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April 30, 2015
Release your inner artist: Break the "P" barrier
Your new camera has plenty of bells and whistles and by now you already know it can take good pictures in full automatic mode. If that is all you need, continue on and be happy. But, if you?re looking to engage your creative mind by stepping out of the full-auto realm, this article will help you navigate the maze of confusing numbers and camera modes and priorities. Read article >>
Posted by Ronny89 at 10:26 AM
April 28, 2015
Last call for London Nikonians Academy workshop

This is a four-day workshop with a maximum enrollment of 10 people, starting May 14th.
It is designed 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.
Richard Hulbert is an International Award winning and published architect, urban designer, and photographer. As a photographer, Rick has been awarded a Laureate recognition within the World Wide Nikonians community.
He has been a frequent lecturer, teacher and Seminar Panel participant on four continents. Richard has been named a Fellow in the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada which is among the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a member. He is a former President of the Architectural Institute of British Columbia. Notably, Richard is also an Academician in the Royal Canadian Academy of the Arts, one of the youngest members ever to be elected to that august body.
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Galapagos and Tanzania
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen recently shared his scheduling strategy as he prepares for two of his favorite photo adventures.

Mike chooses to travel to the Galapagos in September because:
"That's when most of the tourism is down and we tend to have our viewing sites all to ourselves. Wildlife is amazingly abundant and our opportunities to shoot mammals, reptiles and birds are around every corner."
Each day will feature a different area of the amazing Galapagos Islands. Your expedition yacht has the ability to anchor close to photo attractions and the small group size means that you can be nimble while photographing nature's splendor.
The trip includes seven nights on a Galapagos cruise and two nights in Guayaquil Ecuador. The food on the yacht is wonderful and cooked by some of the best chefs on the water. You have access to snorkel equipment and kayaks, and also have the opportunity for underwater photography if you decide to take on that challenge.
Based on his previous experiences in Africa, Mike tells us:

These trips are also wonderful trips for spouses to attend as well. We have a lot of flexibility each day and if a spouse wants to stay back at the lodge for a relaxing afternoon, then they are welcome to do so while others in the group head out for an amazing day of photography. It is common for non-photographer spouses to travel together with photographers on our trips."
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Spring Wildlife

Jim is one of the best when it comes to leading photographers to wildlife in the most beautiful light.
The Grand Teton in the Spring dates are May 25-28, 2015, followed by Yellowstone, June 1-4, 2015.
Jim has been creating photographic images for more than 35 years. He majored in photography at college and after a short stint as a commercial photographer in San Francisco, where he photographed Janice Joplin, The Jefferson Airplane, and Richie Havens, he moved to Lake Tahoe and focused his talents on the photography and preservation of our natural surroundings.
His respect for wildlife takes precedence over "getting the shot." His philosophy is rewarded by a unique intimacy with his subjects.
Posted by flashdeadline at 6:41 PM
April 22, 2015
Think Tank Photo Anniversary Special
Our friends at Think Tank Photo, who are celebrating their 10 Year Anniversary, just announced a special offer. Whenever you order one of their Urban Disguise Shoulder bags between now and May 15th you will receive a Shoulder Harness V2.0 backpack harness by mail for free.
This harness is pretty amazing for it easily converts your shoulder bag into a backpack. It?s great for freeing up your hands to sprint through airports for flights, for example. To partake of this special offer, simply order the Urban Disguise bag of your choice and download and submit the online form. Think Tank will ship your new harness right out.
And, don?t forget that by ordering through Nikonians by using our special URL you will receive a free gift from Think Tank with your order as well as free shipping.
Posted by Ronny89 at 12:20 PM
April 21, 2015
Berger Bros. Camera Specials for Nikonians


Please order online: https://www.berger-bros.com/FLASHES-MAGMOD.htm
Enter coupon code: MAGMOD10
Or feel free to call
Berger Bros @ 1-800-262-4160 for assistance.
Update--
As a thank you for making the MagMod Promo such a success ?
Berger Bros. has extended the promotion of 10% off and free shipping in the
continental USA till May 26, 2015.
Also:
Check out the new Private MAGMOD FaceBook Community to join for great tips, examples and instructions ? open from beginner to pro.
Black Rapid Straps
All Black Rapid Straps will be yours with 10% off and free shipping in the continental USA till May 26, 2015. Order Online:
https://www.berger-bros.com/RapidStrap.htm
and make sure you use upon code BRSTRAP10.
______________________________________________________________________
Also available immediately
Nikon is currently offering a myriad of Instant Rebates ranging from $300.00-900.00!
You can take advantage of these rebates through May 30, 2015.
In addition to the Nikon rebates, Berger Bros will include free items as an exclusive offer only to our Nikonians community:
Check out these specials:


►Nikon D750 KIT w/24-120 F/4G ED VR Lens (sku#1549)
$3599.99 minus $900.00 INSTANT REBATE = $2699.99 (after rebate)
Please call and ask for Lisa M, Mark or Brad @ 1-800-262-4160 to place your order or inquire if you have any questions.
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Please call and ask for Lisa M, Mark or Brad @ 1-800-262-4160 to place your order or inquire if you have any questions.

