AP PHOTOS: A look at May's most compelling images from around the world

This photo gallery highlights some of the most compelling images from around the world made or published by The Associated Press in May. Don't just read the news—view it with AP Photos.
This gallery was curated by Ricardo Mazalan, deputy news director for photography and storytelling in Latin America and Caribbean, and global photo editor Leslie Mazoch.

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The Independent

11 hours ago

• The Independent

Windrush campaigners urge the Government to save Notting Hill Carnival

Campaigners have urged the Government to step in to protect the future of Notting Hill Carnival as they mark Windrush Day. The west London carnival is in jeopardy, its chairman Ian Comfort said in a letter on Wednesday, when he asked Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to provide urgent funding to save the event. Jacqueline McKenzie, a campaigner and human rights lawyer who helped victims of the Windrush scandal, said the carnival holds 'huge national and international significance'. 'The Government needs to recognise this and act urgently to protect it,' Ms McKenzie said. In the late 1950s, Notting Hill became home to many people from the Caribbean who arrived in Britain on Windrush and accompanying ships, and the carnival was founded by pioneers of that generation. Ms McKenzie said the carnival being at risk 'adds insult to injury' for victims of the Windrush scandal. 'It should not be lost on us that these funding concerns coincide with Windrush Day on Sunday,' she said. 'To see this celebration in jeopardy whilst so many of the Windrush generation continue to fight for justice following the Home Office scandal only adds insult to injury. 'Carnival embodies the fundamental role of Black and Caribbean communities in Britain, and the Government should be upholding the Windrush legacy instead of undermining it.' The carnival attracts around two million people over the August bank holiday, and Susan Hall, leader of the Conservatives on the London Assembly, previously said the event was a 'victim of its own success' and a 'disaster waiting to happen' because of the large number of attendees. City Hall said it has been working with partners to ensure the safety of carnival-goers, which it described as 'paramount'. Professor Patrick Vernon, a cultural historian and Windrush campaigner, said: 'Notting Hill Carnival is far more than a street event — it is a vital cultural institution with both national and international significance. 'As the second-largest carnival in the world, second only to Rio de Janeiro, it underscores London's position as a leading global capital of diversity, creativity and cultural exchange.' Professor Vernon campaigned for a national Windrush Day following the 2018 scandal when it was revealed thousands of British people, mainly of Caribbean origin, were wrongly classed as illegal immigrants – with many deported while others faced difficulty securing work, accessing healthcare or housing. 'The injustice faced by the Windrush Generation in recent years makes the threat to Notting Hill Carnival all the more painful,' Professor Vernon said. 'It is a celebration born of resistance, resilience, and unity – a legacy that should be upheld, not undermined. To allow this cornerstone of Black British identity to fall into jeopardy is to further betray the communities who have already given so much. 'As we approach the 70th anniversary of this extraordinary event, we are reminded that Notting Hill Carnival represents the very best of Britain: unity in diversity, creativity in adversity, and joy in community. Now more than ever, these are values worth defending.' Glenda Caesar, director of the Windrush National Organisation, also urged the Government to step in to save the event, adding: 'In the face of historical and ongoing injustices experienced by people of colour, the carnival stands not only as a celebration of resilience, heritage and identity but also as a powerful symbol of unity and inclusion. 'Supporting this event affirms the UK's commitment to embracing diversity, acknowledging its multicultural roots, and fostering a society where all communities feel seen, valued and empowered.' The Department of Culture, Media and Sport has been contacted for comment.

