A young refugee from Angola (L) searches with a friend for his father at Olympic stadium, one of the temporary centers housing new asylum seekers entering into Canada in Montreal August 7, 2017. ADVERTISEMENT. MONTREAL — There’s a report the …Canada government giving migrants ‘false hope’ BBC NewsWhy Trudeau is warning against ‘short-cutting’ in Canada’s asylum […]
Author: signordal
Rushdie’s New York Bubble
Whether by design, chance, or oracular divination, Salman Rushdie has managed, within a year of the 2016 election, to publish the first novel of the Trumpian Era. On purely technical merits this is an astounding achievement. Less than eight months into the administration, Rushdie has produced a novel that, if not explicitly about the president, is tinged a toxic shade of orange.
30+ Best Photography Competitions to Elevate Your Craft
Whether you are a professional photographer looking to gain more exposure or an amateur who wants to know how your work stacks up against your peers, photography competitions are a fantastic way to stretch yourself and grow your craft. From free photo contests to paid photography awards, it’s possible to invest as little—or as much—as you’d like. And sometimes, the rewards can be life-changing.
From cash prizes to traveling exhibitions at renowned institutions, the best photography contests give their participants the opportunity to show their best work to a wider audience. Most contests have separate professional and amateur divisions, as well as youth competitions for young photographers—and you don’t always have to pay. Contests like the EyeEm Awards and the Smithsonian Photo Contest are free of charge, while others charge nominal fees to enter multiple photographs.
With such a wide variety of photography competitions, you can decide whether you want to try your hand at one of the larger contests with a range of categories for all types of photography, such as the International Photo Awards, or go more niche. Underwater photography, architectural photography, astrophotography, wedding photography, and pet photography are just some competitions that let you hone in on specific aspects of the craft.
To help you find what photo contest meets your needs, we’ve pulled together a list of the best photography competitions—in alphabetical order—that you’ll want to consider entering. Over the years we’ve featured all of these contests, many times publishing early entries and finalists, in addition to winners—proving that you can gain valuable press coverage whether you win or not.
Our list of the best photography contests covers a wide range of photography from wildlife to fine art.
Matt Emmett, overall winner, Arcaid Photography Awards 2016. (Photo: Matt Emmett/Arcaid Images)
Arcaid Images Architectural Photography Awards
Architectural photographers compete in four categories—Exterior, Interior, Sense of Place, and Buildings in Use—for a chance at cash prizes and having their work exhibited at the World Architecture Festival in Berlin, Germany.
When to enter: annually from April to July
Entry fee: one-time registration of £55 allows entrants to submit up to 3 images to each category
Prize: $3,000 and exhibitions in Berlin and London
Audubon Photography Awards
Combine your love of birds and photography by competing in the Audubon Photography Awards. Participants must be legal residents of the U.S. or Canada and at least 13 years of age. Winning photos will be published in the Audubon and Nature’s Best Photography magazines, as well as go on exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
When to enter: annually from early January to late February
Entry fee: $15 per image; Youth competition is FREE
Prize: Cash prizes up to $5,000
B&W Child Photo Competition
Celebrate the beauty of childhood across the world by submitting your most stunning black and white images of children. Photographers compete in four categories—Portrait, Fine Art, Lifestyle, and Socumentary & Street. The contest accepts international entries and there is no limit on the number of submissions per photographer.
When to enter: annually from August until December
Entry fee: €10 for single image, €20 for 3 images, €30 for 5 images
Prize: €1,000 for Grand Prize winner, €100 for category winners
Best of the Best Destination Photo Contest
Wedding photographers are encouraged to show off their best destination wedding images in this contest run by Junebug Weddings. They also run separate contests for best wedding and best engagement photographs.
When to enter: annually from July to August
Entry fee: $28 for up to 15 images for non-members. Members can submit up to 3 photos for free or up to 15 images for $18
Prize: 50 winning entries are featured on the website, with a link to their blog
BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition
Run by the California Academy of Sciences, this international photo contest celebrates the “the rich diversity of life on Earth and inspire action to protect and conserve it through the power of imagery.” Photographers can submit work across seven different categories such as the art of nature, aquatic life, terrestrial wildlife, and winged life.
When to enter: annually from January to March
Entry fee: $25 for up to 10 single image submissions in any category, $15 for 1 photo series (3-5 images)
Prize: $5,000 to overall winner, $1,000 for category winners. Participation in an annual exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences.
