Focus on Photography: When Sam met Stuart | Partner promotion | News

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On behalf of Visit Rwanda, sports photographer, Sam Mironko took photos of our men’s team during our US pre-season tour this summer.

Throughout his career, Sam has covered a range of sporting events including the NBA Finals and the Basketball Africa League Finals, with his work featured by the Boston Celtics, SLAM magazine and more. 
 
As a huge Arsenal supporter, Sam has followed our Chief Photographer Stuart MacFarlane’s work for many years, and he enjoyed the opportunity to gain some valuable insights into what his role is like when the two sat down to discuss the differences and similarities of their work, as part of Visit Rwanda’s US Tour photography series.

Press play on the video above to see Sam and Stuart in conversation, and you can also watch the first two episodes below as Sam links up with Ben White, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel, who test their own photography skills:

  Episode 1: Behind the Lens
The players discuss what photography means to them

  Episode 2: Photography Challenge
Players go head-to-head to see who can capture the best motion photograph

Copyright 2023 The Arsenal Football Club Limited. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.arsenal.com as the source.

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Hubble Telescope discovers thousands of hot stars camouflaging a spiral galaxy (photo)

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Bright pink splotches of young star clusters camouflage a barred spiral galaxy in a new photo from the Hubble Space Telescope. 

The galaxy, called NGC 5068, lies about 20 million light-years from Earth in the southern region of the constellation Virgo. NGC 5068 is believed to be approximately 45,000 light-years in diameter and have a prominent central structure shaped like a bar (captured in the top center of the new Hubble image) that is densely packed with mature stars, according to a statement from NASA. 

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Kaikōura children look to the stars with new telescope

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Tamzin Godfrey, 10, of Kaikōura, has been learning astrophotography.

DAVID HILL LDR

Tamzin Godfrey, 10, of Kaikōura, has been learning astrophotography.

Kaikōura school children are capturing images of the cosmos, as the community plans for dark sky sanctuary status.

A new group, Kaikōura Astronomers, has been introducing the local community to astrophotography thanks to community support.

Established as an offshoot of the Kaikōura Dark Skies Trust, which is lobbying for dark sky sanctuary status, the group has been gifted a new telescope.

Volunteer Brian Horsfall said the telescope was popular with local school children.

‘‘We plan to make this telescope available to the community in Kaikoura by having stargazing sessions and school visits.’’

The telescope – a Unistellar eVscope 2 used for astrophotography – worked by capturing the light of distant objects in space and converting the data to an image on a tablet or computer.

A tablet or cellphone operated the telescope using wifi, by sending the co-ordinates of the object you want to photograph.

Kaikōura Astronomers was established to promote astronomy in the community, while the Kaikōura Dark Skies Trusts worked on its application to the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) for dark sky sanctuary status.

Destination Kaikōura, a collaboration between the Kaikōura District Council and local tourism operators, gifted the telescope, while the Kaikōura Lions donated some tablets.

Te Kura o Hāpuku, north of Kaikōura, also supported the initiative by allowing the group to hold open nights on its school grounds.

Horsfall said the students were no strangers to using technology in their learning. Hāpuku students used the internet to capture their own image of Matariki via a telescope in New Mexico, United States.

An image of Matariki taken at Te Kura o Hāpuku, near Kaikōura, taken by Tamzin Godfrey.

SUPPLIED

An image of Matariki taken at Te Kura o Hāpuku, near Kaikōura, taken by Tamzin Godfrey.

‘‘They selected the telescope, programmed the schedular, and downloaded the resulting image,’’ he said.

‘‘Being in a small school does not limit their interests or abilities and access to the new telescope will encourage their learning.’’

Kaikōura District Council chief executive Will Doughty said the trust hoped to get its dark sky sanctuary application into the IDA by the end of the year.

The council was also helping the trust to prepare a plan change to the Kaikōura District Plan to meet the IDA’s requirements.

‘‘They are keen to run the draft by us to make sure they have everything covered.’’

1 NEWS

Kaikōura is doing everything they can to protect the Hutton’s shearwater. (First published April 2022)

The plan change will look to adapt the town’s lighting rules and introduce other protections needed to improve Kaikoura’s view of the heavens.

The trust has engaged Kahu Environmental to assist with the private plan change, while funding has come from the council’s discretionary grant and the Government’s Better Off fund.

The process began when Doughty was a manager for the North Canterbury Transport Infrastructure Recovery (NCTIR) alliance, during the earthquake recovery.

