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Magazine
Featured exhibition : Human

by Yvette Depaepe
Published the 4th of September 2024

 


This months' featured exhibition is 'Human'  by Gabriela Pantu.

 

This is a profound reflection on vulnaribility expressed in intense portraits of women.
Gabriela quotes : "
HUMAN is part of my journey on the unseen side of my moon, a process of validating and integrating my shadows, sometimes painful but always rewarding. Vulnerability is not comfortable but it exists in everyone and we learn to live with it. With the acceptance of my vulnerability, I was able to express myself authentically, to create images that gave meaning to my journey. This exhibition includes part of the photographs that make up the Human collection shown in Bucharest. My first personal exhibition: I am happy to share this exhibition because my photography journey is organically linked to the 1x community."

 

 

I invite you to explore Gabriela's intense emotional work.
This exhibition which will be exposed on our opening page  / 
Gallery during the whole month of October 2024. 
Click here to see the entire exhibition: 
[23] HUMAN by Gabriela Pantu (1x.com)


To trigger your curiousity, here is a small compilation of images out of this fine exhibition.

 

 

'fringes'
 


 
'transcending'
 


 
'traces'
 


 
'lace'

 

Write
Thank you Gabriela for giving us your personal journey, a personal introspective journey, authentic and full of emotional symbolism. The inspiration that emanates through a beating heart.
I am really grateful for your touching words, dear Jordi, thank you so much for saying that and happy you like it.
Such a brilliant composition.
Thank you so much for the kind words, dear Deming, very glad you like it!
Dear Gabriela Such a unique and inspiring gallery..Many congratulations to you for this feature..my best wishes for all your projects..warm regards Rana ❤️
I am very happy you like it, dear Rana, thank you so much for your kind words, means a lot! Warm regards! <3
Accept my congratulations on your feature dear Gabriela, I love your photos, especially beautiful portraits, wonderful photo work. Wish you a very nice weekend.
Thank you so much, dear Miro, always so kind.This is really a big honour.There are more than 8 years I am part of this community that I cherish, and this feature makes me happy :) Wishing you a wonderful week-end!
so beautiful. Congrats
Thank you so much for appreciation, dear Ineke, very kind of you! <3
Very beautiful and artistic exhibition...congrats dear Gabriela!
Heartfelt thank you for the kind words, dear Molly, means a lot! <3
Felicitări! O expoziție caracterizată de autenticitate ...
Multumesc din toata inima, sunt fericita si recunoscatoare pentru aprecierea ta, Grigore.
As simple as I can feel, Gabriela knows to put in her images the stories of inner feelings. Outside of her subjects there is some silence but inside there is life, energy, words. And a heart beating. Congrats Gabriela. Well well deserved.
Thank you million, dear Dan, so kind of you! Means a lot, I am very grateful! Multumesc din suflet, Dan!
축하합니다~~
정말 고마워요 Park (google translate) :)
Dear Yvette, thank you from my heart for featuring my exhibition.It is a great honour, makes me very happy.Thank you for this amazing opportunity, I am very grateful ❤️
Sincere congratulations on your feature, dear Gabriela. Your work is so meaningful, inspiring and emotional, so heart-touching. I'm very happy that your work has been exhibited in Bucharest and is now shown on 1x for the whole of October. Thanks also to Yvette, as always.
Dear Elizabeth, heartfelt thank you for your soulful words and for your amazing support . I am very greatful and happy ❤️
Amazing work, Gabriela! Congratulations!
Thank you so much for the kind words, dear Lucian, happy you like it!
Thursday Spotlight #12

By Editor Peter Davidson
Edited and published by Yvette Depaepe, the 3rd of October



We are introducing a new feature specifically for those shots that have been overlooked by our many mysterious and secretive curators for an Award
.

Each Thursday, one shot from the current gallery of Published (but not Awarded) images will be displayed here in the Magazine. We hope you enjoy the images chosen and the authors gain some much improved visibility of their work. And who knows, whisper it softly, maybe one of these shadowy curators might have a softening of their cold dark hearts and even Award the image...

 

                                                                                                               'Untitled' by K Tsunoda
 

This weeks Spotlight image leads us on a journey. And, for once, we are alone. There is no lone shadowy figure holding an umbrellar in the distance as so often seems to be the case. Free from cliche, we are alone to walk with just our thoughts. The damp mists our only  company,  treading silently through a glade of trees bathed is tranquil light. Oh dear, I seem to have come over all poetic... My apologies! 
 
