PRISMA Issue 7

EditorialArticle

Photography&

Videography: Mayweonlypickone?

by:TristanSharman

INSIDE FEATURES

INSIDE THIS ISSUE OF PRISMA

Editor-In-Chief: Louise Anderbjörk & Tristan Sharman

Pine Martens: Blaauw describes his encounters with the elusive pine marten Through use of specialised lenses and patience, he produces beautiful photos of this animal in its natural habitat.

Drone Photography: The challenges around drone photography are outlined by Turner in this article He gives his advice on how to safely start drone photography, and the postshoot opportunities it provides.

Silent Stockholm: By exploring the old town of Stockholm, Joakim Thornéus draws our attention to the variety of shapes created by old buildings, and reveals the impact of light and colour on a composition.

Beach Photos: Boyd’s childhood memories growing up in Ireland inspired his collection of beach photos. They create an atmosphere of nostalgia and visual landscapes to bring back home

Fox Photography: The beauty and playfulness of foxes are captured in Ferguson’s photos. Through studying and portraying fox behaviour in photos, she hopes to raise awareness of their importance in the UK

Edinburgh Tattoo: The vibrancy and thrill of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is an experience conveyed by Anderbjörk’s photos She reflects on the learning processes involved in photographing such a grand festival.

TheEditorialTeam

Editor-in-Chief-LouiseAnderbjörk

Editor-in-Chief-TristanSharman

DeputyEditor-in-Chief-EleanorReid

EditorialEditor-AlexandraGodfrey

PhotographyEditor-KaileeParsons

PhotographyEditor-MaggieZhu

CopyEditor-RosieLeeson

LayoutEditor-EllaWong

WebEditor-IainCunningham

MediaManager-LucileBelorgey

editor@prismamagazine.co.uk

Photo:FilipBlaauw

Photo:PaulTurner

Photo:DavidBoyd

Photo:KirstenFerguson

Photo:LouiseAnderbjörk

Photo:JoakimThornéus

Photo: Filip Blaauw

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY

EditorialEditor:Alexandra Godfrey

TRISTAN SHARMAN

Hello everybody! Having been recently brought on as an Editor-in-Chief, I thought I would take this opportunity to introduce myself I am a recent geography graduate from the University of St Andrews, albeit better known there for my involvement with the St Andrews theatre scene. As well as my two main gigs of geography and theatre, I have quietly been practicing my photography. Long-time readers of PRISMA may remember my article “On the Team of Senders FC” where I recounted the Sundays spent honing my sports photography What that article did not mention was that I already had several years of experience behind the camera, but not from taking photos. I came to be a photographer the long way around, by starting as a videographer first, and as a result I have some advice for anybody making the reverse journey For context, I grew up surrounded by video cameras When I was young, my dad would often bring a silver camcorder on family holidays, the tapes from which I still own to this day Later he acquired an early GoPro, and later still I was allowed to operate it! I filmed everything from a game of Jenga in a Wye Valley hostel, to a day at the neighbours’ crushing apples into cider, and some embarrassing attempts at sketch comedy Video became my medium of choice for capturing moments I was at first motivated by documentary rather than artistic merit, but gradually I developed a sense of style, first from video editing but eventually after I obtained a DSLR, through shooting. Then, after many hours operating one switch away from photo mode, I began to wonder what life on the other side of that was like. This may well be a familiar feeling to any photographers who want to get more into video Whichever side of the fence you start, photo or video, it is appealing to be capable in the other Composition rules such as the rule of thirds, leading lines, or bokeh all translate well. However, the technicalities of the two forms differ just enough to make doing both a really tough challenge. For example, a general rule of thumb for video is that shutter speed should be ‘double’ that of the frame rate to capture motion blur that looks natural to the eye However, that means that each individual frame therefore contains an amount of blur that most photographers would reject a photo for on first sight, so taking video will disrupt your ability to take photos. Moreover, most DSLRs will momentarily freeze filming if the shutter is clicked, so taking a photo will disrupt your videos. Cameras are not really built for multitasking, a position I have begun to empathise with Take my recent interrailing trip in May, a completely

recreational opportunity to bring my camera with me to some beautiful places That said, with a packed itinerary, spontaneity was the key to capturing fleeting details – a classic car rolling past, a balconied alleyway on route to the bus stop you are racing to, or a scurrying piece of wildlife. Without the time to carefully set up for both photo and video, it is instinctual to fall back to what you knowphotographers will snap a photo, videographers will hit record. No wonder that most of my photos from my trip had architecture as their subject – you can take your time to photograph a building Whereas, as I have been editing together a film of the trip, it is amongst over one thousand video clips that my more fleeting subjects were captured I encourage people to learn both photo and video, but be warned that doing them simultaneously is challenging. I believe you will be far more satisfied if you set out to make a video, or to have a photoshoot, than you would by trying to blend the two into something to soften the task – especially if you are still learning. Photography and videography are both incredible forms of media that are more accessible than ever, so which ever one you are thinking of trying, take the leap!

