Photography

Striking photos show how our planet is changing – for better and for worse

Striking photos show how our planet is changing – for better and for worse

Editor’s Note: Call to Earth is a CNN editorial series committed to reporting on the environmental challenges facing our planet, together with the solutions. Rolex’s Perpetual Planet Initiative has partnered with CNN to drive awareness and education around key sustainability issues and to inspire positive action.



CNN
 — 

A photograph of a solitary man walking along terraces in China, rust-red rivers in Alaska and a gargantuan western red cedar are among the winning images of the Earth Photo 2024 competition.

The award – created in 2018 by Forestry England, the UK’s Royal Geographic Society and visual arts consultancy Parker Harris – aims to showcase the beauty of our planet, as well as the threats it is facing, from climate change to toxic pollution.

More than 1,900 images and videos were submitted to this year’s competition by photographers and filmmakers from all over the world. The winners were announced last night at a ceremony at London’s Royal Geographical Society, ahead of an exhibition at the same location showcasing the evocative imagery.

Photographers Jean-Marc Caimi and Valentina Piccinni took the top prize with their “Tropicalia” series, which documents how Sicilian farmers are adapting in response to climate change. “Rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and an increased risk of extreme events have transformed what was once Europe’s breadbasket into a testing ground for adaptation and survival,” they said in a press release.

Their images show how farmers are having to diversify: some are giving up their fields to solar energy systems, while others are pivoting to grow exotic fruits such as avocadoes and mangoes that thrive in the now tropical environment.

“Each inspiring image highlights the important stories of resistance, innovation and resilience at the frontline of climate change,” Louise Fedotov-Clements, head of Earth Photo’s jury and director of Photoworks UK, told CNN. “The series as a whole serves as an example of the future that awaits the whole continent.”

Other winning imagery depicts possible climate solutions, including Jennifer Adler’s “Corals of the Future” series that focuses on ocean science and the efforts to restore marine ecosystems in the world’s largest underwater coral nursery. A short film, “Ser Guardianes Madre Arbol” (“Becoming Guardians of Mother Tree”), by Marc Lathuillière, celebrates an indigenous community in northern Colombia that is fighting for the protection of rainforest and their ancestral lands.

The works highlight “the beauty, fragility, crisis and change happening in our natural environment,” said Mike Seddon, chief executive of Forestry England, in a press release. “Bringing us closer to landscapes, wildlife and communities from across the planet in this way sparks new conversations and reflections. And it prompts us to focus on the creative solutions needed for these environments to flourish beyond our lifetimes.”

Fedotov-Clements added that photography and film “represent a formidable means for raising awareness that can encourage us to adapt, innovate and invent sustainable solutions.”

“From the impact of climate change to the inspiring stories of resilience, this year’s powerful edition is sure to inspire stimulating dialogues about our environment,” she said.

Revolutionizing Smartphone Photography: The Honor 200 Series

Revolutionizing Smartphone Photography: The Honor 200 Series

The Honor 200 Series smartphones are rewriting the rules when it comes to mobile photography. Packed with cutting-edge features, these devices offer a photography experience like no other.

Featuring a powerful Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, 12 GB RAM, and a massive 512 GB of storage, the Honor 200 Pro is a true powerhouse priced at just 700 Euros. But the real star of the show is the camera setup. With a triple 50 MP rear camera system, including a wide-angle lens, a telephoto lens, and an ultra-wide-angle lens, as well as a 50 MP front camera, these devices deliver stunning results.

What sets the Honor 200 apart is its ability to offer a similar camera package at a lower price point, making it an attractive option for photography enthusiasts on a budget.

However, one aspect that potential buyers need to consider is the design of the devices. While the technical specifications may be impressive, the masculine aesthetic of the devices may not appeal to all consumers. It’s essential for buyers to weigh their priorities and preferences before making a decision.

For those intrigued by the Honor 200 Series, both models are available for viewing and purchase on the Honor website. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the future of smartphone photography with the Honor 200 Series.

Additional Relevant Facts:
– The Honor 200 Series smartphones also feature advanced AI capabilities that enhance the overall photography experience by optimizing settings and improving image quality.
– These devices come equipped with impressive night mode capabilities, allowing users to capture clear and detailed photos in low-light conditions.
– The Honor 200 Pro offers 8K video recording capabilities, providing users with the ability to create high-resolution videos with exceptional detail.
– The devices in the Honor 200 Series are designed to be durable and resistant to water and dust, adding to their overall appeal and functionality.

