DEADWOOD, S.D. – Portrait photographer and artist Kary Janousek will delve into the historical beginnings of photography and its societal impacts. Attendees will gain insight into the wet plate collodion process, its specific role in history from the 1850s to the late 1880s, and its relevance in contemporary society. The demonstration will involve posing a sitter, creating the plate, taking the exposure, and fixing it on site for attendees to witness the results.

Additionally, three additional sittings will be available for $75 each at 2:30, 3:00, and 3:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring a lunch and enjoy the presentation on the Historic Adams House lawn at 12:00 noon; the event is free for members and $5 for non-members. In the event of rain, the lecture will be relocated to the Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center (HARCC).

Related:

In an unexpected turn of events, a photographer has managed to secure top prizes at a prestigious AI-generated photo contest with a real photograph (via Android Authority).

Real Image Wins AI Photo Contest

Miles Astray, a talented photographer, entered his real photograph into the AI category of the 1839 Awards, a renowned photography contest known for its emphasis on cutting-edge technology and creativity.

The image, titled “F L A M I N G O N E,” depicts a flamingo in such a way that it appears headless due to the angle of the shot. Captured in 2022 at a beach in Aruba where flamingos roam freely, the photo was taken with a Nikon D750 camera using a 50mm prime lens at ƒ/1.8 and a 1/1600 shutter speed.

Initially, “F L A M I N G O N E” won both the Bronze award in the judge’s category and the People’s Vote Award. However, Android Authority reports that this victory was short-lived as the 1839 Awards organizers quickly revised the winners’ list, replacing Astray’s photo with two other AI-generated images that were previously listed as honorable mentions.

The Creative Resource Collective, the organization behind the 1839 Awards, issued a statement explaining the decision to disqualify Astray’s entry. They emphasized their commitment to ensuring fairness and clarity for all participants by maintaining distinct criteria for each contest category.

The jury, composed of esteemed professionals from institutions like The New York Times, Christie’s, and Getty Images, initially recognized Astray’s photo for its creativity and visual impact. However, upon realizing the image was not AI-generated, the organizers felt it necessary to reallocate the awards to other artists who adhered to the category’s specific requirements.

Why The Photographer Did It

Speaking with Android Authority, Astray said his motivation behind submitting a real photograph to an AI contest was to highlight the ethical implications of AI in photography. He sought to demonstrate that real-life scenes could be as fantastical and creative as those generated by artificial intelligence.

Reflecting on his actions, Astray said, “Of course, I feel bad about leading the jury astray, but I think that they are professionals who might find that this jab at AI and its ethical implications outweighs the ethical implications of deceiving the viewer, which, of course, is ironic because that is what AI does.”

Astray teased the true nature of his photo on social media, hinting at its authenticity with a caption that read, “We’ve all seen a flamingo, but have you ever seen a flamingone? Only an AI could make that up. Or did I just make that up?”

Read Also: OpenAI Transcription Tool Whisper Found to Generate Harmful, Violent Text Due to Hallucinations, Study Finds

AI Wins Art Competition

This incident is reminiscent of a similar case in August 2022 when game designer Jason Allen won a digital arts competition at the Colorado State Fair using an AI-generated image.

Allen’s victory with his piece “Theatre d’Opera Spatial” sparked widespread debate about the legitimacy and artistic value of AI-generated works.

Despite winning a $300 cash prize, Allen faced criticism from the digital art community, with many arguing that creating AI-generated images lacked the effort and skill required for traditional digital art.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.

Related Article: Google’s AI Overview Still Flawed, Glue on Pizza Suggestion Still Appears

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Skylum’s latest innovation, Luminar Mobile, now graces the screens of iPhone and iPad users, providing a suite of advanced photographic tools. Following its successful introduction to the iPad and Apple Vision Pro, Luminar Mobile is engineered to transform smartphones into powerful cameras with post-processing capabilities.

The CEO of Skylum, Ivan Kutanin, highlighted their commitment to making professional photo editing accessible on mobile phones. Luminar Mobile does just that by giving iPhone enthusiasts the ability to capture, edit, and share dazzling photos from anywhere.

The update not only transplants the dynamic touch-based interface and sensory features from the iPad version but also ushers in two innovative functions: SkinAI and BodyAI, designed to optimize portraits to perfection.

Available via the Apple App Store, Luminar Mobile casts aside upfront purchasing in favor of a subscription model, with monthly fees starting at $4.99 or the choice of a semi-annual plan at $19.99, and an annual commitment of $29.99. Prospective users can embark on a seven-day trial to explore the app’s full potential.

