Photographer James Kerwin is known for his images documenting abandoned buildings worldwide. His latest series, The Sanctuary, takes him to Turkey, where he explores the abandoned mosques present in small villages across the country. Many of the structures are over 500 years old and have been left in favor of more modern spaces for worship. Thanks to Kerwin, we're able to appreciate their beauty and architectural detail.

To create the series, Kerwin, who is based in Istanbul, passed through approximately 18 towns and cities and visited over 40 villages, covering five of Turkey's seven vast regions. Each visit was truly an adventure, as Kerwin didn't know what he would find until he arrived at his destination.

“I never scouted the places prior in the flesh but tried to make sure there was at least some fairly recent news,” the photographer tells My Modern Met. “However, it failed with four of my top targets—I arrived, and they had vanished.”

Luckily, even with this hit-and-miss strategy, Kerwin found plenty of architecture to spark his creativity. As he's particularly inspired by color, he was pleasantly surprised to find many mosques retaining their vibrant interiors. His photography reminds us of the incredible artistry and craftsmanship that went into these religious structures and is an important testament to their existence.

Through this series, Kerwin hopes to share the rich heritage of Turkey and its architecture. To him, it's particularly important given that most tourists only visit a small fraction of the country.

Check out some of our favorite images from the series below and see the full gallery on Kerwin's website.

James Kerwin is known for his photography of abandoned spaces.

For his new series, The Sanctuary, he traveled across Turkey searching for abandoned mosques.

He visited over 40 villages and found some mosques that were over 500 years old.

Many of these spaces have been left behind in favor of modern places of worship.

But through his photographs, we can appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of the interiors.

Abandoned Mosque in Turkey by James Kerwin

James Kerwin: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by James Kerwin.

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READ: Photographer Docuements Turkey’s Decadent Abandoned Mosques

Left: Private Richard Oliver of the 20th USCT (Picture courtesy of the Miller family) | Right: Jared Miller, the direct descendant of Richard Oliver

Photographer Drew Gardner has spent the last two decades on his ongoing series, The Descendants. In it, Gardner photographs people whose ancestors made an impact on history. By posing and styling them in the manner of their descendant, Gardner creates a bridge between past and present. While the series began in Europe, Gardner started focusing on North America after Smithsonian Magazine commissioned him to photograph the descendants of Thomas Jefferson, Frederick Douglass, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

This inspired him to delve deeply into the history of the United States and, in particular, the Civil War period. In doing so, he also aimed to balance the genders and races represented in the series. Rather than solely focusing on big names, Gardner has also started highlighting lesser-known figures, using the acclaim that his project receives to spotlight their contributions to history.

“So many families have stories to tell, and to try and bring those to the public's attention is important, I feel,” he tells My Modern Met. Many of the people featured in the Civil War series have ancestors who were members of the United States Colored Troops, or USCT. These regiments were an important part of the Union army and were mainly comprised of Black soldiers, many of whom were former slaves. By the end of the Civil War, there were 175 USCT regiments, and 16 members were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

As with all images in The Descendants, Gardner is meticulous in recreating the time period that he is capturing. Each descendant is outfitted with period-appropriate clothing and, in this case, photographed with a tintype camera to recreate the look and feel of the original photo. The results are a striking reminder of our past and an invitation to delve into our history in order to embrace both the good and the bad.

“Curiosity. Nothing more, nothing less,” states Gardner when asked what he hopes people will take away from these images. “If my work encourages others to ask questions about the past and how our society has been built, if only to themselves, then I feel that is a small success.”

Scroll down to see more Civil War descendants, as well as short videos explaining their roles in history and a behind-the-scenes look at the photo shoot.

Photographer Drew Gardner has been creating his ongoing series The Descendants, for two decades.

Left: Harriet Tubman | Right: Deanne Stanford Walz, great-niece of Harriet Tubman

Most recently, he's focused on highlighting Civil War descendants.

Left: Sgt. Major Lewis Douglass of the 54th Massachusetts USCT | Right: Austin Morris, direct descendant of Frederick Douglass (father of Lewis)

Left: David Miles Moore Jr., drummer boy in the 54th Mass | Right: Neikoye Flowers, direct descendant of David Miles Moore

The tintype photography mimics the original images, with Gardner focused on the contributions of lesser-known figures in history.

