Winter / Spring, GPU Magazine 2018 by Global Photographic Union

Global Photographic Union

MAGAZINE ISSUE 08 Winter /Spring ’18.

NEW CROWNS & TITLES 10 YEARS OF GPU CELEBRATED AT NAIMAN PHOTO TOUR EVENT by Shangtuf team YIXIAN PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION by Guo Jing GPU DONATION EXHIBITION by Marija Milovanović Maksimović

GPU PHOTO FESTIVAL & GPU’s 10th ANNIVERSARY

by Eleftheria Konsolaki

2018 PSA CONFERENCE by Joanne Stolte

AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY by Mieke Boynton

ÂŠ Perera Sanka Sammana, Sri Lanka

Mari Hanni, South Africa

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A word from the President.. Dear friends,

2017. was a very significant year for GPU, that has completed its 10 years of presence. A new photographic association which through all these years has managed to be among the best photographic associations in the world and gain its place in the hearts of thousands of photographers all over the world. Last July the 4th GPU photo festival 2017 took place in the Greek islands. It was very successful festival with a participation of 127 photographers and friends from 22 countries. During the festival beside the wonderful and unique photographs they had the opportunity to take on the Greek islands, they were given the chance to meet other photographers and develop ties of friendship, exchange thoughts and spend time together. During the photo festival, there was the beginning of celebration for the 10 years of GPU which continued in the photographic festival of October in Naiman , in Inner Mongolia, China. Ten photographers members of GPU from 10 countries and 30 photographers

members from China, took part in the festival events which lasted 6 days. During those events there were held 2 photographic exhibitions, the most important one being that of the 80 photos, coming from 80 photographers that have won a gold medal in international photographic competitions, an exhibition of high standards. All photographs belong to GPU members. Along with this magazine, all members will get the already established photo book. The third in a row, a luxurious edition with members’ photographs. I wish you to enjoy them. I also, wish you all for the upcoming year, health above all, accompanied by success and a good light in life as well as in your photographs. Metzakis Manolis GPU ZEUS, GPU CR5, EFIAP/p, ESFIAP, PSA

GPU President

Cover image by Alibrahim Ahmed Abdullah

Contents

Winter / Spring 2018.

GPU MAGAZINE G l o b a l

P h o t o g r a p h i c

U n i o n

Executive editor & Graphic design

Abstract aerial photography

GPU Photo Festival 2017. & GPU’s 10th anniversary by Eletheria Konsolaki

Marija Milovanović Maksimović GPU Secretary General

Co - Editor

Manolis Metzakis

GPU Donation Exhibition

Tour Naiman and photo Naiman

Yixian Photography Exhibition

2018 PSA Conference

GPU Cowns

GPU Titles

GPU President

Back cover by Ușvat Andrada Maria

by Mieke Bonton

by Marija Milovanović Maksimović

by Shangtuf team

by Guo Jing

by Joanne Stolte

www.gpuphoto.com GPU Magazine Winter 2017. / 1

“Taking Flight” © Mieke Boynton. Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre, South Australia

The beauty of

Abstract Aerial

seen, photographed and explained by

Mieke Boynton

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photography

“Dragonback” © Mieke Boynton. Yardugarra, Broome, Western Australia

My passion is landscape photography, because I love to be surrounded by Nature, far from the hustle and bustle, where time slows down and you can live each moment fully. But in the past few years, I’ve become quite interested in abstract aerial photography, which is a completely different experience. It’s deafeningly loud; the presence of a man-made vehicle is inescapable; and you’re completely separated from Nature – you can only observe the peace and tranquility of what you’re seeing from afar.

