer Marc Aspland won the Tennis category at the 2024 World Sports Photography Awards. [MARC ASPLAND]

This image, titled ″Submerged″ by photographer Sean M. Haffrey topped the Swimming & Diving category at the 2024 World Sports Photography Awards. Haffrey also took the silver medal in the Martial Arts category and bronze in Tennis. [SEAN M. HAFFREY]

This image, titled ″The Dynamic Duo″ by photographer Andrew Moss, took gold in the Boxing category at the 2024 World Sports Photography Awards. [ANDREW MOSS]

This photograph from the Judo Paris Grand Slam by photographer Victor Joly won the Martial Arts category at the 2024 World Sports Photography Awards. [VICTOR JOLY]

This image, titled ″Reflection″ by photographer Volodya Voronon, topped the Urban & Extreme category at the 2024 World Sports Photography Awards. Voronon also won a special merit in the same category. [VOLODYA VORONON]

Mikaela Shiffrin of the Unite States competes in the second run of the Women’s Giant Slalom during the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in Soelden, Austria on Oct. 28, 2023. This image won photographer Alexander Hassenstein the Winter Sports award at the 2024 World Sports Photography Awards. [ALEXANDER HASSENSTEIN]

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs reaches for the pylon during the second quarter of an NFL game against the Atlanta Falcons in Atlanta on Nov. 5, 2023. This image, taken by Kevin Sabitus, topped the American Football category at the 2024 World Sports Photography Awards. [KEVIN SABITUS]

BY JIM BULLEY [jim.bulley@joongang.co.kr]

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) – Taylen Lundequam is a sociology major at UW-Eau Claire and has taken up photography for the past seven years.

He has also worked with Western Dairyland, which game him a better picture of the homeless in the Chippewa Valley.

“Their stories, the stuff that they go through, is ridiculous in my opinion,” said Lundequam.

With his camera, and a friend to keep him company, he is off to look high and low for any stories the homeless are willing to share.

“I’ve definitely gotten quite a few no’s. But I’ve definitely gotten quite a few yes’s,” said Lundequam.

Photographs shown on his Facebook page under the name of “Unhoused of The Chippewa Valley” show those stories.

It is still new, Lundequam has been doing it for a couple of weeks.

“I’m hoping for more traffic. I have a lot already, which is amazing. And, I’ve had people reach out with resources. And, some people offering to pay for food,” said Lundequam.

“There’s a bad stigma about who we are,” said Bruce Caver.

He has been in Eau Claire for two years and is homeless himself.

Lundequam has actually helped him out with finding resources.

Caver’s story will soon be featured on the projects, and he wants people to know he has a job but it was not enough to pull him out of homelessness.

“Be open to say, maybe this person did change their life and I want to help them along their path,” said Caver.

He hopes for empathy.

“People are accepting homelessness. I don’t think it’s something you should accept. It’s human life. How much is it really worth?” said Caver.

Lundequam hopes for him and other homeless people get that empathy too, one snap shot at a time.

“I just want people to be more empathetic. And, for people to open their hearts. Because, there isn’t a lot of that around here, or in the world,” said Lundequam.

He wants to continue the project into the winter months later in the year.

He hopes to highlight the dangers of being homeless in a Wisconsin winter.

Copyright 2024 WEAU. All rights reserved.

Peak Design has released new gear to complement its growing Travel Cube range. For traveling and adventurous photographers, they may be exactly what we need.

The two new Travel Duffel bags I reviewed recently are not the only new items from the Peak Design stable. Along with them are new Packing Cubes and a small Tech Pouch. These add to their already broad array of gear for photographers like me.

The New Ultralight Packing Cubes

If you are unaware of the Packing Cubes, various travel organizers comprise the range. Usually made from 70D Ripstop Nylon, they are designed to help you organize your stuff when you travel. Now, new options are available with different sizes, colors, and materials. The latest additions include new Ultralight Packing Cubes organizational pouches that give more choices.

