Montage Vol. 1

Life is like a journey, full of twists and turns. We often have to let go of things that are holding us back, even though it can be challenging. These times of loss are like stepping stones that help us grow. Losing what we know can be the first step to rediscovering ourselves, and it holds significance in fostering our progress. It"s a reminder that in the cycle of life, losing can lead to finding ourselves again, even stronger and wiser. 

Sometimes, we need to lose ourselves to find ourselves again.

Losing Myself to find Myself again

it is just as important to face yourself in reflecting as it is to look through and within.

_CLEARROR

History:

Baile Herculane in Romania is known to only a few people, and Terme Neptun even less. 
Yet this was one of the most magnificent spas in Europe. The Habsburgs, in particular the glamorous imperial couple of the time, Sissi and Franz, were regular guests here for relaxation. 
During the years that Romania was exposed to communism, the place slowly decayed until at one point it was only a shadow of its former glory. 
Today, an initiative of volunteers is working to breathe new life into the numerous magnificent buildings. A mammoth task

Here you are standing in one of the beautiful corridors of Terme Neptun, which was built in the style of the Belle Epoche. There are three of them all shining in different colors. 

From the individual corridors, which led from an imposing entrance hall, one could reach the termal area.

Ad Aquas Herculis Sacras

Expressing a desire for more knowledge, humans have turned their gaze toward the stars. On the verge of night collapsing into the remains of the day, a vast expanse of cracking desert vibrates with a low hum. It"s eerily quiet otherwise, but the earth is vibrating, and mysterious visions lurk on the edges of this bone-dry valley.

Racetrack Playa, hidden deep within Death Valley, is a tough nut to crack. Not only have scientists puzzled over these massive rocks that seemingly sail across the desert floor, but the journey to and from the playa takes four bone-shaking, head-spinning hours each way on an off-road route. Made it with all four wheels intact? Consider yourself very lucky indeed.

The three stones form a triangle, the strongest and most mysterious shape known to humanity. The light emanates from above, years before drone technology even began to emerge from the factories of the Far East. In a seemingly improbable event, all three stones have a heavenly light directed at them and almost appear to float in the dry desert air.

The dark, heavy blanket of the night sky is opening its cavernous mouth, poised to engulf us whole in one effortless gulp.


Ev Tchebotarev
Racetrack Playa, Death Valley, California
5616 x 3744 px

Ancient Chronicles

Gloomy Toronto winter days are short and often accompanied by a sharp cold snap descending on the city. During some fleeting moments when the gloom appears endless and darkness looms, a ray of warm, liquid honey sunset breaks through, treating us to a memorable light show.

As I captured this scene from above, I was flying my drone just a few minutes after an oppressive snowstorm had blanketed the city in fresh, brilliant white powder. The winds were stormy, with flurries swirling wildly, and the juxtaposition of the honey-colored sun against the pristine white ground and railway tracks created a surreal tableau.


You used to call me on my cell phone
Late-night when you need my love
Call me on my cell phone
Late-night when you need my love
I know when that hotline bling
That can only mean one thing
I know when that hotline bling
That can only mean one thing 

 "Hotline Bling" by Drake

Six Bling

"Swimming Dream"" - An Oasis in the heart of Lenis Maranhenses, Brazil. After 3 days of dune trekking, the ultimate reward for an adventurous spirit! This photo was featured on The National Geographic Your Shot, BBC Brasil, and a finalist in The Nature Conservancy"s 2023 Global Photo Contest.

About the Location:
Lenis Maranhenses National Park is a park in Maranho state in northeastern Brazil. It is a unique place in the world: a mixture of pristine desert landscapes of dunes and oases with crystal clear natural lagoons. This trip consists of an adventure that brings all the richness and essence of this place. In 2018, I spent five days traveling across this landscape from Canto de Atins to Santo Amaro. There were roughly 50 miles of dune walking and hammock-sleeping through the native-inhabited oases. A really singular adventure that leaves behind great memories, friends, images and much more respect for the power of nature.

The National Geographic Editor"s Testimonial:
 "I agree with Your Shot photographer Alexander Glavtchev who commented, "What a dream this is swimming in these emerald waters right by the bright dunes. Beautiful view!" I am extremely envious of this moment right now, as it is cold and snowy where I am. I would love to be in the sun swimming. I love how wide you shot this frame, not only revealing a sense of place, but also that no one else is around, making this feel even more private and special. I love it."
DAVID LEE - Producer, Nat Geo Your Shot.

License: Extended Editorial. 
Can be used to display privately, or in commercial and non-commercial settings, or in groups with an unlimited number of participants. The license includes unlimited use and display in virtual or physical galleries, documentaries, and essays by the NFT holder. Provides no rights to create commercial merchandise, commercial distribution, or derivative works. Copyright remains with the creator.

Swimming Dream

Rodeo Beach, Sausalito, California 

Ever since my childhood, I have been drawn to the ocean. I grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan, the closest thing to an ocean Chicago has to offer, but that Great Lake paled in comparison to the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans where my family and I would occasionally vacation. I became a professional photographer in the late 1980s.

