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OSKALOOSA — Jordan Lester was lauded as one of the top photographers in the country as the College Sports Communicators announced their 2023-2024 awards recently.

Lester‘s portfolio submission earned him the title of NAIA Photographer of the Year. He also placed fourth in the College Division, which includes NAIA, NCAA Division II and III, NJCAA, and Canadian schools.

“This honor should go to our student-athletes, coaches, and community,” Lester said. “When I started at WPU as a graduate assistant, they all trusted our process and vision of showcasing our NAIA student-athletes and their stories. They included me in moments of joy and sadness, and allowed me behind closed doors, trusting me to capture those moments in William Penn University history. It is not something I would trade for the world. I look forward to next year!”

After two years as a graduate assistant in the Athletic Communications office, Lester was hired full-time as the Director of Creative Media. In his role, he oversees the department’s photography and videography as well as live production streaming.

“I cannot express how important Jordan is to our office,” Assistant Athletic Director for Communications Wade Steinlage said. “Despite being so young and new to the profession, he brings a level of expertise that is far beyond his years. He has taken us to a higher stratum than I ever envisioned, and I applaud his efforts every day. We are incredibly fortunate to have him here at William Penn.”

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“The Flying African” (2019) 16” x 24” Archival inkjet print

Darkness is a challenge for many photographers. A badly lit room can ruin an image, and the absence of light can make it impossible for the camera to capture anything at all. What if darkness was not only a resource but also a meaningful vessel? Multimedia artist Mikael Owunna turns the principles of photography on its head to bring ancient African folklore to light in his new exhibition titled Imagine Fresh Darkness. The show features 19 images from his groundbreaking photographic series Infinite Essence.

While photography is mostly used to capture a moment as seen by our eyes, Owunna has taken it to its etymological origins to create something more. “[Infinite Essence] redefines conventional notions of photography, which from its Greek roots—photos (light) and graphos (drawing)—is often understood as ‘drawing with light,’” states Blue Sky Gallery, which houses the exhibition. “However, Owunna’s approach subverts this foundational concept by utilizing ultraviolet light, which is invisible to the naked eye, to reveal and draw from the ‘blackness’ or darkness itself.”

To achieve this, Owunna built custom camera equipment that captures the fluorescence of nude painted bodies under UV light. In turn, his images aim to reveal a spectral vision of humanity that puts African cosmological narratives in the spotlight—drawing a connection between two entities invisible to the human eye and standard photographic equipment.

“The title Imagine Fresh Darkness challenges the viewer to reconceive darkness not as the absence of light but as a profound presence, teeming with unseen energies and narratives,” says the gallery. “In Owunna’s work, darkness becomes a canvas revealing the luminous and transcendent potential of the Black body, portrayed through a process that draws from the very essence of invisibility and blackness.”

Parting from the common thread of Black bodies shining under UV light, Owunna simultaneously explores a handful of intersecting cosmogonies and elevates his subjects into deity-like figures. For example, his image The Flying African is inspired by the enslaved Africans who escaped bondage by taking flight and returning to their African homelands, while Mmadu (The Enlightened One) presents an element from the Igbo way of life. “In this cosmology, the beauty of life is in becoming a fully realized, spiritually enlightened individual, an ‘enlightened one’ who is deeply connected to and draws on the primordial blackness of the Igbo creator god Chukwu.”

Imagine Fresh Darkness is on view at Blue Sky Gallery, Oregon Center for the Photographic Arts in Portland through June 29, 2024. To stay up to date with the artist’s work, you can follow  Owunna on Instagram.

Multimedia artist Mikael Owunna turns the principles of photography to bring ancient African folklore to light in his new exhibition.

“Go Sa (Sister of the Dance)” (2019) 24” x 16” Archival inkjet print

Titled Imagine Fresh Darkness, it features 19 images from his groundbreaking photographic series Infinite Essence.

“Nommo Semi, Guardian of Space” (2019) 16” x 24” Archival inkjet print

“Infinite Essence redefines conventional notions of photography, which from its Greek roots—photos (light) and graphos (drawing)—is often understood as ‘drawing with light.’”

“Amma’s Womb” (2019) 24” x 16” Archival inkjet print

“However, Owunna’s approach subverts this foundational concept by utilizing ultraviolet light, which is invisible to the naked eye, to reveal and draw from the ‘blackness’ or darkness itself.”

“Mmadu (The Enlightened One)” (2019) 16” x 24” Archival inkjet print

To achieve this, Owunna built custom camera equipment that captures the fluorescence of nude painted bodies under UV light.

