Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2024 i Lens Magazine

The Dassanech tribe is one of many ethnic tribes residing in southern Ethiopia and northern Kenya. The Dassenech and other Omo Valley tribes' tribal life and traditions are imperiled by increasingly arid conditions, the damming of the Omo River, and a threat by the Ethiopian government to take over lands in southern Ethiopia for game parks. I've made this series to record and illustrate the daily life of the Dassanech while still existing in its traditional form. As in many undeveloped areas of the world, a substantial part of daily life in the Omo Valley is devoted to sourcing water. The Daasanach, also known as the Marille or Geleba, is a fascinating ethnic group that spans Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Sudan. Their primary homeland is near Lake Turkana in the…

«New York City, a vibrant tapestry of cultures, thrives on relentless energy. It’s a photographer’s paradise, and black-and-white street photography captures the essence of this dynamic metropolis in a unique way.» The absence of color directs the viewer’s gaze to form, light, and shadow, highlighting the city’s architectural drama. Towering skyscrapers pierce the sky, their sharp lines contrasting with the geometric patterns of fire escapes and brickwork. Black and white emphasizes the interplay of light and shadow, transforming ordinary street scenes into graphic compositions. A lone figure standing against a stark building facade creates a timeless image of urban solitude. «Street performers and street art become cultural icons, their contrasting expressions and attire a testament to the city’s vibrant mix. Street performers and street art become cultural icons, their contrasting…

"Natural Beauty" is a series born from my love of the natural world—including human bodies. At a young age, I found solace in the forest and acreage of the small hobby farm where I spent my formative years. I had a unique childhood experience. I grew up with several siblings in the Midwest of the United States in a traditional setting where we were largely feral, free to roam the land unsupervised, following our instincts and curiosity. The outdoors was a refuge in times of turmoil, disharmonious home life, or complex parental relationships. It was easy to identify with the geography of that particular place. Eventually, the creeks and fields that once held mysteries unsolved, looming like canyon walls or as vast as the fabled Wild West, faded and shrunk.…

With 12 million cattle, South Sudan is one of Africa’s countries with one of the highest cattle populations. The Ankole-Watusi cattle of the Mundari are considered the "kings of cattle" thanks to their imposing horns. To say that the Mundari love their cattle is an understatement. Nothing means more to them. Owning as many cattle as possible means high social standing and good retirement provisions. They are a kind of "mobile bank account" that must be protected and increased, if necessary, by force of arms. Besides the cattle, they have practically no material possessions. At the marriage, the value of cattle to the Mundari becomes particularly evident. It is important to have enough cattle to be able to pay the bride price. This has more than doubled since the end…

Arkadiusz Kubisiak is an accomplished independent award-winning documentary and portrait photographer known for his compelling work, which focuses on longterm projects exploring various social issues. He honed his skills at the European Academy of Photography in Warsaw and further refined his craft through participation in several prestigious workshops, including Transmission pour l'Image in Perpignan, France. Kubisiak’s exceptional talent has been honored with multiple awards, including the prestigious PX3, Prix De La Photographie Paris, Grand Press Photo, National Geographic Poland Photography Competition, SIPA Competition, Tokyo International Foto Award, BZ WBK Press Foto, and an Honorable Mention at the International Photography Award. His work has been showcased at esteemed exhibitions such as The Art of Photography Show in the USA, the NEY Gallery in Warsaw, the Masovian Center of Contemporary Art in…

“As an avid enthusiast of mountain landscapes, the allure of the Himalayan Kingdom has captivated my imagination since time immemorial. The desire to behold this planet’s colossal wonders and submerge myself in its rich cultural tapestry is deeply embedded within my consciousness." After meticulous planning spanning several years, the fulfillment of this timeless aspiration has finally come to pass. Venturing on a 21-day odyssey through the Everest Region, famously known as Solu-Khumbu, through the ethereal Three Passes Trek, I was encircled by the most aweinspiring vistas. Throughout this expedition, I steadfastly carried my formidable 100mm-400mm lens, a versatile 24-70mm lens, a sturdy tripod, and a burdensome backpack. Although arduous, the decision to bear such an extensive load proved to be immensely gratifying. Consciously opting to photograph in monochrome, I aimed…

"These old legs have served me well; they've carried me far from where I dwelled. Rain or shine, it matters not. They'll keep on going until they stop. I have been halfway around this world of ours, documenting people, mountains, churches, and towers. There is so much more I want to see, but there are so few remaining hours. I have never been to Asia, Greece, or Taiwan, but I would like to go and tie one on; I hope there is time to take these quests, but I am slowing down and need to rest. It has been a pleasure documenting my life. I have had good fortune and lots of strife. I have seen many things I did not like, but most of it has been so right.…