I have no idea if this is actually some far off secluded space or just a luckily empty city park. It matters not. The clever viewpoint chosen by K Tsunoda and soft reflections lend a beautiful scene. Special enough to melt a cold curators heart. No? 
 
Write
"Special enough to melt a cold curators heart." Absolutely to me, it is very moody and full of imagination in this masterpiece, love it. Thanks to Peter and Yvette!
Mi piace anche a me questa bella fotografia, come scrive Signor Miro. Il bello sentiero ci accompagna fino alla fine della fotografia. Bella l'atmosfera nebbiosa, un po fredda.
I like the walkway which is nicely leading eye through the picture and the typical autumn hazy atmosphere, adding nice hue to this wonderful scene.
The making of 'Calla' by Christian Pabst

Tutorial by
Christian Pabst
Published by Yvette Depaepe, the 2nd of October 2024

The great advantage of tabletop photography is having the ability to arrange the entire setup exactly as you want it to be; you are only limited by your imagination.
Canon 5D Mark II  .  Canon 24-105mm f/4L  .  f/13
 
I have a small room (about eight square meters) in my home that I have dedicated to indoor photography. I built a shooting table with a frame that consists of two aluminum cubes so I can easily attach my flashes and plastic background using a few clamps.

Every time I plan a photo session in my little home studio, I first have to think of an idea. Very often I find my inspiration in my immediate surroundings, and that was the case when I took this image. On a windowsill I spotted my wife's beautiful calla lily growing in a flowerpot. It was a big plant with about ten blooms, and I thought she wouldn't notice that a few of them were missing. (That turned out to be a mistake later on.)


"Eventually I decided to tilt the vase so that in the final image it would appear as though the yellow liquid ran up the stem, through the bloom and dripped onto the table."


Simply putting the flower into a bud vase did not satisfy me. I needed to create a more unique concept, and finally I came up with the idea to use colored water. Once I visualize my concept, I draw some simple sketches either on paper or on my tablet PC. It helps me to further develop the idea. Eventually I decided to tilt the vase so that in the final image it would appear as though the yellow liquid ran up the stem, through the bloom and dripped onto the table.

For the seamless background I used a piece of white plastic. The flash was clamped to the aluminum set above the flower and equipped with a diffuser to soften the light when the flash fired. I attached one end of fishing line to the rim of the vase with a drop of Super Glue and clamped the other end to a stick that I laid across the top of the set.



"I had to take a few shots to get my timing down; just before the drop fell, I had to release the shutter."


Next, using a pipette I filled the vase with yellow watercolor paint and carefully put the calla into the vase. When everything was ready and the camera was mounted on the tripod and in position, I took a few test shots until the sharpness and the exposure were right. The last step in preparation was to create the drip, so I filled a cup with more paint, held the cup beneath the flower, carefully lifted it up until the tip of the calla dipped into the paint, and then slowly removed the cup. Using a small pipette full of paint, I then placed a drop on the flower and let it run down toward the tip. I had to take a few shots to get my timing down; just before the drop fell, I had to release the shutter. After taking a few frames, the puddle on the tabletop became too big, so I had to clean it up and try again. But I got the image I wanted without having to make too many attempts.

Post Processing
The image was processed in Photoshop. Because I was satisfied with exposure and composition before I took the pictures, I had very minimal processing to do.
1) With the help of the histogram, I increased the contrast enough to turn the background to a bright white, making sure to not clip the highlights. I also had to make sure the shadows did not become too dark; I wanted the overall image to be light and airy and overpowering, heavy shadows would ruin the effect.
2) I used the Clone Stamp tool to remove a few specks of dust on the white surface and the vase. I also easily removed the fishing line.
3) I boosted the Saturation a bit until I was happy with the final result.


Tips
1) Use high quality glass, if possible. You will get much better results. It's clearer, sharper and has fewer inclusions.
2) When you have finished setting up, be very careful to not hit the table or produce vibrations of any kind. This setup is very sensitive. If the paint in the vase moves, for instance, it will create a messy smudge on the glass and destroy the crispness of the paint's surface.
3) Use a very thick paint with a consistency similar to honey. Not only will it produce a finer drop on the tip of the flower, but it will also drip slower, allowing you more time to accurately release the shutter at the precise moment.