In turn, his images aim to reveal a spectral vision of humanity that puts African cosmological narratives in the spotlight

Imagine Fresh Darkness is on view at Blue Sky Gallery, Oregon Center for the Photographic Arts in Portland through June 29, 2024.

Mikael Owunna: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Blue Sky Gallery.

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Vibrant Mixed-Media Collages Give a Fresh Perspective on African American Ancestry

Artist Creates Stunning Mosaic Portraits Inspired by Colorful Patterns From African Culture

Unleash the Power of Photography with Xiaomi

In a world where technology continually evolves, Xiaomi smartphones stand out for their impressive camera capabilities. While many users have already experienced the enhanced photo quality, there’s a secret feature that can take your pictures to the next level.

Discover the Magic of HyperOS

One of Xiaomi’s best-kept secrets is HyperOS, an Android-based operating system that incorporates artificial intelligence. By harnessing the power of HyperOS, users can transform their images and make them truly distinctive. From adjusting brightness to changing backgrounds, the possibilities are endless.

Transform Your Images with Ease

To unlock the full potential of your Xiaomi device, simply navigate to the “Gallery,” select a photo, and tap on “Edit.” Then, click on the pencil icon to access the “Beauty Mode” and choose “Animal World” to access a range of editing tools. While not all Xiaomi models support HyperOS, a quick check on the Google Play Store can determine if your device is compatible.

Experience the Difference

Don’t miss out on this game-changing feature that can elevate your photography skills. With Xiaomi’s hidden trick, capturing and editing stunning photos has never been easier. Have you tried this innovative tool yet? Get ready to revolutionize your photography experience with Xiaomi.

Additional Facts:
– Xiaomi is a Chinese electronics company known for producing a wide range of products, including smartphones, smart home devices, and lifestyle products.
– The company has gained popularity for offering high-quality devices at competitive prices, making advanced technology accessible to a wider audience.
– Xiaomi has a strong presence in the global smartphone market, competing with other major brands like Apple, Samsung, and Huawei.

Important Questions:
1. What sets Xiaomi’s camera technology apart from other smartphone brands?
2. How does HyperOS enhance the photography experience on Xiaomi devices?
3. Are there any limitations or compatibility issues with using HyperOS on certain Xiaomi models?
4. What specific editing tools are available within the “Animal World” setting in the Beauty Mode?

Key Challenges/Controversies:
– One potential challenge could be user privacy concerns related to the use of artificial intelligence in image processing.
– There might be controversies surrounding the accuracy and reliability of the image enhancements performed by HyperOS.
– Compatibility issues with older Xiaomi models or software updates could pose challenges for users looking to access the HyperOS features.

Advantages:
– HyperOS offers advanced editing features that can significantly enhance the quality of photos taken on Xiaomi devices.
– The convenience of access to powerful editing tools directly within the native Gallery app simplifies the editing process for users.
– Xiaomi’s commitment to innovation and technology integration allows users to experience cutting-edge photography capabilities.

Disadvantages:
– Not all Xiaomi models may support HyperOS, limiting the availability of this feature to a specific range of devices.
– Users unfamiliar with advanced editing tools or settings may find it challenging to fully utilize the capabilities of HyperOS.
– There may be a learning curve associated with navigating through the different editing options and modes offered by HyperOS.

Suggested Related Links:
– Xiaomi Official Website

The Eccles Wildlife Education Center in Farmington houses three separate facilities, including an auditorium with huge wildlife photos. This month they are hosting their second annual wildlife photography contest and the winners will be displayed within that auditorium.

The Second Annual Wildlife Photography Contest will exhibit entries to the public Thursday, June 27 to June 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

“We started the wildlife photography contest last year,” said Haley Pace, program specialist at The Eccles Wildlife Education Center and the founder of the photography contest. “It was the first time we’ve ever held it.”

“We have wildlife photographers come out here daily,” she said. “And I just really wanted to showcase some of the local photographers in their work.”

Pace chooses the categories based upon the needs of the center.

“So last year, we had a great blue heron category, because I don’t know if many people know this, but we have an artificial nesting rookery here at Farmington Bay,” Pace said. “And so we have nesting Great Blue Herons that are here every year from February to June. And we didn’t have a photo of a great blue heron. And I was like, that’s like our star bird here. So I really wanted to get a photo. And we did. In fact, one of the winners was a great blue heron. It’s a beautiful photo.”

That photo was taken by Linda Dalton Walker.

“Photography, to me, is both a hobby and a profession,” Walker said. “I photograph three to four times a week. I am also a painter. So I use the work that I photograph and paint from those. So when I’m not out in the field photographing, I’m in my studio painting, it’s a passion. I just love wildlife.”

