While many of us have to wait for special holidays like New Years or the 4th of July to see a spectacular fireworks show, those living in Japan get to enjoy them almost every weekend throughout the summer (though most are held in July and August). The signature summer event in Japan is called Hanabi, which means "flowers of fire" in Japanese. It's easy to see why as these incredible fireworks shows involves fireworks that appear like blooming flower arrangements. As Japan Monthly Web Magazine states, "The creation of fireworks is to arrange flowers, so to speak. The timing in which they are launched displays the craftsmanship behind them, making the fire flowers bloom in perfect intervals." Hundreds of thousands of spectators come out to see some of the main fireworks shows where experts bring out the most advanced pyrotechnics and synchronize them in stunning fashion. Here are ten of our favorite shots that show just how breathtaking it can get.
Local to Ithaca New York, Kelly Cox-Brady is creating a horticultural landscape with a paint brush. Her paintings are very much like her personality, bright, bubbly, big, with a earthly center and a realistic personality. Studying landscape design, Kelly thought she would be taking her green thumb to make plants grow. Somehow along the way of life she grew Black Eye Susans (flowers) to over 10 feet tall in her Botanical Mural in Ithaca. Quoted in Garden Designs, Kelly talks about how her education combines her passion for art. "One interesting aspect of painting botanical murals is the attention to detail that is required. Since my subjects are larger than life, many details become obvious that are easily overlooked on the actual plant. It is almost like putting a specimen under a microscope, but instead I’m painting them on walls. This is where my education in plant science comes in handy. I make sure the veins, stems and petals are all scientifically accurate." Don't you love it when science and art combine together!
W magazine's Creative Director Dennis Freedman came up with a brilliant way to show the world one of the most talked about and photographed woman, Angelina Jolie in a new, different light. He suggested this project to Brad Pitt, who's favorite hobby is photography. "I was surprised that Brad accepted the challenge," says Freedman "Last time we collaborated, I was struck by his sensitivity to the subtleties of photography. I knew that he possessed a highly tuned critical eye and would be very demanding of himself. Still, I wasn’t prepared for the beauty and intimacy of the images he made of Angelina and the children." Check out these very intimate and beautiful pictures taken by Angie's loving husband at their Provence, France hideaway.
Photoshop thrives in our digital age and we have lost our appreciation for the amazing 'unphotoshopped' images that are sometimes captured, either by a lucky accident or deliberate planning and hard work. Well lets give these people props for capturing some unbelievable images, which will make you question weather they've been altered. No they have not, these are all real!
