Embracing the Monochrome Challenge on the Vibrant Island of Burano

As a photojournalist and fine art photographer who conducts workshops across picturesque European cities like Venice, Ljubljana, and Croatia, I constantly seek new ways to challenge my perspective and inspire the students who attend my sessions. One such challenge I recently undertook with Terry, a fantastic guest and a great photographer, was a black and white photography workshop in the heart of Burano, Italy's most colourful island.

At first glance, it may seem like a counterintuitive idea to focus on black and white photography in a place that is bursting with colour. However, the experience proved enlightening, allowing me and my students to delve deeper into the nuances of composition, texture, and contrast that are so critical to black-and-white photography.

During the workshop, we explored the island's quaint streets and canals, searching for scenes and subjects that would translate well into monochromatic images. Without the distraction of colour, we were forced to think beyond the obvious and consider how elements like light, shadows, and shapes could create a compelling photograph.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this challenge was the opportunity to understand what works and what doesn't in terms of black and white photography. We discovered that certain subjects lent themselves perfectly to a monochromatic treatment, while others lost their impact without the vibrancy of colour. This realization made us all more discerning photographers capable of making thoughtful decisions about when to use black and white versus color.

The vibrant houses of Burano, for example, seemed to lose their charm in grayscale. However, the intricate lacework the island is famous for took on a new life when captured in black and white. The play of light and shadow on the delicate patterns created a sense of depth and intricacy that may have been lost in a colour image.

Ultimately, the black and white workshop challenge in Burano proved to be an enriching experience for all of us. It pushed us to think more critically about our photographic choices and helped us better understand the art of monochrome photography. While it may have seemed like a crazy idea initially, the results were nothing short of fantastic. I encourage every photographer to consider taking on a similar challenge to expand their horizons and hone their skills!

The Art of AI: How Technology is Changing the Future of Photography

In the age of artificial intelligence, traditional art forms are being challenged and transformed. Photography, in particular, is experiencing a wave of innovation and experimentation thanks to the power of machine learning algorithms. While some worry about the impact of AI on the art form, I see it as an opportunity to push the boundaries of what is possible and explore new possibilities.

All Images by JULIE WIELAND - Midjourney v5

PORTRAIT OF AN OLDER MAN SAT IN A COFFEE SHOP, SHOT THROUGH A WINDOW. THIS IMAGE IS STRAIGHT OUT OF MIDJOURNEY V5 | JULIE WIELAND

Today, when machines are learning to see and interpret the world around us, it may seem as though the space for traditional photography is shrinking. However, by analysing AI, we can (re)discover a concrete future for the art form.

With the recent launch of Midjourney V5, a cutting-edge AI model developed by leading tech company OpenAI, the capabilities of machine learning in the realm of visual arts have taken a giant leap forward. Midjourney V5 has been specifically designed to enhance the quality of images and videos by applying advanced algorithms that can automatically adjust and optimise colours, brightness, and contrast, among other things.

While this technological breakthrough undoubtedly has many advantages, some photographers have expressed concern about the impact it may have on the art form. They worry that AI-enhanced images could lead to a homogenisation of visual aesthetics, making it difficult for individual artists to stand out and be recognised for their unique vision.

ONE OF THE IMAGES I CREATED WITH MIDJOURNEY V5

However, others argue that AI could be a tool for artists to explore new possibilities and push the boundaries of traditional photography. By understanding how machine learning algorithms work and how they can be applied to images, photographers can create works that are both technically advanced and visually striking.

Moreover, the use of AI in photography can help democratise the art form by making it more accessible to a wider audience. With tools like Midjourney V5, amateur photographers can improve the quality of their images and create professional-looking work without needing years of training and experience.

While the use of AI in photography may impact the industry as a whole, it is unlikely to lead to professional photographers losing their jobs. AI technology can be seen as a tool that can help photographers improve their workflow and enhance the quality of their work.

Professional photographers have a level of skill and expertise that cannot be easily replicated by AI technology. While AI may be able to automate certain aspects of the editing process, it cannot replicate the creative eye and unique perspective that a human photographer brings to the table.

Furthermore, professional photographers often work in areas that require a high level of technical expertise and specialised knowledge, such as commercial photography or photojournalism. In these areas, capturing specific moments or telling a story through images is essential, and AI technology is unlikely to replicate these skills fully.

That being said, the use of AI technology may lead to changes in the industry and how photographers approach their work. For example, photographers may need to adapt their skills and expertise to incorporate AI tools into their workflow, or they may need to find new niches where they can offer unique value beyond what AI can provide.

Overall, while the use of AI technology may bring changes to the industry, it is unlikely to lead to professional photographers losing their jobs. Instead, it may offer opportunities for photographers to enhance their skills and bring new ideas and approaches to their work.