Key Questions:
1. How do the camera capabilities of the Honor 200 Series smartphones compare to those of other flagship models on the market?
2. What software features and enhancements are included to enhance the user experience and photo quality?
3. How does the pricing of the Honor 200 Series smartphones compare to competing models with similar camera specifications?

Key Challenges:
– One challenge associated with the Honor 200 Series smartphones is the potential lack of brand recognition and reputation compared to well-established competitors like Apple and Samsung.
– Another challenge could be the limited availability of accessories and ecosystem support for the Honor devices, which may affect the overall user experience and compatibility.

Advantages:
– High-quality camera setup with multiple lenses for versatile photography options.
– Powerful hardware specifications for seamless performance and multitasking.
– Competitive pricing compared to other flagship smartphones with similar features.
– Advanced AI capabilities for improved photography results.

Disadvantages:
– Design aesthetics may not appeal to all consumers.
– Limited availability of accessories and ecosystem support.
– Potential concerns about brand reputation and long-term software support.

Related Link:
Honor Official Website

[embedded content]

Photography Scanning and Digital Transfer Services Market Company Share, Major Competitors, Regional Segments, Strategies, And Forecast Until 2031 | ScanCafe, ScanDigital, EverPresent, Digital Memories

Photography Scanning and Digital Transfer Services Market Company Share, Major Competitors, Regional Segments, Strategies, And Forecast Until 2031 | ScanCafe, ScanDigital, EverPresent, Digital Memories

Photography Scanning and Digital Transfer Services Market

The Latest research study released by WMR on the Photography Scanning and Digital Transfer Services Market with 150+ pages of analysis on business strategy taken up by key and emerging industry players delivers know-how of the current market development, landscape, technologies, drivers, opportunities, market viewpoint, and status. Understanding the segments helps in identifying the importance of different factors that aid market growth.

The market study report offers comprehensive insights into the entire market landscape, offering strategies for business expansion aimed at boosting revenue. This report entails a systematic collection of vital market data regarding target customers, providing a thorough assessment of the potential success of your product or service before market launch. This research report plays a crucial role in this process, conducting extensive analysis and delivering pertinent information to key stakeholders. This global report also covers detailed updates on COVID-19 and its major consequences on human health and businesses. It also allows checking whether the target market is a good fit for your enterprise as the growth of the enterprise completely relies on the target market.

Get a Sample Copy of this Market Report: https://www.worldwidemarketreports.com/sample/855188

Key Players included in this report:

✦ ScanCafe
✦ ScanDigital
✦ EverPresent
✦ Digital Memories
✦ ScanMyPhotos
✦ FotoBridge
✦ Legacybox Backup
✦ DigMyPics
✦ Vintage Photo Lab
✦ ASDA
✦ Staples
✦ Photos2Archive
✦ Smooth Photo Scanning
✦ Snappy Snaps
✦ KODAK Digitizing Box
✦ Southtree
✦ DittoBee
✦ ProScan
✦ Nostalgic Media
✦ Dodge-Chrome
✦ Fototechnika
✦ Didlake
✦ Linhoff
✦ RetroMedia
✦ Memories Renewed
✦ VistaPix Media
✦ PicSave
✦ DiJiFi
✦ SaveMyPiz
✦ Costco DVD

By Types:

✦ Photo Scanning
✦ Slide Scanning
✦ Film Scanning

By Application:

✦ Personal and Family
✦ Enterprise

Market Geography:

The Photography Scanning and Digital Transfer Services Market provides a diverse geographical landscape, with several areas exhibiting unique market characteristics. While some locations see rapid growth due to factors like economic expansion and technical advancements, other regions may experience slower but more consistent market expansion. Market trends vary greatly throughout regions due to factors including cultural influences, legal frameworks, and population developments. Businesses looking to go global must understand these regional differences and adjust their strategy to take advantage of local opportunities.

