« February 2014 | Main | April 2014 »
March 31, 2014
Composition Technique: Leading Lines
If you are looking to further improve your photographs, this article by Mike Hagen offers straightforward practical tips to use the Leading Lines compositional principle that will definitively add to the ‘WOW Factor’ of your images. Read it here.
Posted by Ronny89 at 9:38 AM
March 25, 2014
Nikonians Academy curriculum in full swing
With warmer weather ahead of them, our Nikonians Academy instructors are engaged in a heavy schedule of workshops and photo adventure tours.The Masters Series tour continued this week, when Steve Simon started his New York City workshops. He will then head for Los Angeles (beginning April 1) and Chicago (starting April 8).
He will then make his way to Texas, where he will lead the workshops in Dallas (starting April 29) and Houston – The Woodlands (starting May 6). Mike Hagen's Master's Series workshops commence in New Jersey on April 3.
Each workshop leader brings the popular core Masters curriculum, with Steve Simon's slate capped by his popular The Passionate Nikon Photographer workshop.
Course titles include:
■ Master the Nikon D600, D610, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1
■ Master the Nikon D600, D610, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 2
■ Master the Nikon D800, Df and D4 - In Depth 1
■ Master the Nikon D800, Df and D4 - In Depth 2
■ The Passionate Nikon Photographer Two-Day Mastery Workshop (Steve Simon)
Yosemite
Michael A. Mariant will be leading the Yosemite in Spring: Big Waterfall Weekend starting April 26.
This will take you on two days of photography instruction and discovery in Yosemite Valley, with a course curriculum focusing on shooting techniques and learning to read the scene, amidst the splendor of the roaring waterfalls.
Photographing Yosemite in the spring is not about finding the locations, but all about the timing.
Yosemite Valley, with its countless blooming flowers, tall green grasses, roaring rapids in the Merced River and the showcase of them all: over a dozen waterfalls pouring over the towering cliffs of the valley’s rim, makes for an iconic photographic location. Coupled with the dramatic backdrop of the sheer granite walls and iconic lofty, precipitous spires, peaks and domes, spring time in Yosemite is a photographer’s delight.
While Yosemite’s major granite landmarks, such as Glacier Point, Half Dome and El Capitan, can be photographed year-round, the waterfalls run only in spring, and some for only a few months before running dry.
As the sun rises and transits the sky, shining down into this east-west valley, the light changes quickly, turning a dull location into something spectacular, sometimes only for a few minutes.
Grand Teton
Jim Stamates one of North America's most successful wildlife photographers, leads you to the amazing wildlife and scenics of Grand Teton National Park starting May 26.
This springtime four-day photo adventure is an exciting time.
Bison, Moose and Elk have dropped their young. Birds are nesting and beavers and river otters tend to their young. We arrive before dawn at Schwabacher Landing and we wait for the sun to kiss the tops of the snowcapped Grand Tetons.
The reflection in the beaver pond adds the perfect touch to our first image of the day.
Then on to Mormon Row to get the classic shot of the barns with snowcapped peaks in the background. Bison herds move in unison as the brand new calves jump, play and chase each other. That’s just the first morning and we have many opportunities awaiting us.
For photographers hoping to shoot landscapes and wildlife in North America this spring and summer, we have you covered.
Yellowstone
Jim Stamates will stay outdoors the following month, as he leads the Yellowstone Wildlife and Landscapes - Spring 2014 adventure starting June 2.
This is an intense four days of photography. You will position yourself each day before dawn for the best light and best wildlife or landscape options. You will visit the many icons of Yellowstone including Yellowstone Falls, Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, Mammoth Hot Springs and more, while keeping a keen eye for wildlife along the way. Each day ends with your cards filled with exceptional images. You eat lunch as a group at a restaurant within the park taking time to socialize and get to know fellow enthusiasts. Instruction will be in the field. No strenuous hiking.
Make sure you check our Nikonians Academy home page often. That is where Mike Hagen posts the latest workshop and photo adventure news and schedules.