REVOLUTIONIZING THE ART WORLD: VERSION 5 OF THE MIDJOURNEY AI ART GENERATOR

At the same time, AI can also help us understand the world around us in new and exciting ways. By training machines to recognise patterns and interpret images, we can gain insights into how we see and understand the world. For example, machine learning algorithms can identify and track environmental changes over time, helping us better understand issues like climate change and urbanisation.

In short, the rise of artificial intelligence may seem daunting for traditional photographers, but it also presents exciting opportunities for innovation and experimentation. By embracing AI and using it to enhance our artistic vision, we can create technically advanced and visually stunning works while gaining new insights into the world.

STRAIGHT OUT OF MIDJOURNEY V5

For a professional photographer, there are several steps they can take to stay ahead of the curve and not fall behind with the use of AI in photography:

1. Embrace new technologies: Professional photographers should be open to learning about and adopting new technologies, including AI-powered tools. By staying up-to-date with the latest developments in the industry, they can continue to offer high-quality services to their clients.

2. Develop a unique style and aesthetic: While AI can be used to enhance images, it cannot replicate the creative eye and unique perspective that a human photographer brings to the table. By developing a signature style and aesthetic, professional photographers can differentiate themselves from competitors and offer a unique value proposition to their clients.

3. Focus on specialisation: Professional photographers can also differentiate themselves by focusing on a specific niche or area of expertise, such as commercial photography or photojournalism. By becoming experts in a particular area, they can offer a unique value to clients beyond what AI can provide.

4. Collaborate with AI: Professional photographers can also incorporate AI-powered tools into their workflow to streamline and enhance their work. By using AI to automate certain aspects of the editing process, for example, they can free up time to focus on other aspects of their work, such as composition and lighting.

5. Stay connected with the industry: Finally, professional photographers should stay connected with the industry by attending workshops, conferences, and networking events. This can help them stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the industry and connect with other professionals who may offer new opportunities and collaborations.

Overall, by staying open to new technologies, developing a unique style and aesthetic, focusing on specialisation, collaborating with AI, and staying connected with the industry, professional photographers can continue to thrive and stay ahead of the curve in the age of AI.

images by JULIE WIELAND

The Timeless Appeal of Photographs: Exploring Their Lifespan and Preservation

I was chatting and joking with an Italian friend and colleague today when he said. “Le fotografie non hanno data di scadenza!” (Photographs do not have an expiry date)….. and it made me think…so here is my take!

Photographs are often considered to be timeless, as they capture a moment in time that can be preserved and viewed for many years to come. However, photos do have a shelf life, and their longevity can depend on a variety of factors.

The lifespan of a photograph can be influenced by the quality of the materials used to produce it. Photos printed on low-quality paper, for example, may deteriorate over time and become discolored or faded. Similarly, photos printed with inkjet printers may not last as long as those printed with traditional photographic processes like silver halide printing.

Environmental factors can also impact the lifespan of a photograph. Exposure to light, heat, and humidity can cause photographs to degrade over time. For example, storing photographs in a damp basement or attic can lead to mold growth and damage to the image. Similarly, displaying photographs in direct sunlight can cause fading and discoloration.

Finally, the format in which a photograph is stored can also impact its longevity. Digital photos can be easily backed up and stored in multiple locations, which can help ensure their preservation. However, digital storage formats can become outdated over time, making it difficult to access older photos. In contrast, printed photographs can be physically damaged or lost, but they can also be more easily accessed and enjoyed.

In conclusion, while photographs may be considered timeless in the sense that they capture a moment in time that can be preserved for generations, their longevity is not guaranteed. The quality of the materials used to produce them, environmental factors, and the storage format can all impact the lifespan of a photograph. Therefore, it is important to take steps to properly store and protect photographs to ensure their preservation for years to come.

Vero True Social: The Good..The Bad and the Ugly!

For the past six months I dedicated most of my Social Media Time to Vero True Social. I have been on this platform since 2018 but never spent much time on it and decided I had to concentrate and give it a real try!

I love the design; I think it has excellent vibes; I think the owner/ founder is great and I like is philosophy…..so I really wanted to make it work for me.

I really needed a new social media home!

Certainly, as a journalist, I found that Vero True Social had some unique features, such as the ability to sort posts into different categories and the "collections" feature which allowed me to group together related content. These features made it easier to organize my content and showcase my work in a more visually appealing way.

However, I also found that the platform had a high turnover rate of accounts opening and closing. This was frustrating because it made it difficult to establish a stable network of followers. As soon as I started to gain traction and gain followers, some of them would close their accounts, which meant that I would have to start from scratch again.

In addition, I found that the rate of followers and engagements on Vero True Social was relatively low compared to other social media platforms. This made gaining visibility for my content and attracting a large audience difficult.

