Unseen Photo Fair 2023, the leading international art fair for contemporary photography, will take place in Westergas, a cultural venue in Amsterdam.
With 72 exhibiting galleries, ten special installations and 65 participating publishers of photography books, this 11th edition is already a hit from the start.
The overarching theme of nature results in fascinating explorations of the relationship between humans and the environment. Besides works by established international artists, the fair also shows a multitude of work by emerging talents.
Unseen is the premiere art fair fully dedicated to the latest developments in contemporary photography.
The fair is internationally renowned for its high curatorial standards and intimate atmosphere, and draws galleries, professionals and collectors from all over the world.
image: A CityU research team achieved a significant breakthrough by inventing a new class of near-infrared-activated photo-oxidants.
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Credit: City University of Hong Kong
A research team led by scientists from City University of Hong Kong (CityU) has achieved a significant breakthrough by inventing a new class of near-infrared-activated photo-oxidants that can effectively kill cancer cells without requiring oxygen. The photo-oxidants induce a unique form of cancer cell death that can overcome cancer cell resistance. The findings offer a new strategy, called ‘photo-oxidation therapy’, and provide a promising direction for the development of anti-cancer drugs.
Photodynamic therapy, an innovative cancer treatment approach, utilizes photosensitizers to generate reactive oxygen species (ROSs), which when irradiated by light, selectively kill cancer cells. However, most existing photodynamic therapies rely on the presence of oxygen, while solid cancer tumours often feature a hypoxic microenvironment with very low oxygen levels, limiting the therapeutic efficiency of this approach.
To address this limitation, a research team led by Professor Zhu Guangyu, in the Department of Chemistry, and Professor He Mingliang, in the Department of Biomedical Sciences (BMS) at CityU, discovered an effect called “metal-enhanced photo-oxidation”. By conjugating metals like platinum with organic photosensitive ligands, they significantly enhanced the photo-oxidation capability. This breakthrough led them to develop a new class of near-infrared-activated platinum(IV) photo-oxidants (Pt(IV) photo-oxidants) that can be activated by near-infrared (NIR) light to directly oxidize biomolecules and effectively kill cancer cells without the need for oxygen.
In their experiments, the team administered Pt(IV) photo-oxidants to mice with tumours through intravenous injection. Four hours later, they applied near-infrared radiation to the mice to activate the photo-oxidants to attack the cancer cells. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in tumour volume and weight of 89% and 76%, respectively, indicating the potent tumour-inhibitory effect of the Pt(IV) photo-oxidants.
“Intriguingly, we found that the ‘death mode’ of cancer cells induced by the Pt(IV) photo-oxidants differs from that of any other anticancer agents,” said Professor Zhu. “A unique mode of cancer cell destruction was initiated through the dual-action effect of strong intracellular oxidative stress and reduced intracellular pH value.”
Their experimental data show that after the Pt(IV) photo-oxidants that accumulated in the endoplasmic reticulum inside the cancer cells were activated by near-infrared radiation, they vigorously oxidized crucial biomolecules inside the cancer cells without requiring oxygen, generating ROSs, lipid peroxides and protons. The ROSs and lipid peroxides then triggered intensive oxidative bursts, while the protons lowered the intracellular pH value, creating an unfavourable acidic microenvironment for the cancer cells.
Moreover, their experiments confirmed that Pt(IV) photo-oxidants effectively activate the immune system in both in vitro and in vivo settings. The Pt(IV) photo-oxidants triggered immunogenic cell death, stimulating the proliferation and activation of immune cells. The number of T helper and T killer cells, which are crucial for triggering the body’s immune response, in the mice treated with photoactivated Pt(IV) photo-oxidants increased by 7- and 23-fold, respectively, compared to the control group.
“By inducing nonclassical necrosis, Pt(IV) photo-oxidants can overcome the resistance of cancer cells to traditional photodynamic therapies and chemotherapy agents, activate the immune system, and effectively eliminate cancer cells,” explained Professor Zhu.
