Photography

Nano Labs Launches iPollo Metaverse Photography Studio Service

Nano Labs Launches iPollo Metaverse Photography Studio Service

HANGZHOU, China, Oct. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Nano Labs Ltd (Nasdaq: NA) (“we,” the “Company” or “Nano Labs“), a leading fabless integrated circuit design company and product solution provider in China, today announced the introduction of a new photography studio service (hereafter, “the New Service”) within its iPollo Metaverse business segment. The New Service, which merges 3D scanning and printing services, aims to offer innovative experiences in digital avatar collection and the creation of lifelike 3D figures. During the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, a quadrennial multi-sport event featuring athletes from across Asia, the New Service catered to over 5,000 athletes and garnered attention and media coverage from numerous outlets, establishing it as a popular destination within the Asian Games Village.

The New Service, featuring an image scanning cabin, adeptly captures athletes’ memorable moments, solidifying its status as one of the most sought-after technological applications in the Asian Games Village. Integrated with iPollo’s 3D scanning, printing, and AR technologies, the iPollo Metaverse crafts varied digital environments for multiple IPs, enhancing user engagement and hastening the digital transition of IPs into the Metaverse realm. Furthermore, iPollo’s 3D full-color printing technology brings digitized IPs to life in exquisite form, while providing personalized services to users through its iPollo Store, thereby showcasing the allure of the Metaverse.

Moreover, the Company has successfully initiated the tape-out of Cuckoo 3.0, the third iteration of the Nano Labs Cuckoo series, marking a significant advancement in the development of the Company’s Cuckoo series.

About Nano Labs Ltd

Nano Labs Ltd is a leading fabless integrated circuit (“IC”) design company and product solution provider in China. Nano Labs is committed to the development of high throughput computing (“HTC”) chips, high performance computing (“HPC”) chips, distributed computing and storage solutions, smart network interface cards (“NICs”) vision computing chips and distributed rendering. Nano Labs has built a comprehensive flow processing unit (“FPU”) architecture which offers solution that integrates the features of both HTC and HPC. Nano Lab’s Cuckoo series are one of the first near-memory HTC chips available in the market with a maximum bandwidth of approximately 2.27 Tbps, as well as one of the first movers of the ASIC-based Grin mining market *. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at: https://ir.nano.cn/

*According to an industry report prepared by Frost & Sullivan.

Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the Company’s plan to appeal the Staff’s determination, which can be identified by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. Such statements are based upon management’s current expectations and current market and operating conditions, and relate to events that involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company’s control, which may cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under law.

For investor inquiries, please contact:

Nano Labs Ltd
[email protected] 

Ascent Investor Relations LLC
Ms. Tina Xiao
Phone: +1-646-932-7242
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Nano Labs Ltd

Quil Lemons explores queerness and the Black male form in new series Quiladelphia (NSFW)

Quil Lemons explores queerness and the Black male form in new series Quiladelphia (NSFW)

The work of Quil Lemons has always been something of a quiet testimony. Whether it’s the documentations of a block in his hometown of Philadelphia in his daring series 6 7, or his weaving of the generational gap through his photo essay To Say the Same Thing in Many Different Ways, he always assumes the position of a mirror for his subjects, who have often been close friends and family. Quiladelphia is the latest feat for the photographer, with different subjects, but the same closeness and the same commitment to self exploration. The exhibition of the new series, held at Hannah Troare Gallery in New York, traces Quil’s documentation of the Black male form and his experience as a Black gay man, continuing on his journey of using “photography as a diary”.

Growing up in Philadelphia, Quil experienced a similar journey to many late-millennial and early gen-Z queer kids – closeted and finding a community online, but still spending copious amounts of time fantasising about their life had they been able to live openly. “Tumblr wasn’t necessarily a queer space, but it was at least queer-coded, like most things in art and fashion,” he tells us. Traversing the platform as young as 11 years old, through the escapism that its imagery had to offer, he found that he could be anyone online; so much so that he started to manifest his current life from the dashboard. “My camera then became a segway between my life and this curated world online. Through my images I felt I had a say in the world,” he adds.

