The Andromeda Galaxy as captured by award winning astrophotographer James Cahill. JEC ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO
MOUNT DESERT — Astrophotography is no longer limited to NASA and other organizations with big telescopes. Recent improvements in technology have enabled more amateurs to take amazing photographs of the night sky, from near objects such as the moon and the planets, to galaxies, nebulae and other objects in outer space.
On Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 6:30 p.m., the MDI Photo Club will be hosting a Zoom talk by award-winning amateur astrophotographer James Cahill. The public is welcome to join the presentation in which Cahill will share the equipment and techniques needed for night sky photography and show some of his stunning deep space photographs.
Cahill is an IT specialist by day and amateur astronomer and astrophotographer at night. His work is shot primarily in Bucks County, Pa., but he also visits dark sky areas in Maine, Pennsylvania and other states on the East Coast. His work in astrophotography ranges from capturing nearby solar system objects to deep sky objects and wide field shots of the Milky Way.
Cahill started with a webcam, imaging the moon and other planets. After that, he was hooked, adding equipment to start taking pictures of objects farther away like nebulae, galaxies and star clusters. Pairing a digital camera and using the telescope as a “lens” has enabled him to take pictures of what has always been his passion –the night sky.
Cahill recently received the patron’s award for the 2020 Phillips Mill Photography Exhibition, in New Hope, Pa. His astrophotography can be viewed on Instagram @jec_astrophotography.
Non-members of the MDI Photo Club who are interested in attending this presentation should send an email to [email protected] to receive the Zoom link.
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — Tens of thousands of people drive or walk by a large rick building on West Gate City Boulevard in Greensboro every day. Many, with no knowledge of what goes on inside. But under that roof, hundreds of people with a similar impairment found a new way of navigating the workforce.
“Some people have gone through some things, some people have experienced some great lifestyle changes,” said Sherrie Thompson, a receptionist at the operation.
The business is Industries Of The Blind, a non-profit that’s secured several large contracts since its first one-million-dollar contract in 1962. Presently, workers construct anything from pens to items for the U.S. Army. Its mission statement is “To provide opportunities for employment and personal development for people who are blind or visually impaired to achieve greater independence.
“I still have a very good memory of how things used to be,” Thompson said.
When she was 19, Thompson said she was a freshman in college, engaged, with a baby on the way. In a matter of three weeks, an overabundance of fluid on her brain and spine stole her sight.
“I’ve had to experience not-so-good things, but to be where I am now, I wouldn’t trade it for anything, honestly,” she said.
While Thompson and colleague Michelle Torain both lost their vision after being able to see for much of their lives, their stories are dramatically different.
“I woke up on February the 14, 2013, I woke up blind,” Torain said. “I cried for three days. I shut my door and I cried for three days. Just cried, cried, cried.”
Torain said she lost her vision due to hereditary Type 2 Diabetes. While also out of her control, her first major life challenge happened about 48 years earlier.
“When I was three months old my mother gave me away,” she detailed.
It was a cold October night, when she said her birth mother left her on her father’s sister’s doorstep. She said her aunt kept hearing a crying child, and after checking her house, opened the door to find Torain with her one bottle and a blanket. Her aunt’s dog had found her first and laid on top of her to protect her from the cold.
“How I got saved was by that dog. That dog laid on top of me and kept me warm,” she said.
Though Thompson and Torain’s life stories have few mutual details, both were about to share them with students who meet just across the train tracks running behind Industries Of The Blind.
“They’re talented students,” Thompson said. “I want to see how they’re going to put their minds to it.”
Industries of the Blind has teamed up with students at UNC Greensboro to create pieces of art demonstrating what the world looks like through the eyes of the visually impaired. This year, they’re doing so through photography.
“We start talking and it’s like how do I transform that into something physical,” said UNCG senior Jenna Futrell, who’s been paired with Thompson.