Bird Photographer of the Year
This global competition asks wildlife photographers to submit their best bird photography across 8 categories, including best youth photographer. There are also two special prizes up for grabs—best portfolio and crowd choice. Participants can submit single photos or an entire portfolio.
When to enter: annually from mid-August to the end of November
Entry fee: from £6, participants can enter up to 8 images per category
Prize: £5,000 for grand prize winner, £2,000 for portfolio prize winner, and a pair of Swarovski CL Companion 8×30 binoculars for category winners. All winners receive a portfolio review from Director of Photography at Alamy.
Sasha Dudkina, EyeEm Photographer of the Year 2017. (Photo: Sasha Dudkina)
British Wildlife Photography Awards
Created to focus on the glory of British wildlife, photographers of all nationalities are encouraged to enter the contest, but their images must be taken in the United Kingdom. The 15 separate categories also include a prize for wildlife in HD video, and two separate prizes are awarded to young photographers. The top entries are included in a traveling exhibition across Britain, as well as a coffee table book.
When to enter: annually from February to June
Entry fee: from £10; Youth competition (up to 6 images) is FREE
Prize: £5,000 for grand prize winner, while category winners receive a prize worth £1,000
Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards
If you like to see the humor in the natural world, this photography contest is for you. Founded by the wildlife charity, Born Free Foundation, the awards are a light-hearted way to bring attention to conservation issues. In addition to four categories for adults and a youth competition, videographers are encouraged to enter their funniest video clips. But note, photographs of domestic, captive or enclosed wildlife of any description are not allowed.
When to enter: entries accepted through the end of September
Entry fee: FREE
Prize: Overall winner receives a one-week photographer led safari in Kenya, all expenses paid for two people with return flights from Europe.
Dog Photographer of the Year
The Kennel Club, the UK’s largest organization focusing on the welfare of dogs, runs this annual, international contest. Photographers can enter in 8 categories, including Dog Portrait, Dogs at Play, Assistance Dogs, and Rescue Dogs. There are also two youth categories for young photographers.
When to enter: annually from the end of October to mid-March
Entry fee: FREE
Prize: Overall winner receives a SmugMug business account and mentorship day with acclaimed dog photographer. All winners will have their work displayed at the Kennel Club Art Gallery in London, as well as a prize package.
EyeEm Awards
This leading photo community, which also licenses images, runs what they call the largest photo competition for rising photographers. They annually award prizes in five categories—The Street Photographer, The Great Outdoors, The Portraitist, The Photojournalist, and The Architect. Additionally, the Photographer of the Year is selected based on their body of work and potential for growth.
When to enter: entries accepted until mid-June
Entry fee: FREE
Prize: Photographer of the Year wins an all-expenses-paid trip to the EyeEm Festival & Awards in Berlin, a mentorship with a renowned photographer, and state-of-the-art camera equipment. Five category winners receive a new smartphone.
Fine Art Photography Awards
Seeking “photos born out of passion,” the international contest is open to both amateur and professional photographers. With 20 different categories to select from, there is no shortage of artistic themes that will allow photographers to display their creativity.
When to enter: annually through mid-February
Entry fee: from $15 per photo
Prize: $3000 for Professional Photographer of the Year, $2000 for Amateur Photographer of the Year.
The post 30+ Best Photography Competitions to Elevate Your Craft appeared first on My Modern Met.
Trump’s net approval rating has dropped dramatically in…
Iran: Trump’s Gift to the Hard-liners
The more aggressive Trump’s posture in the Middle East becomes, the stronger the hard-liners’ argument against Iranian President Rouhani’s administration will be. This is not just about what the Iranian conservatives will win if Trump kills the nuclear deal, but what America will lose. The blow to Iran’s moderate forces will be far more consequential than Bush’s “axis of evil” declaration and the rejection of Iran’s 2003 bargain proposal. It will take years, perhaps decades, before anyone in the Iranian political elite will dare to suggest any accommodation with Washington.
Clouds cover last week’s full moon, creating a spooky-looking…
Clouds cover last week’s full moon, creating a spooky-looking pic of the area near Bodie Hills, California. Called the Harvest Moon, the first full moon after the fall equinox baths the sky in bright moonlight in early evening, aiding farmers in harvesting their crops. Photo by Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management, @mypubliclands
What Every Bossy Person Should Really Know
Are you in the habit of bossing or ordering the people in your life around?
You know, instead of asking them to do something and having them consent and agree to do it, you give them commands which you expect will be followed immediately and without protest?
“Do this.”
“Do that.”
“Don’t do that.”
If you do, have you ever considered how it affects other people?
Have you ever stopped to question how they’re really responding to your commands inside their heads? Have you ever wondered what they truly think of you?
