Photography

Factory Works and Transitional Living Center present ‘In the Frame’ photography exhibition

Factory Works and Transitional Living Center present ‘In the Frame’ photography exhibition

Williamsport, Pa. — Factory Works at the Pajama Factory invites you to the exhibition of “In the frame: Transitional Living Center & Factory Works Photo Lab.” The show will feature photographic works created by staff and reentrants of Transitional Living Center — formerly incarcerated women who are returning to the community.

The exhibit will open with a reception on Friday, Sep. 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. at The Other Space, accessible by Allen Street (turn off of Park Ave between Rose and Cemetery streets).

The goal of this exhibition, and the project of which it is the culmination of, is to address each participant’s view of their own experiences of the world. Tying in a multitude of themes including familial relationships, love, mindfulness, and the joys found in everyday life, these women rehabilitating their lives are exploring themselves through film photography. In sharing how their own world is captured in a single moment, they are saying, as project manager Brian Spies states, “I am here, this is what I value and through capturing it so am I valued.”

Factory Works is honored to exhibit such an intimate body of work and to provide the opportunity for this group to share their perspectives with the public both by embracing their art and themselves.

“I have seen such beauty and strength in the most negative places, and people never realize,” said Transitional Living Center staff member, Judy Chestnut. “This is transformation.”

Part of Factory Works’ ongoing mission is to bring out passion within our community through the arts and collaboration.

Made-to-order non-alcoholic beverages will be provided courtesy of Buzzsaw Coffee. There will be a limited number of books documenting the project available to attendees at no cost on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Keep your news local

Access to independent, local news is important, do you agree?

We work hard to deliver timely, relevant news, for free. 100% of your contribution to NorthcentralPa.com goes directly to helping us cover news and events in the region.

Thank you for saying that local news matters!



Photographers Reveal Their Biggest Regrets

Photographers Reveal Their Biggest Regrets

Regrets are horrible to have, but they’re also information-rich and necessary in many cases. We all have some, but in the context of photography, do you have any? Photographers reveal their biggest regrets to Nigel Danson.

Some years back I wrote an article on regrets and looking back, I haven’t added that many to the list, thankfully. Although there are some more philosophical regrets in my catalog, I can tell you without question what my regret is when it comes to photography itself.

When I bought my first camera, a seasoned photographer told me to always have it with me or I might miss something. Within a week or two, I saw the most incredible stormy sunset I’d ever seen in England and I had followed that sage advice — the camera was in my car. I had no idea of the settings to use but fortunately, I fluked it and captured something I was very happy with as a newbie. A few years passed and I had become a bit lacks with having my camera on me, and it bit me.

One morning I had to be somewhere extremely early. It was mid-December, pitch black, and freezing cold. I looked at my camera bag on the way out of the door and made the conscious decision to leave it behind. After an hour of driving, I had to pass through a forest and as I did, the sun rose through the trees with a deep golden hue, a light mist filled the air, and snowflakes swirled around glistening. To this day, I can see it in my mind’s eye — it was surreal. I suspect I wouldn’t have been able to capture that scene, but I deeply regret not getting the opportunity to try!

Annual Tennessee nature photography contest now open

Annual Tennessee nature photography contest now open
In a previous TWF Calendar competition, three Chattanooga area photographers were chosen from more than 3,400 submissions. Their pictures were featured on the 2021 TWF Calendar.  (Photos clockwise from upper right: Joy Adams, Denise, Neuendorf, Braam Oberholster)

In a previous TWF Calendar competition, three Chattanooga area photographers were chosen from more than 3,400 submissions. Their pictures were featured on the 2021 TWF Calendar. (Photos clockwise from upper right: Joy Adams, Denise, Neuendorf, Braam Oberholster)

Oscar Zifang Wan Photography Exhibition in New York

Oscar Zifang Wan Photography Exhibition in New York
Oscar Zifang Wan
Oscar Zifang Wan photography exhibition “Unveiling the Unseen” scheduled for showing in Tribeca’s “Untitled Space” gallery

Oscar Zifang Wan is ready to present “Unveiling the Unseen” a photography exhibition at the “Untitled Space” gallery in Tribeca, New York. This compelling collection of Oscar’s photography will be on display from August 16 to August 18 at 45 Lispenard Street, New York, NY 10013.

Oscar, a talent emerging from Blair Academy, embarked on his journey into the world of photography at an incredibly young age. While his peers were engrossed in games and toys, Oscar’s fascination gravitated toward the Leica camera, a tool he would use to explore the world with unparalleled curiosity. His ability to capture the multifaceted essence of life has guided him across five continents and numerous cities, shooting everything from the urban landscapes to the serene beauty of rural vistas. Today, Oscar’s photographs transcend mere visuals, encapsulating emotions, intellectual reflections, and a profound commitment to environmental sustainability and that is what the New York exhibition is about.