To see her photo and to learn more about the contest, or to submit your own photograph or view the entries in person yourself, check out the events page on wildlife.utah.gov, or read more on Eventbrite.

The deadline for submitting photography is June 22 at 4 p.m. The categories this year are waterfowl, owls, pollinators, and Utah wildlife.

Ricoh/Pentax released the Pentax 17 half-frame 35mm film camera. It shoots 72 frames per roll. It’s also the first film camera from Pentax in about 20 years.

What is the Pentax 17 film camera?

The Pentax 17 is the first film camera from the Film Camera Project. It’s a new hand-winding point-and-shoot camera that uses an auto-exposure system and zone focus system to get the shot easily. The camera uses a reasonably wide-angle built-in 25mm f/3.5 lens (37mm equivalent on a full frame camera).

The camera is not an SLR, meaning that the viewfinder does not look through the lens. It does, however, adjust its guide brackets for macro photos automatically when you are looking through the viewfinder. Early reviews so far report that the brackets are very accurate in determining your frame.

The Pentax 17 also has a fixed lens. I suspect that Pentax will release film cameras with interchangeable lenses at some point.

This is the first of two film cameras that Pentax will release this year.

Simplicity in design

The camera uses a program auto mode, as mentioned. However, it does have an exposure compensation dial as well as slow shutter and bulb modes for additional choices. You may adjust by +/- 2 EV.

You do not have full manual control over focus, as this is designed for ease of use. Instead, Pentax 17 uses one of six focus zones:

• Macro/Flower: 0.82′ / 0.25m
• Close-Up/Knife & Fork: 1.7′ / 0.5m
• Single Person: 4′ / 1.2m
• Two People: 5.6′ / 1.7m
• Three People: 10′ / 3m
• Mountain: infinity

You can see the icons for these choices at the top of the lens as well as when you are looking through the viewfinder. The specific measurements are printed on the front of the camera body.

You can adjust ISO/ASA from 50-3200 manually via one of the top knobs.

Auto-exposure system

There are six modes. There are even some modes for us night photographers!

• Auto (“I don’t wanna think about any settings, even flash!”)
• Program (with and without flash, a good general setting to use)
• Bokeh (forces a very narrow range of focus, useful for separating the subject from the background)
• Moon without flash (useful for long exposure photos…of course as a night photographer, you know I would love this mode!)
• Moon with flash (good for dark environments where you need to expose the subject near the lens, with the camera continuing in long exposure to expose the background)
• Bulb (long, long exposures where the camera’s built-in filter ain’t gonna help you…think night photography, light painting, and that kind of thing!)

What is a half-frame film camera?

The Pentax 17 photographs two images on a single 35mm frame, which measures 36 x 24mm. Half the width of a 35mm frame, minus one millimeter in between, is 17mm, hence the name of the film camera. Since the camera uses half the space, you get twice the exposures per roll. On a 36-exposure roll of film, for instance, you will get approximately 72 exposures.

This will be in portrait orientation instead of landscape. This form factor is helpful for social media platforms such as Instagram. Future Pentax film cameras may be full-frame, utilizing the full 35mm.

Olympus, Canon and Yashica made half-frame film cameras in the 1960s. Currently, Kodak Ektar H35 and Corex also take half-frame photos.

Reactions to Pentax 17

If you have read some of the comments on the Pentax Forums and elsewhere, you’ll know that there’s been a mixed reaction to the Film Camera Project and Pentax 17.

Some point out that film is not dead, and has been enjoying a resurgence for years. Others are more dismissive, labeling young people as “hipsters” or “Instagrammers.”

A few point out how nice it is to finally have new film cameras designed with a modern touch, with the ability to have a warranty, parts, and service. Others say that you can save money by purchasing used Pentax ME Super or K1000 cameras and a fistful of legacy lenses and call it good.

A few would rather Ricoh/Pentax put their energy into developing a third iteration of the Pentax K-1, which is woefully overdue. Others are hoping Pentax can walk and chew gum at the same time.

There’s a lot of excitement and chatter. And there’s a lot of anger (what would social media be without anger and overreaction?). There’s a lot of puzzled responses as well. And of course, there’s a bit of “You darn kids get off my lawn!”

When Pentax releases more advanced full-frame film cameras, I have no doubt this will create more excitement. One thing for sure, though. Pentax seems to have stuck the landing with their marketing. There is a lot of chatter on YouTube, social media, news outlets, and photography reviewers, and a lot of the reviews seem to be quite positive.