The students interview the employees, learning about their lives and perception of the world in an attempt to bring it to light, even though their view has long been dark.
“I still have a very good memory of how things used to be,” Thompson said, saying her every day is similar to waking up in your room at night, trying to make your way through the room with only shadows as guides.
“I can see shadows, I can see the light,” Torain said, glancing up at the light FOX8 used while interviewing her.
“You want to make sure it’s perfect because it is about someone else,” Futrell said.
The students will complete their projects in a few weeks. Once they’re completed, they’ll be put up on the side of the Industries Of The Blind building, just as previous students’ projects have been.
“It just brings tears to my eyes when I talk about this story, because it hurts me. It really hurts,” Torain said. “It hurts.”
For more information about Industries of the Blind, click here.
Birmingham is a city in the north central region of the U.S. state of Alabama. Birmingham is the seat of Jefferson County, Alabama’s most populous county. As of 2020, Birmingham had a population of 200,733, making it Alabama’s second-most populous city after Huntsville. The broader Birmingham metropolitan area had a 2020 population of 1,115,289, and is the largest metropolitan area in Alabama as well as the 50th-most populous in the United States. Birmingham serves as an important regional hub and is associated with the Deep South, Piedmont, and Appalachian regions of the nation.
In Birmingham you will find some beautiful attractions that you just cannot miss! Places like Birmingham Museum Of Art, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, and Ruffner Mountain Nature Center and many more. Continue reading to know more.
Founded in 1951, the Birmingham Museum of Art in Birmingham, Alabama, has undoubtedly one of the finest art collections in the Southeastern United States. The Museum features a large collection of paintings and sculptures from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. There are more than 25,000 objects that represent a rich panorama of cultures from Asian, European, American to African, Pre-Columbian periods.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, located in Alabama, is one of the best places to visit and do outdoor activities. It features a 40-acre lake where visitors could fish or just admire the sea turtles during summer. The place is also perfect for those who want to watch migratory birds as it features a migratory bird stopover.
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center, located in Alabama, is perfect for those who love the great outdoors. The center is perfect for various outdoor activities and offers breathtaking scenery. The center features 14 miles of trails and a protected area for native flora and fauna.
Visitors would surely love to check out the DeSoto State Park as it is situated atop Lookout Mountain and offers magnificent views overlooking nature. The mountain also has waterfalls and wildflowers which visitors should not miss out on seeing. The place is also perfect for various outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.
Dismals Canyon is a natural gorge and is marked as National Natural Landmark because of its uncommon wild rugged character. Many native plants are grown in the canyon. There is a 1.5-mile hiking trail from the canyon floor following the waterfalls. You can also enjoy canoeing and camping here. However, camping is allowed at specific camping sites and cabins.
This nature preserve is not only composed of awesome natural settings filled with trails for running and hiking. There are historic mines that can be visited, albeit with certain rules or protocols. However, one of the main objectives of this preserve is to conserve plant and animal life like chestnut trees, bats, and frogs. Educating people about the value of preserving biodiversity is another goal of Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve. The natural park does this partly through the Nature Center, which has informative exhibits.
Aldridge Botanical Gardens, located in Alabama, will surely delight those who love gardening and admiring the beauty of nature. It is a 30-acre garden that features different flora and fauna which visitors would surely love to see. Different varieties of flowers are always in bloom every season. Tourists should not miss out on this garden.
Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens, located in Alabama, is a mansion that was a former plantation house. It features an Antebellum-era Greek Revival architecture that would surely leave guests in awe. The house also features a collection of 19th-century furniture and textiles that visitors could admire and learn more about.
Cahaba River, located in Alabama, is famous not only due to its length where it is the longest free-flowing river in the city but also because of the beautiful views of nature it provides. The river and its surroundings are also a great place to do outdoor activities such as fishing or hiking.
