Elton John fans know that he loves collecting things, especially fine art photography. His photography collection rivals that of most museums, but now, it’s coming to a museum.

London’s Victoria & Albert Museum has announced that an exhibit called Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection will open May 18.

According to the Evening Standard, the photos will be organized across eight themes, including fashion, celebrity, the male body, American photography and historical images documenting the Civil Rights Movement, the AIDS activism of the 1980s and the 9/11 terror attacks.

Legendary photographers like Robert Mapplethorpe, Cindy Sherman, Diane Arbus are all represented, and there are celebrity portraits of icons like Marilyn Monroe and Miles Davis, among others.

“Fragile Beauty takes our collaboration to really exciting new heights, showcasing some of the most beloved photographers and iconic images,” Elton said in a statement, per the Evening Standard.

This isn’t the first time Elton has had items from his collection displayed in a museum. In 2016 and 2017, London’s Tate Museum featured an exhibit called The Radical Eye: Modernist Photography from the Sir Elton John Collection.

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For Courtney Shea Smith, launching her own photography business made sense for several reasons.

In addition to her passion for capturing beautiful and precious moments with the click of a shutter, she knew it would be an enterprise she could continue on the move. Shea Smith loves to travel for location shoots, but as the wife of Indianapolis Colts offensive lineman Braden Smith, she knew her husband’s NFL career could lead to frequent relocations.

The couple met as students at Auburn University and knew early in their relationship they wanted to spend their lives together, Shea Smith said, wherever that took them.

“I pretty much knew that I wasn’t going to be in Alabama, and I wanted to have a business that I could take with me if we were to move through multiple cities, and I’ve always wanted to travel,” Shea Smith said. “That was a huge part of why I wanted to pursue photography professionally.”

Shea Smith, 27, formed Ninety Three Creative, named after the number she wore on her jersey as a catcher for the Auburn softball team, while still living in Alabama. She specializes in weddings shot on film and said she is “very intentional” in how many events she shoots so she can attend Colts games and spend time with her husband during the offseason.

More recently, Shea Smith launched Courtney S. Studios, the branding she uses for her studio-based portrait work. At her Carmel studio, she specializes in maternity shoots.

Smith isn’t officially part of the photography business, but Shea Smith said he has been crucial to its success, from giving her the confidence and space to pursue her dreams to more tangible efforts, like helping set up and tear down equipment when she needs a hand.

“Braden is incredible. I cannot say enough about him,” Shea Smith said. “He has supported me from before day one.”

Smith said his wife “takes a lot of pride in her work.”

“She spends countless hours on her craft,” he said. “It’s important to her, and she can deliver a quality product. She doesn’t take any shortcuts.”

Many of Shea Smith’s shoots are destination weddings, and she has done recurring portrait sessions for several families of Colts players.

“It’s really fun to get to watch their families grow,” Shea Smith said. “To be a part of that is really, really special.”

The Smith family is growing, too, as the couple is expecting their first child in January 2024. Shea Smith knows parenthood, like her husband’s career, will likely place limits on her photography business – for a time. But someday, she expects to devote more time and energy to Ninety Three Creative.

“When he’s retired (from the NFL), I’m excited to see how my business changes,” Shea Smith said. “I’ve had to put a little bit on the backburner for life, and that’s something that I would choose to do every single day. I wouldn’t do this any other way, but I’m excited to see what it looks like post-football.”

Learn more about Shea Smith’s photography work at CreativeNinetyThree.com and CourtneySStudios.com.

‘Exactly what I needed’

The Indianapolis Colts are recognizing National Women’s Small Business Month throughout October by highlighting local female entrepreneurs with close ties to the team.

Isabella Therien launched Zionsville-based I.T. Home Improvement after relocating to Central Indiana in 2021 with her boyfriend, Colts offensive lineman Will Fries. The finance major and basketball player at Loyola University Maryland started the company after spending a year working at a wealth management firm on the east coast – and realizing it wasn’t a good fit.