Since then, Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency and the council have been installing LED lights, which saved money as well as having environmental benefits, he said.

‘‘There is a lot more work which has been done by the trust since then, but it will be nice to see it through to a successful outcome.’’

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What is Stock Footage and How to Use It to Your Benefit

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The best stock footage sites are a treasure of unlimited and high-quality videos that suit most of the niche market. It saves time and budget. That’s why professional videographers use those to boost their business.

In this note, we’ve highlighted the top stock footage sites that most professionals prefer. Let’s dive together!

What is Stock Footage

What is Stock Footage?

Stock video, B-roll, or stock footage is a pre-filmed video or combination of video clips used in a video project or available for purchase. Professional videographers shoot heartfelt stories, high-impact and energetic ads, or a simple documentary and add to popular stock footage websites maintaining visual clarity.

In short,

  • It is an amazing form of media and communication for the advertising industry, content marketing, digital platforms, etc.
  • It combines visual and audio elements, i.e., stock photography, music, vectors, illustrations, and videos.
  • Stock videos aren’t something you need to shoot, but rather, you purchase or find online to use in yours.
  • Different types of B-rolls are sports clips, animal, nature, cityspace videos, slow-motion, aerial videos, and more.

After acknowledging the details about stock videos, in the next section, let’s check out some key reasons why professionals use them for their business.

Advantages of Using Stock Footage

Before heading to the main point, let’s look at the scenario of social media on personal and business websites, documentaries, large-scale films, or commercial productions. What do you observe? Video is everywhere, and it has the power to define its uniqueness in a short time.

  • Narrative-driven footage: Strong and intentional narratives catch consumers’ attention fast. Stock footage helps to add life to your commercial ads and marketing.
  • Cost-friendly: You don’t need to travel to different locations to shoot videos demonstrating your video marketing goals. Stock footage sites are rich in millions of royalty-free videos, images, illustrations, etc.
  • License: Stock videos provide licenses royalty-free, rights managed, and editorial use.
  • High-quality and consistency: All videos give you perfect and high-res visuals that easily match your imagination.

Are you curious to explore the most demanding and best sites for stock video footage? In the next section, we’ve listed the top free video websites and paid.

Where to Find Stock Footage?

Check out our expert-tested top and best stock footage sites below:

#1. Photutorial

What is Stock Footage

Best for: Creators looking for generic yet thoughtful free stock videos, subscriptions, music licensing sites, and more site guidel…” with “advice, genuine reviews, and buying guides for stock footage sites, and other stock media platforms.

Photutorial is known for its creative and effective expert suggestions that reduce work pressure and time. The site’s goal is to highlight the best creative tools, platforms, and service guidelines that add value to your business. For this, they share their own experience, consider user reviews, and collaborate with experts.

However, Photutorial love to share research process, methodologies, and reasoning so that you can choose the best one for your brand. Grab your business-oriented cutting-edge editing software, graphic design services, stock videos, and image site lists with Photutorial!

What do you get?

  • Refer to authentic and effective services and tools that add value to your business.
  • Collaborate with top-tier graphic designers, industry leaders, videographers, and creative professionals to share real-world experiences.
  • Help you to focus on your art with the best sources, i.e., stock photography, music libraries design platforms, etc.
  • Consider reviews to slot the listings.

#2. Pexels

What is Stock Footage

Best for: A wide selection of high-quality and amazing royalty-free stock videos, mockup green-screen videos, images, and more.

Pexels is one of the most famous and best free stock footage sites where professional creators share high-res videos and images. Here, you get a large free library of HD and 4K stock videos. Also, Pixel provides a license on all photos and videos, which you can use for free and without attribution.

To add your unique touch, you can edit and modify it whenever you want, and don’t miss their most demanding daily “trending free stock videos.”

What do you get?

  • Free stock video footage is under Creative Commons Zero (CCO)
  • Has a vast collection of clips in all types of niches
  • Most of the B-rolls are less than a minute long
  • Provide several high-quality GoPro users’ clips
  • Offer different videos, i.e., “mockup,” “time-lapse,” “drone footage,” and more
  • Allow to download and use 600+ free featured stock photos.

#3. Pixabay

What is Stock Footage

Best for: Everyone looking for free stock videos for commercial use, non-commercial, or digital purposes.

In our expert listing, Pixabay is considered one of the top stock video sites with over 4.2 million high-quality images, videos, and music, all under a simplified license. Like Pexels, you don’t need to bother about copyright for using clips because all free stock videos are under CCO.