Left: Andrew Jackson Smith, who was awarded a Congressional Medal of Honor | Right: Kwesi Bowman, the direct descendant of Andrew Jackson Smith

Left: Private Louis Troutman of the 108th USCT (Image courtesy of Drew Gardner and used with permission of the Thomas Harris Collection) | Right: Christopher W. Wilson, the direct descendant of Louis Troutman

Through short videos, he shares a bit more about these people from the past and shows his creative process.

Drew Gardner: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Drew Gardner.

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READ: Powerful Side-by-Side Portraits of Civil War Heroes and Their Descendants

Acclaimed photographer Ami Vitale is extending a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for one female photographer. Organized by the non-profit Vital Impacts, which Vitale founded, the contest is giving one lucky winner a chance to travel to Antarctica on a 22-day Polar Latitudes expedition. Locations visited on the trip will include the Falkland Islands/Malvinas, South Georgia, and Antarctica.

The exceptional opportunity includes the 22-day trip (valued at $28,000), one roundtrip economy ticket to the departure point, airport transfer, shipboard food, and accommodations. Throughout the trip, the winner will be exposed to incredible photographic opportunities and learn about how Vital Impacts uses art to affect change.

“The decision to offer a trip to Antarctica to a female photographer stemmed from a deep-seated belief in the power of representation and inclusivity within the photography community,” Vitale tells My Modern Met. “Recognizing the field's historically male-dominated nature, I felt compelled to provide a platform specifically tailored to empower and showcase the remarkable talents of women photographers.

“This initiative is about more than just capturing stunning images—it's about sparking meaningful dialogue, fostering connections, and igniting a collective call to action for the preservation of our planet.  My goal is to equip participants with the essential storytelling tools needed to advocate for environmental conservation. In a world facing unprecedented challenges, it's crucial to harness the unique perspectives and voices of women in photography to amplify the urgency of our planet's plight.”

The trip departs on November 1, 2024, and the contest is open to anyone female identifying with a demonstratable interest and history in visual storytelling. The winner must also be at least 18 years old by October 31, 2024. Entrants who can show a specific leaning toward environmental stories will be given preference. For the full list of requirements, expenses—like insurance—and details, please see the contest page on Vital Impacts' website.

If you are interested in entering the contest, don't wait. Entries are being accepted until March 28, 2024. If you'd like to skip the contest and secure your spot with a 10% off early bird special, visit Polar Latitudes and use the code travelwithami.

“When women see others like them succeeding in photography, it inspires confidence and ambition, encouraging them to pursue their own creative aspirations without reservation,” shares Vitale when asked why she felt it was important to support women in the industry.

“We need diverse perspectives to enrich the art of photography. Women bring unique insights and experiences to their work, and by amplifying these voices, we ensure that a wider range of narratives is represented in visual media.

“Ultimately, supporting female photographers is not just about gender equality—it's about recognizing and celebrating their immense talent, creativity, and contributions to the world. It's about creating a more equitable and inclusive industry where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

Renowned photographer Ami Vitale is offering one female identifying photographer the trip of a lifetime.

Her non-profit Vital Impacts is offering an opportunity to travel to Antarctica on a 22-day expedition.

The trip, valued at $28,000, is open to anyone over 18 who is interested in visual storytelling.

“Women bring unique insights and experiences to their work, and by amplifying these voices, we ensure that a wider range of narratives is represented in visual media.”

Anyone interested has until March 28, 2024, to enter the contest on Vital Impacts.

Vital Impacts: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Vital Impacts.

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READ: Win the Trip of a Lifetime and Travel to Antarctica With a Professional Photographer

“I love you with every atom. You are the tranquility of a calm stream and the excitement of a waterfall. You bring me all my favorite feelings. Forever isn’t long enough with you.” Hope (she / her / he / him), 16, and Kurt (he / him), 17 Homer, Alaska.
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Photographer Barbara Peacock has spent the last seven years traveling across the United States to get a glimpse inside our most intimate space—the bedroom. By photographing people from all walks of life in a room where they are their most vulnerable, Peacock paints a picture of modern America. Her forthcoming book, American Bedroom, is the culmination of this project.

My Modern Met first covered Peacock's series in 2017, just one year after she started her adventure. At the time, she was discovering the importance of listening to people and being let into their homes, and hoped to expand her work to the entire nation. Nearly a decade later, she accomplished her goal.

“I am learning that there are a lot of lonely people. I am learning that people have stories they want to share if someone will listen,” she shared at the time. “I am learning that people are fragile and conversely very strong.”