Oscar Zifang Wan
“Unraveled Realities” series by Oscar Zifang Wan

Oscar is also redefining the known in his work, as in the photo above – Zifang Wan confronts traditional perceptions, dissecting the mysterious, and inspiring reflection. Each image offers a window into a realm where tangible forms give way to abstract concepts, encouraging viewers to interpret the complex interplay of shapes, colors, and thoughts.

“Unveiling the Unseen” beautifully explores Oscar’s growth and vision as a photographer interested in the changing world around him. It offers glimpses into the vibrant lives of fellow young students, the beauty that surrounds us, and a deeper understanding of our world’s state today. Oscar Zifang Wan exhibition serves as more than a visual display; it is an exploration of thought-provoking concepts and a mirror to our times through his personal visual diary.

RELATED: Interview With Artist Qualeasha Wood for DSCENE Magazine

Oscar’s approach in this exhibition also takes a bold step beyond the familiar, delving into a realm where beauty is reimagined through a unique lens of creativity, and forms converge to redefine our connection with the natural world. For Oscar Zifang Wan the collection doesn’t merely present photographs; it narrates stories and reflections of our existence, advocating for a more sustainable future. Each image invites viewers to see the world anew, encouraging a renewed appreciation for the beauty and complexity that often remains unseen.

Concrete Reverie, 2022

“Unveiling the Unseen” is more than a photography exhibition – it’s an artistic statement by a photographer who is deeply committed to raising awareness about environmental sustainability. Oscar’s dedication shines through every photograph, allowing the world to witness his unique perspective.

Oscar Zifang Wan
Elevated Perspectives captured in 2022 is part of the “Metropolitan Reverie” segment of Oscar’s exhibition in New York

In the “Metropolitan Reverie” segment of his exhibition, Oscar breathes new life into cityscapes, transforming them into striking landscapes and serene contemplations of daily human reality. These captures elevate the ordinary, resonating with the very soul of urban life, laced with a touching profundity.

Unveiling the Unseen exhibition beautifully rounds up a visual diary, in and out of an urban landscape, also witnessing the change we have gone through around the planet in the past years. At the  “Unveiling the Unseen” you can delve into a world of young creativity, where  Oscar as a bystander documents all of our lives, at the same time creating an archive of visual landscapes.

Unveiling the Unseen at the “Untitled Space” Gallery
45 Lispenard St, New York, NY 10013
August 16 – August 18, 2023

Opening Reception: August 16, 6:00pm-8:00pm
General Hours:
August 16, 6:00pm-8:00pm
August 17 – August 18, 10:00am-6:00pm

‘It was my life’: Former North Hills resident continues 40-year photography business in Manor

‘It was my life’: Former North Hills resident continues 40-year photography business in Manor

Alicia Dallago’s journey with photography first took shape far outside Western Pennsylvania.

Over a 40-year career behind a camera, she earned numerous accolades, including two Kodak Gallery awards.

Dallago, owner of Alicia Photography, was a portrait photographer in the North Hills for 36 years. For the past year, she has operated a photo restoration studio out of her home in Manor using skills refined during the darkest days of the pandemic.

Dallago came to the United States from Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1977 with her then-husband and two sons, who were 4 and 6. Her husband had a work permit for a job in Cleveland, but she did not.

“The only thing that I could legally do was volunteer (at) a museum or go to school,” said Dallago, 81. “I didn’t speak English, and I had never driven in the snow. I thought going downtown to the museum area — it was out of the question.”

Photography quickly captured her eye.

Dallago enrolled in photography classes at a community college in Cleveland and fell in love with the art form. She earned an award from the Cleveland Museum of Art at one of the first photography shows she entered.

Despite her passion for photography, Dallago realized she had a lot to learn after booking her first two portrait photography contracts.

“I didn’t know anything about posing, so my posing was awful,” Dallago said. “My lighting was even worse.”

Seven years later, Dallago’s husband was transferred to Pittsburgh for work.

“I left all of my mistakes behind,” Dallago said. “But then I knew that I didn’t know anything.”

She studied under a master photographer for a few years and opened her own studio in the North Hills in 1986, shortly after she and her husband filed for divorce.

To continue honing her craft, she enrolled in classes at the Winona International School of Professional Photography — a branch of Professional Photographers of America — which operated from 1921 to 1984. She learned a variety of photography styles and techniques, shooting different images each week and receiving critiques from her instructors.

