Gladiators Fight Nights & More by Martin Agius

Ever since 2009, I’ve been photographing Combat Sports.  This all came about when a good friend of mine asked if I’d cover an event that he was organizing. I said yes — and since then, I’ve never looked back.

That first opportunity turned into an enduring commitment.  Sixteen years on, I’m still shooting his events, now known as Gladiators Fight Nights, through which, many more other doors have opened up for me.

• 31 editions of Gladiators Fight Nights

• 6 editions of Gladiators Amateurs Fight Nights

• 1 Smash 8 – Guinness World Record event

• 2 events in Sicily

• 1 MKBA Malta Nationals

• 1 Valkyries event

• 1 ISKA AMA European Championships 2025

• Kickboxing
Kickboxing is a striking Martial Art that utilizes punches and kicks, focusing on four points of contact: both hands and both feet.

• K-1
K-1 Kickboxing is a stand-up Combat Sport that combines elements of Karate, traditional Kickboxing (including Dutch, Savate, Muay Thai, and Western styles), together with Kung Fu.  The “K” stands for these influences, whilst the “1” represents the sport’s competitive nature — aiming to crown the best fighters through to high-level competition.

• Muay Thai
Muay Thai, known as “The Art of Eight Limbs,” is a Martial Art from Thailand that uses punches, kicks, elbows, and knees.  With origins dating back over 800 years, Muay Thai has become a highly respected form of combat and self-defense.  Many practitioners are trained from childhood, developing both skill and discipline through this sport.

• Boxing
Boxing is a Combat Sport focused on striking an opponent with the fists, targeting the head and upper body.  The goal is to outscore the opponent or achieve a knockout. Unlike Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), boxing permits only punches, making it a more specialized discipline.

Photographing this genre of Combat Sports is as tough as the sport itself — demanding total concentration and focusing, for the fighters, as well as the photographers too.

It’s not a genre suited for everyone.  While shooting, you’re very often hit by flying sweat, blood, and other unpredictable elements.  You’re right in the middle of the action, and that intensity comes with its own conditions and risks.

Lighting conditions can vary drastically, with low light being a frequent challenge. This often requires shooting at high ISO settings — anywhere from 3200 up to 16,000 — depending on the venue and available lighting.

Freezing motion effectively, I aim for a Shutter Speed of around 1/1000.  My Aperture usually sits between f/2.8 and f/4, depending on the lens in use.

Capturing these fast-paced moments also means relying heavily on Continuous Shooting Mode and Eye Detection Autofocus — both are essential tools to keep up with the speed and intensity of each fight, each moment.

How Many Photos Do I Take?

Usually?  Thousands — I’m not joking!

Of course, not all of them make the final cut.  I go through every frame, selecting only the best: sharp action shots, corner moments, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and the victorious celebrations.

It's not just about the fights themselves but also about what’s happening around the ring.  Besides the fights, rest assured, there’s always something to relate and make sure to capture that form part of the story too.  Here are some of the areas I keep in mind:

The event actually kicks off the day before, with the press conference and fighter weigh-ins.  These moments are just as important to capture — they set the tone, build tension, give a glimpse into the personalities and mindsets of the athletes before they step into the ring.  Basically, a taste of what is yet to come.

My work continues even after the final bell.  I head to Team Noel Gym to photograph the fighters and their team — group portraits, individual shots, profile images are used for fight posters, portfolios, and social media.  It’s all about capturing the full journey, not just the action within the ring itself.

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Maltese Successes

Daniel “The Jet” Zahra

WKN European Champion

Two WKN World Champion

WKN Intercontinental Champion

Jesred Piscopo

WMKF Semi-Pro World Title

WKN European Semi-Pro Title

WKN World Semi-Pro Title

WKN Intercontinental Pro Title

Christopher Rotin

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Camargue Myriam Aadli

Camargue

by Myriam Aadli

In the spring, I traveled to the Camargue, a beautiful region often overlooked by tourists. Accompanied by my friend Olivier, who is familiar with the local families, I had the opportunity to observe the people who are typically difficult to approach. I visited a farm where the guardians and Arlésiennes work diligently to preserve their traditions.

The Camargue is a marshy area that spans 150,000 hectares, formed by the Rhône delta and the Mediterranean Sea. It is the second-largest delta in the Mediterranean and, like all deltas, has a triangular shape, with its corners at Grau du Roi, Arles, and Fos-sur-Mer.

This natural region in France is situated by the Mediterranean Sea, within the departments of Gard and Bouches-du-Rhône. Animal and plant life, especially the flamingo—the emblem of the Camargue—are strictly protected.

**The Three Symbols of the Camargue**

- **Water:** a marine anchor representing hope

- **Earth:** a heart symbolizing charity

- **Sky:** tridents representing faith

The first costume festival was held in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer in 1904. Frédéric Mistral and Baroncelli collaborated to organize the "Festo Vierginenco" at the ancient theatre of Arles. This festival aimed to celebrate the regional women's costumes, which had been neglected over time.