“I realized it was just not what I wanted to do with the rest of my life,” said Therien, 24. “I just knew in my heart that I needed to find something with a little bit more flexibility, something that makes me happy at the end of the day. That’s what led me to I.T. Home Improvement.”

I.T. Home Improvement has completed commercial and residential projects, Therien said, but going forward she plans to focus her efforts on home remodeling. Therien said she and her business partner, general contractor Emerzon Perez, aim to offer a “one-stop shop” for clients in north Indianapolis and surrounding areas.

In addition to finding the work fulfilling, Therien enjoys being able to set her own schedule.

“I love going to (Fries’) games. That’s something I look forward to every Sunday,” she said. “I don’t have any family (in Indiana), so I get to go home sometimes if I’m a little bit homesick and Will is on the road. I think it’s exactly what I needed.”

Learn more at therienizzy.wixsite.com/website.

In our picturesque city of North Bend, Washington, with Mt. Si standing tall in the background, celebrated mountain photographer and adventurer Scott Rinckenberger has introduced his latest endeavor: The Scott Rinckenberger Gallery.

Opening its doors on July 15th, this new space aims to serve as a cultural nexus in the mountain town, offering a rotating display of Rinckenberger’s inspiring works.

Granite Volume 1, the inaugural collection, presented a visual journey through the granite landscapes of Washington and California. From the grandeur of the iconic peaks to the intricate beauty of climbing routes, this collection pays homage to the stone that has withstood the tests of time and erosion. It resonates as a tribute and “a love letter to granite.”

Sharing his thoughts on this monumental step, Scott remarked, “Building a space that introduces the local community, tourists, and fine art collectors alike to the beauty of the mountains is the fulfillment of a dream.” 

He envisions the gallery as more than just a showcase of his artistry. It’s a hub where the community can converge, learn, and collaborate. “Beyond presenting my work to a broader audience, I truly hope that the gallery will act as a gathering space for local community-building where we can teach, learn and give back to one another.”

Rinckenberger’s photographic journey transcends this gallery. His unique approach to capturing wild places has garnered international attention and accolades. Notable collaborations with renowned brands, such as Apple, REI, and Patagonia, stand as testaments to his prowess in the field.

However, for Scott, photography is not just about capturing breathtaking vistas; it’s a medium to emphasize the importance of preserving these pristine landscapes. He’s an ardent supporter of environmental sustainability, pledging 1% of his annual gross revenue to environmental causes through the 1% For The Planet network. He has committed to donating from his business to environmental non-profits and consistently reviews his business practices to find ways to decrease the carbon footprint of his endeavors, choosing human power over fossil fuels in as many instances as possible. 

The gallery’s current exhibit, “Harvest Color,” paints the ephemeral beauty of the Pacific Northwest’s autumn. From the serene Snoqualmie Valley with its misty mornings to the golden hues of alpine meadows, the collection is a heartfelt reminder of the fleeting nature of beauty. It’s an invitation to soak in the present, to marvel at nature’s wonders, and to be grateful for the moments we’re granted.

Rinckenberger’s ties to Washington are deeply personal. Says Scott, “I grew up in the woods on a gravel road between Woodinville and Duvall, so I’ve got the mossy forests of the Snoqualmie Valley in my bones. After spending my college and early career in Seattle, as soon as my son Cedar was born, I knew it was time to return to my roots. My family and I were fortunate to find a wonderful home in the trees in Fall City about eight years ago, and I’ve been working from an office in downtown North Bend. Since coming back to the area, we’ve enjoyed a deep connection with the outdoor community and all the amazing access to nature here in the Snoqualmie Valley.”

Scott and his wife Lucia and children Cedar (8) and Mica (5) are right at home in the forests and mountains and enjoy foraging for berries and mushrooms, mountain biking, rock climbing and skiing the wildest runs on the mountain.

Tracing his trajectory in photography, Rinckenberger’s journey began during his days as a professional skier. The experiences, coupled with the guidance of famed photographer Chase Jarvis, molded him into the artist he is today. His athletic background and photographic expertise enable him to capture nature in its rawest forms, producing works that resonate with authenticity.