Finally, the lack of analytics on the platform was a significant drawback for me. I rely heavily on data to inform my work, and the absence of this feature made it difficult to understand my audience and measure the success of my content. Without analytics, I could not know which posts were performing well and which were not, making it difficult to optimize my content and reach a wider audience.

While Vero True Social had some unique features, the high turnover rate of accounts, low engagement rates, and absence of analytics ultimately made it an unsustainable platform for me. As such, I've decided to focus my efforts on other social media platforms that provide a more stable and engaging environment for me to connect with my audience and share my work.

Prešeren Day 8th February

France Prešeren (1800-1849) was a Slovenian poet, considered the greatest poet and a cultural icon of Slovenian identity. He is widely regarded as the father of Slovenian poetry and a symbol of Slovenian cultural and national revival.

Born in the small town of Vrba, Prešeren showed a talent for language and poetry from an early age. He studied law in Vienna and later worked as a lawyer in Ljubljana. Despite his successful career, Prešeren devoted much of his time to writing poetry. His work reflects a deep appreciation for nature, a passion for freedom and a love of country.

Prešeren's most famous work is a collection of sonnets called "The Trilogy of Love," which includes the poems "A Toast," "The Tears of the Prodigal," and "The Matches." These poems express the poet's love for a woman named Julija, and his disappointment and heartbreak when she marries another man. Despite this, Prešeren continued to write beautiful and powerful poems that capture the essence of love and human emotion.

In addition to his love poetry, Prešeren also wrote political poems that reflected the Slovenian people's desire for independence and freedom. He strongly supported the idea of a unified Slovenia, and his poems inspired the Slovenian people to fight for their rights and their country.

Prešeren's legacy continues to live on in Slovenia, and he is celebrated every year on the 8th of February as "Prešeren Day," a national holiday in Slovenia. His poems have been translated into numerous languages and his impact on Slovenian literature and culture cannot be overstated. He remains an important figure in Slovenian history and a source of national pride for the Slovenian people.

In conclusion, France Prešeren was a visionary poet whose works captured the essence of love, freedom, and national identity. He remains an inspiration to all Slovenians and a symbol of their cultural heritage.

In Ljubljana there's the Preseren Monument with Preseren statue looking across the square towards his girlfriend's balcony. Sitting on the monument gives you a perfect view!

Ljubljana in Monochrome Exhibition

Ljubljana in Monochrome Exhibition. opening in Krizevniska, Ljubljana

December 23rd at 6pm

My Photozine is for sale here https://www.msecchi.com/photo-zines/ljubljana-in-monochrome

Why Winter Is the Best Time to Visit Venice

The magical city of canals and bridges will come to life at nighttime with the illumination of the bridges and boats all dressed up in colourful lights & lanterns. At this time of year, you can also enjoy a romantic stroll along the banks of the canal as you enjoy breathtaking views of the Grand Canal.

There are fewer tourists at this time of year as the summer crowds have left, and the restaurants and shops are less crowded.

You will get a much more authentic experience of the city, especially if you're planning on visiting one of the museums and sights, as they generally have fewer visitors during the winter months. It is also cheaper and more convenient to find accommodation as it is off-season and many hotels are much cheaper during this time.

The city becomes even more romantic at night with live music from the cafes and small bars.

The weather during winter in Venice will be a bit cold (average temperature of 38°F (3°C) in January and 41°F in February), but visiting Venice in winter is quite enjoyable. Always keep yourself warm and dry during your stay in Venice.

Winter in Venice is generally between December to February, but months such as November and March can feel wintery in Venice as well. Winter in Venice means Christmas decorations and Carnival, a foggy fairy-tale world, and the occurrence of snow and lesser crowds to fight. The skies are clearer, which means you can see beautiful sunsets over the canal.

Venice is also beautifully decorated in winter, with beautiful Christmas lights and decorations throughout the city. Some many shops and cafés are open year-round, where you can relax and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere.

A visit to Venice during the winter can be very relaxing and enjoyable as you don't get as many tourists, and it can be very easy to escape the tourist areas and explore parts of the city that are usually closed to the public in summer

Elizabeth

The Queen is one of the world's most iconic and well-known figures. She has been the monarch of England for over sixty years, and during that time, she has seen many changes.

These are my favourite images of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,

Colour Photozine on Amazon with 90gr Paper

You can find it now on our website here: Elizabeth or ETSY. both 150gr Paper

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Queen Elizabeth II - Portraits

Few of my portraits of HM Queen Elizabeth II

Photographing Fall Foliage

Fall is one of the most beautiful times of year and photographing it can be a joy. There are so many different types of fall foliage to photograph, and the best place to find it is often just around the corner. Here are just a few ideas to get you started on your autumn photography journey.

Where is the best place to photograph fall foliage?