On June 24, 1904, at the Mas de l’Amarée, the Marquis and his friends established the "Comité Virginien," allowing guardians on horseback to escort young girls in traditional costumes to the festival and other southern celebrations. This revived the ancient southern chivalry that had fought for the honour and glory of the Midi.

In 1905, a significant event unfolded in the life of Folco de Baroncelli, a horseman who sought to connect with Native Americans of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West. His most notable encounters occurred during the European tour in 1905 and 1906. Joë Hamman, whom he met during this Paris event, assisted him in his efforts. As the Marquis approached his forties, his face showed the wear from a harsh climate, and he began to resemble an authentic Native American while donning the costume of his friend Jacob, complete with feathers and moccasins.

**"A Language, A People, An Ideal"**

The "Nacioun Gardiano" also exists to promote Camargue heritage, folklore, and preserve traditions. The Marquis mandated that all guardians wear traditional costumes (a black velvet jacket, mole-skin trousers, checkered shirt, and wide-brimmed hat) while riding the Camargue horse.

The Camargue horse is an essential symbol of the region, gaining international fame through the film "Crin Blanc," where its striking white coat captured attention. Today, these horses are sold worldwide. The guardian is responsible for a manade, a herd of bulls or horses raised in semi-freedom and owned by a manadier, while also acting as an agricultural worker much like the herdsmen of 19th-century France.

**How to Become an Arlésienne**

To become an Arlésienne, one must reside in Arles or the Pays d'Arles, be between 18 and 24 years old on election day, remain single during their reign, and have long enough hair to wear the traditional headdresses.

In Arles, guardians, Arlésiennes, and bulls play central roles in all traditional festivals that mark the seasons of the Pays d’Arles. The Arlésienne traditions, deeply rooted in Provençal history, celebrate the bravery of the guardians, the elegance of the Arlésiennes, and the strength of the bulls. Throughout the year, traditional festivals and Camargue bullfighting are a regular part of life in these sun-drenched lands. The Arlésiennes embody the spirit of Provençal culture.

From a young age, girls wear traditional attire and dream of becoming the Queen of Arles one day. In this region, traditional festivals represent more than just folklore; they reflect a deep connection to Provençal identity.

Each manade has a motto represented by specific colours: violet, white, and green. Often displayed as a rosette, these colours are placed on a bull’s withers during its appearance in prestigious bullfights. I was fortunate to meet these authentic individuals, who shared some of their ancestral secrets with me.

The local community’s mysterious history is well-preserved, safeguarded by the hands and voices of the elder generations. In this unique cultural landscape, there exists a notion of hierarchical freedom. I plan to return to this subject to share some hidden secrets that are meant to be revealed.

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The video will not be visible in some countries due to copyright issues.

Thanks Olivier

Kingsday 2025 Amsterdam by Rene Geensen

Friendships—and community—will be formed. For me that's really what Queen's Day is all about. It's not an outburst of patriotism, it's not even about the popularity of the royal family. It's about a sense of belonging. For one day, everybody is the same in Holland. Bright orange and barmy.

The festivities on Koningsdag are often organised by Orange Committees , local associations that seek sponsorship and donations for their activities. In recent years some committees have had difficulty in recruiting new members from among the younger Dutch.

Flea market

Vrijmarkt, Koninginnedag 2011, Deventer

The vrijmarkt (literally 'free market') is a nationwide flea market, at which many people sell their used goods. Koningsdag is the one day of the year that the Dutch government permits sales on the street without a permit and without the payment of value added tax. 

Among the most popular areas for the vrijmarkt in Amsterdam is the Jordaan quarter, but the wide Apollolaan in front of the Hilton hotel in southern Amsterdam is gaining in popularity. Children sell their cast-off toys or garments at the Vondelpark, also in southern Amsterdam, and in a spirit of fun passers-by often offer the young sellers more than they are asking for the goods. Until 1996, the vrijmarkt began the evening before and continued for 24 hours. This was ended in the hope of gaining a pause in the celebrations so preparations could be made for the daytime activities. Utrecht, uniquely among Dutch municipalities, retains the overnight vrijmarkt. In 2020, people could sell their goods on an online platform to avoid physical contact with customers.

Festivities

Koningsdag now sees large-scale celebrations, with many concerts and special events in public spaces, particularly in Amsterdam. An outdoor concert is held on Amsterdam's Museumplein, where as many as 800,000 people may gather. To aid visitors in returning home by train after the festivities, outdoor events must end by 20:00, and the Museumplein show by 21:00. The city centre is closed to cars, and no trams ride in the heart of the city; people are urged to avoid Amsterdam Centraal railway station and use other stations if possible from their direction. International trains that normally depart or terminate at Amsterdam Centraal are instead directed to a suburban stop.