Biography
I was born in Graz, Austria, in July 1964. My first contact with photography was when I turned 18. Ever since then I have been fascinated by this subject, and ten years later it became my one and only passion. I started with landscape and macro photography, but I later became very interested in tabletop, still life and high-speed photography. I love to take complete control of the light when using flash. These days I seem to gravitate toward minimalism; I try to reduce things around me to their bare essentials and show only the lines and surfaces that make up the object. Photography is a fascinating, endless journey.
Write
Thanks for sharing the photo & acticle. Very helpful.
I found this article very informative. Thank you very much.
Thank you very much for sharing your experience and knowledge. A beautiful image.
Wonderful creative frame, dear Christian, like a crying calla.And your home studio is cool!:)
Thank you very much for sharing the story behind this beautiful and creative still-life image, congratulations! What an endeavor and I hope your wife has forgiven you after seeing this fine image, lol! thank you Yvette for publishing it!
My biggest pleasure, Yanyan Gong!
Normunds Kaprano - Observing the world through his lens

by Yvette Depaepe
Published the 30st of September 2024


Normunds Kaprano has a special and unique way of sharing his storytelling images with us. Dance photography, children's photography and portraiture all bear his stamp. He also enjoys nude photography, especially with 'rounder' women, which is a real challenge. Sometimes he is also in the mood for still life. In short, a versatile but modest artist. I would like to invite you to get to know Normunds a little better through this interview.

'Duplication'



Dear Normunds, first of all I would like to thank you for taking the time to answer this questionnaire! Please introduce yourself.

My name is Normunds Kaprano, born in 1963.
I come from the seaside town of Liepāja in the southwest of Latvia.


When and how did you begin your career as a photographer?

It seems that the passion to observe the world through the lens of a camera has always been there - first in the eyes of a boy and later in the heart of a mature man. As a child, developing pictures with his father in the kitchen, wrapped in sheets and red light, the little boy could not have imagined that the camera would become his most grateful companion and the works he saw would become art.


For many of us, photography is a hobby or a way of life. How would you describe your relationship to photography?

I don't see myself as a professional. There are things I still need to learn. That's what I'm striving for. I have a passion for both nature and people. I challenge myself to find my own signature, while sticking to classical values.
I have been awarded prizes in photography competitions, such as Kurzeme Photo Day - Photography Award of the Year (2nd place, 2019), international art photography competitions:2020- FIAP Silver Medal , 2020-IS Silver Medal, 2021-IAAP Gold Medal,2022-FIAP Silver Medal, 2023-PSA Gold Medal, PHOTOLIFE Bronze Medal, FIAP Bronze Medal.2024- PHOTOLIFE-Bronze Medal, CPLA-Bronze Medal, APG-Silver Medal, UAFM-Silver Medal, CIDPC-GPU-Silver Medal, IS-Bronze Medal, SONY Award "SIGN OF THE TIMES" etc.
But I can't imagine myself without a camera .


What would you say has been the most important experience that has influenced your steps in photography?

Every time I take a photograph, it's a different experience. I also try to find something unusual in the post-processing.

'People in the woods'

 

'Ballerina'



Describe your general view of photography.

I am passionate about both nature and portraiture. I draw inspiration from within and am challenged to find my own signature. I love nude photography, but with round women and that is a challenge.

'Meeting'



'To the sauna'



'White mask'

 

Your dance and children photos and portraits have great mood and composition! What is your secret and why are you so attracted to this type of photography?
Yes, children are very interesting to work with. They have this naturalness, this sincerity that is no longer there in adults.  When they want to be photographed, they try so hard and don't lie. 
   

'At the window'

 

'greeting'

 

I had the chance to photograph little ballerinas. It's touching how they try to do everything. I want to show their photographs in a different way, with a different photographic frame.

'Ballerina 4'



'Ballerina 2'
 

I like to play with light.  I like to make brushes of light.

 

'Ballerina 5'



'Silence 2'



I like to take black and white pictures. I think the play of shadow and light expresses more than the model.


'Silence'



'vigrinājums'



What do you think are the key characteristics of a successful dance, children's and portrait photographer?

I think the key is to make contact. If the child or model trusts you, you will get good pictures. And sometimes it's very long work.


Could you tell us more about your working process from idea to final product?

I love old houses, ruins. I had a solo exhibition in an old, half-ruined pub. I like to photograph there. When I find a half-ruined house, I immediately think of a project. Then I look for a person to photograph there.    

'Dance on the stairs'



'gas'



'white sheep'



'dancer'



Where do you find inspiration for the visual stories you want to tell? What inspires you?

Inspiration usually comes out of the blue, if there's no inspiration you don't usually get a nice photo shoot, but quite often when you start telling a story inspiration comes and then it all comes together. Sometimes I really want to shoot still life. When the mood strikes.

'Spring flowers in the window'



I see my family and loved ones everywhere I go, and I see everything in my mind through the lens of my camera.


