It’s no secret that we’d all like to change at least one thing about our appearance. No matter how much we might accept ourselves, flaws and all, there is probably something that we wish we could “correct.” Photographer Scott Chasserot is making this wish come to life in his project called Original Ideal. Combining portrait photography with neuroscience, the endeavor “isolates the subjects’ ideal self-image” by analyzing their brain waves.

Chasserot begins his sessions with a volunteer subject by photographing them in a completely natural appearance. Each individual stares at the camera with a neutral face that’s unadorned with makeup or jewelry. With that shot complete, Chasserot creates many altered versions of their face based on “scientifically established canons of beauty.” This includes making faces symmetrical, eyes closer together, and forehead adjustments. The results look similar to his subjects but have striking differences that ultimately transform them into a totally new person.

After Chasserot’s editing is complete, he presents the portraits to the subjects while they are wearing EEG headsets that measure their brains. The photo that they have the most “positive neural reactions” towards is then considered their ideal self-image. In taking this extra step for his project, Chasserot is trying to determine “what we find instinctively beautiful in the human face and how [that] translates to self-image.” While different for everyone, the societal standards of an eye-pleasing appearance remain generally the same for all of his participants, down to the smaller noses and brighter eyes.

What is your ideal self-image? Photographer Scott Chasserot determines it in his series Original Ideal.

After snapping a picture of his subjects au naturel, he then creates many altered versions of their face based on “scientifically established canons of beauty.”

Then, he shows them the photo and measures their brain waves using EEG headsets.

The photo they have the most “positive neural reactions” towards is considered their ideal self.

Learn more about the Original Ideal project in this video:

Original Ideal: Website
Scott Chasserot: Website

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Scott Chasserot.

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Claimed to be Australia’s first attempt at the“Slow TV” movement, the SBS television network recently televised The Ghan: Australia’s Greatest Train Journey. The uninterrupted, 17-hour livestream show revealed the “stunning topographical vistas and dramatic palette changes” of The Ghan train journey in real time. Known to be one of the world’s most scenic train trips, the Ghan train runs 3,000 kilometers (over 1,800 miles) north to south through the “Red Centre” of Australia from Darwin to Adelaide.

Last week the channel released a 3-hour, condensed version of the journey. It was so popular it became SBS’s highest rated show of the past 12 months, and even temporarily crashed their website due to high traffic. Two days later SBS announced the 17-hour full version, with their latest trailer inviting viewers to “take it slow, and go on a journey like no other.” For people wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of modern-day life, they’re able to immerse themselves in a virtual Australian outback. While some described it as “watching paint dry,” others were mesmerized by the broadcast, claiming it was “addictive and hypnotic.”

With “no commercials, no stress. Just you and tracks ahead,” the lengthy, real-time documentary shows Australia’s stunning landscape from the train driver’s perspective—a view that many people would never get the chance to experience in real life. Text appears throughout the video, explaining the local history of each new area, with a focus on indigenous history and early European, Chinese, and Afghan immigrants, which The Ghan is named after.

If you too would like to catch this slow TV train, you can watch both the 3-hour and 17-hour versions via SBS On Demand, if you have an account. If you’d rather experience the real thing, the rail service—operated by Great Southern Rail—is scheduled weekly. Including a four-hour stopover in Alice Springs, the journey takes a total of 54 hours.

Dubbed “Slow TV,” SBS Australia recently had a 17-hour-long livestream of The Ghan train journey.

Known to be one of the world’s most scenic train trips, the Ghan train runs 3,000 kilometers (~1,800 miles) north to south through the “Red Centre” of Australia from Darwin to Adelaide.

SBS Australia: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
h/t: [Jalopnik]

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There are many differences between China and Western cultures, from overall lifestyle to individual demeanor. The comic artist Tiny Eyes, aka Siyu, is chronicling them in her ongoing series of sequential art that highlights some of the things that she, as someone born and raised in Beijing, has experienced when communicating with people in the United States, France, and England. Through simple line drawings and a biting wit, she illustrates the impressions that the different cultures have of one another and their idiosyncrasies.