In recent years parties and concerts have been held the evening before Koningsdag. Until 2013, nightclubs across the Netherlands organised special events for what became known as Koninginnenacht (Queen's Night). Many young people celebrate in the streets and squares (and in Amsterdam, the canals as well) throughout the night, and after all-night partying join the crowds at the vrijmarkt.

While King's Day celebrations take place throughout the Netherlands, Amsterdam is a popular destination for many revellers. Often the city's 850,000 residents are joined by up to 1 million visitors. In recent years Amsterdam authorities have taken some measures to try to stem the flow of visitors as the city became too crowded.

Those taking part in Koningsdag commonly dye their hair orange or wear orange clothing in honour of the House of Orange-Nassau, which rules over the Netherlands. Orange-coloured drinks are also popular. This colour choice is sometimes dubbed "orange madness", or in Dutch, oranjegekte. A local Orange Committee member said of Koninginnedag in 2011:

Children celebrate with a variety of games including koekhappen (in which they catch spice cake dangling from a string in their mouths) and spijker poepen (in which they tie string around their waist with a nail dangling at one end, which they attempt to lower into a glass bottle).

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Glasgow Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan 2025 by Cameron Scott

The Glasgow Gurdwaras Procession, or Nagar Kirtan, is a Sikh religious procession where the community parades through the city streets, singing hymns and celebrating the Sikh festival Vaisakhi, marking the start of the Sikh new year. Hundreds of participants made their way from the Gurdwara Guru Granth Sahib on the south side of the city to the west end visiting other Gurdwaras on route.

I had originally intended to join the procession about an hour after it had started, but for various reasons arrived in the city earlier than expected, so made the long walk to the start at Gurdwara Guru Granth Sahib. I’m glad that I did. As the crowds gathered inside the temple grounds and crowded around the entrance for the departure, the atmosphere was one of overwhelming peace and respect.  The bright Spring sunshine enhanced the colourful display that was laid out before me, so the usual monochrome settings were ditched in favour of glorious colour.

After some prayers the procession started on its long journey to the west end of Glasgow before eventually returning. Along the way there were various stops for prayer offerings, in fact there were so many stops that I was in danger of taking too many pictures so decided that it was time for home, even before they had reached the city centre.

This was a pleasant change in many ways from my usual subject matter, a celebration of both faith and colour.

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SILENT SCREAM by Aslı Ulaş Gönen

SILENT SCREAM

by Aslı Ulaş Gönen

According to a report by the United Nations (UN) Women's Unit on femicide, approximately 140 women and girls are murdered by their spouses or family members every day around the world.

This photo series features worn and torn street posters and was created to raise awareness of this critical issue.

Serendipity by Don Scott

Serendipity

by Don Scott

I don't believe in luck. I do believe in serendipity, especially in street photography. Serendipity is defined as finding valuable things unintentionally or the occurrence and development of events in a happy or beneficial way.

Luck can be good or bad. Serendipity is always good. There have been many times when I am on the street looking for photos when the things happened serendipitously to create a scene worth capturing. Here are some examples of serendipity in my street photos.

I saw a man taking a nap in a park in San Francisco's China Town. As I positioned myself to take the shot, a flurry of pigeons flew over him.

A bride and groom were having their photo taken as they stood next to the Bethesda Fountain. A sudden gust of wind came up and a woman raced to keep the bride's veil out of the fountain's water.

Two acrobats seem to get assistance from a mermaid in the background.

Different ages in a woman's life seem to be illustrated by three women standing on a corner.

As a serious man walks by a wall, his shadow, bent around a corner, seems to reveal his more humorous

alter ego.

Three people dressed in costumes from the 1930s, line up in a neat row.

A stern looking police officer stands in front of a poster that encourages him to explore his playful side.

Members of a wedding party, posing for a group photograph, smile and wave as they see someone they know who is driving by at that moment.

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In the Market for a Pigeon? by Richard Keshen

In the Market for a Pigeon?

by Richard Keshen

Loved by some, hated by others, the pigeons of Krakow, Poland are more plentiful than any other European city, with the possible exception of Venice. On any given day in the Main Square of Krakow, known as the Rynek Glowny, you’ll find hundreds of pigeons either flying about or soaking up the sun. Legend has it that the pigeons of Krakow are enchanted. However what’s not enchanting are the little presents that they leave behind!

At another smaller square in the Kazimierz district of Krakow called Plac Nowy ( New Square) the centerpiece is a round building that once served as a slaughterhouse. Today tourists and locals line up outside various windows of this round building from early afternoon until late into the night to partake of the offerings. The delicacy being served from these windows is an open faced sandwich on a crunchy French style baguette with a wide variety of toppings. They call these heavenly delicacies zapiekanki. Bring your appetite or a friend to share it as the zapiekanki is huge and after your first time of eating one you’re sure to be hooked.

