by Emily Canning-Dean

It wasn’t until high school that PJ Apostle learned he had a talent for photography, but since that time he has had several photographs published in a prestigious magazine and even sells some of his work in the area.

Recently, a sunset photo Apostle took at the beach in Florida was published in Photographer’s Edge Magazine and this is the seventh time the magazine has published Apostle’s work.

“I have taken a number of sunset photos and I make them into cards and 8 by 10 pictures,” he said. “I really like to take a lot of photos of nature. I also like to take a lot of floral pictures.”

Apostle admits another pair of favorite muses are his dogs, Roxy and Molly.

“I walk my dogs in the park every day and that brings up a lot of good opportunities for pictures or even just the two of them playing together at home makes for good pictures,” he said. “Taking pictures of nature and my dogs are probably my two favorite things.”

Apostle, who works in IT for Medical Mutual, said he never considered becoming a professional photographer, but when he was attending Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School, teacher Joe Applebaum saw something special in his work.

“I was just taking the photography class to fulfill my fine arts requirement and then he said he thought I should start selling my photographs,” he said.

After graduating in 2002, Apostle kept taking photos. He said traveling gave him a great opportunity to see new things and show perspective through his photographs. He has been to a number of locations including Hawaii, Paris and Rome.

“I like to go to historic sites and also I just really like to get pictures of nature when I travel like mountains or bodies of water,” he said.

While he loves to travel, Apostle said he also enjoys taking photos closer to home. The Brecksville gazebo is a favorite spot and some of his floral photos can be found for sale at Brecksville Florist.

Apostle said anyone interested in purchasing cards with his photos on them can contact him at pjapostle@yahoo.com.

“I sell individual cards, but I also sell boxes of the cards if that is what people would prefer,” he said.

Besides selling his photos, Apostle takes time to enjoy his own work around his condo and also donates some of his work for good causes.

“My condo is decorated with photo collages using some of the photos I took,” he said. “My mother, a long time ago, created a neighborhood woman’s group and they do a lot of different charity work, so I’ve donated some of my photos for that group to use. I have also donated my photos to be used at church fundraisers and also a library fundraiser.”

Apostle also shared some advice for other aspiring photographers.

“When you get started take multiple pictures and then select your best work,” he said. “Taking a lot of pictures gives you practice and helps you to get better at it. Also try taking pictures from a lot of different angles. I always take them from different angles to see what is going to look the best.” ∞

Apostle says one of his favorite places in Brecksville to photograph is the gazebo.

PJ Apostle’s sunset photo taken in Florida was recently published in Photographer’s Edge Magazine.

PORT CLYDE — “The spirit of resilience echoes through the coastal community of Port Clyde, Maine,” said a news release, “and this July, it takes center stage in a remarkable photography exhibition sponsored by the Herring Gut Coastal Science Center, Port Clyde Strong Committee and Cushman Creative.”

The #portclydestrong photography exhibition will open to the public on July 1, inviting visitors to embark on a visual journey through the triumphs and tribulations of Port Clyde’s spirit. The exhibition will be located on the second floor of the Monhegan Boat Line in Port Clyde and runs July 1 through October. Hours are 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Titled #portclydestrong, the exhibition encapsulates the indomitable spirit and strength of the community in the face of adversity.

#portclydestrong is a collaborative effort made possible through the generosity of shop owners and community members. Photographer Cheryl Clegg, owner of Cheryl Clegg Photography, located in Waltham, Massachusetts, who spends her summers in Maine, has captured the essence of this coastal community, according to Herring Gut. Through her lens, she offers a poignant visual narrative that reflects the heart and soul of this coastal enclave.

In the wake of significant challenges, including the devastating Port Clyde Village fire on September 27, 2023, and the relentless fury of coastal storms, the community has rallied together with unwavering fortitude and solidarity. The exhibition serves as a tribute to these shared experiences and a testament to the enduring spirit that defines Port Clyde.

“We are thrilled to showcase Cheryl Clegg’s photography, which beautifully portrays the strength of our village through portraits of those affected by the fire and storms. Images include fishermen, business owners, and community members of all ages,” says Sally Crusan, Director of Development at the Herring Gut Coastal Science Center. “Cheryl has captured the essence of #portclydestrong, reminding us of the collective courage and determination that continue to inspire us all.”

Karan Cushman, CEO of Cushman Creative, was a strategic partner and creative agency on this project. Cushman also serves on the Port Clyde Strong committee.

“The fire may have left a visual hole, but the heartbeat of Port Clyde is stronger than ever,” said Cushman. “The community has reinvented itself in creative ways for locals and visitors to experience and celebrate.”

