Photography

ViewSonic Announces the Winners of the 4th ColorPro Awards

Nov 24, 2023 By Admin in Photography

First Prizes Awarded to a Turkish Photographer and a British Videographer

BREA, Calif., Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of visual and EdTech solutions, has announced the top 10 winners of the Photography and Videography categories of the 4th ColorPro Awards: RISE. In celebration of the exceptional talents showcased, the company is hosting exhibitions in London, Taipei, and, for the first time, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. These exhibitions will serve as platforms to showcase the outstanding artworks of both the winners and finalists.

The Return of the Buffalo Shepherd by Meriç Aktar

“Through the ColorPro Awards, we have fostered a global community where creators can connect and achieve visual excellence in their artistic expression. This year’s winners have brilliantly captured the theme of ‘RISE,’ bringing forth diverse stories of personal growth and resilience from around the world,” said Oscar Lin, General Manager of the Monitor Business Unit at ViewSonic. “These artworks provide a source of inspiration for us to rise above challenges, embrace transformation, and pursue positive change.”

In this edition of the ColorPro Awards, many finalists drew inspiration from nature for their artworks, employing it as symbolism for growth and resilience in harmony with the overarching ‘RISE’ theme. Their skillful depictions of natural environments and landscapes express their unique perspective on what it means to rise. Moreover, certain winners earned the judges’ admiration for their adept portrayal of authentic human moments, demonstrating a strong ability to evoke emotions through powerful storytelling.

Award-winning Photography

The top honors in the Photography category went to a captivating submission from Turkey titled “The Return of the Buffalo Shepherd.” This photograph chronicles the daily journey of a buffalo shepherd guiding his herd of around five hundred through the enchanting Hürmetçi Grasslands. From the early summer morning haze to the dusty path under the setting sun, the shepherd’s horse rears, and his loyal dog nudges the straggling buffaloes, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.

Securing the second prize is the photograph aptly named “Rise.” It portrays a woman lying in a field of plants, which serves as a symbol of transformation. Just as plants flourish in the face of obstacles, humanity, too, navigates life’s challenges, emerging stronger and wiser. The image invites viewers to contemplate the resilient spirit that blossoms amid adversity, echoing the universal journey of personal growth.

In the third prize entry, “Caro boy,” the narrative unfolds the inspiring tale of the Karo tribe, residing southeast of the Omo River in Ethiopia. With a population just exceeding 1,000, their survival is intricately tied to agriculture and the natural floods of the Omo River. Their resilience echoes the theme, showcasing humanity’s extraordinary capacity to rise above adversity and overcome challenges.

Award-winning Videography

The 4^th edition of the ColorPro Awards marked the introduction of the Videography category, presenting a new avenue for artists to express their creative vision. The category’s top honor went to a short film from the UK, aptly titled “RISE,” where the artist skillfully transforms her passion into a visual spectacle. Taking her modest budget, which prevents extravagant location shoots, as an opportunity, the artist weaves a narrative that stays true to her roots—one that is deeply personal in its depiction of resilience and determination as she rises to the challenge of achieving her dreams.

The film, “Jordan – Collect memories, not things,” received the Videography category’s second prize. It narrates a 25th birthday gift from a dear friend: a journey to Jordan that transcends the tangible. Emphasizing the human connections formed through shared adventures, it underscores the priceless significance of experiences over material possessions.

In the third prize-winning Videography entry, titled “Why I Travel The World Alone,” the artist depicts his captivating four-year-long solo journey across the world. This visually stunning narrative mirrors the overarching theme of “RISE” through its portrayal of arduous hikes, mountaintop conquests, personal sacrifices, and an unfulfilled childhood dream of becoming an astronaut. While the dream remains unrealized, it sparks the artist’s new passion: navigating the world’s heights with a drone. The video shows the artist’s personal evolution and self-discovery, emphasizing that dreams, though unfulfilled, can act as steppingstones to rise to new heights.

To celebrate the winning artwork, ViewSonic is hosting exhibitions across three global cities. These exhibitions, complemented by workshops and ColorPro Talks panel discussions, aim to encourage more interaction among creators, industry partners, and visitors.

For a complete list of the featured artwork, please click here.