Devotion to customer satisfaction is mirrored in Skylum’s gesture to its existing iPad user base, who will receive the enhanced Luminar Mobile experience on their iPad and iPhone at no extra cost under their current subscription. This integration signals a seamless transition for devoted users and invites them to delve into the realm of mobile photography with newfound precision and creativity.

Important questions:

– What are the unique features of Luminar Mobile that set it apart from other mobile photo editing apps?
– How does SkinAI and BodyAI enhance portrait photography?
– What is the cost of Luminar Mobile, and what do the subscription plans include?
– What does the transition from the iPad version to Luminar Mobile mean for existing subscribers?
– Are there any advantages of using Luminar Mobile for iPhone users compared to other platforms?

Answers:

Luminar Mobile offers SkinAI and BodyAI as part of its unique selling points, which use artificial intelligence to enhance portrait images automatically. These features aim to simplify the photo editing process, allowing users to achieve professional results without extensive editing knowledge.

The cost of Luminar Mobile is subscription-based, starting at $4.99 per month. There are also semi-annual plans for $19.99 and an annual plan for $29.99. Skylum offers a seven-day trial for users to experience the app before committing to a subscription.

For existing subscribers of the iPad version, the transition to Luminar Mobile is seamless and free of additional charge. They will have access to the same subscription on their iPhone without having to pay extra, enabling a consistent editing experience across both devices.

Key Challenges or Controversies:

The switch to a subscription model can be contentious. Some customers prefer owning software outright rather than paying recurring fees. Moreover, subscription fatigue can set in when users have to manage multiple subscriptions for various services.

Another challenge is the competition from other established photo editing apps on iOS, which may offer similar features either for free or at a different pricing structure, possibly making it harder for Luminar Mobile to stand out.

Advantages:

– Powerful AI tools that automate complex editing tasks.
– Seamless integration across iPhone and iPad for consistent user experience.
– Free access to new features for existing subscribers without extra cost.
– Has a trial period for users to evaluate the app before subscribing.

Disadvantages:

– Subscription model may not appeal to all potential customers.
– Might be met with stiff competition from other apps with longstanding user bases.
– Requires commitment to the Skylum ecosystem which may not align with users invested in other software.

If you would like to learn more about the company behind Luminar Mobile, you can visit their website with the following link:

Skylum

Please note that my ability to browse the internet for updated URLs is disabled, so the provided domain URL is based on the last known information and should be verified for accuracy and relevance before use.

Moreover, KHW Photography Studios offers a comprehensive white glove service that goes beyond photography. With groundbreaking neuro-cognitive techniques, the studio ensures every image speaks volumes. Additionally, KHW Studios provides full social media management, taking the burden of content creation off your shoulders. This allows businesses and teams to focus on their core activities while their online presence is expertly managed, ensuring consistent, engaging, and impactful content.

Over his many decades in the public eye, Alex Rodriguez has made some enemies, but considerably more friends. Recently, the MLB player-turned-entrepreneur offered a public shoutout to one of his lesser-known associates.

On June 12, photographer Nedim Vrabac graduated from Santa Monica College in California. Among the family and friends in attendance at Vrabac’s graduation was A-Rod, who snapped a picture of the new graduate to share on his personal Instagram.

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70% Win

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70% Win

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70% Win

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Rodriguez was first put into contact with Vrabac after the latter worked on-set with A-Rod’s ex, actress Jennifer Lopez. Vrabac has photography credits on two of Lopez’ films, “Marry Me” and “Halftime,” both produced in 2022.

Following Vrabac’s work with J-Lo, he was approached by Rodriguez for a project befitting of the former New York Yankees star. Vrabac met with A-Rod to produce a series of polaroid portraits, which the photographer was happy to share on his own Instagram page.

Although Rodriguez and Lopez split in 2022, the pair remain friendly. Lopez was a known favorite of A-Rod’s two daughters, although Rodriguez is now dating Canadian fitness guru Jaclyn Cordeiro.

“Soon to be offered in a limited edition book as well as a unique NFT collection. #nft #collection” – nedimvrabac

A former first overall Seattle Mariners draft pick in 1996, A-Rod spent 22 seasons as a member of three teams. After finishing his career with three MVP Awards, 14 All-Star nods, a World Series and a .295 batting average, the 48 year-old made his turn to business, the area where he spends most of his time.

