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March 24, 2015

Nikonians Academy prepares for photo adventures

Academy-15ANPAT-SQ_Horn_120.jpgSince the 15th Anniversary ANPAT Announcement last week, over a third of the available spaces have been accounted for.

Our fall season Annual Nikonians Photo Adventure Trip (ANPAT) takes us to a favorite location from years ago and we'd love to have you along on the adventure. The 15th Anniversary ANPAT will be held from September 26 to October 3.

ANPAT veteran Eric Bowles is leading our trip to the Badlands in South Dakota.

ANPAT-15-Wildlife_300.jpgDuring this ANPAT we'll visit:
▪ Badlands NP
▪ Buffalo Gap National Grassland
▪ Custer State Park
▪ Sylvan Lake State Park
▪ Mt. Rushmore National Memorial
▪ Crazy Horse Memorial
▪ Wind Cave NP
▪ Devils Tower
▪ Sturgis

In addition: There will be a total lunar eclipse on the evening of September 27 beginning at sundown. During this type of eclipse, the Moon will gradually get darker and then take on a rusty or blood red color. Weather permitting we'll be at a great location to catch it.

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Hulbert_Chicago_250.jpgRick Hulbert's Urban and Street Photography workshops are all set for San Francisco (starting April 9) and London, England (starting May 14).

Rick is one of the best at teaching photographers how to see in the urban, built environment.

He's practiced as a professional architect for decades and when he combines that knowledge with his excellence in photography you are set for a top-notch workshop.

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hagen_iceland_hdr_300.jpgWe have the corner of the market on wildlife photography trips and many are set for some of the most dramatic locations on planet Earth.
Grand Teton in May
Yellowstone in June
Iceland birds and landscapes in July
Alaska Whales, Bears and Ice Fields in July
Galapagos in September
Tanzania in November

All of these trips have a significant wildlife component to them and our trip leaders, Jim Stamates and Mike Hagen, have years of experience in each of these locations. Join us for a wildlife photography adventure you'll never forget.

Posted by flashdeadline at 9:50 PM

March 19, 2015

The 24-70mm/2.8G ED IF AF-S Nikkor Review: An All-Around Classic Lens

nikkor 24-70mm lensJoseph Gamble says if he were headed out to take a photograph and could only take one lens, it would likely be Nikon?s 24-70mm/2.8G ED. The lens simply covers the essentials and it is the type of workhorse zoom that any professional or serious enthusiast really needs to own.

Posted by Ronny89 at 1:39 PM

March 17, 2015

15th Anniversary ANPAT invitation issued - Fall in South Dakota

Academy-SQ-Rushmore-Lincoln_120.jpgThis year we celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the Nikonians.org community, and for some members, the celebration will be extra special.
Our fall season Annual Nikonians Photo Adventure Trip (ANPAT) will be officially known as the 15th Anniversary ANPAT. It will be held From September 26 (arrival) to October 3 in South Dakota.

The invitation has been released for you to join Nikonians founders Bo Stahlbrandt (bgs) and J. Ram?n Palacios (jrp) in this target-rich region for splendid photography opportunities.

Rushmore_300.jpgTrip Coordination and leadership duties are in the hands of Moderating Team member Eric Bowles, and he?s promising unique shooting opportunities:

?In putting together this trip, I've tried to keep driving time reasonable and maximize shooting time. We've got some great locations planned.

One treat - there will be a near total eclipse of a "super moon" just after sunset during our time in the Badlands. We'll have good locations for photographing the eclipse as well as moonlight on Mount Rushmore later in the week.

Badlands and Custer State Park are great landscape locations and very good for wildlife. anpat-15_bison_300.jpgWe'll see lots of bison, prairie dogs, pronghorn, etc.

We will be going for a full week to the Black Hills & Badlands region of South Dakota. It was chosen not only for its unique scenery; it also has one of the largest concentrations of National and State Parks, monuments, memorials and caves in the Midwest. It offers varied and unique photo opportunities for landscapes and wildlife.?

anpat-15_moonrise_300.jpgThe lunar eclipse arrives on the evening of September 27 beginning at sundown. During this type of eclipse, the Moon will gradually get darker and then take on a rusty or blood red color. Weather permitting, the 15th Anniversary ANPAT attendees we'll be at a great location to catch it.