Exhibition Information

The United Kingdom
Friday, November 24: 10:00-21:00
Saturday, November 25: 10:00-18:00
Venue: Quantus Gallery, 11-29 Fashion Street, London, E1 6PX, UK

Vietnam
Wednesday & Thursday, December 6-7: 17:00-21:00
Friday to Sunday, December 8-10: 09:00-21:00
Venue: The Ants Studio, 03 Đ. Đông Tây 1, Khu Phố 5, Quận 2, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Taiwan
Friday to Sunday, December 15-17: 10:00-18:00
Venue: ViewSonic Taiwan, No. 192, Lianchang Road, Zhonghe Dist., New Taipei City 235, Taiwan

About ViewSonic

Founded in California, ViewSonic is a leading global provider of visual solutions and conducts business in over 100 countries worldwide. As an innovator and visionary, ViewSonic is committed to providing comprehensive hardware and software solutions that include monitors, projectors, digital signage, ViewBoard interactive displays, and myViewBoard software ecosystem. With over 30 years of expertise in visual displays, ViewSonic has established a strong position for delivering innovative and reliable solutions for education, enterprise, consumer, and professional markets and helping customers “See the Difference.” To find out more about ViewSonic, please visit www.viewsonic.com.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2283414/Image_1_The_Return_of_the_Buffalo_Shepherd_by_Meri__Aktar.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1587181/Logo.jpg

14th Annual Photo Contest honors local photographers

Nov 24, 2023 By Admin in Photography

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Participants in the 14th Annual Photo Contest at the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library received their awards on Thursday, Nov. 16, in the main gallery of Walker Education Center.

Awards were presented by Jude Routh, Curator of Exhibits in five categories: Love, Texas History, Natural Devastation, Academia, and Birds.

14th Annual Photo Contest Honors Local Photographers

Angela Dunham won the Curator’s Choice award for this photograph in the Love category.

“This is such a fun show,” said Routh. “Everyone is a winner because together you have created a beautiful exhibit.”

Due to the high quality of submissions, Routh came up with a 25-point system last year for judges to employ, allowing for the subtle nuances that make an image stand out. This is Routh’s fourth year to take submissions and assemble the show. The contest is open to any amateur photographer in the area, with submissions due each October.

Cade Crippin received Best of Show with a perfect score of 75 for his photograph in the Natural Devastation category. He also took 2nd place in that category, as well as second place for his photo in the Texas History category.

Capucine Buzzini was awarded Reserve Champion and first place in the Love category, first and third place in the Academia category, and first and third place in the Birds category. Stacy Adams-Roberts received third place in the Natural Devastation category.

Angela Dunham won Curator’s Choice and second place in the Love category. Thomas Rice received first place in the Texas History category and Dustin LeNorman was awarded third place in that category for his photo of the Cafe Texan.

Emily Day took second place in the Academia category and Teresa Cook received first place for her photo in the Natural Devastation category. Cissy Saccomanno was awarded second place in the Birds category and Loretta Crow took third place in the Love category.

The exhibit will be open for display until Dec. 23. The gallery at the Katy and E. Don Walker Education Center is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from noon to 4:30 p.m. Sundays.

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Arizona State Parks and Trails photo contest begins today

Nov 24, 2023 By Admin in Photography

PHOENIX, Ariz. (KVOA) — Arizona State Parks and Trails is hosting a photo contest for photographers of all levels.

Starting Friday, Nov. 24, participants may submit their photos for the Opt Outside Photo Contest. The contest will run through Jan. 15, 2024. The contest is open to both amateur and professional photographers who are 18 years of age or older.

All photos must be taken within one of the more than 30 Arizona state parks, with awards to be presented in five categories:

Living creatures, spotlighting Arizona plants, animals, and insects
Friendly faces, featuring visitors enjoying the parks
Outdoor activities, showcasing the many recreational activities available in the parks, such as kayaking, fishing, hiking, camping, etc.
Landscapes, exhibiting the dramatic views from within the state parks
Arizona history, illustrating our state’s rich cultural resources and storied past

The photo contest is an opportunity for photographers to showcase their talent and the beauty and diversity of Arizona’s state parks. This contest will celebrate the creativity of photographers but also highlight the importance of preserving and protecting our state’s natural, cultural, and recreational resources.

Each category will boast a first-, second- and third-place winner. A grand prize winner will be selected for the contest overall and will receive a two-night stay in a Pin Drop micro-camper at Dead Horse Ranch State Park, a cave tour for two at Kartchner Caverns State Park, an Arizona State Parks annual pass, an REI gift card for $15, and an AppreciateAZ gift box.

First-place winners will each receive an Arizona State Parks annual pass. Second-place winners will receive two day-use passes, and third-place winners will receive one day-use pass. All winners will also receive a limited-edition Arizona State Parks and Trails sticker and AppreciateAZ water bottle. Honorable mention may also be given to photos of particular merit.

Entries will be judged on creativity, uniqueness, clarity/composition and effectiveness in conveying a story within a state park.