Published by Kehrer Verlag, American Bedroom incorporates quotes by the people Peacock photographed. This is a testament to the strong collaboration and bond between Peacock and the participants and to the photographer's belief in the power of their stories. Broken into five sections, the book shows the wide variety of people Peacock photographed. Americans of all ages, genders, races, and sexual orientations sat for Peacock and, in doing so, opened themselves up to demonstrate the many faces of the country.

Peacock's work also shows that home means different things to many people. A school bus and the great outdoors are just some of the spaces where people have carved out their bedrooms. But regardless of where people's bedrooms are located, Peacock's work shows that we aren't so different from one another. Many of us carry the same hopes, dreams, and struggles and use the bedroom as a sanctuary to rest and recharge.

“I believe the bedroom is not just a private place, but a sacred place,” Peacock shares. “We build it as a shrine to our lives (even if houseless) and spend nearly one-third of our lives in it. It exemplifies our being; it is a place to rest, to love, to comfort, to be, to give life, to restore, to recover, to grieve, to lay sick, and to die. The one thing I know for certain is that all lives are important, and everyone has a story to tell.”

American Bedroom by Barbara Peacock will be released on May 14, 2024, and is now available for pre-sale.

For seven years, photographer Barbara Peacock traveled across the U.S. to photograph people in their bedrooms.

“Endless possibilities and adventure! We sold our home and just about everything we owned three years ago. Little did we know what awaited us on the open road … freedom unlike anything we had ever had while on a quest to find a new place and community to call home.” Stephanie, 37. The Mathews Family Saratoga Springs, Utah.

“With the world moving ever so fast, these apples of my eye remind me to slow down and see the beauty in all things. They are the light.” Jamie, 44. The Seh-Nielsen Family Victor, Idaho.

American Bedroom is an unguarded look at people from all walks of life in their most intimate space.

“Our world revolves around autism and the whole family struggles to keep up. But it’s our hearts that keep us together and our large family bed where every night we reconnect. Nobody can love our family like we do.” Jordan, 35

“Love is accrescent. If you choose to love, there is no end to how big and all-encompassing it can grow. We choose to love each other daily and will keep choosing to love as we push on into the future. Micah, 35, and Kody, 40. Omaha, Nebraska.

“I believe the bedroom is not just a private place, but a sacred place,” Peacock shares.

“In the end, it’s all about love of family and one another.” Francisca, 42, and Lupe, 52, Guadalupe, Arizona.

“Finding love late in life has taught me many lessons, including not to be shy or embarrassed by my body. It is freeing to say I am big, bold, and beautiful. Laverne, 72, and James, 74 Big Stone Gap, Virginia.

Peacock photographed people of all ages, races, genders, and sexual orientations for the series.

“I have buried all seven of my children (sons) from alcoholism or heat stroke. I now live for my grandchildren.” Arlene, 81. Gila River Reservation, Arizona.

“While my physical parts feel safe among my living space, rested against a pillow, my heart yearns for my home, my community, our land. ‘Nunamnni – on our land (Siberian Yupik)'.” Mek, 29 Anchorage, Alaska

By telling their stories, she reminds us that many of us face the same struggles or share the same dreams.

“I’ve been sleeping in the grass between the trees, sky, and by the ocean for six years now. My body and soul are clean. When I go I leave no trace.” Jeremiah, 45. Kauai, Hawaii.

“When I wake in the morning, I try to be quiet so I don’t wake her. Then I remember she is no longer here.” Pepere, 88, Jay, Maine.

American Bedroom by Barbara Peacock is now available for pre-order.

Barbara Peacock: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to use images by Barbara Peacock.

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A day out exploring nature in coastal Texas with his grandfather turned into a once-in-a-lifetime moment for Jacob Hall. The wildlife photographer was visiting Canada Ranch, which is located close to Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, when he spotted a blue heron in the sky. Hall quickly got out his camera to take a few pictures but wondered why the bird disappeared from the sky after a few shots. It wasn't until he looked at his viewfinder that he understood the incredible reason.

Hall hadn't realized it when he snapped his photographs, but a bobcat was stalking the blue heron. In Hall's first photo, the bobcat is visible in the lower right-hand side behind some vegetation. The feline stares intently at the heron, likely calculating its next move.

The second shot that Hall managed to snap before the heron disappeared shows the bobcat leaping into the sky to snatch the bird. Its legs fly out nearly parallel to the water in a stunning show of athleticism. Once Hall looked at the photographs that he'd taken, he realized the heron's fate and his incredible luck at capturing the moment.