“These findings serve as proof of concept and suggest that the development of photo-oxidants based on metal-enhanced photo-oxidation is a promising new direction for developing metal-based anticancer drugs,” said Professor He.
The research team plans to conduct preclinical studies to fully characterize the chemical, biological and pharmaceutical properties of the newly invented Pt(IV) photo-oxidants. Their ultimate goal is to identify lead compounds for clinical testing.
The paper, titled “Near-infrared-activated anticancer platinum(IV) complexes directly photo-oxidize biomolecules in an oxygen-independent manner”, was published in the scientific journal Nature Chemistry.
The co-first authors of the study are Dr Deng Zhiqin and Dr Li Huangcan, both from CityU. The corresponding authors are Professor Zhu and Professor He. Collaborators from CityU include Professor Michael Yang Mengsu, Professor Lu Jian, Professor Li Yangyang, Professor Lo Pui-chi, Professor Lei Dangyuan, Dr Ou Weihui, Dr Wang Na, Dr Chen Shu and PhD students Mr Liu Gongyuan, Mr Xu Feijie and Mr Wang Xiong.
The study received support from various funding sources, including the Hong Kong Research Grants Council, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and the Science Technology and Innovation Committee of Shenzhen Municipality.
Near-infrared-activated anticancer platinum(IV) complexes directly photooxidize biomolecules in an oxygen-independent manner
Article Publication Date
22-Jun-2023
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Abu Dhabi [UAE], September 20 (ANI/WAM): The Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) and Dubai Safari Park have jointly announced the results of the various photography competitions aimed at opening new horizons for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts with an added bonus of being in close contact with a variety of predators, pets and rare animals. The series of competitions included three categories: “Portfolio” competition, whose entries were received on the award’s official website www.hipa.ae; the “Instagram” contest for individual photos, with the following three themes: My Favourite Animal, Just Birds, and Animals in Motion.
The third category was to submit short creative clips for the Instagram “Reels” platform. The competition prize valued at AED 45,000, distributed between cash prizes and shopping vouchers from the Al-Futtaim Group. The series won the admiration and interaction of the photography community and received thousands of entries. The strength of the photography community within the Asian continent was formidable, with four photographers from the Philippines, two from India and one photographer from Pakistan winning.
The Arab presence was represented by Syrian photographers Faten Al Saleh and Ghaith Bayazid, alongside Jordanian photographer Mohammed Naif Kassim. HIPA Secretary-General Ali bin Thalith expressed his satisfaction with the outstanding outcomes achieved through our strategic partnership with Dubai Safari Park. He elaborated, “This collaboration successfully highlighted the marvels of nature, diverse wildlife, and various animals, while also igniting the thrill of capturing breathtaking moments through the lens. It has heightened the audience’s anticipation for this remarkable experience.”
He further emphasised, “HIPA continues to play its role in spreading the culture of photography and amplify the role of art in connecting with the wonders of nature and wildlife. Diversifying the opportunities and competitiveness for our photographic talents was an enjoyable challenge that pushed their creativity to the delight of the viewers.” Director of the Department of Public Parks and Recreational Facilities in Dubai Municipality, Ahmed Al Zarooni said, “We appreciate the distinguished results achieved by the various photography competitions, which confirm the successful partnership between HIPA and Dubai Safari Park, and the keenness of both parties to support nature and wildlife photography enthusiasts, and provide them with the support to encourage continued excellence, creativity and achieving more successes. We are also pleased with the success of the competitions by highlighting the nature, environment, wildlife in Dubai through the lens of the creative participants, which highlights the unique and attractive tourist destinations in Dubai, and opens future opportunities for photography lovers to participate in the next editions of the award”. (ANI/WAM)
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. In Stillwater, a photo could be worth $300 – or a prize package worth more than $1,300.
Discover Stillwater is holding its annual photo contest in which the grand prize is a getaway package that includes an overnight stay at a hotel and gift certificates to Just for Me Spa, The Lumberjack, Lift Bridge Brewing and other Stillwater businesses.
