Wendy Costa’s ‘Photographs in Infrared’ are featured exhibit

LITCHFIELD >> The Oliver Wolcott Library, 160 South St., Litchfield, will featured "Photographs in Infrared," a collection of photographs by educator and resident Wendy Costa, during the months of July and August in the library gallery.

Costa has been an avid photographer since inheriting her father's Argus C3 rangefinder camera in high school. In graduate school at the University of Michigan, she studied with Joanne Leonard, who encouraged her to combine photography with drawing, painting, and collage.

After the completion of her MFA degree, Costa pursued other alternative photography media, including Polaroid transfers. This medium allowed her to combine drawing, painting, and collage with photography.

In 2014, inspired by the work of Laurie J. Klein, Costa began to work with digital infrared photography.

In infrared photography, live green foliage and grass reflect infrared rays, so they appear white. Blue skies and deep water absorb infrared rays, so they appear black. There is a mystery to the medium which she loves — she never quite knows how the picture is going to appear until she clicks the shutter, she said.

A Litchfield resident, Wendy Costa has been teaching art for 35 years, and has spent the last 26 years at Wamogo Regional High School in Litchfield, where she teaches photography, among other art classes. Her work has been shown in many venues including the Center for Photographic Art, University of Connecticut, Litchfield Historical Society, and Westover School.

The exhibit runs through Aug. 23 An artist reception will be held on Thursday, July 7, from 5-7 p.m. For information, call the library at 860-567-8030 or visit www.owlibrary.org.

LITCHFIELD >> The Oliver Wolcott Library, 160 South St., Litchfield, will featured "Photographs in Infrared," a collection of photographs by educator and resident Wendy Costa, during the months of July and August in the library gallery.

Costa has been an avid photographer since inheriting her father's Argus C3 rangefinder camera in high school. In graduate school at the University of Michigan, she studied with Joanne Leonard, who encouraged her to combine photography with drawing, painting, and collage.

After the completion of her MFA degree, Costa pursued other alternative photography media, including Polaroid transfers. This medium allowed her to combine drawing, painting, and collage with photography.

In 2014, inspired by the work of Laurie J. Klein, Costa began to work with digital infrared photography.

In infrared photography, live green foliage and grass reflect infrared rays, so they appear white. Blue skies and deep water absorb infrared ra ys, so they appear black. There is a mystery to the medium which she loves — she never quite knows how the picture is going to appear until she clicks the shutter, she said.

A Litchfield resident, Wendy Costa has been teaching art for 35 years, and has spent the last 26 years at Wamogo Regional High School in Litchfield, where she teaches photography, among other art classes. Her work has been shown in many venues including the Center for Photographic Art, University of Connecticut, Litchfield Historical Society, and Westover School.

The exhibit runs through Aug. 23 An artist reception will be held on Thursday, July 7, from 5-7 p.m. For information, call the library at 860-567-8030 or visit www.owlibrary.org.

Source: Wendy Costa's 'Photographs in Infrared' are featured exhibit

The Enterprise Is Back On Display At The Smithsonian …And She Looks Beautiful

Following a nearly two-year restoration process, the U.S.S. Enterprise model that appeared on Star Trek: The Original Series is back on display at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.

Previously housed in the museum's basement gift shop, the restored Enterprise is now proudly displayed in a custom-made climate controlled display case in the Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall.

After being taken off display in 2014, an advisory committee was created, the model was examined using x-ray radiography, photos were researched, along with an incredible amount of planning and work culminated with its planned reemergence to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Star Trek franchise.

This Friday, July 1, the museum will celebrate the 40th birthday of the building in Washington, DC, with a ceremonial reopening of the Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall. Star Trek's own (and members of the special advisory committee) Michael and Denise Okuda will be special guests of the event and are scheduled to introduce a midnight showing of Galaxy Quest.

