Category: WOW

Celebrities post some of the most bizarre pictures on Instagram, and they don’t go unnoticed by comedienne Celeste Barber. In her long-running #CelesteChallengeAccepted series, she points out just how ridiculous some of these photos can appear to us lay people. The strange poses, weird outfits, and off-the-wall props are all mimicked by Barber to hilarious effect. By simply trying to recreate the celebrity portraits, she makes their absurdity all the more apparent.

No one is safe from Barber’s parody, which is part of the appeal of her wildly popular Instagram account. Barber, like many, is a mom who has the same problems as the rest of us, and she knocks the shine off these unattainable lifestyles by showing that they aren’t as great as they seem—divorced from any context, they’re actually pretty weird.

She even got her husband to join in:

Celeste Barber: Website | Instagram | Facebook

When we look into the depths of open water, it’s impossible to know what treasures may lurk deep below the surface. Researchers from the University of Southampton’s Center for Maritime Archaeology and the Black Sea Marine Archeology Project (Black Sea MAP) uncovered some hidden treasure while researching the Bulgarian waters of the Black Sea. Using two Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), researchers recently discovered more than 40 well-preserved medieval shipwrecks. The shocking discovery is a bonus for the scientists, who are studying how water levels rose following the last Ice Age. This unexpected “treasure chest” was a welcome surprise.

Throughout medieval European history, Bulgaria was a key regional power—rivaling Byzantium. With power surely came the riches, which reveal themselves in ornate filagreed belt buckles and sword handles, as well as the immense ships themselves. With the precise history of the ships still a mystery, it’s impossible to date them precisely. However, by all appearances, they seem to be from the Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman Empires, which would date them anywhere from the 9th to the 19th centuries. The shipwrecks are shockingly well-preserved due to the special anoxic—low oxygen—conditions of the Black Sea. Deep levels of water do not mix with the upper levels that receive oxygen from the atmosphere, making them the perfect environment for preservation.

And just how were these images captured? Submerged up to 5,905 feet, the ROVs set a new record for the depths visited in order to record the shipwrecks. The resulting images are the result of innovative new technology. “Using the latest 3D recording technique for underwater structures, we’ve been able to capture some astonishing images without disturbing the sea bed,” explains Professor Jon Adams, Founding Director of the Center for Maritime Archeology and Principle Investigator on the Black Sea MAP. “We are now among the very best exponents of this practice methodology and certainly no-one has achieved models of this completeness on shipwrecks at these depths.”

The ROVs take thousands of photographs of the archeological discoveries, which are then used to find millions of 3D points. Through the process of photogrammetry, these points construct a 3D model. The images we see here are renderings of the model, overlaid with the colors and textures from the photos. This elaborate process takes several days to complete and, in this case, took six computers running 24 hours a day.

The result is an astonishing glimpse of what untold history lays below the sea.

Black Sea MAP: Website
Center for Marine Archeology: Website

via [IFL Science]

All images via Expedition and Education Foundation/Black Sea MAP.

Inspiration can strike anywhere—and often, it’s in the oddest of ways. Fueled by boredom during a car ride, Redditor Fouad_Osama tried to amuse himself by folding a $5 bill in half and trying to match it to his face. Thanks to his beard, a few uncanny similarities, and just the right angle, he successfully transformed himself into a bizarre—yet oddly delightful—hybrid of former president Abraham Lincoln.

Fouad_Osama’s trick quickly caught the attention of other Redditors and inspired them to make their own money face. Whether it’s another $5 or the £10, a simple folded bank note offers lighthearted amusement that anyone can try. The forced perspective photo trick even sparked its own subreddit called OnTheMoney, which features a trove of currency characters by others who have completed the challenge.