Merchant stalls surround the round building daily with an open air trade happening here. On weekends there’s a vintage clothing market that fills the square, where you can find a large variety of fashions and accessories at ridiculously low prices. Cash only as credit is not accepted.

But it’s Friday mornings that has the most unique use of this square - the Friday pigeon market. In order to experience this early morning market you’ll need to get there at the crack of dawn because if you arrive at 9 a.m. then you’ve more than likely missed it. Men start arriving early with cages, suitcases and bags full of pigeons. (Sorry ladies, this seems to be a mens only event) And these are not the type of pigeons you’ll find flying free in Rynek Glowny. These are specially bred pigeons, the cream of the crop. The birds are brought out of their containers one at a time and displayed for their beauty and perfect breeding. Then the bartering starts and money changes hands as buyers slip their purchase into a pigeon carrying case which they’ve brought for transport. By 9 a.m. the market ends only to resume at the crack of dawn the following Friday. So if you’re in the market for a fancy pigeon then Friday mornings at the crack of dawn in Kazimierz’s Plac Nowy is the place to be. Just remember to set your alarm.

UNIQUE SAN FRANCISCO ANNUAL EVENTS by Eric Davidove

by Eric Davidove

The Up Your Alley and Folsom Street Fairs are leather and fetish events held in San Francisco, California, on the last Sunday of July and September, on Folsom Street between 9th and 10th Streets and on Dore Street from Howard Street to half a block southeast of Folsom Street. 

These events are the world’s largest leather showcases for Bondage and Discipline – Sadism and Masochism (BDSM) products and culture. This is one of the few occasions when BDSM activities are encouraged and acted out in public. The events attract a considerable number of extraordinary and unique people.  They’re eye-opening, fun, and shocking, and a perfect opportunity for me to practice new approaches to street portrait photography.

My photographic goal during the events is to capture candid, quirky, humorous moments with strong story potential and a common aesthetic thread. I purposely avoid taking photos that have shock value, such as naked people and people engaged in sexual acts.  Staged portraitures are also less interesting to me.  I try to create unique photos that are virtually impossible to replicate and are aligned with my artistic style.  I ask myself how most people might take the photograph and then do something different.

During the events, I explore the outer edges or areas less traveled.  I often stand in one location for longer periods, especially in locations with vibrant colors and shapes, dramatic lighting, and workable backgrounds.  I am deliberate, patient, and discerning - shooting far fewer photos than my usual street routines.  I intend to look for that special moment or people.

My camera is the Leica M11 and my two prime lenses are a 28mm and 35mm.  I use zone focusing and shutter speed priority, with an aperture usually set to F8 or F11 (on bright sunny days).  I do not use a flash.  Post-production processing is done with Lightroom, and my edits are minimal.  I make only edits that are possible to make in a darkroom.

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Welcoming Spring by Eduardo Storch

by Eduardo Storch

This beautiful spring weekend, we headed east. We stopped by Richard's place in Punta Colorada (SOS Marine Wildlife Rescue NGO). There was a sea wolf pup that had been found really sick on the coast and was now recovering. It’ll be a while before it can go back to the ocean since they're still bottle-feeding it and treating it with antibiotics for a lung infection. Richard has rescued turtles, penguins, seals, and sea wolves from the shores, and people call him whenever they spot a marine animal in trouble. He quickly rushes to the rescue and brings them to his facility for care. 

One of the turtles they rescued wasn’t eating, and an ultrasound showed it had a plastic bag in its stomach, which they were able to remove after giving it laxatives. It’s not uncommon for turtles to mistake plastic bags for jellyfish and eat them. The work SOS Marine Wildlife Rescue does is amazing.

In Punta del Este, we visited the port where the fishermen hang out. Lots of locals and tourists come to buy fish or just enjoy the beautiful views. Seagulls and some sea wolves are always on the lookout for scraps the fishermen throw out after cleaning their catch. Just a few kilometres from Punta del Este is Isla Lobos (Wolf´s Island), a protected natural area with the largest concentration of sea wolves in the world (the adults can weigh between 300 and 400 kilos). There are also some sea lions there.

One of the fishermen tossed fish to a sea wolf, it come up on the pier amd the fisherman invited both kids and adults to feed it. On the island, especially during breeding season, it’s better to keep a safe distancefrom them, but in the port, with caution, it was no problem. Everyone loved it and I could get pretty close to take photos.

After that, we strolled along the dock, where there's always some interesting character hanging around, and in the afternoon, we headed back to Montevideo after enjoying a delicious seafood stew.

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London - The Mecca for Street Photography by Martin Agius

London

by Martin Agius

London is considered one of the top destinations for street photography, alongside New York and Tokyo, which are on my future photography bucket list. I've always been captivated by the charm and vibrancy of London, which I consider my second home due to the many close friends and relatives who live there.