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, located in Alabama, is an interesting and educational attraction as it houses an expansive archive of documents about civil rights. It also includes nearly 500 recorded oral histories of these rights. Its collections date back to the events of post-World War I racial segregation to the present racial progress.
Visitors should try exploring the Sloss Furnaces in Alabama as it once operated as an iron-producing blast furnace from 1882 to 1971. It is considered a historical landmark since it is one of the first industrial sites in the country. Visitors will also learn more about the country during the industrial age through this attraction.
The foot of Red Mountain in the city of Birmingham holds a unique natural refuge that benefits different types of travelers. The Birmingham Botanical Gardens features around 10,000 plants spread across 25 different gardens. For art and photography enthusiasts, the gardens also feature original outdoor sculptures. In case gentle exercise (along with deep or casual conversations) is desired, this area has several miles of walking paths.
Only the Statue of Liberty is larger than the cast-iron statue of the Roman god Vulcan, which can be found at this site. The mythical god of fire and forge has an imposing presence here to symbolize Birmingham’s origins as an iron manufacturing powerhouse. The museum, on the other hand, is also noteworthy since it features exhibits on geology, metallurgy, mythology, map reading, and fine arts.
The Sixteenth Street Baptist Church was established in 1873 as the First Colored Baptist Church in Birmingham. In the early twentieth century, the church relocated to 16th Street and 6th Avenue North. During the Civil Rights Movement, the church served as an organizational headquarters.
Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, located in Alabama, is the perfect place for those who love doing outdoor activities and history enthusiasts. Visitors could not only learn more about the history of the American iron history in New England but also do outdoor activities. Also, the park offers stunning views of nature. Visitors would surely love the park and visiting it.
Those who want to watch an exciting game of football should head on to the Legion Field, where it is usually used as a venue for American football. The stadium is located in Alabama and has been named after the organization of military veterans. It also prides itself as the “Football Capital of the South,” so football enthusiasts will surely have a pleasant time here.
To celebrate its second anniversary in Algoma, Ladybug Glass Studio & Gallery is featuring new glass and photography pieces by Kimberly Lyon. An opening reception will be held during First Friday Art in Algoma on Nov. 4, 5-8 pm, and it will continue Nov. 5, 10 am – 4 pm. The gallery will also have some specials to kick off its third year.
Work by Kimberly Lyon.
Lyon works in fused and stained glass and has developed a distinctive photographic style by using a macro lens to explore some of her glass creations. The resulting abstract photographs are mostly printed on metal to enrich the colors and brightness, and fabrics created from the photos are turned into table linens, scarves and bags.
In addition to Lyon’s work, Ladybug Gallery sells astrophotography, jewelry, paintings and textile arts created by local artists, and it typically highlights the work of a guest artist.
Every month, hundreds of galleries add newly available works by thousands of artists to the Artnet Gallery Network—and every week, we shine a spotlight on one artist or exhibition you should know. Check out what we have in store, and inquire for more with one simple click.
What You Need to Know: Founded in 1997 by Jeff Jaffe, Pop International Galleries has come to be recognized as invaluable to both the New York City gallery scene and contemporary art community for its laser focus on genres with mass appeal like Pop art, urban art, and photography. Recently, Pop International Galleries announced their representation of world-renowned celebrity photographer Markus Klinko. Originally from Switzerland, Klinko and his work were discovered early in his career by fashion editors Isabella Blow and Ingrid Sischy, both of whom commissioned him for magazine covers and other editorial shoots. Shortly after, Iman and David Bowie hired him to photograph them for projects. Since then, Klinko has photographed some of the world’s most famous people and created numerous iconic images that have become hallmarks of 21st-century pop culture—and his work has appeared in such legendary publications as Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, GQ, and Interview. More recently, Klinko was the subject of the Cube Art Fair collaboration with Versace, which saw 30 of his images exhibited in Versace’s Miami flagship store.
