By Larry Tiefenbrunn, MD CEO and inventor, Platypod Pro LLC
Don’t get me wrong. I absolutely love tripods. I personally own about a half a dozen of them of all different brands. I use them for studio work, group portraiture, even some product shots.
However, when I’m out and about, the last thing I want to do is carry around unnecessarily heavy equipment. And I certainly don’t want to be told by security guards (#TripodPolice) that I can’t use a tripod to take long exposures for whatever reasons they conjure up. A compact flat tripod that slips into my camera bag, that doesn’t take up the space of a telephoto lens, is why I invented the very first Platypod, and that is why I have dedicated 10 years of time to this company… so that I can share my idea with like-minded photographers.
After several iterations of “the world‘s most compact tripod base” I have taken the very best features of our patented designs, and coalesced them into what I believe is going to be the most popular tripod of its kind, the Platypod Delta. The triangular design, flip out legs and adaptations to straps and 1/4” threaded accessories make this the fastest and most versatile Platypod to date. You just add on your own tripod head to this plate, and you are ready to shoot photo or video. Don’t have a spare tripod head? Look at any of our Platyball ballhead models or the Platypod grip for your smart phone.
What is new and different about Delta?
Δ Flip out hinged spikes – when we introduced the recent Platypod eXtreme, everyone was so happy that they no longer had to insert each spike individually. They could now simply pull out the hinges and flip the spikes into place. Our previous hand sized model, the Platypod ultra also required the spikes to be carried in a separate wallet which was not as convenient. For Delta, we designed all new heavy duty hinges with adjustable tension (with included 2 mm Allen wrench). Three 1/4 inch threaded spikes take three or four seconds to deploy.
They also incorporate our unique nylon/silicone retractable feet to reveal the sharp spikes for stone and concrete, or conversely, to cover them with a soft rubber tip to protect delicate surfaces.
[embedded content]
Δ Triangular design – All our previous designs relied upon a primarily four legged system for added stability. The sacrifice however was speed since on almost any uneven surface some degree of leg adjustment was necessary for balance as well as to avoid jitter. The three legged system allows instant stability upon spike deployment.
Δ Super lightweight design – at only 4.2 ounces including spikes and tips this is our most lightweight and compact Platypod with a substantially smaller surface area due to the aircraft like cut out design. We bumped up the thickness of the metal from 5 mm to 6 mm to maintain maximum strength and stability. Fits beautifully into any camera bag or your pocket.
What remains the same?
It is compatible with our entire product line and maintains the Platypod features our users love:
…and yes, it really does open beer bottles.
Delta is available for discounted pre-order via Kickstarter now through February 15, 2025 and later on at platypod.com
From December 3 to 5, 2024, the world’s most spectacular adventure and action sports images will take center stage at ISPO Munich, Germany. This year’s event promises to captivate attendees with the visual brilliance of the Red Bull Illume Exhibit Tour, showcasing the pinnacle of action sports photography.
A Celebration of Adventure Photography
Red Bull Illume is widely regarded as the premier contest for adventure and action sports imagery. Renowned for highlighting the passion, lifestyle, and artistry behind the lens, the competition features images that capture adrenaline-fueled moments and breathtaking feats. The 2023 Image Quest brought together thousands of photographers from around the globe, with the top 50 images now traveling to major cultural and sporting events as part of the Red Bull Illume Exhibit Tour.
The next stop on this global journey is ISPO Munich, where attendees will witness the top entries displayed on stunning 2×2 meter lightboxes crafted by CCS Fabric Frame. These illuminated works of art will be exhibited in the Future Lab Hall B2, right in front of ISPO’s main stage, creating a focal point of inspiration for visitors.
ISPO Munich: A Hub for Sports Innovation
ISPO Munich is the world’s leading sports network, bringing together industry professionals, innovators, and enthusiasts. The annual trade fair features over 2,400 exhibitors and a comprehensive program that explores the latest trends in sports technology, sustainability, health, and fashion. This year’s event, held under themes such as Retail & Sustainability, Health & Fashion, and Tech/AI & Sports Extended, is set to raise the bar for the sports industry.
Attendees will have the chance to hear from prominent speakers, explore topic-specific hubs, and connect with like-minded individuals. The inclusion of the Red Bull Illume Exhibition adds an artistic dimension to the event, merging sports innovation with creative storytelling.
For Those Who Can’t Attend: The Red Bull Illume Photobook
Fans unable to visit the exhibition can still experience the magic of Red Bull Illume through the 2023 Photobook. This limited edition collection features the top 250 images, along with behind-the-scenes stories and profiles of the top 50 finalists. Individually numbered and stamped, only 2,500 copies have been printed, making it a must-have for photography and sports enthusiasts alike.