If you are an ANPAT veteran, you well know why you should not miss it. If you are new to our Annual Nikonians Photo Adventure Trips you must come to learn why Nikonians is not just "a site" but a full rewarding community experience of a brotherhood.

Need More information?
Check:
The official 15th Anniversary ANPAT page

The 15th Anniversary ANPAT Announcement and Invitation

More from the Academy:

Registration is closed for Spring ANPAT and we are looking forward to spending a week photographing southern marshes, swamps and beaches in Florida and Georgia.

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RichardHulbert_175.jpgRick Hulbert's Urban and Street photography workshop in San Francisco is down to the last few seats available.

After every workshop Rick leads, customers write in with accolades regarding Rick's excellent teaching style. Rick is one of the best and you'll love his workshops.

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 is no requirement for fancy equipment. Any and every brand of camera will work, so we strongly encourage participants with Canon, Pentax, Sony and other camera brands to attend. The principles taught will also apply to point and shoot cameras, new mirrorless cameras and even camera phones.

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Mike-Hagen-150.jpgMike Hagen's Iceland Bird and Landscapes photo adventure this July has just a couple seats remaining as well.

Mike is returning to one of his favorite places on earth and loves to share his photography knowledge with participants on this amazing Icelandic journey along the southern coast.

Join him on this or any of his adventures to Galapagos or Tanzania for a photo trip you'll never forget.

Posted by flashdeadline at 9:36 PM

March 16, 2015

Think Tank Photo March Deal

Airport Roller bagFree 15? laptop case with purchase of Think Tank Roller

Our friends at Think Tank Photo have announced a special offer that runs through March 31, 2015. Purchase any new rolling camera bag directly from Think Tank Photo, mail in the rebate form downloadable from their website, and they will send you a 15" laptop case for free!

Think Tank?s rolling camera bags are renowned for being designed for airline travel, enhanced security and durability, while being backed by the best customer service in the industry. In addition to receiving the free laptop, when you check out of their shopping cart you will be asked what additional Think Tank item you would like to receive for free with your order.

Order your rolling camera bag now

Posted by Ronny89 at 9:37 AM

March 10, 2015

Nikonians Academy spotlight on photo adventures

Academy-Logo_Galap_SQ_110.jpgIf travel and adventures are at the top of your 2015 goals, the Nikonians Academy has plenty to offer.

Highlights include trips to U.S. National Parks, Iceland, the Galapagos Islands, and downtown San Francisco.

Each of these trips has been designed with a small attendance size to make sure you have as much one-on-one time with the trip leader as you need.

hagen_iceland_hdr_300.jpgNikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen tells us he is down to the last three seats for Iceland Photo and Bird Adventure in July.

Join Mike as he takes you to the most scenic spots along the southern coast of Iceland for this week long photo excursion.

During our journey, we'll photograph some of the most amazing scenery and wildlife Iceland has to offer. From verdant rolling hills to rugged mountains, the landscapes of Iceland are famous for their interplay between light and sky. We've also included a few photo sessions with some famous bird populations to stoke your wildlife photography passions.

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Galapagos_seals_300.jpgHow does traveling to Galapagos on your own privately chartered expedition yacht sound?

Add a small group of intrepid photographers and you have a recipe for an amazing trip to one of this planet's most pristine wildlife sanctuaries.

This is the perfect trip for couples to participate in a safe, yet intrepid adventure together. If you've been looking for a time to check Galapagos off your bucket list, then this is it!

Join our Nikonians Academy trip to the Galapagos Islands this September. Check out Mike Hagen's Instagram account for daily posts showing images from the Galapagos and Iceland: https://instagram.com/mikejhagen/

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Hulbert-architectural_300.jpgRick Hulbert is ramping up for his next Urban and Street Photography workshop in downtown San Francisco.

Rick is the master of the built environment and would love to teach you all about photographing urban environment. Join him April 9th - 12th, 2015.

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.

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Grand_Teton_Spring_225.jpgSpring wildlife in Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park is a sight to behold.

Join Jim Stamates for a wildlife photography field workshop in either or both of these incredible National Parks. Our Grand Teton trip begins May 25th and our Yellowstone trip begins June 1st.