“Quiladelphia is the emancipation of Quil Lemons,” Quil proclaims. The works show a maturation for the photographer in representations of his inner world and surrounding culture. Throughout the series we are met with the power of repetition – a set-like room with tiled floors, non-descript echoing buildings and a wall in what seems to be an empty room. But, he doesn’t rely on scenes this time, only varying levels of exposure, and the subject’s vulnerability. Fom the tender and retiring expression in Jabari to the nude and penetrative portraits throughout his untitled works, he brings the breadth of his subject’s experience into full view. “It came from immense research into the queer and Black canon of artists before me,” he tells us. Gaining much of this inspiration and language from Black female artists such as Mickalene Thomas, Lorna Simpson, and Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, he sees it as being in parallel with his “upbringing of being constantly nurtured and affirmed by Black femininity”.

Choosing between natural vs. artificial lighting for food photography

Choosing between natural vs. artificial lighting for food photography

In the world of food photography, lighting is everything. It can transform a mundane dish into a mouthwatering masterpiece or render even the most delectable delicacy unappetizing. When it comes to lighting, photographers often face a pivotal decision: should they use natural light or artificial light? Each type of illumination has its own unique set of advantages and challenges, making the choice a matter of careful consideration.

Captured using only natural light

The beauty of natural light

Natural light, as the name suggests, is the illumination provided by the sun. It is revered by many food photographers for its ability to enhance the visual appeal of dishes. There are several reasons why natural light is often considered the gold standard in food photography:

Soft and diffused light

Natural light, particularly during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, offers soft, diffused lighting. This gentle illumination minimizes harsh shadows and creates a natural, inviting ambience that showcases food beautifully.

True colors

Natural light is known for rendering colors accurately. When photographing food under natural light, you can expect your images to capture the true vibrancy of each ingredient, enhancing the visual appeal of your dishes.

Texture emphasis

Natural light brings out the texture of the food, highlighting every crumb, grain, and condensation droplet. This can make the food look more enticing and real to viewers.

Fresh and appetizing

Natural light has the power to make food appear fresh and appetizing. It imparts a sense of realism that resonates with viewers, making them feel like they could reach into the photo and take a bite.

However, there are some drawbacks to relying solely on natural light for food photography. Natural light is inconsistent, and dependent on the time of day, weather, and geographic location. This makes it challenging for photographers who need to maintain a consistent look across multiple shots or work in a controlled studio environment. Other things to consider when using natural light, what direction is the light coming from, is it direct or indirect. Different times of the year can also affect the color of the light.

Captured using a Godox AD200 Speedlight

The versatility of artificial light

Artificial lighting, on the other hand, offers greater control and consistency, making it a preferred choice for many professional food photographers. Here are some reasons why artificial light can be a boon to your food photography:

Consistency

Artificial lighting allows you to maintain the same lighting conditions throughout your shoot, ensuring that your images have a uniform look and feel. It doesn’t matter whether it is constant or flash, you can set the desired light and it will stay the same all day.

Flexibility:

You can adjust artificial lighting to suit your creative vision. Whether you want a soft, diffused light or a dramatic, high-contrast setup, artificial lighting can be tailored to your needs.

No weather dependence

Unlike natural light, artificial light is not reliant on the time of day, year or weather conditions. This makes it perfect for food photographers working in a controlled studio environment.

Shaping light

With artificial light, you can use various tools like softboxes, diffusers, and reflectors to shape and control the direction of the light, creating stunning highlights and shadows.

Despite its many advantages, artificial lighting does come with its own set of challenges. The most significant is the potential for an unnatural or sterile look. To avoid this, it’s crucial to carefully adjust the artificial light’s color temperature to match the setting and type of food you’re photographing. A common mistake is using overly harsh lighting, which can wash out colors and obscure textures.