The contest runs through Oct. 20.
Photos must have been taken in Stillwater, and contest organizers said they hope to receive entries from all four seasons. Photographers are encouraged to “show off the beauty and fun they discovered on their trip to one of the most picturesque towns in America,” organizers say. Each photographer may enter up to five images.
First- through third-place winners receive cash prizes ranging from $100 to $300. The popular vote winner, which will be determined by an online voting tool in October, will receive the Stillwater getaway package, which is worth more than $1,300.
Official contest rules and entry page link is available at DiscoverStillwater.com/photo-contest.
Mark Caffrey’s’ winning entry in Blessington Tourist Office’s ‘Wicklow Wildlife and Nature’ photography competition.
David Halpin pictured with winner of the ‘Wicklow Wildlife and Nature’ photography competition, Mark Caffrey, and Blessington Tourist Office Manager, Martin Cahill.
Stephen Lyons’ second place entry in Blessington Tourist Office’s ‘Wicklow Wildlife and Nature’ photography competition.
Chris Howe’s third place entry in Blessington Tourist Office’s ‘Wicklow Wildlife and Nature’ photography competition.
The Blessington Tourist Office in west Wicklow has announced the winners in the final of their ‘Wicklow Wildlife and Nature’ photography competition.
In a very tightly fought race, Mark Caffrey came in first place with his stunning photo of a Barn Owl in flight, while second place went to Stephen Lyons and his Blessington sunset image, and Chris Howes finished third with his snap of two birds.
“The standard of image this year was incredible, and we would like to thank every single person who entered, as well as those who took the time to vote,” a Blessington Tourist Office spokesperson said.
“A special thanks to Charles Camping and Blessington Lakes Golf Club who very kindly provided our first and second prizes.
“All 12 round qualifiers will now appear in our 2024 calendar, which will be on sale here in the office in November.”
Winners of the Friends of Old Woman Creek 2023 photo contest will be on display beginning Sept. 18 at the visitor center at Old Woman Creek State Nature Preserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve, 2514 Cleveland Road East in Huron, the start of National Estuaries Week, according to a news release.
Emily Green of Sandusky won first-place in the adult category with her photo of a chipmunk in a shaft of light, according to the release.
James Daneker, of Milan, won first place in the teen category. (Submitted)
James Daneker of Milan won first place in teen category with a photo of a monarch butterfly on a flower, the release said.
Green and Daneker will receive $30 each, according to the release.
Retired Plain Dealer photographer Lynn Ischay judged the entries.
“Green’s photo was technically beautiful, in challenging light and the photographer had to be silent and invisible to catch that moment,” Ischay said in the release.
Rob Meyer, of Milan, won second place. (Submitted)
Second place and $20 went to Robert Meyer of Milan according to the release.
“Seeing a third bald eagle landing to join the other adult and juvenile is a stunning opportunity,” Ischay said.
Jennifer Yingling of Sandusky won third place. (Submitted)
The shot of a great blue heron among the lotus by Jennifer Yingling of Sandusky won third place and $10.
All winners receive a year’s membership in the Friends of Old Woman Creek, according to the release.
The winning photos will be on display beginning Oct. 5 at the Huron Public Library, 333 Williams St. in Huron, the release said.
Honorable mentions winners were Katie Myer of Sandusky, Robert Myer of Sandusky, Loretta Majoy of Huron and Angela Schindler of Vermilion.
CORONADO, CA — Coronado resident and Patch reader Kim Johnson captured this photo while walking along Imperial Beach.
“I got this photograph of the TJ Bull Ring and the Mexican Border Wall,” she said. “It provided an interesting backdrop to the flock of pelicans, along the Tijuana Slough outlet.”
Thanks for sharing!
If you have an awesome picture of nature, breathtaking scenery, kids caught being kids, a pet doing something funny or something unusual you happen to catch with your camera, we’d love to feature it on Patch.