Posted by flashdeadline at 11:12 PM

Congratulations Best of 2014 Winners

Best-of-2014_SQ_100.jpgThe winners of the Best of Nikonians 2014 Images Annual Photo Contest have been announced. Nikonians founder J. Ram?n Palacios (jrp) tells us this year's contest combined excellent images carefully reviewed by a dedicated judging team:

"The quality of the submissions is superb, making us very proud of the level of photographic accomplishment of our participating membership.

Judges were drawn from the Nikonians Masters Society to grade the finalist images.
Criteria used for scoring were Color/Tone (tone for B&W images), Composition, Technical Execution/Merit, Story Line, and Artistry/Expression.

It was tight!

Our deepest appreciation and thanks to the judges for a well done tough job, and to our Contest Director Dave Summers (dm1dave).

On behalf of my partner Bo and myself, our congratulations and thanks to all participants.
Looking forward to enjoy your images for 2015.
"

Click on the Mastery Legend below to go to jrp's announcement and when you get there, please take a minute to extend your congratulations to this year's winners.

Best-of-2014_499.jpg

The 2014 winners are:

1. Jim Martin (martinjp22), from Michigan, USA with "Snowy the Magician"

2. Harry Swan (HSSwan), from California, USA with "Masters of Flight"

3. Barry Schirm (BSchirm), from California, USA with "Liquid Perch"

4. Arlon Motsch (arlon), from Texas, USA with "Fly in Yard"

5. Scott Sternberg (Bump57), from Illinois, USA with "Morton IL Corn Crib"

6. Richard Dubiel (Dubes), from Ontario, Canada with "Some Quiet Time Away From the Brood"

7. Jeannean Ryman (jrtx), from Texas, USA with "White Morph Reddish Egrets"

8. Godofredo Baylon (GBaylon), from Ontario, Canada with "OMG ... what was I thinking?"

9. David Soderlund (DaveSoderlund), from New York, USA with "Venice Carnevale: Eye Contact"

10. Scott Ashley (scottashley), from Colorado, USA with "Maroon Bells Reflection"

Each of our winners will receive a professional bag from our Contest Sponsor thinkTANK photo and a Nikonians Certificate of High Photographic Achievement


Posted by flashdeadline at 10:34 PM

Bag Review - Mindshift Gear Rotation 180? Panorama

In the endless search for the perfect bag, we requested savvy landscape Nikonians photographer Ernesto Santos to review the new Mindshift Gear Rotation 180? Panorama. He found it to be a very well made and more than suitable solution that could very well be what you may have been waiting for.

Posted by Ronny89 at 2:14 PM

March 4, 2015

Berger Bros. pre-orders special for Nikonians

Berger-Bros-Special_SQ_120.jpgBrad Berger at Berger Bros. contacted us to let you know our members have preference on pre-orders for the newest Nikon Cameras (just announced).

He's already arranging to make sure you can get your Nikon D7200, Nikon COOLPIX P900 and accessories as fast as possible.

Berger-Bros-Spec-3mar_495.jpg

Take advantage of these special offers by calling Brad Berger or Lisa M. at 800-542-8811.
You can also email bradberger@me.com or lisam@berger-bros.com.

While you're on the phone ask about the Nikon stand alone lens rebates which have been extended thru March 28th.

Posted by flashdeadline at 2:17 AM

Academy taking full advantage of the Seasons

Academy-SQ-Iceland_125.jpgIt may be hard to believe for many members still buried in piles of snow, but the first day of spring begins on March 20.

If you enjoy your photography in cool environments, check your calendar for July 12 - 20, 2015.

Those are the dates to join Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen at the Iceland Photo and Bird Adventure - Summer 2015.

Our partner on this trip is the world-renowned photographer Tim Vollmer who is a native of Iceland and has been running photo tours for years. He has one of the best reputations in the industry.

Iceland-3image_350.jpgMike Hagen is the co-leader for this trip, so you can be sure that this will be an adventure you'll never forget.

During our journey, we'll photograph some of the most amazing scenery and wildlife Iceland has to offer. From verdant rolling hills to rugged mountains, the landscapes of Iceland are famous for their interplay between light and sky. We've also included a few photo sessions with some famous bird populations to stoke your wildlife photography passions.

You will have opportunities to photograph geothermal sites, glacial lagoons, birds, landscapes, volcanoes, lava fields, waterfalls, and basalt columns. Mike and Tim also included a photo tour of Reykjav?k that includes buildings and architecture.

This workshop is limited to a maximum of 10 participants. This means that you'll receive hands-on training from your workshop leaders every single day.