“Colours of Roebuck Bay” © Mieke Boynton. Yardugarra, Broome, Western Australia

I don’t use a drone for my aerial photography, because seeing the landscape that I’m photographing through my own eyes is really important to me. I also love the thrill of being in a helicopter and experiencing the stomach-turning manoeuvres as it abruptly changes direction and you realise that there is nothing but air between you and the earth – and it’s a long way down! It’s such a raw experience. You can’t help being completely “in the moment” as the blustering wind attacks you, causing your eyes to stream with tears while your hair

“Ocean Channel” © Mieke Boynton. Yardugarra, Broome, Western Australia

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“Taking Flight” © Mieke Boynton. Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre, South Australia

“Sunlit Sand Ripples” © Mieke Boynton. Yardugarra, Broome, Western Australia

whips all around your face and you instruct the pilot over the deafening noise to get the chopper into the right position to capture the shot you can see – this is what makes the photoshoot memorable for me. But capturing still photos from a moving vehicle isn’t simple. The direction of light constantly shifts as you travel in loops and circles around the area of interest, and the angle of light has a dramatic effect on the colour. Focusing can also be tricky, and of course, if the shutter-speed isn’t fast enough, your photos end up blurry. But despite the chaos of these complications and distractions, the resulting photos are peaceful and serene. I love the challenge of composing the photos in a way that gives people an emotional response to them. That’s where the skill as an artist comes in. The technical skills enable you to get a sharp shot… But it’s the artistic skills – understanding composition, colour, shape and balance – that allow the photographer to imbue the images with feeling. Al Capp, the American cartoonist, once famously said that abstract art is “…a product of the untalented, sold by the unprincipled to the utterly

“Skyview” © Mieke Boynton. East Kimberley, Western Australia

bewildered.” But I don’t agree. Rather than bewilderment, I think these photos spark curiosity and intrigue. Removing the references to familiar subjects allows the photos to speak in the language of emotion. They convey peace, calmness, mystery, wonder, sensuality. I distinctly remember the first time I saw the vast, salt-encrusted creekbed patterns of the East Kimberley mudflats from the air. I was mesmerised by the beauty of nature’s abstract art. I was amazed by the shapes and patterns created by the elements. I only managed to capture one decent shot on that first helicopter flight, but it sparked an interest that has since developed into a large (and continually expanding) body of work.

Mieke Boynton is Australian photographer, specialized in landscape and aerial photography. She travels regularly, both within Australia and overseas, to capture the wonder and beauty of nature’s landscapes. Her equipment weights a lot more than many of other photographers can bear but she’s always working with passion, enthusiasm and thoroughness. Her photos won numerous awards worldwide in international exhibitions and competions. She also runs photo workshops and presentations. To view her other work and activities visit http://www.miekeboynton.com/ and follow her on Facebook and Instagram, where she posts regularly.

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Participants of the festival, Arkadi monastery, Crete

4th GPU PHOTO FESTIVAL 2017. & CELEBRATION OF

GPUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S 10TH ANNIVERSARY Pack your camera, we leave forâ&#x20AC;Ś Greece!

written by

Eleftheria Konsolaki

Greece is the country that gave birth to democracy and philosophy 2500 years ago. Where ancient theatre and arts bloomished. Where Socrates and Aristotle were born. The country that enjoys more than 250 days a year of sunshine. The cradle of the Mediterranean diet, considered as the healthiest nutrition in the world. The country with more than 2000 islands. The country of endless blue.

Preparation for the festival

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Support team

GPU members in front of the cruiseship

Santorini detail

When it was announced that Greece was selected as GPU destination for the 4th Photo festival 2017, I was excited that our federation would organize this international festival and invite friends from all over the world to capture through their photographic lenses the multi geographical sensation of Greece, the combination of Eastern and Western elements and the variety of human origins. Additionaly, GPU would celebrate its 10th aniversary since it was founded. Our president Manolis Metzakis, gathered and encouraged our team to organize and prepare the GPU cruise in the Islands of Aegean Sea, Crete and West Coast of Turkey. An 8 days trip for a group of 132 photographers from 22 countries of the world was certainly not an easy task! Yet, our president was more than efficient making sure that this photographic experience would be safe and well organized. Additionally the governing board was ready for every challenge and everyone who joined our coordination team was filled with responsibility and enthusiasm. From my point of view words are not enough to describe the beauty of this photo festival. GPU philosophy “to allow and encourage cultural exchange” was there alive in our sight. On 15th of July, 132 photographers and friends arrived in Heraklion the capital of Crete, the biggest Island of Greece. The picture engraved in my mind was a multicultural celebration from people from

President Manolis Metzakis opening the ceremony

each part of the world being united under a common interest and passion - photography. On Sunday, 16th of July, our cruise boat, “Celestial Olympia” departed from Heraklion having as its first destination one, Santorini. The island is one of the most visited islands in the world mostly because of its unique architecture structures. The houses are literally built above big cliffs which offers the visitor the feeling of awe and the most amazing pictures of endless view and sunsets. After a few hours of endless capturing images of architecture, nature and people, we left for our cruise ship where we spent the night onboard having the chance to get to know better to each other.