Most people will just comply when they’re ordered around, especially if it’s from someone who has some authority over them- like a parent, boss or significant other.
Before moving forward, let me ask you another question:
Are you the type of person who wants to win the respect of the people you interact and deal with?
Because I can guarantee you that if you boss and order people around, you’re working against yourself and you’re actually losing their respect. In fact, there’s a good chance they secretly despise you for it.
Of course, they’ll never show it to your face. They’ll just complain and gripe about you behind your back. They’ll revel in their contempt and resentment for you with others who feel the same way. They will criticize you and make jokes at your expense whenever you’re not around.
These are things you’ll probably never see, but I can guarantee you that they’re happening.
The Problem With Bossy People
We all hate being told what to do. We like to be in control of our lives and be able to make our own decisions.
When others make decisions for us and “force” us to comply, we try our best to look extremely well on the surface. What we feel inside, however, is a very different story. As we carry out the tasks, we generate resentment and even anger towards bossy people.
Now, ask yourself this question.
What’s more important to you:
Having certain tasks you delegate carried out or establishing and retaining the respect of others?
I reckon they’re both important, but here’s the thing:
When you order others around, you may successfully get the task accomplished, but you lose their respect. They will not willingly follow you. Though they may carry out the order, they will do it begrudgingly and they’ll look at you with disdain.
See Also: 3 Easy Ways To Stay Positive When Dealing With A Difficult Boss
Is there a better way?
Certainly, there’s a way for you to delegate tasks and have them carried out without jeopardizing the respect people have for you.
It revolves around the issue of consent.
When we boss people around by giving them orders, we strip away their consent to carry out the activity. They feel that they have to do it because they have no other option.
So, what you want to do is have them carry out the task while taking their consent into consideration. You should aim to have the task accomplished without undermining their dignity and pride in the process.
How do you do that?
There are two great ways. Let’s check them out.
Ask people to do what you want
Don’t boss or order people to do it. You ask them.
The simple phrase you need to remember is this:
“Would you…”.
Then, insert your wish. For example:
“Would you take out the trash?”
“Would you wash the dishes?”
With this approach, you can show respect for other people’s free will. You can let them retain their sense of dignity and you won’t make them feel like servants or slaves. More importantly, you don’t come up as an all-powerful master.
People who realize that you’re respecting their power to make their own decisions will be more willing to carry out your tasks. They will do it happily and with respect for you for not abusing your authority.
Make your wishes known to people
The phrase to remember is this:
“I’d like you to…”.
Then, insert the activity. For example:
“I’d like you to clean up your mess.”
“I want you to help me out with some cleaning.”
Same as with the first approach, this won’t make you look like you’re forcing them to sacrifice their dignity and sense of self-respect by bending to the wishes of a “master”. Instead, this can get your tasks completed while maintaining the respect of everyone around you.
If you want to be a great leader, you need to know how to appeal to the consent of your followers. You shouldn’t force them to comply with your wishes just because of your position.
See Also: 7 Awesome Things that Very Inspiring Bosses Do
The post What Every Bossy Person Should Really Know appeared first on Dumb Little Man.
Manhattan Beach
Stories about ships and sailors are propelled by adventure, survival, and danger. But their essences — their hulls and keels — are power and order. Nearly any seafaring tale, from Moby-Dick to The Caine Mutiny to Jaws, is about the importance of sticking to the rules once you’re out to sea, and how easily that stability crumbles, Ahab-like, in a crisis. The men — always men — are forever working to keep chaos at bay aboard a ship that’s always referred to as a she.
Power, and especially the gendered nature of it, is central to Jennifer Egan’s fifth novel, Manhattan Beach. It’s first and foremost a deeply researched historical novel about mobsters, sailors, and shipbuilders during World War II, which arguably makes it Egan’s most conventional work — especially coming on the heels of 2010’s A Visit from the Goon Squad, which foregrounded its stylistic somersaults, from celebrity profile patter to PowerPoint charts. But the new novel’s meticulousness about battleships in Brooklyn and nightclubs in Manhattan shouldn’t obscure the fact that Egan is still playing with form. She’s just doing it in the hulls and keels — she’s just using the structure of the historical novel to shake up the good-girl-done-good story.