What do you get?

  • Vast selection of free videos that are formatted as MP4s.
  • Download clips as per your recommended resolutions, both for commercial and non-commercial use.
  • Offer different libraries, i.e., motion, graphics, HD footage, and 4K videos.
  • Pick any from nature, space, events, business, and more.

#4. Shutterstock

What is Stock Footage

Best for: Businesses, flims, digitals, and others with a larger budget who want to add variety and quality.

Are you looking for premium content, intuitive design tools, AI innovation, real-life videos, and more all in one platform? With Shutterstock, you get over 11 million royalty-free 4K and HD stock videos. Also, it has a colossal footage collection of around 85K and new clips per week.

What do you get?

  • Easy-to-use interface with vast royalty-free professional footage and images.
  • Offer a wide range of categories i.e., wildlife, art, cities, and more.

Note: If you want to get access to 28 million authentic and high-res video clips, you can choose any plan, i.e., Packs ($139), Subscription ($49), and Enterprise.

#5. iStock

What is Stock Footage

Best for: High-quality stock video footage within budget-friendly pricing for all types of businesses.

Searching for premium quality stock videos and images at the right price to boost your photography, filmmaking, digital, or other purposes? With iStock, you explore millions of high-res and different niche videos and content i.e., business, technology, fashion, etc. Like you, video editors, bloggers, brands, filmmakers, and others love this site most.

What do you get?

  • Unique hand-clicked photos, affordable HD, and 4K video clips
  • You can use search filters or AI-powered search for selecting quality, aspect ratio, and keywords
  • Flexible and cost-friendly plans i.e., Basic ($29/month), Premium ($70/month), Premium + Video (99/month)
  • Allow one-month free trial at zero costings

Curious to discover how you can use stock video footage to get a professional touch on your upcoming advertising, video marketing, or others? Check out the next section to reveal the secrets of famous ad companies and popular brands!

Top Tips on How to Use Stock Video Footage?

Want to work with stock videos to promote your brand more creatively? Let’s check out our expert videographers’ tips and tricks.

  • First, prepare your brand or personal stock footage script to convey the exact emotions and feelings.
    Note: Don’t hesitate to switch to others. If you struggle to find the right match or the specific action, pick another that portrays the same meaning.
  • Go through the colors, styles, and other materials to ensure all give the perfect feelings and match the story.
    Note: If you think some require adjustments, you can edit videos to give the perfect vibes. For this, recheck the licenses or take them from one collection.
  • Avoid using common visual metaphors and images that are associated with stocks. Also, recheck the fragments and ensure you are not in your competitor’s videos.
    For building more connections and setting a mode, utilize the power of music. Videos with sound give a more dynamic and cohesive feeling.

Curious to explore other creative ways so that you get enough confidence to invest in your video marketing? Check out the below now!

B-roll

The most common way of using stock videos is B-roll, which you may notice on TV shows. B-rolls are secondary or supplement video clips to the main ones, such as aerial or apartment building views, to give a better idea of the location.

You get so much space to add visuals because it binds two main footage clips together. If you want, you can use it for documentary filmmaking. As a filmmaker, you don’t need to travel to every location with a full crew and gear.

Commercials and Ads

As you know, cinematic stock videos, motion pictures, product demonstrations, and others are used to narrow down a story for commercials and advertisements. Commercial ads use a somber mood, upbeat energy, pop culture moments, and many others to convey a story.

Video Backgrounds

UX and graphic designers sometimes opt for video backgrounds over photos to give the perfect view and mood. Forbes states that movement grabs 400% more attention compared to a hero banned on any website and a large catalog of stock videos. But the video backgrounds help to establish a mood, so focus on core product or marketing details.

Short-form Videos for Social Media

Brands promote their products or services on social media to generate more leads and revenue. As you know, social media videos give a unique way to represent your creative sales line. Take advantage of stock videos if you want to create amazing and attention-grabbing short videos for Instagram reels, TikTok, or YouTube.

Final Verdict

So, what is stock footage and how do you use it to your benefit? We hope you’ve enough knowledge about this and professional sites to choose your perfect video marketing fit. So, what are you waiting for? It’s your turn to make a perfect video and grab more traffic.

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“Luminescent” photo of horseshoe crab wins Wildlife Photographer of the Year prize

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A photo of a golden horseshoe crab —one of the world’s most ancient and highly endangered animals— earned a marine photographer the grand title in the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest. The Natural History Museum in London, which runs the competition, made the announcement Tuesday.