Dinner at the opening ceremony

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©Eleftheria Konsolaki, Parthenon at Athens

Τhe following day was dedicated for visiting Athens, capital of Greece, a city that ancient and modern co-exist harmonically. Our visit was concentrated in Acropolis and Parthenon. The hill of Acropolis is considered as the core of ancient Greek civilization and our fellowship photographers and friends focused on panoramic photos of Athens the architectural achievements of ancient Greeks. With cameras full, we returned to our cruise ship excited and curious for our next destination: Mykonos Island.

Our arrival time was early in the afternoon. Mykonos is an island where a visitor can explore the typical and unique in the world Aegean architecture. Its basic features are the totally white houses with blue windows and doors and the paved alleys. The evening soft light was mostly appreciated by our group photographers who captured the faces and the traditions of the island. Hotspots of the island were also for us “Little Venice” (because of its similarity with Italian Venice) and the dozens of the old authentic windmills spread to the entire island.

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Next day was a 2 choices day for our group! The first one was Kusandasi and Ephesus in Turkey. The other one was Samos Island in Greece. Ephesus, the city that was founded according to the legend, by the tribe of the Amazons, great female warriors, is considered as the most important ancient city of Asia Minor. The remnants of its ancient glory can be easily detected as the ruins are very well preserved. On our way out of the site, we had the chance to take a small taste of Turkish culture. On the other hand those who visited Samos Island had the chance to capture images from a small and authentic society which is growing far away from the Western standards. Next destination was Patmos, an island with intense spiritual character. Patmos in Greece is mostly famous as the island of Apocalypse. According to tradition, it was in a cave in Patmos Island that Saint John the Divine was inspired the Book of Apocalypse. This is why a large monastery is built on the top of the hill surrounded by strong walls and looking like a fortress. After our visit to the cave, the monastery and the village of Chora we headed to our cruise ship and our next port of call.

©Eleftheria Konsolaki, Parthenon at Athens

Village Chora, Patmos

Wedsnday, 19th of July and day 5 we arrived in Rhodes Island, the island of castles and knights! Its special blend of cosmopolitan and traditional elements and numerous cultural and archaeological sites compose a wonderful photographic destination. Medieval City of Rhodes is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. As soon as we stepped at the old town it soon became obvious it is a mosaic of different cultures and civilizations. So, we had the chance to capture the fascinating medieval fortress-like buildings, the bastions, walls, gates, narrow alleys, minarets, old houses, fountains, tranquil and busy squares.

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Next destination was Crete. But what was in front of us was the exploration of the biggest island of Greece and the 5th largest one in Mediterranean Sea. “The mystery of Crete runs deep. Whoever sets foot on this island senses a mysterious force coursing warmly and beneficently through their veins, sensing their soul beginning to grow” wrote Nikos Kazantzakis, Crete’s most celebrated author. Crete is the island of antithesis. Imposing, high, wild islands meet the sea. Remnants of brilliant civilizations meet modern Europe. Minoan palaces, Venetian towns, Medieval Castles, Ottoman mosques and Byzantine monasteries co-exist with modern architecture structures. Old villagers with wrinkled and suffered from the 2nd World War faces in the villages. Modern, fashionable young people in the cities. On Thursday 20th July we arrived in Crete and headed for the famous Arkadi Monastery and Margarites village. In the village we had the opportunity to capture the making of traditional potteries, a very interesting procedure indeed! (14, 15) Our next destination was Rethymno town, the 3rd biggest town in Crete. In Rethymno, the major feeling is the essence of the Venetianera. Venetian Councillors, the Ottoman mosque built by Sultan Ibrahim Khan, the Bishop’s Palace, the Ibrahim Khan Mosque, cannons, bastions, mansions… are just a few of the attractions that awaited us there.Late in the afternoon we departed for Heraklion which was our basis in Crete.