→ North America (U.S., Canada, China)

→ Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Italy, Russia, Spain, Rest of Europe)

→ Asia-Pacific (Japan, South Korea, China Taiwan, Southeast Asia, India)

→ Middle East, Africa, Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Turkey, Israel, GCC Countries

Competitive Analysis:

✔︎ Global Players Revenue Ranking
✔︎ Revenue by Company
✔︎ Global Players Sales Volume Ranking
✔︎ Sales Volume by Company Players
✔︎ Average Price by Company
✔︎ Manufacturing Base Distribution and Headquarters
✔︎ Product Offered
✔︎ Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion

Major highlights from Table of Contents:

☛ This comprehensive market analysis delves into the prominent manufacturers, as well as the burgeoning players making strides in the Photography Scanning and Digital Transfer Services Market Opportunities & Growth Trend up to 2031. It encompasses an exploration of key business segments, years under consideration, and the primary research objectives. Furthermore, segmentation is structured around product type, application, and technology.

☛ Photography Scanning and Digital Transfer Services Market Executive Summary: It gives a summary of overall studies, growth rate, available market, competitive landscape, market drivers, trends, issues, and macroscopic indicators.

☛ Photography Scanning and Digital Transfer Services Market Production by Region, Profile of Manufacturers/players are studied based on SWOT, their products, production, value, financials, and other vital factors.

Market Report Answers the Following Questions:

1. What growth rate will the market be projected to grow during the forecast period of 2024 to 2031?
2. What will be the market value in the future?
3. What are the key opportunities of the market?
4. Who are the major players operating in the market?
5. How feasible is the market for long-term investment?
6. What are the market’s opportunities, risks, and general structure?
7. What does a business area’s assessment of agreements, income, and value implicate?

Purchase This Premium Research Report (Up to 70% Discount): https://www.worldwidemarketreports.com/promobuy/855188

Reasons to Purchase Report:

• Evaluation of market share for regional and country-level segments.
• Market analysis of top industry players, market trends, and strategic recommendations for new entrants are highlighted in this report.
• All mentioned segments, and regional market forecasts for the next few years.
• The report offers a detailed analysis of prime factors that impact the market growth such as key market players, current market developments, and pivotal trends.
• The report includes an in-depth study of key determinants of the global market including drivers, challenges, restraints, and upcoming opportunities.
• The report helps existing manufacturers and entry-level companies devise strategies to battle challenges and leverage lucrative opportunities to gain a foothold in the global market.

✦ Contact Us:

Worldwide Market Reports
📞 U.S.A: +1 415 871 0703
📞 UK: +44-203-289-4040
📞 JAPAN: +81-50-5539-1737
📞 India: +91-848-285-0837
✉ Email: sales@worldwidemarketreports.com
🌐 Website: https://www.worldwidemarketreports.com

About us:

Worldwide Market Reports is your one-stop repository of detailed and in-depth research reports compiled by an extensive list of publishers from across the globe. We offer reports across virtually all domains and an exhaustive list of sub-domains under the sun. The in-depth analysis by some of the most vastly experienced analysts provides our diverse range of clients from across all industries with vital decision-making insights to plan and align their strategies in line with current trends.

This release was published on openPR.

Revolutionizing Mobile Photography with HUAWEI Nova Vision 80

Revolutionizing Mobile Photography with HUAWEI Nova Vision 80

Immerse in a New Photography Era
Step into a world where capturing moments becomes an art form with the HUAWEI Nova Vision 80. Designed not just as a smartphone but as a tool for self-expression, this device transforms every instance into a masterpiece. In this review, we delve into the distinctive features of this innovation to guide our readers in making informed decisions.

Elegance Redefined
Elevating the standards in design, the HUAWEI Nova Vision 80 series offers a blend of powerful functionality and visual delight. From the classic and minimalist design of the HUAWEI Nova Vision 80 to the premium feel of the HUAWEI Nova Vision 80 Pro and the luxury of the HUAWEI Nova Vision 80 Ultra, each model embodies meticulous attention to detail to exceed the highest expectations.

Advanced Visual Experience
The HUAWEI Nova Vision 80 Pro takes sophistication a step further with a slightly curved 6.8-inch display. The curved edges not only enhance the device’s elegant appeal but also ensure ergonomic interaction. Meanwhile, the HUAWEI Nova Vision 80 Ultra represents the pinnacle of HUAWEI’s design philosophy, adorned with eco-leather featuring a starry pattern inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night.”

A Photography Marvel
Setting new benchmarks in mobile photography, the HUAWEI Nova Vision 80 is equipped with cutting-edge cameras that deliver superior image quality in all conditions. With features like HUAWEI Ultra Lighting and XD Motion Engine, this camera ensures exceptional performance even in low-light environments and captures high-speed motion smoothly.