Immerse Yourself in the Action
The Red Bull Illume Exhibit Tour and ISPO Munich 2024 are perfect opportunities for inspiration, connection, and innovation. Whether marveling at the artistry of lightbox photography or engaging with groundbreaking sports technology, attendees are in for an unforgettable experience.
For more information about ISPO Munich and tickets, visit the event website. To explore the world of adventure and action sports photography, follow @redbullillume on social media and check out redbullillume.com.
Mark your calendars and prepare to be dazzled by the intersection of art, sports, and innovation at ISPO Munich 2024!
WEICHÁN. The struggle of the Mapuche people in southern Chile.
Chile is a country of 18 million inhabitants. Within it live 10 ethnic minorities officially recognized by Ley Indigena 19,253, but not by the Constitution. According to a 2017 census, they represent around 12.8% of the population. Of these, the most numerous is the Mapuche.
The Wallmapu is the ancestral territory of this people, which in the past included the territories of the central part of the Cono Sur, through the current states of Chile and Argentina: from the Limarí River to the Chiloé archipelago, from the Province of Buenos Aires to Patagonia.
Today, in Chile this territory corresponds to the so-called “Macrozona Sur”, which includes the regions of Biobío, Araucania, Los Riós and Los Lagos. This macro-region is traditionally marked by the “Mapuche conflict”, a long- standing conflict in which the indigenous communities are pitted against the interests of many private companies and the Chilean state on a daily basis.
In their thousand-year history, the Mapuche have had to resist several invasion attempts. The first were the Incas, who never managed to expand their empire south of the Biobío River. Later, the Spanish tried to invade the territories to the south in search of precious metals. Again, the Mapuche put up fierce resistance, some of the most heroic ever in the Americas, forcing the European invaders to reconsider their claims. Once they gained independence from the Spanish crown, the states of Chile and Argentina decided to end the Mapuche people’s aspirations for freedom once and for all with military campaigns known as the “Pacification of Araucania” on the Chilean side and the “Desert March” on the Argentine side. These campaigns ended the independence of the Mapuche people and reduced the indigenous territory to a few hundred hectares, within which the survivors were confined. Since then, the Mapuche people have been forced to fight for the recognition of their cultural, territorial and economic rights.
In the course of time, much Mapuche land has been sold to companies mainly engaged in forestry. These companies have cleared native forests and replaced native plants with pine and eucalyptus, trees that are not native to Chile and require a lot of water, causing frequent droughts that prevent the inhabitants from irrigating their fields and quenching their animals. Furthermore, the Mapuche are a people whose spirituality is strongly linked to respect for Mother Earth (“Mapuche” literally means “people of the Earth”). They believe that within the forests and along the banks of rivers dwell ancestral forces that are driven out by the continuous exploitation of natural resources. Thus, it is not uncommon for environmental and land protection motivations to be added to territorial claims.
Nowadays, the Wallmapu territories are deeply marked by this conflict. There are continuous incidents of violence related to territorial disputes and tensions between indigenous communities and industrial sectors, to which law enforcement agencies respond with excessive use of force. This situation has given rise to serious security and crime concerns that have led to the progressive militarization of the Araucaria and Biobío regions and the declaration of a state of emergency.
25/10/2023 Temuco, Chile. A woman waves the Mapuche flag in front of the Araucania Region building during a demonstration called by several communities against a series of laws passed by the Chilean state: Specifically, to Law 21560, known as “Ley Nain Retamal,” which allows privileged self-defense for police officers, expanding the possibility of resorting to the use of weapons in cases of perceived risk, Law 21488 on “Robo y hurto de madera,” which increased the penalties for timber theft, both monetary and prison, and the so-called “Anti tomas” law, which expanded the discretion of law enforcement agencies in carrying out forced evictions of occupied land and buildings.11/09/2023 Valdivia, Chile. During the march organized to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the coup d’état, a demonstrator held up a placard demanding justice for the death of Pablo Marchant, a young Mapuche militant from CAM (Coordinadora Arauco Malleco), who was shot in the head in 2021 during a confrontation with the police. Although Pinochet’s dictatorship ended in 1990, for some Chileans the use of violence is still an integral part of police culture. This is particularly evident in the so- called conflict between the Chilean state and the Mapuche people.09/02/2024 Concepción, Chile. Poster hung at the entrance of the Concepción courthouse, awaiting the trial review ruling of four Mapuche detainees on hunger strike. For some, the strike has lasted more than 80 days, amid total indifference from the institutions. In addition to the review of the trial of some convicts, who according to those protesting have been found guilty in the absence of clear and certain evidence, the inmates are seeking better prison conditions and the right to be able to continue living in respect for Mapuche traditions and culture within the prison.14/05/2024 Lebu, Chile. Monoculture of pine trees near Lebu. Over the years, many Mapuche territories have been acquired by companies primarily engaged in wood and pulp production. These companies have cleared hectares of native tree forests to replace them with pine and eucalyptus forests. The spread of these intensive crops has generated environmental and cultural issues. The trees used require a lot of water, and their continuous uprooting does not allow undergrowth, depleting the soil. During the hot season these monocultures are frequently affected by forest fires, endangering the lives of people and animals. 