The best places to photograph fall foliage are always nearby (usually only a few miles) from where you live. The further you travel to get to a park or scenic location, the less likely you are to get great shots – especially if you're on a family vacation or other vacation.

A popular place to photograph fall foliage is The Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, England. It contains plenty of woodlands and has views of the surrounding hills. Another good option is Joppa Flats in Maryland, which is surrounded by picturesque woodlands and farms. Try visiting these locations during golden hour for the best light conditions.

Brown also suggests visiting nearby small towns that have more scenic overlooks and are less crowded. Some of my favorites are Stone Mountain in Georgia and Pawtuckaway State Park in New Hampshire. Stone Mountain has a large, rocky outcropping covered in trees that gives a great view of the surrounding area. Pawtuckaway State Park has lots of open fields for fall foliage photos.

Another great idea for photographing fall foliage is to get off the beaten path and visit an out of the way park or local hiking trail. These places often have better views than popular spots like parks and trails in cities and other tourist destinations. Brown also suggests getting low and close to your foreground subjects. This can give your pictures a unique perspective and create a stronger composition. Make sure you watch out for distracting elements in the background when shooting. For example, if your subject is a tree, make sure there aren't other trees behind it taking up space in the frame.

"Show the subject in its environment."

Many photographers make the mistake of composing their shots in such a way that nothing interesting appears in the photo except the subject itself. A good example of this is the classic portrait of a person sitting in front of a beautiful mountain scene. When looking at this photo, all you can see are the person and the mountain, with nothing particularly interesting in the foreground. Brown suggests pointing the camera down slightly so that the subject is framed by the environment. This can make your photos more interesting and help draw attention to the subject.

Best camera setting to capture autumn foliage is Aperture Priority mode on a DSLR camera. This allows you to set your camera's aperture based on the type of shot you want to create and the lighting conditions in your scene. For example, Anne McKinnell suggests setting your camera to Aperture Priority mode, selecting an aperture of f/8 and a shutter speed of 1/500th second in bright lighting situations. This combination allows you to blur out the background and create an image with strong contrast between the subject and its background.

References

1. 10 Tips for Shooting Autumn Foliage (https://www.nikonusa.com/en/learn-and-explore/a/tips-and-techniques/10-tips-for-shooting-autumn-foliage.html)

2. Photographing Fall Foliage: Prediction Maps, Locations, & Tips (https://enviragallery.com/photograph-fall-foliage/)

3. The 20 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in the United States (https://www.marthastewart.com/2123839/best-destinations-fall-foliage-united-states)

4. Stone Mountain Park (https://discoveratlanta.com/things-to-do/outdoors/stone-mountain-park/)

5. 15 Tips for Photographing Fall Colors (https://www.maxfosterphotography.com/gallery/tips-for-photographing-fall-colors/)

6. How To Take Better Vacation Photos: 15 Composition Tips (https://www.travelawaits.com/2687170/how-to-take-better-vacation-pictures/)

7. Get Low and Aim High – How to Use Low-Angle Photography to Great Effect (https://digital-photography-school.com/get-low-and-aim-high-how-to-use-low-angle-photography-to-great-effect/)

8. Photographing Fall Foliage (https://digital-photography-school.com/photographing-fall-foliage/)

How to spot fake photos online

Sometimes the internet is full of so much information that it can be hard to know what is real and what isn’t.

This is particularly true in delicate times like the present days.

When it comes to news stories, sometimes they are just not true. However, sometimes photos can be used manipulated to make it look as though a story is real, even when it isn’t. Today we are going to look at some tips you can use to spot fake photos online in seconds.

A picture that is currently widely shared and that made me write this post is the following one

As photojournalist, I have quite few brave colleagues at the moment in Ukraine documenting the war, when I saw this image so many things did not feel right. so the result is that

it was not taken in these recent days. This picture was part of a photoshoot for the Ukrainian army celebrating 27 years.

It is probably a real picture but staged and edited.

The photographer Dmitry Muravsky was dismissed by the Ukraine Defence Minister in 2016 over staged photographs.

It is being shared as a current photo on Twitter and other Social Media outlets.

---

This is another image went viral in these hype times.

• The picture is nearly 2 years old

• The gun is a toy (see label)

• Image was staged

How to spot fake photos online

You can spot fake photos online in seconds if you know what to look for. The majority of the time, fake photos are used for a comedic effect. However, sometimes people will use fake photos to prove a point that is not true and make it appear as though it is true.

The first thing you should always do when you come across a photo that looks suspicious is doing a reverse Google image search. This allows you to see where the image has been used before and will often show you if it is real or fake. If you manage check for the Metatada.

