Imma Barrera
Born in Barcelona, Imma Barrera is a landscape and nature photographer based in New Jersey. She is a graduate of the New York Institute of Photography and has a PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Zurich, Switzerland. Imma has won several awards and exhibited her photography in a number of galleries worldwide. In addition, she has been invited to join CollectorWorks, a hybrid gallery (virtual and in person exhibits) sponsored by Your Daily Photograph (Duncan Miller Gallery). One of her favorite subjects to photograph is the Milky Way and has been selected for several Artist-in-Residence programs at the Capitol Reef, Acadia, Glacier and Grand Canyon National Parks and the Flagstaff Area National Monuments for her night sky photography.
In addition, she was shortlisted in the Landscape category of the 2019 Sony World Photography Awards - Professional competition with her series “Under the Night Sky”.
Ian Lauer
Ian Lauer is an adventure astronomer, astrophotographer, and public speaker on a mission to reconnect as many people as possible to the night sky. He hosts exciting astrophotography workshops and adventures to help people get under dark skies, is the co-founder of the space clothing brand STRGZR Designs, and is helping build the space tech startup OurSky. When he's not under the stars, you can find him attending metal music events, and searching for the next up-and-coming musical artists.
Jeff Dai
Jeff Dai is a member of The World At Night project, National Coordinator at Astronomers Without Borders and Dark sky delegate of IDA. Jeff seeks unexplored night scenes, from the remote wilderness of the Himalayas to the still pristine night sky above cultural heritage sites. His long-term project ‘Silk Road at Night’ have got the China National Arts Fund and takes him across the world to photograph and exhibit images. Merging art and science, Jeff has won the first prize in IAU OAE astrophotography contest in 2021 and 2022, Special president’s award in PNA contest 2018. His photos were widely shared on NASA APOD, National Geographic, PNAS, and Nature magazine. His Livesteam of astronomy events have attracted Tens of millions views in China every year.
Parisa Bajelan
I am Parisa Bajelan, an Astrophotographer and a documentary filmmaker. I decided to follow a long-term passion of mine 15 years ago and have been working as a professional photographer ever since. Wherever the stars are visible there are countless stories to tell, and I am fascinated by the endless opportunities of the night sky.
I am a travel experience designer and I create a series of pictorial travel experiences and digital content in the form of short documentaries or photo collections. Some of my films and photos have won awards at International festivals and have been published in magazines. Currently, I have been working on a project to capture and record "The Heritages at Night". By heritage, we refer to what we have inherited from the past to value and enjoy in the present and to conserve and pass on to future generations. We consider the night sky a source of inspiration, creativity, and wisdom.
Ben Coley
I have been an amateur astronomer for many years and always loved the mysteries of space. My passion began while growing up in England but my interest grew after I moved to South Africa in 2007 to work as a safari guide. The dark skies above game reserves, and the accompanying sound track of nature, offer the perfect ambiance to showcase the night sky to guests. For years I regaled guests in the mythology of the constellations and helped them to take magical photos of the cosmos.
After a decade of hosting evenings, I decided that the safari industry needed a boost in astronomy knowledge and thus wrote and implemented a star gazing qualification for field guides that is recognised by the industry’s governing body, FGASA (the Field Guide Association of SA). It is my goal to augment the standing of astrotourism across the world and to protect the sanctity of our dark skies so that future generations are able to enjoy the abject beauty of the heavens. I am honoured to have been selected as a judge for the IDA and cannot wait to see some of the entries that are submitted!
Dr. Lin Qing
Dr. Lin Qing, is the Director of the Astronomical Research Center of Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, and serves as the vice President of Shanghai Astronomical Society. Dr. Lin Qing has worked hard to promote the development of astronomical science communication and science education in Shanghai for more than 20 years. He was also an enthusiastic advocate for night protection and has a deep appreciation for astronomical photographs.