The Star Trek starship Enterprise model seperated into its component parts. As part of the conservation of the model, each original section will be studied to determine its construction a nd condition and will be documented with visible, ultraviolet, and infrared photography. National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution Engen Conservation Chair Malcolm Collum and Will Lee discuss the markings on the bottom of the saucer section before the model is reassembled. Photo by Dane A. Penland, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. The restored Enterprise on exhibit in the Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

For more information on the restoration process, visit the National Air and Space Museum.

star trek 50

Source: The Enterprise Is Back On Display At The Smithsonian …And She Looks Beautiful

53 events to jazz up July

ArtThe James Watrous Gallery at Overture wraps up solo exhibitions from Gwen Avant and Gregory Klassen. In Avant's "Either Way," her visceral watercolors come out of a wrestling match with the canvas, raw and unconscious. In "Helioptropism," Gregory Klassen truly infuses the nature into his paintings with soil, plants and other natural forces. Through July 3, overturecenter.org

ArtCheck out the work of local art professor Jane Fasse at Madison College's Gallery 211 at the downtown campus. Presenting work old and new, explore her mastery of oils, printmaking and more. Through July 20, madisoncollege.edu/gallery

ArtCarolyn Jenkinson looks at history of Mexico through the traditional "huipil" garment of Mexico, a woven dress that's evolved over time in her exhibition "Ancient Looms, Modern Thread: Contemporary Handwoven Garments from Oaxaca, Mexico" at Nancy Nicholas Hall. Through August 13, sohe.wisc.edu

ArtFeaturing infrared photographs by Wisconsin artists and a tribute to the father of infrared photography, "Wisconsin Landscapes in Infrared" is the Madison Science Museum's newest exhibit. Through August 13, madisonsciencemuseum.org

ArtLandscapes, pop art and abstracts make up the exhibition "Our Good Earth" at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art. The form varies, but the subject matter stays the same: the natural world around us. Through August 21, mmoca.org

Art"All-Licensed Fool: Animations by Allison Schulnik and Wong Ping" brings two different projects to MMoCA. Both exploring the monstrousness of the human form within surrealistic worlds, view Schulnik's film "Eager" and Ping's film "An Emo Nose" in the museum's Imprint Gallery. Through August 28, mmoca.org

ArtFemale, trans and non-binary artists share their work with a new exhibition at the coworking space 100state called "Rewoven." See how these diverse artists share their point of view. Through September 1, 100state.com

ArtIn "Claire Stigliani: Half-Sick of Shadows," the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art reveals a new body of work by the Brooklyn-based artist known for infusing her mixed-media drawings with references to fairy tales and pop culture to probe ideas of femininity. Through Sept. 3, mmoca.org

ArtHead to Overture's Gallery III for "Dichotomy of Juxtapositions and Crooked Ruins." Artists Jordan Adams and Justin Bitner. Adams creates representations of transitory spaces. Britner creates reclaimed sculptures using relics of the past. Reception July 15, exhibition through September 4, overturecenter.org

ArtRhea Ewing's images of the natural world and Terry Emmrich's relief prints tell a story of uncertainty behind a deceivingly serene landscape at Overture's Gallery I in the exhibition "Against Entropy." Reception July 15. Exhibition through September 4, overturecenter.org

ArtThe threat of climate change looms in the work of Todd Anderson and Bruce Crownover. In Overture Gallery II's new summer exhibition, "The Last Glacier," look at glaciers through woodblock prints, immortalizing the glaciers of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park that are destined to melt. Reception July 15. Exhibition through September 4.

TheaterThe African Company stages a play about a play in "Richard III" at American Players Theatre. The drama comes as a white New York company tries to shut down a troupe of black actors staging Shakespeare's famous tragedy 40 years before the Civil War. Through September 14, americanplayers.org

TheaterClimb on up to the Up-the-Hill Theatre for Arthur Miller's prolific play, "Death of a Salesman" at American Players Theater. Director Kenneth Albers helms the production of Willy Loman's tragic quest to achieve for the American Dream. Through September 16, americanplayers.org

Art"Compassionate Eye: The Art of Frances Myers" at MMoCA's Henry Street Gallery displays print-making from the long and illustrious career of artist Frances Mayers, a long-time educator at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Through October 2, mmoca.org

TheaterA tale of twins, twisted identities and plenty of puns, William Shakespeare's "The Comedy of Errors" promises laughs sustained through the century at American Players Theatre. Through October 2, americanplayers.org

TheaterAPT also presents Oscar Wilde's "An Ideal Husband," a wit-fueled comedy that skewers London's high society with the absurd cover-up of a politician's scandal. Through October 8, americanplayers.org

TheaterWe've heard the Greek myth of Orpheus trying to resurrect his wife, but what about Eurydice's perspective? American Players Theatre presents Sarah Ruhl's reimagining of the classic myth through the lens of Eurydice. Does she actually want to leave her father in the Underworld? Through October 8, americanplayers.org