Unleashing Creativity
Featuring adjustable aperture settings and real-time dual exposure capture, the HUAWEI Nova Vision 80 empowers users to craft highly detailed images with vibrant colors. With modes like super macro, HDR night video, and high-speed photography capabilities, this device caters to the most demanding photography needs.

Unmatched Performance
Driven by the Kirin 9000 processor and 12GB of RAM, the HUAWEI Nova Vision 80 offers seamless multitasking and uninterrupted performance. The 4900mAh battery supported by HUAWEI SuperCharge ensures rapid wired and wireless charging, providing a 50% charge in just 15 minutes.

Enhanced User Interface
The new HUAWEI EMUI 14.2 interface presents users with a plethora of enhancements and new features. From interactive themes to gesture controls powered by artificial intelligence, this interface offers a personalized and intuitive user experience with smooth animations and instant image loading.

Dive into the Future
Experience the future of mobile photography and performance with the HUAWEI Nova Vision 80. Redefine how you capture and interact with the world, all in the palm of your hand.

Additional Facts:
1. Huawei is a Chinese multinational technology company headquartered in Shenzhen, Guangdong. It is one of the leading global providers of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices.
2. The Nova series is known for its focus on photography capabilities, aiming to provide professional-grade photography experiences to users.
3. In addition to the camera features, Huawei devices often come with advanced AI capabilities to enhance various aspects of user experience, including photography, security, and performance.
4. Huawei has faced challenges related to cybersecurity concerns and controversies about its ties to the Chinese government, leading to restrictions and bans in some countries regarding the use of Huawei products and services in certain sectors.

Key Questions:
1. How does the Huawei Nova Vision 80 series compare to other flagship smartphones in terms of camera performance and design?
2. What are the privacy and security implications of using Huawei devices, especially given concerns about data protection and potential government surveillance?
3. How does Huawei address software updates and support for its devices, considering potential restrictions on access to certain apps and services due to geopolitical issues?

Advantages and Disadvantages:
Advantages:
– Superior camera capabilities for photography enthusiasts.
– High-quality design and premium materials.
– Powerful performance with advanced processors and ample RAM.
– Innovative features and user interface enhancements for a unique user experience.

Disadvantages:
– Potential concerns regarding data privacy and security given the company’s background and controversies.
– Limited availability of certain apps and services due to restrictions imposed in some regions.
– Uncertainty about long-term software support and updates due to geopolitical challenges.

Related Links:
Huawei Consumer Website
Huawei Official Website

[embedded content]

Uno reverse! Photographer wins ‘best AI image’ award using a real photo, sends message on nature’s unmatched creativity

Uno reverse! Photographer wins ‘best AI image’ award using a real photo, sends message on nature’s unmatched creativity

Representational image    iStock

Present-day social media and the webscape as a whole have been infiltrated by fake AI-generated content, blurring the lines between reality and fabrication. Capitalising on this trend, a photographer recently pulled off a clever twist, by winning a ‘best AI image’ award with an actual photograph!

To be fair, Miles Astray’s photograph of a headless flamingo appeared so surreal, only AI could have made it up. From quirky proportions and missing parts to a bizarre vibe overall, it embodied the hallmarks of AI imagery.

Titled “F L A M I N G O N E,” the photo seized third place in the AI category of the 1839 Awards’ Color Photography Contest and even won the People’s Vote award.

While it’s difficult to believe that this image wasn’t generated by any AI tool, it’s actually true. Astray took this shot on the beaches of Aruba two years ago. Although the photo was later disqualified when Astray revealed its true origin, it had already achieved its intended impact.

Speaking to The Washington Post, Astray shared that “F L A M I N G O N E” was designed to deliver a compelling message about nature’s unmatched creativity, which he believes surpasses anything AI can replicate.

He further intended to provoke thought about the rapidly evolving capabilities of AI imagery, which is becoming indistinguishable from genuine photography.

“What are the implications and the pitfalls of that? I think that is a very important conversation that we need to be having right now,” Astray stated, emphasising the urgency of addressing these concerns.

The revelation drew an overwhelmingly positive response, with social media users flooding Astray with “hilarious, thoughtful and heartfelt comments”. Despite disqualifying his entry for not fitting the AI category, the contest organisers, too, appreciated the “powerful message” Astray’s submission conveyed.

The real story behind the photograph can be found on Miles Astray’s website.