21/01/2024 Conguillío National Park, Chile. View of Villarica volcano from Conguillío National Park, a protected natural area located in the Chilean Andes. The reserve’s forests consist mainly of araucaria (Conguillío in mapudungun means “water with araucaria seeds”), trees that are thousands of years old and of great importance to Mapuche culture.15/05/2024 Lebu, Chile. Monoculture of pine trees near Lebu where the effects of harvesting are evident. Intensive tree uprooting prevents the regeneration of the undergrowth and impoverishes the soil. Culturally, the Mapuche believe that spirits called “Ngen” dwell within the forests, who are driven out once the place is cleared, while several Mapuche spiritual authorities complain that they can no longer find medicinal plants useful in the creation of traditional remedies.08/03/2024 Temuco, Chile. During the 8th of March commemoration, a girl marches by holding a wino, a bat used to play “palin”. Palin is a traditional Mapuche activity with a religious and sporting purpose. Very similar to hockey, it is recognised as the main indigenous sport in South America. Although originally practised by both sexes, due to western influence, palin has become the exclusive preserve of men. For some years now, a group of Mapuche women has been trying to exercise a “recuperación cultural” by organising women’s games.07/03/2024 Victoria, Chile. Rubber bullets fired by security forces at protesters in an attempt to carry out an arrest during a public demonstration convened in front of the court during a sentencing of Mapuche defendants in “recuperación territorial”.17/01/2024 Concepción, Chile. Tents set up in front of the Concepción prison by family members and people close to the hunger strikers. The family members remained in the tents for the duration of the protest, despite pressure from the police, who especially in the initial stages wanted to avoid setting up a garrison, and insults from several passers-by.27/09/2023 Lautaro, Chile. Rural area near Lautaro, an area historically marked by occupation and land claim activities, especially during the 1960s and 1970s. Most of these experiences were crushed following Pinochet’s military coup, only to resume after the dictatorship ended. Currently, the majority of the area’s population declares itself to be of Mapuche origin and has already taken back land considered usurped or is in the process of “recuoperación territorial”10/05/2024 Lautaro, Chile. Small sheep farm in rural Lautaro, an area historically marked by occupation and land claim activities, especially during the 1960s and 1970s.09/02/2024 Concepción, Chile. Family members of Mapuche detainees on hunger strike in front of the Concepción courthouse, awaiting a ruling to review the trial of four detainees. Due to the presence of procedural errors during the previous trial, the court ruled in favor of annulling the ruling, calling for a new trial.25/10/2023 Temuco, Chile. A little girl sits in the street in front of the Araucania Region building during a demonstration against the latest laws passed by the Chilean state.27/09/2023 Lautaro, Chile. Rural area near Lautaro, an area historically marked by occupation and land claim activities, especially during the 1960s and 1970s.10/05/2024 Lautaro, Chile. Small sheep farm in rural Lautaro, an area historically marked by occupation and land claim activities, especially during the 1960s and 1970s.17/01/2024 Concepción, Chile. Murals on a wall in front of Concepción prison, where eleven inmates are on hunger strike, joined by five inmates in Temuco prison.24/04/2024 Temuco, Chile. On the occasion of a demonstration against the construction of a high-voltage power line destined to pass through the territory of several communities in the area, authorities and activists show their solidarity with the Mapuche prisoners by symbolically closing the march in front of the Temuco prison.31/08/2023 Panguipulli, Chile. River bed disrupted by a dam near Panguipulli. Blocking the normal flow of water for about seven kilometers, the dam caused several problems for at least three local communities. The scarcity of water downstream, especially during the summer months, has made it more difficult to develop agricultural and livestock activities. In addition to the environmental impact on biodiversity, cultural issues must also be considered. For Mapuche spirituality, in fact, it is vital that water continues to flow. For this reason, affected communities are fighting for the company to allow more water to pass beyond the dam.21/01/2024 Conguillío National Park, Chile. Araucaria trees in Conguillío National Park, a protected natural area located in the Chilean Andes. Araucaria is a species endemic to the south- central part of the Chilean Cordillera. It is a slow-growing tree species and can live up to 1,021 years. It holds great importance in Mapuche culture.10/05/2024 Lautaro, Chile. Small sheep farm in rural Lautaro, an area historically marked by occupation and land claim activities, especially during the 1960s and 1970s.24/04/2024 Temuco, Chile. Mapuche demonstrators protest the construction of a high-voltage line intended to pass over the territory of several communities near Temuco. The line is part of a larger megaproject that is supposed to affect the entire Macrozona Sur. The protesters complain about the total absence of information about the project and the failure to convene an indigenous council on the issue.07/03/2024 Victoria, Chile. A woman is attended to in the emergency room after being hit by pepper spray thrown by carabineros. The police tried to disperse the crowd in an attempt to make an arrest during a public demonstration called in front of the court for a sentencing of Mapuche defendants in “recuperación territorial”.09/02/2024 Concepción, Chile. Demonstration of former political prisoners at the time of the dictatorship in Plaza Independencia, also in support of Mapuche prisoners on hunger strike in Temuco and Concepción prisons.