I worked at Chicago newspapers until 2014 when I accepted a job at the San Francisco Chronicle. It was here in Northern California that I started making moody abstract images of the Pacific Ocean that I have dubbed my "Pacific Series." These photos fit perfectly into the genre of photography that I love to create- images at the intersection of beauty and sadness.

As an extension of my Pacific Series, I began to use Photoshop to cut out pieces of the images and splice them back together into "Pacific Pieces."

Pacific Pieces- Rodeo Beach Sunset

Ever since my childhood, I have been drawn to the ocean. I grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan, the closest thing to an ocean Chicago has to offer, but that Great Lake paled in comparison to the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans where my family and I would occasionally vacation. I became a professional photographer in the late 1980s.

I worked at Chicago newspapers until 2014 when I accepted a job at the San Francisco Chronicle. It was here in Northern California that I started making moody abstract images of the Pacific Ocean. These photos, which I call Pacific Series fit perfectly into the genre of photography that I love to create- images at the intersection of beauty and sadness.

As an extension of my Pacific Series images, I started using Photoshop to combine two or more images by splicing them into new statements. These images are part of my Pacific Pieces project.

During one of my long-term stays in Japan, I had a book titled "Musashi: An Epic Novel of the Samurai Era," a classic novel about Japan"s most famous samurai, Miyamoto Musashi. It was first published in 1935 and covers the events of the 1600s. During this epic journey, spanning 984 pages, I envisioned the Land of the Rising Sun while being in its modern version.

This journey reminded me of Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion, a Zen temple in Kyoto. At the time when the events of Musashi"s life were unfolding, this Zen temple was already standing in its current location. I dedicate this to brave explorers. 

"Do not attempt to oppose the way of the universe. But first, make sure you know the way of the universe."

Golden Era

The earth, our primal womb, has cradled us since time immemorial. The soft ripples in the water symbolize the constant flow of life, echoing the rhythms of nature that have sustained us for generations. These three women, in their vulnerability and authenticity, stand as symbols of the human experience, returning to the embrace of the earth from which we all emerge. 

Immersed in the refreshing waters, their forms bathed in the soft, diffused light of a gentle rain shower, appear as if they are returning to the very source from which all life originates. Each raindrop, as it caresses their skin, serves as a delicate reminder of the Earth"s loving touch, nourishing us and quenching our thirst for sustenance.

"Earth | Womb" invites us to ponder the profound interconnectedness between humanity and our planet. It prompts us to recognize the Earth as our sacred mother, the ultimate source of our existence. This captivating image beckons us to reflect on our role as stewards of this precious world, reminding us to cherish and preserve the nurturing spirit of the Earth, from which we all spring forth.

Photographed in Phuket, Thailand on July 28th 2023
Models: Niki, Kate and Kloy

A special thank you to @Photos_by_MVP - a master photographer and printer who I have the privilege of calling a friend. This photograph was created on a trip together.


Earth | Womb

The Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) is a magnificent and captivating species, known for its striking beauty and adaptability to diverse habitats across the Indian subcontinent. These enigmatic and powerful creatures have long been associated with charisma and have a prominent place in the folklore and mythology of many Indian cultures. 

Indian Leopards have a golden-yellow to tawny coat covered with beautiful black rosettes. These rosettes are unique to each leopard and serve as camouflage in their natural habitat. Leopards are renowned for their sleek and agile bodies. Their lithe and muscular physique allows them to move silently and with incredible grace through various terrains, whether it"s dense forests, grasslands, or rocky landscapes. They are masters of stealth and patience. They can stalk their prey silently for long distances, displaying remarkable patience and focus. 

Their stalking behaviour, combined with their incredible speed when they choose to pounce, adds to their allure giving them this metaphor of Flying Ghost.  In this context, it represents the elusive and swift nature of the leopard. Just as a ghost is intangible and often invisible, leopards are hard to pin down or understand fully. When the moment is right, leopards can unleash bursts of incredible speed and power. They can leap great distances and heights to pounce on their prey with lightning-fast reflexes, often incapacitating their target with a single bite to the throat. 

Due to their swift action one has to be prompt and alert to photograph them which often is not difficult. But I attempted to make it a little creative and different by clicking this panning image of a Leopard when it crossed our vehicle during a jungle safari in the beautiful forest of Sasan Gir in India. Post-processed in Adobe Lightroom to monochrome to make it visually more appealing for this metaphor. 


About artist:
Dr Brijesh Makadia is from Rajkot in India. By profession, Im a consulting physician and by passion, I"m a photographer. Wildlife and nature photography are my key areas of interest. With a camera as a tool when used efficiently we can capture moments, and stories and share them with the rest of the World. An image is a very powerful document which not only stores information but it is proof of the event and story which can be used for many purposes. As a photographer, my goal is to capture stories in the form of images. Photos have the power to help you relive a specific moment in time and recall all of the emotions and details surrounding that moment. 