In pictures: Jamie O’Neill captures Portsmouth portraits

In pictures: Jamie O’Neill captures Portsmouth portraits

41 minutes ago

imageJamie O'Neill Images of three people in PortsmouthJamie O’Neill
imageJamie O'Neill Images of man with pink hair standing beside a wall in PortsmouthJamie O’Neill

A photographer has captured a unique record of his home city of Portsmouth.

Jamie O’Neill’s People in Pompey project has seen him approach people in the street and take their photographs.

His online gallery has images of almost 100 individuals who he has photographed.

He said he wanted to “put the people of Pompey on the map”.

imageJamie O'Neill standing on a Portsmouth shopping street with a camera round his neck

Having started his project in December, Mr O’Neill has so far pictured almost 100 people, after simply approaching them on the street.

“I can always tell when someone wouldn’t mind getting their photograph taken – almost wanting to have their picture taken,” he said.

“When they realise I just want to showcase the people here, they’re usually up for it.

“It’s the best compliment I could ever give to someone is to want to take their picture.”

imageJamie O'Neill Jamie O'Neill takes a photo of a man playing a drumkitJamie O’Neill

Mr O’Neill started street photography 2020 to document the impact of the Covid lockdowns, and developed the idea into capturing individual characters out and about in the city.

Now 22, he moved to Portsmouth when he was six and was keen to “break the stereotypes” of negative perceptions about the city.

He said: “This is the most vibrant place with the most amazing people.

“I want this to be my foundation and have the people of Pompey back me, and just build it up as far as I can take it.

“There is no shortage of vibrant characters that I find and friendly people that I interact with, and I’m just hoping to keep it going.”

Related internet links

Wedding wars! How photographers took over – and vicars fought back

Wedding wars! How photographers took over – and vicars fought back

Hiking to the top of the highest local peak in full wedding dress sounded dramatic, adventurous and romantic. A visual representation of feeling on top of the world; a jaunty juxtaposition between gorgeous wedding finery and the wilds of northern England. The resulting photographs were striking and memorable, recalls the photographer behind this scenario, Scott Johnson. The couple were lovely and it was one of his favourite jobs – but he wonders how their guests felt, having been left for two hours while they went off to hike up a hill. “You’re invited by the bride and groom to spend a day with them and they disappear, so I can see where the angst comes from,” he says. “But it’s what the couple wants, so we have to say yes.”

Johnson, in his 40s, says he is old enough to remember when his wedding photography jobs lasted around three hours – he was there to capture the arrival at the church or register office, shoot the ceremony and take portraits and photographs for an hour or so afterwards. “You didn’t do any bridal preparation, or stay for the party.” Now, he says, couples want coverage from early in the morning until midnight or later. “I used to just take one camera and one lens,” he adds; now he brings a van of equipment. “Couples are much more aware of what can be done than ever before.” And, anecdotally at least, many couples want much more. “Some want the more stylised coverage,” he says. “You see wedding photography online where you’re thinking, that’s not a wedding, it’s like a movie shoot.”

Some couples now want to be photographed on beaches at sunset, or clifftops, or up mountains. They want drones and multiple angles, and they employ “content creators” alongside the more traditional photographer. Wedding photographers are often working 16-hour days, barely stopping for a break, and under pressure to capture every detail. Then many couples want to see a preview of the photographs the next day. “There’s less patience, there’s less appreciation of quality,” says Lewis Fackrell, a wedding photographer based in south Wales.

That’s not their only problem. Earlier this year, Rachel Roberts, a wedding photographer, complained that vicars were making their jobs harder by restricting the type of photographs they could take in church, and in some cases banning them altogether. The petition she started, calling for a better working relationship and describing “rude, humiliating, aggressive and abusive” behaviour from some clergy members, has been signed by more than 1,200 people. It included a link to a TikTok video of one such incident, in which a priest stops mid-ceremony to tell the photographers to move away. “This is a solemn assembly, not a photography session,” he says firmly, as bride and groom look on nervously. Even Dr Rowan Williams, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, stepped in, agreeing that some vicars can be “overcontrolling”, but adding that a church wedding “isn’t staged just as a spectacle to be filmed, but as a personal encounter of a couple with God”.

Most of the church leaders Roberts has worked with have been “absolutely amazing”, she says, but she has still had “a good handful of experiences where I’ve been banished to the back, or told to hide behind a pillar. One vicar mapped out a square on the floor, where I really couldn’t see anything, [and said] ‘Don’t stray from there’.”