ArtThe Wisconsin Veterans Museum unveiled their latest exhibition, "The Art of Persuasion: Mobilizing the Masses in World War I." Learn about the deep influence of propaganda at this free exhibition at the Mifflin Street museum. Through March 2017, wivetsmuseum.com

MusicJokers, smokers, midnight tokers and more will rejoice as the Steve Miller Band comes to Breese Stevens Field for a huge outdoor concert. July 1, breesestevensfield.com

MusicMilwaukee ska band Something to Do plays a free show at UW Memorial Union Terrace. Madison pop-punk band Proud Parents open. July 1, union.wisc.edu

MusicHip-hop collective Black Poets Society spits truth at the High Noon Saloon. July 1, high-noon.com

Music FestivalAn annual fundraiser for Stoughton Opera House, the Catfish River Music Festival brings a packed slate of live music to Rotary Park in Stoughton. The three-day lineup includes musicians like Charlie Parr, Boo Bradley and the Clyde Stubblefield All Stars. July 2-4, catfishriverfest.com

MusicHear the dulcet tones of soprano Mimi Fulmer for free at Sunday Afternoon Live at Chazen Museum of Art. July 3, chazen.wisc.edu

MusicCombine beautiful music with majestic scenery as the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra plays an outdoor show at Olbrich Botanical Gardens. July 5, olbrich.org

MusicGrammy-winning songwriter Chris Cornell makes a stop at Overture for his "Hugh Truth" tour. Known for his work as lead singer of Seattle grunge staple Soundgarden, he has since released four solo albums. July 5, overturecenter.org

MusicConcerts on the Square descend upon the capitol. On July 6, the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra is joined by guest vocalists Kitt & Alli Foss for "Bursts of Joy." Don't miss this Fourth of July salute, featuring the "Star Spangled Banner" and the WCO's yearly tradition of performing Tchaikovsky's epic "1812 Overture." July 6, 13, 20, & 27, wcoconcerts.org

MusicSan Francisco's Thao & the Get Down Stay Down brings their unique brand of folk-influenced alt-rock to Majestic Theater. July 6, majesticmadison.com

MusicLocal "farm rock" band The Sharrows plays at the High Noon Saloon. July 7, high-noon.com

TheaterA musical about a man with a mind playing tricks on him, the Music Theater of Madison presents "A New Brain" at the Frederic March Play Circle in the UW Memorial Union. July 8-16, union.wisc.edu

ArtFive hundred artists flood the Capitol Square for the 58th annual Art Fair on the Square. MMoCA's summer fundraiser features handmade pieces, live music and street food to explore. July 9-10, mmoca.org

ArtAs artists flank the square, there's even more to see on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard for Art Fair Off the Square. This simultaneous event shows off the work of 140 Wisconsin artists. July 9-10, artcraftwis.org

MusicThe Madison Early Music Festival takes you back in time for "Shakespeare 400: An Elizabethan Celebration" at the UW Humanities Building. Elizabethan history dominates in this weeklong series of concerts from guest artists, deep lectures, films and dances. July 9-16, madisonearlymusic.org

TheaterImmerse yourself in a tale as old as time. First Act Children's Theatre's "Beauty and the Beast, Jr." brings book-loving Belle and the not-as-he-seems Beast to Edgewood College. July 11-15, firstactchildrenstheatre.com

TheaterA shoe factory, a drag queen and music by Cyndi Lauper come together in the hit Broadway musical "Kinky Boots." The Tony award-winning Broadway hit comes to Overture Center. July 12-17, overturecenter.org

MusicViolinist Jerry Loughney is the featured musician for "Nature's Revelries," this week's Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra's Concert on the Square. On the repertoire: works from Dukas, Sibelius, Gabe and Davorak. Set up camp and join the Madison tradition. July 13, wcoconcerts.org

MusicLocal feminist punk rock band Damsel Trash plays an intimate show at the Frequency. July 13, madisonfrequency.com

FestivalLa Fete de Marquette rolls into Central Park for four days of music, food and family events in this quintessential French-inspired Madison summer festival. Celebrate the neighborhood and dance the summer night away. July 14-17, wil-mar.org

MusicKick it on King Street with Lewis del Mar, a pair of folk-pop musicians from Queens. The Majestic hosts this free outdoor concert as part of their Live on King Street summer series. July 15, liveonkingstreet.com

TheaterThirty-seven plays, three actors, two hours: "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)" is a fiery retelling of the Bard's oeuvre, ripe with humor. Catch it at Mitchell Theatre in Vilas Hall. July 14-31, union.wisc.edu