Different colors, so what? I often hear people moaning when a new color range is released, saying it doesn’t mean much. I disagree. Color coding makes instant recognition of gear possible. For instance, I use different colored straps to differentiate my cameras on photoshoots. When packing gear, having different color pouches in your bag makes it easier to identify it by sight within my luggage.

Another useful feature is the possibility of attaching a carry strap (sold separately or transferred from other PD gear) directly to these pouches. Thus, you can use Packing Cubes as sling bags.

These new Packing Cubes feature an all-new proprietary material called Terra Shell™, which Peak Design says is the most high-performance and eco-friendly fabric it has ever produced. They have a long and proud history of genuine ethical and environmental awareness, being climate neutral and a member of 1% for the Planet.

The new Ultralight versions of the Packing Cubes have a more simplified design than the originals with just one compartment and one zip, instead of two of each. Moreover, the mesh version of the two new Ultralight Packing Cubes features a stretchy and breathable transparent mesh fabric. That may be useful for packing damp gear, allowing air to circulate. Being stretchy, it can also incorporate oddly shaped items.

To give an idea of size, in the small 10L Ultralight Mesh Packing Cube, I could fit both my OM-1 cameras with lenses attached and have plenty of room to spare. The extra small (XS) 3L version would take one camera with a 40-150mm lens attached to it. I should emphasize that this example is solely to give an idea of scale; I would normally use their more protective Camera Cubes for storing and transporting my cameras.

Meanwhile, the XXS 1L would take half a dozen camera batteries.

The non-mesh Regular Ultralight Packing Cubes are made from a new 100% recycled PFAS-free Terra Shell™ fabric and are secured with a weatherproof UltraZip™.

All these Packing Cubes fold away into tiny packages and are held in place using the elasticated tag loops on the zips.

In use, I found this range a great way to store ancillary equipment like my lens cleaning kit, a bean bag, rolls of film, my hat and gloves, and a dry pair of socks.

Tote Bag

PD has also released a new color, Sage, for their zip-top Packable Tote bag. Made from the same proprietary self-mending rip-stop Versa Heal™ nylon that Peak’s other Packable Totes and Packing Cubes are constructed from, this 12L bag seems exceptionally strong. It features an internal pocket with a pop fastener. The bag folds away into that pocket. Weighing just 2.8 oz, it is a handy bag for your travels.

It’s easy to see this is a superbly made bag. Although this isn’t what it is designed for, I filled it with water, and it didn’t leak. Therefore, I can be sure that packing clothes in it on an expedition up a mountain will keep them dry.

Small Tech Pouch

The original Tech Pouch was one of those things I didn’t need; it was a bit too big for my needs. Imagine an elongated zipped wallet with numerous internal pockets, designed for carrying memory cards, batteries, filters, cables, a cell phone, and other ephemera a photographer needs. I could see its appeal for those who use lots of gear on a shoot, but for me, it was overkill.

PD has released a scaled-down version of the same unit. Half the size of the original model, the one-liter Small Tech Pouch will fit into a coat pocket or the top compartment of Peak Design’s Travel Backpack. Its exterior is made from the same heavy-duty recycled and water-resistant nylon and is held shut with a waterproof zip. I find that a far more convenient size.

It has an internal zipped pocket with three storage slots on the outer edge designed for storing memory cards. That pocket also has enough space for my external hard drive. Adjacent to that, the main compartment is divided into four sections: two large and two small. One of the large sections will take my smartphone and the other a power bank, while the small sections are suitable for four camera batteries.

The other outer edge of the pouch’s interior has three open pockets and a pen holder.

Externally, the two anchor loops are suitable for attaching any of the multitudinous straps available from Peak Design, plus a finger flap to ease carrying the pouch. One thing I think it could have benefited from is belt loops.

The Small Tech Pouch passed my five-minute shower test.

Whether traveling or on an extended photoshoot, this is an incredibly useful tool for keeping your accessories protected, together, and easy to find. As I said, I found its size more convenient than the full-sized two-liter version.

Who Are These Accessories For?