The comics about China and Western culture focus on the likes of food, familial relationships, and the assumptions we make about one another. In one two-panel drawing, Siyu highlights just how complicated French cutlery is when compared to Chinese utensils. In France, there are no less than eight forks, knives, and spoons needed to enjoy a meal, but in China, a pair of chopsticks will work for every course.

Another illustration comments on the dramatic differences in dorm life between England, the U.S., and China. Comprising three individuals, the British student is appalled that the American would have to share a dorm room with one person, while the Chinese student is amazed that the American only shares it with a single roommate. Of this comic, Siyu writes, “This lack of privacy must be shocking for some of you, but in a country with 1.3 billion population, space is always a problem.” While inconvenient, sharing a room with five other people helped her learn about “communication, responsibilities, and tolerance.”

Although originally from China, Siyu has spent the last 10 years abroad, through studying, working, and simply traveling. “Many people that I met were curious about China,” she explains, “but their impressions of China would end up with words like ‘communist,’ ‘pollution’ and ‘no Facebook.’ While many facts are true, the contemporary, living and multifaceted Chinese life [are] rarely heard of.” The Tiny Eyes comics are her way of sharing Chinese culture through the lens of everyday life. “To me, learning about other cultures has always been a fun experience, and I want to pass this feeling to people who are curious about China.”

In comics about China and Western culture, artist Tiny Eyes, aka Siyu, shares her observations between them. (Including writing.)

Some are related to food…

… while others point to overall differences in demeanor.

Tiny Eyes: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to use images by Tiny Eyes.

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Italian digital artist Simone “Simz” Ferriero met and fell in love with his Toronto-based girlfriend Krisi online. The couple started to chat regularly after Krisi saw Ferriero on the streaming platform, Twitch. Soon after they began a long distance relationship, and as their love blossomed, so did their desire to meet in real life. Ferriero decided to take the plunge and book an intercontinental flight to Canada to stay with Krisi for two weeks in December 2017. From the nerve-racking plane journey, and their first kiss at the airport, Ferriero illustrated the couple’s adorable moments and published the drawings in a Facebook album series called The first time we met.

“I had a lot of stress while traveling alone,” said Ferriero. “But I was very determined.” His charming visual diary illustrates the first time the 5’6 artist set eyes on his 5’9 girlfriend, and their time together exploring the sites of Toronto. Having loved drawing ever since he was a child, Ferriero decided to study at the Academy of Fine Arts during his twenties. “After graduation, I hopped around doing a few jobs here and there for a few of startup companies as a graphic designer for a while, but then I decided to embrace the path of a full-time freelancer.”

Since publishing his heart-warming illustrations, the artist has received new-found attention and support online. Delighted, Ferriero wrote on Instagram: “I just want to say thank you, my hope has always been to inspire people with my art, and you make me feel like i did it.” The couple have already planned their next meet-up—Krisi will visit Ferrireo in Italy in May.

You can see more of Ferriero’s work on Instagram.

Italian digital artist Simone “Simz” Ferriero illustrated moments from the first time he met his Toronto-based girlfriend.

Ferriero’s drawings illustrate his nerve-racking plane journey…

…their first moments from the airport to “home” together…

…and their time exploring Toronto.

The charming visual diary could warm even the coldest of hearts.

Simone Ferriero: Facebook | Instagram | Tumblr | Deviant Art

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Simone Ferriero.

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Running a marathon is no small feat. It takes months of dedication and hours of literally pounding the pavement, often alone. In warmer weather, a runner is likely to be on the road so early that people are still heading home from the wild night before. But, for those that complete the grueling 26.2 miles, it’s hard to beat the sense of accomplishment they feel. Photographer Eddie Cohen shares a glimpse of this in his series Pain and Glory, in which he snapped pictures of NYC marathon runners before and after their race.

“I was interested in capturing that simultaneous state of exhaustion and euphoria,” Cohen tells My Modern Met in an email, “and showing what running 26.2 miles does to the physiology and psychology of a person!” His striking black and white images—the result of him sneaking into the race—feature men and women who are both tired and proud. Drenched in sweat with their hair a mess, they look as though they put their bodies through the ringer—but in the end, they get the finisher’s medal to wear around their necks and memories to last a lifetime.