Captured with constant light and some ambient light as well

Is the hybrid approach the perfect blend?

While the debate between natural and artificial lighting continues, many food photographers have found success in blending these two approaches. By using natural light as the primary source and incorporating artificial lighting for fill or accent, photographers can achieve the best of both worlds.

For instance, you can set up your scene near a large window where natural light floods in. Then, use artificial lighting to fill in shadows or create highlights in specific areas. This hybrid approach offers the benefits of both natural and artificial light while mitigating their respective drawbacks.

Captured using a Godox AD200 Speedlight

Choice of lighting depends on a number of factors

The choice between natural and artificial lighting in food photography ultimately depends on your style, goals, and available resources. Natural light is cherished for its softness, authenticity and ability to render true colors. Meanwhile artificial light offers control, consistency and versatility. Many photographers find that a combination of the two provides the ideal balance, allowing them to capture the essence of the dish while maintaining control over the visual narrative.

Ultimately, the best lighting for food photography is the one that helps you achieve your artistic vision and effectively communicates the deliciousness of the dishes you’re photographing. Whether you choose natural, artificial, or a blend of both, the key is to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each approach and use them to your advantage. With practice, experimentation, and a discerning eye, you can make any dish look irresistible in the perfect light.

Want to learn more about food photography? Why not check out my self-paced online classes? I even have a brand-new one coming soon too!

The Canon AE-1 was my gateway drug to a photography career

The Canon AE-1 was my gateway drug to a photography career

I’m not the only person for whom the Canon AE-1 was their first camera. It was, after all, one of the best-selling and most ubiquitous cameras ever made. However, it was more than just a first camera to me; the AE-1 was my gateway drug not just to taking photographs, but to making photography my career. 

I’d always coveted my dad’s Canon AE-1, in its handsome steel flight case with flashgun, power winder, 50mm prime and telephoto zoom lens. I also coveted the beautiful book, The 35mm Photographer’s Handbook (by Julian Calder and John Garrett), in its snazzy plastic jacket styled after a strip of film. 

• These are the best film cameras ever made – including the AE-1!

Thankfully, when I left home after graduating college, he gifted them both to me. And so I wondered off, with the world’s most comprehensive manual to a camera I had no idea how to use. But boy, was that Canon AE-1 beautiful – and I wanted so dearly to take beautiful images with it. 

Truth be told, while I love the process of shooting film, I’m glad that film is a thing of the past. Young photographers today, for whom film is niche and exotic and a fun passtime, romanticize film photography. But for those of us who grew up when it was the norm, the only option to create a picture, to be liberated from it is a joy. 

Still, learning how photography works on a Canon AE-1 was a gift (literally). All manual everything, so your camera craft had to be sound. Thirty-six exposures, so you had to be mindful and efficient. Locked-in ISO sensitivity, so you had hard limitations to work within – and you knew what you could and couldn’t get away with.

My Canon AE-1 was nothing short of magic to young me (Image credit: James Artaius)

Mirrorless is the death of all that. Your camera craft can be crap, but image stabilization and autofocus will save you. You can slap a 1TB card in the slot, so you can take a thousand shots and one of them will probably be decent. You can shoot in RAW, so your settings can be disastrous and Photoshop will still rescue your exposure.

But turning pro in the mirrorless age, having cut my teeth in the film era, made all the difference. When I started working for Olympus (fittingly enough, my second ever SLR was an Olympus OM-10) I chose 1GB memory cards, because that “36 or bust” mentality in a professional environment is still crucial – nobody pays you more to overshoot. 

Learning how to expose properly still mattered, because we were doing test shoots and ad campaigns using pre-release and prototype cameras. Adobe Camera RAW wouldn’t be updated until the bodies went on sale, so we had to shoot everything in JPEG. Billboards, magazine adverts, everything we was a JPEG – so you had to get the exposure right. 