About the author: GIUSEPPE SANTAGUIDA
Giuseppe Santaguida graduated in International Economics, with a thesis on the role of NGOs in the economy of developing countries. Always passionate about documentary photography and social photography, he has been collaborating for years with associations active in the field of culture, social and international cooperation. In 2023 he had the opportunity to collaborate with Operazione Colomba, an Italian NGO that has been active in Chile for many years, dealing mainly with the observation and monitoring of the respect for human rights in the country, living in close contact with indigenous communities and people involved in the so-called “State-Mapuche conflict.”
Pakistan is one of the largest producers and exporters of dates in the world. Date palms are grown in all four provinces on an area of about 90,000 hectares that yield more than 500,000 metric tons of fruit every year. The fruit is exported both fresh and dried.
Every year, the fruit is harvested between July and September. District Khairpur in Sindh province, the date capital of the country, starts buzzing with activity. Labor for fruit picking, processing, packing and transporting starts arriving from all over Sindh and even Balochistan and Punjab provinces. Work starts early morning and goes on till sunset.
Iqrar Ali Jatoi is a date farmer. He owns 1,500 date palms spread over an area of 40 acres in Therri, District Khairpur. He received most of these trees as his father’s legacy. Date farming is his primary source of income. The little time he has left from managing his farm is spent in growing wheat for his family.
Jatoi says that one tree can yield 40 to 100 kilograms of fruit in one year. Although dozens of different date cultivars are grown in Pakistan, Khairpur is known for the Aseel variety. The process starts with the planting of a sapling. A date palm starts bearing fruit after eight years of age and requires constant care in the early years. Some of his trees are older than fifty years. The older, taller trees bear more fruit than younger ones.
The fruit is collected unripe and then goes through a ripening process. First of all, individual pieces are separated. One group is chosen to be ripened and the other group is for drying. Then the fruit is washed, boiled and spread out in the sun. The length of time it spends in the sun depends whether it is meant for ripening or drying.
At the end of the ripening and drying process, the fruit is taken to the market where it is auctioned. The buyers offer a different price every day, based on the market conditions. The buyers then sell some of the fruit in the local market while the better part of it is exported.
A few weeks after harvesting, the trees need to be pruned and the dead leaves need to be removed. The trees are inspected for any sign of disease. Then they have to be pollinated manually so that they can bear fruit the next year. Each plant has to be inspected every few weeks to ensure that it is healthy.
Iqrar reports that climate change is having a greatly adverse effect on date production. Quoting the example of 2023, he mentioned that the monsoons started much earlier than usual, and about half the fruit got wasted.
Other than climate change, the date palm also suffers from occasional infections. This year, a never seen before infection has invaded the trees that kills them within a matter of days. According to Jatoi, at least twenty thousand trees have died within the Therri area.
About the author:
Jamil Akhtar is a writer and photographer based in Islamabad, Pakistan. He was born in 1977. He spent nearly two decades working in advertising industry as a copywriter and worked for some of the country’s biggest brands. He started working for himself in 2014 as a freelance creative consultant, writer and photographer.
He has done extensive documentary work all over Pakistan, including some of its harshest areas. He has covered a wide range of subjects from environment to gender. Some of his work for United Nations Development Program has found warm reception all over the world.
Easily Replace Backgrounds in Photos with ON1 by Dan Harlacher
Hello, fellow photographers. I’m Dan Harlacher from ON1, the creators of some amazing photography apps and plugins! I’m excited to show you the new Quick Mask AI tool in ON1 Photo RAW 2024.5. This tool is incredibly powerful and makes background replacements super simple. To illustrate its capabilities, I’ll walk you through three examples, from simple to complex. I also created this short video outlining each of these steps!