For further information

For more information on the Pentax 17 film camera, check out the Ricoh/Pentax page. The Pentax 17 is available for pre-order now from B&H.

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A brand-new photography-focused smartphone has hit the market, offering innovative imaging capabilities that set it apart from the competition. Priced at an unbeatable discount of $999, this device is a game-changer for photography enthusiasts.

Crafted with a sleek aluminum frame and a vegan leather back cover, this smartphone boasts the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor for powerful performance. Enhanced with IceLoop cooling technology and a 5,000mAh battery supporting 90W HyperCharge, this device ensures smooth operation and long-lasting usage.

The standout feature of this smartphone is its cutting-edge camera system, comprising a quad-lens setup with AI enhancements for stunning photography. The main sensor captures crystal-clear images, while the ultrawide and telephoto lenses offer versatility for various shooting scenarios.

Equipped with a vibrant 6.7″ AMOLED display with a variable refresh rate up to 120Hz, this device delivers a visually immersive experience for both photography and multimedia consumption. The variant on offer includes 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, providing ample space for all your photos and videos.

To enhance the photography experience further, the smartphone comes bundled with a versatile Imaging Kit. This kit includes a customizable decorative ring that adds a touch of elegance to your device, along with an ergonomic grip for seamless shooting.

Additional relevant facts about photography smartphones can include information about the latest advancements in image processing algorithms, such as computational photography techniques that enhance image quality and low-light performance. Another key aspect is the integration of artificial intelligence for image recognition, scene optimization, and advanced post-processing capabilities to elevate the overall photography experience.

**Key Questions and Answers:**
1. **What sets this new photography smartphone apart from its competitors?**
– The innovative imaging capabilities, quad-lens camera setup, and AI enhancements make it stand out in the market.

2. **How does the IceLoop cooling technology contribute to the device’s performance?**
– IceLoop cooling technology helps in maintaining optimal device temperature during intensive camera usage, ensuring smooth operation.

3. **What advantages does the 90W HyperCharge feature offer in terms of battery life?**
– The 90W HyperCharge technology enables fast charging, reducing downtime and ensuring long-lasting usage.

**Key Challenges and Controversies:**
One challenge associated with cutting-edge camera systems in smartphones is the trade-off between image quality and computational processing power. Balancing high-resolution photography with fast image processing can be a challenge when implementing advanced imaging features.

**Advantages:**
– **Innovative Imaging Capabilities:** The cutting-edge camera system with AI enhancements provides users with the ability to capture stunning and high-quality photos.
– **Powerful Performance:** The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, IceLoop cooling technology, and 90W HyperCharge feature ensure smooth operation and long-lasting battery life.

**Disadvantages:**
– **Price Point:** The cost of $999 might be a barrier for some customers looking for a more budget-friendly option.
– **Complexity:** Advanced camera features and customization options within the Imaging Kit may be overwhelming for users who prefer simplicity.

Suggested related link: Digital Photography Review

The Pentax 17 is here, bringing a fresh take on film photography. This half-frame camera uses 35mm film but gives you 72 exposures per roll, giving you more shots and a unique portrait orientation when looking through the viewfinder. For film enthusiasts, this camera could offer a fun and cost-effective way to enjoy shooting.

Coming to you from Kai W, this engaging video introduces the Pentax 17, a camera with a quirky design and several unique features. One standout aspect is its viewfinder, which offers a distinct look and feel. Though it appears somewhat flimsy, the camera’s lightweight design might appeal to those who prefer portability. The body combines metal parts with lighter materials, making it easy to carry around.

Kai points out that the Pentax 17 lacks some modern conveniences. It runs on a CR2 battery and doesn’t include an auto-wind function, sticking to a manual winding system. This retro approach might charm some users, while others might find it a step back. The camera also features zone focusing, which can be a mixed bag. It offers a range of options, including macro and portrait modes, but the process can feel somewhat clunky and less intuitive than modern autofocus systems.

Despite these quirks, the Pentax 17 has a certain charm. The half-frame format allows you to take more shots, and the camera encourages a spontaneous shooting style. You can create diptychs or even panoramic images by scanning two frames together. However, you should be prepared for grainier images with less resolution, typical of the smaller film format. This might be perfect for social media but less ideal for large prints.

The viewfinder, while not the most precise, includes close-up frame lines to help with composition. Treat it as a general guide rather than an exact representation of what you’ll capture. The manual winding and simple controls add to the nostalgic feel of using this camera. It’s not about precision; it’s about the joy of shooting without overthinking each shot.

Altogether, the Pentax 17 looks like quite an interesting camera. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Kai.