Photo:Tristan Sharman

InfairVerona, wherewelayourscene

Photo: Tristan Sharman

PHOTO STORIES

MEETINGS WITH PINE MARTENS

PhotographyEditor:Kailee Parsons

FILIP BLAAUW

The daylight has started to fade in the forest, and from my photo blind at the edge of a clearing, I suddenly hear the alarm call from the thrushes The elusive pine marten is headed my way I know I will only have a short moment before it heads back into the woods again. I spot movement, and the beautiful mustelid raises its head and scouts the area. It is the same pine marten I have been photographing for four years now. I am able to tell this from the markings on the cream-coloured chest My new mirrorless camera with its silent shutter is a great tool for these encounters After a few minutes I have several hundred photographs of the pine marten, without making any sound or revealing my presence. After licking a bit of the honey I smeared on a log, the pine marten returns to the woods again, still with the sound of the alarm call from the thrushes. It has been four years since I first noticed pine marten droppings in my local forest Eager to see if I would ever be able to see the animal with my own eyes, I first put out a trail camera to learn more about the pine martens’ behaviour I quickly learnt that they are most active at night, and so the summer months are the best time to get the opportunity to photograph them. Luckily for me, we have long summer nights in Norway, and the past couple of years I have had several meetings with the pine martens – the shadow of the forest Several hundred hours of waiting and hiding in a small photo blind becomes instantly worthwhile when this fascinating animal pays a visit.

Photo:FilipBlaauw

Photo:FilipBlaauw

Photo:FilipBlaauw

Magicmeetings withpinemartens

Photo: Filip Blaauw

PHOTO STORIES

CASTLE DRONE PHOTOGRAPHY

PhotographyEditor:Kailee Parsons

PAUL TURNER

Flying drones around National Trust castles presents various challenges. Before every flight I determine the best place for a safe TOAL point (Take off and Land) by doing pre-flight checks, necessary to give myself a clear line of sight once my drone is in the air The National Trust only allows me to TOAL if I remain outside the grounds, and safely flying around and over the castles is only allowed if all CAA rules are stuck to. I will always check for various flight restrictions in the area using the Drone Assist app. This is always recommended as whilst the software within the Drone fly app usually stops the drone taking off in a restricted area, this is not always correct My drone of choice for castle shots is a DJI Mini 3 Pro, because the weight of it is under 250g, meaning there are far fewer restrictions around using it. I always take a series of 9 separate images, usually consisting of 3 shots across the bottom, 3 across the middle and 3 across the sky area. Once in my editing software, I’ll stitch these together as 1 large panoramic image, which I’ll then crop to my liking For stitching I prefer to use a software called Affinity photo, and for my main editing Lightroom & Photoshop When posting castle pictures on my social media pages I will always include some history to each image as I feel it allows the viewer to take in the context of the picture. I have many followers from all over the world, most of which may never be able to appreciate the beauty of the UK’s fantastic castles in person It is therefore a pleasure to share my passion with each and every one of them

Photo:PaulTurner

Photo:PaulTurner

Photo:PaulTurner

Photo: Paul Turner

PHOTO STORIES

THE SILENT CITY OF STOCKHOLM

PhotographyEditor:Maggie Zhu

JOAKIM THORNÉUS

Stockholm's old town, the historic city centre, dates to the Middle Ages, and many buildings have survived since that time. The narrow and cramped alleys remain largely the same as they did hundreds of years ago During spring and summer, it is lively, and tourists crowd the streets But in autumn and winter, when it's cold and dark, the old town is surprisingly deserted. During that time of year, I love to wander around the old town with my camera and tripod. In the tranquillity, it's easier for me to focus on photography; there's nothing to distract me, and I can compose my shots in peace. Through my compositions, I try to capture the silence and serenity that I experience A streetlamp may provide interesting light or shadows, or a building may appear different in the darkness compared to daytime. In an environment with such historical significance, it's easy to start contemplating what it was like in the past. What was it like to walk here in the 18th century when there was no electric light, and the alleys were illuminated by oil lamps? In the summer, there's an entirely different light in the old town During this time, I must be there very early in the morning, partly to have the alleys to myself, and partly to capture the special light. Just after the sun rises, it shines into certain alleys, and if you're in the right place at the right time, the early rise is truly rewarded. I photograph in the old town almost every week, yet I constantly discover new angles and compositions that I haven't seen before because each season has its unique light