Posted by flashdeadline at 11:12 PM
March 20, 2014
Nikonian Northern Exposure # 15
Thanks so much for coming back to my Podcast. This podcast I'm joined by Rod Ward, he is a professional photographer in Moncton, NB Canada. Ron has been working in the field of photography for over 30 years. In this interview, he talks about his photography experiences from being involved in a devastating car crash to facing frightening circumstances in Bosnia as an International photojournalist. Ron will share how he had to avoid land mines as a photographer and what travellers can learn from war zone photography.
Click here to listen to the Podcast Great show
What Travelers Can Learn from War Zone Reporters
Posted by pspence at 1:57 PM
March 18, 2014
Member Benefits Explained -- Platinum
Nikonians founders Bo Stahlbrandt (bgs) and J. Ramón Palacios (jrp) are happy to welcome the large number of new members joining us in the past few years. They have also noticed an interesting trend.
It seems many members are not aware of the specific additional benefits that come with each level of community membership. Our Silver, Gold and Platinum levels each have unique benefits, and we are highlighting them, one by one.
Last week week we looked at our Gold membership benefits. This week the spotlight is on our Platinum members.
Platinum membership is only $200 USD per year.
As a Platinum member, you receive the following benefits (above the basic trial membership):
▪ Upload and store images in forums
▪ Show personal gallery images in forums
▪ Access premium content area with how-to guides and more
▪ Access to Fine Art Nude Gallery
▪ Access to Fine Art Nude Forum
▪ Access our forums via RSS
▪ Send email to another member
▪ Access to our classifieds section, where you find many good items to buy and friendly, quality-minded members interested in buying your used gear
▪ Receive immediate rewards for being a Nikonians member: discounts for photo equipment, accessories and software from our sponsor partners. See also our Rewards Program.
▪ Receive the exclusive Nikonians personal Photographer's ID
▪ Get your personal Nikonians Business Card
▪ Write access to the Nikonians Wiki
▪ Your own, personal blog at Nikonians
▪ Access to all of our photo contests. Participate in the Nikonians Photographers of the Year and in monthly contests. Prizes are awarded throughout the year as well as in the contest finals.
▪ Get your personal Membership Certificate
▪ Membership valid for 12 months.
Receive 15% off on membership if signing up for three years.
Bonus for upgrading: If you upgrade to a higher level, e.g. from Silver to Gold, whatever is left of your currently paid period will be converted to the new level as well.
▪ Access to our Nikonians Photo Tours and Workshops at very attractive prices, held throughout North America and in Europe
▪ Search for other Nikonians
▪ Annotate Expert Software (value $79) for free
▪ Free shipping for all orders in the Photo Pro Shop
▪ Get free access to Events and Conventions
▪ Access to our Platinum Lounge
Here's a tip: -- if you want to see the full memberships benefits listing, check our comparison chart.
At the top of that chart, you will see a message from our founders explaining the community support you will be making through your choice of membership:
"Nikonians is a not-for-profit community. All capital generated through our operations (the Nikonians Community, the PhotoProShop and the Nikonians Academy) are reinvested to sustain our growth. Each membership counts and we take this opportunity to thank you for your support!"
---Bo Stahlbrandt and J. Ramón Palacios, Founders of Nikonians.
Posted by flashdeadline at 9:54 PM
The Nikonian eZine 56 is published
The latest edition of our official online magazine, The Nikonian, has been published.
When you download your free copy you will find an amazing collection of images, produced by our Best of 2013 winners.
eZine publisher, and Nikonians founder, J. Ramón Palacios (jrp) noted this year's contest results truly represented the term "best" in his editorial:
"As joyful witnesses of the beauty that surrounds us, participant members made splendid use of their Nikon cameras and lenses, using apertures and shutter speeds to bring us the sense of depth of expanses and the feel of moving waves; precisely focused subjects with blurred backgrounds and impressive detail of landscapes, fur of mammals and hair and wings of flying insects; all of them inspiring.
Compositions were superb. Just to bring down to 20 the number of finalists was a challenge. From those, 10 winners were selected after lengthy deliberations."
The winners (only a few shown in the random selection above), will receive prizes from our contest sponsors: thinkTANK photo and MK Controls.