Geeky Gadgets

a day ago

• Geeky Gadgets

New Midjourney AI Video Generator Tested : Transform Your Photos into Videos

What if your favorite still image could suddenly spring to life, telling a story through movement and emotion? With Midjourney's new video model, that vision is no longer a distant dream. This innovative tool takes static images and transforms them into short, dynamic animations, opening up a world of possibilities for creators. But here's the catch: while the technology is undeniably exciting, it's not without its growing pains. From resolution limitations to steep costs, this experimental feature is as much a challenge as it is a breakthrough. So, is it worth diving into this new frontier of image-to-video animation, or does it fall short of its ambitious promise? In this exploration, Thaeyne takes us through the core features of Midjourney's video model, from its automatic and manual animation modes to its creative potential and technical hurdles. You'll discover how this tool can bring your ideas to life, but also where it might leave you frustrated. Whether you're a professional looking to push the boundaries of visual storytelling or an enthusiast curious about the future of animation, this deep dive will help you decide if this experimental technology is the right fit for your creative ambitions. The question is: how far are you willing to go to turn stillness into motion? Midjourney Video Model Overview Core Features: How the Video Model Works Midjourney's video model focuses exclusively on image-to-video animation, deliberately excluding text-to-video capabilities for now. It offers two distinct animation modes, each catering to different user needs: Automatic Mode: This mode applies predefined motion patterns to your image, making it a quick and accessible option for generating animations without requiring advanced input. This mode applies predefined motion patterns to your image, making it a quick and accessible option for generating animations without requiring advanced input. Manual Mode: For users seeking greater control, this mode enables you to define specific movements, allowing for tailored animations that align with your creative vision. Additionally, the tool provides two motion intensity settings—low and high. The low-motion setting generates subtle, realistic animations, ideal for maintaining a natural look. In contrast, the high-motion setting creates more dynamic and dramatic effects, though it can sometimes result in exaggerated or unnatural movements. Despite these options, the model occasionally encounters motion errors, particularly when operating in high-motion mode, which can detract from the overall quality of the animation. Watch this video on YouTube. Access and Cost: What You Need to Know The video model is currently accessible only through Midjourney's web portal, with no integration into Discord. While this web-based approach may simplify navigation for some users, it limits accessibility for those accustomed to Discord-based workflows, which have been a hallmark of Midjourney's other tools. Cost is another critical consideration. Video generation is significantly more expensive than image creation, costing approximately eight times as much. For frequent users, the Pro subscription tier, priced at $60 per month, includes a 'relaxed mode' that allows for unlimited video generation. However, for casual users or those experimenting with the tool, the high costs may present a barrier to regular use, making it less accessible for non-professional projects. Midjourney Video AI Mode Watch this video on YouTube. Below are more guides on Midjourney from our extensive range of articles. Technical Specifications and Limitations The videos produced by Midjourney's model are short, typically ranging between 5 and 20 seconds in length. The resolution is capped at 480p, which may not meet the standards required for professional or high-quality projects. To achieve higher resolutions, you'll need to rely on external upscaling tools such as Cupscale or Topaz, adding additional steps to your workflow and increasing the time and effort required to finalize a project. The tool performs best when animating single-subject images, where it can effectively bring static visuals to life. However, it struggles with more complex scenarios, such as: Animating multiple faces, which often results in inaccuracies or distorted movements. Generating realistic facial expressions or achieving precise lip-syncing, which remains unreliable. These limitations underscore the experimental nature of the tool and its current inability to handle intricate visual elements effectively. As such, it is better suited for simpler projects that do not require high levels of detail or precision. User Experience: Opportunities and Challenges The video model encourages creative experimentation, allowing you to explore a variety of prompts and animation styles. This flexibility can lead to unique and visually engaging results, particularly for single-subject animations. However, the user experience is not without its challenges. For example: Downloading videos can be cumbersome due to limited resolution options and the absence of streamlined export features, which complicates the workflow. The tool's performance can be inconsistent, especially when handling complex prompts or operating in high-motion settings, leading to mixed results. Despite these hurdles, early feedback has been largely positive, particularly regarding the tool's ability to create smooth and visually appealing animations for simpler projects. This suggests that, even in its current experimental phase, the video model holds significant creative potential for users willing to navigate its complexities. Future Potential and Current Suitability Midjourney's video model represents a promising step forward in the realm of image-to-video animation, offering you a novel way to bring static images to life. Its creative possibilities are undeniable, but the tool's current limitations—such as low resolution, high costs, and technical challenges—highlight its experimental status. As the technology evolves, future updates may address these shortcomings, potentially improving resolution, reducing costs, and enhancing the tool's ability to handle complex animations. For now, the video model is best suited for users who are willing to embrace its experimental nature and explore its potential for innovative visual storytelling. Whether you are a professional seeking to push creative boundaries or an enthusiast experimenting with new tools, this feature offers a glimpse into the future of animation technology. Media Credit: Thaeyne Filed Under: AI, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.

Daily Mail​

a day ago

• Daily Mail​

EXCLUSIVE Johnny Depp feared Amber Heard would knife him. They looked like 'f****** zombies' on their wedding day. The butler found a body part in their room: For first time, full jaw-dropping story of marriage revealed by couple's confidantes

Waves lapped gently on the white sandy beach of Johnny Depp 's private Bahamian island as he waited - in a natty white jacket, black waistcoat and pocket chain under an arbour draped in gauzy white fabric and festooned with greenery and roses - for his bride Amber Heard. The 28-year-old actress looked stunning in a white patterned lace gown and a sheer veil, clutching a bouquet of roses and eucalyptus, as she arrived on the arm of her father David to meet her 51-year-old groom.