• Google : https://www.google.com/imghp?hl=en

• Yandex : https://yandex.com/images/

While it is easy for people to create fake images today, there are also ways you can spot them. Here are some tips you can use to spot fake photos on the internet:

1. The first thing you are going to want to do is to look at the image itself. Images that have a resolution that looks too high, or too low can be a sign of a fake photo.

2. The next thing you are going to want to look at is the background. If it looks too ‘perfect’, this could be a sign that something is wrong with the photo.

3. Now we are going to look at the foreground of the image. Look for things that might not look right or objects that might have been copied and pasted into the image in order to make it seem more interesting.

4. Now we are going to look at any text in the image, do they look like they were added by a human or was there some sort of text generator used? If it looks like the text was added in an unprofessional way, then this is most likely a sign that the image has been faked.

5. If you see an image that has things such as lens flare or other special effects in them, see if they seem too perfect or not real enough to be true, sometimes these effects can be manipulated online using software, so if it doesn’t look quite right, then it’s probably fake!

6. Look for shadows and reflections, do the match? Is there continuity??

Finally think from a photojournalistic and news point of view. If is to perfect and it looks staged it is probably staged.

Ljubljana: Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

Ljubljana is tonight going to sleep covered in a soft mantel of snow!

You can check the small gallery below, making it a full size and scrolling through the images with the side arrows.

Lendava Bogračfest 2021

Bograč is a traditional Slovenian meat stew that was supposedly invented by Hungarian shepherds when Prekmurje was under Hungarian rule. The stew consists of four types of meat—traditionally pork, beef, venison, and boar—which are simmered along with potatoes, onions, spices, wine, and optionally mushrooms.

The dish was named afterbogracs—a traditional cauldron in which it is still prepared today.

Feri and his vegetable garden

Feri was born and raised in Velemer, where he now lives alone.

In the beginning, Feri and his parents worked together to construct the original house.

The vegetable garden is essential to him, and it not only looks beautiful, but it also produces a large number of veggies, far too much for Feri to consume, but it serves as a reminder of his late mother. She used to take great pleasure in taking care of it. So it is for him a solid and lovely connection with her.

He is reviving the old-fashioned practices that his mother used. For example, to irrigate the field, he needs more than 40 buckets of water, which he then transfers to smaller ones for water not to harm the plant and its roots!

In the olden days, every single household in Velemer, as well as in rural Hungary, used to have a vegetable garden. It was essential to provide food for the family, but it was also a matter of pride to grow the best, richest, and tastiest produce. Some of Feri’s plants, particularly those of the spice Paprika, have been passed around for decades or more!

Hungarian 🇭🇺

Feri Velemérben született és nőtt fel, ahol ma egyedül él.

Kezdetben Feri és szülei együtt dolgoztak az eredeti ház építésén.

Nagyon fontos számára a veteményeskert, amely nemcsak gyönyörűen fest, de rengeteg zöldség is terem ott, túl sok is ahhoz, hogy Feri maga elfogyassza mindet, de ez a néhai édesanyjára is emlékezteti, aki nagy örömmel gondozta a kertet. Számára ez egy erős és kedves kapcsolat vele.

Feleleveníti azokat a régimódi praktikákat, amelyeket az édesanyja alkalmazott. Például a szántóföld öntözéséhez több mint 40 vödör vízre van szüksége, amit aztán kisebb vödrökbe tölt át, hogy a víz ne tegyen kárt a növényben és a gyökereiben!

Régen Velemérben és a vidéki Magyarországon is minden egyes háztartásban volt zöldségeskert, mivel nagyon fontos volt a család élelmezése, de egyben büszkeség kérdése is volt, hogy a legjobb, leggazdagabb és legízletesebb növényeket termésszék. Feri egyes növényei, különösen a fűszerpaprika évtizedekig vagy még tovább is öröklődtek!

Slovenian 🇸🇮

Feri se je rodil in odraščal v Velemerju, kjer sedaj živi sam.

Feri in njegovi starši so skupaj gradili hišo.

Zelenjavni vrt je zanj zelo pomemben. Ne le, da lepo izgleda, ampak daje tudi veliko zelenjave, veliko več kot jo Feri lahko porabi. Gre za spomin na njegovo pokojno mamo, ki je včasih zelo uživala pri tem. Zanj predstavlja močno in ljubečo povezavo z njo.

Oživlja staromodne prakse, ki jih je uporabljala njegova mama. Na primer, za namakanje polja porabi več kot 40 veder vode, ki jih nato pretoči v manjša vedra, da voda ne poškoduje rastline in njenih korenin!

V starih časih je imelo vsako gospodinjstvo v Velemerju, ter na splošno na podeželju na Madžarskem, zelenjavni vrt. Zelo pomembno je bilo zagotoviti hrano za družino, prav tako pa so bili ponosni, da imajo najboljši, najbogatejši, in najbolj okusen pridelek. Nekatere Ferijeve rastline, zlasti začimbne paprike, se prenašajo naokoli že desetletja ali celo dlje!