The new edition also includes Mike Hagen's article illustrating wide angle lenses on safari, a sampling of our member reactions to the new Nikon D4S, Photo Pro Shop News and a Calendar for the upcoming months.
To see previous editions of The Nikonian eZine, visit our Archive.
Posted by flashdeadline at 9:02 PM
Social media sharing a click away
In case you haven't noticed it, links for sharing to Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are now available in our forums.
Just look to the upper right hand corner of any discussion forum post and you will see the familiar logos for these popular social media sites, right next to our in-house links for emailing members, private messaging, profiles and friends list additions.
For our new members, here's a closer look:
With most browsers you can get the same information on any of our membership icons just by hovering over them.
Another hint for our newer members:
You may notice we have two examples showing both a white lettering on black background (above left) and our newer black lettering on black background (below) .
If you want to switch your "skin" just go to your User Menu and click on the preferences Tab.
There you will find (the second item listed) your option to change from the classic white on black, to the newer black on white, called Nikonians V2.0.
Posted by flashdeadline at 7:59 PM
Time to check your 2014 Calendar
Spring officially starts this week in most of the northern hemisphere and Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen suggests you start planning for your big 2014 photo adventure trip.
Mike tells us these are not just "solo" adventures:
"Most of our international photo tours are designed to work with non-photographer spouses. If you are a shooter and have always wanted to bring your spouse along with you to Africa, Costa Rica, Cuba, Iceland, Alaska or the Galapagos, then feel free to sign up.
For more information contact me at mike.hagen@nikonians.org and I'll get back to you right away."
Over the next few weeks, Mike and Steve Simon will be in New York City, Los Angeles and Fairfield, New Jersey and Chicago leading the Masters Series workshops. Join them as they help you master the newest Nikon cameras such as the D610, Df, D4, D800, D610, D7100 and more.
Each workshop leader brings the popular core Masters curriculum, with Steve Simon's slate capped by his popular The Passionate Nikon Photographer workshop.
Course titles include:
► Master the Nikon D600, D610, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1
► Master the Nikon D600, D610, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 2
► Master the Nikon D800, Df and D4 - In Depth 1
► Master the Nikon D800, Df and D4 - In Depth 2
► The Passionate Nikon Photographer Two-Day Mastery Workshop (Steve Simon)
Rick Hulbert is in Europe right now running his highly-regarded Urban and Street Photography Workshops in Germany and Great Britain.
There are just a couple of seats remaining for the Cambridge workshops in Great Britain from March 27-30, so don't wait to sign up.
For photographers hoping to shoot landscapes and wildlife in North America this spring and summer, we have quite a few options to whet your appetite.
Your options include: Yosemite in Spring, Grand Teton in Spring, Yellowstone in Spring, and Giant Redwoods of Northern California.
Make sure you check our Nikonians Academy home page often. That's where Mike Hagen posts the latest workshop and photo adventure news and schedules.
Posted by flashdeadline at 7:25 PM
March 13, 2014
Nikonian Northern Exposure # 14
Whether you are a beginner or more experienced photographer, I will provide you with some tips that will benefit your techniques and give you better results in achieving good photos.
Simplicity in your work can be achieved with a few simple steps...find out how. Taking the simple approach to composition will make your photos even stronger.
Click here to Listen to Peter Podcast
Posted by pspence at 4:39 PM
March 12, 2014
Nikonians Academy going global in March
Nikonians Academy instructor Richard Hulbert's Urban and Street Photography workshop heads for Germany and the UK this month.
The Berlin workshop begins on March 20 and the Cambridge, UK workshop starts on March 27.
This workshop series is designed to improve your photography regardless of whether you consider picture taking a hobby, or you are a serious enthusiast, or a professional photographer, or earn your living as a member of the global real estate, design, and construction industries.
There are rules for photographing buildings and other man-made structures, and knowing these rules will make you a better photographer. Mastering these rules will allow you to learn how "break" them in a deliberate, meaningful way.
You will learn how a basic understanding of street photography will assist in your architectural and urban photography. You will discover how the fundamental principles of travel photography will enhance your architectural and urban imaging.
Masters Series three-city sweep
Steve Simon and Academy Director Mike Hagen bring the Masters Series to New York City, Los Angeles and Fairfield, New Jersey in the coming weeks.