Years later, when I’d interview famous photographer (and infamous photographers, like Stephen Berkoff), the Canon AE-1 would often come up as a reference point when discussing first cameras or the glory days of the industry, too. 

So today, as that camera sits loved but largely unused on my shelf, I am forever grateful to that shiny hunk of silver and black – which continues to inspire me every time I look at it. Even to the point where, if I’m not shooting with it, I want to make it the subject of a shoot – like I did with the photos above (taken with its great grandchild, the Canon EOS R). 

Thank you, Canon and the AE-1, for leading me to and guiding me down the path I’m privileged to walk today. 

(Image credit: James Artaius)

The SLR has had its day, but these are the best Canon cameras of today – both DSLRs and mirrorless – along with the best Canon RF lenses and best Canon DSLR lenses.

Giant novelty structures at Disney hotel immortalised in Arnau Rovira Vidal photos

Giant novelty structures at Disney hotel immortalised in Arnau Rovira Vidal photos

Disney‘s weird and nostalgic Pop Century Resort hotel in Florida has been captured by Arnau Rovira Vidal in this photography series.

Rovira‘s Fantasia Resorts photography project pictures holidaymakers and workers among the fantastical, retro-themed structures at the entertainment conglomerate’s Walt Disney World near Orlando.

Sony Walkman at Disney's Pop Century ResortSony Walkman at Disney's Pop Century Resort
The resort features giant versions of retro objects, such as a 1980s Sony Walkman

Opened in 2003, the 2,880-room hotel is themed on American pop culture between the 1950s and the 1990s. It is organised into five areas, each styled around a specific decade.

Motel-style buildings were emblazoned with common catchphrases from the corresponding eras and interspersed with enormous replicas of objects that were popular at the time.

Motel at Disney's Pop Century Resort in FloridaMotel at Disney's Pop Century Resort in Florida
Rovira shared his photos with Dezeen to mark Disney’s centenary

Barcelona-based Rovira shot the series in 2018 but shared his photos with Dezeen to mark the entertainment conglomerate’s 100th anniversary today.

Rovira’s photos emphasise the absurdity of the architecture by capturing it juxtaposed alongside people staying or working at the resort.

Giant foosball at Disney's Pop Century ResortGiant foosball at Disney's Pop Century Resort
As well as the giant sculptures, the hotel’s buildings are topped with catchphrases from different decades

Shot against the golden Florida sunshine, the images have an uncanny quality that makes it difficult to place them in time or be sure about whether their depictions are real.

“At those resorts, the fantastic world and reality mix all the time,” Arnau told Dezeen. “You don’t know what is fake or how is this made.”

“I try to capture this unreal world where things seem to be a 3D render and where the human scales sometimes don’t make sense,” he added.

A giant jukebox, bowling pins and statue of the Lady and the Tramp, the titular characters from Disney’s 1955 canine-romance film, all appear in the 1950s area.

A giant jukebox at Disney's Pop Century Resort in FloridaA giant jukebox at Disney's Pop Century Resort in Florida
The resort is divided into five areas, each themed around a particular decade

The 1960s area features yo-yo staircases and a lotus-flower-shaped swimming pool while a giant foosball table and Mickey Mouse phone are stationed in the 1970s section.

A massive Sony Walkman is in the 1980s area, with the 1990s area features building-sized computer parts and an overgrown floppy disk propped up by a pool.

Giant laptop at Disney's Pop Century ResortGiant laptop at Disney's Pop Century Resort
A giant laptop is among the structures in the resort’s 1990s-themed area

To mark the company’s centenary, Dezeen has also put together a roundup of the most significant Disney-backed architecture projects.

More of Rovira’s photography is available on his Instagram. Other photography projects previously featured on Dezeen include Doublespace Photography’s shots marking the Muralla Roja apartment building’s 50th birthday and Hayley Eichenbaum’s series documenting roadside architecture on Route 66.

The photography is by Arnau Rovira Vidal.