We’re looking for high-resolution, horizontal images that reflect the beauty that is San Diego County, and that show off your unique talents.
Send your photos to [email protected]. Be sure to include photo credit information, when and where the shot was taken, and any other details about what was going on.
House of Secrets Boudoir by Tanya Eivin Photography Enhances Its Services to Include Couple Boudoir Sessions
AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Today, House of Secrets by Tanya Eivin Photography, Austin’s premier fine arts boudoir studio, is thrilled to offer couples the opportunity to transform their love and intimacy into art through a boudoir photography session.
Mr. and Mrs. R’s adventure.
Bolstered by a shift in body positivity and the rise in people’s desire to own their sexuality and sensuality, boudoir photography has enjoyed a surge in popularity over the last few years, but typically these sessions have been embraced predominantly by female clients. House of Secrets owner and lead photographer Tanya Metaxa wants to change that by inviting couples into the studio. The intimate nature of boudoir photography allows people to delve deeper into their most inner selves. For couples, this is a unique opportunity to experience this together while creating lasting memories and timeless heirlooms.
A boudoir photo session with your partner isn’t an ordinary photography session. It’s a chance to explore your relationship and each other––with no judgment and in a safe and welcoming space. With help and guidance from the photographer, couples are given a rare chance to capture these beautiful fleeting moments that usually only happen behind the closed door. The result: unique, rebellious images that break down the barriers to intimacy.
“Love is beautiful. Intimacy is even better,” Tanya explained. “Boudoir for couples is an incredible art form focusing on intimacy, vulnerability, and raw chemistry between partners.”
For those intimidated by a boudoir photo shoot, Metaxa says you shouldn’t be. “Every single one of us and every body is beautiful. With our relaxed and safe environment, even the shyest clients find themselves having fun from the first click of the shutter. At House of Secrets, you’ll feel sexy and confident, and our couples will discover a stronger bond.”
“Being photographed together in an intimate and judgment-free setting brings a unique edge to the session, creating unparallel, sensuous, and daring images that are sure to lead to long-lasting memories. Not only will the images last a lifetime, so will the adventurous feeling.”
Tanya divulged couple boudoir is limitless. “Whether you’ve been together for one year or twenty, any couple can benefit from a boudoir session. It’s a very special experience unlike any other.”
No two love stories are the same, and House of Secrets wants to tell those stories through fine art photography. Couples can explore their sensuality and reclaim the power that comes from embracing their unique beauty. Bedroom secrets can come to life—safely in a comfortable studio setting. Couples enjoy the freedom to be daring without consequence.
Metaxa explained why House of Secrets feels so passionately about this new service. “There’s something magical about being in love. It’s a feeling of connection, adventure, and security—all at once. That feeling can be intense, and it can also be electrifying. Our couple sessions bring their love stories to life and celebrate the beauty of relationships.”
For more information on scheduling a session, visit the House of Secrets website.
About House of Secrets by Tanya Eivin Photography
House of Secrets by Tanya Eivin Photography is a luxury boudoir photography studio located in Austin, Texas. More than a photography studio, House of Secrets is your partner in becoming someone who is at peace with their body and mind, and discovering and embracing their uniqueness where society sees flaws. House of Secrets delivers timeless photography in an inclusive, safe, welcoming, and judgment-free space for clients of all genders.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/austins-premier-fine-arts-photography-studio-transforms-love–intimacy-into-art-301930847.html
POWAY, CA — Patch reader Rick Atwood captured this photo of a coyote at sunrise in the High Valley area of Poway.
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If you have an awesome picture of nature, breathtaking scenery, kids caught being kids, a pet doing something funny or something unusual you happen to catch with your camera, we’d love to feature it on Patch.
We’re looking for high-resolution, horizontal images that reflect the beauty that is San Diego County, and that show off your unique talents.
Send your photos to [email protected]. Be sure to include photo credit information, when and where the shot was taken, and any other details about what was going on.