Although her petition got a lot of attention, not much has changed, she says. “Unfortunately, the only way change is going to happen is more fresh blood coming into the church. Those who have these rules are not going to be changed overnight. The only thing that’s changed is more couples have an awareness, and they can check before their wedding.”

There can be pressure to capture everything in detail, but Roberts thinks this doesn’t necessarily mean more intrusive photography. “Technology means we can have silent shutter mode on, we’ve got zoom lenses, we can be way more discreet, and quiet and respectful.”

Many wedding photographers blame social media for fuelling unrealistic expectations, and escalating the photography to the point where it threatens to take over the entire day. “It has really changed the landscape for good and bad,” says Fackrell. “It’s influential but also detrimental.”

Instagram accounts such as Vogue Weddings, which features stylish, beautiful, usually rich and often famous couples, have become hugely influential. Fackrell has noticed more people wanting pictures like those of the self-taught photographer German Larkin, who shot the wedding of Brooklyn Beckham, among other celebrities and socialites; his recognisable style is flash-heavy and glamorous. “I am a fashion photographer and I see wedding photography as fashion shots,” Larkin told the New York Times. It means, says Fackrell, that other photographers are “pivoting within a few weddings and changing their style, just to try to keep up with the trends”. The growing fashion for film photography, as opposed to digital, has also had photographers heading back to the darkroom to brush up their processing skills, or learning them from scratch.

Instagram can give couples unrealistic expectations of what can be done on a busy day, Fackrell says. “There are a lot of photographers now [on social media] that are doing styled shoots, with a model couple, with all the time in the world to set it up. With a wedding it’s impossible to do that because it is a natural event that flows. You can’t say: ‘Sorry, can you walk back down the aisle again, because you weren’t smiling?’ And social media is flooded with AI-generated images, and particularly wedding photography images. To the naked eye, the public is not going to notice.” Expectations, he says, “need to be reined in a little bit, but it’s all about communication”. He has had couples come to him with shots they want to emulate and he has had to point out, he says, “that wedding was in a different country, with a different backdrop, in a different season”.

Hannah Warmisham, a wedding photographer based in Gloucestershire, has sympathy for newly engaged couples being overwhelmed with images of all the ways their wedding could look. “You’re seeing all these amazing things [that are] part of people’s day, you’re not seeing the whole day. So you might see someone on a rooftop in New York with a million dollars’ worth of florals all around them and think: ‘Oh, I want that.’ Or you see people on top of mountains. I think it is quite hard to keep a level head.”

There is increased pressure on photographers, too. At the last wedding Warmisham photographed, she started shooting at 10.30am and didn’t even stop for a drink until after 4pm. “I didn’t put my camera down, there was stuff that needed to be covered during that entire period.” One modern trend is for “first look” shots – where the couple see each other, dressed up, before the ceremony. “It’s lovely but sometimes high pressure because it’s only going to happen once and is often very quick.” Warmisham has to decide in advance whose expression will be best and which to focus on – it’s not the sort of shot you can take again.

It’s the same with the ceremony. “I have heard of couples going to kiss after they just got married and a videographer shouting: ‘No, not yet.’ That’s a really special moment you won’t get back. I personally wouldn’t do that.” She tries to be as unobtrusive as possible, but understands the importance couples place on having images from the whole day. “It’s part of the documentation, and these are memories that you’re going to be showing your grandkids one day.”

For many couples, though, it’s also about getting images on social media as soon as possible. Around nine months ago, Angela Hughes, a photographer and film-maker based in Dorset, did her first wedding alongside “wedding content creators” – a team wielding iPhones, whom the couple wanted to prioritise over Hughes’s photography. “They were really lovely, but I wasn’t used to dealing with content creators,” she says. Sometimes it made her job harder. “[One of them] was taking the lead for certain shots, like moments with the couple. If she wanted to go in front of me, I had to let her. At one point she followed the bride halfway down the aisle. I think a lot of the time, these content creators are more invasive because they’ve been asked to be.” Another photographer recently shot a wedding for a couple who also had a videographer and two content creators, and described it as “a bunfight”. One of the content creators missed getting footage of the father of the bride’s “first look” at his daughter, and asked him to recreate it later in the day, without his daughter even being there. “They told him to look surprised.”