Since retiring in 2016, A-Rod has kept himself busy, mainly through his fund, called A-Rod Corp. Though the investment outlet, Rodriguez has delved into various business ventures including real estate, E-sports and more recently, a minority ownership stake in the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves.

Alex Rodriguez’s long career has made him many friends along the way

Although the former MVP may not be playing anymore, he remains close to the game. As a regular contributor to FOX Sports, Rodriguez recently weighed in on the Mets’ season, suggesting they acquire a certain member of the Yankees:

“Look, the Red Sox broke the curse with getting this guy, today’s ‘this guy’ is Juan Soto. You get Juan Soto in a three-year process and start again.”

As a man who seems to have friends in a lot of places, at least A-Rod finds the time to celebrate with whoever he can.

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“I wasn’t even sure if the shot would be possible, but we got it!” says Traci Edwards. She and her husband, William Young are elopement photographers with their studio Adventure & Vow. They are also Rangefinder 30 Rising Stars of Photography for 2024. When asked to share an image that they are crazy about, they shared the most technically challenging elopement photography shot they have ever taken – an image that showcases the stars, the stunning features of Moab, and the newlyweds dangling from ropes — mid-rappel. 

Romantic Adventures and Technical Challenges 

The two describe their work as a mix of romance, candor, and adventure, but ultimately, each gallery is a collaboration between them and the couple. This shoot was for a couple who share a passion for climbing and star gazing. Edwards says, “After getting engaged in Moab while climbing, they decided to elope there — while climbing!” She goes on to share that the most challenging part of this shoot was for the couple themselves. Hanging mid-rappel means that they are engaged in a mental game as their photo is taken. They were suspended in the air for a long time with the rope spinning them around – an uncomfortable sensation to be sure. 

To reach the location, the couple had to climb several pitches to get to the top of the rope. Then as they rappelled down, Edwards let them know where to stop – right in the center of the arch. The couple wore lamps to help them stand out from the night, and Edwards and Young also had lights on the ground that they shined on them. Edwards captured the shot with a Canon R6 with a 35mm lens. She used a tripod for the long exposure. 

Try Something New, But Scout it Out First 

For photographers considering doing a similar shoot, Edwards recommends, “Do it!” She says that photographing starry nights requires taking time to play with lighting and settings. It might fail, but it might not. Be sure to communicate your ideas to your couples and make sure it aligns with their own vision. Also, make sure they are aware of any extra effort that might be required when going for a special shot. 

Edwards and Young also strongly recommend getting “boots on the trail” in advance of any outdoor elopement shoot. There are a lot of surprises in the great outdoors, so it’s important for you to be as prepared as possible. Make sure you’ve explored the area, ensuring hospitable conditions and planning out compositions you hope to capture on the day. Not only does this help you get in the zone and prepare your mindset for the day, it also will provide peace of mind to your clients – some of whom have never been to the areas they are eloping to. 

Adventure & Vow’ Tips for Star Shoots

1. Practice with just a landscape to get your night photography skills sharp! Night images with a couple can take a lot of time and be a game of trial and error since people typically move during longer exposure.
2. Start at ISO 2000, F2, 1/30th of a second just to the barrings, and then adjust as needed from there. Edwards uses a Canon R6 because they do well in low light. She tends toward 35mm for stars, but also sometimes needs the 24mm or 16mm, depending on the landscape and proximity to the couple. She uses manual focus and focuses on the stars (for landscapes).
3. When photographing couples with stars, shine a light on them to lock focus, switch to manual, turn off the light, and click the shutter. You can consider lighting them in silhouette. You can use a phone light, strobe, or flashlight, or have them light each other with headlamps.
4. Expect this to take time! You’ll need to play with the formulas of lighting the couple and the exposure for each couple because some couples can be very still and others cannot!
5. Useful apps to plan star shoots are Google Earth Pro, Nightsky, and Photo Pills.
6. A great time to photograph stars is 1.5 hours after or before sunset — unless you are chasing the Milky Way!
7. Have fun! And don’t be afraid to try new things!

Epic Experience, Lifelong Memories 

For Adeventure & Vow, elopements are all about couples being immersed in their love for each other and the great outdoors. Edwards says, “To us, an elopement is an expression of your love story, of your hardships and celebrations. It is a chance to experience something new, challenging, deep and filled with love in the most freeing way.”  

She goes on to say that her goal as a photographer is give her couples a voice and a space to freely showcase who they are as a couple. That extends into giving them a wedding day they will never forget. Edwards says that the day this couple put in an order for a large print of this article’s featured starry image for their home, she knew they had been successful in creating something for them that is not only beautiful, but profoundly meaningful for them.  