Over the years, I have spent countless hours exploring the streets of London. I have always harboured dreams of it someday becoming my permanent home. In fact, before the global pandemic turned our lives upside down, my wife and I were seriously planning on making that dream a reality. We had discussed it extensively and were excited about the prospect of starting a new chapter of our lives there. However, as the pandemic unfolded, bringing with it unprecedented challenges and uncertainties, I found myself reassessing our plans. The idea of moving, which once seemed so thrilling, began to lose its urgency as getting older brought on cautiousness. The pandemic served as a reminder of how quickly life can change, which prompted in me a notion of appreciation and the importance of the present moment rather than rushing into major life-uprooting decisions. Before the pandemic, London was our go-to destination for vacations, and we would make it a point to visit the city at least once or twice a year. These trips were always something we eagerly anticipated, as they gave us the opportunity to reconnect with family and friends, while also enjoying a well-deserved holiday.  My wife, Therese, is passionate about her various interests and often attends specific events during our visits. This situation works perfectly for both of us, as it leaves me with ample time to pursue my street photography. London, with its diverse neighbourhoods and dynamic street life, offered me an endless array of photographic opportunities.  Whether I was capturing candid moments in bustling markets or the serene beauty of historic landmarks, each visit allowed me to add new and exciting images to my portfolio.
In 2019 and 2020, we visited London three times, coinciding with events my wife wanted to attend. This allowed me to indulge in my love for street photography, capturing the city's essence through my lens. The contrast between historical landmarks and the modern skyline provided endless inspiration for unique photographs.

I want to share with you my experience during our 20th wedding anniversary trip to London in 2020. One of the highlights was the Magnum Photos exhibition, where renowned Magnum photographers showcased a stunning collection of diverse and compelling images with expected artistry and depth. I also visited The Photographers' Gallery, known for its engaging contemporary photography exhibitions. It was a great experience that added richness to my exploration of London’s photography scene. However, as a photographer, this trip presented a challenge. Unlike previous visits, I didn't have much time for street photography because I wanted to focus on celebrating our special day, our anniversary, with my wife, Therese. However, I managed to strike a balance between indulging in my passion for photography and spending quality time with her. This allowed me to capture the beauty of London while creating lasting memories with her. When we returned to Malta, the pandemic hit London, and we realized how fortunate we were with our timing. It was a shock to see how quickly the world had changed since our recent travels.

London is a city brimming with diverse locations that are a dream for street photographers.  Over the years, I’ve discovered numerous spots that have become my favourite places to capture the essence of the city.  Among them are the vibrant Brick Lane and the trendy Shoreditch, both known for their eclectic mix of street art, markets, and characters.  The Queen’s Walkway and all the bridges offer stunning views of the Thames and the surrounding architecture, while the areas around St. Paul’s Cathedral and the London Eye are perfect for capturing the juxtaposition of old and new London.  Southbank is another favourite, with its lively atmosphere and artistic flair.  I also love shooting in Broadgate and Canary Wharf, where the sleek, modern buildings contrast with the historic feel of other parts of the city.  Of course, no visit is complete without exploring the Underground, Camden, Chinatown, and the city’s many museums.  Greenwich offers a quieter, more relaxed setting, while Tate Modern, with its contemporary art and stunning views of the city, remains my absolute favourite place to shoot.  Each of these locations offers something unique, making London a constantly evolving canvas for street photography.

 London is a city like no other, especially for those with a passion for street photography. Anyone who visits it, is in for a real treat, as the city offers a veritable feast of photographic opportunities.  From the minute you step onto its streets, you are greeted with a rich tapestry of characters, scenery, and locations that are perfect for capturing candid moments.  What makes London particularly special is its blend of the old and the new.  You can walk through century-old neighbourhoods where history seeps from every brick, and then, just around the corner, you will find yourself amidst the gleaming towers of modern architecture.  I find both these aspects of the city equally fascinating, as they each offer their own unique appeal.  The diversity of this city is reflected not only in its architecture but also in its people.

 London is a melting pot of cultures, where individuals from all walks of life come together, creating a vibrant and dynamic environment.  This diversity is what makes this city such a compelling place to photograph, as it constantly offers new and exciting subjects to capture.

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The watch shop brought back lovely memories for me by Eduardo Storch

Lovely memories

by Eduardo Storch

I often pass by a watch shop near my house. From the outside, I can see the watchmaker focused on his work, illuminated by a lamp. He seems to be in a theatrical scene, the actor under the spotlights.

One day, I decided to go inside, and the little place made me feel like I had travelled back in time. Classical music played, and the scent of wood filled the air as Juan worked calmly and carefully on one of those objects that track the passage of time.

