Latest news with #Campodonico
Associated Press
28-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
A photographer captures the magic of a Uruguayan carnival parade in light and movement
MONTEVIEDO, Uruguay (AP) — Matilde Campodonico is a photographer based in Montevideo, Uruguay, who has been working for The Associated Press as a contractor for more than 20 years. Here is what Campodonico had to say about this extraordinary photo. Why this photo? This year, instead of going to the traditional Carnival parades, I decided to attend a small parade in a neighborhood of Montevideo. During the 40 days of Carnival in Uruguay, the city organizes neighborhood corsos (carnival parades). They simply block off four or five blocks of a street, hang some decorative lights, and people come out to celebrate. That's why this photo stands out: It captures a small event, less illuminated, less professional, but filled with people who bring their folding chairs to their doorsteps to have fun and dance; grandparents with their grandchildren sitting in front of their houses. I know that at AP, my Carnival coverage will be featured alongside that of the entire region, and it is important to highlight what makes Uruguay's Carnival unique compared to other countries. Candombe, with its three drums, is one of those distinct elements. How I made this photo This photo was taken with a Sony A1 camera and a 35mm f/1.4 lens - a small camera with a highly luminous lens. Choosing the right gear is crucial for this type of coverage, because in these smaller parades, beyond some decorative lights, the only illumination comes from the street itself. That makes it challenging to work with anything other than fast lenses. For these events, which feel almost like family gatherings, I try to be as discreet as possible, using unobtrusive lenses and minimizing the presence of a professional photographer at work and allowing myself to be surprised by whatever unfolds. For me, among all the Carnival groups, the comparsas (groups of singers) that perform candombe are the most interesting both visually and sonically. The candombe music has African roots but was developed in Uruguay and, for these reasons, it is unique in the region. There are usually dozens of drummers, and these human ensembles create a deeply moving experience in both sound and image. In this case, I was especially drawn to the colors and patterns of the costumes and drums - everything seemed to glow in shades of red. Why this photo works I think the photo works because there's something truly special in the combination of movement and color. The moment I took it I already knew something magical was happening. It always emerges like that - there's an instant when something catches your eye, you start moving closer and, at some point, you just know that what you're seeing is different from everything else. The little light in the scene seemed to reflect off the red of the costumes, making everything look red - the drummers' skin, even the air itself. I also loved that the drums were painted. I've spent a lot of time thinking about color. Black and white photography is beautiful, but it has a certain simplicity. Making things work in color is much more complex—it adds another layer of meaning. And when it does work, it feels like a kind of victory.
BBC News
23-02-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Firefighters urged to take part in mental health research
A union has commissioned "vital" research into the mental health of firefighters and how it affects their Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said despite the demanding nature of the profession, there was no standardised guidance or mental health support specific to firefighters in the research, which has been commissioned by the FBU, is being carried out by the University of Central Lancashire, led by Dr Carolina Campodonico, with the aim of surveying 10,000 Campodonico said: "Firefighters across the UK face immense physical and emotional demands, yet mental health support remains inconsistent and underutilised." 'Meaningful change' She said: "This is a vital opportunity for all serving firefighters to have their voices heard while remaining anonymous."Similar surveys have driven real change in countries like the US, Canada, and Australia, where national policies have strengthened support for first responders."She said UK firefighters should "receive the same level of commitment to their mental well-being"."Our research is independent, shaped by the needs of the fire service community, and aims to provide clear, evidence-based recommendations to improve mental health support. "Every firefighter who takes part will be helping to create meaningful change - now is the time to speak up."Steve Wright, FBU general secretary, said: "We're calling on all serving firefighters in the UK to take part in this ground-breaking research into firefighter mental health."Firefighting is an intensive and highly skilled profession, and every day we hear from firefighters who are facing increasing and preventable pressures at work."Firefighters are being let down by patchy and inconsistent support, without standard policies."We need firefighters across the UK to take this survey and help build a clearer picture of how fire and rescue services can better support the front line."Together we are determined to improve mental health in our service." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
