Author: Peter Forsgard

  • Global Photo Project 2025 is here!

    Global Photo Project 2025 is here!

    Photography is a unique way to connect people from different places and cultures. It helps us capture moments and tell stories.

    Last year’s Global Photo Project was a success.  You can see all the submitted images from last year in these Galleries.

    Once again, we invite you to join the Global Photo Project.

    On August 19th, 2025, let’s celebrate the birthday of photography together.

    What is the Global Photo Project?

    The Global Photo Project is a worldwide event for photographers of all ages and skill levels. On August 19, 2025, we ask that you photograph your surroundings. Our goal is to create a collection of photos showing the world’s beauty and diversity. Whether you are an experienced photographer or a beginner, your images are important to us.

    How to Participate?

    It is easy to join the Global Photo Project. Here’s how:

    1. Register: Go to our registration page and sign up. This way, you will get all the updates and instructions.

    👉If you registered last year, no need to do that again.👈

    If you do not want to participate, unsubscribe from this newsletter, and you won’t get any more newsletters from this Project.  

    2. Make Your Photo: On August 19th, 2025, make a photo showing your unique worldview. You can choose any subject you like.

    3. Submit Your Photo: I will send the upload link after the 19th of August, 2025. After you have received the link, upload your photograph to our website. Ensure the image is dated correctly. There must be metadata with the image. I can confirm that the image was created on August 19th. If there are people in your photo, get their permission.

    What Can You Photograph?

    We want to see a wide range of subjects. Here are some ideas:

    – Portraits: Take photos of people around you, showing their expressions and emotions.

    – Landscapes: Capture the beauty of nature, like mountains, rivers, parks, and beaches.

    – Street Scenes: Show everyday life in your city or town.

    – Wildlife: Photograph animals in their natural habitats.

    – Macro: Take close-up photos of small details like insects, flowers, and textures.

    Why Participate?

    When you join the Global Photo Project, you become part of a worldwide community. Here’s why you should join:

    – Global Celebration: Celebrate photography with people from all over the world.

    – Get Published: Your photo might be featured in a book, and all images will be uploaded to an online gallery. Here are the photographs from last year. 

    – Connect with Others: Share your photos and stories with other photographers.

    Future Plans

    The Global Photo Project will continue in the future. Every year on August 19th, we invite you to take photos and celebrate photography together. Each year will bring new perspectives and opportunities to connect.

    Join Us and Make a Difference

    We are excited to see your photos and share them with the world. Your photo will be part of a global collection showcasing the beauty and diversity of life on August 19, 2025.

    Register now (if you didn’t last year) on our website and get ready for this exciting event. If you post about this project on social media, use the hashtags #GlobalPhotoProject2025 and #GlobalPhotoProject to share your journey and connect with others.

    More information from this video. It was made for last year’s Project, but the information is still valid.

    Let’s make August 19th, 2025, a day to remember.

    Happy Photographing!

  • Unlock Your Urban Story: Join Our Kuala Lumpur Street Photography Workshop!

    Unlock Your Urban Story: Join Our Kuala Lumpur Street Photography Workshop!

    Let’s get right into the business!

    Finally, it is ready for announcement! Robin Wong, Matti Sulanto, and I are having a workshop in Kuala Lumpur next spring!

    Are you ready to take your photography to the next level and experience the vibrant streets of Kuala Lumpur like never before? I’m thrilled to finally announce something we’ve been working on for a while now: the Urban Street Narratives workshop, happening next spring in Kuala Lumpur!

    What makes this workshop so special? Over five immersive days, you’ll craft a powerful story through a series of 3–5 images, guided by three passionate photographers with unique perspectives. Whether you’re drawn to classic street photography or urban landscapes, this workshop is designed to help you discover your narrative voice in the heart of one of Asia’s most dynamic cities.

    Here’s what you can expect:

    – Personalized Assignments: Each day brings a new challenge, tailored to help you build your story step by step.

    – Expert Guidance: You’ll learn from three instructors—me, Robin (a Kuala Lumpur local), and Mati (a seasoned visitor)—each offering fresh insights and honest feedback on your work.

    – Diverse Perspectives: Rotate between instructors daily, so you benefit from multiple styles and critiques, not just one.

    – Hands-On Learning: Mornings are dedicated to shooting on location, while afternoons are reserved for in-depth critiques, lectures, and group discussions.

    – Community & Inspiration: Connect with 23 other passionate photographers, share ideas, and grow together in a supportive environment.

    We’ve chosen a fantastic venue in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. GMBB is surrounded by great restaurants, cafes, and endless urban inspiration. Plus, there’s plenty of free time to explore and capture your own vision.

    Early Bird Special: Register in July and secure your spot for just $1,400 (a $300 deposit plus $1,100). After July, the price rises to $1,600, so don’t wait!

    Ready to elevate your photography, immerse yourself in creative storytelling, and experience Kuala Lumpur through your lens? Click the link below to learn more and reserve your spot:

    Discover Urban Street Narratives & Register Now!

    This is your chance to dedicate a whole week to your passion, surrounded by fellow creatives and expert mentors. Don’t miss out! Spaces are limited, and this workshop will fill up fast.

    You can find more information about the workshop from our videos about it!

    See you in Kuala Lumpur next spring!

  • OM-5 Mark II was launched!

    OM SYSTEM launched a new version of OM-5 camera. The upgrade is not very big. Some of the updates needed to be done like having a USB-C port since that is required in EU. The other a little bigger update is the menu system that has been in OM-1 Mark II and the fairly new OM-3 camera. That new menu system is much better than the olde one. Now all the new OM SYSTEM canvas have the same menu which makes it easier to use different OM SYSTEM cameras. Many might have the OM-1 MarkII for nature and then the OM-3 for leisure photography.

    The main differences from the previous model. (image from OM SYSTEM)
    The new bigger grip. (image: OM SYSTEM)

    What do I think?

    As I already mentioned, the update is minor. The reason for updating was most likely two things. OM SYSTEM has been quiet in recent years, and it is good to launch something that reminds the brand of its existence. The other reason was most likely the need to update the USB port to match the requirements in the EU. At the same time then make some upgrades to the user experience.

    I have mixed feelings about this update. It is now the entry-level OM SYSTEM camera, priced at 1299€ (at the time of the launch). The OM-3 is 1999€, and the OM-1 Mark II is 2999€. This likely means there won’t be an OM-10 or at least a camera to upgrade the Olympus E-M10 Mark IV. If there is an update to the E-M10 Mark IV, it most likely will be something else. If I were able to decide, it would be a video-centric camera.

    The OM-5 Mark II is pretty good for an entry-level camera. I like the original OM-5, and with minor tweaks, I bet the new OM-5 Mark II is even better.

    Is it enough to attract buyers? I am not sure. It still has the same old processor and sensor. It is not a problem, but I know how photographers react to this; it might be. Most photographers want better image quality, which is usually associated with a new sensor. I think the image quality is quite good in OM-5, so I would expect the same from OM-5 Mark II. We all should concentrate more on the quality of the image than on image quality.

    The OM-5 Mark II is packed with features for an entry-level camera, making it a good bargain.

    I like that they added the CP button, which makes all the computational imaging features easily accessible. These features are most likely used more when they are easily accessible.

    If I can get it for testing, I will take the new camera for a spin around downtown Helsinki. OM-5 is a good camera for street photography, and I expect that OM-5 Mark II is even better.

    OM 5 Mark II comes in three colors. Black, Sand Beige and Silver. I have to admit the Sand Beige looks nice. (image: OM SYSTEM)

    You can learn more about the new camera from OM SYSTEM website.