Lexington man learns the art of Civil War era photography

Lexington man learns the art of Civil War era photography

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Currently, most pictures are taken digitally, either on a phone or digital camera, but one Lexington man is going way back in time, using a type of photography invented in 1851.


What You Need To Know

  • Tintype photography was invented in the 1850s and was popularized during the Civil War era 
  • Mark Cornelison, a retired newspaper photographer has been taking tintype photos for just around a year 
  • Each picture takes around 10-15 minutes to complete  
  • Once complete the pictures last centuries making them family heirlooms

Lexingtonian Mark Cornelison has been taking photographs for over 30 years, but perhaps none more unique than the tintype photographs done using chemicals, tin and silver. He’s been doing it for just about a year.

“I drove to Elgin, Illinois (last November) and spent two nights and we had a 14 hour one-on-one workshop,” Cornelison said.

It’s a photography type started in the 1850s and popularized in the 1860 and 1870s. He learned the craft from Travis Linville, a former Kentuckian and now photography professor in Illinois.

Each chemical covered plate sits in a silver nitrate bath for around three to five minutes before it’s even ready for use. Cornelison said it takes 10 to 15 minutes to create one picture, which back in the day was an impressive feat.

“All this has to be done before; you got about five minutes before you ever even take a picture,” Cornelison said.

From there, into a cartridge under red light because the plate is sensitive to white lights. Once it’s loaded into the camera, then Cornelison is ready to take the picture.

Back under red light, Cornelison sprays a developing chemical and water on the plate and an image appears like magic.

It’s the same 15 minute process for every picture Cornelison wants to take of his subject. But he loves the old school way of shooting.

“It’s hard to know if you’ve nailed it every time and that’s part of the fun, too. It’s like photography used to be, we’d shoot ballgames and all this other stuff and you wouldn’t necessarily know you have it until you got back to the office and developed that film,” Cornelison said.

The old school, former Herald-Leader photographer said people are amazed to see the photos develop in real time.

“To be able to see that image appear out of nowhere, when you’ve never seen it, it does have a sense of magic to it,” Cornelison said.

Cornelison says unlike today’s cameras where you can take as many pictures until you have a perfect shot, there’s always an unknown doing tintype.

“I love the unknown. I love it when I’ve messed up as long as I have an image. There’s several images I have that are messed up and have chemical streaks or whatever but to me that’s part of it,” Cornelison said.

It’s a hobby turned side business and a way to meet interesting people along the way.

“Melt is the time that your subject arrives and as you’re shooting and talking, their inhibitions is melting away so you get to that real person there. And that’s what I’m trying to do, I’m trying to show the real personalities.”

Making family heirlooms, one flash at a time.

Tintype photography was used to photograph Civil War soldiers and President Abraham Lincoln.

Learn more about Cornelison and scheduling a session at his website.

Swiss photographer’s photo exhibit sparks community discussion in New Bern

Swiss photographer’s photo exhibit sparks community discussion in New Bern

NEW BERN, Craven County — A life sized photo album on five points down Broad st. in New Bern sparks discussions.

Swiss photographer, Michael Von Graffenried, has been snapping photos of people in New Bern for the past 17 years.

Von Graffenried and the Craven Arts Council & Gallery presented the documentary-style photography exhibit ‘Our Town’ on October 7 at Five Points and October 13 at the Bank of the Arts.

A community member said Von Graffenried hasn’t done enough research on the area to make a documentary photo style exhibit out of it.

However, Von Graffenried’s ties to the town extend further back than people know. His ancestors founded the city of New Bern in 1710.

After traveling the world with his camera, he made his way back to New Bern, but this time as an observer of a diversifying community.

He said he’s just documenting the moment, but critics feel his motivations were to show the community in a bad light.

Von Graffenried said he captures realities people may not like, but it’s important to accept them for what they are.

However, New Bern business owner Kurtis Stewart said, “There should have been a little more research. I think there’s better representation of our culture than some of the pictures I see out here. But I also do understand the gentleman who took the pictures may not be from the area or perhaps a different country. But maybe the people he was working with could have given him a different light of what our community is actually made up of than some of the pictures I see here.”