Music'Tis the season for Concerts on the Square. This week, guest artist Chitravina N. Raikiran joins the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra for "Eastern Elements." Raikira is a master of a 20-string instrument called the chitravina. This concert explores Eastern and Western sounds through music from Beethoven and Dikshitar of South India. July 17, wcoconcerts.org

MusicThis week's Concerts on the Square takes you to the movies with "Reel Sound," a free concert featuring music from movies. The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra will play some of the most memorable compositions from films including "James Bond," "Star Wars," "Indiana Jones" and "Lord of the Rings." July 20, wcoconcerts.org

TheaterSomething wicked this way comes when the Madison Shakespeare Company stages a murderous tale in "The Tragedy of Macbeth" at Edgewood College's amphitheater. Watch as the Scottish Thane and his wife are driven to do anything for power in this classic tragedy. July 21-24, madisonshakespeare.org

MusicMadison Opera celebrates its 15th Opera in the Park by staying true to what makes the event an annual favorite. The Madison Opera Chorus, the Madison Symphony Orchestra and guest singers sopranos Emily Birsan and Angela Brown, tenor Scott Quinn and baritone Sidney Outlaw take the stage in this outdoor celebration of music and culture. July 23, madisonopera.org/performances-2015-2016/park/

MusicHead to the High Noon Saloon to listen to Seesaw, an indie-pop duo from Illinois. The show serves as an album release for their latest release "Too Much of a Good Thing." Sets from Milkweed and Barbara Hans open, while Neens provides music for the after-party. July 23, high-noon.com

MusicQueen of soul Diana Ross glides into the Overture. The superstar vocalist brings her historic talent to Madison for one night only. July 28, overturecenter.org

MusicIt may be the last chance to see Minneapolis pop-punk band Motion City Soundtrack in concert as they stop in Madison as part of their "So Long Farewell" tour. Expect synth sounds and sarcasm at the Barrymore Theater. July 28, barrymorelive.com

MusicThe Dixie Sizzlers play sweet, sweet Dixieland jazz lakeside at the UW Memorial Union Terrace. July 29, union.wisc.edu

MusicIndie rockers Ra Ra Riot take the Live on King Street stage for a free summer show. July 28, liveonkingstreet.com

TheaterThe Madison Savoyards bring the work of Gilbert and Sullivan to life once again with "The Gondoliers." The Savoyards have performed comic operas by the famed pair of playwrights since 1963. July 29-August 7, madisonsavoyards.com

TheaterA time-travelling tragicomedy by Tom Stoppard, "Arcadia" comes to the Up-the-Hill Theatre at the American Players Theater. As two lovers jump around in time, leaving clues for academics along the way, love is at the core of this mesmerizing story. July 29-October 1, americanplayers.org

MusicThe first of this summer's Central Park Sessions takes place at Olbrich Park. The "Silk Road Session" features Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble, Dengue Fever and Hanggai, a band from Inner Mongolia. July 30, marquette-neighborhood.org

FestivalWith a joinable parade, a KidsFest stage and two outdoor stages packed with live music lineups, AtwoodFest returns as one of the city's favorite summer festivals. July 30-31, atwoodfest.com

MusicFinish out the month with the soulful tunes of Eric Hutchinson, the feel-good singer-songwriter who blew up with singles like "OK, It's Alright with Me" and "Rock & Roll." Hutchinson plays at the Majestic Theater. July 31. 

Source: 53 events to jazz up July

Litchfield educator’s photographs featured at Oliver Wolcott Library in July, August

LITCHFIELD >> The Oliver Wolcott Library, 160 South St., Litchfield, will featured "Photographs in Infrared," a collection of photographs by educator and resident Wendy Costa, during the months of July and August in the library gallery.

Costa has been an avid photographer since inheriting her father's Argus C3 rangefinder camera in high school. In graduate school at the University of Michigan, she studied with Joanne Leonard, who encouraged her to combine photography with drawing, painting, and collage.

After the completion of her MFA degree, Costa pursued other alternative photography media, including Polaroid transfers. This medium allowed her to combine drawing, painting, and collage with photography.

In 2014, inspired by the work of Laurie J. Klein, Costa began to work with digital infrared photography.

Advertisement

In infrared photography, live green foliage and grass reflect infrared rays, so they appear white. Blue skies and deep water absorb infrared rays, so they appear black. There is a mystery to the medium which she loves — she never quite knows how the picture is going to appear until she clicks the shutter, she said.