Photo:JoakimThornéus

Photo:JoakimThornéus

Photo:JoakimThornéus

Photo: Joakim Thornéus

PHOTO STORIES

Issue 7 - 31 August 2023

BEACH PHOTOGRAPHY

PhotographyEditor:Maggie Zhu

DAVID BOYD

Photography has been a passion from an early age, and throughout my travels However, apart from a brief spell as a photographer for a local magazine whilst living in New Zealand, it has always played second fiddle to my main career in the music business Then, after many years of living in London, I moved to the North coast of Ireland. Back in my home country, and having lived there through lockdown, I rediscovered my love for making images. The beautiful coastline became my main inspiration, and the choice of camera played a big part in developing my images I am well aware it is not all about the gear, but when I bought the Fujifilm X100V, that little gem really changed how I took my photographs I have since explored the other cameras made by Fujifilm and use them daily. The images here are the result of my wanderings around the beaches on my doorstep. My favourite photographic experiences come with the changes of light, which make familiar scenes look vastly different with every visit I feel like this photography is my kind of beachcombing, picking up found images and bringing them home. Having grown up at this beach, left, and then returned years later, it is also a very nostalgic experience for me. I wanted to capture that emotion by adding atmosphere, and occasionally a little humour, to my work. Being such a well photographed area, I also wanted to bring my own experience and vision to the mix I hope that comes across to the viewer and enables them to recall memories of their childhood adventures.

Photo:DavidBoyd

Photo:DavidBoyd

Photo:DavidBoyd

Astoryofnostalgic beachphotography

Photo: David Boyd

PHOTO STORIES

Issue 7 - 31 August 2023

FOX BEHAVIOUR IN PHOTOS

PhotographyEditor:Kailee Parsons

KIRSTEN FERGUSON

I am an educator, trained fine artist, and wildlife photographer based in Scotland. My photographic work focuses on the natural world, and observations of animal behaviour The red fox is an iconic symbol of British wildlife, and I have been fortunate enough to observe and photograph these beautiful animals for over a decade. During this time I have built a relationship with my local fox family, and watched their interactions over successive generations. I work with natural light to capture images that convey a sense of narrative, beyond merely capturing a documentary shot During my years observing this species I have learned a lot about their behaviours Foxes are opportunistic animals who will scavenge for any available food source, and being omnivorous they will eat insects and worms as well as fruits and vegetables. Foxes are an important part of both urban and rural habitats, providing natural pest control by predating rodents. Fox numbers are largely self-regulating and they make incredible parents, with both the dog (male) and vixen (female) heavily involved in the rearing of their young It is an endless source of joy to watch young fox cubs interact with each other, and explore their surroundings. Urban foxes are inquisitive and playful, and I feel incredibly privileged to capture candid moments that others rarely get a chance to see. Foxes have a long history of being persecuted in the UK, and I hope that my advocacy through photographic work invites discussion, debate and reflection on how foxes positively contribute to our fragile ecosystems

Photo:KirstenFerguson

Photo:KirstenFerguson

Photo: KirstenFerguson

CapturingFox behaviourinphotos

Photo: Kirsten Ferguson

PHOTO STORIES

A RETURN TO EDINBURGH TATTOO

PhotographyEditor:Maggie Zhu

LOUISE ANDERBJÖRK

Every August, the city of Edinburgh undergoes a vibrant transformation as it hosts the largest arts festival in the world. Representing this international buzz to over 220,000 audience members every year is the The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo After a fantastic experience photographing the Tattoo last year, I was thrilled to be able to return this summer to, once again, witness its incredible atmosphere up close. A total of 800 cast members took the stage on the castle esplanade in the 2023 “Stories” programme, to create a dynamic experience built on precision, complexity and vastness in numbers. These characteristics of the Tattoo are just as exciting as they are challenging to a photographer As media on the ground, you are immersed into the show itself, and must figure out how to not accidentally end up in the way of 50 performers all on the move. Once that skill is perfected, you face the technical challenge of adjusting your settings to the changing lighting situations throughout the show, as projections appear on the castle walls, and live fire or mechanical spotlights suddenly light up different parts of every performance Additionally, multiple aspects of each number take place at the same time across the esplanade, leaving you little choice but to keep track of one event in the viewfinder, and another in the periphery of your free eye. It is therefore such a rewarding feeling to get comfortable with your camera settings and get that perfect shot at the Edinburgh Tattoo, as it truly allows you to explore what the exciting world of photojournalism has to offer

Photo:LouiseAnderbjörk

Photo:LouiseAnderbjörk

Photo:LouiseAnderbjörk

TheRoyalMilitary EdinburghTattoo

Photo: Louise Anderbjörk

PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

PRISMA PHOTO COMPETITION

It is our pleasure to congratulate the winner of PRISMA's January Photo Competition: StephanLaw

"ZhangjiajiinChinaisnotonlyfamousforitsjaw-droppinggeologicallandscape,butalsoforitsabundantwildlife.Oneexampleisthis Rhesusmacaquemotherwhoholdsherinfantclosetoherchest.”

To enter for your chance to be featured in our upcoming issue, submit a photo through the link on our social media!

Photo: Kirsten Ferguson