PRISMA Issue 8

EditorialArticle

Pets&Photography: Aneverydayfriendand subjectmatter

by:AlexandraGodfrey

INSIDE FEATURES

INSIDE THIS ISSUE OF PRISMA

Editor-In-Chief: Louise Anderbjörk & Tristan Sharman

Unexpected Photo Journeys: Nathan Martin’s powerful story reveals the important role photography played in his mental health journey. The the journeys it takes you on makes it a valuable pastime for so many people.

Charming Gdansk: Micaela Suchá describes her visit to the vibrant city of Gdansk, Poland Its history and population, unique architecture, and social scene make the city a dynamic destination to visit.

Japan Travels: The unique landscape and environment of Japan forms the focus of Zsigmond’s story He describes unconventional techniques used to capture her shots, due to his limited travelling equipment.

Dolphin Photography: Colquhoun describes the incredible moment a pod of dolphins appeared alongside his boat. His photos reveals the fastpaced and dynamic nature of capturing such animal encounters

Cornwall Sites: Through her photos, Ogunkoya records her travels in Cornwall. This story focuses on her travels to sites such as St Michael’s Mount, Lands End, St Ives, and Tintagel Castle

Patient Photographer: Discussing his experience in bird photography, Jake Wilkins passes on his advice for aspiring photographers This includes the importance of patience, practice and enjoying the experience.

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:NathanMartin

Photo:MichaelaSuchá

Photo:MatthewColquhoun

Photo:KelilaOgunkoya

Photo:JakeWilkins

Photo:AttilaZsigmond

Photo: Michaela Suchá

EDITORIAL ARTICLE

PETS & PHOTOGRAPHY

EditorialEditor:Alexandra Godfrey

ALEXANDRA GODFREY

Hello again everyone!

I hope I am catching you in a good post-summer sun mood! I am thrilled to be back with another editorial this month, and am also very excited to share that, since I last wrote for PRISMA, I have commenced my year abroad. This year I will be living in both Paris, France and Bergen, Norway, and am hoping this will offer some new perspectives while writing for PRISMA For this article, I wanted to write about something which has recently become a big part of my life, which is pet photography It has not been long since I got my dog, but my camera roll is already FULL of the basic dog lovers’ content. We all see it constantly, the social media pages made by a pet-owner to show off their pride-andjoy, or accounts reposting ‘cute animal content’, but what do we usually think of when we think, ‘pet photography’? Do we think of a professional, posing and arranging a pup for a picture? Or, do we think of the funny photos and reels on instagram? Does it reach a network of all ages, or is it focused on certain groupslike the ‘live, laugh, love’ era of millennials? When most people scroll endlessly through Tiktok, Instagram, or whatever social media channel they may use, at some point in their hour (or five hours if we are being realistic) of screen time, they are bound to see something relating to a dog - or a cat if that is more up your alley Not only has this ‘domestic animal photography’ become extremely popular amongst professionals and businesses for various products’ creation, but it also encourages the everyday person to become more involved in creating content. Oftentimes there is an evident gap between the ‘professional’ and the ‘amateur’ photographer However, whilst you are likely to still be able to spot varying skill level in pet photos, I find that, in this specific field, people tend to care less about the quality of the image than the actual content. This is one of the few times that art-lovers may not prefer the highresolution photos from a staged session but, instead, may be just as, or even more, interested in the pixelated photos found on an old iPhone when scrolling Now, I am not saying professional pet photography doesn’t have a large following, but I think it is interesting to consider the respect amateur pet photographers receive compared to amateurs in other specific areas of photography. Most people adore dressing their pet up for their day as a ‘professional’ model, and they may love posting the results for the whole world to see, but it doesn’t necessarily get them more views than a simple

funny pet picture. There seems to be little difference in viewers’ interest in basic pet photography versus more advanced ones Personally, I think this can be seen as a good thing. Whilst it does not belittle professional photographers’ work on social media channels, it encourages others to become more involved in the craft It makes photography more inclusive and accessible, and can encourage the everyday person to learn new tips-and-tricks when it comes to photography, or videography. It encourages people to show interest in choosing their lighting techniques, specific camera angles, and everything else endlessly considered when aiming for a good shot, even if it is not with a professional camera Everyone loves a picture of their pet, and if pet photography gets the average person more engaged, especially if they have never shown interest or understanding of the photography world before, we should take it as a win! It could even encourage them to engage in more professional fields of photography, and contribute to the larger world of art! Hopefully from this you can consider yourselves all deemed photographers if you have a pet at home Get out and enjoy the last couple weeks of this warmer weather in Europe by photographing your pet, or just pets you see trotting out-and-about!