A Litchfield resident, Wendy Costa has been teaching art for 35 years, and has spent the last 26 years at Wamogo Regional High School in Litchfield, where she teaches photography, among other art classes. Her work has been shown in many venues including the Center for Photographic Art, University of Connecticut, Litchfield Historical Society, and Westover School.

The exhibit runs through Aug. 23 An artist reception will be held on Thursday, July 7, from 5-7 p.m. For information, call the library at 860-567-8030 or visit www.owlibrary.org.

Source: Litchfield educator's photographs featured at Oliver Wolcott Library in July, August

An Indian-American photographer aimed his drone at American landscapes and the results are breathtaking!

Meet Manish Mantani, an IT/Finance professional who is also a Nat Geo photographer! Abhishek Mande Bhot | Last Updated: June 24, 2016

Born and raised in Nagpur, Manish Mamtani moved to the US to work as an IT/Finance consultant. He has since then led two lives. When he isn't working, Manish shoots breathtaking images that have been published in magazines such as National Geographic and Vanity Fair among others. In an email interview, Manish spoke about what piqued his interest in photography and why he turned to drones for capturing landscapes.

Which photographers have influenced you and how have they shaped your art?

I am influenced and inspired by Good Photographs and not by Photographers. A good photograph can be from a Professional or an Amateur photographer. I love the way photographers push themselves these days to capture a beautiful moment and this influences me to try and do even better.

ALSO SEE A Romanian photographer traveled across India and photographed beautiful women around the country

Please tell us a little about yourself

I am an avid nature photographer. I have traveled widely across exotic destinations in the US. Born and brought up in Nagpur – India, I came to the US to work as an IT/Finance consultant, and discovered my love for photography. My work includes Landscapes, Aerial, Night/Astro and Infrared and has been published in National Geographic, Vanity fair, Better Photography Magazine, Digital Photo and many more Magazines, Newspapers and online Media. I am in the process to convert my passion of photography into my full time profession.

What motivates you to take pictures?

For me, the main source of motivation has been the beauty of nature. I always feel at peace whenever I am close to nature. I still remember how excited I was, when I saw the Milky Way for the first time, or the Aurora Borealis or the meteor shower. I still feel the same level of excitement and this is what drives me to enjoy and capture the beauty of nature.

What does photography — landscape and drone — mean to you?

Photography is like Meditation to me. I feel at peace whenever I am close to Nature and that is the reason I do Landscape photography. Drone Photography allows me to see and capture the world from a bird eye view.

CHECK OUT An award-winning photographer captures a grand Indian wedding on his iPhone!

What drew you to drone photography and how did you discover it?

I always used to wonder how birds see the world and I wished I could do the same. When I heard about Drone cameras, I was really excited to venture into it. Even though it doesn't allow me to fly like birds, but it does allow me to see the way they see. That's why I call it Bird eye view photography.

What do you think makes for a good drone photograph?

Almost everything looks good when shot from a drone as it provides a unique point of view but I think it is very important to have a good composition and creatively correct exposure to make a good drone photograph. I also suggest to shoot aerials when the Sun is low in the horizon to get beautiful long shadows.

How does monochrome work in landscape photography?

Before color photography started, everyone used to shoot in black-and-white. Although majority of photographers shoot in color these days, the art of Black and white photography is still alive with some. To shoot in Black and white, one has to develop the art of seeing the world in Black and White, master the art of composition and Understand Light, Shadows and the tonal ranges.

What do you want your audience to take away from your work?

I want my audience to experience the beauty and wilderness of Nature through my photographs, the way I did while taking the picture. I want them to live their memories and experiences through my photographs. I want them to appreciate Nature and visit the beautiful places I photograph.

DO SEE Inspiring story of the photographer who sold his house to travel across America with his wife and son!

What are the difficulties practicing drone photography?

I didn't experience any difficulties while doing drone photography rather I enjoyed it to the core from the very first flight. However, I am more careful while doing drone photography. I read the rules and regulation of the place where I am planning to fly a drone. There are not many rules and regulations when it comes to usual photography.

How much are your shots instinctive v/s planned?