With Hughes’s work, it can take days and often weeks to perfect the photographs – choosing which of the 3,000 or more images to keep, then editing them using Photoshop. A video can take two or three weeks to put together. By contrast, content creators can upload raw footage on to social media almost immediately, she says. “On one hand, it’s really fast. On the other hand, I would be worried about the quality, but people seem to be loving it so we have to accept it as a new part of the business.” Hughes, who makes films and has a master’s degree in the art, says: “I’m very much against going down in quality,” but she worries, with a laugh, that it makes her seem old-fashioned. “I really think there is a massive shift, in that weddings have to be more aesthetically pleasing. As a film-maker, I can get on board with that.”

In the growing trend for micro weddings, or “elopements” – where there are few guests or sometimes none at all – the photography can take on an even bigger significance. “Your friends and family are only going to experience the day from the photographs,” says Alina Pullen, a London-based wedding photographer.

Sometimes it’s just her and the couple. “A photographer becomes way more than just the photographer,” she says. “I don’t consider myself just someone who comes in on the day and observes from afar.” She is often there from the start to help a couple to plan their elopement, with extensive meetings to talk about their interests and what kind of day would suit them. On the day, she says, “it’s not a photoshoot, it’s not a styled thing where people are static; it’s all in motion, it’s all happening”. One of her favourite weddings – a symbolic, rather than legal marriage – was last summer in a lavender field, where the couple went for a walk and had a picnic, then said their vows at sunset. “And then we walked back through the fields capturing more of a twilight look as well. So that was a whole day of an intimate experience, with the two people just by themselves.” She is booked for a sunset beach wedding and treehouse ceremony next year, but she says an elopement doesn’t necessarily have to be in a dramatic or remote location. Last week, she shot a couple, their maid of honour and best man, in a city wedding in London. “A lot of couples just want to do something in the city that they love.”

In the last year, Mark Niemierko, a sought-after wedding planner, has started sending quick links of photographers’ work to couples before they start to talk more seriously about it, “because I find that it’s something they’re becoming more and more fussy about”. He understands the importance of great wedding photography. “It is the one thing that you will have for ever. A video can date, while I could look at my grandparents who got married in the 1940s, and it’s classic and chic and will always stand the test of time.” But he also adds: “Instagram has a lot to answer for. I feel like Instagram is about massive peer pressure now … they all want the same thing. Instagram makes people think they’re having something unique, but it’s not.”

When couples ask him to essentially set up a photoshoot on their wedding day, which means they’ll be away from their guests for a couple of hours, he is quite strict with them. “I’ve got photos framed from all my weddings in my office, and they’re all spontaneous, they’re not from where they’ve gone off to do a shoot,” he says. He would love to see the whole thing pared back – and that includes enormous photographers’ fees. “Wedding photographers have lost their grip on reality,” he says. “We are getting quotes that are £1,000 an hour.” The most expensive charge up to £20,000 for the day. “I’m not discrediting wedding photographers, some are incredible and they’re really awesome people that we work with, but I think some photographers have allowed Instagram to make this bigger than it is. And it’s costing more.”

Ultimately, he says, it’s about getting to the heart of what’s important – something he says many couples lose sight of in the overwhelming wedding whirlwind. “Sometimes I’ve got to remind them that it’s a celebration. There’s a load of tradition around it but it’s about celebration and bringing people together and looking after your guests, and not turning it into a photoshoot.”

Princess Catherine photography: Her best work

Princess Catherine photography: Her best work

.wp-block-xwp-column>*+*{margin-block-start:var(–column-gap, var(–layout–block-gap))}@media(min-width: 768px){.c-columns–two-columns-two-thirds-one-third{–template-columns: 1fr 33.33%}}@media(min-width: 768px){.c-columns–two-columns-one-third-two-thirds{–template-columns: 33.33% 1fr}}@media(min-width: 768px){.c-columns–three-columns-wider-center{–template-columns: 0.5fr 1fr 0.5fr}}@media(min-width: 768px){.c-columns–two-columns-aside{–template-columns: 1fr 20rem}.c-columns–two-columns-aside>.wp-block-xwp-column:first-child{max-width:51.25rem}}.c-columns–two-columns-aside>.wp-block-xwp-column+.wp-block-xwp-column+.wp-block-xwp-column{display:none}

.wp-container-core-group-is-layout-3.wp-container-core-group-is-layout-3{flex-direction:column;align-items:flex-start;}

Despite having multiple royal duties to carry out, Princess Catherine makes sure she also carves out time for her hobbies; like photography.

The Princess of Wales has enjoyed taking pictures for years, and she’s actually gotten quite good at it!