The picture, taken by Laurent Ballesta, shows a tri-spine horseshoe crab on a seabed near Pangatalan Island in the Philippines, as it is followed by three golden trevallies. Ballesta documented the horseshoe crabs as they moved through water, fed, mated and provided a home to other animals, according to the museum.

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest is produced by the Natural History Museum. Ballesta’s photo was chosen from nearly 50,000 entires across 95 countries. Kathy Moran, who was the chair of the jury, called the image “luminescent.”

“To see a horseshoe crab so vibrantly alive in its natural habitat, in such a hauntingly beautiful way, was astonishing,” Moran said.

“We are looking at an ancient species, highly endangered, and also critical to human health,” Moran added. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has listed the tri-spine horseshoe crab as “endangered.”

French photographer Laurent Ballesta has won the Wildlife Photographer of the Year award for the second time after capturing this image of a horseshoe crab near an island in the Philippines.  / Credit: Laurent Ballesta/Wildlife Photographer of the Year

It’s the second time Ballesta has won the grand prize, after he earned it in 2021.

Horseshoe crabs are typically found in waters off southeast Asia and despite their name, they’re more closely related to spiders and scorpions than crabs. According to the Natural History Museum, the horseshoe crab has survived relatively unchanged for around 100 million years —meaning they were around when dinosaurs such as Tyrannosaurus rex were roaming the planet.

However, their existence is under threat. Its blue blood is critical for the development of vaccines, and it’s used to test for potentially dangerous bacterial contamination. In addition, the arthropods are used as bait to catch other species. Overhfishing, paired with habitat destruction and ocean pollution, has led to all living species of horseshoe crabs being at risk.

The young Wildlife Photographer of the Year title went to 17-year-old Carmel Bechler, who took a long-exposure image of two barn owls in an abandoned roadside building. The teen from Israel said he hopes to share in his photography that “the beauty of the natural world is all around us, even in places where we least expect it to be.”

Moran said Bechler’s photo “has so many layers in terms of content and composition.”

“It simultaneously screams ‘habitat destruction’ and ‘adaptation,’ begging the question: If wildlife can adapt to our environment, why can’t we respect theirs?” Moran said. 

Ballesta and Bechler’s photos were chosen from 19 other category winners. All of the images will be on exhibition at the Natural History Museum beginning Friday.

Seventeen-year-old Carmel Bechler won the young Wildlife Photographer of the Year for his photo of two owls in an abandoned roadside building.  / Credit: Carmel Bechler/Wildlife Photographer of the Year

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Starmus announces Jean-Michel Jarre and The Offspring as new star signings for Starmus VII

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  • Jean-Michel Jarre, The Offspring to headline the Starmus festival in Bratislava, Slovakia from 12-17 May 2024
  • Tony Hadley to appear as a special guest
  • New keynote speakers added, including Chris Hatfield, Robin Ince, Gary Marcus, Neil Lawrence, Phillip Torr, Roeland Nusselder, Svitlana Krakovska and Dr. Sylvia Earle

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia, Oct. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Jean-Michel Jarre and The Offspring will headline the seventh edition of the Starmus Festival – focused on the future of our home planet. They will be joined by Tony Hadley, former lead singer of the British pop icon from the 80s Spandau Ballet. Brainchild of Garik Israelian and Queen guitarist Sir Brian May, the festival of science communication will be brought to global audiences thanks to a partnership with cybersecurity giant ESET on  12-17 May 2024 in Bratislava, Slovakia. The event promises to deliver an extraordinary lineup of world-class speakers, discussions and music performances. Throughout the multi-day event, festival goers will have the opportunity to enjoy numerous talks, delving into diverse topics such as astrophysics, computer science, neuroscience, microbiology, and biochemistry. 

New keynote speakers announced
The astronaut and engineer Chris Hadfield, the scientist and leading voice in AI Gary Marcus; the Cambridge DeepMind Professor of Machine Learning Neil Lawrence; the SLAM Oxford Professor Philip Torr; the computer scientist and co-founder and CEO of Plumerai Roeland Nusselder; the popular British multi-talented comedian, broadcaster and author Robin Ince; the Ukranian climate scientist Svitlana Krakovska and the legendary oceanographer and chairman of Mission Blue/Sylvia Earle Alliance Dr. Sylvia Earle are the latest talents joining Starmus VII unique panel of speakers (access full list here).                                                                                                                                                      

A stellar faculty for the School of Astrophotography 
The Astrophotography School, organised by former senior editor of Astronomy Magazine, Michael E. Bakich, is a traditional side-event of the Starmus festival. Led by three of the world’s best astroimagers: Damian A. Peach, Chris Schur and Martin Ratcliffe, 2024 edition will offer a unique occasion for astrophotography enthusiasts to take pictures of celestial objects and enjoy a once in a lifetime experience.  