“I was completely in shock and couldn’t believe what I had just done,”  he tells My Modern Met. “Capturing both of those photos is something that I will never forget. I basically didn’t know the bobcat was there until afterward. I was just in the right place at the right time.”

Hall's photograph was even published by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, which pointed out how interactions like this are a fundamental part of how the ecosystem works.

“It can be hard for some of us to witness wildlife interactions like the one this photographer captured in coastal Texas, but it's a key part of the way that our ecosystems work,” the agency wrote. “The great blue heron eats small fish, frogs or mammals; the bobcat eats the great blue heron; and scavengers like black vultures clean up anything the bobcat leaves behind.”

Unbeknownst to Jacob Hall, a bobcat was waiting in the wings to take down this blue heron.

Don't see the feline? We'll help you out.

The bobcat then made an incredible leap and snatched its prey out of the sky.

Detail 

Jacob Hall: Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Jacob Hall.

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Actors Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, and Kate Winslet are all stars of the 2022 hit film Avatar: The Way of Water. Recently, they posed for photographer Christy Lee Rogers in an underwater photo series that celebrated our oceans while also raising money for a good cause.

The director of the Avatar series, James Cameron, and Disney commissioned the photos as a way to raise money for The Nature Conservancy. The organization has the goal of conserving 10% of the world’s oceans by 2030, and some of the proceeds from the sale of Rogers’ prints will go toward supporting that mission.

In addition to being for a good cause, the photos are also gorgeous in their own right. The actors are dressed in eye-catching blue and purple fabric that swirls and blends in with their equally beautiful surroundings. They are shot to look like they are floating, weightlessly, with closed eyes and spread arms, effortlessly in harmony with the world around them.

On her website, Rogers states, “Water is healing—it’s life itself. And as the provider of life—oxygen to all through tiny phytoplankton, our oceans need our care more than ever right now. It is a great honor to be able to help James Cameron, Jon Landau, and the ‘Avatar’ and Disney teams in realizing that dream of clean and protected world oceans—through the release of these images for The Nature Conservancy.”

Those interested in purchasing Rogers’ prints can do so through her website.

In a recent series, Christy Lee Rogers photographed stars Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, and Kate Winslet in an Avatar-themed underwater photoshoot.

James Cameron and Disney commissioned the photo series to raise money for The Nature Conservancy, which has the goal of conserving 10% of oceans by 2030.

The actors float harmoniously in the photos, illustrating how connected humanity is with the water around us.

Christy Lee Rogers: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Christy Lee Rogers.

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“Huli Tribesman” ©Roberto Pazzi. All rights reserved. Finalist, People
“This portrait features a Huli wigman tribesman. The Huli are an Indigenous Melanesian ethnic group who reside in the Hela Province of Papua New Guinea. There are over 250,000 Huli, making them one of the largest cultural groups in Papua New Guinea.”

The 60 finalists of the 21st annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest have been revealed. Selected from more than 30,000 submissions from 128 countries and territories, these finalists are now in the running for the Grand Prize, as well as the Reader's Choice Award. Spread across six categories—Travel, People, American Experience, Natural World, Drone/Aerial, and Artistic—the finalists captured beauty from all corners of the world.

Whether taking portraits of tribesmen in Papua New Guinea or observing a man scaling an enormous palm tree, these photographers were singled out for their technical skill and creativity. Standouts include Olav Thokle‘s image of a cheetah and her four young cubs surveying the landscape and Sritam Kumar Sethy‘s close-up detail of a boy's face covered in yellow powder during Holi.

Scroll down to see more of our favorite finalists, and check out Smithsonian Magazine to see all 60 images. While you are there, don't forget to vote for the Reader's Choice Award. Anyone can cast their vote until March 27, with the overall and category winners, as well as the Reader's Choice winner, being revealed on March 29, 2024.

Here are some of our favorite finalists from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest.

“Burning of the Tower of Babel” © Maria Plotnikova. All rights reserved. Finalist, Drone/Aerial
“Residents celebrate the festival of Maslenitsa in Nikola-Lenivets park, in Russia's Kaluga region.”

“The Family” © Olav Thokle. All rights reserved. Finalist, Natural World
“The cheetah Nashipae and her four three-month-old cubs.”