Why We Like It: The 2000s had a distinctive, high-gloss aesthetic, and Klinko was a shaping force of visual culture in the early aughts. Many of the most iconic and recognizable photos of pop stars and celebrities have been captured by his camera lens, including as album covers for Beyoncé’s Crazy in Love and Mariah Carey’s The Emancipation of Mimi. His photographs of music stars like Britney Spears and Lady Gaga not only became famous in their own right, but also helped shape the stars’ respective celebrity brands. Printed by Weldon Color Lab on Fujicolor Crystal Archive Digital Pearl Paper, Klinko’s work comes to life and beckons viewers to look back at era-defining moments and celebrities. As one of the most admired photographers of the 2000s through today, Klinko’s representation by Pop International Galleries—dedicated to fostering a high-quality yet accessible collecting experience—is more than fitting.
Photographer Markus Klinko on set. Courtesy of Pop International Galleries, New York.
According to the Artist: “Jeff at Pop International Galleries shows some of my all-time favorite artists ever: Warhol, Basquiat, Lichtenstein, Haring…it doesn’t get any better! To see my work on display at Pop International right next to these heroes of mine is just incredible. Andy Warhol’s creative director for Interview magazine, Marc Balet, gave me my start in the industry, and having that work now at Pop, it feels like things are coming full circle!”
See featured works by Markus Klinko below.
Markus Klinko, Beyoncé, Dangerously in Love (2003). Courtesy of Pop International, New York.
Markus Klinko, Britney, The Forest (2004). Courtesy of Pop International, New York.
Markus Klinko, The Protector (2002). Courtesy of Pop International, New York.
Markus Klinko, The Savior (2001). Courtesy of Pop International, New York.
You can browse Pop International on Artnet or visit the gallery at 195 Bowery, New York.
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The Pioneer Library System is set to host filmmaker, explorer, advocate and Emmy-nominated TV host and producer Philippe Cousteau.
He will speak at 6:15 p.m. Nov. 11 during the “Spark a Change: Let’s Talk About the Environment” event at Norman Public Library Central, 103 W. Acres St.
Attendees can learn more about the environment and conservation efforts through aconversation with Cousteau, moderated by Oklahoma State Director of the Nature Conservancy Mike Fuhr, whose nature photography will be revealed in an exhibition prior to the event.
Seating will be available for the first 300 attendees.
The event caps off Pioneer Library System’s PLS Reads initiative, a year-long look at the topic of the environment in which community members have learned how small changes can make a big impact on the world around them through reading, conversation and exploration.
“Philippe and his family have done so much to raise awareness for the environment and to foster regeneration and restoration efforts. We’re honored to have him in Oklahoma, to hear his story and to learn how we can work together in protecting our beautiful planet,” PLS Director of Community Engagement and Learning Ashley Welke said.
The event will be featured as part of Norman’s Second Friday Art Walk in partnership with the Norman Arts Council.
Attendees can meet NAC Executive Director Erinn Gavaghan at MAINSITE before heading out on a guided walk to Norman Public Library Central.
The gathering will depart the gallery at 5:30 p.m., stroll through Andrews Park to see the “In Their Words” installation, then arrive at the library for the event.
Inspired by the legacy of his grandfather, Jacques Cousteau, Philippe Cousteau is a multi-Emmy-nominated TV host and producer, author, speaker, and social entrepreneur.
He is the host and executive producer of the weekly syndicated series “Awesome Planet,” now in its sixth season.
His conservation efforts are focused on solving global social and environmental problems.
In 2005, he founded EarthEcho International, a leading environmental education organization. To date, EarthEcho has activated over two million youth in 146 countries through its programs.
Cousteau’s children’s book, “Follow the Moon Home,” has been chosen for the Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List. He has co-wrote “Going Blue” and “Make a Splash,” both of which have won multiple awards.
His new book series, “The Endangereds,” with Harper Collins, launched in September 2020. His latest book, “Oceans for Dummies,” which he co-authored with his wife, Ashlan, was released in February 2021.