In addition to the main exhibition, select photographs will be on display at various local businesses, including Squid Ink, Village Ice Cream, Herring Gut Coastal Science Center, Fresh Catch, Off the Dock Lobster and Marshall Point Lighthouse. These additional displays provide visitors with the opportunity to experience #portclydestrong throughout the community.

For more information about the #portclydestrong photography exhibition visit herringgut.org or portclydestrong.org.

Contact: Sally Crusan, Herring Gut Coastal Science Center, 59 Factory Road, Port Clyde, ME 04855, 207-372-8677, scrusan@herringgut.org 

About Herring Gut Coastal Science Center: Herring Gut Coastal Science Center is celebrating its 25th year of educating students and communities about the connections between the ocean, inland waters, and economy of Maine. They are open Mon-Fri from 8am to 4pm and offer a wide variety of marine science programming for all ages.

About Port Clyde Strong Fund: The St. George Community Development Corporation established the Port Clyde Strong Fund in response to many requests from the community after the devastating Port Clyde fire. Falling under their Community Good program, the Port Clyde Strong Fund is a restricted fund that meets the needs of those St. George neighbors and businesses impacted by the tragic fires on the Port Clyde waterfront. Through these collective efforts, our community has begun to heal and rebuild, transforming tragedy into a symbol of hope and unity. 

About Cushman Creative: Cushman Creative, is a branding and marketing firm that uses the power of design to help health science organizations communicate their value and advance human health.

About Cheryl Clegg Photography: Cheryl Clegg is an award-winning Boston based commercial photographer with over two decades of successful projects. Cheryl Clegg delivers emotional images that linger. More than filling white space, each project tells a story or burns an impression into the mind of its audience. cherylcleggphoto@verizon.net, 617.268.2266 397, Moody Street, Waltham, MA 02453

Over her brief but dazzling life, Frida Kahlo was photographed by some of the greatest talents of her generation, from her lover Nickolas Muray to Edward Weston to her dear friend the Swiss artist Lucienne Bloch.  

Nickolas Muray, Frida Kahlo with Magenta Rebozo “Classic” (1939). Courtesy of Throckmorton Fine Art.

In the decades since her death in 1954 at the age of 47, Kahlo’s image has seemingly become an extension of her painting practice in a way unlike really any other artist. Her iconic brow and black coils of braided hair burned into popular consciousness, along with her self-adornment in indigenous dress and Aztec jewels. 

A new exhibition “Frida Kahlo: Forever Yours” at New York’s Throckmorton Fine Art makes the case that these photographic portraits of Kahlo are, in fact, a unique expression of the Mexican artist’s creative persona. 

The dazzling exhibition (through September 7) presents 50 high-quality photographs of Kahlo dating from 1929 to 1951, including iconic portraits, tender moments with her husband, the artist Diego Rivera, and playful, as well as irreverent moments with friends (Kahlo with a lampshade on her head? You bet.) The images represent just a small fraction of “Frida photographs” from the collection of dealer Spencer Throckmorton who started collecting photographs of the artist in 1977. 

Guillermo Kahlo, Portrait of Frida Kahlo, Oct 16, 1932. Courtesy of Throckmorton Fine Art.

“I have photographs of Frida since she was four years old,” he said in a phone interview earlier this month (you can see a video of the dealer discussing the show here). For Throckmorton, the show charts both the artist’s maturation over the decades but also her finesse and dexterity in engaging with the medium of photography. “Through these photographs see her become a totally self-assured and mature painter, believing in herself as she grows,” he said, “We see that the photographs are beautiful and beautifully posed—Frida had worked for her father who was a photographer when she was very young and he taught her how to pose for the camera.”  

A portrait of Kahlo by her father, Guillermo Kahlo, appears in the show—a piercing image that shows the young artist staring out from the camera with penetrating intensity. The portrait was taken when Kahlo returned to Mexico by train from New York following her mother’s death in 1932.  

The poignancy of these photographs is often rooted in Kahlo’s intimate connections to the photographers themselves. Several brilliantly colorful photographs of Kahlo taken by her lover Nickolas Muray appear in the exhibition, including the iconic image Frida Kahlo with Magenta Rebozo “Classic”. In several of these portraits, Kahlo adopts classical stances seemingly plucked out of Rennaissance paintings—an artful positioning Throckmorton says reflects their relationship.

Lucienne Bloch, Frida, and Diego, with Colleagues, Viewing a Solar Eclipse on the DIA roof (1932). Courtesy of Throckmorton Fine Art.