The Masters Series tour begins March 25th when Steve Simon begins his New York City workshops on March 25th. He'll then head for Los Angeles (beginning April 1) while Mike Hagen's workshops commence in New Jersey on April 3.
Each workshop leader brings the popular core Masters curriculum, with Steve Simon's slate capped by his popular The Passionate Nikon Photographer workshop.
Course titles include:
► Master the Nikon D600, D610, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1
► Master the Nikon D600, D610, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 2
► Master the Nikon D800, Df and D4 - In Depth 1
► Master the Nikon D800, Df and D4 - In Depth 2
► The Passionate Nikon Photographer Two-Day Mastery Workshop (Steve Simon)
Looking ahead to 2015
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen has been adding new workshops to the schedule, including dates clear into next year. One of the highlights will be the Costa Rica Photography Adventure 2015 led by Jim Stamates. This is your chance to enjoy 11 Days and 10 nights in beautiful Costa Rica, while warming up in the middle of winter.
This is an Eco Adventure. It includes photo opportunities from mountains to beaches, from rural towns to rain forests, wildlife, birds, beautiful scenery, hanging bridges, butterfly garden, culture, volcanoes, and a sunset boat tour that past participants exclaim is a major highlight.
This expedition is for everyone. If you are a photography enthusiast then you know that rain forest photography is challenging. Jim will help you get great tropical images.
Posted by flashdeadline at 2:38 AM
Member Benefits Explained -- Gold
Nikonians founders J. Ramón Palacios (jrp) and Bo Stahlbrandt (bgs) are happy to welcome the large number of new members joining us in the past few years. They have also noticed an interesting trend.
It seems many members are not aware of the specific additional benefits that come with each level of community membership. Our Silver, Gold and Platinum levels each have unique benefits, and we are highlighting them, one by one.
Last week week we looked at our Silver membership benefits. This week the spotlight is on our Gold members.
Gold membership is only $75 USD per year.
As a Gold member, you receive the following benefits (above the basic trial membership):
▪ Upload and store images in forums
▪ Show personal gallery images in forums
▪ Access premium content area with how-to guides and more
▪ Access to Fine Art Nude Gallery
▪ Access to Fine Art Nude Forum
▪ Access our forums via RSS
▪ Send email to another member
▪ Access to our classifieds section, where you find many good items to buy and friendly, quality-minded members interested in buying your used gear
▪ Receive immediate rewards for being a Nikonians member: discounts for photo equipment, accessories and software from our sponsor partners. See also our Rewards Program.
▪ Receive the exclusive Nikonians personal Photographer's ID
▪ Get your personal Nikonians Business Card
▪ Write access to the Nikonians Wiki
▪ Your own, personal blog at Nikonians
▪ 20% discount on Annotate Expert Software (list price $79)
▪ Access to all of our photo contests. Participate in the Nikonians Photographers of the Year and in monthly contests. Prizes are awarded throughout the year as well as in the contest finals.
▪ Get your personal Membership Certificate
▪ Membership valid for 12 months.
Receive 15% off on membership if signing up for three years.
Bonus for upgrading: If you upgrade to a higher level, e.g. from Silver to Gold, whatever is left of your currently paid period will be converted to the new level as well.
▪ Access to our Nikonians Photo Tours and Workshops at very attractive prices, held throughout North America and in Europe
▪ Search for other Nikonians
Here's a tip: -- if you want to see the full memberships benefits listing, check our comparison chart.
At the top of that chart, you will see a message from our founders explaining the community support you will be making through your choice of membership:
"Nikonians is a not-for-profit community. All capital generated through our operations (the Nikonians Community, the PhotoProShop and the Nikonians Academy) are reinvested to sustain our growth. Each membership counts and we take this opportunity to thank you for your support!"
---Bo Stahlbrandt and J. Ramón Palacios, Founders of Nikonians.
Posted by flashdeadline at 2:14 AM
Contest Congrats -- January
Dave Summers (dm1dave), Nikonians Photo Contest Director, has compiled the latest list of winners from the January Master Your Vision series and provided links to the original entries.