Photos must be submitted by midnight Jan. 15. Each contestant may submit up to five entries and may be entered in multiple categories. Winners will be announced in February 2024.

For more information, including a full list of state parks and a detailed list of submission requirements and contest rules, please visit AZStateParks.com/photo-contest.

Explore an Abandoned Greek Village With Architect and Photographer Marco Petrini

Nov 24, 2023 By Admin in Photography

Project of the Week

This week’s featured project takes us on a very cool adventure with Marco Petrini of Petrini Studio. Marco is a New York City-based architect and architectural photographer. During a recent trip to Crete, Greece, for a photography assignment and vacation, Marco came across the abandoned Dionysos village, which he decided to photograph.

He explains, “‘Dionysos’ near Sitia, Crete, was an ambitious settlement project initiated by the SOE company in the late 1990s. However, disputes and environmental issues, such as excessive garbage on Analouka Beach, led to its downfall. Today, as depicted in the photos, the village is nearly deserted, with a few residents and apparent squatters occupying some properties.”

I asked Marco what it was like to be at Dionysos and he shared “Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect, given the limited information available online about this place, and truthfully, I wasn’t even looking for it. I stumbled upon it while exploring the area on Google Earth in search of something interesting, and this unexpected discovery left me feeling a little intimidated (a huge, abandoned village in the middle of nowhere!). But I decided to pay it a visit.”

“Upon my arrival, I began to wander around, and the sound of distant voices and some old, rusty cars parked here and there, indicated the presence of people, but I wasn’t sure about my safety, since I was alone and I had my gear with me (camera, lenses, drone, etc.)” Marco explains.

He continues, “Believe it or not, it turned out some of these houses (although very few) were still inhabited, and I didn’t want to intrude too heavily. Therefore, although I would have loved to set up my tripod and capture multiple exposures and different compositions, I opted for handheld photography.

I dedicated nearly two hours to exploring the village, including the drone footage.”

Despite just being a quick personal project, I really appreciate Marco’s use of strong shadows and highlights, which help liven the place up a bit, and pull out the colors and textures found throughout the village.

My favorite thing about this project is that the pictures have the architectural equivalent of the “uncanny valley” effect to them. From far away the village looks pretty normal, but the closer you look the more clues you see that it is deserted and that something is not quite right.

The juxtaposition between the cheerful colors, playful lines, dynamic light, and the conditions of the village is really interesting to see.

“The strong wind and rapidly changing sky/light conditions added something magical to the experience. I had to continuously change my settings as the light transitioned from harsh highlights/deep shadows to completely overcast. This allowed me to capture the space in several ways, which I found truly intriguing,” Marco notes.

I was curious to know how much effort Marco put into “cleaning things up” whether that be on-site or in post-production – or if Marco left things as they appeared. He explains, “The photos faithfully represent the space as it is; I purposely refrained from any post-processing removal or cleaning. Instead, I made only essential adjustments in Lr (cropping, transforming, exposure, white balance, contrast, colors). My goal was to convey the genuine and unaltered reality of this place in its raw, natural state.”

He recounts, “At one point, I noticed someone approaching me, but I couldn’t decipher her intentions… She began to talk to me in Greek, and while I couldn’t understand what she was saying, from the tone of her voice it was clear that I was not welcome there, prompting my decision to leave.

Navigating my way out was challenging, given the overgrown plants and winding paths (almost like a labyrinth, you can see it clearly from the aerial shots). I got a little anxious, but ultimately, I managed to find my way out.”

Marco adds a little drama to the shoot with this epically lit scene

I asked Marco what lessons he learned along the way. Marco said, “Trust your instincts. When I first came across this place on Google Earth, I was uncertain whether the three-hour drive would be worthwhile. However, the lack of information online piqued my curiosity. I’m glad that I ultimately made the decision to visit!”

From this view, it’s almost impossible to tell that Dionysos Village is in its derelict state. “Everything looks perfect from far away,” eh?!

A massive thanks to Marco for submitting this cool personal project to us!

In addition to this fun personal project, Marco’s portfolio sports some truly lovely commissioned work that you should absolutely check out. You can see more of Marco’s work at petrinistudio.com and on Instagram @patrinistudio! Thanks again Marco!

If you have a project you’d like to be considered for Project of the Week, you can submit it here.

The last places on Earth to see truly dark starry nights

Nov 24, 2023 By Admin in Photography

By Jordi BusquéFeatures correspondent

Jordi Busqué

(Credit: Jordi Busqué)

Astrophysicist and documentary photographer Jordi Busqué shares 11 photos of the night’s sky that transcend the boundaries of science and venture into the realm of pure wonder.