Please call and ask for Lisa M, Mark or Brad @ 1-800-262-4160 to place your order or inquire if you have any questions.
Posted by flashdeadline at 9:55 PM
15th ANPAT Spring edition concludes -- Get set for Fall edition
Our ANPAT 15 in the Spring group just wrapped up their photo tour in the Southeast USA.
This special spring edition took everyone to the southern marshes, swamps and beaches of the border area between the states of Georgia and Florida.
They had a wonderful trip and created thousands of beautiful images.
You can check in on their adventure by visiting the ANPAT 15 in the Spring Galleries.
The Gallery is arranged in three parts:
? Nikonians Friends
? Landscapes Images
? Wildlife Images
We're waiting for everyone to get back home, unpack and start going through their memory cards to start filling it up with even more images. The photo below was taken on the final day.
Nikonians co-founder J. Ram?n Palacios (jrp) summed up the adventure in his re-cap posting:
?Judging from the final individual comments before departing, the ANPAT 15th in the Spring was a big success. What a blast! I even re-learned to pan for BIF!
We got rained daily and yet the images shown at the farewell meeting were splendid.
We hope you all got back home in good health and high spirits.
It was a pleasure to meet new ANPAT goers and some of the veterans.
We hope to see you all again soon.?
Our next ANPAT is all set for the Badlands of South Dakota. Be sure to sign up for this trip soon as it is destined to sell out. The fall season ANPAT will be held from September 26 to October 3 and your trip coordinator will once again be Eric Bowles.
During 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
You can check out highlights of the 2005 South Dakota ANPAT in our Galleries.
In addition: This year 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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For our UK Nikonians, we are bringing our very popular Urban and Street Photography Workshop to London May 14-17, 2015.
Our instructor, Rick Hulbert, is both an accomplished professional architect and professional photographer. He loves merging his passions by teaching participants how to photograph beauty in the urban environment.
His conference space is within walking distance of a number of landmarks, buildings and bridges (including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye).
There are numerous hotels in the area as well as great access to transit if attendees are staying out of the downtown.
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Mike Hagen's trip to the Galapagos this September is set to be an amazing adventure. He has leased an expedition yacht specially for our group so we'll be able to get into small coves and beautiful locations.
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!
Check out Mike Hagen's Instagram feed (@MikeJHagen) for daily photographs from this diverse and alluring wildlife location.
We'd love to have you along on this trip.
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For North American wildlife photographers, there are few places more special than the Yellowstone-Grand Teton ecosystems.
Our spring wildlife photography trips to these ecosystems are targeted towards photographing baby animals and their parents in stunning natural environments.
The Grand Teton photo adventure runs May 25-28, 2015, followed by the Yellowstone photo adventure (June 1?4, 2015).
Your leader, Jim Stamates, has been photographing wildlife in these parks for decades and is one of the foremost experts in wildlife behavior in these two ecosystems.
Posted by flashdeadline at 7:50 PM
April 16, 2015
New version of mGallery for Android
Nikonians mGallery, mobile app enabling photography professionals and enthusiasts to showcase their portfolio on the go, has just been upgraded.
The new version adheres to Google?s recently laid down principles of Material design. You will find the interface is easy to figure out and more pleasing to the eye.
mGallery allows you to directly upload images to either your personal gallery, or Nikonians galleries. The biggest change comes in the form of home screen, now divided into three configurable panels. There are three types of galleries, which can be assigned to these grids: your gallery, The Winners Gallery and Random Images.

To learn more about mGallery, visit Wiki
Download mGallery on Google Play
mGallery is also availbale in iTunes.
Posted by Ronny89 at 3:22 PM
April 15, 2015
Hulbert's Urban Photography workshop heads for London

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.