“Surrounded by Yellow” © Sritam Kumar Sethy. All rights reserved. Finalist, Artistic
“This is a macro shot of a boy's eye caked in yellow powder during the Indian festival of Holi. I saw this boy's face while roaming around and was drawn to it. I asked to take a picture of his eye, and he was very cooperative. The picture shows the real emotions of an individual toward the festival. The culture and tradition behind Holi is an ultimate triumph of good over evil.”

The 60 finalists were selected from over 30,000 photographs.

“The Fast and the Furriest” © Deena Sveinsson. All rights reserved. Finalist, American Experience
“On a cool and dry December day in Grand Teton National Park, these three young bull moose were playing and romping as young bull moose do. They were the smaller bulls of the bunch, and that day, many other photographers were chasing the larger and more mature bulls in the area. I made a choice not to follow my friends, hoping for a rarer photo opportunity if the moose did indeed come to the water’s edge or perhaps got into the water. I did not know what these young bull moose would do, but I had high hopes and made a gamble. After waiting for hours, I finally saw my opportunity as they walked briskly toward the water’s edge, entered the water, and started playing like children. I slowly and deliberately got into the water with my camera and squatted down low, and my muck boots, coat, and pants got completely soaked and covered in mud. But I got this photo, one of my favorites ever from this area.”

“Among Us” © Tony Van Le. All rights reserved. Finalist, American Experience
“Unseen heroes walk among us every day. These unsung people may not possess superhuman abilities, but they change lives in meaningful ways, embodying strength, compassion, and resilience. This bus-riding Spider-Man serves as a reminder that heroism can emerge from unexpected places.”

“Toddy Palm Climber” © Kyaw Zay Yar Lin. All rights reserved. Finalist, Travel
“In this rural scene, a man is climbing a toddy palm tree to get palm wine. He is climbing with good balance and trying not to fall.”

“The Dance of the Flamingos” © Silke Hullmann. All rights reserved. Finalist, Drone/Aerial
“Thousands of flamingos populate Lake Bogoria and dance on the water. There are always spots that the animals avoid for whatever reason as they form their own patterns.”

The images are up for the overall and category prizes, as well as the Reader's Choice Award.

“Sunset at Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto” © Nina Kloss. All rights reserved. Finalist, Travel
“Kiyomizu-dera, also known as the “Temple of the Pure Water Spring,” is a historic Buddhist temple nestled in Kyoto, Japan. With a rich history spanning over 1,250 years, the temple is situated halfway up Mount Otowa, amid Kyoto’s scenic Higashiyama mountain range. Dedicated to Kannon, a deity symbolizing mercy and compassion, Kiyomizu-dera attracts numerous visitors each year. I was lucky that I managed to time my visit to Kyoto with the peak of sakura season. For one week in spring, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the temple extends its opening hours until dark, offering a mesmerizing view of the pagoda and over 1,500 cherry blossoms set against the setting sun.”

“Archie at Club Ebony” © Rory Doyle. All rights reserved. Finalist, People
“Archie Beckworth looks up at the recently remodeled Club Ebony in Indianola, Mississippi. The club was made famous by Indianola hometown hero B.B. King.”

“Baby Alligator Floating in a Pond” © Kent Stuart. All rights reserved. Finalist, Natural World
“This baby alligator was with a few others and a small adult in a roadside pond in the Everglades.”

Voting is now open for the Reader's Choice Award, with all the winners to be revealed on March 29.

“Rose Walk” © Somenath Mukhopadhyay. All rights reserved. Finalist, Travel
“Children are spreading rose petals to dry in the sun. The dried petals will then be used to make condiments often used in preparing sweets and other culinary delicacies.”

“Hug” © Deniz Kalayci. All rights reserved. Finalist, People
“With this photograph, I summarized the events we experienced and our lost two years during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this moment, a grandmother and her grandson, who had not seen each other for months, reunited through a curtain.”

“Callus Remover” © Robert Berdan. All rights reserved. Finalist, Artistic
“Callus remover smeared on a glass slide and viewed with a polarizing light microscope including a retardation filter.”

“Romanian Kosher Sausage Company” © Jonathan Castillo. All rights reserved. Finalist, American Experience
“This is from my project focusing on immigrant-owned businesses in Chicago. Through portraiture and photographs of interior spaces, this work highlights an essential and often overlooked part of the American economy. My work is a reminder that immigrant-owned businesses are as American as it gets.”

Smithsonian Magazine: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Smithsonian Magazine.