While many of Cohen’s subjects look happy and relieved, others are overcome with emotion after their finish—reminding us that the distance is as much mental as it is physical. Runner Dylan Petrich had tears in his eyes after finishing the NYC marathon in an impressive three hours and 30 minutes. (The median marathon time for men is four hours and 20 minutes.) “I spotted him crying right when he finished the race,” Cohen recalls. “I ran over to give him a hug, picked him up and put him in front of the makeshift studio I created by the finish line. The expression is real.”

Photographer Eddie Cohen captured NYC Marathon runners before they started their race and after they finished.

Some fared better than others, but each looks happy to have finished.

In addition to those revealing portraits, Cohen also snapped NYC Marathon photos of finishers.

Eddie Cohen: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Eddie Cohen.

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For an upcoming exhibition at Palo Alto Art Center, self-taught miniaturist Joshua Smith has once again created a scale model that is a slice of urban life. Following his recent venture into the architecture of Taiwan, Smith has jumped across the ocean, this time tackling elements of San Francisco.

The centerpiece of the show is the legendary Discolandia Record Store in San Francisco’s Mission District. Known for catering to Latin music aficionados, the record store closed its doors in 2011 after almost 30 years in business when the owner decided to retire. Smith touches on this piece of Mission District history, perfectly capturing the nostalgia of a musical paradise now abandoned. From the slightly tilted signage to the signature orange paint, he’s able to pay homage to what was and what is now the reality.

Smith rounds out his contribution with a Golden Gate dumpster, complete with graffiti tags and a street art poster. Perched next to a chain-link fence topped with barbed wire, tiny cigarettes scattered on the ground, there’s no detail overlooked by Smith. And in fact, this aspect is part of what drives Smith’s work. “I love a challenge and the problem-solving skills that come with trying to figure out how to get miniatures to look realistic,” he revealed. His dedication to realism and ability to pull beauty out of the most unexpected places is part of what makes him one of our favorite miniaturists.

Through That Which is Seen runs from January 20, 2018 to April 8, 2018.

Joshua Smith: Website | Facebook | Instagram

All images by Ben Neale. My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Joshua Smith.

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Costume designer Romy McCloskey recently used the skills the precision work of her hand embroidery and embellishments to help save the life of an injured Monarch butterfly. Raising and releasing these beautiful creatures is a pastime that many have taken up in an effort to save the species, which is decreasing in population. McCloskey recently began her involvement with Monarchs after finding a few caterpillars in her yard this past autumn.

At just three days old, McCloskey gave this injured butterfly a new lease on life by repairing its broken wing. The injury was sustained while it was pupating, the final stage of development before an adult butterfly emerges from the chrysalis. In this state, the insect would be unable to fly, as butterflies rely on wing symmetry to aid in their flight. And with a short lifespan of just two to six weeks for most Monarch butterflies, they are done with their growth once they emerge as adults.

Luckily, using a delicate touch, there are ways to help that don’t require any special tools. After watching a video her friend had sent her, McCloskey felt up to the task. “I figured, since I do so much designing, cutting, and putting together of costumes… I could give this a go.”

Follow along to see how the surgery went, and what became of this little guy afterward!

“The patient. Sweet boy had damaged upper and lower wings.”

“The operating room. Towel, scissors, tweezers, talc, contact cement, toothpick, and my sweet girl who died earlier last week (for wings)”

“Securing the little guy down with the bent hanger, as I cut away the damaged pieces. Don’t worry, it doesn’t hurt. It’s like trimming hair or nails.”

“Ta-da! He’s finished! You can see that the black lines on his upper right wing don’t match up 100%, and if you look at his lower right wing is missing the black dot that indicates male gender. Oh, and the white on his wing is the talc used to make sure any stray glue doesn’t make the wings stick together.”

“Flight day!”

“A quick spin around the backyard, then a little rest on one of the bushes… then… like the down of a thistle… off he flew! My heart soared with him, for sure!”

This video demonstrates how Monarch butterfly wings can be repaired. Just be sure, if you attempt this, that you have a steady hand or you could cause more harm than good.

Romy McCloskey: Website | Facebook | Instagram
h/t: [Bored Panda]

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As drone photography has skyrocketed in popularity over the past several years, it’s only fitting that it should have its own social network. Dronestagram, which also hosts one of our favorite photography contests, is a community for drone photographers and videographers to share their work and discuss tips and tricks of the trade on a forum.

