Philip Tsourlinis Photography

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Philip Tsourlinis Photography

My photographic style is diverse and ever-evolving. I'm not confined to one genre or technique. Formerly known as Chilli Photography & Design.

20/01/2025

Tonight, the skies over Goonellabah put on a show, and I was lucky enough to capture it. Meet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) – or as I’ve nicknamed it, the Goonellabah Comet – gracefully falling over Lismore (looking westward towards Lismore).

This is a long-period comet, meaning it’s been journeying through the solar system for thousands of years. To the untrained eye, it’s a faint smudge of light, but through the lens, it reveals its glowing core and a faint, shimmering tail stretching into the night.

If skies are clear Tuesday night, you should be able to see it with the naked eye.

18/01/2025

My non-political critique of President Trump’s official new portrait.

Donald Trump’s new official portrait (first picture) is a significant improvement over his earlier ones.

At first glance, it might seem like a simple shot with bright light on his face and a dark background, but the lighting makes it stand out. It draws immediate attention to his expression, especially his eyes, which are intense, serious, and project strength. This isn’t just a portrait; it’s a statement.

Interestingly, the portrait returns to some styles seen in early presidential paintings. Those relied heavily on contrast, shadowing and highlights to create depth. In painting, depth is achieved by layering light and shadow on the subject’s face, and this portrait feels like a modern return to that tradition. It’s a foundation often overlooked in contemporary photography, but it’s brought back to the forefront here.

The photographer’s use of five softboxes adds to this depth, creating a three-dimensional effect. Subtle shadows on Trump’s head and face give the image texture and contrast, something many past presidential portraits lacked. Setting up and balancing this lighting in just 20 minutes is impressive, especially given Trump’s orange complexion. Too much cool or warm light could’ve thrown it off, but the photographer nailed it—hats off to them for pulling it off.

What sets this apart from most presidential portraits is how bold and focused it is. Traditional portraits are evenly lit with bright backgrounds, while this one strips all of that away and forces attention solely on Trump. It’s very in line with his personality. The photographer even revealed that Trump’s mugshot was inspired by this portrait—a funny nod to its impact.

Ultimately, this portrait achieves precisely what it means: convey strength and authority. Trump’s not smiling; he’s serious, determined, and intentional about the image he’s projecting. It’s bold, memorable, and a definite improvement from his earlier portraits. The more I look at it, the more I appreciate its thoughtfulness and ex*****on.

What are your thoughts?

29/11/2024

I wouldn't normally post about rainbows, but I’ve gotta say, this one was something else. I’ve never seen one so close before, and so bright.

Perfect Friday arvo in Lismore. 👍
(photos taken by iPhone).

21/10/2024

Captured Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) in Goonellabah, surrounded by the usual local flora. Four weeks ago, at 4 am in Yamba, I first caught this comet on its journey toward the Sun. Now, it’s heading westward, leaving the Sun behind as it ventures back to the outer solar system. It’s a long farewell—it won’t return until the year 2127.

14/10/2024

Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS). See you when you return in 80,000 years.

13/10/2024

For those interested.

I missed the colossal aurora peak on Friday night—the fiery finale from 8 to 10 pm. (Came out of nowhere).

Tied up with usual adult responsibilities, I didn't leave until 10 pm. I was counting on the predicted peaks to continue through the night until Saturday morning. But, to my surprise, the show ended earlier than expected. The night prior was also incredible, with many capturing stunning photos of the lights, which I also missed.

Solar forecasting is only 30 minutes in the future. More on that below.

So, once again, I missed the aurora. I'll capture it one day, maybe in the next event in 20 years. 😂

I am so pleased with the photos people took. People nailed it, even with smartphones. Breathtaking photos I am grateful people captured. No matter the quality of the photo, I enjoy seeing the light.🙏

But these sudden changes in prediction or one of many other factors (like weather) can always play a part in making astronomical events work or not. In this game, you win some and lose some.

How are solar event measurements conducted? Is it easy or hard? The answer will surprise you: hard.

Space weather forecasting is tricky. Solar physicists monitor the Sun for eruptions that could trigger auroras, but its magnetic field constantly shifts.

With limited data between the Sun and Earth, we rely on solar wind models to estimate if and when a solar burst will hit us. Only when particles are 1.5 million kilometres away can we measure the solar wind’s speed and magnetic field—giving just a 30-minute warning.

These crucial measurements come from the L1 Lagrange point, a spot in space where the Earth's and Sun's gravitational forces balance perfectly, allowing a satellite to stay fixed. However, since L1 only offers a snapshot from one location, it might not capture the whole picture. Researchers are working on better forecasting methods, but we mostly rely on ‘nowcasting.’

I may not have captured it, but I still had one of the best nights out learning about measurements and predictions and trying to chase the fire. 🔥

11/10/2024

Tonight, the Northern Rivers might be graced by a rare spectacle—a G4 or G5 geomagnetic storm that could light up the skies with the aurora australis. Three or four days ago, the Sun unleashed a massive solar flare, and now its effects are reaching Earth. While there’s no guarantee we’ll see the aurora this far north, the strength of this storm makes it a distinct possibility.

For the best chance of catching the lights, step outside between 1:30 and 2:30 am when the skies should be clearest as the moon sets at 1.30am. Look to the south and try capturing a long-exposure photo (around five seconds) on your smartphone. Cloud cover is expected to roll in by 2:30am, so this window offers your best shot at glimpsing or photographing the unique event.

09/10/2024

Sunrise at Yamba

At dawn in Yamba, sunlight strikes the spray from waves crashing on the rock formations, creating a golden mist. I love golden mist.

From this spot, I also captured Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-Atlas), its tail stretching high in the morning sky. (Previous photo I posted).

Yamba’s North Coast beaches and laid-back vibe make it a draw for surfers and nature lovers.

Very lucky to only live just over an hour away from this beautiful town.

05/10/2024

I captured Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS at sunrise in Yamba.

17/08/2024

Last month, I had the pleasure of photographing these fantastic Highland Cows in Goolmangar. With the rolling hills, it almost feels like Scotland!

These Highlands are also available for sale (details below).

Highland Cows are renowned for their striking russet and gold coats, distinctive horns and calm temperament. They're known for their friendly, curious nature, which is evident in the photos. Their unique appearance makes them a valuable and captivating addition to any herd.

Absolute pleasure photographing them.

For more information or to enquire about purchasing these beautiful Highlands, please contact Jan at Goolmangar on 0435 316 550.

23/07/2024

Near the Bentley car park of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, I was fascinated to discover several Grass Trees bunched together. With their unique appearance and long lifespan, these trees, scientifically known as Xanthorrhoea (Greek name), blended well with the Milky Way core.

Common names for the plants include grasstree, grass gum-tree (for resin-yielding species), kangaroo tail, balga (Western Australia), yakka (South Australia), yamina (Tasmania) and black boy (or "blackboy").

The photo, looking up at the Milky Way, was a fantastic composition and it was great to share it with the Grass Trees. I felt like the Grass Trees were also enjoying the clear but freezing view of the Milky Way.

Both photos were taken between 8pm to 11pm in early July 2024.

21/07/2024

At 2:30 am, in the chill of a 4-degree night, I captured a shot of the Canberra Bomber at Willowbank, Queensland.

If you haven't been to Willowbank, it's a small town just outside of Ipswich in country Queensland. The Willowbank Caravan Park and Camping purchased the Canberra bomber privately. It was a key player in Australia's Cold War aviation.

I like that the Milky Way core flows at a similar angle to the Canberra.

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