For every elopement shoot they go on, Adventure & Vow focuses on creating a memorable experience and epic photos that create lifelong memories. Edwards says, “Every elopement we photograph is greatly different from the next one or the one before, but they all have the same thing in common – heart.” 

To follow Traci Edwards and William Young’s epic adventures, follow them on Instagram. View the full 30 Rising Star Winners Gallery for 2024 here. 

 [Read: Legend Awards Elopement Photography Competition: Open till June 30]

As a thank you to our readers, we’re pleased to offer you a Rangefinder exclusive discount code to get 25% off The Portrait Masters course below. Use the code RF25 at check out to redeem. This code cannot be used in combination with other sales.

In the right place at the right time, cast your eyes to the sky and you may see something awe-inspiring.

This is the feeling evoked by these images, a few of the winners of this year’s Milky Way Photographer of the Year competition. Each year, the top 25 spellbinding shots of our galaxy, captured from prime spots around the world, are curated and published by Dan Zafra, editor of travel photography blog Capture the Atlas.

Tom Rae’s entry (main image), shows the Milky Way emerging from New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook, on a winter’s night. “In rare alpine weather conditions, I embarked on a journey up the glacial valley one night,” said Rae in an announcement on Zafra’s site. “Upon reaching the lake, the scene that unfolded made me feel like I had landed on another planet.”

In another elevated endeavour, Matej Mlakar captured an “arch” of the Milky Way (pictured above) over Vršič Pass – the highest mountain pass in Slovenia. The red blurs in the sky are clouds of glowing hydrogen called emission nebulae, which appear red due to emitting only at particular wavelengths. The light is produced due to the ionisation of atoms in the gas, caused by newly forming stars.

Meanwhile, the images above show remarkable scenes from the US. Brandt Ryder’s shot, first of the two, was taken in the Eastern Sierra region of California, where the Milky Way frames a violet sea of lupines. Stephanie Thi named her image, taken in Utah, Starry Hoodoo Wonderland – a nod to the toadstool-like hoodoo rocks that add to the aura of her starry backdrop.

We’re reporting live from the Honor 200 Series launch in Paris today, with the smartphone brand revealing its latest line of mid-range devices to a packed audience of media and commercial partners. It seems no new phone launch is complete without a big-name collaboration these days, though we have to hand it to Honor, the team-up with iconic Parisian photography house Studio Harcourt is one of the more impressive ones we’ve seen, and it’s sure to be a popular choice with amateur smartphone photographers.

We first found out about the Honor and Studio Harcourt collaboration last month, with CEO George Zhao revealing the news at VivaTech 2024, but we didn’t get the full details until today. Having worked with a team of expert photographers from Studio Harcourt, the Honor 200 Pro combines a 50MP portrait telephoto camera with the new Honor AI Portrait Engine feature, which allows for in-depth manipulation of light and shadows to offer portrait shots the likes of which we’ve not seen on a smartphone before.

We’ve seen some pretty interesting AI camera features in this year’s Samsung phones, as well as those from Xiaomi and Google Pixel, but Honor’s bringing something pretty different to the table here.

If all this wasn’t exciting enough, as part of the 200 Series reveal, Honor unveiled a new partnership with Rankin, the legendary portrait photographer who’s worked with names like Madonna, David Bowie, Kate Moss, and even the late Queen Elizabeth II. Unfortunately, we weren’t treated to the results of the partnership today. However, in a short clip, Rankin admitted he was “absolutely amazed” with the quality of the Honor 200 Series cameras, and we were told to expect an exciting event from Honor and the photographer in London later this summer.

Outside of the fresh Studio Harcourt-inspired feature, the Honor 200 Pro seems like a pretty impressive bit of kit in its own right. The premium option of the 200 Series powers stellar performance with a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset and 12GB of RAM, juices up its 5,200 mAH battery in no time with 100W wired and 66W wireless superfast charging, and has more than enough space to save all your dazzling portraits with 512GB of storage.

You can find the full specs on the official Honor website, as well as the all-important details for the Honor 200 base model and Lite version.

In terms of colorways, the Honor 200 Pro is available in Ocean Cyan, Moonlight White, and Black, while the base model 200 comes in Moonlight White, Emerald Green, and Black. We had a look at the Moonlight White at the event, and it has a wonderful marbled effect that looks markedly different from anything else we’ve seen in the mid-range price point. We’re big fans.