Says Rinckenberger, “The fusion of my athletic background and photography experience has allowed me to create work that feels deeply immersive and shows fluency and comfort in extreme environments. To this day, I approach my mountain endeavors with the commitment of a professional athlete and have continued to execute difficult objectives, such as being first to summit and ski the five volcanoes of Washington in five days.”

Scott has enjoyed a wonderful office and studio space in the Sunset Garage building since 2016. It’s been a perfect setting for enjoying mountain views and putting in long hours editing, printing, framing, and shipping his artwork. While his commercial advertising photography and fine art print sales have been robust all the while, it’s always been his dream to create a gallery space where his work can be shared in a setting that is carefully crafted to encourage a deeper connection to the art, serves as a gathering place for the community, and inspires viewers to connect with nature in a meaningful and sustainable way.

For years, he kept a close eye on the commercial real estate market in downtown North Bend.

Says Scott, “When the Healing Garden space became available, I knew it was the perfect fit for my gallery, and I am grateful that the building owner, David Cook and his wife Lisa shared my vision and invited me in.”

The artwork will be rotated roughly quarterly to be in rhythm with the seasons. The work will be built around seasonal themes, specific locations, particular elements of nature, and other surprises they have on deck to keep things fresh.

The gallery, located at 106 W North Bend Way, welcomes visitors Thurs-Sat 12-6, Sun 12-5. Scott, along with his dedicated staff, Jane Mauser and Nicole Tastad, ensure a personal touch to every visitor’s experience.

With this gallery, North Bend gains more than just an art space. It receives a beacon of community spirit, environmental consciousness, and a testament to the timeless beauty of nature.

Recent headlines from South Africa have reported national crises, from rolling blackouts to the highest unemployment rate in the world and housing shortages. But a new photography exhibition shines a spotlight on the rich landscape of innovation and contemporary culture led by young people in the country.

In “A Young South Africa,” (at the NOW Gallery in London until November 19), work from six photographers and creatives document the diversity of style, talent and thriving subculture among the “Ama2000s”, the South African term for Generation Z. But it also shines a light on the evolving cultural identity of a country that is itself young.

“We’re only 29 years of a democracy,” explained Karabo Mooki, one of the featured photographers, over video call. “It’s such a young culture.” Mooki’s series on show, “Island Gals,” documents a skateboarding community of young Black women in his hometown of Johannesburg. Established by 21-year-old skater Thato Moet, Island Gals provides a “safe space” for girls to come together and skate, explained Mooki.

As a skateboarder himself, he had been aware of “the heavily dominant male cis environment” of skateboarding and wanted to give visibility to the growing community of Black women represented by Island Gals. “I felt there was a need to bring truth to light, documenting the evolution of the (skateboarding) culture, the narrative that has not been celebrated by mainstream media,” he said.

Mooki’s richly saturated portraits catch the skaters in still moments of connection, in parks, on streets, and other public spaces of the city where women too often face harassment and violence. Each image is accompanied by the woman’s story, as told to Mooki — from struggles with mental health to standing up to sexist stereotypes in skateboarding. “Black women are often boxed up in society’s preconceived stereotypes,” he said. “I wanted to celebrate the beauty of this community and the boundaries that Island Gals is pushing.”

Mooki, who has also documented the Black punk scene in the city’s township of Soweto, as well as other local skateboarding groups, believes that “community is a cornerstone of Johannesburg’s youth culture.”

In the photo series “Afrogrunge”, 26-year-old designer and creative director Anita Hlazo, along with photographer Luxolo Witvoet, take us to the townships of Langa and Nyanga in Cape Town. As a teenager, Hlazo harnessed her own style — mixing pop and grunge influences with studs, piercings, platform boots and second-hand clothes — to create the fashion label Afrogrunge.

She described the style to CNN over email as “a combination of culture and subculture,” mixing inspirations from around the globe, and dressing in a way that is “foreign within our daily, cultural norm.” Afrogrunge, Hlazo said, shows that “youth culture in South Africa is aware of the global world, and if we don’t manage to come for it, we bring it here and enjoy it for ourselves.”