Example 1: Simple Background Replacement
Let’s start with a straightforward example—a bird photo. The original background is dull and shot in low light, resulting in a noisy image. Here’s the step-by-step process to enhance and replace the background:
Noise Reduction and Sharpening: First, the photo includes a lot of noise and is a little out of focus. So, I used NoNoise AI and Tack Sharp AI to remove the noise and restore the details.
Brightness Adjustment: Next, I brightened the image using the “Tone and Color” adjustments, increasing the exposure by about a stop and adjusting the blacks to enhance contrast.
Adding a New Background: I selected a new background from the ON1 Extras, specifically a bokeh image, and used the “Transform” tool to fit it perfectly behind the bird.
Masking the Old Background: Using the Quick Mask AI tool, I clicked on the bird to keep it and removed the old background. The result was a clean separation, allowing the new background to shine.
Final Adjustments: Finally, I adjusted the background’s tone and color to complement the bird’s colors, creating a harmonious and vibrant image.
Example 2: Intermediate Background Replacement with Blending
I worked with a studio shot against a neutral backdrop for a more complex scenario.
Here’s the approach:
Initial Adjustments: I cropped out unwanted elements, like a soft box in the corner.
Layering a New Background: I added a new studio backdrop, flipped it to match the lighting, and scaled it to fit.
Blending Backgrounds: Using Quick Mask AI, I masked out the original background but retained the shadows and the floor’s shape by reducing the mask’s opacity. This blended the new backdrop seamlessly with the original, maintaining a realistic look.
Color Adjustments: I tinted the new background using a photo filter to match the subject’s shorts, ensuring a cohesive color scheme.
Edge Refinement: I used the Chisel tool and Refine brush to clean up any remaining halos or edges, particularly around hair, for a polished finish.
Example 3: Advanced Background Replacement with Color Corrections
The third example involves a challenging shot with a bright blue background that reflects onto the subject’s metallic necklace and skin.
Here’s how I tackled it:
Exposure Adjustment: I lowered the exposure to correct the image’s brightness.
New Background Addition: I selected a new background and used the Transform tool to scale and position it.
Masking and Cleaning Up: Quick Mask AI helped remove the old background. However, blue reflections remained on the subject, requiring further refinements.
Local Color Adjustments: I used local adjustments to desaturate the necklace’s blue reflections and repainted the skin edges with a flesh color using the paint with color option. This corrected the color cast without altering the luminosity.
Final Touches: The result was a natural-looking edge with the correct colors, eliminating unnatural blue hues.
Conclusion
These examples highlight the incredible versatility and power of the Quick Mask AI tool in ON1 Photo RAW 2024.5. Whether dealing with simple or complex scenarios, this tool makes background replacements and composites much easier.
About ON1 Photo RAW
Elevate your photo editing game with a 30-day free trial of ON1 Photo RAW—no credit card required. Perfect for photographers of all skill levels, ON1 Photo RAW offers an intuitive yet powerful platform that blends speed, versatility, and quality into one AI-powered application. It’s the ultimate AI photo editor and includes everything a photographer needs in one application. Try ON1 Photo RAW for free and experience why it’s the top Lightroom Alternative, giving you the ultimate control to bring your photographic visions to life.
Hong Kong, July 17, 2024 – Creo has announced the launch of PHOTOFAIRS Hong Kong, a contemporary art fair dedicated to photography, set to take place from March 26-30, 2025, at the Central Harbourfront. The event promises to bring together exhibitors from around the world to present a broad and inclusive view of the photographic medium, establishing itself as a key event in Asia’s art calendar.
PHOTOFAIRS Hong Kong aims to become a focal point for photography during Asia’s most significant art week, enhancing the city’s vibrant cultural scene. The inaugural edition will be led by Fan Ni, who has extensive experience managing cultural and arts projects in the Asia Pacific region, including her ongoing role as Director of PHOTOFAIRS Shanghai. Under her guidance, the fair will explore the diverse landscape of photography and image-making, spanning from traditional disciplines to innovative practices.
“We are so pleased to bring PHOTOFAIRS to Hong Kong and to continue our mission to create spaces for the discovery and cultivation of photography in the Asia Pacific region,” said Fan Ni, Director of PHOTOFAIRS Hong Kong. “Hong Kong Art Week is a cornerstone in the annual art calendar, and we look forward to joining the celebrations and welcoming galleries, collectors, patrons, and visitors to the Central Harbourfront.”
The debut edition of PHOTOFAIRS Hong Kong will be divided into three sectors:
Main: Featuring galleries showcasing modern and contemporary photography and photo-based art.
Focus: Dedicated to solo and dual artist presentations.
Digital: Open to galleries presenting artists working at the intersection of photography and new technologies.