“Nickolas Muray came along and taught her classical poses. She was a natural because she was studying art history. A lot of the poses he took of Frida were based on Renaissance and 17th- and 18th-century paintings,” Throckmorton explained.  

Other photographs by the artist Lucienne Bloch are delightfully informal. “Lucienne was a friend of hers so Frida lets her hair down. One photographer shows Frida with a doily on her head—another one with a bottle of wine. There’s the one of her with a lampshade on her head!”

Nickolas Muray Frida with Olmeca Figurine, Coyoacán (20/30) (1939). Courtesy of Throckmorton Fine Art.

Other images highlight Kahlo’s considered and passionate engagement with fashion and the ways dress and jewelry became her embodied mode of celebrating indigenous culture and Aztec heritage. “In 1929, Frida started to wear Mexican indigenous clothing from the Indians of the coast of Mexico and Tijuana with long skirts. She loved jewelry and a lot of her jewelry was made by William Spratling, an American. It was a very specific way of presenting herself,” he explained.  

Edward Weston Frida Kahlo Side Pose / Abstract drawing by Frida on verso (1931). Courtesy of Throckmorton Fine Art.

In other ways, the photographs influenced Kahlo’s painting practice directly. One portrait in the show by Leon DeVos shows Kahlo with a downward gaze—it is an image Kahlo would later base a self-portrait. “She used the photograph as a model to paint her Self-Portrait with Jade Necklace, 1933. It’s almost identical to the pose of the photograph,” said Throckmorton, “I talked to Solomon Greenberg [the leading expert on Kahlo] and he says a lot of the photographs relate to her paintings.”  

Other highlights in the show include three photographs from 1931 taken in San Francisco by Edward Weston each of which Kahlo doodled on the back of. Another gem: a print of Kahlo and Rivera on the roof of the Detroit Institute of Art, watching the solar eclipse with a crowd—it’s the only vintage print none to exist.  

For painting devotees, the exhibition also includes the Kahlo painting La Risa, which features a Mexican folk mask used in indigenous dances in festivals, as well as two drawings, which Frida made after she came back from Paris in 1939, made in purple crayon.

The exhibition, Throckmorton says is a chance to glimpse, “just how fabulous and intelligent Frida really was.”

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Julie Powell is a passionate photographer and educator, running online classes and workshops for still life, macro, food and portraits, based in Melbourne, Australia. Julie is also an award-winning digital artist and photographer who has a deep passion for fine art and conceptual photography, having exhibited in galleries in Europe, USA and Australia. See more of her work on her Website Juliepowellphotography.com or on social media.

Gay nude beaches, sensual scenes from St Tropez, and an intimate slice of life in Naples – these photo stories will make you feel like summer has finally arrived

Let’s face it: few of us will look out the window on a rainy day and think, “Oh, what a great day to take photos!” But this video from Liam, a.k.a. 7th Era, might change our minds. He’ll show you why rainy days can actually be a prime opportunity to capture stunning street photos and share some tips on how to nail them!

Gear up and protect yourself

Before hitting the pavement, Liam emphasizes the importance of keeping your camera safe and dry. You can buy a raincoat for it, but a simple plastic bag method can do the job just as well. Just grab a bag big enough to cover your camera and lens, cut a small hole for the lens front, and secure it with tape or an elastic band. Most new cameras are weather-sealed, but a plastic bag provides an extra layer of protection during heavy downpours.

As for keeping yourself dry, Liam suggests two options: an umbrella or a raincoat. He personally prefers the umbrella, citing the cozy shelter it offers while allowing him to focus on the shot. As for me, I prefer a raincoat as I like to keep both my hands free.

Taking photos in the rain

Now that you’re prepared, it’s time to hit the streets and look for shots to capture. Here’s what Liam recommends looking out for:

• Reflections: Rainy streets become a playground for reflections. Look for buildings with interesting facades or puddles on the ground that can create captivating mirrored images. But remember, lighting is key. Aim for good light sources to ensure the water droplets and details are clearly reflected. Liam uses the example of a red neon sign reflecting in a puddle for a vibrant shot.
• Umbrellas: This is where things get interesting. Everyone uses umbrellas during rain, and that chaos can be a goldmine for creative compositions. Liam suggests three approaches. First, you can isolate a single person walking with an umbrella. Focus on them to create a simple yet captivating image. You can also lookfor a scene with a crowd of people waiting at a crosswalk, all holding umbrellas. Capture a shot looking through the umbrellas for a unique perspective with depth. Bonus points if car lights shine through, creating silhouettes. Finally, you can go with the top-down view. Find a staircase or elevated platform and shoot down on people walking with umbrellas. This unexpected perspective showcases the top of the umbrellas and the reflections on the ground, creating a visually dynamic image.
• Bonus tip: nighttime rain photography: Liam encourages you to take your rainy adventures further by exploring night photography. The wet streets illuminated by city lights can create a magical atmosphere in your photos. Just remember to adjust your camera settings for low-light conditions.

