3 h. ago ‘The flowing red saree on the bank of the Ganges was incredibly striking’: Divyanshu Verma’s best phone picture

The Indian photographer captured a quiet moment at the popular Maha Kumbh Mela religious festival in PrayagrajDivyanshu Verma regards the north Indian city of Prayagraj as deeply special: not only is it home, it is also where he began his journey into street photography. This image was taken in the Sangam area during the huge Hindu purification festival Maha Kumbh Mela – maha meaning great because this was the 12th in a row of the ritual that takes place once every 12 years.“It’s a massive spiritual gathering and the energy is entirely unique,” Verma says. “The place was incredibly crowded with people who had travelled from far and wide, all drawn by faith, but there was a strange sense of calm within the chaos. I wandered through the crowds with my phone, observing rituals and soaking up the powerful atmosphere.” Continue reading...

Events

2 w. ago ‘Bike lanes are great – I hope these issues get resolved’: Rafael Escobedo de la Riva’s best phone picture

On a street in Tenerife, an architect spotted a graphic composition - and evidence of drivers resisting changeRafael Escobedo de la Riva was heading home from his office in Santa Cruz de Tenerife when he took this image. New bike lanes had recently been installed and it seemed to be taking drivers time to adjust. “There was some resistance and a lack of understanding by local people of this new way of moving around the city,” Escobedo de la Riva says.He took this image in the aftermath of one particular incident and knew instantly that he’d captured something special. Many people get the impression of a red and white lighthouse against a blue sea, but his interpretation is far more grandiose: “I was actually more reminded of the work of Russian constructivism from the early 20th century,” Escobedo de la Riva, an architect, says “the strong geometrical architecture and composition” drew him to the scene in the first place, adding that he would “love for people to be inspired to ...

Politics

2 w. ago I tried out apps that PAY you – make £500 a year by visiting shops like Superdrug

STANDING in the middle of Superdrug, I look nervously around as I whip out my phone and start taking pictures. No, I’m not starting a side hustle as a criminal. I’m testing out apps that PAY you to complete simple tasks in shops or while on your daily commute.  Trying to find ways to earn...

Economics

3 w. ago ‘The rainbow of colours reminded me of my childhood’: Guillaume Lavrut’s best phone picture

On holiday in his home town of Aurillac, the photographer was drawn to a pretty puddle of reflected umbrellasGuillaume Lavrut was visiting the small French town of Aurillac with his wife and three children when he took this photo. The family were looking for souvenirs together and exploring the streets when they happened on a canopy of umbrellas. Aurillac is home to one of the world’s oldest umbrella factories and is regarded by many as the umbrella capital of Europe. For Lavrut, however, a visit to Aurillac is about returning home.“My family are from there, so we go every summer. It’s so difficult to reach that we need at least a day to get there, but it’s worth it,” Lavrut says. Its peaceful, relaxed atmosphere offers something different from their homes in Paris and Nantes. “The capital is constantly bustling, and Nantes can be busy at times, too, but Aurillac is lost in the mountains, and nature is omnipresent.” Continue reading...

Science

3 w. ago Madeline Horwath on ways to keep your phone safe from snatchers – cartoon

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Politics

4 w. ago A cloak, some monsters and a bicycle: Marguerite O’Molloy’s best phone picture

A spooky scene in a Dublin shopfront – and a chance reflection – make for a surprising and unsettling shotCostume is a small boutique in Dublin’s city centre, usually fronted with elegant window displays of beautifully dressed mannequins. Last October, however, Marguerite O’Molloy was passing on her way for a manicure and found something startlingly different.“The shop is on Castle Market, a pedestrian shopping area,” O’Molloy says. “It’s a really lively, cool area and a regular haunt of mine; I actually met my husband in the famous Grogan’s Castle Lounge pub on the opposite corner. That afternoon, I didn’t expect to see this Halloween-themed display. I thought it was hilarious.” Continue reading...

Politics