Wildlife photography is an evolving art. I"m always learning new techniques, adapting to changing technologies and refining my understanding of different species" behaviours. This keeps the experience fresh and exciting, no matter how many years I"ve been behind the camera. In the end, being a wildlife photographer is about capturing moments of awe and wonder, sharing the magnificence of nature, and inspiring others to appreciate and protect the incredible diversity of life on our planet.

License: Primary NFT holder is free to use in display privately and in groups, including virtual galleries, documentaries, and essays by the holder of the NFT, as long as the creator is credited. Provides no rights to create commercial merchandise, commercial distribution, or derivative works. Copyright remains with the creator. 



Flying Ghost

While many people stay at home and laze around on rainy weekend days, on the contrary I like to go out, inhale the smell of fresh wet soil and discover new places to capture moments. That Sunday, a series of cliffs extending beyond the hills on the coast on the Urkmez side caught my attention. Reaching these beautiful cliffs by chance I discovered a narrow, secret path that would not be noticed by anyone. The weather was rainy and I waited patiently for the rain to stop for 3.5 hours because something inside me told that the sky, clouds and sun rays would present me with one of the craziest shots that I expected.

Captured this photo around 2 minutes long exposure with ND and GND Filters.

Expectancy

Ever since my childhood, I have been drawn to the ocean. I grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan, the closest thing to an ocean Chicago has to offer, but that Great Lake paled in comparison to the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans where my family and I would occasionally vacation. I became a professional photographer in the late 1980s.
I worked at Chicago newspapers until 2014 when I accepted a job at the San Francisco Chronicle. It was here in Northern California that I started making moody abstract images of the Pacific Ocean. This set of photos that I call Pacific Series fit perfectly into the genre of photography that I love to create- images at the intersection of beauty and sadness.
As an extension of that work, I began to combine multiple images into collages. I call these creations Pacific Pieces.


Artist: Dan Woo (BanthaFodderDan)
1/1
License: Extended Editorial

In this shot, the focal point is the store owner, a steadfast figure amidst a chaotic mosaic of reflections. The image encapsulates the whirlwind of modern life, portraying the owner as a nexus of calm and focus amidst a swirling landscape of distractions. Each reflection, a fragment of thoughts and the vibrant world outside, creates a beautiful yet fragmented symphony that plays in harmony with the owner"s concentrated demeanor.

As eyes traverse the rich tapestry depicted in this frame, they witness the remarkable dance between chaos and tranquility, external hustle and internal peace. The photograph serves as a testimony to the human capacity to find a focused pathway in a storm of distractions, crafting a silent narrative of resilience and the art of mastering one"s mind amidst the vibrant echoes of urban life. It is a reminder of the beauty in chaos and the inherent power to cultivate clarity even when our thoughts seem to be spinning uncontrollably.

Mind Mlange in Golden Paradise

"Komondor" is the first artwork released through the "When Dogs Fly" collection.  The added dimension and unpredictable results brought by capturing dogs in flight highlights animals in a different, more organic form. The precise moment of capture and the light carefully placed to provide shape combine to present a thought-provoking photograph.

Komondor

"Puli" is the second artwork released through the "When Dogs Fly" collection.  The added dimension and unpredictable results brought by capturing dogs in flight highlights animals in a different, more organic form. The precise moment of capture and the light carefully placed to provide shape combine to present a thought-provoking photograph.

Puli

This composite artwork began with a macro shot of a window screen taken during a winter storm. The glistening ice in the square grid reminded me of illuminated windows in a skyscraper. 

Originally, I intended to use the photo as the basis for a series of independent abstract representations of a city. But as I began digitally sculpting the compositional elements and creating a sense of three dimensionality, I saw a city in the midst of a metrovolution. The metrovolution, as it were, began with the inchoate and became more defined as the city took shape. I realized that the artwork needed a finishing point, so I incorporated a silhouetted image of New York City that I had taken from a train window. The skyline marked the completion of the process, from disorganized raw energy to a fully articulated metropolis.  

I created a version for each season, using an appropriate color palette and toning, and adding appropriate elements to the sky. This allowed me to depict the annual cycle of change.

The Metrovolution artwork has been juried into numerous physical and online exhibits. For physical exhibits, I typically print the series on high-gloss aluminum. 


Metrovolution: Winter

This composite artwork began with a macro shot of a window screen taken during a winter storm. The glistening ice in the square grid reminded me of illuminated windows in a skyscraper. 

Originally, I intended to use the photo as the basis for a series of independent abstract representations of a city. But as I began digitally sculpting the compositional elements and creating a sense of three dimensionality, I saw a city in the midst of a metrovolution. The metrovolution, as it were, began with the inchoate and became more defined as the city took shape. I realized that the artwork needed a finishing point, so I incorporated a silhouetted image of New York City that I had taken from a train window. The skyline marked the completion of the process, from disorganized raw energy to a fully articulated metropolis.  

I created a version for each season, using an appropriate color palette and toning, and adding appropriate elements to the sky. This allowed me to depict the annual cycle of change.

The Metrovolution artwork has been juried into numerous physical and online exhibits. For physical exhibits, I typically print the series on high-gloss aluminum. 
 