Check Örsegi page here

Őrségi

With the assistance of a fantastic friend, I embarked on a new photographic endeavour.

While the project will be mainly photographic in style, featuring portraits in black and white and primarily taken using Leica cameras, it will also include video. We will also be collecting stories, anecdotes, memories, ideas, views, experiences, and recipes from locals in our neighbourhood over the next few months, which we will post on this website.

Specifically, we will focus on an "extended" Orseg area that may include the Slovenian Raab-Goricko. We will not necessarily be looking for people born in Orseg but may have relocated here; whether it has been 30 years or 2 months, it does not matter.

We will be looking for interesting folks that are either creating something unique or have a compelling tale to tell.

HU

Belekezdtem egy új fotós projektbe egy fantasztikus barátommal.

Leginkább fotós elemei lesznek fekete-fehér portrékkal, amelyeket elsősorban Leica kamerákkal készítünk, de lesznek benne videók is. Emellett történeteket, anekdotákat, emlékeket, ötleteket, látványokat, tapasztalatokat és recepteket is gyűjteni fogunk a helybéliektől az elkövetkező néhány hónapban, amelyeket megosztunk ezen a weboldalon.

Konkrétan szólva Őrség „kiterjesztett” területére fogunk összpontosítani, amely magában foglalhatja a szlovén Raab-Goričko régiót is. Nem feltétlenül csak olyan embereket fogunk keresni, akik Őrségben születtek, hanem akik át lettek ide telepítve, nem számít, hogy 30 éve vagy 2 hónapja.

Érdekes embereket fogunk keresni és felfedezni, akik vagy valami egyedit alkotnak, vagy pedig van egy lebilincselő történetük.

SLO

S pomočjo fantastičnega prijatelja sem se lotil novega fotografskega projekta.

Čeprav bo projekt v glavnem fotografski s črno-belimi portreti, ki bodo posneti predvsem s fotoaparati Leica, bo zajel tudi video vsebine. Prav tako bomo v naslednjih nekaj mesecih zbirali zgodbe, anekdote, spomine, ideje, razglede, izkušnje in recepte od domačinov v naši soseščini, ki jih bomo objavili na tej spletni strani.

Natančneje se bomo osredotočili na »razširjeno« območje Őrséga, ki bi lahko vključevalo tudi slovensko pokrajino Raab-Goričko. Ne bomo iskali le ljudi, ki so bili rojeni v Őrségu, ampak tudi tiste, ki so bili preseljeni oziroma premeščeni na to območje, ne glede na to, ali je minilo 30 let ali 2 meseca.

Iskali bomo zanimive ljudi, ki bodisi ustvarjajo nekaj edinstvenega ali imajo osupljivo zgodbo.

Ljubljana Photo Zine

Ljubljana in Monochrome is a photo zine in black and white inspired by the Slovenian capital, which is also known for its unique vivacity and marble beauty.

This place has been a home to people from every part of the world therefore, all those different ways of living are reflected in the city's lively streets, open-air markets and small cafés.

The Ljubljana monochrome edition is my photographic interpretation of one of the most diverse cities in Europe, offering a fresh perspective on an old acquaintance.

• - 52 pages

• - 14cm x 20cm

• - 28 black and white digital photographs

• - Limited Edition Item

• - Signed and numbered

You can get it here

Landscape photography – depth of field

Depth of field is the limitation of perceived sharpness within a photographic image. The greater the depth of field, the more of the image from front to back that appears sharp. An image that is said to have a shallow depth of filed has a short and more specific depth of sharpness.

In photography, careful use of depth of field can be a very powerful tool indeed. It can force viewers to focus only upon that which is sharp, by utilizing a shallow depth of field. As our eyes are not comfortable in viewing unclear images, we then tend to look at the parts of an image that is sharp, and our gaze will then focus upon that part of the image, rendering the other unsharp parts of the image as blurry and not worthy of our attention. This use of a shallow depth of field is particularly well suited to portraiture. As long as the eyes are sharp, most other things can be forgiven if they arent pin sharp. People and animals tend to look at the eyes first, and so the eyes really need to be sharp in nearly all portraiture photography.

Landscape photography is generally at the opposite end of the scale of depth of field, where the vast majority of landscape images require a very long depth of field. This is due to the fact that landscapes generally are trying emmulate an actual scene as we see it, and viewers are usually drawn into the image by its great depth of field.