Her studio began to grow.

She had a real knack for capturing expressions, said Kay Bush, Dallago’s former studio manager and close friend of 30 years.

“When she worked with kids, she was down on the floor with them,” said Bush of Allegheny Township. “It was fun to watch her work.”

Through photography, Dallago found ways to give back to the community.

In place of a portrait sitting fee, she accepted toys from her clients, which she donated to North Hills Community Outreach for Christmas.

Dallago created a scholarship for women with children who wanted to return to school.

She generated funding through her studio work. The recipients — many of whom were single mothers or domestic violence survivors — were selected by the outreach and the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber.

“She is an active leader, especially toward women who need a lift,” Bush said. “She is really helpful with that.”

When Bush herself needed a lift, Dallago was there.

The two met through a divorce support group held in a local church and became fast friends. They went on walks “most every evening” to commiserate, Bush said.

“Sometimes, the angrier we were, the faster we walked,” Bush said. “But other times, we just had a really good time and enjoyed being together.”

For Dallago, photography was more than a job.

“There’s people that take their job as a job,” Dallago said, “and there are people like me (for whom) it has never been a job. It was my life.”

Dallago closed her studio in 2012. She shot portraits out of her home, using the wildflowers and water feature in her yard as backgrounds.

Then the pandemic hit.

Unable to safely invite clients into her home for portraits, Dallago became depressed.

While decluttering her home, Dallago came across a few old photos of her family, including a candid shot of her mother and father holding her as a baby. Her mother hated having her picture taken, Dallago said. It touched her to see her mother’s natural expression and smile again.

Dallago found a new direction. She began restoring and enhancing old photos — fixing spots that were dark, blurry, torn, scratched or stained. Soon, she realized others may want the same.

“When you’re a business person, the idea of a business is always there,” she said.

After moving to Manor to be closer to her son, she opened her home photo restoration studio on Sandy Hill Road. She has stuck with the practice since.

Dallago is still searching for organizations to support in her new Manor community.

“I told my son, ‘I’m not going to get involved in the community. I’m not going to be a chamber member,’ ” she said. “I went downtown (during my first week in Manor), I saw the (Norwin Chamber of Commerce) on Main Street, I walked in and I left being a member.

“I thought, ‘No, I have to be a part of this.’ ”

Quincey Reese is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Quincey by email at qreese@triblive.com or via Twitter .

The Impact of AI and Machine Learning on the Field of Photography

The Impact of AI and Machine Learning on the Field of Photography

In today’s dynamic world, the convergence of art and technology has significantly transformed various industries, including photography. The development of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) has brought exciting possibilities to the field of photography, and this article aims to delve into how these technologies are reshaping the industry.

Photography has always embraced technological advancements, from the evolution of camera designs to the development of photo editing software. Now, AI and ML are the new frontiers in photography, offering unparalleled opportunities to enhance creativity and efficiency.

One of the most significant impacts of AI and ML can be seen in image processing and editing. With the help of AI-powered software, complex editing tasks can be automated, image flaws can be identified and corrected, and composition improvements can be suggested. This not only saves time but also allows photographers to focus more on their creative vision.

Computational photography is another area revolutionized by AI. Advanced algorithms now enable smartphone cameras to offer features like High Dynamic Range (HDR) imaging, depth perception, and low-light processing, which were once limited to high-end cameras.

Moreover, ML algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data to recognize patterns and make predictions. In photography, this can be used for tasks such as object recognition, scene recognition, and optimizing camera settings for a particular shot. Wildlife photographers, for example, can benefit from ML algorithms that help identify species, track movements, and predict behavior.

The integration of AI and ML in photography is only the beginning. As these technologies continue to evolve, we can anticipate even more intriguing breakthroughs. AI could be used to create hyper-realistic virtual models for fashion photography, while ML algorithms could analyze and learn a photographer’s unique style, applying it consistently across their work.

For aspiring photographers, this presents a world of opportunities. Pursuing a career in photography means not just mastering the art of capturing light and moments but also being at the forefront of technological innovation. The fusion of art and technology opens up new avenues for creativity and offers unique ways to express one’s vision.

In conclusion, the intersection of technology and photography, with the advent of AI and ML, is shaping a new paradigm in the field. These technologies enhance the capabilities of photographers, transform image processing and editing, and redefine what is possible in a photograph. For students considering a career in photography, this is an exciting time to explore the field and be part of a rapidly evolving intersection of innovation and creativity.