Before the beginning of the 19th Century, when Paris became the first city in Europe to use gas lighting to illuminate its streets, the sight of the Milky Way was as commonplace as the sight of the Moon. But in recent decades, light pollution has become so intense that many people rarely get to admire a starry night.

I’ve been always fascinated by astronomy. As a child I spent a week each summer in my grandmother’s village, a tiny place called Peñarroyas in the province of Teruel, Spain, that had just four permanent inhabitants. The night skies there were unbelievable, with so many stars I couldn’t even make out the main constellations. It felt as impressive as jumping on a rocket and going to space.

A few years later, I took my first pictures of the centre of the Milky Way rising behind the hills that surround the village. I eventually became an astrophysicist, which makes the experience of being out there, under the stars, even more meaningful to me. Now, I travel the world as a documentary photographer and science communicator in search of the last places on Earth where you still can see truly dark, starry nights.

From Morocco to Patagonia, these 11 photos reveal some of the world’s last dark-sky sanctuaries and offer a glimpse into the majesty that once enveloped humanity.

Jordi Busqué

(Credit: Jordi Busqué)

Taken in northern Chile’s Atacama Desert at an altitude of nearly 4,000m, this panoramic view of the Milky Way showcases its path across the sky. The Atacama Desert is one of the driest parts in the world and it offers one of the highest rates of sunny days. This means no clouds at night, which is essential if you want to photograph the stars. On the left-hand side of the photo, you can see the centre of the Milky Way, which is the brightest part of the galaxy.

Jordi Busqué

(Credit: Jordi Busqué)

I captured this photo in a long-abandoned village in northern Chile where the nights had once again become dark. In the sky, you can see the part of the constellation of the Great Bear that is popularly known as The Big Dipper. This is one of the constellations that is visible both from the northern and the southern hemispheres. But here it is upside down compared to how it would be seen at that moment from the north. Thankfully the pool of water on the ground reflects the Big Dipper back into the upright position.

Jordi Busqué

(Credit: Jordi Busqué)

Thanks to its brightness, the centre of the Milky Way is relatively easy to observe. From the northern hemisphere, it is best seen during the summer when looking south, as shown in this picture taken from Spain’s Canary Islands. Our solar system orbits the centre of the Milky Way every 250 million years. Given that our planet is about 4.5 billion years old, this means it has completed around 20 orbits around the galaxy’s centre.

Jordi Busqué

(Credit: Jordi Busqué)

One of the most challenging quality tests for a night sky is the visibility of the zodiacal light, which is much fainter than the Milky Way. The zodiacal light results from the Sun’s light reflecting off the dust particles floating within our solar system and appears as a faint, narrow and somewhat triangular-shaped glow in the night sky, stretching upwards from the horizon.

In springtime, you can see the zodiacal light about one hour after sunset, and in autumn about one hour before dawn. The time of the year is also very important. It’s only in spring and autumn that it stretches vertically upwards from the horizon. During summer and winter, the glow forms a smaller angle with the horizon and it doesn’t go as high in the sky. In Muslim tradition, the zodiacal light is referred to as the “false dawn” because in the dark desert nights it can be mistaken for the actual dawn. This picture was captured in the salt deserts of the Bolivian highlands, at an altitude of approximately 3,700m.

Jordi Busqué

(Credit: Jordi Busqué)

When you are in truly dark places, you can see galaxies with the naked eye. The white, cloud-like shape in the centre of the photo is called the Large Magellanic Cloud. It is a dwarf galaxy and a satellite of our Milky Way. Antonio Pigafetta, who accompanied Ferdinand Magellan’s circumnavigation of the world from 1519-1522, first reported its sight to Europeans, who were unaware of its existence, since it is visible only from the southern hemisphere. This photograph was taken in a field of giant cacti in Bolivia.

Jordi Busqué

(Credit: Jordi Busqué)

In some places, it almost feels like you can touch the stars. That was the sensation I wanted to convey with this image of stars reflected in a tidal pool on the Argentinian coast of Tierra del Fuego. The region is known for its strong winds, so I monitored the wind forecast for many days to maximise my chances of achieving stable water conditions and thus a clear reflection.

Jordi Busqué

(Credit: Jordi Busqué)

It took me three visits to capture this shot of Cerro Torre, the legendary peak of the Patagonian Andes in Argentina, as the peak is often shrouded in clouds. Here you can see the varying colours of the stars, which provide insight into their surface temperature and, to some extent, the stage in their life cycles. Stars that appear redder are cooler and usually older than their bluer counterparts.