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“Self-Portrait” © Joyce Xu, Australia, Shortlist, Youth Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“In June 2023, I took this self-portrait in a photo studio. I was in an introspective mood, grappling with an inner turmoil, torn between my connection to Chinese culture and tradition and my hope to liberate myself from self-imposed constraints linked to my heritage. This image represents a quest for belonging, adaptation, and identity in unfamiliar lands.”

Personal identity and family heritage are two themes touched upon by many of the young photographers shortlisted in the 2024 Sony World Photography Awards Student and Youth competition. Twenty photographers were singled out for their exceptional work and are now in the running for the title of Student Photographer of the Year and Youth Photographer of the Year.

The Student competition recognizes a body of work by those enrolled in leading higher education institutions. Participants were asked to submit a portfolio of five to 10 images in response to a brief. This year, that prompt was “Home.” The competition explains, “The shortlisted projects highlight the student photographers’ diverse perspectives on place, community, identity, and belonging, showing the nuanced stories and conversations they engage with as they develop their practices.”

Photographers aged 19 and under were invited to participate in the Youth competition. These young talents were asked to submit one image in response to the brief “Through Your Eyes.” This prompted interesting looks at their personal experiences. Several photographers created a commentary on their relationship with the natural world, while others used creative self-portraits to reflect on their own identities.

Scroll down to see all of the shortlisted entries, and stay tuned for the winners' announcement on April 18, 2024.

Here are the shortlisted entries for the Student and Youth competitions at the Sony World Photography Awards.

Untitled © Kazi Arifujjaman, Bangladesh, Shortlist, Student Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“A chatal is a place where paddy (raw rice) is boiled, dried in the sun, and threshed to be made into prepared rice – the staple food of Bangladesh. Families from different parts of the country work together in a chatal, which is also their place of residence. As many families from different cultures come together, the chatal becomes like a large house.”

“Snow Mountain at Sunset” © Chengchen Wang, China Mainland, Shortlist, Youth Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“This photo was taken at the beginning of the year when the sun slowly set, and the sunset hit the snow mountain of Yala. It looked so holy, so I took this photo.”

“Lonely Surfer” © Daniel Murray, United Kingdom, Shortlist, Youth Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“I took this picture in Newquay, Cornwall, at the start of summer to capture the figure on the beach. I felt that this moment summed up Cornwall quite nicely in one picture.”

The Student competition involved submitting a portfolio in response to the prompt “Home.”

“Tea-Portrait” © Shayna Cuenca, United States, Shortlist, Youth Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“For my image titled ‘Tea-Portrait,’ I took a self-portrait, printed the image, and cut it into tea bag-sized pieces. I then transferred the cut pieces onto tea bags using Modge Podge, and reattached the tea bag strings. Finally, I laid out the bags and pieced them together to create my image.”

“Flock of Magic” © Zy Grei Zander Esperanza, Philippines, Shortlist, Youth Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“This is an image inspired by the photographer Trent Parke. My image consists of two ICM shots of a flying flock of doves I photographed on 19 May in my backyard, then blended together in editing software. Though not taken with the same process as Parke’s, it still has the same goal that he is known for, to ‘turn the ordinary into the magical using light.’”

“The Beginning Hours of the Sourdough Fire” © River Lewis-Gosch, United States, Shortlist, Youth Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“This was taken during the first hours of the Sourdough Fire, a fierce wildfire in the North Cascades National Park that was started by a lightning strike. While returning from a nearby backpacking trip in the woods, we came upon this fire. Completely surprised, I took out my camera and took this shot. A firefighting helicopter carrying water can be seen in the top right.”

“This is not the freedom they promised us” © Juan David Aguirre, Colombia, Shortlist, Student Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“Supposedly, our entire system is meant to defend freedom, but only for those who can pay for it. The photographs in this series were all taken on August 10, 2023, in the Andes tenement in the city of Medellín, Colombia, a space inhabited by homeless people. The tenement is likened to a prison because in its rooms you can feel a sense of confinement: the people who live there look for bread each day, living with deep uncertainties about the future as even their dreams have been taken away.”

