A beautiful story emerging from an obscure past

New generations of Americans, along with many from the current generation, need to be reminded of this critical chapter in history. It was a time when a nation sought to expand its territory, unknowingly opening a Pandora's box of consequences—shaping geopolitics, fueling conflicts, and altering the course of global history.

AFP photographer Eric Schwab recorded the horrors of the Holocaust -- the crematoria, the piles of skeletal bodies and emaciated faces -- as he went from one Nazi extermination camp to the next in the spring of 1945 searching for his mother. Source.

This article from France24 highlights a deeply moving and personal story of an AFP photographer's journey to uncover his mother's harrowing experience in Nazi concentration camps. It sheds light on the intergenerational impact of trauma, the resilience of survivors, and the power of photography as a medium to connect with history and preserve it for future generations.

The story is particularly compelling because it intertwines the personal with the historical, reminding us that behind every statistic or historical account lies a human story of pain, courage, and survival. It also underscores the role of photography in documenting truths that may otherwise be lost to time.

This account serves as an important reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust and the importance of continuing to educate people about it, especially in an era where misinformation and denial persist. It’s a powerful testament to how personal narratives can bring history to life and ensure that we never forget.

The role of photography documenting history

There’s no doubt in my mind that photography plays a vital role in documenting history—perhaps even more so than video. While browsing Flickr for street photography, I came across an album created by Eran Horn, an amateur photographer from Israel.

Through his lens, he has captured the unfolding events surrounding the potential liberation of prisoners held by Hamas.

His black-and-white photographs are truly remarkable, conveying the deep sadness and dramatic intensity of the moment with profound impact.

Photo by Eran Horn.

A different type of landscape photography

When people hear about landscape photography, they often imagine a pristine image of nature, free of any man-made elements. However, I believe this perception is limiting. The image below demonstrates that landscape photography can thrive in an urban environment, showcasing how human-made elements can complement or contrast with the natural surroundings to create compelling compositions.

Beauty is everywhere, just keep your eyes open and your camera ready.

From last weekend, picture analysis

This is a beautiful close-up image of a flower with a strong focus on its details. Here is why I like this picture.

Picture taken using a Canon R6 w/EF100-400L Mk2.

The flower is positioned slightly off-center, adhering to the rule of thirds, which makes the composition more engaging. The surrounding blurred background effectively isolates the subject, ensuring the viewer's attention is drawn to the flower.

The lighting highlights the delicate texture of the petals and the vibrant yellow of the flower's center. The contrast between the bright flower and the darker, muted background creates a dramatic effect that makes the subject pop.

The shallow depth of field is skillfully used, blurring the background while keeping the flower in sharp focus. This technique enhances the sense of depth and draws attention to the intricate details of the flower.

The natural white and yellow tones of the flower contrast beautifully with the dark green and brown tones in the background. This contrast adds vibrancy and emphasizes the subject further.

The overall mood of the photo is serene and introspective. The dark background gives it a sense of mystery, while the flower itself symbolizes life and beauty amidst simplicity.

Are extenders good?

Yes, if you know how and when to use them. But you better watch this video from Simon d’Entremont, a wildlife photographer who has taken more than 500,000 photos using them!

6 ways to get the best image quality

This video from Duade Paton was shot 3 years ago and still valid today. One thing I love from this photographer is that gives you tips that will not require you to buy super expensive gear. Even more he gave you the required information for you to buy good old lenses that still work well with your Canon camera. 

Is the digital camera market recovering?

It's no secret that the digital camera market has shrunk in recent years. According to some analysts, this trend is primarily due to the rise of smartphones with better cameras and the impact of the pandemic.

However, a recent report published by PetaPixel indicates that digital camera sales in Japan increased in 2024 compared to 2023.

Canon’s sales volume in 2024 was 151.4% of its 2023 level. Fujifilm landed in second place with an 18.6% market share.

Market Recovery Indicators:

• Increased Shipments: The Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA) reported that global shipments of mirrorless cameras reached approximately $17 billion in the first half of 2023, marking a 20% year-over-year increase and setting a record high for the third consecutive year.

• Growth Projections: The global digital camera market size was valued at USD 7.16 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% from 2024 to 2030.

The shift towards smartphones with advanced camera capabilities continues to impact the digital camera market, necessitating innovation and adaptation from traditional camera manufacturers.

I believe digital cameras will always have a market, even as they compete with smartphones. The fact remains that, due to size limitations, the image quality of photos taken with smartphones cannot match that of mirrorless cameras. Over time, lenses and digital cameras will continue to become smaller and more efficient, but their superior image quality will ensure their place in the market.