At its core, the Starmus festival embodies ESET’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding the progress that technology enables. With over 30 years of experience in cyber-threats and digital security, ESET has firmly established itself as a research-first company. At home, ESET demonstrates its dedication to science through the ESET Science Award, an annual celebration that recognizes outstanding achievements in Slovak science. Joining forces with the Starmus Festival therefore represents the company’s natural ambition to promote the power of science among local and global audiences.

“We are thrilled to partner with Starmus, a celebration where science and music harmonize to inspire innovation and curiosity. ESET stands at the intersection of research and security, working to joining them and ensure that the digital landscape remains both trustworthy and protected,” said Richard Marko, CEO at ESET. “In our ever-evolving digital landscape, it is crucial to not only protect technology but also to foster a deep appreciation for the scientific achievements that drive progress. This festival serves as a platform to celebrate these accomplishments and inspire future leaders in both fields.”

Garik Israelian, astrophysicist and Starmus founding director, explained, “Science is a pathway to curiosity, a bridge to understanding, and a beacon of endless possibilities. Embracing science means embracing the future—it nurtures critical thinking and fuels innovation. In a rapidly evolving world, scientific knowledge empowers us to make informed decisions, question the unknown, and shape a brighter tomorrow. With the Starmus Festival, we aim to inspire people to explore, discover, and believe in the extraordinary potential that lies within the realms of science.”

About ESET
For more than three decades, ESET® has been providing innovative, state-of-the-art digital security for millions of businesses, consumers, and critical infrastructure. A proven pioneer in heuristics detection, machine learning and AI algorithms, ESET offers unmatched prevention-first cybersecurity solutions powered by renowned global Threat Intelligence, and an extensive R&D network led by industry-acclaimed researchers.

To stay ahead of emerging cyber threats, ESET’s high-performing, easy-to-use solutions unobtrusively protect and monitor 24/7 not just to stop attacks in their tracks, but to prevent them from happening in the first place. For more information, visit www.eset.com or follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. 

About Starmus

Since the very first homo sapiens looked up at a star-filled sky, we have been awestruck by the vastness of the cosmos. Even today, we remain humbled by the sheer immensity of space, especially as progress in physics and astronomy has made us aware of the tremendous distances involved – even to our closest neighboring stars.

Created by Garik Israelian PhD, astrophysicist at the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC) and Sir Brian May PhD, astrophysicist and the lead guitarist of the iconic rock band Queen, Starmus is a festival of science, art and music that has featured presentations from astronauts, cosmonauts, Nobel Prize winners and prominent figures from various scientific disciplines and musical backgrounds. Starmus brings Nobel laureates, eminent researchers, astronauts, thinkers and artists together to share their knowledge and experiences, as we search for answers to the great questions.

Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication Stephen Hawking and Alexei Leonov, together with Brian May, worked to create the Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication in 2015, awarded to individuals and teams who have made significant contributions to science communication. Previous Stephen Hawking Medal winners include Dr. Jane Goodall, Elon Musk, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Brian Eno, Hans Zimmer, and the Apollo 11 documentary.

www.starmus.com 

SOURCE ESET



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Marketing Photography: How Jodie James Crafts Authentic Brand Stories

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With roots in marketing and a flair for the commercial, Jodie James’s transformation into a master visual storyteller has been noticed in the advertising world.

The latest signing to Film Construction, Jodie blends artistry and marketing in her approach to photography. For her, it’s not merely about taking pictures; it’s about comprehending the campaign’s essence, target audience, and desired impact. Her eclectic interests infuse her creative process with a unique perspective, allowing her to discover beauty and inspiration in the most unexpected corners.

But what truly sets her photography apart is her skill in uncovering hidden narratives within her frames, adding depth and intrigue to her visuals, and r capturing authentic brand narratives.

LBB> Your journey from a marketing and commercial background to becoming a creative commercial and editorial photographer is intriguing. How did your marketing experience shape your approach to photography and storytelling?