The walls were covered with large old clocks, and scattered around were others that reminded me of their past owners and the places they once decorated. I was drawn to a display case full of various alarm clocks and wristwatches, relics from a time when analogue was all we had and digital was still a dream. As I left, memories of my own past came flooding back.

I thought about my first watch, which had a white face with a red ring around it, and my father teaching me how the hands worked. I've always used analogue watches because, as an obstetrician, they were easy for me to use when monitoring fetal heartbeats during pregnancy checkups.

One of my most touching memories was the visit of one of my patients, accompanied by her husband, to my office. The husband, an older gentleman dressed in a suit, seemed familiar to me. He was my fourth-grade teacher! After giving us a warm hug, he showed me his watch and asked me to read what was engraved on the back. It was a thank-you note from his fourth-grade students. My mother had organized the collection of the money, and my father was the one in charge of buying it.

Whether mechanical, analogue, or digital, watches are a constant reminder of how life moves forward, mirroring our own journey. And Raùl, the watchmaker, awakened in me all those memories that I treasure so much.

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Discovering Puglia by Rene Geensen

Puglia

Rene Geensen

My wife and I visited the Puglia region last month and had a great time exploring its beautiful places with a rich history.

Puglia is an Italian region located in southern Italy, mostly surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea. Its main cities include Bari, Brindisi, Foggia, Lecce, and Taranto. Puglia offers a wonderful experience for all interests, with its untouched landscape, pristine coastline, ancient culture, delicious food, wine experiences, and more.

Shaped like the heel of Italy's "boot," Puglia serves as a gateway for Balkan and Mediterranean sea transportation and trade. Its 370 km of beaches along the 995 km Apulian coast overlook both the Adriatic and Ionian seas. The eastern Puglia beaches feature long stretches of rocky coast, offering breathtaking views of the natural Mediterranean landscape.

Since the 1970s, the Puglia coastline has been protected by special environmental regulations, with large areas designated as Natural Marine Reserves, such as the Torre Guaceto Natural Reserve near Brindisi. These reserves prohibit human settlement to preserve nature, and most are open to the public with specific rules to safeguard the environment and historical sites.

Puglia hosts festivals celebrating agriculture, unique products, religious events, and other traditions throughout the year, with multi-day events featuring markets, exhibitions, and musical performances drawing people from across the region. During the summer, live music concerts and music festivals aim to showcase and share the importance of traditional dances and songs. Some of the most renowned international music artists participate in these summer music festivals, which enjoy significant success and international recognition.

The history of Puglia dates back to the arrival of Messapian populations from the east and is dotted with Paleolithic and Bronze Age remnants, including caves featuring impressive rock paintings. The region's fertile land, rich territory, and strategic Mediterranean Sea position have attracted various occupiers over the centuries, including Romans, Normans, Swabians, Angevins, and Aragonese. Their historical and architectural legacies can be appreciated throughout the region, from ancient coastal towns like Vieste, Ostuni, and Otranto to inland cities like Lecce and Bari. Puglia's food culture reflects centuries of culinary refinement using fresh local ingredients.

The region's economy remains closely tied to its ancient peasant traditions, as Puglia is a major supplier of a variety of products, including Durum Wheat, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and high-quality wines to the rest of Italy. Agriculture and fishing have played pivotal roles in shaping Puglia's social and territorial development, with the region's peasant traditions underscored by seasons of hard work culminating in celebrations to mark the end of harvesting cycles. These celebrations fostered a sense of community and mutual support among families, contributing to the region's strong social bond and reputation as a welcoming place to connect with locals.

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The New York City Easter Parade by Martin Ingber

The New York City Easter Parade

by Martin Ingber

By the time that Easter arrives each year, New Yorkers have had more than enough of dreary, cold and colorless winter weather; and they are ready to take to the streets and celebrate any signs of Spring.

The ‘Easter Parade’ is a misnomer- this is no conventional parade, but instead an organic, unorganized and chaotic mass gathering that floods the streets surrounding the landmark Saint Patrick’s Cathedral on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue.

The crowds consist of a curious mix of many: church-goers come for religious services; spirited fashionistas excited to contribute to the holiday festivities with their inventive hats and outrageous costumes; a representative sampling of eccentric New York street people; and, seemingly, everyone in between. Some come to pose, others come to protest; while most come to party, as part of a sprawling, outdoor street celebration. Fanciful ‘Easter bonnets’ are everywhere, along with various rabbit ear headdresses, creative costumes of every kind, and even the occasional Jesus figure.

Throughout, the mood is invariably upbeat; and nowhere is New York’s reputation as a cultural and social ‘melting pot’ more evident than here.

According to The Museum of the City of New York, "The tradition of the Easter parade began after the American Civil War as a ‘fashion promenade’, rooted in the custom of a Sunday walk following religious service. Wealthy New Yorkers would emerge from their respective houses of worship along Fifth Avenue to stroll down the street, dine at nearby hotels, or pay social calls.”