The girl in this case is Anna, the daughter of Eddie, a bagman for Irish mobsters who strains to keep his family together in the Depression years before Pearl Harbor. Anna’s mom is a former vaudeville performer who now takes in sewing; Anna’s sister, Lydia, is severely disabled and nearly mute. Eddie’s failure to maintain order challenges his sense of manliness, a struggle that ultimately leads to his sudden disappearance. Hence, Anna becomes the head of a household: “She might as well have been a boy,” Egan writes. “Dust in her stockings, her ordinary dresses not much different from short pants. She was a scrap, a weed that would thrive anywhere, survive anything.”
So far, so Scout-ish. But for Egan, Anna represents more than mere tomboyishness, because a tomboy’s brashness and precocity have no place in the world Anna wants to occupy. That would, for starters, get her booted from the snoozy piecework job she takes after Pearl Harbor at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, where she and hundreds of other women assist with ship construction. “We Can Do It!” shouts that famous bicep-flexing Rosie the Riveter poster, but deference to routine was the order of the day for women on the docks. “Anna tried to impersonate a girl who knew nothing,” Egan writes of Anna’s survival strategy. But she knows plenty. She whispers her adolescent sexual experiences into Lydia’s ear because her sister will never comprehensibly repeat them; she angles for a job as a diver at the Navy Yard only after repeatedly assuring one Lieutenant Axel that she’ll likely fail.
Because one thing Anna knows is that Axel will say something just this officious and lunkheaded: “Water is heavy. The pressure of that weight is something ferocious. We’ve no idea how the female body would react.” Just as she’s navigating toward permission to put on a diving suit, she’s also courting Dexter, a club owner who was a regular stop on Eddie’s old bagman rounds. Dexter might have a clue to her father’s whereabouts aboveground; the bottom of New York Harbor might have a clue below. But in neither case is she free to ask the question directly to the men who are equipped to answer it.
To that end, Anna’s heroism is a kind of restrained pushiness. “Following rules had got her nowhere,” Anna thinks during a moment underwater, making a repair that’s technically a man’s job. “Passing tests had got her nowhere. In the course of getting nowhere, she had given up on some larger vision in which being good and trying to please made any sense. Why not take what she could while she had the chance?” Anna evokes the distinction between what management gurus like to call hard and soft power — clear centers of authority versus the kind of authority marginalized people have to claim for themselves, strategically and not without difficulty. Historical novelists often apply the sensibility of our times to the past, deliberately or not, but the educated forcefulness of contemporary feminism would clang badly here. If what Anna is doing is feminist, it’s feminism of a temporary, provisional sort. “Her life was a war life; the war was her life,” Egan writes.
Anna has her share of stubbornness, but what she mainly has is a mix of dumb luck combined with a grasp of how men wield and lose power. An aunt taught her that, arguing that “men were the biggest failures: rats, lice, good-for-nothings — you couldn’t blame them; they’d been bumly manufactured. The best possible outcome of marriage was a wealthy, childless widowhood.” And Dad taught her that too, his wisdom filed down to a sharp point by mobsters and poverty.
But Moby-Dick doesn’t endure because it’s a book about Queequeg squabbling with Starbuck over Ahab. Manhattan Beach has plenty of adventure-survival-danger, too, especially in an extended set piece featuring the wreck of a merchant marine boat and the survivors’ agonizing wait for rescue. What intensifies that drama, though, is Egan’s sense of how the different paths that are cleared for men and blocked for women lead to such predicaments.
And even if Anna’s authority is provisional, it’s a pleasure to experience those moments where she’s savvy enough to claim it. Her first time underwater, she calibrates her diving suit so that she neither sinks to the bottom nor shoots to the surface: “The weight that had been so punishing on land now allowed her to stand and walk under thirty feet of water, at this tide, that otherwise would have spat her out like a seed.” For a moment, she’s beautifully obscured, unscrutinized, weightless, free.
The post Manhattan Beach appeared first on The Barnes & Noble Review.
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Fiona Lynch Designed this Wonderful and Contemporary House in Melbourne, Australia
This contemporary home is located in Williamstown, a suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It was designed in 2016 by Fiona Lynch, an award winning design studio located in Melbourne.The primary materials used in its construction are concrete, solid oak, and stone, coming together to create an interior that is elegant and stylish without sacrificing a sense of coziness that makes it feel like home, even at first sight. The color..
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HuaDu Architecture and Urban Design Group Designed this Marvelous House in Shanghai, China
This private residence, named Chui Yuan, was designed by the Shanghai HuaDu Architecture and Urban Design Group in 2017. The home is located in Shanghai, China, and covers an area of only 35 square meters. Don’t let its tiny size fool you, however – this apartment is meant to serve as a home for three generations of the same family, and it delivers. In order to complete this seemingly difficult..
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Sig Nordal 