Jodie> Having a background in marketing gives me a deeper understanding of what the campaign needs to communicate in its final delivery. Rather than just taking pretty pictures, understanding the reason, the audience, the story, and the outcome that they are trying to achieve. Being a lot more collaborative with clients has been fantastic, as our magic working together can really shine.

Experience in marketing also helps me get more depth, emotion and connection in the story, as knowing the psychology behind marketing and selling allows me to craft the image.

 


LBB> How do your diverse interests influence your creative process and photography style?

Jodie> For me, inspiration and creativity are everywhere I look, I have taught myself to push through the creative blocks, to see beyond what is right there and to make something extraordinary out of everyday things. I am so intrigued by the psychology behind what we do, how we buy, and what makes us tick that I’m constantly expanding my knowledge to understand people better.

Widening the gap of where I look for inspiration allows me to come up with new ideas and go in directions I never thought I would.

 


LBB> The imagery you capture aims to tell authentic brand stories. Could you share an example of a project where your photography successfully conveyed a brand’s narrative uniquely and unexpectedly?

Jodie> I worked on a beautiful internal campaign for Fonterra with D&Co, which, unlike most other campaigns, was to promote a more serious topic. We worked with local farmers around Canterbury to communicate the importance of the discussion & to encourage everyone to voice their opinions. We took a more stoic, serious tone than the usual shoot & it gave us a fantastic range of content to communicate the importance of the project.

 

 

LBB> Your work is praised for its ability to capture transitional and unnoticed moments. How do you navigate the process of integrating these hidden narratives into your photography, and what role do they play in making your work stand out?

Jodie> It involves a lot of planning to craft a story and a deeper narrative of an image. Still, sometimes, it’s about letting the moment develop authentically and continuing to shoot outside the ‘normal’ parameters. A lot of it is being patient, connecting, and collaborating. Sometimes, it’s just letting the brief percolate subconsciously for a while, and like magic, an idea will form. Creativity often needs space.

 

LBB> Being based in Wanaka, New Zealand, offers incredible natural landscapes for your photography. How does your unique location impact the themes and settings you choose for your photoshoots?

Jodie> Most people say I live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. It was just today, I was skiing on Treble Cone, where I have skied for 25 years, and I looked at the view only to see it as incredibly beautiful as the first time I saw it.

A lot of clients come and shoot campaigns here from all around the world. The significant advantage I have is that I have lived here most of my life – it means I know unique locations that are off the beaten track, I know how the weather works, where the sun will be and how quickly you need to get off the lake in your boat when the wind picks up! Most people don’t realise how diverse the landscape can be here; there are secret pockets that look like Mars to lakes off in the mountains that could be anywhere in the world. This area really does have so much to offer, so I am very lucky.


LBB> Joining Film Construction’s stills roster is a significant step in your photography journey. Could you discuss your perspective on being part of this creative powerhouse and how it aligns with your creative vision?

Jodie> Being part of the FC team is epic – these guys really align with everything I strive to be. They are kind, welcoming and ambitious. They are creative, funny, and not afraid to be brave. I am super stoked to have joined them and so excited to work with such a vast experience of knowledge. I love to create, if I didn’t get paid, I would still constantly build, design, photograph, draw, paint and whatever else comes to mind (you should see all the notes, ideas, and personal projects of all sorts that are around my home!) So, to be able to create with these guys is exciting. 

 

LBB> The press release mentions your goal of empowering viewers to embark on a visual treasure hunt within your work. How do you achieve this sense of discovery and engagement in your photography?

Jodie> I do love to really think about images before I take them. I love to think about the composition, where the viewer will look first, then second… I love to think about the impact the colours have on the emotion the viewer will feel. I love to trigger an emotion, regardless of whether it’s a good or bad one, rather than just take a pretty picture. The images I am most proud of create the opportunity for viewers to create their own story, to use their rose-coloured glasses to see what they see. I try not to spell everything out but to let them experience it themselves.

 

LBB> As the current president of the New Zealand AIPA, you undoubtedly have a deep connection to the photography industry. How does this leadership role influence your work and approach to photography? 

Jodie> I am new to this role, so it has not had much influence on my work yet! However, I have always wanted to build connections and help people wherever possible. Being a creative can be a lonely journey, I love any opportunity to collaborate but, more importantly, share my knowledge and help others be the best they can be. I have had and continue to have plenty of wonderful people in my life who have helped me along the way, so the least I can do is pass it on. Being the president does feel a little scary as I hope I can do all our members justice and continue to create an organisation that is a fantastic group to be part of.