Traditional pottery making demonstration

Νext day, 21st of July we visited one of the most traditional villages in Crete called Kritsa. Apart from the beautiful old houses, the paved small alleys and the wonderful nature that surrounded us we enjoyed the famous in the world Cretan hospitality

and made some beautiful portraits of the local people. After, we left for St. Nikolaos, a quite small town with a beautiful lake in the middle of it. Early in the afternoon, we visited the monastery of Panagia Gouverniotissa, one of the most famous monasteries in Crete. Τhere we had the chance to spectate a few traditional events and enjoy the for one more time the original flavours, songs and dances of Crete. Τhe day after, 22nd of July, was the last day of our amazing trip. One of the most amazing experiences was left for the end : visiting the Palaces of Knossos. Knossos was the dominant city of Minoan civilization, one of the most important ancient civilizations in Europe. Commerce, arts, scriptures and a mystic religion prospered there almost 4.000 years ago! Then, next in our program was the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion one of the most important museums in Europe. Its exhibits cover an era of 5.500 years! © Huee Ling Ng, Margeritas village

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Οn the same day, 2 more very important events took place: the GPU General Meeting and the Gala Dinner. At the General meeting all the members had the chance to listen to the Governing Board members announcements and plans for our association. Our special guest was Joanne Stolte from the United States, PSA-GPU liason officer and she presented to our president an engraved cristal globe celebrating GPU’s 10th anniverasary and continuously evolving relationship of GPU and PSA. At last but not least the Gala Dinner was the most emotional closure of our photo festival. A great celebration of photography and 10 years of GPU took place. And as it was the last day of or trip, farewells also had to be made, and these were not easy. But GPU was successful, as new friendships were created, bonds became stronger and our cameras were full of beautiful moments.Plus, each one of us who contributed to the organizing of this challenging photo festival was strongly satisfied, as all our friends who participated in it were delighted.The feedback we received was the greatest gift for all of us.And we will keep these moments in our hearts forever. I am sure we all eager for the next festival and the moment that our association will announce: Pack your cameras, we leave for ... © Kristien Lindebrings , Panagia Gouverniotissa Monastery

Dinner with accompanying cultural program (we had a lot of fun, many guests enjoyed dancing with greek tradional music) , Panagia Gouverniotissa Monastery, Crete © Marija Milovanović Maksimović

The crystal globe gift © James Wat

Governing board members cutting the GPU 10th anniversary cake

Eleftheria Konsolaki GPU CR2

is a high school literature teacher. Works in GPU as technical & logistics support, covering various issues and tasks. In photography for several years, with passion and enthusiasm. GPU General meeting

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WHEN ART MATTERS

GPU DONATION EXHIBITION written and facilitated by

Marija Milovanović Maksimović

GPU Secretary General

“Remember that we will not be here forever. Good thoughts, good ideas, and good deeds have a chance to live for a very long time.” (Debasish Mridha) 12 / GPU Magazine Winter 2017.

The love for photography brought us together in GPU, where we have a chance and oportunity to share our work and receive and give knowledge and appreciation, to meet each other and make new friendships with people from all around the planet, enjoying in our common interest. What brought us another joy in this joint journey was the chance to use our art to make at least a small positive change in everyday life of those less fortuned and challenged by destiny. Since we are nonprofit association and we don’t have money at our disposal to make a big change, we have decided to do something we can, to donate the permanent exhibition of our photographs to one of the children’s hospitals, whose lives while in a health institution are mostly hard and stressful. For the first year the Children’s special hospital for cerebral palsy and neurological development in Belgrade, Serbia, received 56 printed and framed photos, for a permanent display. More than 100 GPU members sent their photos, willing to participate in this activity, but unfortunately the budget limit allowed us only 56 photographs to be chosen and included. The selection of the photographs were made by Dr sci. med. Mirjana Bošković, the director of the hospital and those photos were printed in 30 x 45 cm format and framed and now they are adorning the walls of the hospital, throughout 3 floors. We have succeeded to make that small but significant change, and the director and the hospital stuff thank all of the GPU members from their hearts for the wonderful gesture and splendid photos, which are, quote: brightening and coloring their space and it is bringing the smile to the children’s faces, not only by scenes captured but also while reading the names and countries of the authors, opening the whole new window to the world. I have visited the children after several months and some of them agreed to show their shy smiles on photographs and this does melts your heart. They have posed for me and we surely had fun. GPU will continue with this type of the activity in the future, the plan is to make it every year, so the other members will also have a chance to contribute to this good drive.

