2David Hurn: An Ode to Wales
G.B. WALES. Rhondda Valley. Miners at the end of their shift. 1972
When David Hurn was five or six years of age, his mother took him to the National Museum of Wales. That experience of seeing the paintings and the sculptures had what the veteran Magnum photographer describes as “an extraordinary effect” on him. He particularly remembers his mother explaining how the museum came to have such artefacts through donation. “I loved the word donation,” he says, “I apparently used to use the word all the time in sentences, so one could say that my ambition from being about six has been to donate something to the museum.”
3Color Photos of the 1939 New York World’s Fair
The famous theme of the 1939 New York World’s Fair was “The World of Tomorrow.” One part of that world, another theme showcased throughout the fair, was “electrification”— the growing use of electricity to light and power not only factories and businesses but also homes and public spaces. Photographer Peter Campbell captured many scenes from the fair in full color, both during the day and at night—when bright and colorful lighting washed over the pavilions, fountains, and sculptures throughout the fairgrounds. Be sure to also see earlier photo coverage here of the 1939 New York World’s Fair.
5Stunning Color Street Photography Captures the Spirit of Modern Tokyo
Street photographer RK began his voyage into the world of photography four years ago, first honing his skills on his iPhone. Now moving on the use a DSLR, his candid images taken on the streets of his native Tokyo weave a tale of the people and streets who make up this intriguing city.
RK’s work blends neon-saturated evening shots with touching portraits of people immersed in their environment. His portraits of shopkeepers and restaurant workers remind viewers that it’s these people who keep the streets humming and services flowing long after office hours. Their portraits draw the observer in, moving the eye across every inch of the image, one filled with detail.
“When taking street shots, I always focus on the moment and story at that time, not only the photo composition,” RK tells My Modern Met via email. “I may wait for hours in one spot just for one shot. I’m fascinated by this moment in Tokyo.”
6Capturing The Millennial Culture Of West Africa With Francis Kokoroko
With a keen interest in documenting the ever-evolving culture and everyday life around Africa, Francis Kokoroko’s work makes for stunning pictures that catch your attention immediately. Presently living in Accra, Ghana, his work spans across different West African cultures
“I enjoy shooting everyday life on the continent and also exploring cultures and social issues. I am drawn to these issues because I believe there is a backlog of stories on culture and social progression that has to be documented.
I enjoy stories that are progressive and insightful. For me, these stories present vital information on what is possible and looking beyond present limitations.”
7Powerful Photo Series Honors Midwives Around The World
Nurse Midwife Daniel Paulo at work in his ward for women who had caesarians or who have been admitted with complications pre and post partum. Kiomboi District Hospital, Kiomboi, Tanzania.
A beautiful series of photos is celebrating the work of midwives around the world.
The global nonprofit WaterAid captured new mothers and midwives in the earliest postpartum hours and days in the U.K., Malawi, Rwanda, Bangladesh, Canada and Tanzania. From their medical care to their emotional support to their guidance in caring for newborns, these midwives show how much they share in common with each other, regardless of where they work.
“Whether a mother gives birth in a state-of-the-art hospital or a rural clinic without access to clean water, all births share the same joy and an appreciation for the help of midwives,” Lisa Schechtman, U.S. Director of Policy and Advocacy at WaterAid, told HuffPost.
8This photographer travels the world capturing the beautiful bleakness of commuting
LesterJonesPhotography
Commuting is the devil.
Take a load of tired and grumpy humans, drop them on a train/bus that doesn’t have enough seats and costs the earth to ride, and you’ve got a recipe for unhappiness. But unfortunately, it’s the norm for millions of people around the world, five days a week, minimum. Photographer Lester Jones has traveled the world capturing the essence of commuting in a beautifully bleak photo series called Their Grind Not Mine, which he perfectly terms a global study of the psychology of commuting.
Lester’s photos are actually part of the reason I’m freelance – they made me realize how much I hate commuting and that I really can’t stand other human beings on public transport. Why are you all so rude/grumpy/miserable? He started sporadic street shots years ago after quitting his job and observing the commute as an outsider, and he’s been shooting the series properly for about 18 months now.