LBB> Film Construction has highlighted your ability to find beauty in everyday scenes and people, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Could you share a story behind a photograph where you achieved this transformative effect?

Jodie> I love adding some quirk to my images, especially a touch of humour. I love it when I see an image that makes me laugh…even if, after my first reaction, it actually makes me a little sad.

One example that will likely make you laugh is the Wrapped Christmas Tree. It was close to Christmas, and I was thinking about how ridiculous the amount of presents my niece and nephew get… inspired by oversized gestures, I jokingly said to my partner, “I want to wrap up one of our trees”. So, on his next visit to Kmart, being the wonderful, generous person he is, he called to ask if I needed anything. I said as much wrapping paper as you think I would need to wrap the big round tree – oh, and a big bow.

By the time he got home, I had lost the excitement; however, a few days later, I suddenly had the urge to go and do it. Sadly, because the sport was on television, I was left to battle alone with three thin wrapping paper rolls. I don’t know what my neighbours thought I was up to, but it was definitely entertaining for them. After about a 30-minute wrestling match, I made it acceptable and had to rush to get my camera before the sun went down. If nothing else, it was a great afternoon outside and my neighbours got some light entertainment.


LBB> Your work is described as having intentional undertones that lend immediacy and gravitas to your imagery. How do you infuse your photos with these subtle yet impactful elements that resonate with viewers?

Jodie> Usually, quite a lot of thoughtful planning. I do waiver between shooting, getting in the groove and seeing what happens to intentionally planning almost every part of the image. I love taking inspiration from others’ work, but I love problem-solving, and I think a considerable amount of photography involves precisely that.

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Heartbreaking wartorn goodbye wins Siena International Photo Awards

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Salwan Georges, an esteemed Iraqi-American photojournalist, has been named the overall winner of the Siena International Photo Awards 2023 for his powerful documentation of the devastating realities of war. 

His winning photograph, Georgy, captures the heartbreaking moment that George Keburia put his family on a train to evacuate their home of Odesa as the conflict between Ukraine and Russia escalated. Filled with sorrow and apprehension but underpinned with love, George’s capture is a striking reminder of how the innocent are affected by war.

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Las Oriónidas de 2023 – Cielos Boreales

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Las estrellas fugaces de las Oriónidas no son las más espectaculares del año pero si que son de las más interesantes del otoño, una época que resulta complicada para la observación astronómica por la frecuente presencia de nubes pero que cuando nos ofrece un cielo despejado es realmente interesante de observar. Comienzan a asomar las constelaciones invernales y las noches, algo más frías pero también más transparentes, nos desvelan hermosas bellezas celestes. Al final de este artículo te hablaremos de ellas.

Pero antes hablemos de la lluvia de estrellas Oriónidas. Es una lluvia de meteoros de actividad moderada. Estos meteoros tienen su radiante en la constelación de Orión, que empieza a ser visible en estas fechas a partir de las 2 de la madrugada. El radiante es el punto del cielo del que parecen surgir las estrellas fugaces cuando las vemos. Si vemos un meteoro que no proviene de esa zona del cielo seguramente pertenezca a otra lluvia de estrellas o se trate de un meteoro esporádico.

Las Oriónidas son unos meteoros muy rápidos (aproximadamente 65 km por segundo) y tienen una tonalidad verdosa y amarillenta.

atrapandoorion
La constelación de Orión en el cielo nocturno

Origen de las Oriónidas

Estas estrellas fugaces tienen su origen en el famoso cometa 1/P Halley que completa una órbita alrededor del Sol cada 76 años y la última vez que lo vimos cerca de la Tierra fue en 1986. En su viaje por el Sistema Solar el cometa va desprendiendo pequeñas partículas que quedan suspendidas en el espacio.

La Tierra atraviesa la órbita del cometa Halley todos los años por estas fechas y cuando las partículas del cometa entran en la atmósfera de nuestro planeta se desintegra por la fricción con el aire generando esas estelas luminosas que conocemos como «estrellas fugaces».

estrellas fugaces
Estrellas fugaces

Estas partículas son más pequeñas que un grano de arroz y nunca alcanzan la superficie de nuestro planeta como si puede ocurrir con los meteoros más grandes y brillantes. Solamente cuando alcanzan el suelo reciben el nombre de meteorito.

