Shadow & Light Monthly #66

Shadow & Light is a list of curated photography stories, features, techniques, news and inspiration that I’ve come across this month.

In this edition we uncover the world of crime and poverty in Sicily and celebrate National Geographic’s ‘Pictures of the Year’. We take a look at the photographic work of Julian Lennon and get up close and personal with a humpback whale.

So, with no further ado, I give you this month’s Shadow & Light Monthly. Go grab yourself a cuppa and enjoy this month’s selections below. Please let me know in the comments what you think.

Pick of the month – Chasing the mafia: the wild, Vespa-riding life of Letizia Battaglia

The Guardian’s article, ‘Chasing the Mafia: the wild, Vespa-riding life of Letizia Battaglia’, provides a compelling visual journey through the life and work of Italian photographer Letizia Battaglia. Born in Palermo, Sicily, Battaglia began her career in the early 1970s, documenting the stark realities of Mafia violence in her hometown. Often the only female photographer in male-dominated crime scenes, she captured harrowing images of murdered men, police officers, politicians, and civilians, revealing the chaos, grief, and desperation surrounding these crimes.

Despite receiving threats from the Mafia, Battaglia remained steadfast, using her photography to expose not only the violence but also the everyday lives, struggles, and resilience of Sicilian communities. Her work has been celebrated globally, including in exhibitions like “Life, Love and Death in Sicily”, which ran at The Photographers’ Gallery in London until February 2025.

For those interested in exploring her life further, the documentary “Shooting the Mafia”, directed by Kim Longinotto, offers an intimate portrayal of Battaglia’s career and personal experiences.

To view the full gallery and read more about her remarkable journey, visit the article on The Guardian’s website.

Additional reads

National Geographic ‘Pictures of the Year’ Celebrates Photography’s Enduring Impact

National Geographic’s annual ‘Pictures of the Year’ issue celebrates the profound impact of photography, featuring 20 standout images selected from over 2.3 million submissions. This curated collection underscores the magazine’s dedication to visual storytelling, presenting photographs that captivate with their aesthetic appeal while also standing alone as powerful narratives.

Sadie Quarrier, National Geographic’s Director of Integrated Storytelling, highlights the focus on unique and arresting images that spark curiosity and convey deeper meaning beyond their visual allure. These photographs transport viewers to diverse and often unseen corners of the world, offering a reprieve from daily stresses and fostering a greater understanding of our planet’s beauty and complexity.

The complete “Pictures of the Year” collection is available in the December issue of National Geographic, both online and on newsstands. For a deeper dive, including insights into six of the featured images, visit the behind-the-scenes digital experience.

To read more about this remarkable collection, check out the PetaPixel article.

Julian Lennon’s Illuminating Debut Photography Book Solidifies His Place in the World of Fine Art Photography

Julian Lennon, renowned musician and philanthropist, has unveiled his debut photography book, ‘Life’s Fragile Moments’, marking his significant entry into the fine art photography realm. This hardcover publication, released by teNeues, comprises approximately 200 colour and black-and-white photographs captured over two decades. The collection traverses various genres and visual styles, unified by an emotional resonance that invites viewers to reflect on life’s beauty and fragility.

Lennon’s lifelong curiosity and sensitivity to life’s small pleasures are evident in his work, which stands out in an era dominated by disposable digital images. He emphasises that each photograph must convey a story or emotion, stating, “Even with an iPhone, the picture I’m taking has to mean something to me, or is a story, or feeling I’m trying to convey.” This deliberate approach to storytelling through the lens solidifies his place in the world of fine art photography.

For a comprehensive overview of Lennon’s illuminating debut photography book, visit the full article on Digital Camera World.

And Finally – Humpback Whale Swims Up To Photographer for Incredible Close-Up Picture

Underwater photographer Rachel Moore experienced a profound encounter with a juvenile humpback whale, affectionately named “Sweet Girl,” in French Polynesia. During their interaction, Sweet Girl approached Moore closely, allowing her to capture an intimate close-up of the whale’s eye. Tragically, just days after this meeting, Sweet Girl was struck and killed by a fast-moving ship near Tahiti. Moore expressed deep sorrow over the loss, reflecting on the gentle nature of the whale and the emotional impact of their brief connection.

Moore’s photographs highlight the intelligence and curiosity of humpback whales, emphasising the importance of respectful and safe wildlife interactions. She hopes that sharing Sweet Girl’s story will raise awareness about the threats these majestic creatures face and inspire efforts to protect them.

For a detailed account of this encounter and to view Moore’s poignant images, read the full article on PetaPixel.

Until next time…

I hope you enjoy the articles above. Don’t forget you can follow my Shadow & Light magazine over on Flipboard if you’d like to see more of what I’m reading if you like what you’ve seen here.