Many people think that if you have a passion for photography, the equipment doesn't matter much. But please tell us what equipment do you use (camera, lenses, lighting, tripod, etc.)?

Yes, basically, but I always wanted something better. (What soldier doesn't want to be a general?)
I started with a Canon 80 and slowly bought something newer, now I have a Canon R6, same with lenses, over time I have bought tripods, filters and other necessities, of course photography is an expensive pleasure, but all hobbies are expensive!


What is your favourite photo? Please tell us the story behind it.

It's a picture of a model with a non-standard height, because I think in these times people are denigrating people who are strange, who think and feel differently, from the beginning it was hard for her to take photos of herself, but when the first photos came out she didn't bother any more and she waited for me to come out, so we can make a lot of stories together.

'amazon'



In general, I love all my photos, because every picture has a story behind it.


Who are your favourite photographers or mentors whose work has influenced you and your photography?

Oh, I have many photographers I have learnt from and admired! For example - G.Binde, A.Apsenieks, E.Kapša, G.Kopštāls, who encouraged me to send pictures to competitions, etc.


Now that we are almost at the end of this interview, I would like to ask you to tell us about your future plans or photographic projects that you would like to take part in.

Yes, there are many ideas, I would like to have exhibitions abroad, publish a book, etc.
Is there anything else you would like to add and what do you think of 1X as a base for your work?
I like 1X because I can see what others like or dislike about my photography. Also to see and learn from other people's work.

'Boot'
  

Write
I have enjoyed reading the interesting interview, thank you Yvette for publishing it, I'd also like to pass on my praise to Normunds for wonderful versatile photographic work.
I totally agree to Miro...Thx for the interview...
Paldies!
Bellissimo articolo, le fotografie sono molto interessante. Grazie a Voi!!!
Such a soulful journey, dear Normunds, I love the way your lens feel comfortable with things that require a lot of empathy and you use light as a vector for a deeper understanding.Congratulations for your greart work and thank you for sharing! Thank you, dear Yvette, for this wonderful article! <3
My pleasure, Gabriela!
Paldies!
Love your work! Congratulations Normundus Kaprano!
Paldies!
Very nteresting and unique works ....it is inspiring to read about your photography...Congratulations for the feature Normunds Kaprano... Thanks for presenting the interview dear Yvette
Thank you, dear Rana ;-)
Paldies!
Historical Sites, Buildings and Monuments

by Editor Miro Susta 
Edited and published by Yvette Depaepe, the 27th of September 2024


Not only Europe, but also Asia, the Americas and Africa offer wonderful historical Sites, Buildings and Monuments. There are many beautiful and charming historical places in the world that can take visitors' breath away. Some of them have been standing for thousands of years, others have remained hidden from the world until today.

 

'The Holy Rocks' by Konstantinos Lagos

 


In this article, I have selected some great photos from the 1x photo gallery to illustrate this theme, as well as some useful tips and ideas on photography techniques and choosing the right subject.


Some places are naturally breathtaking due to their location or construction, such as Machu Picchu in Peru, while others need an inventive photographer who is willing to take extra time to capture them properly.

 

'Machu Picchu' by Adhemar Duro


For example, the colours of natural stones are best brought out in flat light early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

 

'The Pyramids of Giza' by Jennifer Chen


It is essential to identify the best possible vantage point from which the historic site can be seen and photographed preferably from a higher altitude.

 

'Early Spring in Mutianyu' by C.S. Tjandra

 

In such photos, the old structures or their remains should be captured in order to draw the viewer's attention to the most important points of the location. The mood of the chosen historical site or structure can be enhanced when there are no people around. Visiting a site in the early morning or late afternoon before sunset could be a reasonable solution.

 

Kilchurn' by Bartolome Lopez

 

But that is not always the rule, some pictures need people who add life and scale to the chosen scene. It is up to the photographer to decide what is most attractive and more appropriate to the chosen situation.

 

'Sadhus enjoying the Maha Shivatri Festival' by Yvette Depaepe

 

Natural framing can significantly optimise the design and overall appearance of a photo. The point of view, the framing and the centre of interest are of vital importance.

 

'San Marco' by Antoni Figueras

 

The time of day and therefore the availability of good light are crucial for the best photos of buildings and structures taken from the ground, as in this case the camera is pointing upwards/against the sky. Too much light in the sky, where the camera takes its measurements, can significantly affect the photo quality. It is therefore advisable to visit such historic building and structures when the sun is on strike.

 

'Within A Place of a Stone Circle' by David Scarbrough

 

Dramatic and wonderful images of historical sites can also be taken at night when the site and all objects are bathed in artificial light.