Jordi Busqué

(Credit: Jordi Busqué)

To find places with clear night skies, you need to go where the population density is low. For that reason, deserts tend to be good places to admire starry nights. This photograph was taken in an oasis in the Sahara Desert; here you can see cloud-like shapes that are visible to the naked eye. But the shapes hold a secret that is only revealed when using a telescope or binoculars. Galileo Galilei was the first person to do that (with his small home-made telescope) in 1610 and discovered that the clouds of light are actually dense swarms of millions of individual stars.

Jordi Busqué

(Credit: Jordi Busqué)

Here, on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, you can see the very soft glow produced by the light of the stars, which is stronger facing the sea than facing the land. Baby sea turtles use this light to move towards the sea right after hatching. Unfortunately, light pollution makes the land glow stronger than the sea’s, causing them to get confused and walk in the opposite direction. Light pollution annoys astronomers, but also other creatures of the night like baby sea turtles, moths and fireflies.

Jordi Busqué

(Credit: Jordi Busqué)

In Europe, it is increasingly difficult to find places with no light pollution. The best we can hope for is to find a place where at least part of the sky remains dark. Such places still exist in some mountainous rural areas, such as the Pyrenees, where I took this picture in a cemetery to convey the sense of eternity that you often get from looking at the stars.

Jordi Busqué

(Credit: Jordi Busqué)

I took this self-portrait at the salt flat of Uyuni in Bolivia. When you lie down and look up in a place with no trees or other high objects, your visual field only contains stars and it’s very easy to imagine you are just floating in space or on the surface of the Moon.

I’d like to encourage people to try it out. Gazing up into a starry night offers a perspective shift, urging us to reassess our priorities. When we marvel at the immensity of the night sky, it reminds us that our planet is an exceptional place. Amid the brevity of our lives compared to celestial bodies, we need to be mindful of our journey on Earth.

BBC Travel’s In Pictures is a series that highlights stunning images from around the globe.

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SEO for photographers: 7 tips you can use today

Nov 24, 2023 By Admin in Photography

Here’s the thing, they don’t really teach SEO in school, do they? You can read about SEO until you’re blue in the face, but the real learning? That happens when you’re actually in the trenches, optimizing websites, figuring out what clicks and what flops.You’ve probably heard stuff like “do this for SEO” and “do that for SEO” all the time, right? And there you are, trying it out, but kinda wondering, “Is this actually doing anything? Why am I even doing this?” Trust me, you’re not the only one thinking this.

The best way to get the hang of SEO? Start your own website. Build it from the ground up, try to grow it organically. That’s the real deal.

Guess what? I’ve been there, done that. I’ve grown a bunch of sites: an EDM site, a candle site, and even a streetwear site. In fact, I rank #1 if not top 5 for many photography-related keywords. Here are just a few:

My Article Ranking #1 for “what is a speedlight”

My Article Ranking #2 for “business headshot tips”

My Article Ranking #1 for “what is portrait photography”

Having said that, I would like to offer seven straightforward SEO strategies for photographers that you can easily apply to your photography website right away.

More of a visual learner? Check out the video version:

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Nate Torres on YouTube

7 SEO tips for photographers

1. Use HTTPS

First on the list of SEO tips for photographers: ensure your website is using HTTPS. But what is HTTPS? It stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. This is simply a more secure version of the older HTTP, enhanced with SSL/TLS encryption and authentication.

Let’s bypass the technical jargon. The crucial point is that HTTPS increases your site’s security, and search engines favor secure sites. This can boost your website’s ranking for photography-related keywords. Curious if your site has HTTPS? Just visit an SSL Checker website, enter your URL, and check for an SSL certificate. Here’s an example from when I checked my own site, showing it’s secure:

If your site lacks an SSL certificate, contact your web hosting provider. Many photography websites are hosted on platforms like SiteGround, Bluehost, or GoDaddy. For obtaining an SSL certificate, here are some useful links depending on your host:

If you’re using a different hosting service, simply search for your provider followed by “ssl instructions” to find a guide on adding it.

2. Use CDN

The next SEO tip for photographers: Verify whether you have a CDN, which means Content Delivery Network. Why is this important? A CDN can significantly improve your photography website’s page loading speed, which is a key factor for SEO success. CDNs work as a network of servers that enhance your SEO by, quickly delivering content to your visitors, boosting your website’s overall speed, and protecting against online security threats.