The fair will also feature a dynamic VIP program, enhancing the week of fairs, exhibition openings, and satellite events around the city. Details of the program will be announced in the coming months.
PHOTOFAIRS Hong Kong is organized by Creo in partnership with Angus Montgomery Arts (AMA) and in collaboration with Meta Media and Great Entertainment Group (GEG). Creo, along with its majority shareholder AMA, has a long history of organizing international events and programming within the contemporary arts sphere. Their portfolio includes PHOTOFAIRS Shanghai, Taipei Dangdai, India Art Fair, ART SG, and Tokyo Gendai.
“Hong Kong is a global art center uniquely positioned to welcome both the regional and international art communities, making it the perfect location for PHOTOFAIRS,” said Scott Gray, Founder and CEO of Creo. “Taking place during the annual Art Week, the fair is a vital new touchpoint to celebrate photography, embedded within an unmissable week of cultural events and activations around the city. We look forward to working with our partners Meta Media Group and GEG and collaborating with the city’s many prestigious institutions and galleries to put together a dynamic first edition.”
PHOTOFAIRS Hong Kong promises to offer a unique platform for artists, galleries, and art enthusiasts to engage with the latest developments in the photographic arts, setting a new standard for photography fairs in the region. As preparations continue, the art world eagerly anticipates the fair’s debut in March 2025.
In photography, the allure of black and white imagery remains timeless. It’s a realm where colors fade away, leaving behind a narrative defined by shades of gray. The black and white filter in ON1 Effects and ON1 Photo RAW 2024 stands out as a stealthy powerhouse among the tools for crafting such captivating monochromatic visuals.
The Black & White filter within ON1 Effects and ON1 Photo RAW quickly transforms color images into monochromatic wonders while offering a range of toning features. At its core are stylistic presets representing various filter types commonly applied to images. For those seeking quick adjustments, the Auto button intelligently selects black and white points, streamlining the conversion process. However, for those who want complete manual control, the color range sliders provide precise adjustments, allowing for subtle adjustments in brightness.
Mastering Tones with Precision
Users are presented with a range of controls within the Tone section of the Black & White filter pane. All tonal adjustments are there, from fine-tuning brightness and contrast to adjusting highlights, shadows, whites, blacks, and details. This level of control allows photographers to edit their images with excellent precision.
Unveiling the Art of Toning
Delving deeper, the Toner section of the filter includes an array of traditional and contemporary darkroom-inspired options. From the warm sepia tones reminiscent of bygone eras to the cool elegance of platinum and selenium, over 20 toning options await. The creative possibilities are unlimited, with the ability to adjust hues and amounts and the option to swap highlights and shadow colors. Moreover, the Preserve Whites and Blacks feature ensures that the purity of whites and blacks remains untainted by the chosen toner, maintaining a sense of neutrality amidst the tonal modifications.
Adding a Touch of Film Nostalgia
The Film Grain section of the Black & White pane will emerge for those yearning for the classic appeal of film grain. Drawing inspiration from renowned black and white films, users can infuse their digital creations with the timeless allure of analog photography. With controls over the strength and scale of the grain effect, each image can be edited with a distinct cinematic texture reminiscent of bygone eras.
Harnessing the Power of Masking
The true power of the Black & White filter in ON1 Effects and ON1 Photo RAW 2024 extends beyond the built-in controls. With the powerful photo masking options in ON1 Effects and ON1 Photo RAW, your images can reach new heights. Masking, a fundamental feature, allows users to selectively apply or withhold the effects and other adjustments.
Imagine seamlessly blending a black and white conversion with a color accent, or selectively toning different elements within the same image. With masking, the possibilities are limitless. Moreover, ON1’s innovative masking features, including luminosity masks and intuitive AI-powered masking tools, streamline the process, allowing for effortless refinement of black and white compositions.
In conclusion, the Black & White filter in ON1 Effects and ON1 Photo RAW 2024 transcends mere conversion, evolving into a dynamic tool for visual storytelling. When coupled with the masking capabilities, its potential becomes truly boundless. So, why not embark on a journey through the realm of black and white imagery, where creativity knows no bounds, and every shade of gray tells a story?
Presenting the ON1 Landscape Photography Conference June 18-19
Embark on a journey to elevate your landscape photography. This June, KelbyOne Live presents the ON1 Landscape Photography Conference, June 18th and 19th. Join us online for over 20 sessions designed to help photographers of all levels discover the art and craft of capturing breathtaking vistas and transforming them into stunning works of art. Get ready for two days packed with learning, focused on mastering the editing process harnessing the powerful tools and features of ON1 software. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills you need bring your creative vision to life.