Check our five-image legend and scroll down for the names of the winners and the photo links.
When you check those links, you will be directed to background information on each image and also see the many other noteworthy entries in each category.
1- Wildlife
“Small Groups” winner Scott Ashley (scottashley), from Colorado, USA, with his image titled “Mountain goat kids in last light”
2- Landscape
– “Silhouettes” winner Darryl Hodson (skibreeze7), from Oregon, USA with his image titled “New Year's Day Seascape”
3- Macro
– “Cold” winner Howard Nease (hnease), from Tennessee, USA with his image titled “icy leaf”
4- Sports
– “The Eyes Have It” winner John McGarry (jtmcg), from Connecticut, USA with his image titled "Yikes"
5- Travel
– “Trains” winner Philip Nist (phil711), from Arizona, USA with his image titled “The Passing Lane”
The contests and challenges are located in the Master Your Vision area of the forums. Each month a new theme is presented and a thread is opened for submissions.
The following month 4 – 6 finalists (depending on the number of entries) are chosen by the previous month's winner and a poll is set up for all members to vote. At the close of voting, the winning images are posted in our Winners Gallery.
Posted by flashdeadline at 1:37 AM
March 11, 2014
Think Tank Modular Component Line expands
Our friends at Think Tank just announced the release of new products aimed at enhancing your workflow and increased mobility.
Think Tank Photo’s new Modular Pixel Pocket Rocket (PPR) is belt-mountable, which enables you to easily whip out CF and SD cards and to keep them securely and conveniently at hand when shooting. The Modular PPR is easily secured by a sturdy hook-and-loop panel to any Think Tank Photo modular belt or to any belt. It holds six CF cards and three SD cards, as well as other small accessories, such as a smart phone or lens cloth.
The App House 8 and the App House 10 are two hybrid bags for quick access to a small or standard-size Apple tablets and can be used either as shoulder bags or mounted on belts. Streamlined and secure, their small size, removable shoulder strap, and double-lock belt-mount make it practically effortless for you to carry and access your tablet and stay connected around town or when traveling.
Key features include: Dedicated pockets for carrying a smart phone, device accessories, plus other small items; a dedicated, easily accessible smart phone pocket with soft liner; and an internal organizer with elastic and zippered pockets for connection cables, card readers, power cables, portable charger, pens, or other personal items
Nikonians Special:
Your order through the links above will include your choice of an extra free gift.
Posted by flashdeadline at 7:43 AM
March 7, 2014
Berger Bros. Camera lands D4S
Brad Berger tells us the new Nikon D4S is now in stock at Berger Bros. Camera.
You can call to get yours on order, or if you are in the Long Island, New York, come in to the Berger Bros, Camera store for a look at this new Nikon flagship.
Brad cautions the supply is limited so you need to lock yours down with an order before they are all shipped out.
The Nikon D4s DSLR Camera features a full-frame, FX-format 16.2MP CMOS sensor and EXPEED 4 image processor to produce high-resolution still imagery and full HD 1080p movies with notable image detail, quality, and sensitivity.
The combination of these two technologies in Nikon's flagship DSLR affords exceptional image quality, marked by smooth tonal gradations and vivid, yet accurate, color reproduction as well as an expansive dynamic range.
Here is a link to store locations.
Phone contact information:
Berger Bros. Camera
1-800-262-4160
Check the Berger Bros. Website for details.
Posted by flashdeadline at 5:56 PM
March 5, 2014
Ready for some warmer shooting?
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen tells us the staff is eager to get out of the winter doldrums.
With spring right around the corner, you will want to check out the Yellowstone and Grand Teton workshops led by Jim Stamates.
The Academy has operated these wonderful wildlife photography workshops for many years now and Jim is one of the most knowledgeable photographers in the USA. He's been shooting here for decades and would love to teach you the tricks of the trade in his adopted back yard.
Join Jim and Kathy Stamates for 4 wild days to learn, experience , and capture the essence of Yellowstone National Park in the Spring.