“20 Years of Service” © Brayan Enriquez, United States, Shortlist, Student Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“They sit in the uniforms of the only job they could get: Steak ‘n Shake. Her name tag reads ‘Gloria Salinas, 20 years of service’. Twenty-six years ago, my parents immigrated to the United States. As a child, I would imagine my parents’ odyssey in rudimentary terms: walking, loving, and being bold. Through the years, however, I’ve managed to contextualize the reality of our situation and now use words such as treacherous, lonely, and fearful. When asked, my father replays the moment his group lay flat on their stomachs, hiding from an oblivious ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) officer who sat nearby. My mother recalls trekking through knee-high mud in an Arizona desert, thousands of miles away from her home in Acapulco, Mexico. My sister, on the other hand, can’t remember much – she was only five years old at the time. This project navigates this complicated history, highlighting how this experience isn’t wholly unique to my family. The photographs were all taken within our home because of its function as a place of refuge for undocumented immigrants across the nation.”

“Don't Trust Pretty Girls” © Kayin Luys, Belgium, Shortlist, Student Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“This aunt loves to sing karaoke and often does during family gatherings. This series explores my relationship with my in-laws, with the title referring to the tattoo on my partner’s grandfather’s left arm. I wanted to explore the tension between fiction and reality, guided by stories I was told, memories, and my interpretations of both. The result is a play of possibilities that reflect and/or transcend reality. Thanks to the increasingly strong bond formed, I found a second home with my new family.”

“Keep Me Awake” © Kas Christiaens, Belgium, Shortlist, Youth Competiton, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“This image is about light pollution. As a young artist interested in nature and stars, I became aware that light pollution is a major factor affecting the sky’s clarity. I live in Belgium, a small country with a large population living in the countryside, so there is light pollution everywhere you go. The red light in this image is coming from a street lantern, the blue light from a nearby city.”

“Peers” © Gaoge Ouchen, China Mainland, Shortlist, Student Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“During the pandemic, time seemed to stand still. When I returned to my hometown, I shared the same worries with my peers who had likewise returned. The streets were filled with elderly people and children. In the backyard of my hometown, the orange trees my father planted had dropped their oranges to the ground.”

The Youth competition, for photographers 19 and under, entered a single image in response to the brief “Through Your Eyes.”

“Appleby” © Frederik Rüegger, Germany, Shortlist, Student Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“The English and Irish traveler communities face discrimination from many angles and are compelled to settle by the government. As a result, the nomadic lifestyle that has been a centuries-old part of their way of life is becoming more endangered than ever. There are, however, several events where the travelers can freely live out their traditions, including the horse fairs that are held each year at Ballinasloe, in County Galway, Ireland, and Appleby, England. In 2023, I photographed at both of these fairs, aiming to capture an intimate and authentic portrayal of the lives of the traveler communities. This project is set to continue for 18 months, and my goal is to highlight their rich cultural heritage, unique lifestyle, and the challenges they face. Through my photographs, I hope to shed light on the social importance of these communities and help foster an understanding and empathy among my audience.”

“Middle Break” © Yufei Ma, China Mainland, Shortlist, Student Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“This photo was taken at midday one day. The sun was shining on these children's clothes, hanging on the clothesline. In that moment, I felt a sense of calm, neutrality, and peace.”

Untitled © Afiq Sharkawi, Malaysia, Shortlist, Youth Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“The traditional weapon known as a ‘keris’ is expertly made by the master craftsman.”

“The Orange Tree” © Gaoge Ouchen, China Mainland, Shortlist, Student Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“The orange trees in my grandmother’s home, which my father and mother diligently planted, dropped oranges all over the ground.”

The winners of both divisions will be announced on April 18.

“Ta ii” © Makaziwe Radebe, South Africa, Shortlist, Student Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“Whom was a boxer when he was younger, and his living room is filled with many of his trophies. I took pictures of his family with their chosen outfits and treasured objects while my mother and brother helped hold the white background.”

“63.4057° N, 19.0716° W” © Isaac Friend, United Kingdom, Shortlist, Youth Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“Basalt columns on a black beach in low visibility.”

“Resting in unfamiliar places (I)” © Siphosethu Sanelisiwe Sikhosana, South Africa, Shortlist, Student Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“This single pinhole photograph is composed of five negatives that together reflect both the confusion and acceptance of my identity.”

“Comet Falls to Earth” © Sebastián Fernández Lora, Spain, Shortlist, Youth Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
“This image is of comet C/2023 P1 (Nishimura), which, close to the horizon like the Sun at dawn, appears to be falling onto Earth. This photo was taken from a rooftop on the morning of 8 September, shortly before sunrise.”

World Photography Organisation: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by the Sony World Photography Awards.