So, the next time it rains, don’t hide indoors. Even in bad weather, there are opportunities for great photos. Grab your camera, follow Liam’s tips, and discover the beauty and intrigue of the city streets transformed by a downpour.

HUAWEI has raised the bar with its new P series smartphone – the Huawei Pura 70 Series. An innovative device that combines innovative technology, sophisticated design and exceptional camera capabilities, it sets a new benchmark for the smartphone industry.

The HUAWEI Pura 70 Pro sleek and elegant design centres on a 6.8-inch OLED display, offering 3 200 x 1 440 resolution, which offers users an immersive viewing experience with vibrant colours and exceptional clarity.

The edge-to-edge screen, protected by Kunlun Glass, ensures durability while providing a seamless look and feel. On the reverse, the slim matte finish resists fingerprints and smudges and is available in three colours: black, white and pink.

This combination of aesthetics and practicality makes the smartphone impressive to look at and comfortable to use.

Continuing HUAWEI’s tradition of pioneering mobile photography, the HUAWEI Pura 70 Series boasts a revolutionary V-shaped quad-camera system with a primary 108MP sensor that captures highly detailed photos, even in low-light conditions, thanks to its large f/1.6 aperture and advanced AI image stabilisation. Complementing the main sensor is a 40MP ultra wide-angle lens, a 20MP telephoto lens with 10x hybrid zoom, and a dedicated 12MP depth sensor for professional-quality portraits.

The front-facing camera is also impressive, featuring a 32MP sensor with AI-driven beautification and portrait modes that ensure stunning selfies in any environment. HUAWEI’s enhanced AI capabilities enable advanced features such as real-time scene recognition, automatic adjustments and creative shooting modes, empowering users to capture their world with clarity and artistry.

The HUAWEI Pura 70 Pro series is powered by an advanced processor, combined with 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage, ensuring smooth multitasking, fast app launches and a seamless gaming experience.

The device supports 5G connectivity, allowing users to enjoy ultra-fast download and upload speeds, low latency and improved network reliability. The HUAWEI Pura 70 Series houses a robust 5 000mAh battery that easily supports a full day of heavy use.

Further, Huawei’s SuperCharge technology enables rapid charging, providing up to 70% battery capacity in 30 minutes. The smartphone also supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.

The HUAWEI Pura 70 Series offers new features and optimisations, including an improved dark mode, enhanced privacy controls and a redesigned user interface for a more intuitive experience. Users can enjoy Huawei’s AI Life Suite, which offers smart home control, health and fitness tracking and intelligent device management.

Another notable addition is the advanced AI assistant, Celia, which is a voice-activated assistant that provides users with a hands-free way to manage tasks, set reminders and control smart devices. Users can also access the Google App Store with ease.

The HUAWEI Pura 70 Series design, unparalleled camera system, powerful performance and innovative features make it a true flagship model. 

Natalie Gillis who perished in a single-engine plane crash on Monday morning in Albany, NY was much more than an accomplished pilot. We are learning more about her life through her beautiful photography and many adventures.

34-year-old Natalie Gillis of Alberta, Canada was working for a surveying company in Montreal. She was returning from a job in North Carolina and stayed overnight in Albany. Unfortunately, shortly after takeoff, she had engine trouble and perished.

Natalie’s job as a surveyor does not begin to define who she is. She was a wilderness guide and had completed a backpacking journey across Canada earlier this month.

The Times Union reported that Natalie was hired as a kayak guide at sea. This adventure was with a sixty-foot sailboat that crossed through the Drake Passage ending up in Antarctica. This is where she wrote a book of poetry called “This is Where Atlantis Sank.” Not only did this book chronicle her journey, but she also took breathtaking photos of her adventure.

In an email, Natalie’s brother Matthew Yap told the Times Union,

I don’t know what to say. I’m still overwhelmed with grief. I’d like to thank the first responders, coroner, and NTSB for all their work, condolences, and support.

Authorities could not confirm that Natalie intentionally tried to avoid homes and vehicles before the crash, it appears as she did.

It’s such an unfortunate end to a beautiful young woman’s life but I think I can speak for many of us when I say that I am glad I got a glimpse of what this remarkable woman accomplished in her short time on earth.