How we did it, my photo friends helped me to transport and hang the photos

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What do you mean, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want a kiss?

Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s up for the fun!

Singing loud

Children and their mothers greeting

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Children with their favorite nursery teacher

46 photographers from 20 countries participated with their photos:

GPU Magazine Winter 2017. / 15

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Tour Naiman and Photo NaiMan marking 10 years of GPU GPU Members from 12 Countries Gathered at Photo Event in Naiman, Inner Mongolia, China

prepared by

Shangtuf team

From October 21 to 25, 2017, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tour Naiman Photo Naimanâ&#x20AC;?, a large-scale gathering of Chinese and foreign photographers, successfully concluded the Naiman Banner in Inner Mongolia, China. The event was jointly organized by the Naiman Banner Government in Inner Mongolia, the Naiman Banner Photographers Association, China Photo Press and Shangtuf Image and Art Club in collaboration with the Global Photographic Union (GPU), bringing together GPU members from 12 countries, Greece, Italy, Belgium, Serbia, United Arab Emirates (UAE),China, etc. Along with the honored guests, more than 500 photographers gathered at Neiman to create an unprecedented gathering of photography and witness the ever-changing Desert Pearl -Charming Naiman. At the opening ceremony

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Suo Jiulin, Advisor of China Photographers Association, was invited to give a photo lecture at the event. Other guests invited by the festival are Fang Huanran, Vice President of China Photo Press, Manolis Metzakis, chairman of the Global Photographic Union (GPU) and its board members, Zhong Yonghe, CPA Council member and Chief photographer of Taiwan politician Ma Ying-jeou, Wula Khan, chairman of the Inner Mongolia Photographersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association, and Wang Zuoyu and Wang Zhenping, winner of the famous Chinese Photography Awards. Please refer to the attachment for a complete list of honored guests at the festival. Li Ge, Chairman of the China Photographers Association, who was unable to attend the event for some reason, met with the GPU president and secretary general in Beijing after the event. He expressed his belief that the two sides will maintain contact and cooperate with each other to promote Chinese photography at international level. Collaborating with the Global Photographic Union (GPU),this event closely follows the trend of this era, focusing on the demands of cross-border communication of photography and culture, taking opportunities to use local ecological resources of Naiman Banner and organize photography related activities, such as international photographic conferences, photographic lectures, exhibitions of works, photo excursion, etc, so that the art of photography evolves and innovates in the development of exchange. 1. Inauguration At the launching ceremony, GPU announced the establishment of a photographic creation base at Naiman Banner and present the plaque of GPU Photographic Base to Naiman, which will facilitate the friendly exchange between the two sides through photography, which will boost its tourism industry in turn, and promote tourism of Naiman at international level. 2. Exhibitions High quality exhibitions are also highlight of this event. It is the 10th anniversary of GPU since its establishment, exhibitions by board members and award-winning photos of GPU members were displayed to celebrate this special occasion. All the exhibitions were collected by Naiman Banner Palace Museum. Meanwhile, selected from competition organized by Naiman Banner, 100 awards-winning photos depicts local custom and life of local people, were also shown at the festival.