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READ: Incredible Youth and Student Finalists From the 2024 Sony World Photography Awards

Photo: CTIO/NOIRLab/DOE/NSF/AURA

The Vela Supernova Remnant tells the story of what happens after a star dies. Described as the cosmic corpse of a gigantic star, it's an expanding nebula made of from the remains from a massive star that exploded about 11,000 years ago. Now, this stellar structure is the subject of a record-breaking photo. The Dark Energy Camera (DECam), which is mounted on the Victor M. Blanco 4-Meter Telescope at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory in Chile, has captured a 1.3-gigapixel image of the Vela Supernova Remnant—the largest ever captured by this camera.

Located about 800 light-years away from Earth, the Vela Supernova Remnant is about 100 light-years across. This means that the remnant spans an area on the celestial sphere 20 times larger than the angular diameter of the full moon, or about half a degree across in the sky. To capture this colorful and detailed image, the astronomers combined multiple exposures, resulting in an image that is 35,786 by 35,881 pixels.

“The Vela Supernova Remnant is merely the ghost of a massive star that once was,” writes the team behind the photograph. “When the star exploded 11,000 years ago, its outer layers were violently stripped away and flung into the surrounding region, driving the shockwave that is still visible today. As the shockwave expands into the surrounding region, the hot, energized gas flies away from the point of detonation, compressing and interacting with the interstellar medium to produce the stringy blue and yellow filaments seen in the image.”

To achieve the bright reds, yellows, and blues in this photo, the scientists used three DECam filters that each collect a specific color of light. “Separate images were taken in each filter and then stacked on top of each other to produce this high-resolution color image that showcases the intricate web-like filaments snaking throughout the expanding cloud of gas,” explains the team.

On top of getting one of the most striking astrophotographs of the year, this image will allow astronomers to better understand a key part of the late stages of a star. At the same time, some of the gas and dust may help form a new star someday. For now, scientists are also excited about the level of detail the Dark Energy Camera allows them in their never-ending quest to learn more about the universe. They conclude, “Owing to DECam’s large mosaic of CCDs, astronomers are able to create mesmerizing images of faint astronomical objects, such as the Vela Supernova Remnant, that offer a limitless starscape to explore.”

The Dark Energy Camera (DECam) has captured 1.3-gigapixel image of the Vela Supernova Remnant—the largest ever captured by this camera.

Some of the most interesting objects found within the new 1.3-gigapixel Vela Supernova Remnant image. (Photo: CTIO/NOIRLab/DOE/NSF/AURA)

NOIRlab: Website | Facebook
h/t: [Space]

All images via NOIRlab.

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Detail

Two talented astrophotographers came together to take a spectacular image of last year's annular eclipse. Andrew McCarthy and Dan Stein worked for months to perfect the image and released it with just one month left until the upcoming total solar eclipse. Titled Ring of the Gods, the 1.69-gigapixel panorama, which can also be viewed in close detail, is a composite of thousands of individual images.

To take the photo, McCarthy and Stein positioned themselves in the Utah desert with a plethora of equipment to ensure that they were able to capture the eclipse hovering over a butte.

“What’s unique about it is it was captured using a combination of white unfiltered light and a hydrogen-alpha telescope,” McCarthy told PetaPixel. “So it’s detailed enough to actually see atmospheric details on the Sun. You can see prominences and spicula in the solar chromosphere when you zoom in.”

While the photoshoot itself was rather straightforward, what happened before and after is a different story. Extensive research went into organizing the location of the shoot so that the annular eclipse would line up perfectly next to the butte. Then, the large amount of data captured made editing quite a challenge, as McCarthy's computer continuously crashed. But after five months of work, the men were able to bring their vision to life.

McCarthy's high-resolution image of the Sun blends perfectly with Stein's landscape for a seamless panorama.

“Dan’s incredible landscape photography expertise next to my experience photographing the Sun in h-alpha gave us the skill set needed to make something unique, unlike any landscape photo I’ve ever seen,” McCarthy shared.

Now, both men are gearing up for April 8, when they'll both surely be out in the field to photograph the total solar eclipse as it passes over North America.

Andrew McCarthy and Dan Stein came together to photograph 2023's annular solar eclipse in the Utah desert.

The 1.69-gigapixel panorama took five months to edit together and is made from thousands of images.

Detail

Enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at this stunning piece of astrophotography.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Andrew McCarthy (@cosmic_background)

Andrew McCarthy: Website | Instagram | Patreon | TikTok | YouTube
Dan Stein: Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Andrew McCarthy.

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