Above photo credit: Fouad_Osama

Photo credit: JesseJacksome

Photo credit: JesseJacksome

Photo credit: Darthsmee

Photo credit: Reddit

Photo credit: loudsue

Photo credit: SeanMcGettigan

Photo credit: beano52

via [Mashable]

British photographer Adam Bird immediately caught our attention with his lush, fantastical imagery. The 19-year-old fine art and fashion photographer is shooting friends, models, and even himself, in situations that are one part fairy tale, one part Surrealist painting, and one part Pink Floyd album cover. The cool, muted colors help give his work a melancholy feel, with his figures often shot from behind or with downcast eyes. As the viewer, we are transported into Bird’s fantasy world, taken along for a quasi-cinematic ride.

Bird discovered his love of photography in 2012, and inspired by nature and fairy tales, he’s set about honing his craft. Already editing pre-existing photos, he then set about using that skill on his own images—resulting in artistically stunning photographs limited only by his imagination. We recently had a chat with Adam about his work and what we can expect from him next. Read on below for our exclusive interview.

Your photos almost look like surrealist paintings. What inspires your photography style?

The inspiration behind my work comes from a lot of places and can hit me at any time. It could just be a mood that I’m feeling or simply the weather on the day of a shoot. My style of photography is greatly inspired by other photographers and artists too, such as Tim Walker. I love the surreal and playful aspect behind his work and how his images can hold your attention and make you think.

As someone who occasionally inserts drawings into his photography, how do you think mixing in other mediums can enhance the final image?

I practiced with a similar technique at college before but it was not so successful. I think mixing mediums like drawing and photography makes for a much more interesting image. It allows me to play on my imagination and create images with a magical aspect in them.

You’ve also been known to include self-made props, as opposed to ones that are digitally added in post-production. How would you say this affects your final image?

I’ve actually made props for several of my photos now. Digitally adding them is always fun but I much prefer to have a physical prop on set. It allows your subject to interact with the scene and also creates a sense of believability.

You decided to pose for the first photo yourself because the water was extremely cold, and you didn’t want to put a model in that situation. How did it feel to be on the other side of the lens?

I’ve been experimenting with self-portraiture lately and I’m quite enjoying it. At first it felt strange to be on the other side of the lens, but the shoots are usually quicker as I know exactly what I need to capture. It has helped me a lot with direction too and how to make my models feel more comfortable in front of the camera.

What role does nature play in your photography?

I love the outdoors. Shooting in a studio just doesn’t do it for me and being outside with nature gives me a ton more possibilities when creating surreal scenes. However, one day I’d like to look into set building and bringing the outdoors in!

Do you have any particular image that has special significance for you?

I do! The above image was the first time I worked with a professional model and it kind of got the ball rolling for me to work with a team.

We love seeing how your work has developed. Do you have any upcoming projects people should look out for?

I do! I’m currently working on an Alice in Wonderland series and I’m in the process of making a giant teacup prop! Keep an eye on my Facebook page for updates on it!

Get a behind-the-scenes look at Adam’s photoshoots to see how he achieves these incredible shots.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnD-LnX5kK8&w=750&h=422]

Adam Bird Photography: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Flickr

My Modern Met granted permission to use images by Adam Bird.

Brazilian artist Tatiane Freitas blends classic and contemporary design for her My New Old Chair series. In a twist on kintsugi—a Japanese tradition where fractured pottery is repaired with gold—broken furniture is revitalized through the addition of acrylic resin. The resulting contemporary, yet vintage, pieces demonstrate a harmony of opposing forces. In fact, it’s this push and pull that interests the artist. By harnessing the memory of what was, and adding to the empty space, she at once honors the past, yet leaves room for future memories.

Her mixing of materials demonstrates a “clear wish to create pieces which will endure the harshness of time, and therefore bring to their new owners the memories evoked in her, many lost in history.” Freitas, who recently showed work at Guy Hepner in New York, succeeds in highlighting the original wood material. This is owed to her creative selection of translucent acrylic, which renders the pieces functional and modern, yet melts away visually. Thus, old and new coexist harmoniously, proving that these opposing themes are not mutually exclusive—causing viewers to ruminate on what the word “broken” truly signifies.