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At the exhibition openning

Exhibition

3. International Conference and its influence GPU hold its boarding meeting during the festival. It is an honor for Naiman banner to host meeting for GPU for the first time in China. The introduction of a high-standard international photographic conference at Naiman Banner has draw widespread attention from the outside world, which will play an important role in enhancing its popularity and urban taste. During the event, we also held the meeting of GPU members with its board members and visited Naiman Printmaking Artists’ studio and their exhibitions. 4. Lectures by famous photographers The event invited famous photographer Suo Jiulin who is a consultant to Chinese Photographers Association, to give a lecture to all the photographers who participated in this festival. He revealed in details the secret to the success of all the famous masterpieces, and gave a lecture on Explanation

GPU governing board meeting, from left: Saeed Al Shamsi, Guo Jing, Manolis Metzakis, Marija Milovanović Maksimović, Freddy Laheye, Claudio Calosi

GPU guests with the actors after the show in city’s theatar

and Adaptation of Synesthesia in Photographic Art. Citing some of the most classical photography works, he illustrates main features of synaesthesia in photography and explores how to use “multi-sensory interoperability” it photographic creation. All the attendee learned a lot from this amazing lecture. Thousands of Chinese and foreign photographers were invited to participate in “Tour Naiman and Photo NaiMan” photo tour event. It is a 5 day event for the photographers to capture the beauty of Naiman through their lens. In the meantime, they have the great opportunity to watch performance of local characteristic, Naiman Banner Ulan Mu riding performances, collective wedding at desert Mongolian and sports car performs in desert, bonfire party, rural shadow play, etc., to experience the unique and exciting local culture and to demonstrate its tremendous achievements in political, economic, cultural and social development. As a language speaks cross borders, photography plays an increasingly prominent role in today’s cultural exchange. This event, with its international influences, openness and universality, is an excellent opportunity for international photography and cultural exchange. Through its cooperation with GPU, an international photographic institute, Naiman Banner has the great opportunity to showcase its unique culture of beautiful landscape; in the meantime, it realizes the cross-border communication and exchange of photographic art to enhance the development of photography in China.

One of the events prepared, Traditional Mass wedding at the desert

GPU members’ meeting

GPU members visiting Naiman Printmaking Artists’ studio

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THE YIXIAN

PHOTOGRAPHY FESTIVAL

GPU Members’ Gold Medal Awarded Photo Exhibition

dent and founder of Lucie Foundation, Jeff Moorfoot, former president of Ballarat International Foto Biennale, honored guests from China Photographers Association viewed the exhibition and spoken highly of it. China Yixian Photography Exhibition was founded in 2006, which has been held successfully for 12 years. It is one of most historical and large scale photo festivals in China, and it has certain influence in Chinese photography industry. Every year it attracts hundreds of international and domestic photographers to Yixian to participate in the exhibition. For this edition of festival, the organizer has invited photographers from over 30 countries including USA, Canada, Polan, Australia, Spain, Italy, Germany, Greece, Cyprus, Singapore, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Morocco, Kuwait, Oman etc, and more than 3600 excellent works were exhibited there, including Lucie Awards Master Exhibition, exhibition of winners from Photo Lucida.

At the opening ceremony

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GPU GB member

GPU Members’ Gold Medal Awarded Photo Exhibition

GPU Members’ Exhibition at Yixian Photo Festival in China From November 8th to 12th 2017, China Huangshan International Country Festival 2017 and the 12th Yixian International Country Photography Exhibition were opened and held successfully. “GPU Members’ Gold Medal Awarded Photo Exhibition, A Celebration of GPU 10th Anniversary” was exhibited at the festival and was well received among viewers. To celebrate 10th anniversary of Global Photographic Union (GPU), a selection of 80 GPU members’ gold medal awarded photos from dozens of countries all over the world were invited to exhibit at the festival. This collection of photographic works manifests various styles of GPU members and advanced techniques. “GPU Members’ Gold Medal Awarded Photo Exhibition, A Celebration of GPU 10th Anniversary” was installed at Hongcun Creative Art Area, which is the main venue of this festival. During the exhibition, Mr. Hossein Farmani, Presi-