Wondering if your website is already using a CDN? You can easily check this with a CDN Checker Tool. For example, when I checked my site, it showed that I’m utilizing Cloudflare’s CDN:

Regarding Cloudflare, they are a popular choice for implementing a CDN. To get started, simply visit the Cloudflare website, register, add your domain, and redirect your domain name to their nameservers. Cloudflare provides an easy-to-follow tutorial, and what’s more, it’s free of charge.

3. Optimize Your Image File Names & Alt Text

For photographers keen on mastering SEO, the third tip focuses on refining your image file names and alt text. Given the abundance of images on photography websites, this provides us an excellent opportunity to enhance SEO by incorporating our desired photography keywords in both the image file names and alt text.

The file name is the label you assign to an image upon saving it:

Alt text, short for alternative text, offers a concise explanation of the image and is vital for both web accessibility and SEO, as search engines rely on this text to understand the content of the image:

When assigning file names and crafting alt text, it’s beneficial to include your specific keyword. For instance, if you’re targeting “portrait photographer in Seattle” and have images of yourself photographing clients, choose a file name like “seattle-portrait-session.jpg” rather than a generic “image1.jpg” or “DSC1003.jpg.” For the alt text, opt for a descriptive phrase like “Seattle-based portrait photographer capturing a client on a cloudy day” instead of a simple “photo.” This method significantly improves your website’s search engine visibility, boosting your ranking for the targeted keywords.

4. Keyword-focused titles

Alright, fourth SEO trick for photographers: Amp up those page titles with keywords! These page titles, or meta titles, are those HTML elements that name your webpage. You know, the headlines you click on in Google search results:

Here’s the lowdown on nailing your title tags: Use your main keyword in there, try not to repeat the same title tags across your photography site, and watch the length to keep it from being cut off.

Ever heard of truncation? That’s when your title’s too long and gets the dreaded ‘…’ chop from search engines. This can mess with how many people click through to your site – less traffic, less clients, less of the good stuff:

If you’re using a custom-coded website, you can dive into the HTML yourself. But if you’re using a CMS like WordPress or Squarespace, like most of us, it’s a bit different. Squarespace lets you change the meta title in its settings. On WordPress, you’ll need a handy SEO plugin to fiddle with those HTML bits such as RankMath.

5. Ensure Proper Headings

Tip number five for SEO-savvy photographers: Get your heading structure on point.

What we’re talking about here are those H1, H2, H3 tags, and so on. These HTML tags label your headings and subheadings. Think of them as traffic signs guiding both your visitors and search engine bots through your content, making everything more digestible and clear about what your page is all about.

Here’s a quick breakdown: in HTML, they look a certain way, and on your page, they look another:

Here’s how they look in HTML:

H1 Header
H2 Header
H3 Header

This is how they look on the page:

Important note: You should have only one H1 tag per page, and it’s smart to weave in your target keyword.

Let’s say your target is “new york portrait photographer.” That ought to be your H1. Now, this alone won’t shoot you to the top of Google, but it sure helps to have your main keyword in your H1.

Moving on to H2s and H3s: this is where your secondary keywords come into the picture. These are the support crew for your main keyword. For example, if your primary keyword is “new york portrait photographer,” your secondary ones might include variations like “new york fashion portrait photographer,” “new york portrait photography,” and so on. Each photographer will have different secondary keywords that gel best with their style. To really nail down which keywords are perfect for you, it’s all about tailoring them to fit your business goals which I can help with.

6. Responsive on Mobile

Tip six for photographers mastering SEO: Ensure your website is mobile-friendly.

Here’s the deal: A mobile-optimized website is crucial. Think about this: almost 60% of all web traffic worldwide comes from mobile devices. Moreover, search engines like Google prioritize mobile-first indexing. They essentially view your website through the lens of a mobile browser for indexing and ranking purposes.

In plain language, your site needs to shine on mobile, maybe even more than on desktop. If it’s falling short on mobile, it could be dragging down your rankings and your ability to draw in visitors.

Want to know how to check if your site is mobile-friendly? Google Chrome’s DevTools is your friend. Just fire up Chrome, head to your site, right-click, select Inspect, and then hit the Toggle Device Toolbar button. Choose a mobile device to emulate. This shows you what your site looks like on a mobile device:

For instance, I checked how one of my articles appeared on an iPhone 12 Pro. If you spot anything off on mobile, like weird spacing, images, or text, it might be time for some adjustments, or perhaps a chat with a developer.

7. Focusing Local SEO

Seventh and last on the SEO advice list for photographers: Harness the potential of Local SEO.