Insights and Expertise from Masters of ON1
During the ON1 Landscape Photography Conference you’ll have the opportunity to learn from a team of knowledgeable instructors. From planning your photographic experiences, to the fine points of shooting and composition, through all steps of post-processing, they’ll guide you through every step of the journey.
These experts are not only seasoned photographers but also masters of leveraging ON1’s cutting-edge tools and software to streamline and enhance the landscape editing process. Their insights will empower you to capture breathtaking images like never before, and transform your raw captures into stunning, gallery-worthy masterpieces.
Immersive Learning and More
Dive into the beauty of nature and learn how to conquer the complexities of landscape editing with the most robust software available. Visit the conference website to view the schedule for the conference sessions and bonus events. You can also join our Pre-Conference day on June 17th for an orientation and intro sessions, and get to know the other attendees before the conference starts. Discover ways to get the most out of the conference, network with other photographers, share your work, and make new friends.
Pricing and Special Bonus
Register now at the Early Bird price of $149 and save $150. Plus, as a special bonus All Early Bird* registrants will receive a complimentary copy of ON1 Effects 2024.5, valued at $69.99! Don’t miss this chance to not only save big but also enhance your editing toolkit with this powerful software. Learn more about ON1 Effects 2024.5.
*EARLYBIRD PRICE EXPIRES JUNE 18, 2024, 11:00 AM EDT
Egyptian travel photographer Yasser Alaa Mobarak travelled on March 2024 to Nepal to visit The Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu to photograph the Pilgrims of Maha Shivaratri which is a Hindu festival celebrated annually in honor of the deity Shiva.
It is a notable festival in Hinduism, marking a remembrance of “overcoming darkness and ignorance” in life and the world.
Every year, the festival falls on the moonless 14 night of the new moon in the month of Phalgun, which correspondences to the months of March and February according to the English calendar. Maha Shivaratri is a revered Hindu festival that holds deep spiritual significance, signifying the triumph over darkness and life’s obstacles through fasting and meditation.
This auspicious occasion marks the convergence of the divine energies of Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti. It is believed that on this day, the spiritual energies of the Universe are particularly potent.
Most of the Pilgrims are Sadhus who came from all over India and Nepal to celebrate Shiva in Pashupatinath Temple. Sadhus are a religious ascetic, mendicant or any holy person in Hinduism who has renounced the worldly life.
Sādhu means one who practises a ‘sadhana’ or keenly follows a path of spiritual discipline. Sadhus engage in a wide variety of religious practices. Some practice asceticism and solitary meditation, while others prefer group praying, chanting or meditating.
They typically live a simple lifestyle, and have very few or no possessions. The sadhu is solely dedicated to achieving moksha (liberation) through meditation and contemplation of God.
The Pashupatinath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Pashupati, a form of Shiva, and is located in Kathmandu, Nepal near the Bagmati River. As one of the four most important religious sites in Asia and believed to be the world’s biggest and oldest Shiva temple, Pashupatinath has a strong spiritual impact on many people.
Its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site adds to its cultural and historical value. Hundreds of thousands of devotees make pilgrimages to the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, regarded as one of the holiest Hindu shrines.
Yasser Alaa Mobarak (b. 1993) is an award-winning photographer from Alexandria, Egypt. He has won photography prizes from Travel Photographer of the Year, National Geographic, Sony World Photography Awards, The International Photo Awards, Paris Photo Award, Vienna Photo Award, Egypt Press Photo, Royal Photographic Society, International Federation of Photographic Art and Photographic Society of America.
Yasser’s works have been featured in The Guardian, VICE, National Geographic, and Deutsche Welle. He is Photographer for ZUMA Press and Visiting Instructor at Delhi College of Photography. He is Licentiate of Royal Photography Society in UK.
It wasn’t a big deal. I’d spent a few years studying in Paris and Toulouse, so London felt like a bigger version of that. I moved when Covid lockdowns were still in place, so it wasn’t as hectic as it normally is.
What surprised me is how much queerer it is. For every hobby or sport it seems that London has a queer version – whether you’re into raving, reading or sports, London has it all.
What does being a trans guy mean to you?
It’s a part of my identity, but it’s not my whole identity. Similar to being French, an engineer or a boxer.
There’s a lot of negativity associated with trans people right now. Mainstream media outlets are publishing hundreds of anti-trans articles every month and we’re every boring politician’s favourite punch bag. But you know what? I love being trans. No amount of uninspired vitriol is going to change that.
Have you had any positive experiences affirming your gender identity?
Yes, many. In Year 2 a girl came up to me at playtime and asked if I wanted to be her boyfriend. I considered going along with it but ended up telling her I was a girl. She was really disappointed.
Last year I fought a cisgender (i.e. non-transgender) guy in a boxing fight and knocked him out in forty seconds. My coach told me he’d never knocked out anyone so fast, and he’s been boxing for forty years. That made me proud!