Whatever the origins of this event back in the 1800s, here in the 21st Century the Easter Parade is essentially a celebration of Spring, of creativity, and of commonality. Visually, it resembles a daytime version of the city’s famous Village Halloween Parade, more than a respectable stroll by wealthy aristocrats in hoop skirts and elaborate outfits during the Gilded Age, long ago.

Like the city itself, today’s Easter Parade can be fascinating, overwhelming, impossible to fully capture, and great fun to experience.

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NO MAFIA MEMORIAL museum by George Koulouridis

by George Koulouridis

On 12/04/24 I visit Sicily for a few days. Last station Palermo the beautiful capital.

There I found the NO MAFIA MEMORIAL museum, the highest example in the city that best explains the mafia phenomenon and the antimafia.

The museum is located in the historic Gulì palace, along the oldest street in the city, the Cassaro.

The mafia does exist until now. It exists in places beyond Sicily as well. Needless to say, and not to sound hypocritical, but they don’t care about you or any of the other citizens of Sicily. They’re busy controlling politics.

Palermo,16/04/2024

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A photo taken in 1979 shows a mafia boss in handcuffs. It is Leoluca Bagarella, of the Corleonesi clan, arrested for the first time. The man stares with burning ferocity at the person who has just photographed him, while the black gloves of the police lead him to justice. On the other side of the lens is Letizia Battaglia, thrown to the ground by the kick that the mafioso launched to push her away. Among the crowd of journalists, the woman managed to take one of the most significant images in contemporary news, testimony to the fight against organized crime.

Who Needs a Sunrise by Richard Keshen

Who Needs a Sunrise

by Richard Keshen

A couple of weeks back I was invited to join a group of photographers for an exclusive sunrise photography session from the top of Toronto’s CN Tower. We were asked to meet at the foot of the tower at 6am to take the elevator up to the observation deck. The sun was expected to make it’s appearance at around 7am that morning. For me this meant getting up at 4:30am, even though the CN Tower is a 20 minute walk from my home. Waking up this early was a feat in itself as I love my sleep. Two coffees and a hit of ginseng later I was ready to join my fellow photographers for what we hoped would be a spectacular event.

For those that aren’t familiar with the CN Tower it was once the tallest free standing structure in the world. It held that title for 34 years until the Burj Khalifa in Dubai was completed in 2010 and is 250 metres taller than the CN Tower. Today the CN Tower is a must see for tourists and a great place to get a 360 degree view of the city from 447 metres up. Ask any Torontonian if they’ve been to the top of the tower and they won’t remember the last time they were up there. Ask any tourist and this is one of the sites that’s top of their list to visit.

So on that day a couple of weeks back I, along with 50 other photographers, became tourists in our city in order to witness and photograph the sun rising from the highest point in town. All seemed to be going well as everyone had their gear ready for what we hoped would be an impressive show. There was only one problem. It was an overcast morning and there was no way that the sun was going to make an appearance. So...to make the best of it the street photographer in me kicked in. I composed a series of shots of the other photographers in the group setting up for the sunrise that never was. Maybe next year when this group gets together to once again capture photos of the sunrise the sun will actually make an appearance. Either that or I’ll be back to capturing photographers as they attempt to photograph that elusive sunrise. After all, who needs a sunrise to make good photos.

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Headless Snowman By Cassian Edwards

Headless Snowman

By Cassian Edwards

Once upon there was a headless Snowman. He was stood there in the field alone. Tightly wrapped up in a big ball and cold as anything. Minding his own business, not troubling anyone.

And then the three of them saw him. And they ran up to him and they kicked him, and they beat him, and they hurt him, and then like callous bullies and cowards they quickly ran off leaving him there to bear the scars of his wounds.

Poor old Mister Headless Snowman.

Carnival is an important part of Uruguayan culture by Eduardo Storch

Carnival

by Eduardo Storch

On a previous occasion I have commented on the carnival, the candombe, the “llamadas” parade and other activities linked to this popular expression.

As a child I liked the rhythm of drums that reverberate in my chest as they pass by and it is impossible to remain without accompanying it with the body.

In addition to the inaugural parade along the main avenue of the capital, there are many others in the different neighborhoods and also many shows. Some in the famous Summer Theater where carnival groups (murgas) compete in front of a jury. These “murgas” also have shows in different clubs as well as outdoors

Many professional and amateur photographers document this party, which lasts so long that it is often said that the Uruguayan Carnival is the longest in the world.

Press photographs usually document the parades or the activities of the summer theater competition and are accredited to be in the parade itself, but many other photographers take a more personal perspective of this festival.

On this occasion I decided to go to Plaza Independencia in the heart of the city, which is where the groups meet and from where the main parade begins.

That allowed me to be in close contact with people, talk and walk among them, take some portraits and close-ups.