So good in fact, that she took the cover photos for Queen Camilla’s 2022 profile in Country Life magazine as well as a few of the official royal birthday portraits for her children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Furthermore, royal family photographer Samir Hussein told US Weekly that he, in his professional opinion, thinks Catherine has “a good eye”.

“She’s a good photographer. I’m impressed by her pictures, absolutely,” he said.

princess catherine taking part in a photography workshop

Catherine rarely speaks about her passion for photography though; especially since posting and then deleting the now infamous royal Mother’s Day portrait in March 2024.

However, she did say during an appearance on the UK show This Morning in May 2020:

“During [lockdown], I spent lots of time picking up my camera and taking photos of the children because they’re always around us when we’re doing stuff together.

“One of the fantastic things about photography is really capturing that moment so it’s not staged; it’s not setting it up perfectly; it’s not clearing your house away so you got a perfect studio setup but it’s really capturing those moments that feel real to you.”

What’s the big deal about Kate’s photo?

In case you missed it, in March of this year, Prince William and Princess Catherine’s official Instagram account posted a photo (which was of Catherine, George, Charlotte and Louis) in honour of Mother’s Day.

However, shortly after the image had been shared, many alleged that it had been manipulated – Charlotte’s sleeve was blurry, Catherine’s zipper was misaligned, and Louis’ sweater pattern repeated oddly.

princess catherine taking photographs

The photo was swiftly deleted and Princess Catherine ultimately shared a statement about the whole incident.

“Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing,” she said.

“I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother’s Day.”

But aside from this one mishap, we still think Catherine is more than an “amateur”.

Don’t believe us? Take a look at the best examples of Catherine, Princess of Wales’ photography work below…

Catherine took and shared this photo of her family in honour of Father’s Day 2024.

For Charlotte’s 9th birthday, the palace released an official portrait that was taken by Catherine.

Similarly, the official portrait for Louis’ 5th birthday was also taken by Catherine.

This is one of the many photographs Catherine took for Queen Camilla’s July 2022 Country Life magazine cover story.

For George’s 8th birthday in 2021, Catherine took the photo used for his official portrait.

Catherine took this lovely photo of the late Prince Philip and a young George, which William shared with the public when Philip passed away in 2021.

Ahead of William’s birthday in 2020, Catherine shared this adorable family picture that she snapped herself.

In 2020, Catherine took this candid shot of the then-Prince Charles hugging his grandson Louis.

For Father’s Day in 2019, Catherine captured this photo of William and Charles.

Catherine shot the late Queen Elizabeth II and the late Prince Philip with seven of their great-grandchildren in 2018.

Related stories


Akea Brionne’s Dazzling Artworks Blend Traditional Tapestry with Photography

Akea Brionne’s Dazzling Artworks Blend Traditional Tapestry with Photography

Golde (2024) from the series “The Final Hour.” Photo: Ruben Diaz

Since making her mark in 2022 with the national touring group show “A Movement in Every Direction: Legacies of the Great Migration,” which is currently on view at the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive through September 22, she has presented otherworldly seascapes alluding to folklore and mythology at the Library Street Collective in Detroit and staged a buzzy exhibition in New York at Lyles & King.

Layers of research and process go into each work: The artist begins by feeding her own photography and appropriated images into a private AI server. From there, she builds a narrative with written prompts from her dreams and memories. The digitally printed jacquard tapestries are then painstakingly embellished by hand with rhinestones and filled with doll stuffing to create a three-dimensional effect. “My goal is to trick people into digesting photography and fiber art with respect,” she says.

Akea Brionne’s Sunny. Photo: Courtesy of the artist

Counting Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Henri Matisse as inspiration, Brionne is also influenced by Pueblo weavings and pottery as well as the artisan-made objects that line the walls of her home in Detroit. “Much of it is relegated to the world of folk art, but I think it has a place in art history as well,” says Brionne, who is currently creating short films that draw on her passions for music and dance as well as new artworks exploring themes of climate change. “The beauty of the multiplicities of my identity is that I have the ability to build something new and authentic to who I am and who I’m becoming, armed with the knowledge of that past and with the possibility of the present and future.”

Akea Brionne, Isis Returns. Photo: Courtesy of the artist

A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2024 Summer Issue under the headline “Singular Expressions.” Subscribe to the magazine.

Cover: Akea Brionne pictured in her studio with works in progress.

Photo: Courtesy of the artist