While only 24 photos were presented at the Five Points, Von Graffenried created a book filled with 140 photos documenting the daily life of people in New Bern

Von Graffenried stays away from creating captions for the photos, wanting the pieces to speak for themselves.

He wanted to capture natural photos showing the current culture of the city, including the success and struggles.

“I’m sure that a picture said more about the one who is looking at it than the one who has taken it,” said Von Graffenried.

Stewart said the photos of black men smoking cigars, gambling, and a black pregnant woman photographed with a red solo cup in her hand may lead people to form negative opinions about the black community and the people who live there.

“Coming into a community that already has some division, the light that has been painted doesn’t seem like a positive one,” he said.

Von Graffenried has done these projects all over the world, attracting praise and criticism. He said the reason he showcased mainly black people in his photographs were to show parts of the community that may go unnoticed.

“I think I wanted to show that New Bern is not a white town. There is more. I started in the white society. I felt after five years that I missed something. I said how can I change that?”

From there, he went to a black church to build relationships with the community. He was invited into the homes, churches, and the lives of the people New Bern.

This Thursday, the Craven Arts Council will host an Art Talk and Q&A session with Von Graffenried where he will discuss his intentions with his art and answer questions the community has for him.

The Art Talk will be at 6pm at the Bank of the Arts on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023.

Golden Lens photography competition for seniors returns for 2024

Golden Lens photography competition for seniors returns for 2024
  • The 2024 Golden
    Lens photography competition for WA Seniors Card members is now open
  • The competition
    promotes ageing well by celebrating the photographic skills of older
    Western Australians
  • Selected photos
    will be featured in the next WA Seniors Card Discount Directory and there
    are prizes to be won

The Golden Lens
photography competition is back for 2024, showcasing the photography skills of
Western Australian seniors.

The competition
provides an opportunity for WA Seniors Card members to share photos which
reflect the lives of seniors across the State.

The competition
aims to promote ageing well by celebrating the skills of Western Australians
through the art of photography and to demonstrate that people can learn and
create at any age.

The 2024
competition has returned with four categories including Active Ageing, Cultural
Identity, Wander
out Yonder and Blast from the Past.

There will also
be a People’s Choice category in which the public can vote via the WA Seniors
Card Facebook page.

The winners will
be invited to a lunch at Parliament House hosted by Seniors and Ageing Minister
Don Punch. Selected photos will also be featured in the next edition of the WA Seniors
Card Discount Directory, which will be published in the 2024-25 financial
year. 

Prizes have been
donated by participating WA Seniors Card business partners for the winner and
runner-up of each category.

The competition
closes on 17 March 2024. Further information about entry requirements is
available at www.seniorscard.wa.gov.au/goldenlens.

Comments attributed to Seniors and
Ageing Minister Don Punch:

“The Golden Lens competition is a fantastic opportunity for
our WA Seniors Card members to share the stories of their lives and interests
through the power of image.

“Western
Australian seniors lead diverse and interesting lives and what better way to
share their stories than through photography.

“There
is a growing imperative for ‘whole of community’ commitment and action to
ensure older people remain active and participate in their community, and this
competition is a prime example of how the Cook Government demonstrates this
very commitment and action.”

Klean Exhibition brings unique cars, photographers to Myrtle Beach

Klean Exhibition brings unique cars, photographers to Myrtle Beach

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) – Over the weekend, dozens of car enthusiasts showed off their unique rides in Myrtle Beach.

The Klean Exhibition welcomed nearly 200 cars throughout Pelicans Ballpark.

But beyond the chrome and engines, the event also attracts photographers from across the country who capture these cars in a different type of setting.

WMBF News Photographer George Hansen talked to several of the photographers applying their craft on Saturday. Check out the video above for more on this story.

Click here for more information.

Stay with WMBF News for updates.