For more information about the event at bit.ly/3NIdAFJ.
Jimmy and I were headed home from out west after 9 days of shooting images. In case you have missed it I really find mining and specifically the buildings and mechanisms to bore holes miles into the ground extremely interesting.
I managed to find this little area with a really cool walking trail through half collapsed building remnants, and just a bit away from the scattered lights of Goldfield a very small town of maybe 20 houses. This area was also behind the hill on the right from Victor Colorado (far right glow.) This was the second to last shot of the night. The first two had happened with a very tiny sliver of a moon still visible on the horizon. By now the moon had slipped behind the hill to the west and a dark night calm night awaited introspection.
If you look really carefully in the center you can see a peek-a-boo shot of Jimmy (my loyal GMC Jimmy) just showing. If you had x-ray eyes you could see not only the fence in front of Jimmy but the KEEP OUT sign as well. Sometimes you just have to do what you have to do to please your Astro-friends!
I was really pleased with how the Milky Way turned out considering that Colorado Springs just to the left edge of the image and distant Pueblo was to the right. Recovering the highlights in this image not only required an excellent Light Pollution Filter but also a lot of astro manipulation to deal with it.
For those that find such things interesting, the two headframes are the Grace Greenwood headframe (left) and the Deadwood headframe (center.) Both were moved here in 2012-2013 by the Cripple Creek & Victor Gold mining company in an effort to preserve the mining heritage of the area.
The Grace Greenwood mine was owned by the Anaconda Mining Company. The development of the mine was begun in1902-03. The company owned 100 acres of land with several mines operated by lessees. Some of the mines included the Half Moon and Kittie M. The Greenwood mine lasted over half a century closing for good in 1959.
The Grace Greenwood gallows frame and hoist house were placed here on the reclaimed Altman Backfill above the Vindicator Valley near the town of Goldfield.
The Deadwood Mine was a quite minor mine but its beautiful headframe remains as a testament to the intense effort to blast through solid rock.
If you ever get the chance to visit Victor Colorado “The City of Mines” it is way worth it. It is amazing how much mining took place here. You can also stop by Cripple Creek as well but in my mind, Victor is the place to wander about and see a virtually untouched original 1900s mining town.
Wandering around these ruined buildings at night was so interesting. The connection to miners and times lost was real and visceral. The hulking buildings forming black silhouettes against the sky whispering their souls to the winds, atop an 11,000-foot mountain for decade after decade alone, awaiting their ultimate fate.
Please Like Comment and Enjoy! This one was tough but I hope you enjoy it.
EXIF: 35 images clipped left for light pollution and a pile of rocks. 55mm f1.6 ISO 8,000
This day was A DECADE in the making and it’s days like these that I find myself feeling SO grateful to get to do what I do. To be welcomed into such a sweet day, capture love, and document the legacy relationships that surround a couple on their wedding day… it’s all so close to my heart.
Andy & Lindsay truly are as kind, classy, gracious, and genuine as you may think and my only sadness is that this day has come and gone so quickly! But I am SO excited to share with you their unforgettable Waterworks wedding. <3
Enjoy a few of my favorites from their beautiful wedding full of so much love and be sure to read more of Andy & Lindsay’s love story here! Xo
Vendor Credits: Photographer | Caroline Logan Photography Second Shooter | Vanessa Shenk Bridal Prep | The Kimpton Palomar Hotel Venue | Waterworks Floral Design | Petals with Style Band | Bachelor Boys Band Hair & Makeup Artist | Unfading Beauty by Kristen Invitations | Sweet Invitation Co Wedding Gown | Paloma Blanca // Van Cleve Lighting & Draping | Beautiful Blooms Bridesmaids Dresses | Sorella Vita // Van Cleve Catering | Cescaphe Cake | Cescaphe
For Photographers: Love creamy skintones & soft colors? Learn to edit light & airy here!