Depth of field is controlled in two ways. The most commonly used is by aperture control. The smaller the aperture (the larger the number ie. F22), the greater the depth of field. The larger the aperture, (the smaller the number like F2.8), the shallower the depth of field. The apertures inbetween have a depth of field is that is directly proportionate to the aperture selected along the scale. The second means of controlling depth of field is by using a camera or lens that enables the lens to be tilted forward or back. This enables the focusing plane of the lens to be more inclined to the plane of focus of the subject matter, and hence providing a much better depth of field without a change of aperture. It is one of the major reasons for using bellows type cameras, or tilt lenses. With such a camera or lens, one can have a huge level of control over depth of field at any aperture.

Depth of field is also dictated by the focal length of the lens, and the camera format for which the lens is used. For instance, a wide angle lens always has a much greater depth of field than a telephoto lens. A very wide angled lens such as a 14mm lens has a depth of field so great that it almost doesnt require focussing, wheras a 600mm telephoto lens has an extremely shallow depth of field, and unless focussed upon long distance subject matter, the depth of field will always be very limited indeed. On the other end of the scale are macro lenses, which are made to be able to focus very closely to objects. Once you start moving in and start focussing very closely, the depth of field again becomes extremely shallow indeed. The closer you get to the subject, the less the depth of field becomes, and in extreme close-ups just the slightest movement will cause the image to go out of focus entirely.

Timisoara a Digital Nomad paradise??

Now you have heard of Bucharest, of the most impressive castle in the country, and for sure you have heard about the myth and legend of Dracula, but have you ever heard about Timisoara? It is a small town in Romania one of the Balkan States in Central Europe bordering Croatia, Hungary, Serbia, Moldovia and Ukraine. [Sources: 7, 8]

The origins of Timisoara date back to the Middle Ages, but the town has always played an important role in history due to its strategic position at a crossroads. Turks, Tatars, Austrians, Germans and Soviets have shaped the city by fusing different types of architecture. Over the decades, various other cultures of migration and conquest have ventured to this place, and there have been numerous events that show the rich heritage of the Timisoara period. Roman fortresses built around it and the ancient "Roman" fortress on which it was built. [Sources: 6, 7, 11]

Timisoara offers beautiful parks and botanical gardens, but there are many reasons to visit the city, not only because of the beauty of the city itself. In Timisoare there are also museums that can add history lovers to their program in Timiscoara. [Sources: 0]

If you are interested in history, you can take a day trip to Timisoara and visit the remains of some remarkable buildings. The entire historic centre of Timiscoara is full of attractions and beautiful after undergoing extensive restoration, with EU funds being used to preserve many of its historic buildings and monuments. [Sources: 1, 4]

It is very close to Unirii Square and you will see the Romanian National Opera, which shares the same building. Next, cross the Carpathians to Transylvania and stop at Densus, where you will find one of the oldest Romanian churches. If you don't have a navigation system, you may have to stop in the city centre for a few minutes before you head to the next city. [Sources: 2, 4, 7]

Cafes are a big part of the trip, so it's important to find some of the most beautiful places in the area, and Timisoara is a delight. I know I would love to go back there to enjoy more time, but I am not going to do that. [Sources: 11]

Timisoara is a very cosmopolitan city, and if you ask and search for it, you can enjoy all kinds of activities, including a variety of restaurants, hotels, cafes, shops, restaurants and even a few museums. It is one of those cities that has a lot to offer and a great variety of food, entertainment, culture, art, music and more, so I can definitely make the most of it in one day. [Sources: 6, 9]

In Timisoara you can learn about the Balkan state and the recent revolution during the day and enjoy the local atmosphere by chilling out in the rooftop bars and enjoying a few drinks in the evening. The nightlife here is anything but boring because the Romanians really know how to have fun. If you just enjoy the roofs and umbrellas, then you will go there for the night, but you will have to cross the Strada Alba Iulia 10 times and drive back to the city centre. In addition to all this, there is also a wide selection of restaurants, cafes, shops, restaurants and bars. [Sources: 0, 3, 5, 11]

This makes the different religions and cultures that live in Timisoara even more interesting, which makes it so unique and impressive. If you don't know much about the city or know many people who have visited it, you probably don't know what to do in Timisoare, but here are some of the reasons why you should enjoy this city. [Sources: 11]

I have heard many times from people in Timisoara and Bucharest that this is the best country to live in and I could clearly see that people there like to live. What attracted me at the time was the fact that life in Romania is so much more affordable than in most countries to which one could have gone. Romania is not an expensive country and, being a good country to live in, you can live in such a city for less than half the cost of living in other countries. [Sources: 10, 11]

I think Timisoara could be the perfect place for a Digital Nomad Imagine, giving them the right to come and work from Rumania up to 6 or 9/12 months - regardless of their nationality under a special digital nomad visa,

I believe it would be a great opportunity for the city as well Many apartments that are empty outside the top season could find new tenants, that stay longer so create less work. The salaries and fees those digital nomads earn, it will be spent in Timisoara and in the country- resulting in a great boost of the economy through consumer spending!