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Hulbert_Composition_275.jpgAcademy highlights in North America include Rick Hulbert's next Urban and Street Photography Workshop set for San Francisco April 9 - 12, 2015.

This four-day workshop has a maximum enrollment of 10 people and the class roster is now half full. Rick has designed your classroom and field activities to get you to think about concepts in architectural and urban photography that you hadn?t thought of or considered before.

You will discover how to better frame and crop architectural and urban images using the long established basic principles of portrait, wedding, and event photography. By the way, if you are a wedding or event photographer, this workshop will take your photography up a notch as well.

Following the San Francisco workshop, Rick will be headed for London, UK (starting May 14th).
The conference space being used for the workshop is within walking distance of a number of landmarks, buildings and bridges, including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye.

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Alaska-Beach-Time_300.jpgIn the middle of summer, you have the opportunity to join Jim and Kathy Stamates as they return to one of their favorite places, Southeast Alaska (July 17-23).

This will be our next Alaska! - Whales, Bears, and Ice Fields Wildlife Photography Adventure.
During this seven day, six night photo adventure Nikonians will have their own private boat to find Humpback and Killer Whales, seals, and other marine mammals, and to take us to a remote area to photograph the largest of the grizzly bears, the Alaskan Brown Bear. With instructions from a professional wildlife photographer we will fill our cards with images that will astound our friends, family, and other Nikonians.

Non-photographers enjoy this as much as photo enthusiasts which makes this the perfect workshop to bring your spouse.

Jim is eager to share his knowledge from 30 years as a professional wildlife photographer and his countless trips to Alaska. He will teach his 3 Keys to Great Photos, and how to get those stunning images of wildlife while using ?low impact field techniques?.

Evening shoots for whales and sunsets from the water and from the top of Mount Roberts leave us breathless and our images prove that this is an amazing place.

During the boat ride, our captain maneuvers his craft cautiously up Tracy Arm Fjords until we can almost touch the ice floes. We are so close to calving glaciers we can hear them! The Tracy Arm Fjords are some of the most amazing scenery in all of Alaska and we are there. Seals and their pups have hauled out on the ice floes and we have ample opportunity to get great images.

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Galapagos_Yacht_250.jpgOur Nikonians Academy photo adventure trip to the Galapagos Islands will be held September 13-20. Each day will feature a different area of these amazing islands.
The trip includes 7 nights on a Galapagos cruise and two nights in Guayaquil Ecuador. Our expedition yacht has the ability to anchor close to our attractions and our small group size means that we can be nimble while photographing nature's splendor.

The food on our yacht is wonderful and cooked by some of the best chefs on the water. We'll have access to snorkel equipment and kayaks. We'll also have the opportunity for underwater photography if you decide to take on that challenge.

Our outfitters run some of the best trips in the Galapagos. They are certified with SmartVoyager, a voluntary environmental program developed by Corporacion y Desarollo from Ecuador and The Rainforest Alliance from New York since 2000. This program gives a "green seal of approval" to tour boats that comply with strict requirements to tread lightly on the area's fragile ecosystem.

Temperatures during our adventure will range from the low 60's F at night to the upper 70's F during the day. You'll spend 3-4 hours at each site allowing plenty of time to explore and photograph the abundant wildlife. There are opportunities to swim or snorkel almost every day during the week and sometimes twice a day.

This is the perfect trip for couples to participate in a safe, yet intrepid adventure together. If you've been looking for a time to check Galapagos off your bucket list, then this is it!

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hagen_lion-250.jpgLooking ahead to November, Mike Hagen invites you to join him in Tanzania for a photo safari to the Serengeti that you'll never forget.
Each year, our trips get better and this year's trip is slated to be one of the best.

One of the best aspects of this trip is that we have arranged to place only three photographers per vehicle. This means that each person will have an entire row to themselves with one seat for their camera gear and the other seat for themselves. There will be plenty of room to move around and everyone will have perfect access to all photo opportunities.

Mike has secured lodging in some of the most incredible wild locations in Tanzania so that we can be as close to the wildlife as possible. In fact, most nights you fall to sleep under the stars while listening to lions and hyenas in the distance. If you've been waiting to go on a trip to Africa, now's the time to go.
This year's trip runs November 4-15, 2015.

Posted by flashdeadline at 1:17 AM