The riviting gaze of a lynx as he walks out of the forest and onto a remote logging road in British Columbia
This past February, I traveled to British Columbia primarily to photograph wolves. The wolves are active during the winter and wolves photographed on snow can create, in my opinion, a very striking image. Unfortunately, unseasonable temperatures and a heavy snowfall prior to my arrival, forced the local wolf population to temporarily relocate to another area. Since wolves can cover a territory of 50 square miles, given the conditions, it would be impossible to locate the wolf packs during my short visit. During the week I did hear a pack howling and barking in the distance. I had one wolf sighting but in a position where I was unable to take a meaningful image.
I was returning by snowmobile one afternoon after an unsuccessful day scouting for wolves when I noticed a lynx ahead sitting on the side of the trail. A good friend of mine was traveling with me. When traveling in the backcountry in the winter it is smart to travel with at least one other person in case of mechanical failures or injuries. We stopped approximately 150 yards away from his position, and watched as he continued to sit and eat. He was obviously not concerned with our presence due to our position relative to his. Finally, the lynx tired of eating, stood and walked into the forest next to the trail. We then moved on down the trail past where he entered the trees and stopped approximately 150 yards on the other side of his entry into the forest. I then proceeded to walk back up the trail and laid down in the snow approximately 75 feet from where he entered the forest. I knew it was a long shot, but I hoped if I remained perfectly still and did not make any noises, he might return. Sure enough, after patiently waiting 15 minutes or so, he appeared at the edge of the forest.
I slowly raised my camera and lens to my eye and began to take a few photographs. During this time, he just stood motionless in front of the forest watching. His position was such that if he sensed danger, he could quickly move into the forest using the snowdrift in front of him as cover.
After maybe five minutes, apparently realizing that I posed no threat to him, he proceeded to slowly walk out to the snowmobile trail and up the trail away from me. During this time, I held my position knowing that he would maintain a safe distance from me outside his “circle of fear”. Enter into an animal’s “circle of fear” and they will either fight or take flight.
During this time, I avoided making any sudden movements or strange noises. He walked slowly but with purpose. When he reached the snowmobile trail, he turned and walked up the trail. It was very clear to me that he did not feel threaten by my presence, since his behavior was business as usual.
As is often the case when photographing in the wild, opportunities to photograph the primary subject may not materialize. Avoid getting discouraged, keep an open mind and constantly be aware of your surroundings, and something worth photographing will appear. This trip was no exception. Besides, if this were easy, everyone would be doing it.
For a lot of processes in PixInsight you’ll have some basic values for the settings you want to use or at least start with, every time. But how do you remember these values? If you are anything like me you’ve written them down somewhere, or stored a bookmark to some article that discusses certain values. Every time you use the process you need to look up these values. Wouldn’t it be great if you could store these values somewhere in PixInsight? Well, you can!
Saving process icons
To store a process along with its settings you can simply drag the triangle icon out to the workspace and it will store a copy of the process along with the settings. You can right click on this icon to choose to set the name of the Icon (icon identifier). You can also right click and save this icon. It will save as a .xpsm file which you can load and use at any time in the future. You can also save multiple processes at once so you can store a basic workflow or all processes you use frequently. Go to Process->Process icons->Save Process Icons to store all process icons currently present in your workspace. Likewise you can go here and pick ‘Load Process Icons’ to load them up in the future.
Basic DSLR Workflow processes
A great way to have a reminder of the steps you need/want to take in your processing is to store the process icons for each step in your workflow. I’ve done this for the DSLR workflow and made it available for all to download and use. Simply click the download below and load it via Process->Process icons->Load Process Icons. Download process icons for Basic DSLR workflow
It will have the process icons for each step and some process icons for assisting processes like Starmask, PixelMath and Rangemask. Tweak and adjust to your own liking and add/remove processes and save it so you have your own workflow available step by step within PixInsight.