Tatiane Freitas: Website | Instagram
via [Colossal]

All images via Tatiane Freitas.

In 2015, The Monster Project gave one group of lucky children the chance to bring their dreamy drawings of monsters to life. Now, one year later, the make-believe beasts are back, thanks to talented artists, imaginative children, and a successful Kickstarter campaign.

The Monster Project is an inventive initiative that invites artists from around the world to recreate elementary school students’ monster-themed masterpieces. With little limitation and ample artistic freedom, the children design, draw, and color creatures from their wildest dreams. The finished compositions are then sent to artists—including painters, illustrators, designers, animators, and even sculptors—around the world, who recreate them in their respective mediums of choice. The Monster Project volunteer team then returns the completed copies to the budding artists, who get to take the wondrous works of art home.

In addition to revitalizing the arts in education—a main mission of the ongoing project—the program also aims to promote individuality, encourage creativity, and legitimize each child’s artistic talent. “By collaborating with the students and finding inspiration from their imaginings, we hope to help them recognize the value of their ideas and make them feel excited about the potential of their own minds,” The Monster Project’s website states. “Creativity comes in many forms, and we hope to encourage their exploration of their own unique perceptions of the world we share. And, while we’re at it, we want to introduce to them the notion of art as a legitimate career path.”

If you think your school or organization should be The Monster Project’s next stop, you can apply through its website.

The Monster Project: Website | Twitter | Instagram
via [Faith is Torment]

All images via The Monster Project.

Washington-based photographer Jeremy Veach delightfully demonstrates that dog is man’s best friend. While Veach specializes in weddings, portraiture, and commercial work, his main muse and model is Norm, his adorable little pug. His popular Instagram page is filled with photos of his furry friend as he dons comical costumes, strikes humorous human-like poses (including obligatory social media selfies), and joins Veach on countless adventures.

Veach adopted Norm in 2012 when the tiny pup was just 8-weeks-old. The duo quickly became inseparable, and Veach decided to document their daily escapades for his Instagram account. Unsurprisingly, the personality-filled pug was a hit, and, four years later, he has nearly 340,000 loyal followers.

Veach now works as a professional photographer, but his dog days are not over; he still regularly updates his Instagram with shots of Norm, sharing photos of his little travel buddy everywhere he goes—from laundromat trips and coffee runs to seaside treks and scenic hikes. Though the pint-sized pug is clearly an avid adventurer, he still enjoys his days at home, whether he’s snuggled in bed, lounging on the couch, or trying on quirky accessories. 

Visit Veach’s Instagram or scroll through his professional portfolio—available on the website for his adorably named company, Norm & Co.—for more photos of his four-legged best friend!

Meet Norm the pug.

Norm gets himself in some silly situations.

He’s also an avid traveler.

No matter where Norm goes, he’s got his best human by his side.

Jeremy Veach: Website | Instagram | Tumblr | VSCO
via [Hello Giggles]

All images via Jeremy Veach.

If you’re looking for a way to cope with your emotions after the recent US Presidential election, you’re not alone—and there’s a New York City subway stop to prove it. Called Subway Therapy, it’s part a public art project and part a big group hug, allowing people to write a short message on a Post-It note and stick it on the wall. Many of the writings contain sentiments of hope, fear, and anger at the current state of affairs. Together, they’re a comfort to read by showing that many others feel the same way. 

The artist known as Levee is the mastermind behind this project, and this isn’t his first iteration of it. Subway Therapy has existed for a while, but it’s become especially relevant over the past week. “[This is] kind of a special edition because of the frustrations and stress it seems like people will have,” Levee told abc7NY. “So I brought the Post-Its and I thought it’d be interesting to see everyone’s thoughts up on the wall. It’s been really beautiful.”

There are now more than 1,500 notes in this edition of Subway Therapy. Locals, you too can express yourself by visiting the underpass that connects the 1 train to the L at 14th street and 6th Avenue. And if you see these Post-Its on the ground, Levee asks kindly that you pick them up.