Cuándo se podrán ver las estrellas fugaces

Las Oriónidas se pueden observar entre el 2 de octubre y el 7 de noviembre aunque su pico de actividad se registra en la noche entre el 21 y 22 de octubre, momento en que debería alcanzar una THZ de 23. Esto quiere decir que, en las mejores condiciones de observación posible y si el radiante estuviera en el cénit podríamos observar 23 meteoros en una hora.

No obstante las tasas de actividad pueden variar de un año a otro y no es infrecuente que se produzca un «estallido» de actividad en el que se pueden observar muchos más meteoros. Esto sucedió, por ejemplo, en el año 2006 cuando la Tierra atravesó una nube muy densa del tubo meteórico y se pudieron ver el doble de meteoros de lo que es habitual.

La mejor hora para ver las Oriónidas es desde las 3 de la mañana hasta antes del amanecer.

Los mejores lugares para ver la lluvia de estrellas

Ya hemos escrito anteriormente un buen artículo sobre consejos de observación de las estrellas fugaces. Para las Oriónidas no hay excepción. Necesitarás ir a un lugar con un cielo oscuro sin contaminación lumínica, alejado de las luces de los pueblos y ciudades. Procura que sea un lugar relativamente elevado para no tener obstáculos naturales que impidan la correcta visibilidad.

Observación de las Perseidas en 2017
Tumbonas para ver las estrellas fugaces, la mejor opción

En España hay algunas zonas muy buenas para ver estrellas fugaces como por ejemplo el P.N. de Cabañeros, los geoparques de Molina de Aragón o de Las Villuercas, los Pirineos y prepirineos, las cuencas mineras de Teruel, la isla de La Palma… son solo algunas ideas. Puedes consultar un mapa de contaminación lumínica que te indicará algunas zonas oscuras donde todavía es posible observar las estrellas.

¿Qué más podemos ver en el cielo?

Durante estas noches, además de estrellas fugaces podemos disfrutar en el cielo de algunas constelaciones otoñales interesantes como por ejemplo Tauro. Con unos simples prismáticos disfrutaremos de multitud de objetos celestes. Las constelaciones de Pegaso, Andrómeda, Casiopea y Cefeo ocupan una posición privilegiada en el cielo. Es un momento ideal para observar la gran Galaxia de Andrómeda, el objeto más lejano visible a simple vista.

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La gran Nebulosa de Orión

También tenemos la oportunidad de disfrutar de las últimas oportunidades durante este año para ver algunas constelaciones veraniegas como el Cisne, el Águila, la Lira o Hércules. La zona más interesante de la Vía Láctea se va despidiendo de nosotros hasta la primavera del año que viene. Ya de madrugada podremos empezar a disfrutar de Orión y de M42, una delicia incluso con prismáticos.

Así, como ves, hay muchas más cosas interesantes en el cielo estos días además de las Oriónidas ¿Tienes intención de ir a verlas? ¡Cuéntanos tus planes o tus experiencias!

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Nikon launches Nikkor Z 600mm F6.3 VR S lens

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Nikon has announced the Nikkor Z 600mm F6.3 VR S, price tag $4,799.95, its lightest super-telephoto lens to date.

Measuring just 11 inches in length and weighing only 1,390g / 3lbs, the Nikkor Z 600mm F6.3 VR S is aimed at wildlife, motorsport and aviation photographers. Nikon was able to achieve the new super-telephoto lens’ diminutive size thanks to a Phase Fresnel element in its optical construction. The Nikkor Z 600mm F6.3 VR S is the second PF lens in the Z series, joining the Nikkor Z 800mm F6.3 VR S.

Overall, the Nikkor Z 600mm F6.3 VR S is comprised of 21 elements in 14 groups, which includes two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements and one short-wavelength refractive (SR) element to keep chromatic aberration at bay.

The new Nikon lens also provides six stops of VR and offers a minimum focusing distance of 4m.

Other features include a DX Crop Mode for getting even closer to your subjects and assignable L-Fn buttons for quick access to features like subject tracking, AF Lock or image playback.

The Nikkor Z 600mm F6.3 VR S uses 95mm threaded circular filters and is compatible with Nikon’s teleconverters. It also boasts a fluorine coating and a nano crystal coating for stopping dust and flare, respectively.

Nikon Nikkor Z 600mm F6.3 VR S Price & Availability

The Nikon Nikkor Z 600mm F6.3 VR S price tag is $4,799.95 with a release date set for late October 2023.

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