GPU gb member Guo Jing giving an interview

by Guo Jing

Lucie Awards exhibition

Lectures

Lucie Awards exhibition

Attend the 2018 PSA Conference and Photograph the American Southwest! by Joanne Stolte FPSA, MPSA, EFIAP GPU - PSA Liason officer The American southwest is a photographer’s dream. The southwest desert is where hoodoos, slot canyons, arches, buttes, and mesas fill the vast horizons with striking beauty. In the fall this “Red Rock Country” includes the fall color of Cottonwoods and Maples to further accentuate the natural splendor. The Photographic Society of America (PSA) will be holding the 2018 Annual International Conference from September 30 to October 6, at the Sheraton Salt Lake City Hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah, in the heart of the American Southwest. Utah is home to five National Parks: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion: https://utah.com/national-parks. These National Parks are a must to explore following the Conference. Hotel reservations can be made in Moab, Utah to explore Arches and Canyonlands and, after a drive filled with vistas, a stay in Springdale or Kanab, Utah will provide access to Zion and Bryce. Additionally, attendees can travel to Page, Arizona to photograph the Antelope Slot Canyons, Horseshoe Bend, and “The Wave.” Each year in September or October PSA holds week-long educational and networking Conference in a different US city. During the conference, registrants participate in classes, workshops, instructional photo shoots, and photo tours. The opening of the conference is a business meeting which also recognizes member achievements with award presentations. Each of the PSA divisions hold their business meeting, open to all conference attendees, during the conference. At each conference, world-renowned speakers present timely topics of interest followed by receptions; many photography vendors have displays and demonstrate and answer questions about their products and services; and the Society’s extensive Print Collection is on exhibit. The conference ends with a formal banquet, recognizing top achievers in photography and honoring the many volunteers who have made PSA successful.

All GPU members are invited to attend the 2018 PSA Conference. For additional information: https://psa-photo.org/ index.php?2018-psa-conference. Online registration for the 2018 PSA Conference and the Conference hotel will open at the beginning of May. PSA has several photo tours scheduled from September 30 to October 2 as part of the Conference before the presentations and meetings begin. These tours include: * Antelope Island: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/antelope-island/.

* Alpine Loop: https://utah.com/scenic-drive/alpine-loop * Heber Valley Train: https://hebervalleyrr.org/ * Silver Lake (2 tours): https://www.alltrails.com/tra…/…/utah/

silver-lake-loop-trail

*Wild Horses (2 tours) https://www.ksl.com/?sid=39994951&nid=

148

* Temple Square & Choir: https://www.templesquare.com/ * Utah State Capital (2 tours): https://utahstatecapitol.utah.gov/ * Heritage Park: http://www.thisistheplace.org/ * Salt Lake City Zoo: http://www.hoglezoo.org * Red Butte Garden: http://www.redbuttegarden.org/ More detailed information about the specific locations can be found on the links provided. PSA looks forward to welcoming and enjoying the company of GPU members from all over the world at the 2018 PSA Conference in Salt Lake City!

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GPU CROWNS

Crowns & VIP Officer Claudio Calosi by

GPU members who achieved crown distinctions in the last year CROWN 5

CROWN 1

Nagy Lajos , Romania

Alabdrabareda Ali, Saudi Arabia Almasoud Naif Ahmed, Saudi Arabia Fanos Nestor, Greece Jiao Shengfu, China Kazazis Georgios, Greece Kazepidis Vasilis, Greece Marketaki Xrysa, Greece Nikolic Vladan, Serbia Perera Dinesh Rukmal Ayantha, Sri Lanka Qader Fatima, Bahrain Teuschel Peter, Germany Ylinen Pertti, Finland

CROWN 4 Duncan Valerie, UK CROWN 3 Baladakis George, Greece Duncan Greg, UK Nalwala Hussain, United Arab Emirates Saha Achinta Kumar, India CROWN 2 Al Naser Majdi Naser, Saudi Arabia Athavale Bhaskar, India Dutta Amit Bijon, India Hassan Ahmed Mohamed, Egypt Mandru Cantemir Aron, Romania Morata Alain, France Tan, Thiam Siong, Singapore

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GPU TITLES

by Titles

Officer Saeed Al Shamsi

HERMES APHRODITE Abdel Hamid Shaaban – Egypt Amit B. Dutta - India Mohamad Njah – Tunis Eva Lambropoulou - Greece Lorenzo Di Candia – Italy Georgios Kazazis - Greece

Yesiltas bekir - Turkey Savescu Flavian – Romania Sutton Lee - UK

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GPU TITLES

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