The photographs on show explore the experience of being an “Afrogrunge girl,” featuring young women expressing themselves through alternative fashion and style, often in stark contrast to everyday urban surroundings.

The photographer Fede Kortez, meanwhile, celebrates the aesthetics and identity of two other Cape Town neighborhoods — Bo-Kaap, a historical center of Cape Malay culture known for its colorfully painted houses, and Woodstock, acclaimed for its art scene — as well as the young people living there.

Portraits on show from Johannesburg-based Nikki Zakkas capture young people across South Africa gaining recognition for their talent, from musicians and football players to ballet dancers. “My aim was to showcase individuals who embody diverse facets of contemporary youth culture,” the photographer told CNN, explaining that she collaborated with her subjects to portray them “as they envisioned themselves.”

Zakkas photographs the young creatives in places that have significant personal resonance: 24-year-old ballet and contemporary dancer Bhungane Mehlomakulu is captured in Sasolburg, where he grew up and discovered his passion for dance; indie musician Red Robyn is photographed at a shuttered beachfront amusement park in her home city of Durban.

In the series “Back to the Soil,” Johannesburg-based creative director Bee Diamondhead worked with photographer Travys Owen to portray three queer male musicians making waves in South Africa: Desire Marea, Muneyi and Thuthuka Sibisi. The images show the men nude, painted with clay and earth, with their poses resembling classical figurative sculptures. The portraits meditate on the musician’s beauty, tenderness, care and vulnerability, as a direct counterbalance to the notion of toxic masculinity.

With “My Liewe Land (My Great Land)”, photographer Aart Verrips celebrates South Africa’s youth-led subcultures through vibrant, multicolored silhouette portraits. Featuring young people innovating in music, fashion and performance, including the local Amapiano music subgenre and voguing nights, Verrips uses his photography to turn them into iconic figures.

The rising global popularity of Amapiano music, which emerged in South Africa in the mid-2010s, was one of the catalysts for the exhibition. “South African music at the moment is having a real resurgence, especially through the lens of Amapiano, and a lot of young people are connecting with the culture that way,” said NOW Gallery’s curator Kaia Charles, walking around the show. “We thought it would be good to expand out the conversation.”

Charles, who once lived in Cape Town, praises the “resilience” of these young creatives, especially considering the challenges – the high cost of living, education and unreliable basic services – which they are faced with. “From a creative industries point of view, South Africa is so avant garde, and I don’t think a lot of people know that,” she said. “I’m hoping through this show that people get to understand the wealth of talent that exists there.”

A Young South Africa: Human Stories is on until November 19 at London’s NOW Gallery.

A 24-200mm is a zoom lens with such a range of focal lengths that it makes it perfect for a walkaround lens. The question is, how good is it at the extremes and how useful is it in the wild? In this video, Nigel Danson takes it on a landscape shoot to see how it performs.

I want to start by saying that Nigel Danson’s production quality is getting out of control; it’s indistinguishable from a high-end TV show at this point! Perhaps that doesn’t make the reviews of lenses any better, but it makes them a damn sight more enjoyable to watch!

Danson is currently roaming around Ireland and in this video, he is using the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR lens. With such a broad focal range, this lens lends itself to a lot of situations and is perhaps trying to nail down the “walkaround” lens. A walkaround lens is generally highly versatile without being too heavy. For example, you could shoot wide-angle landscapes, but also telephoto portraits. There was a time — perhaps only a decade ago — when these incredibly versatile lenses were jacks of all trades, masters of none. In fact, the ones I tried were underwhelming in everything they did, they were just easier than taking lots of lenses with you. Now, the latest Nikon to take on this versatile role appears to be doing it very well indeed!

Do you use a walkaround lens? Why or why not?

In “The Art of Landscape Photography,” host Vanelli, Skylum’s Director of Education, introduces viewers to Gina Yeo. Gina is a passionate Canadian landscape photographer who loves teaching and capturing nature’s beauty.