For photographers who serve local clients, Local SEO is key. It’s crucial for any business that customers would usually visit in person, like eateries, contractors, salons, shops, and more. Local SEO zeroes in on search results for a particular area, distinct from general SEO. You’ll spot local results when searching with “near me” or for services typically offered locally. Here’s a look at the “local map pack” where you can feature with solid Local SEO:

Here’s what you need to nail Local SEO:

Optimize Google My Business

This free Google feature allows your business to appear in Local Map Pack and on Google Maps. If you’re a local photographer and don’t have a Google My Business account yet, it’s high time to create one. Ensure you fill in all details, including services, images, contact info, and your website.

Create Local Citations

This means listing your business on well-known online directories with consistent name, address, and phone number (NAP). For photographers, a presence on Yelp is a good beginning. Ensure your Yelp profile is thorough and matches your other listings.

Accumulate Online Reviews

Another crucial aspect of Local SEO is to get reviews on your Google My Business and other directory listings, like Yelp. A smart move is to ask clients for a review immediately after a successful photoshoot, when they’re most satisfied and the experience is fresh.

And there you have it, my complete SEO guide for photographers. I hope you find these tips helpful. If you see any areas where you’re lagging in these optimizations, now is the perfect time to start working on them!

Questions? Feel free to leave a comment or send me an email. If you don’t even know where to begin, I offer a Free Photography SEO Audit on my site!

‘Humans of Heaven’ Offers Compelling Saint Stories, One Photograph and Biography at a Time

Nov 24, 2023 By Admin in Photography

New book by Catholic shop owner tells the stories of 50 holy men and women.

Humans of Heaven

By Jana Zuniga Pingel

January Jane Shop, 2023

167 pages, $39.95

To order: JanuaryJaneShop.com

More valuable than the sweetly simple exterior of Humans of Heaven is the beauty of the holy men and women who fill the pages within.

Humans of Heaven has a sort of “ever ancient, ever new” motif, telling the stories of 50 holy men and women acknowledged by the Church, who lived throughout history, yet whose stories speak to the heart of our own lives in the present day. So that the reader has a clear understanding, author Jana Zuniga Pingel begins the book with a short explanation of who the saints are and offers a brief list of key terms. As such, it is suitable for cradle Catholics, converts and anyone else on the journey heavenward.

“When you hold this book in your hands, I hope you feel the tangible presence of the army of God,” Pingel writes.

That hope has certainly been actualized, at least for this reader.

The 50 profiles span a wide range of decades and devotions. Readers will enjoy the entries on well-known saints such as St. Thérèse of Lisieux, St. Josemaría Escrivá and St. John Paul II. Within the same sitting, one may learn about newer and lesser-known saints (or saints-to-be) like Blessed Karl of Austria or Servant of God Michelle Duppong.

Each holy profile features a vintage photograph, a short summary of the holy life, a beautifully hand-calligraphic quote by the author, and quick facts such as hometown, birth and death date, feast day and patronage.

Pingel reveals their humanness amid their heroic virtue. “These stories help materialize what it means to live according to the Gospel in modern society,” Pingel told the Register. “These 50 testimonies are approachable, yet challenging.”

While the photos from saints to Servants of God are printed in black and white, their stories are told in full of color.

Each page is replete with edifying, harrowing recounts of these men and women who courageously stood for truth, beauty and goodness in the face of disaster, disease and devastation. Some pages feature saints who crossed oceans and traveled to wild lands to share the Gospel, while others offer a glimpse into the daily life of men and women who lived in their quiet towns and silent cloisters.

“Humans of Heaven was born from both my personal relationship with these 50 modern saints and a cry for hope in a post-Christian world,” Pingel said. With every line, the reader is sure to be filled with greater gratitude for the communion of saints and, hopefully, become ever-more inclined to call upon these heavenly friends.

It is clear that authentic devotion was the motivation for this work. “Having grown up with a deep love and friendship with the saints myself, it was a natural response to keep sharing about them,” she told the Register.

As Pingel shares about her own connection to the Church triumphant, she invites the reader to do the same. “I call them my dear friends,” Pingel writes. “…They have made the narrow road towards heaven feel crowded during times of doubt and fear.”

From rags to royalty, the path to heaven is lined with footsteps of men and women journeying in profoundly distinct and individual ways, and Humans of Heaven captures this masterfully. It is an ode to the beauty and diversity of personal vocation, while at the same time being a triumphant testimony to the universal call to holiness, to which we have each been invited to partake.

Pingel shared her own surprise at selling more than 1,000 copies in less than three days of the book’s debut on her website. This book certainly has the quality of a domestic-church staple. “It seems obvious now that God has put his finger on this book and had bigger plans for it than I did,” she told the Register.