Sources:

• [0]: https://www.untoldwanderlust.com/reasons-to-visit-timisoara/

• [1]: https://www.romanianfriend.com/attractions/timisoara-what-to-do-guide

• [2]: http://romaniatourism.com/timisoara.html

• [3]: https://www.lydiascapes.com/timisoara-boat-rides-walks-touch-nostalgia/

• [4]: https://www.romanianfriend.com/tours/categories/timisoara-tours-day-trips

• [5]: https://www.hostelworld.com/findabed.php/ChosenCity.Timisoara/ChosenCountry.Romania

• [6]: https://www.alwayswanderlust.com/a-day-in-timisoara-romania-little-vienna/

• [7]: https://www.caliglobetrotter.com/timisoara-the-little-vienna-of-eastern-europe/

• [8]: https://jbat.lbi.org/locality/timisoara

• [9]: https://wikitravel.org/en/Timi%C5%9Foara

• [10]: https://erasmusu.com/en/erasmus-timisoara/erasmus-experiences/carlottas-erasmus-experience-in-timisoara-romania-559072

• [11]: https://www.mywanderlust.pl/visit-timisoara-romania/

• [12]: https://www.aviontourism.com/en/destinations/timisoara-1023

Showcase and Sell your Images with NFTs

Starting from today I will start minting my very first Non-Fungible Token. This is a token saved on the Ethereum blockchain, which is unique and can prove the ownership of a good or service. In this case, a photograph I took.

NFT (non-fungible token) technology empowers content creators such as photographers to control, manage, and distribute their content, and in addition, is a great platform to showcase, promote, and sell their images.

The introduction of NFT technology has begun to benefit the photography world. With regard to my point of view, photographers should be making use of cryptography and blockchain technology features that ensure their work cannot be replicated, and thus proof of authenticity is backed by math and code.

Photographers can mint ethereums (about 50 cents) on a blockchain that is interoperable with Ethereum. It is cheaper to make more coins at once.

SmartNFTs enables photographers to create one final NFT with multiple layers of NFTs, while also implementing various functions, such as lifetime royalties. Any future sales of the NFT, from one owner to another, would incur a royalty to the digital artist.

NFT is getting more and more popular, and this time the Ethereum network, which has been upgraded since 2017, is better equipped to deal with the constant activity. NonFungible.com, a company that publishes market insights on NFTs, says that in 2020, the value of NFT trading was approximately $250 million, an increase of 300% from the previous year. People are paying high prices in both cryptocurrency and legal tender to purchase tokens that represent ownership of digital objects, which are then resold at a higher price.

NFTS the Basics

Black and White Digital Photography. First Steps

There are several ways to achieve black and white digital photography. With black and white digital photography, you are bringing the end-user back into a period of time when life seemed a lot simpler. Many digital cameras come equipped with a function to take these types of photos. If your digital camera does not support this function, you can still change your photographs into black and white with software programs.

As we all know, there are times in our lives when the priority is to shoot black and white images. That happens to me a lot. I want to get rid of colour to accentuate shapes or just because it is aesthetically pleasing. Black and White photography is not necessarily simpler than colour photography, but it offers a whole different set of challenges and possibilities.

There are several ways to achieve black and white digital photography. With black and white digital photography, you are bringing the end-user back into a period of time when life seemed a lot simpler. Many digital cameras come equipped with a function to take these types of photos. If your digital camera does not support this function, you can still change your photographs into black and white with software programs. Some camera shot only in Black and White!

You will want your black and white digital photography to look its best when you are finished. A technique that can help you get the best image out of your digital photograph is through image manipulation. You may find it better to convert your eight-bit colour images (which are usually jpegs) into 16-bit colours first. This is important because an 8-bit RGB can be the same as a 10-bit grayscale.

You can find information all over the Internet to help you with your black and white digital photography. These resources can be found in everything from websites to magazines. Coloured pictures can look truly beautiful as a black and white display. You will usually have to convert your graphics because although there are options with digital cameras, there are no true black and white digital cameras.

My favourite app/program is Silver Efex Pro, that creates extraordinary photos using unique black & white algorithms and adjustments inspired by darkroom techniques. Change luminosity and contrast, brighten whites, apply colour filters, and even adjust density and grain!

TIP!!! Correct the Colorcasts

An important part of black and white digital photography is correcting the colorcasts. These are caused by bad lighting, but you can use software such as PhotoShop Elements to make the relevant changes by using their editing applications. The Imaging Factory is also software that can help you to easily convert and fix lighting areas in your graphics to get the best look with your black and white digital photography. If you want to turn your graphics into black and white digital photography, you can step into a completely new dimension in photography. You can do an endless array of projects right from your own computer.