Photo: AlexandraGodfrey

Thepetisevery photographer’sfriend

Photo: Alexanadra Godfrey

PHOTO STORIES

UNEXPECTED PHOTO JOURNEYS

PhotographyEditor:Kailee Parsons

NATHAN MARTIN

All journeys have a beginning: some we control, others we must let fate decide The same is true of capturing a moment on your camera My photography journey was started by someone who’ll never be aware of the change they made to me, and I will be forever thankful. On a walk, I had a chance encounter with someone looking avidly out at what appeared to be mudflats. Asking him what he was looking at, he shared his time and showed me that what I had interpreted as a group of rocks, was actually a family of seals! He left me with simple advice, “Get some binoculars, you’ll be amazed at what you see ” And so I did Seeing birds and bugs I had no idea existed, it wasn’t long until I knew I needed a camera to identify what I was seeing. Snapping everything I came across, I spent hours out walking, before coming home and figuring out what I had seen. My photography addiction had begun, and more importantly, so had my healing process Before photography I was in a dark place I had little motivation to do activities, or anything to be excited for However, photography gave me all of this and more The feeling of seeing something new is like being an inquisitive child again: “What’s that? Why is it doing that?”. Similarly, the shock of capturing a moment that you can never recreate is unparalleled. Within a fraction of a second you own that moment The want to get outside in order to generate those feelings is the healthiest addiction I can recommend Photography saved me, but the message here isn’t to go buy a camera or some binoculars, but simply to be kind. You never know the impact you might just have on someone’s life.

Photo:NathanMartin

Photo:NathanMartin

Photo:NathanMartin

Unexpectedjourneys withphotography

Photo: Nathan Martin

PHOTO STORIES

Issue

8

A CHARMING GDANSK

MICHAELA SUCHÁ

Gdansk is located in northern Poland, and one of my favourite places to be. The city is diverse and dynamic, and I enjoy nothing more than strolling through its historical centre, admiring its old world atmosphere, and passing through galleries and museums I recommend going to the streets early in the morning to enjoy their emptiness, silence and peace. This particularly applies to the side streets rather than the main one. I was amazed by the tall narrow buildings standing side by side, their wonderful doors and windows, cafés, and charming shops on the ground floor The city also possesses a fascinating history For example, within its Museum of the Second World War I learned that World War II started in Gdansk This history in turn affected the surrounding architecture, with about 90% of Gdansk’s buildings destroyed in World War II, thus the buildings are now relatively modern. Gdansk has always been a very important port; large ship cranes complete its image, alongside the towers of the historic centre We most enjoyed the visit to 100cznia (shipyard) It is a really impressive place to visit, made mostly of old transport containers and recycled steel and wood You can taste foreign dishes in one of the street stalls, relax on the city beach, enjoy the culture, visit a street art gallery, go to a concert, practice yoga, attend a workshop, and so much more. Moreover, the 100cznia project supports various social and ecological themes The city is a magical place to visit, with a lot of activities to do I am really looking forward to our next visit, and perhaps explore other districts outside the historical centre

Photo:MichaelaSuchá

Photo:MichaelaSuchá

Photo:MichaelaSuchá

Photo: Michaela Suchá

PHOTO STORIES

JAPAN TRAVELS THROUGH A LENS

PhotographyEditor:Maggie Zhu

ATTILA ZSIGMOND

While travelling through Japan, I found myself constantly amazed at the natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes that the country had to offer. One thing, however, captured my imagination more than anything else: the Japanese sky Every evening, I was blown away at the stunning sunsets and richly coloured clouds that lit up the world around me. A large portion of my trip was spent in Okinawa Prefecture, a collection of tropical islands scattered between the Japanese mainland and Taiwan. The beautiful beaches and accessibility to the ocean afforded me the opportunity to photograph the interplay between the light of the setting sun and its reflection on the water After the sun would set, the isolation of many of the smaller islands offered an almost perfect darkness. As the last light would fade, the stars would emerge in all their glory. Due to the nature of my trip, I was forced to make do with minimal equipment, only my Canon EOS R6 and a 24-105mm lens; notably absent was a tripod. I found myself shooting largely in low-light conditions, so I was forced to get creative in order to get the stability required for long exposure shots I often would use backpacks or even put the camera on the ground; the low vantage points offered unique angles that I had not explored before and is present in most of the pictures you see. I, like many, have always enjoyed the opportunity that photography offers to capture memories, and put them away for safekeeping The memory of the sea breeze against my skin while watching the Japanese sun slowly retire for the night will stay with me for a lifetime