I will say 50-50 but it also depends on the kind of photography I am doing. If I am doing Astro Photography, there is a lot of planning involved like finding a place away from light pollution. I use apps to find out where and when the time Milky Way will rise, and by scouting the place during the day, I try to avoid any last minute surprises. Some of the Natural events that I capture happen only once in a year, like capturing a specific meteor shower and if anything goes wrong (For example – bad weather), the wait time is one year. If I am doing Aerial, Infrared or Nature landscapes it is a little bit more of instinctive then planning.

Why do you take photographs?

I take photographs to get close to nature. I take Landscape images to show how beautiful nature is and Infrared images to show how I imagine this world to be. Aerial Photography gives a completely new perspective to a place that is shot a million times. I call it Bird eye view photography. My love for night sky is the reason I ventured into Astro/Night photography. To me, the stars are not just sparkling dots in the sky, they are prized jewels visible to those who seek them

How much role has social media played in your work?

When I started taking pictures, I posted them to various photography groups on social media. I got a very good response and people really liked my style of photography. This gave me a lot of confidence and improved my work a lot as well.

What cliches should amateurs avoid?

I have seen many budding photographers running after expensive camera gear. I want to tell them that it is "YOU" that makes a great picture and not the expensive camera gear so stop running after expensive gear and make full use of what you have got.

What gear do you use?

It depends on what I am planning to shoot but on most of the occasions, I use Canon 5d mk iii, Canon 6d (Modified), Canon 16-35mm Lens, Canon 24-70 Lens, Canon 70-200mm lens, Rokinon 24mm f1.4 and DJI Phantom 3 Drone. I use Manfrotto and Gitzo tripods with Really right stuff ball heads. I also use iOptron to track the stars.

Could you suggest five handy tips for amateur drone photographers?

Before flying, be aware of the FAA and Local rules and follow them. There are various apps available that can tell you the No-Fly zones and also the weather details.

If you are new to flying drones, fly in beginner's mode and know all the controls before jumping into the advanced modes.

Be aware of the Histogram. Try to take bracketed exposures to get all the details in a photograph.

Shoot in Raw.

Be creative with your compositions. Drones can also help you take very unique and amazing Aerial selfies (Dronie).

What basic DSLR and lens kit would you recommend for amateur photographers?

I have not got a chance to review the entry level Cameras and Lenses. The choice depends on the type of photography one is interested in.

For Astro, I suggest cameras with good low light performance plus wide angle fast lenses with less coma.

For Infrared, The camera needs to be modified to capture the specific wavelength.

For wildlife, I suggest camera with good focus tracking and fast processor plus fast telephoto lens.

For Landscapes, a camera with good dynamic range plus prime sharp lenses produces best results.

When he isn't working as an accountant, Manish Mamtani specializes in Landscape, Night/Astro, Aerial and Infrared Photography. Mamtani discovered his passion for photography in 2008, when he first visited Yosemite National Park.

Since then, he can frequently be found in National Parks all across America capturing the wilderness and beauty of the majestic parks. You can follow his work on his website and on his Facebook page

Have interesting travel photos you'd like to share with us? Send photos from your travels to travel@corp.india.com, don't forget to mention where you've shot the picture and get a chance to be featured on our website! So what are you waiting for? Hurry!

Have something to add to this story? Tell us in the comments section below.

First Published: June 24, 2016
Source: An Indian-American photographer aimed his drone at American landscapes and the results are breathtaking!

Corona spy satellite timeline

By 1971, Corona's resolution improved to show buildings, roads and vehicles. This shot of a Soviet rocket motor production plant was taken in September 1971.(Photo: National Reconnaissance Office)

Mobile Users: To view a Corona spy satellite interactive timeline click here. 

The evolution of the top-secret Corona spy satellite program

Summer 1957: U.S. military officials, concerned that the Soviet Union had developed technology to track the high-altitude U-2 spy plane, begin to plan alternatives.

December 1957: Eight weeks after Soviets launched Sputnik, the decision is made to design and build America's first spy satellite, Corona.

March 1958:  Engineers meet with Air Force and CIA officials during a three-day conference on the Corona program.

RELATED: How Casa Grande crosses helped fight the Cold War | How the Casa Grande crosses calibrated spy-satellite cameras

April 1958:  Final approval given to Corona. Done in utmost secrecy, there is no documentation of the decision.

1958-59:  Aerospace companies design and build a space vehicle as Itek develops a camera with 24-inch focal lens. Camera is designed to swivel and shoot a panorama. General Electric builds a "thrust cone" to deliver exposed film from orbit. A plane would capture the cone as it parachuted to Earth.