Yellowstone is an intense four days of photography (June 2-5). You will position yourselves each day before dawn for the best light and best wildlife or landscape options. You will visit the many icons of Yellowstone including Yellowstone Falls, Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, Mammoth Hot Springs and more, while keeping a keen eye for wildlife along the way. Each day ends with your cards filled with exceptional images. You eat lunch as a group at a restaurant within the park taking time to socialize and get to know fellow enthusiasts. Instruction will be in the field. No strenuous hiking.
The Grand Teton Springtime workshop is an exciting time. This will be a four day adventure (May 26-29), when Bison, Moose and Elk have birthed their young.
Birds are nesting and beavers and river otters tend to their young. We arrive before dawn at Schwabacher Landing and we wait for the sun to kiss the tops of the snowcapped Grand Tetons.
The reflection in the beaver pond adds the perfect touch to our first image of the day. Then on to Mormon Row to get the classic shot of the barns with snowcapped peaks in the background. Bison herds move in unison as the brand new calves jump, play and chase each other. That’s just the first morning!
The Masters Series workshops are scheduled in the next few weeks for New York City and New Jersey with Steve Simon and Mike Hagen.
After that, we have Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas and Houston.
More workshops are being added to the schedule all the time.
For you international travelers, it is time to start thinking about summer and fall trips. This year, Mike Hagen is leading trips to Galapagos, Iceland, Cuba and Tanzania. Each trip is designed specifically for photographers. We also have quite a few non-photographing spouses attend our journeys and we work hard to make the trips exciting for both.
Last, but certainly not least, there are just a few seats remaining on this summer's 5th Annual Ultimate Travel Workshop on the Semester at Sea cruise ship with Michael Mariant.
Posted by flashdeadline at 3:06 AM
Membership benefits explained
Nikonians founders J. Ramón Palacios (jrp) and Bo Stahlbrandt (bgs) are happy to welcome the large number of new members joining us in the past few years. They have also noticed an interesting trend.
It seems many members are not aware of the specific additional benefits that come with each level of community membership. Our Silver, Gold and Platinum levels each have unique benefits, and in the coming weeks we will highlight them, one by one.
First, let's have a look at one of the most popular levels.
Silver membership is only $25 USD per year (less than 7 cents per day).
As a Silver member, you receive the following benefits (above the basic trial membership):
▪ Upload and store images in forums
▪ Show personal gallery images in forums
▪ Access premium content area with how-to guides and more
▪ Access to Fine Art Nude Gallery
▪ Access to Fine Art Nude Forum
▪ Access our forums via RSS
▪ Send email to another member
▪ Access to our classifieds section, where you find many good items to buy and friendly, quality-minded members interested in buying your used gear
▪ Receive immediate rewards for being a Nikonians member: discounts for photo equipment, accessories and software from our sponsor partners. See also our Rewards Program.
▪ Access to all of our photo contests. Participate in the Nikonians Photographers of the Year and in monthly contests. Prizes are awarded throughout the year as well as in the contest finals.
▪ Get your personal Membership Certificate
▪ Membership valid for 12 months.
Receive 15% off on membership if signing up for three years.
Bonus for upgrading: If you upgrade to a higher level, e.g. from Silver to Gold, whatever is left of your currently paid period will be converted to the new level as well.
▪ Access to our Nikonians Photo Tours and Workshops at very attractive prices, held throughout North America and in Europe
▪ Search for other Nikonians
▪ 10% discount on Annotate Expert Software (list price $79)
Here's a tip: -- if you want to see the full memberships benefits listing, check our comparison chart.
At the top of that chart, you will see a message from our founders explaining the community support you will be making through your choice of membership:
"Nikonians is a not-for-profit community. All capital generated through our operations (the Nikonians Community, the PhotoProShop and the Nikonians Academy) are reinvested to sustain our growth. Each membership counts and we take this opportunity to thank you for your support!"
---Bo Stahlbrandt and J. Ramón Palacios, Founders of Nikonians.
Posted by flashdeadline at 2:34 AM
March 4, 2014
Thousand shades of grey: The beauty of the black and white image
The process of how to convert your color images to beautiful black & white imagery is a fascinating journey to the roots of photography, its history and technique. Improve the look of your photographs and get inspired by this easy how-to article.
Posted by Ronny89 at 1:46 PM