While Humans of Heaven will add an aesthetic element to a coffee table, it goes much deeper than decor. While excerpts may be read in minutes, readers will be drawn into reflection for days to follow.

There are many ways one might enjoy Humans of Heaven: Read one story each evening with tea after dinner. Use as an accompaniment to morning prayer. Let it be a liturgical companion while celebrating feasts days with family or home-schooling children.

Pingel told the Register her ultimate hope for this book is that readers will be “given hope, encouragement and a deeper conviction in the power of their personal vocation to sainthood.”

UAE resident Haridas picks up photography award for Hoopoe shot

Nov 24, 2023 By Admin in Photography

The image, taken with a Nikon Z8, features a Hoopoe in flight.
Image Credit: Supplied

Dubai: UAE-based wildlife enthusiast Hermis Haridas picked up an international award for his image of a Hoopoe at the Al Qudra Lakes in Dubai. The photo was taken with a Nikon Z8 camera and showcases the Hoopoe in various moments, both in flight and on the ground.

Haridas, the founder of Paws Trails and Mara Trails Camp, said: “I observed that each time it caught a prey, it flew in the same direction to a nearby tree. I spent a few days photographing this bird, and when I got home and looked over the pictures, I got the idea to photograph the bird against a background with light and dark sides to represent the dark and light sides of existence.

“The following day, I arrived a little earlier at the same location and waited for the ideal shot to occur.”

Crossing Paths: New photography project takes aim at the impacts of transportation on wildlife

Nov 24, 2023 By Admin in Photography

Wildlife

The debut campaign launched by the Canadian Conservation Photographers Collective brings awareness to threats to wildlife from roads, railway transit, ocean transportation and air traffic

Nov 24, 2023
575 words
3 minutes

A female grizzly bear leads her three yearling cubs across a highway as a car threatens in the background; a humpback whale breaches off the B.C. coast, trailing foam and sea spray while a tugboat churns past; a snow goose extends its long white neck to view its surroundings on an airfield, blurry droplets of red, yellow and white runway lights in the distance.

Such is the nature of the arresting, albeit atypical, images on display in Crossing Paths, a new digital publication and the debut initiative from the Canadian Conservation Photographers Collective (CCPC). Part photo essay, part educational tool, Crossing Paths seeks to raise awareness about the destructive and harrowing impacts of public and commercial transportation on wildlife in Canada.

“This is a topic that deserves to be covered,” says Josh DeLeenheer, the CCPC’s B.C.-based founder and director. He notes that beyond the obvious impacts we see on roadways, there are many more threats to wildlife from transportation “that we don’t necessarily think about.”

Formed in 2021, the CCPC is run by a small team of volunteers and currently counts 35 photographers and videographers among its members. Its goal is to “shed light on pressing conservation issues,” draw attention to the solutions that exist, and to link its audience with others — collectives, NGOs, non-profits, research organizations and governments — that are engaged in these issues.

Crossing Paths brings together five transportation themes: roads and highways, railway transit, ocean transportation, air traffic and human activity on lakes and rivers. The photography, which depicts scenes of collision and conflict between wildlife and these fives modes of human transportation, drives the package, however DeLeenheer and his colleagues also researched the topics and brought in partner organizations to contribute educational content and to provide the audience with a means of taking further action.

“We wanted to have actionable goals,” DeLeenheer says. “We want to be able to direct our audience to these organizations that are already engaged in [finding solutions].”

For example, CCPC partnered with the Marine Education & Research Society (MERS) based in Port McNeill, B.C., for the section on ocean transportation. MERS is a registered charity that researches and promotes marine conservation. It campaigns to raise awareness about the harmful impacts of collisions and noise pollution from boat and ship traffic on marine wildlife — particularly, of late, humpback whales, recent returnees to B.C. waters whose behaviour and biology make them susceptible to collisions.

Jackie Hildering, MERS’ education and communications director, says participating in Crossing Paths offered an “an opportunity to amplify” its messaging about collision and noise impacts, as well as the urgent need for more ethical photography of marine animals — images that emphasize “how wild they are, not how close they are” — by media and ecotourism operators.

Given that Crossing Paths just launched, DeLeenheer says the team is still striving to raise its profile, leveraging the networks of its member photographers, partners and others. At the same time, they are also thinking about next steps — new campaigns, as well as working to secure non-profit status for the CCPC in 2024.

“This is our first campaign, so it’s a bit of an explanatory experience,” he says. But he’s hopeful the work and the CCPC’s mission will find a following. “I got into photography because of my passion for conservation. There’s so many stories on a local and national level that we can tell.”