On the other hand, it was a good opportunity to practice for the first time with a flash I just bought and I have no experience with this kind of photography.

I want to share with my dear “Progressive Street Family” some of those photos that convey the climate and the good vibes of everyone.

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Khalistan Referendum by Eric Davidove

Khalistan Referendum

by Eric Davidove

What should I do on a winter Sunday when the sun is out and the temperature is warm?  Go to the city and shoot photos of course!  Ever since COVID, shooting street photography in San Francisco has been much more challenging and far less interesting.  Foot traffic is way down and many retail stores and restaurants have shut their doors.  Nevertheless, I continue to go hoping “today will be different.”

On this particular day, I departed the train at the Civic Center / UN Plaza stop because it was near a clean public toilet, and I had to pee.  My eyes were excited to see such vibrant colors.  Thousands of Sikh residents of California gathered in San Francisco to vote on a referendum aimed at creating an independent state in Indian Punjab, called Khalistan.  The goal of the vote was to determine how much support the movement had before bringing the matter to the United Nations.

I enjoy taking photos of public protests and events where I can practice different photography techniques, and I rarely get harassed when I point my camera at people.  I intended to get close to my subjects, fill the frame, and take photos with layers.  My camera was set to aperture priority with a minimum 500 shutter speed, auto ISO, daylight white balance, and manual focusing.  My lens was 35mm and my camera was Leica M11.

Here are some of my favorite photos from the day.

Once upon a time it snowed in London by Cassian Edwards

Snow in London

by Cassian Edwards

Once upon a time it snowed in London. Once upon a time it snowed so much that the hills were blanketed with a crisp deep layer of the cool white stuff. Once upon a time, back in January 2010, it snowed so much that the kids didn't have to go to school, for the roads were so icy that the buses had stopped running. Once upon a time it snowed and the kids knew exactly where to go that Friday, the last day of the week, so off they went to Richmond Park – the largest in London.

With roads snowed under the kids trudged from miles around to the Star and Garter Hill in the park to take advantage, many aware of how frightfully rare snowy days like this had become. With joy on their faces they partook in fast races, the hill transformed into an Alpine run.

Armed with everything from traditional wooden sleds to brightly coloured plastic toboggans, big sheets of black PVC to even a ‘TO LET’ sign, the kids made sure to have as much fun as possible, even if it meant going downhill nearly naked or on nothing but their backsides! And up and down they went, time and time again, often colliding with one another on the way down to shrieks of raucous laughter and screams of happiness! And they continued late into the evening, since the next day the sun and the temperature were to rise again and slowly melt it all away.

And that was the day, when once upon a time, it sure snowed in London.

Friday 8th January 2010

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Venice - The City of Canals & Bridges by Martin Agius

by Martin Agius

I have wanted to visit Venice for a long time, so I can practice my favourite genre, ‘Street Photography.’

 In 2019, I booked a trip to this magnificent city for February 2020, being our 20th wedding anniversary.  We all know what happened then.  Covid-19 came along and blocked everything in the world.  So, I had to cancel but did not recuperate the flight and hotel expenses, which was quite a blow.

In 2023, my wife, Therese, eventually joined me on this trip.  When we arrived after an hour and a half flight, an hour’s bus ride to Venice central station, and fifteen minutes by boat, we finally got to the hotel where we were staying.  As soon as we checked in, we explored the vicinity, and luckily, we were five minutes away from Piazza San Marco.  I was astonished by the number of people visiting Venice at the time.  At first, I was disappointed, as I couldn’t photograph what I had in mind.  But I slowed down, took a long breath, and said to myself, “You can still get some good photographs.”  

I started seeing and scanning the places and decided where and what to shoot.  Now, I started to enjoy myself, but it was still very difficult to shoot because of the many people that were visiting the place.

I started capturing some good photos, while also enjoying myself with my wife, as I was also having a break.  This holiday wasn’t going to be just photography.

On the first day, we walked around, about fourteen kilometers, and we saw a lot.

When I planned this trip, I had hoped to get some fog.  So, after researching and planning, I found that November would be a very good month for the possibility of fog.  There was some fog on the third day of our stay, and I was over the moon.  On this day, we also planned to visit Burano, another must-visit island.  This place is full of colours, the houses are painted with bright colours.   Legend has it that the fishermen painted their houses with bright colours, so that when they went out fishing and it was foggy, they would find their way back to their homes.

Burano was fantastic to visit, seeing this magnificent place, and even the possibility of capturing great photos. This was the best day for my photography, and I was really happy with what I had captured.  It was like living a dream with the bright houses and some fog.  My favourite photos of the trip were made here. 

On the last day, we went to explore another part that we hadn’t been to yet.  I found this area fantastic too.  The facades of the houses were painted bright colours, and in some side streets, clothes were hanging out to dry.  I managed to capture some great images here as well.  There weren’t many people around, which made life a lot easier to shoot.

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