If you want to get your hands on one of the Honor 200 devices yourself, the first thing to note is that, unfortunately, it doesn’t look like this series is arriving in the US just yet, if at all. However, pre-orders begin today for the 200 Pro and base model on the Honor site in the UK and Europe for $699.99 and $499.99, respectively. The Lite version is also available for the lower price of $279.99, with an extra £30 off if you use the code ‘A200L30’ before checking out.

There you have it, all the key details from the Honor 200 Pro launch. While you’re here, be sure to check out what the other big brands out of China have to offer with our guides to the best Xiaomi phones and the best OnePlus phones. Or, if you’re more interested in the next Apple device, see our iPhone 16 hub for all the latest leaks and rumors.

HONOR has launched the new 200 series, aiming to revolutionize portrait photography with innovative features both in hardware and software. This latest series features updated HONOR RAW Domain algorithms supporting the rear smartphone cameras, enabling balanced, sharp portraits even in low light situations.

Additionally, the HONOR 200 Pro utilizes an AI Portrait engine developed in partnership with Studio Harcourt—a prestigious Parisian photography studio. This partnership and expertise aim to deliver a professional-grade photography experience. Over twenty imaging experts from HONOR and Studio Harcourt have invested more than 400 days analyzing a multitude of scenarios to improve the camera’s performance across different lighting conditions.

The HONOR 200 Pro showcases a Quad-curved Floating 1.5K display with technology that minimizes eye strain for extended usage. Its features include automatic color temperature adjustment and an AI Circadian Night Display that reduces blue light, aiding in better sleep quality.

Internally, the 200 Pro is powered by a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor and comes with 12GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and a sizable 5200mAh silicon-carbon battery. This battery allows up to 61 hours of continuous music streaming, while HONOR SuperCharge technology enables rapid full charging in just 41 minutes with a 100W wired connection, or in under an hour with 66W wireless charging.

This leading-edge phone boasts the MagicOS 8.0 operating system, based on Android 14, which features user-centric functions like Magic Portal, Magic Capsule, and Magic Ring.

The HONOR 200 Pro has been launched along with the HONOR 200, the latter featuring the same high-performance display, same battery capacity but differing in its processor—the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3—and camera specifications.

The HONOR 200 and 200 Pro devices are now available for purchase, with the 200 Pro offered in Ocean Cyan, Moonlight White, and Black, while the HONOR 200 comes in a wider array of colors. Complimentary gifts such as the Watch4 and a 100W charger are included with certain models, alongside a 100€ discount coupon available through HONOR’s official website.

Important Questions and Answers:

What are the new features focusing on portrait photography in the HONOR 200 series?
The HONOR 200 series features the updated HONOR RAW Domain algorithms to enhance portrait photography, particularly in low-light situations. The series also integrates an AI Portrait engine developed in partnership with Studio Harcourt, designed to provide a professional-grade photography experience.

What are the display features of the HONOR 200 Pro that benefit users?
The HONOR 200 Pro is equipped with a Quad-curved Floating 1.5K display, which includes features like automatic color temperature adjustment and an AI Circadian Night Display. These aim to reduce eye strain and blue light exposure, contributing to better sleep quality.

What are the charging capabilities of the HONOR 200 series?
The HONOR 200 series introduces HONOR SuperCharge technology that enables rapid charging. Specifically, the 200 Pro model can be fully charged in 41 minutes with a 100W wired connection or in under an hour with 66W wireless charging.

Key Challenges or Controversies:
A major challenge for the HONOR brand is differentiating its products within a competitive smartphone market dominated by well-established companies. Additionally, as a company that used to be under Huawei, HONOR has to overcome the perception issues arising from the US sanctions that were previously imposed on its former parent company.

Advantages and Disadvantages:

Advantages:
– Enhanced portrait photography with software and hardware integration.
– Professional-grade camera performance due to the collaboration with Studio Harcourt.
– The display technology provides eye comfort and may improve sleep quality.
– Quick charging capabilities shorten the time needed to power up the device.
– High-end device performance with a powerful processor and extensive memory and storage options.

Disadvantages:
– Users may find the high-end features reflected in a premium price point.
– Rapid advancements in smartphone technology could quickly outdate the device’s innovations.
– The HONOR brand may not be as widely recognized or trusted compared to other smartphone giants.

Related Links:
For more information about HONOR and their product ranges, you can visit their official website at HONOR. Please note that I cannot guarantee the validity of the URL as my last update was in April 2023, so be sure to verify the address in your web browser.