Recently, Dronestagram put together a list of its top 20 drone photos of 2017. The competition was so fierce, they even added a few extra for good measure, as they couldn’t limit themselves to just 20 aerial images. Whether exploring the vibrant colors of the Mekong Delta or a hair-raising look at window washers in Moscow, it’s fascinating to see how photographers are using drone technology to give a new perspective on the world.

Dronestagram notes that more than ever, the 2017 photographs demonstrate the elevated quality of drone photography, as photographers hone their techniques and prices of equipment fall to allow more people to enter the field. With more rules and regulations put into place, drone photographers are now working within constraints that still allow creativity, while keeping public privacy intact.

These regulations haven’t stopped photographers from being more daring with their imagery. Dronestagram notes an uptick in close-up photos in lieu of the pulled-back aerial shots we’re used to. There is also an increased focus on the relationship between animals, man, and nature. “With the exception of a single picture, all of them show men, animals, or both, for encounters that are sometimes improbable.”

Dronestagram, the world’s largest drone photography social network, has curated its list of the top 20 drone photos of 2017.

As a bonus, two extra drone photographers were thrown in the mix, as Dronestagram couldn’t decide between the finalists.

Dronestagram: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Dronestagram.

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When it comes to advertising their products, IKEA does not shy away from creative marketing. Often thinking outside the box, past IKEA ads are practical, like helping anyone cook a tasty dinner or to dress as Jon Snow.  They’ve recently debuted another one of these promotions; this one promises to change someone’s life forever—and that’s not an exaggeration. IKEA’s newest print collateral, developed by the agency Åkestam Holst, encourages women that “peeing on this ad” could reveal that they are with child.

Certainly unconventional but incredibly clever, the advertisement features a solitary photo of a Sundvik crib with a price tag attached. Following the paper’s instructions, if an expectant mother actually pees on it, a new price will reveal itself: 50% off, as long as the woman signs up for the IKEA Family discount. (There’s no need for them to hand a urine-soaked sheet of paper to the cashier.)

Åkestam Holst collaborated with Mercene Labs, which creates industrial surface coatings, to bring their advertisement to life. The result is a small box that contains the pregnancy test, so anyone who tries this at home needs to take careful aim. Learn more in the video below.

IKEA always has creative ways to advertise, and this one is no different. To get a 50% discount on a crib, expectant mothers are encouraged to pee on the print ad.

Learn more about the creative IKEA ad in this video:

Åkestam Holst: Website
h/t: [designboom, Co.Design]

All images via IKEA.

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You might not know Golden Bailey by name, but there’s a good chance you’ve seen one of her funny dog memes. The Golden Retriever is responsible for a number of wacky photos, one which had her “typing” on a computer and another of her wearing a camo hat and sitting with a jar of peanut butter. Known as the “I have no idea what I’m doing” and the “Redneck Retriever” memes, respectively, these costumed photos have delighted countless people around the globe.

In a heartfelt picture series on Imgur, Bailey’s human—who posted via the name goldenretrieverbailey—made an announcement that sadly, the beloved dog had passed away in early 2016. “She may have been semi-famous,” he writes, “but she was also our dog and a part of our family, which is why we took our time to let her fans know.” He then proceeded to share 100 pictures of Bailey, from the time she was a tiny puppy to when he and his roommates first discovered she liked to pose for photos.

The playful images—of Bailey “making” sausages or “operating” heavy machinery—never stopped throughout the course of her life. Now, they serve as a unique memory of the sweet pup. “We will always miss her,” her human says, “but we hope that she lives on through her pictures and continues to bring people joy and laughter.”

View all of Golden Bailey’s story on Imgur, and check out some of our favorites below, along with original captions by Bailey’s human.

You might know “Golden Bailey,” a sweet Golden Retriever, through her funny dog memes.

She’s semi-famous for the “I have no idea what I’m doing” and the “Redneck Retriever” memes.

Sadly, Bailey passed away in early 2016, and her human recently shared the news via Imgur…

…with 100 photos documenting the pup from her early days to all the wacky costumes she wore throughout her life.

Golden Bailey: Facebook | Instagram
h/t: [Reddit]

All images and captions via GoldenBailey.

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