Artisse Launches Groundbreaking AI-Powered Personalized Photography App

Artisse Launches Groundbreaking AI-Powered Personalized Photography App

NEW YORK, Aug. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Artisse, a pioneering force in artificial intelligence (AI) technology, today unveiled its groundbreaking personalized photography AI application. The app, set to launch globally in over 30 countries, empowers users to create perfect, highly personalized photos instantly and effortlessly, marking a transformative shift in the photography industry.

Artisse’s application is the world’s first AI-powered tool that empowers anyone to create perfect, highly personalized photos instantly and effortlessly. By leveraging AI technology, the app generates photos from text or visual prompts, offering users the freedom to create unique and unlimited personalized photos in any setting, posture, clothing, hairstyle or facial expression in a matter of minutes.

“Personal photos serve as life’s most cherished language – a universal way to foster connections and interactions, preserve moments, and express our perspective on life. Every day, we take more than 2.3 billion photos across the globe. Yet the process of capturing the perfect shot remains complex, time-consuming, and often outside the reach of most people,” said William Wu, CEO of Artisse. “Artisse is proud to lead the industry in integrating creativity and cutting-edge technology, enabling millions worldwide to create perfect photos effortlessly.”

Artisse, backed by a world-class team with a proven track record from leading consumer application and technology teams, is set to transform the way photos are created for social media. Artisse’s revolutionary technology complements and enhances the user experience on existing photo-centric social media platforms, such as Instagram and WeChat, providing a much-needed tool for the creation of unique, personalized photos.

The app launches globally from today.

About Artisse

Recognised by KPMG & HSBC as the #1 fastest growing startup in Hong Kong and #8 fastest in Asia (among 6400+ startups), Artisse Interactive is a leading technology focused AI and blockchain gaming company. The company’s consumer application launched in August 2023 to change the photography industry and empower users to create perfect, highly personalized photos instantly and effortlessly.

For more information, please visit artisse.ai or email info@artisse.ai.

Contact
William Wu 
[email protected] 

SOURCE Artisse

How Smartphone Camera Lenses are Redefining Photography

How Smartphone Camera Lenses are Redefining Photography

How Smartphone Camera Lenses are Redefining Photography: A Modern Perspective

In the realm of photography, the advent of smartphone camera lenses has ushered in a new era, redefining the traditional boundaries of the art form. This transformation is not merely a technological advancement, but a shift in perspective that is reshaping the way we capture and perceive the world around us.

The evolution of smartphone camera lenses has been nothing short of revolutionary. In the past, capturing high-quality images required bulky, expensive equipment. However, the advent of smartphones has democratized photography, making it accessible to everyone. Today, the power to capture stunning images lies in the palm of our hands, thanks to the sophisticated lenses embedded in our smartphones.

The quality of images produced by smartphone cameras has seen a dramatic improvement over the years. With the introduction of multiple lenses, optical zoom, and advanced image processing algorithms, smartphones are now capable of producing images that rival those taken with professional cameras. This has blurred the line between professional and amateur photography, as the quality of the image is no longer solely dependent on the equipment, but also on the skill and creativity of the photographer.

Moreover, the convenience and portability of smartphone cameras have changed the dynamics of photography. Unlike traditional cameras, smartphones are always within reach, allowing us to capture spontaneous moments and fleeting scenes that would otherwise be lost. This has led to a surge in street photography and candid shots, adding a new dimension to the photographic landscape.

The rise of social media platforms has further amplified the impact of smartphone photography. These platforms have provided a global stage for photographers to showcase their work, fostering a sense of community and encouraging creativity. The immediacy of sharing photos taken with a smartphone has also transformed photography into a real-time communication tool, enabling us to share our experiences and perspectives with the world in an instant.

In addition, smartphone camera lenses have opened up new avenues for experimentation. Features such as panoramic shots, slow-motion, time-lapse, and augmented reality filters have expanded the creative possibilities of photography. These features, combined with editing apps, allow photographers to manipulate images in ways that were previously unimaginable, pushing the boundaries of photographic expression.

However, the rise of smartphone photography has also sparked a debate about the authenticity of images. The ease of editing and manipulating images has raised questions about the credibility of photographs. While some argue that this undermines the integrity of photography, others contend that it is simply an evolution of the art form, reflecting the changing times.

In conclusion, the impact of smartphone camera lenses on photography is profound and multifaceted. They have democratized photography, blurred the line between professional and amateur photographers, and transformed the way we capture and share our experiences. While they have also raised questions about the authenticity of images, they have undeniably expanded the creative possibilities of photography. As technology continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how it further redefines the landscape of photography.