The further along in my transition I get the less euphoric some of these experiences become. Not in a bad way – I’m trading thrills for contentedness. Some things never get old though, like getting called a good lad when I hold the door open for a grandma.
How would you like to see society treat transgender people better?
It wouldn’t take much, honestly. We’re talking about meeting basic needs like access to healthcare, the right to exist in public without the fear of violence or harassment, having official documents that match your gender identity – that kind of stuff. We have a lot of that on paper, but it’s either so critically oversubscribed it might as well not exist (e.g. Gender Identity Clinics) or some people are trying to take it away from us. So it starts by fighting politicians who are trying to legislate us out of existence.
After that, it’s just about being good people. Genuine care and support go a long way.
How did you get scouted? Have you ever been thinking about modeling?
I shot with Jesse Glazzard, who posted me on his Instagram page. Michael Mayren, who founded Brother, used to be his photography teacher. He saw the pic on Jesse’s page and asked me if I ever thought about modelling.
I’d done a bit of modelling before Brother, but never pursued it seriously. People – like Jesse – would reach out on social media and I’d always say yes, because it sounded fun.
I had a short phase as a kid where I told people I’d be a male model when I grew up. I’d seen androgynous women model men’s clothes and thought that was the coolest thing. Funny how life turned out.
Can you tell us about your first modeling experience? How was it?
My first modelling gig was for Primark’s Pride collection in 2022. They’d reached out to Sibling, the queer crew I used to skateboard with, and a few of us got cast in the campaign.
It was really fun. I was basically paid to skate with my friends at Victoria Park skatepark – the dream! The whole team knew how to work with non-models and I had great banter with the photographer. All in all, it was possibly the best first experience I could have asked for.
You are doing a lot of sports, especially boxing. How did you started?
I got into boxing when I moved to London for the first time, in 2018. I’d been doing muay thai for about five years at that point, and karate for another four. I considered joining my uni’s muay thai club but I was skateboarding a lot back then and I couldn’t deal with having wrecked shins 24/7, so I joined the boxing club instead. Six months after I fought for the first time, and the rest is history.
As a trans athlete, was it difficult for you to start?
I got into boxing before I came out, so starting was a non-issue. It was scary to come back to it after transitioning though.
I moved to London for the second time in 2020, shortly after having top surgery and starting testosterone. I passed as male (i.e. people assumed I was a cisgender man) but the locker room situation still scared me and I didn’t want to hide the fact that I was trans, so I looked for an LGBTQ+ boxing gym. I found the LGBTQ+ boxing class at Rathbone Boxing Club, then Bender Defenders, and finally ended up at Knockout, my current club and the first queer club to ever affiliate with England Boxing.
My main challenge now is the total ban placed on trans boxers who wish to take part in officially sanctioned competitions in the category of the gender they identify with, rather than the one they were assigned at birth.
If I’m correct you enjoy a lot skateboarding. Can you tell us a bit about your experience into the skateboarding community, and more in general to be part of a sport / street community?
I skateboarded a lot as a kid. I didn’t learn tricks back then, I was just messing about with my friends in our neighbourhood. I got really into it in uni, but until I moved to London it was a very solitary hobby. I hated being the only girl at the skatepark so I preferred to skate street on my own.
When I moved to Camden, I forced myself to check out my local skatepark and the first time I went, I happened to meet two people from Sibling. That encounter probably changed my life. It was through Sibling that I made my first transmasc friends, which later led me to realize I was trans myself. I’ve got a lot of queer friends now, and with the gym and boxing I don’t skateboard quite as much anymore, but sometimes I do miss that space we carved for ourselves in a wider, much less accepting landscape.
I don’t want to dunk on skaters, because it’s not an individual problem. But skateboarding sees itself as this underground counterculture where it doesn’t matter who you are as long as you shred, but if you’re a part of any minority you know that’s not the case. The people who get the opportunities and the people who decide who gets them are the same as in every other sport: it’s a boys’ club, all the way to the top. If skateboarding were so accepting it wouldn’t have taken until his pro career ended for Brian Anderson to come out as gay, and if it the playing field were level every female pro wouldn’t need a day job to make ends meet.
It is changing for the better though. When I rock up to a park now there will always be a girl there, and more often than not there’ll be more than one. Queer and trans skaters like Leo Baker, Cher Straub or Arin Lester are starting to get the recognition they deserve. Groups like Transkaters are organising sellout queer skate nights in major London skateparks, it’s a real joy to see.
Skateboarding will always have a special place in my heart. And I’ve always found my way back to it, so give it a few years and you might catch me on my board again. But always at a dodgy street spot, never a skatepark!