Feb. 28, 1959:  Launch of Discoverer 1, ostensibly carrying science experiments. Aborted due to misfire, landing point unknown.

April 14, 1959: Discoverer 2 places a satellite into polar orbit, considered the first successful launch. Capsule recovery failed.

1959-60:  Series of misfires and aborted launches as technicians refine and improve the rocket engine.

Aug. 10, 1960:  On its 17th orbit, Discoverer 13 ejects test payload, but missed the impact point by 313 miles. Water recovery is successful and for the first time in history, a manmade object is recovered from space. It occurred nine days before Soviets recovered a capsule containing two dogs, 40 mice and two rats.

Aug. 18, 1960:  Discoverer 14 was the first to launch with a camera. Images of more than 1.6 million square miles of the Soviet Union (an area larger than that captured by the previous 24 U-2 flights combined)  are snatched by aircraft, the first mid-air recovery.

August 1961:  Corona launches with improved camera, mapping and re-entry capsule.

Early 1962:  After 37 launches the Discoverer series comes to end. The Soviets knew by then that there had been too many launches to suggest a science program.

April 18, 1962:  On the 38th mission, U.S. announces the launch is part of a secret Air Force program.

1964:  Corona has revealed the extent of Soviet airfields, bases, intercontinental ballistic missiles and other assets, proof that the country as been embellishing its military capabilities.

1965:  Corona boasts 3-4 successful film recoveries per month.

1966:  Army officials begin securing plots outside Casa Grande to lay down a grid of calibration targets.

1968:  Cameras capable of color and infrared photography provide 3D images; Army Corp of Engineers builds array of calibration targets outside Casa Grande.

May 25, 1972:  The 145th and final Corona launch. When the program ends, 520 million square miles have been filmed.

February 1995:  President Bill Clinton declassifies Corona spy satellite program.

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

Last SlideNext Slide

Read or Share this story: http://azc.cc/28RIfeK

Source: Corona spy satellite timeline

An Indian-American photographer aimed his drone at American landscapes and the results are breathtaking!

Meet Manish Mantani, an IT/Finance professional who is also a Nat Geo photographer! Abhishek Mande Bhot | Last Updated: June 24, 2016

Born and raised in Nagpur, Manish Mamtani moved to the US to work as an IT/Finance consultant. He has since then led two lives. When he isn't working, Manish shoots breathtaking images that have been published in magazines such as National Geographic and Vanity Fair among others. In an email interview, Manish spoke about what piqued his interest in photography and why he turned to drones for capturing landscapes.

Which photographers have influenced you and how have they shaped your art?

I am influenced and inspired by Good Photographs and not by Photographers. A good photograph can be from a Professional or an Amateur photographer. I love the way photographers push themselves these days to capture a beautiful moment and this influences me to try and do even better.

ALSO SEE A Romanian photographer traveled across India and photographed beautiful women around the country

Please tell us a little about yourself

I am an avid nature photographer. I have traveled widely across exotic destinations in the US. Born and brought up in Nagpur – India, I came to the US to work as an IT/Finance consultant, and discovered my love for photography. My work includes Landscapes, Aerial, Night/Astro and Infrared and has been published in National Geographic, Vanity fair, Better Photography Magazine, Digital Photo and many more Magazines, Newspapers and online Media. I am in the process to convert my passion of photography into my full time profession.

What motivates you to take pictures?

For me, the main source of motivation has been the beauty of nature. I always feel at peace whenever I am close to nature. I still remember how excited I was, when I saw the Milky Way for the first time, or the Aurora Borealis or the meteor shower. I still feel the same level of excitement and this is what drives me to enjoy and capture the beauty of nature.

What does photography — landscape and drone — mean to you?

Photography is like Meditation to me. I feel at peace whenever I am close to Nature and that is the reason I do Landscape photography. Drone Photography allows me to see and capture the world from a bird eye view.

CHECK OUT An award-winning photographer captures a grand Indian wedding on his iPhone!

What drew you to drone photography and how did you discover it?

I always used to wonder how birds see the world and I wished I could do the same. When I heard about Drone cameras, I was really excited to venture into it. Even though it doesn't allow me to fly like birds, but it does allow me to see the way they see. That's why I call it Bird eye view photography.

What do you think makes for a good drone photograph?

Almost everything looks good when shot from a drone as it provides a unique point of view but I think it is very important to have a good composition and creatively correct exposure to make a good drone photograph. I also suggest to shoot aerials when the Sun is low in the horizon to get beautiful long shadows.