5 Documentaries Every Photographer and Creative Should Watch |

5 Documentaries Every Photographer and Creative Should Watch |

I love all types of documentaries, and I think it’s very important that artists and photographers educate themselves on the past greats and present ones working today. I watch documentaries on photography, fashion, art, and anything else I find interesting. It’s an education coming from a very successful person in that field that everyone can learn from, and I find them to be very inspirational. When I don’t feel inspired or I’m frustrated with things not working out for me, I put on a photography or artist doc and learn about their past struggles and their process that they go through. It’s always a great way to remind myself that everything is going to workout and to create that crazy idea.

1. The Man Who Shot Beautiful Woman

I have watched this documentary around 3-4 times. It is based on the life of fashion photographer Erwin Blumenfeld who started his photography career later in life, like myself.

Most people have never heard of him, I never did until I stumbled upon this documentary. Blumenfeld was the highest paid photographer in the world in the 1940s and 1950s, shooting for Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. His photos were way ahead of his time, so stylized and experimental, I was in awe with what he created because nothing like that existed before him. He had many personal struggles as many great artists do, all which is talked about in this must-see documentary. 

[embedded content]

2. Gregory Crewdson: Brief Encounters

I love Gregory’s work. I have his photography book sitting on my coffee table as constant inspiration. This documentary follows his journey on set in small town, U.S.A. as he creates this series of unforgettable images. The impactful and somewhat haunting photos are a one image cinematic masterpiece, each image looks like it was taken out of a movie. 

It’s a depiction of small town America with a little bit of fantasy. These photos will stick with you and make you wonder what is actually happening. It’s incredible to see what he goes through to get one image, like taking a street sign out of the cement instead of moving his camera. This is a must-see for inspiration and all the possibilities available to photographers to create the perfect image. 

[embedded content]

3. The Eye Has To Travel

No, this is not a documentary about photography, but is a documentary about fashion, creativity, and seeing the world as an artist. Diana Vreeland, who lived a very eclectic life, was the editor at Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue from the 1930s to the 1970s.

Sometimes, inspiration comes from other creative people who aren’t photographers, but a different kind of artist. What you take away depends on how open your mind is. I found her so inspirational and a great reminder of that era. 

[embedded content]

4. Queen Of Paradis

Reine Paradis is a Los Angeles fine art photographer. I was first attracted to her work because I really like neon colors and love blue. This is another photographer that has gone far above to get the shot. In this documentary, Reine travels the country for the perfect location, but looking at the final image, you think she could have just Photoshopped the image together. But that is what I love about it, especially since I don’t love Photoshop. I’m more of an in-camera type of photographer. Of course, the final image is Photoshopped to put it all together, but the location is real, and I think that is where the creativity comes from. It’s really about the artist’s experience and feeling that makes the image work. Since she is her own model, it has to be that way. 

[embedded content]

5. Slim Aarons: The High Life

If you have not heard of Slim Aarons, Google him now and then rent this documentary. You will see many photographers out there today are copying him, some of them blatantly. You will see what I mean in this great documentary. Now, we all know that pretty much everything has already been done before, so nothing is really that original. Aarons captured the luxury lifestyle and brought people into that world like no one had seen before at that time. His images take you to a place and time we all wish we could experience.

I’m very inspired by Aarons and have no problem admitting that I would like to shoot some images similar to his. A lot of the travel images you see on social media by today’s photographers in Italy and around Europe were first shot by Aarons. Take a look at his work and then look at Instagram photos, and they will look very familiar.

[embedded content]

I love Palm Springs. It is my treasured getaway from L.A. So, his Poolside Gossip shot at the famous Kauffman house in the early 1970s is one of my favorite photos and by far his most iconic image. Once you get to know Slim Aarons, you will never look at Instagram lifestyle travel photos the same again.

I hope you take the time to watch one or all of these documentaries. I think they will inspire you, light a fire inside you, or just give you permission to say “yes” to that next crazy idea. 

Photography: King Krule

Photography: King Krule

Posted: 13th August, 2023 by The Editor

King Krule played to a packed crowd at the Masonic Temple Cathedral Theatre in Detroit, Michigan. The London-based act helmed by Archy Marshall brought their unique dark-wave, jazzy, post-punk sound in promotion of their new album, “Space Heavy.” With a setlist composed nearly of the entire new album as well as past hits, the band delighted an enthusiastic crowd. The band performed an incredible encore with a mesmerizing performance of “Out Getting Ribs.”

Check out the bands newest LP, “Space Heavy.” The band will continue touring the USA through September, so keep an eye out for a tour date near you.


Photos by Alec Moore