Photo:AttilaZsigmond

Photo:AttilaZsigmond

Photo:AttilaZsigmond

TheJapanesesky anditsreflections

Photo: Attila Zsigmond

PHOTO STORIES

DOLPHIN PHOTOGRAPHY

PhotographyEditor:Kailee Parsons

MATTHEW COLQUHOUN

A strange but wonderful tradition that has become part of my family holidays is to get aboard boat trips to try and spot sea creatures I blame the frequent midlockdown “if we could travel ” discussions, recounting memories of flying fish and distant fins, for igniting the obsession. This summer we were lucky enough to take a family holiday to the Maldives. It swiftly became my dad’s personal mission that we would see dolphins aboard a boat before the holiday was done! The trips, of course, always began with a repeated disclaimer that in wildlife spotting, there is no guarantee of success After 45 minutes on the water, we’d resigned ourselves to just enjoying watching the islands pass until suddenly we found the largest pod of dolphins I had ever seen. All around us these animals jumped out of the water with the signature style of spinner dolphins. Roughly ten fins were always visible, but there were likely over a hundred swimming just out of sight! Watching the dolphins race alongside the boat was an incredible moment It was a truly amazing feeling to be running around the front of the boat (in a half-squat to keep stable!) both trying to photograph the dolphins whilst also taking time to enjoy seeing them myself. Photographing these beautiful creatures was a true testament to the idea that you have to be the one ready for the wildlife, rather than your subject being ready for you Not only must you take wild guesses on where to travel, but also in the moment being aware of when one will start to jump or start swimming within view. It’s an experience I’ll never forget and I’ll always love these photos I have to show for it!

Photo:MatthewColquhoun

Photo:MatthewColquhoun

Photo:MatthewColquhoun

Dolphinsin theMaldives

Photo: Matthew Colquhoun

PHOTO STORIES

CAPTURING CORNWALL SITES

PhotographyEditor:Kailee Parsons

KELILA OGUNKOYA

Something I really wanted to do this year was spend more time exploring the amazing island of Britain. For my first trip I completed a tour around the beautiful Scottish Highlands, and have since been making my way down South My first day in Cornwall I headed to the wonderful island of St Michael’s Mount, but naturally I picked the one day it was closed. However, this did not matter once I realised that the view from the beach is still breath-taking. Legends have it that the Mount was built by a giant called Cormoran. Cormoran would steal cows and sheep that grazed on the mainland, until he was slayed by 'Jack the Giant Killer' After this section of my trip, I moved on to Lands End, and went for a walk around St Ives to end the day. St Ives was beautiful, and I sat at the harbour watching the lapping waves. There’s something about watching and listening to the waves that is so calming, and this made it the best way to end the day. Next I made my way to The Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Seal Sanctuary The Sanctuary has been around for over 60 years and they rehabilitate around 70 seals a year I grew particularly fond of one friendly blind seal, a permanent resident of the site. I finished my trip with a visit to Tintagel Castle to see the mighty King Arthur statue. The bronze sculpture, completed in 2016, has the most amazing backdrop. I walked down to Holywell Bay beach, put my feet in the water, and watched the sunset Since getting into photography I have been able to visit some amazing places and I am looking forward to continuing my explorations!

Photo:KelilaOgunkoya

Photo:KelilaOgunkoya

Photo:KelilaOgunkoya

KingArthurStatue, atTintagelCastle

Photo: Kelila Ogunkoya

PHOTO STORIES

THE PATIENT PHOTOGRAPHER

PhotographyEditor:Maggie Zhu

JAKE WILKINS

As I have developed my photography skills and met other photographers over the past few years, I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks that I wish I was told about when I first started. Firstly, be patient. Don’t expect to get the perfect shot within the first hour Be prepared to sit in the same spot for multiple hours, or even to have to return over numerous days, to get the shot you want After all, we cannot command the actions of wild animals, and if they want to perch in a tree for several hours then they will. Use this time to understand your subject and experiment with different photography styles and techniques. Secondly, fully understand your equipment You don’t need the most expensive camera to achieve the best photos You can still get great photos with cheaper equipment if you learn the ins and outs of how your camera works. Once you know this, you will be able to unlock its full potential. Try and get eye level with your subject. Getting on the same level as the animal you are photographing will allow you to create a more immersive feeling within your pictures, which is more likely to engage the audience This is not always possible, especially with birds, but when you can do so, it can really add a whole new dimension to the photo Finally, do not forget to enjoy the experience. Most people get into wildlife photography because they like being outdoors and surrounded by nature. It is easy to get so caught up in trying to get the best shot that we forget why we started the hobby and the pleasure it brings us Take your time to appreciate your surroundings!

Photo: JakeWilkins

Photo: JakeWilkins

Photo: JakeWilkins

Ateyelevelwith nature

Photo: Jake Wilkins

PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

PRISMA PHOTO COMPETITION

It is our pleasure to congratulate the winner of PRISMA's September Photo Competition: HarryMorgan-Grenville

"AphotoshowingHofburg,theimperialwinterpalaceoftheHabsburgdynastyinCentralVienna,inSeptember2022."

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

Photo: Nathan Martin

Cover art: Jake Wilkins