Although much of the gear is designed primarily for photographers, I think people in other fields will be interested in these too, especially those who enjoy adventurous outdoor activities. Having previously worked in the outdoor education industry, I wish I had owned some of this gear when I went on sailing or canoeing expeditions. The Ultralight Packing Cubes and the Tote Bag would also have been a better option than the drawstring nylon stuff-sacks I used to pack gear into when hiking.

What I Liked and What Can Be Improved Next Time

What I Liked About the Range

• All are very well made and versatile.
• Different color coding to help identify gear.
• Waterproof.
• Components, like straps, will work from other PD gear.

What Could Be Improved Next Time

The small Tech Pouch would benefit from having belt loops.

The price point of the gear reflects the quality, but it may be unaffordable for some.

In Conclusion

As their name suggests, Peak Design is very good at identifying needs and inventing top-quality gear that meets them. Not every item in this range will suit every photographer, but there are photographers, me included, who will find a lot of the gear useful because of its waterproofing and hard-wearing build.

The entire range and their prices are available via the B&H website”

Cameron Kirkland, the CEO of Cam Kirk Studios, estimates he’s made more than $6 million from a photography studio business.

“Do you think Wiz Khalifa would come to Morehouse College to do a popup event?”

In 2010, Cameron Kirkland sent that direct message to Khalifa’s booking agent on social media platform, X, formerly Twitter. Then a junior at the HBCU, Kirkland had just discovered a passion for fashion and to convene fellow fashion lovers in one place, he sought out Khalifa to sell apparel on campus. As it turns out, Khalifa was on tour and Atlanta was the only location he hadn’t booked. So, Kirkland’s request was upgraded to an actual performance.

A $4,500 payment later, Khalifa performed. And “Cam Kirk” the creator, started his journey to becoming a millionaire. “It’s trusting your instincts and being open-minded,” Kirkland tells Forbes.

Kirkland, CEO of Cam Kirk Studios, shares his story in Forbes’ “Journey to ForbesBLK Summit,” an editorial series leading up to the second annual ForbesBLK business conference in Atlanta on June 23-25. ForbesBLK will amplify entrepreneurs like Kirkland, who take distinctive approaches to business, thought leadership, and economic problem-solving.

In 2017, Kirkland, 35, launched a photography studio after he noticed a void in the marketplace to capture content for younger and star musicians in Atlanta on the rise. Kirkland has since worked with notable entertainers including Future, Travis Scott, Megan Thee Stallion, and producer Mike Will Made-It. His 4,000-square-foot creative loft is also the go-to destination for clients including Atlantic Records and Nike.

Atlanta native and hip-hop star Clifford “T.I.” Harris called Kirkland a “pioneer” for a generation of content creators looking to monetize their talent. “Cam showed a generation of hip-hop hopefuls that being a photographer-videographer can be just as lucrative and fun as an entertainer,” Harris tells Forbes.

Kirkland, a former Forbes Under 30 Atlanta judge, estimates he’s made $6 million from his photography business. Income includes fees from his portfolio, studio sessions ranging up to $260 per hour and he makes money from camera equipment rentals. Also, Kirkland makes income from commercial collaborations with blue chip brands including Coca-Cola. Kirkland also started Collective Gallery, a photography agency that signs creatives and advances them $10,000 each. Collective Gallery profits from percentage splits and management fees.

Over the last two years, Kirkland estimates the two businesses averaged $2.3 million. “I’ve grossed millions of dollars with my camera,” Kirkland says. “It’s amazing to see how open-minded people have been to content.”

For the risk-takers

Raised in Prince George County, Maryland, Kirkland is the youngest of two boys of parents Robert Kirkland and Chris Bridges. His dad was a master sergeant in the U.S. Marines, serving two stints in Iraq. His mom was a credit coach who Kirkland praised for his risk-taking.

“My mom’s side is the entrepreneurial side,” Kirkland says.

In 2007, Kirkland initially moved to Atlanta to attend Morehouse College in pursuit of becoming a doctor. His parents paid tuition; however, Kirkland still gambled on a $4,500 Federal Stafford Loan to book Khalifa. The money went directly to Morehouse, cutting his parents’ tuition, which they gave to their son.