How does monochrome work in landscape photography?

Before color photography started, everyone used to shoot in black-and-white. Although majority of photographers shoot in color these days, the art of Black and white photography is still alive with some. To shoot in Black and white, one has to develop the art of seeing the world in Black and White, master the art of composition and Understand Light, Shadows and the tonal ranges.

What do you want your audience to take away from your work?

I want my audience to experience the beauty and wilderness of Nature through my photographs, the way I did while taking the picture. I want them to live their memories and experiences through my photographs. I want them to appreciate Nature and visit the beautiful places I photograph.

DO SEE Inspiring story of the photographer who sold his house to travel across America with his wife and son!

What are the difficulties practicing drone photography?

I didn't experience any difficulties while doing drone photography rather I enjoyed it to the core from the very first flight. However, I am more careful while doing drone photography. I read the rules and regulation of the place where I am planning to fly a drone. There are not many rules and regulations when it comes to usual photography.

How much are your shots instinctive v/s planned?

I will say 50-50 but it also depends on the kind of photography I am doing. If I am doing Astro Photography, there is a lot of planning involved like finding a place away from light pollution. I use apps to find out where and when the time Milky Way will rise, and by scouting the place during the day, I try to avoid any last minute surprises. Some of the Natural events that I capture happen only once in a year, like capturing a specific meteor shower and if anything goes wrong (For example – bad weather), the wait time is one year. If I am doing Aerial, Infrared or Nature landscapes it is a little bit more of instinctive then planning.

Why do you take photographs?

I take photographs to get close to nature. I take Landscape images to show how beautiful nature is and Infrared images to show how I imagine this world to be. Aerial Photography gives a completely new perspective to a place that is shot a million times. I call it Bird eye view photography. My love for night sky is the reason I ventured into Astro/Night photography. To me, the stars are not just sparkling dots in the sky, they are prized jewels visible to those who seek them

How much role has social media played in your work?

When I started taking pictures, I posted them to various photography groups on social media. I got a very good response and people really liked my style of photography. This gave me a lot of confidence and improved my work a lot as well.

What cliches should amateurs avoid?

I have seen many budding photographers running after expensive camera gear. I want to tell them that it is "YOU" that makes a great picture and not the expensive camera gear so stop running after expensive gear and make full use of what you have got.

What gear do you use?

It depends on what I am planning to shoot but on most of the occasions, I use Canon 5d mk iii, Canon 6d (Modified), Canon 16-35mm Lens, Canon 24-70 Lens, Canon 70-200mm lens, Rokinon 24mm f1.4 and DJI Phantom 3 Drone. I use Manfrotto and Gitzo tripods with Really right stuff ball heads. I also use iOptron to track the stars.

Could you suggest five handy tips for amateur drone photographers?

Before flying, be aware of the FAA and Local rules and follow them. There are various apps available that can tell you the No-Fly zones and also the weather details.

If you are new to flying drones, fly in beginner's mode and know all the controls before jumping into the advanced modes.

Be aware of the Histogram. Try to take bracketed exposures to get all the details in a photograph.

Shoot in Raw.

Be creative with your compositions. Drones can also help you take very unique and amazing Aerial selfies (Dronie).

What basic DSLR and lens kit would you recommend for amateur photographers?

I have not got a chance to review the entry level Cameras and Lenses. The choice depends on the type of photography one is interested in.

For Astro, I suggest cameras with good low light performance plus wide angle fast lenses with less coma.

For Infrared, The camera needs to be modified to capture the specific wavelength.

For wildlife, I suggest camera with good focus tracking and fast processor plus fast telephoto lens.

For Landscapes, a camera with good dynamic range plus prime sharp lenses produces best results.

When he isn't working as an accountant, Manish Mamtani specializes in Landscape, Night/Astro, Aerial and Infrared Photography. Mamtani discovered his passion for photography in 2008, when he first visited Yosemite National Park.

Since then, he can frequently be found in National Parks all across America capturing the wilderness and beauty of the majestic parks. You can follow his work on his website and on his Facebook page

Have interesting travel photos you'd like to share with us? Send photos from your travels to travel@corp.india.com, don't forget to mention where you've shot the picture and get a chance to be featured on our website! So what are you waiting for? Hurry!

Have something to add to this story? Tell us in the comments section below.

First Published: June 24, 2016
Source: An Indian-American photographer aimed his drone at American landscapes and the results are breathtaking!