Gina shares her systematic approach to landscape photography. She highlights the crucial importance of preparation, including equipment readiness and meticulous planning. Gina outlines the four essential pillars of landscape photography: fundamentals, technique, composition, and post-processing.

Gina also delves into the intricacies of post-processing. She covers image preparation, construction work, image cleanup, and final adjustments. Her dedication to sharing knowledge and enthusiasm makes this a valuable resource for novice and experienced photographers.

The Art of Photography Webinar Series is an insightful and educational program brought to you by B&H Photo in collaboration with Skylum, the makers of Luminar Neo, and led by Vanelli, Skylum’s Director of Education. This series has been crafted to provide valuable guidance and knowledge to photographers, regardless of their experience level, to enhance their photography skills.

Across a sequence of webinars, we will venture into diverse photography genres, offering in-depth insights into the tools, techniques, and artistic methodologies contributing to creating breathtaking images.

In a quiet studio resonating with the soft clicks of a camera shutter, we met with Nicolas, a photographer whose journey has led him to the heart of the burgeoning NFT artistry. With a serene smile and eyes that tell tales of myriad captured moments, he walked us through his artistic evolution, his tryst with NFTs, and the boundless prospects of digital artistry.

Nicolas, thank you for joining us today. Let’s start by delving into your background. Can you share how your early exposure to photography and your years of apprenticeship with photography masters shaped your artistic journey and led you to the world of NFTs and digital art?

Nicolas: Certainly, it’s a pleasure to be here. My upbringing was steeped in photography, thanks to my mother’s passion for the art form. Growing up surrounded by the works of iconic photographers like HERB RITZ, PETER LINDBERGH, HELMUT NEWTON, and JEANLOU SIEFF had a profound impact on me. I left for Paris at a young age and learned the ropes as an assistant to greats like CLAUS WICKRATH, PETER LINDBERG, and JEAN DANIEL LORIEUX.

This apprenticeship provided a solid foundation for my career in photography, and I ventured into collaborations with major fashion brands. My work has always straddled the line between fashion and art. It wasn’t until I discovered digital art and NFTs through a friend three years ago that I realized the transformative potential of sharing my art with a global audience. The democratization of art through digital ownership fascinated me.

Your journey is truly remarkable. Can you elaborate on how you blend the concept of photography, which captures a moment in time, with NFTs, which immortalize digital moments? What intrigues you about this intersection of traditional and digital art forms?

Nicolas: Photography’s essence lies in capturing moments, freezing them in time. NFTs, on the other hand, take these digital moments and immortalize them through blockchain technology. This dynamic fusion is particularly intriguing because it adds a layer of permanence to something inherently fleeting. The notion of digital property contracts in the NFT space opens up exciting possibilities for artists like me to bridge the gap between the tangible and the digital, creating a new dimension for art to thrive.

Your art is known for themes of femininity, fashion, cinema, and glamour. Could you tell us more about the emotions and messages you aim to convey through your work in the NFT space?

Nicolas: Absolutely. My art is a celebration of joy and pleasure in a vibrant and colorful universe. I aim to evoke these emotions in viewers as they engage with my creations. Whether it’s through the lens of femininity, the allure of fashion, the magic of cinema, or the timeless glamour, I want people to experience a sense of delight and happiness when they interact with my art.

The NFT space has undeniably revolutionized the art world. What aspects of this transformation do you find most intriguing, and how do you see it shaping the future of art and creativity?

Nicolas: The NFT space is brimming with artistic innovation and energy. What captivates me the most is the sheer diversity of creative projects that are flourishing within it. While there are challenges, such as questions about conservation and image quality, the ability for anyone with internet access to instantly acquire art is nothing short of incredible.

This transformation extends beyond art; it’s a societal shift. The integration of blockchain and NFTs is becoming an art form in itself, and for photography, it opens doors to innovative mediums like Ionnyk, which can link NFTs to physical images. The potential for artists and creators is boundless.