 

'Roma 1.' by Juan Pablo de Miguel

 

A very favoured method to improve the quality and visual appeal of the photographed object(s) is to capture its/their reflection in quiet water.

 

'Castel S. Angelo at twilight' by Mattia Bertaina

 

There is always a lot of noise and colours around Hindu and Buddhist temples, and it is usually a bustling place where worshippers, priests and pilgrims mix together. Low light and smoke are just some of the obstacles that need to be overcome when taking photos. In particular, the burning of offerings, oil lamps and incense produces smoke that can obscure the view.

 

'Colourful Life' by Shaibal Nandi

 

The flash-light is no significant help in such smoke-filled conditions; longer exposure times and the use of a tripod would be useful. These are some of the most difficult conditions for a photo that a photographer can find at a historical site, but the result can be unforgettable under a given circumstance.

Monasteries of all faiths are very often situated in remote but stunning mountain regions, making them a valuable object for photographers.

 

'Monastery on Rocks - Meteora Greece' by Cindy Liu

 

For example, Greek Meteora, with its towering cliffs and unique rock formations, offers an excellent opportunity for dramatic and creative compositions, a landscape that seems to be painted by the gods.

 

'Meteora' by Veselin Atanasov

 

When photographing historical sites, structures and buildings, it is also worth looking around to find out if there is anything special that can be included in the photo. This adds depth to the scene and makes it more interesting and livelier than a simple shot of the object. Trees, plants and even people work well for this, but other objects can also make an impact.

 

Istanbul' by Albena Markova

 


In the next article, some selected historical sites, buildings, and other structures will be presented in word and pictures.

 

mrsphoto.net
[email protected]

 

Write
Such wonderful collections, thank you dear Miro and Yvette for your great work!
Thank you very much for your nice words of encouragement dear Molly.
Excellent article with the matching works which are beautiful and historic! Thanks a lot for sharing this!
We are glad to hear that you like it dear Wanghan, thanks for your nice words of praise.
Thanks ,dear Miro and Yvette for this great selection .
You are most welcome dear Saskia, we are glad to see that you like it.
Great photos - lots of variety and interesting. Even though I have been to all of the above places the technique of how to photograph the Holi festival was most helpful. Thanks Yvette.
Credits go to Miro, author of this article ;-) Thanks for your appreciation, Iris!
Beautiful images, Thanks for sharing!
You're most welcome Basil, thanks for your nice comment.
Sorry Vasil for my typing error.
Nice and ispiring images. Thanks for sharing....
Many thanks Cristiano
Beautiful images. Great selection
Thank you very much Jois
Thank you Miro and Yvette for this inspiring article. It is a fine collection of wonderful images of historical monuments and buildings. My compliments to the photographers of the images included.
Thanks for your appreciation, dear Caroline!
You are most welcome dear Caroline, many thanks for your words of praise.
A beautiful gallery of historical wonders from around the world. An excellent article by Miro and a great selection of images. Congratulations to all photographers whose works have been featured in the article. Thank you Miro and Yvette 🌷
Thanks for our appreciation, dear Rana!
Great thank you for your very nice words of appreciation dear Rana, I am really happy to see that you like it.
A wonderful and inspiring article. And of course, my thanks for choosing one of my works to illustrate it.
Great thanks for your nice words of appreciation dear Bartolome
Wonderful article and selection of images!
Many thanks dear Wicher
Thank you so much for this wonderful article with very mysterious, beautiful and great photos! I'm very inspired!
I'm happy to see that you like it dear Eiji, thanks for your appreciation
Excellent article from the Magazine. It is an honor to have one of my photographs selected in this sensational collection of images. Thank you very much Miro and Yvette.
Thanks for your appreciation, Antoni!
Many thanks for your nice words of appreciation dear Anthony
Stunning images showing the best of 1X !!!!!!
Much appreciated, Colin!
It is so nice to be able to enjoy the world wonders at home! I have enjoyed reading this informative and educational magazine! Thank you very much Miro and Yvette!
Our pleasure, Yanyan Gong!
We are happy to see that you like it dear Yanyan
Love this artickle and the choosen photo's. Very interesting also. Thanks a lot Miro, for charing this end thanks to Yvette for publishing.
Thank you, Greetje
Many thanks for your appreciation dear Greetje
Top article, Miro! Thanks for choosing one of my images. I'm looking forward to see the next article ;-) Cheers, Yvette
Many thanks for your nice words of appreciation dear Yvette
It is fantastically written, very informative and has excellent pictures
Many thanks Franz, glad to see that you like it