Photo of the Day (04.24.10)

by Mike Barish on

Between the ash cloud and the tragic plane crash that killed Polish President Lech Kaczynski (amongst other news stories), the world’s attention has shifted away from Haiti. But, lest we think that the Caribbean nation has fully recovered from the devastating earthquake in January, Flickr user rexa.ch reminds us that there is still a long way to go to fully rebuild.

Back in January, America focused much of its attention on Haiti after the natural disaster. Since then, life has returned to “normal” here in the US and people have gone back to their day-to-day business. Meanwhile, the people of Haiti continue to struggle while putting together the shattered pieces of their lives.

You can still help by donating to the Red Cross. It’s as easy as texting “Haiti” to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Even if you donated back in January, consider helping again. We appreciate you taking the time (and, yes, money) to help our friends in Haiti.

Have a picture that personalizes the news? Have you witnessed history? Submit your images to Gadling’s Flickr group right now and we might use it for a future Photo of the Day.

Photo of the Day (04.17.10)

by Mike Barish on

I have an unusually small head. It makes buying hats quite difficult. Hats, you see, rarely look good on me. I always look like a child wearing daddy’s cap. It’s embarrassing. From fedoras to Stetsons, I almost always struggle to find my size in head wear. So I can sympathize with the young man in the background of this photo taken by Flickr user ³²¹. Taken in Guatemala, his problem is not unique to Central America. No, sir. Right here in New York City, I find myself surrounded by people with larger heads than mine. It’s infuriating. I can see the consternation on this poor man’s face and I understand. I, too, am all-to-often left to wonder, “why?” Why must I suffer from such a tiny head? Be brave, my Guatemalan compatriot. Be brave.

Have a picture of an unusually small (or large) body part? Or, even better, just some great travel photos? Submit your images to Gadling’s Flickr group right now and we might use it for a future Photo of the Day

Matador U launches photography course

by Grant Martin on

Matador U, the teaching arm of the massive Matador Network, continues to grow. This week they’re launching a Travel Photography Program, a twelve week online course designed to teach the full spectrum of photography skills, including broad feedback and insight from the Matador editors and contributors.

It’s a good supplemental step to take for any experienced travel writer — knowing how to take the right photos, with the right apertures, lenses and shutter speeds is an amazingly useful skill to have for storytelling.

Tuition runs $350 (or three payments of $125) for the full 12 weeks. You can get more info on the course and other Matador U products here.

On your way through the course, make sure to stop by Gadling’s Flickr pool to drop off your best pics. We might use them for a future photo of the day!

Photo of the Day (04.10.10)

by Mike Barish on

Strolling along the shore at sunset can be magical. But is it better to be alone so that you can enjoy some quiet introspection or with someone so that the setting can help set a mood that you hope to sustain back at your house with some wine and a Barry White CD? Are sunsets best enjoyed in solitude or with company? There are merits to both. On the one hand, enjoying nature’s beauty alone allows you to reflect on the day’s events, their context in your life and what promise the following day may hold. On the other, sharing such a moment with a loved one allows you to get lost together and feel as if the rest of the world has ceased to exist. I wonder if Flickr user Andy Bokanev was with anyone when he captured this stunning image at Puget Sound. I wonder if he likes Barry White.

Have a picture of nature setting a romantic mood? Submit your images to Gadling’s Flickr group right now and we might use it for a future Photo of the Day.

Photo of the Day (04.03.10)

by Mike Barish on

People watching is an underappreciated travel pastime. In between sampling local delicacies, seeing the sights and taking countless posed photographs in front of funny street signs, we should all take more time to just observe the people who occupy the places we visit. Flickr user penton42 did just that when he spotted this gentleman in Santiago de Cuba. One is left to contemplate if this young man’s hairstyle is a celebration of his love for the iconic men’s magazine, a commentary on his life as a lothario or just something his barber thought up without ever telling him. Whatever the reason, it’s excellent penmanship.

Seen anyone with JUGGS or Perfect 10 shaved into their heads? Submit your images to Gadling’s Flickr group right now and we might use it for a future Photo of the Day.