Speaking of challenges, have there been any specific obstacles or limitations you’ve encountered within the NFT space, and how did you overcome them?

Nicolas: Certainly. One of the initial hurdles was defining the right balance between screen quality and physical copy quality for my photos. Achieving this equilibrium required extensive testing and experimentation. It’s a testament to the evolving nature of the NFT space, where artists and creators must adapt and find solutions to meet the demands of the digital art world.

How do you envision the future of NFTs and digital art, especially as they intersect with photography and other creative mediums?

Nicolas: The future is extraordinarily promising. NFTs and digital art are poised to impact society across various sectors. The interaction between artists, collectors, and audiences through blockchain functionalities will evolve into an art form itself. In the realm of photography, innovative mediums like Ionnyk, which allow for the movement of pigments on photo paper while linking to NFTs, present incredible possibilities. We’re witnessing a revolution that transcends the traditional boundaries of art and creativity.

Can you walk us through your creative process, from the initial idea to the final minting of an NFT?

Nicolas: My creative process is deeply rooted in artistry. I’m guided by instinct and vision, much like a film director. I constantly have a multitude of artistic ideas in mind, and I work diligently to bring them to fruition. Emotions play a significant role in shaping my work, and I strive to convey these emotions through my images and projects.

How do you select the photographs that become NFTs? Is there a specific criteria or emotional resonance you look for when making this decision?

Nicolas: The photographs that ultimately become NFTs are those that possess a unique blend of artistry and iconic value. They must align with the overarching goal of spreading joy and delight through my art. Each selected image contributes to the larger narrative of my creative journey.

On a personal note, what is the most rewarding aspect for you when creating and selling NFT art?

Nicolas: The most rewarding aspect is the opportunity to introduce my art to a new audience that extends beyond the traditional art market. The prospect of reaching individuals who may not have had access to my work otherwise is immensely gratifying. It’s about expanding the boundaries of creativity and sharing the joy that art brings.

The NFT community has been growing rapidly. Can you share a memorable interaction or experience you’ve had within this space?

Nicolas: Over the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of meeting numerous remarkable individuals within the NFT community. From collectors and builders to friends, they’ve all played a vital role in my journey. Some notable names include @Giga_Chad_Pepe, @LordTruffington, @sendr0ck, and many others. What’s truly incredible is the sense of camaraderie and mutual support that pervades this community. We’re all pushing each other to new heights, and it’s a dynamic and inspiring environment to be a part of.

In conclusion, how would you summarize your thoughts on the current state of the art world, driven by technology, blockchain, and NFTs?

Nicolas: We are living through a revolution as powerful as the advent of the internet, with AI, blockchain, and digital photography transforming the landscape of creativity. As an artist, I’m excited and grateful to be part of this journey, exploring new frontiers of artistic possibility.

Gm, let’s find your mermaid ❤️🍸🧜‍♀️ pic.twitter.com/ufPY5AUQpy

— Nicolas Bets (@nicolas_bets) October 21, 2023

TLDR: Nicolas, a photographer and digital artist, discusses his journey from traditional photography to the world of NFTs. He blends the concepts of capturing moments in time with immortalizing them through NFTs, aiming to convey joy and pleasure in his art. Nicolas sees the NFT space as an exciting artistic frontier with potential for societal impact. Challenges like photo definition have been overcome, and innovative mediums like Ionnyk hold promise. His creative process is instinct-driven, focusing on conveying emotions. The most rewarding aspect is reaching a new audience, and memorable interactions have fueled his journey. Nicolas is excited to explore the creative possibilities of AI, blockchain, and digital photography.

Our photo contests are back and the prizes are bigger than ever. We are giving away a free tutorial to each of the 20 photographers we choose to feature in our video, and the grand prize winner will also receive $1,000 cash. 

This contest was supposed to end tomorrow but due to both Elia Locardi and I going on Vacation, we have pushed the deadline back a few days. Show us your best landscape photo and you just might win $1,000. As always, it’s totally free to enter. 

MIA hosts Native photography exhibit “In Our Hands” – CBS Minnesota