Home Photography Nature Photographer of the Year The story behind the photo: ‘Nectar of Life’ by Dan Jones
By AG STAFF • September 19, 2023
‘Nectar of Life’ by Dan Jones.
This forms part of a series of Q&As with winning photographers from this year’s Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year awards.
Dan Jones was crowned the winner of the Macro category in the 2023 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year (AGNPOTY) competition.
His winning image, titled ‘Nectar of Life’, is of a Dawson’s burrowing bee (Amegilla dawsoni) sipping nectar from the flower of a native bluebell against the backdrop of WA’s Kennedy Range.
Can you tell us the back story of this photo?
I first became aware of these bees from a 2009 David Attenborough series. I was floored by both the beauty of the scenery and the unusual behavior of the bees. It was also exciting to see Attenborough cover parts of my own backyard. As my interest and skills in macrophotography grew, so did my idea to make a dedicated trip to capture a set of shots I had been thinking about.
What is your connection to the subject matter?
Macrophotography is one of my great passions, and native bees are among my favorite subjects. They boast beautiful colors and details, exhibit interesting behaviours, and contribute tremendously to the ecosystem – if only they didn’t fly away 90% of the time when I approach with a camera.
Where is it taken, and what led you to this site?
The photo was taken at the Kennedy Range, WA. It began as an online wild goose chase. I wanted to photograph these bees at the same location as the documentary, so I could include parts of the range in the background. By cross-referencing images from the documentary with images I found online from various places within the bee’s range, I eventually turned up a result I could confirm with a satellite image.
Were you unexpectedly there or had you planned to cover this moment?
I had specifically planned a 5-day camping trip to observe and photograph these bees.
Photographer Dan Jones. Image credit: supplied by Dan Jones
What are the technical challenges of photographing this kind of scene?
My goal was to capture a feeding/pollinating shot with the ranges in the background. This introduced a couple of challenges. I had to search many of the bee’s forage plants to find a flower that ticked several boxes. It needed to be at the right height and angle to the ranges, offer an unobstructed view, and be in good condition.
Unfortunately, upon arrival, the country was exceedingly dry, and most of the flowers were looking past their prime. While some fresh flowers were present, they were often not in ideal positions.
I eventually settled on a particular flower and spent multiple 15-minute sessions over the course of a couple of days waiting and shooting. I had originally tried a monopod to make it easy on my arms but it was too clumsy. The issue was that some bees would sip nectar while flying, while others would land on the flower with their full weight, causing a wide degree of vertical movement that made consistently framing shots with the monopod challenging. I then ended up shooting handheld for many sessions, although most shots were disappointing due to the difficulty of landing a well-framed and well-timed photograph with such a shallow depth of field.
Fortunately, one shot emerged successfully, and it was a shock to review it in the viewfinder and see the bee’s tongue fully extended, in-focus, and perfectly timed.
How did you prepare to take this image?
I have spent a lot of time photographing bees in the past, so felt somewhat prepared going into this trip. The first day was just spent observing the bees and their behaviour, which led to some insights I couldn’t find anywhere else.
Did you have special equipment?
No, I used a fairly standard macro setup. The only notable piece of equipment was a diffuser that a good friend had made for me. It does an excellent job of blending artificial light with natural light.
Have you covered this topic/subject before?
No, this was my first time photographing these remarkable bees.
Why is this form of photography important to you?
Macrophotography is incredible; it allows you to capture people’s imagination with details that are normally unseen. Through this, you’re able to connect closer to both nature and the people around you.
Any additional thoughts?
These bees are among the largest in Australia and arguably some of the most fascinating as well. They can form large nesting aggregations, creating thousands of burrows in the clay pans of the Gascoyne region of WA. Unfortunately, this behavior leads them to mistake dirt roads for prime nesting grounds, putting both the bees and their larvae at risk. I hope that with greater awareness and strategies, we can ensure a bright future for this iconic outback species.
Related: Winners: 2023 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year