Above photo credit: @gadgetandrew

Photo credit: @sgoralnick

Photo credit: @marianliz

Photo credit: @marianliz

Photo credit: @pinkinnyc

Subway Therapy: Website | Facebook | Instagram
via [Design TAXI, 22 Words]

All images via Subway Therapy unless otherwise noted.

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Gratitude—that’s what New York-based photographer Omar Robles took away with him after his latest experience photographing ballet dancers in urban backdrops. Following his recent trip to Cuba, the talented photographer took his project to Mexico City with the support of Fujifilm, where he once again connected with gifted local dancers to create a striking series of images. The grace, elegance, and athleticism of the dancers’ craft is on full display in Robles’ photography.

What began in New York is now taking on further significance as a glimpse into the international community—and the public’s reaction to these spontaneous bursts of action. In this case, Mexico’s deep rooted traditions were readily apparent, as Robles’ trip coincided with the Day of the Dead. “Bold and vibrant colors everywhere, mirroring the character of the people who call the city home,” Robles recounts. “The same who curiously stood by while I photographed the dancers and in many occasions even offered ovations after witnessing our shoots. They clapped and cheered the dancers after we were finished shooting at a location.”

The applause came as a shock, as the photographer had gotten used to a completely different attitude in New York. “Often while shooting here in NYC, people often pass us by, perhaps softly shaking their heads producing a chuckle spiced with a slight hint of cynicism. Some will try to steal a picture of the moment. A few will even go as far as boldly expressing discomfort if they feel we are interrupting their way. The Mexican applause thus definitely took me by surprise.”

And for Robles, it was this difference that has stayed with him—the gratitude in the eyes of the public, who were appreciative for the small change in their daily routine. More than staging an image, Robles’ work captures the moment—the exuberance, refinement, and grace that each dancer embodies and how that translates to the public.

Omar Z. Robles: Website | Instagram | Blog | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Omar Z. Robles.

The next time you step up to the check out line, take note of how many plastic bags you’re using. Now do a little multiplication and you will get a sense of just how many single-use plastic bags are used each year. With one plastic bag taking 1,000 years to fully degrade and Americans tossing out 100 billion plastic grocery bags annually, Californians have decided to take action by approving a ban on plastic bags. As the first statewide ban on plastic bags, the California Plastic Bag Veto Referendum (Proposition 67) passed on November 8, 2016 with 51.97% in favor—a move that should help fight against the environmental pollution that plastic bags cause.

While San Francisco banned plastic bags in 2007—the first city in the country—the referendum puts a statewide law into action after, according to the Sacramento Bee, the American Progressive Bag Alliance led a campaign to repeal a 2014 Senate bill that put a ban in place. Thicker plastic and paper bags will continue to be made available, but customers will be charged at least 10 cents per bag—a move made to encourage the use of reusable shopping bags. A similar policy for major retailers in England has led to an 85% decrease in plastic bag usage.

The possibility to cut down on the ocean debris that kills tens of thousands of whales, birds, seals, and turtles each year is a huge victory for the Californians Against Waste. “This is a significant environmental victory that will mean an immediate elimination of the 25 million plastic bags that are polluted in California every day, threatening wildlife,” shares Mark Murray, co-chair of this leading environmental advocacy organization.

And lest you get too protective of your plastic bags, it’s important to remember that they did not come into widespread use in grocery stores until the 1980s and that worldwide bans are growing each year. In 2014, the European Union passed a directive to cut down plastic bag use 80% by 2019, with many European countries already moving toward the use of biodegradable bags or charging fees. Hong Kong, Kenya, and South Africa are just some of the other countries who have instated bans in order to protect the environment. Hopefully California’s decision steps up as a leader on this issue, encouraging other states to follow.

Above image via Victor Andronache/European Parliament

Image via Jonathan Kos-Read

Image via sidknee23

via [Inhabitat, San Diego Union Tribune]