“This is a selection of images produced for the project 'The LAMDA Development' photo book. The company’s real estate assets were photographed through the lens of the theme 'Shapes & Balance.' The series focuses on the topdown and the reserve, looking-up perspectives in monochromatic treatment as the underlying thread, adding another layer of interpretation to the formalistic theme of the project. Combining "up" with "down" images also brings a cognitive orientation to these architectural abstractions. Building upon the 'Nortigo' body of work, the exercise in shifting points of view as a gesture to reveal new and exciting information, compositions, and feelings from spaces designed to form tangible and intangible connections between above and below is enriched and coupled with the top-down aerial perspective. Featured assets: Mediterranean Cosmos, Ellinikon Experience Park,…

Neeq’s captivating portraits embody a yearning for liberation and a rebellious spirit against the burdens of existence. She enriches the substance and authenticity of her art by highlighting textures and disparities through a simple arrangement that heavily emphasizes the potency of emotion. Driven by a fervent dedication to crafting distinct storylines, neeq endeavored to elevate her art and delve into the intricacies of visual narrative. Captivated by the raw, unfiltered essence of the human condition, Neeq delves deep into the gritty realities of life through her portrait photography. Her work captures intensely personal yet universally resonant moments, driven by a fascination with the juxtaposition of darkness and light, the seen and the unseen, and the complex layers of identity inherent in us all. Neeq’s portraits reflect a desire for freedom…

Photographic pioneers Joseph Nicephore Niepce and Louis Jacques Mande Daguerre in France and William Henry Fox Talbot in England were among those instrumental in making the 19th century the first to leave a visual record of itself. At the beginning of the 1820s, their light-sensitive materials were, in fact, relatively insensitive. Exposures were initially counted in hours. By mid-century exposure times were cut down to minutes and then seconds making tack sharp portraits with the aid of neck braces possible. The popularity of the daguerreotype declined in the late 1850s with the invention of the wet collodion process, a faster and less expensive photographic process. Prints could also be made from glass negatives, something not possible from the daguerreotype positives that lived on highly polished, silver-plated sheets of copper that…

"INFRARED PHOTOGRAPHY REVEALS A HIDDEN WORLD BY CAPTURING INVISIBLE LIGHT WAVELENGTHS TO THE NAKED EYE. LUSH GREEN FOLIAGE TURNS INTO A GHOSTLY WHITE, SKIES TAKE ON A DEEP, DRAMATIC TONE, AND ANIMALS APPEAR WITH AN ETHEREAL GLOW, HIGHLIGHTING DETAILS AND TEXTURES OFTEN OVERLOOKED."- MICHELLE VALBERG The infrared spectrum offers a unique perspective, transforming familiar scenes into otherworldly visions. As a wildlife photographer, pushing the boundaries of my craft and stepping out of my comfort zone has always been a part of my journey. This year, I took a dedicated camera (Nikon Z 7) converted to infrared and the Nikkor Plena 1.8 lens on two adventures – to Botswana, Africa, and the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary in British Columbia, Canada. I use the Plena for filmmaking and portraits – not typically…

“In my recent project, I used drones and traditional cameras to explore the intricate relationship between the human figure and the natural world. The diverse landscapes of Northern California and Southern Utah have long fascinated and inspired me, shaping the themes I am passionate about. Rocks captivate me for their ability to take on different forms and evoke emotions when paired with the human figure. Similarly, human figures transform by adopting the textures and characteristics of the rocks, trees, and water around them. This interplay blurs the boundaries between natural and human elements. Each image is a collaboration between nature, the model, and the light, with me coordinating the participants like a conductor of a small orchestra. “The best images emerge from gradual refinement as the model and I work…

“In my ongoing underwater work, I seek moments of sublime peace (that fine line where the conscious and subconscious meet) and creative chaos (where energy is released, that fine line is broken, and the potential becomes kinetic). I see the water as a metaphor for a dream medium and try to meet my subjects on that boundary, hoping to take the viewer from tranquil peace to a burst of creation and back again. I think these dreamlike images may have been influenced by my desire to change my life direction, move from the chaos of the path I'd chosen, and find the peace of the path not taken." - Mike Potts Mike Potts is a highly respected and accomplished photographer whose work has earned him numerous prestigious awards. Some of…

“ART IS AN EXPRESSION OF EMOTIONS. EMOTIONS ARE HUMAN FEELINGS. CAPTURING THESE FEELINGS THROUGH THE CAMERA IS THE AIM OF MY WORK.- PAOLA DE GREGORIO “IN HONOR OF MY GRANDFATHER, GRANDMOTHER, AND AUNT, WHO DEDICATED THEIR LIVES TO THIS QUAINT VILLAGE IN THE SOUTHERN REGION OF ITALY, I'VE EMBARKED ON A PROJECT TO CAPTURE AND CELEBRATE THE REMARKABLE BEAUTY OF THIS PLACE. THEIR CAPTIVATING STORIES AND CHERISHED MEMORIES HAVE OPENED MY EYES TO THE PROFOUND CHARM OF THIS VILLAGE, LEAVING AN INDELIBLE MARK ON MY HEART.-PAOLA DE GREGORIO In the mountains of southern Italy lies a small village, where solitude and abandonment now prevail but where once life and folklore thrived. Fabrizia was a bustling village with a rich history. Established as an independent municipality in 1591, it was once…