The show sold out and generated about $15,000. However, factoring in hidden concert fees and venue expenses, “I didn’t make anything significant,” Kirkland says. Still, reminiscing on the journey – from sending the Twitter DM to opening a studio, the concert, “It made me feel like I was moving in my purpose,” Kirkland says. “It led me to discover my actual passion” as a creator.

Goldman Sachs estimates the creator’s economy, consisting of influencers, photographers, and videographers that profit from social media platforms will reach $480 billion by 2027. That’s up from $250 billion in 2023.

“The money is there,” Kirkland says. “To see the economy grow and see the amount of opportunity and wealth and money you can make from it – it’s quite frankly amazing.”

Capital Gains: Watch the video to explore Kirkland’s entrepreneurial journey and learn how he started Cam Kirk Studios

MORE FROM FORBES

Frankly, portrait shots are stunning. I said earlier that these might be the best portrait shots I’ve seen from a phone, and that’s not rhetoric. These shots are downright fabulous. Don’t get me wrong, there are some that aren’t amazing, but overall, it would be very hard to not take a great portrait shot of a subject with this phone, in any mode. Colors are awesome and the bokeh is top-notch. It’s one of the best phones to handle wisps of hair around a subject’s head.

But the question is, does the Honor 200 Pro do anything that another phone can’t replicate? The short is no. The super nuanced answer is, sure. We’re about to get super nerdy and picky here, so strap in. But before we get too far, allow me to shout out the model that posed for our group of 12 journalists individually, followed by me who produced no less than four phones. She had the patience of a saint. So, here’s what happened in Harcourt’s studio.

Adam Doud/SlashGear

Take these two photos. One was shot on the Honor 200 Pro (left) and the other was shot on the OnePlus Open (right) with the black and white filter enabled.

Adam Doud/SlashGear

Then there’s these two, taken with the iPhone 15 Pro (on the left) and the Pixel 8 Pro (on the right). The difference here is that these photos were taken in color and converted to black and white with a filter. The Pixel 8 Pro photo is a virtual carbon copy of the OnePlus and Honor phones. The iPhone is a different story. It produced a much more evenly lit photo (despite Harcourt’s lighting) and overall captured quite a bit more detail, which is simply a different philosophy when it comes to photography. Nothing wrong with that.

But where that leaves us is that in this setting, the Honor phone doesn’t do much more than any other high-end phone. So, let’s leave the studio.

The pair bonds between kestrels are strong and often permanent. The same birds typically pair up every breeding season (as long as both are alive) but often spend the winter separately, reuniting in spring.

As the Youth Prize winner, Pourahmad will receive six days at Audubon’s Hog Island Audubon Camp for Teens in Maine during the 2025 season.

“I really like the photo that won,” Pourahmad said. “Sometimes I win photo contests, and I feel like my photo didn’t really deserve it, but I think this photo took a lot of work, time and knowledge to get.”

Birds — and their survival — in the spotlight

Pourahmad is not the only Californian to win a prize in this national competition.

Kevin Lohman, a photographer from Santa Cruz, received the first-ever Birds in Landscapes prize for his photo of a California Quail perched on top of a small bush in a field in Santa Cruz. The Birds in Landscapes prize was introduced this year to focus on how birds connect with their broader surroundings.

Audubon’s recent climate science report Survival by Degrees reveals that two-thirds of North American birds are threatened by extinction from climate change. These include several species featured in this year’s Audubon Photography Awards, such as the Blackburnian Warbler, California Quail and Sedge Wren.

Audubon California protects American Kestrels, California Quails and other birds through on-the-ground conservation and policy efforts across the state. They partner with working lands in the Central Valley and steward California’s coastline to advocate for habitat protections and engage local communities through their centers and sanctuaries.

Sabine Meyer, photography director at the National Audubon Society and one of the contest judges, highlighted the “amazing bird behaviors, some of them rarely if ever seen” illustrated by this year’s submissions and the specific “painterly quality” of photographs capturing Willow Ptarmigans, Great-tailed Grackles and California Quail. “They look like tableaux with exquisite compositions,” Meyer said.

Visit the Audubon Society to see all the winning photos.