He continues to receive excellent feedback. Here?s what a participant wrote in a message
to Nikonians Academy Director
Mike Hagen about last week's San Francisco workshop -
Mike,
I just finished Rick Hulbert's workshop and it was an outstanding class. As you
told me, he is a talented, engaging and humorous guy and I really enjoyed his
in depth presentation!
He couldn't have been more caring to everyone's needs. I read up on his accomplishments in architecture and they totally "blew my mind." I'm not sure that I have ever met anyone who is so accomplished and so humble.
- Earl McGrath
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Michael Mariant's Yosemite Spring trip is an annual best
seller and he has seats available for the next
adventure (starting May 14). You will photograph blooming flowers, stunning
landscapes, deep forest and meandering rivers while learning from Michael
Mariant's decades of experience in this iconic national park.
This workshop focuses not only on the 'where' to take the pictures, but also on the 'how' to take pictures, incorporating photographic education throughout the workshop at each location. By building on the previous location's techniques and lessons, this allows for culmination in a comprehensive lesson in composition, modified exposure, light controls, Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS), and Infrared (IR) photography.
This truly is a collaboration of extensive, comprehensive landscape photography education coupled with a dynamic location.
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Don?t forget to check Mike Hagen?s article in The Nikonian eZine #58
on photographing in the Galapagos. Read the article, then think about joining
him this
September in the Galapagos Islands for a wildlife photography adventure
you'll never forget.
Each day will feature a different area of the islands. You expedition yacht has the ability to anchor close to favorite attractions and the small group size means everyone can be nimble while photographing nature's splendor.
The trip includes seven nights on a Galapagos cruise and two nights in Guayaquil Ecuador.
The food on the yacht is wonderful and cooked by some of the best chefs on the water. You will have access to snorkel equipment and kayaks and also have the opportunity for underwater photography if you decide to take on that challenge.
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Jim Stamates has two spring wildlife photography trips to
Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park this May and June.
Jim has been photographing wildlife in these parks for decades and is one of the foremost experts in wildlife behavior in these two ecosystems.
Spring is the best time to photograph new baby animals and Jim knows how to find them.
The Grand Teton photo adventure runs May 25-28, 2015, followed by the Yellowstone photo adventure (June 1?4, 2015).
Posted by flashdeadline at 1:24 AM
THE NIKONIAN #58 now available
THE NIKONIAN #58 is ready for download for all Silver, Gold and Platinum members. Non-members and members on basic level can still access individual issues through our eZine app.
This is the second eZine edition published in the new format designed to improve readability and the whole visual experience.
Highlighting this edition, you will find an extensive photo collection from the Best of Nikonians 2014 Images Annual Photo Contest. Each image is accompanied by the winning member?s recollection of the circumstances behind their work.
THE NIKONIAN #58 also includes:
? A Packing Strategy for Air Travel by Ernesto Santos (esantos)
? Photography in the Galapagos by Mike Hagen (Mike_Hagen)
? Dressing for Photography in the Cold by J. Ramon Palacios (jrp)
? Photo Pro Shop News
? New from Nikon
? Calendar
Enjoy THE NIKONIAN on iPad, iPhone and Android
With our eZine app, you can download and view all of our eZine issues on your tablet or smartphone, while easily bookmark stuff to come back to later. Make sure you log in to the app with your Nikonians credentials to get full benefits.
More about our apps in our wiki.
Looking for past issues?
All of the previous editions are available in the The Nikonian Archives.
Posted by flashdeadline at 1:06 AM
Berger Bros. Specials for a limited time



UPDATE as of April 16, 2015

● 32 GB SDHC class 10 Memory Card

Take advantage of these specials by calling Brad Berger or Lisa M. at 800-542-8811. You can also email bradberger@me.com or lisam@berger-bros.com.
Posted by flashdeadline at 12:45 AM
April 7, 2015
Fall ANPAT seats going fast

Join us as we celebrate the Nikonians' 15th year of operation by doing what we do best ... taking pictures!
The anniversary ANPAT runs from September 26 to October 3 in South Dakota. Trip Coordination and leadership duties are in the hands of Moderating Team member Eric Bowles.

As an added bonus, there will be a near total eclipse of a
"super moon" just after sunset during our time in the Badlands.
The 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.
Check our current discussion on this photo adventure to see what our members are planning.
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If you enjoy wildlife photography, you need to check out the spring season photo opportunities offered throughout the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park ecosystem with Jim Stamates.
Spring is when all the baby animals come out to play. We'll be looking to photograph animals such as moose, bear, wolves, coyote, bison, birds and everything in between. Jim calls his trips ?Fun Shops? "Because if it's not fun, I'm not doing it."
As always, his trips are rich with instruction, how-to,
humor and amazing photography.
For Jim, respect for wildlife takes precedence over ?getting the shot.? His philosophy is rewarded by a unique intimacy with his subjects. Dedicated to the proper and ethical behavior toward nature, Jim champions his ?low impact field techniques? through his In The Rhythm? lectures and workshops that emphasize the well-being of the subject.
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Rick Hulbert's next Urban and Street Photography Workshop is scheduled for London, May 14-17, 2015. This week, he's in San Francisco running the same workshop for a group of happy participants. Join him in London for a class you won't forget.
His conference space is within walking distance of a number of landmarks, buildings and bridges (including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye).
There are numerous hotels in the area as well as great access to transit if attendees are staying out of the downtown.
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It's time to start planning for your fall photo trips. Here's what we have to offer both domestically and internationally:
? Galapagos
Photography Adventure (starts September 13)
? Eastern
Sierra (starts September 24)
? Grand
Teton Wildlife in the Fall (starts September 28)
? Acadia
National Park (starts October 15)
? Advanced Photography Course in Yosemite
(starts October 23)
? Infrared
Photography in Yosemite (starts November 3)
? African
Photo Safari (starts November 4)
Posted by flashdeadline at 11:45 PM
April 6, 2015
New forums design debuts this week
Following extensive testing and internal reviews our newest Nikonians.org forums design will roll out this week.
Nikonians co-founder Bo Stahlbrandt (bgs) has been discussing options with our members for the new forums appearance and functionality and his design team has delivered the final results.
The launch is scheduled for Wednesday, April 8. We have already published a special newsletter to alert you to the changes in advance.
The design team had three goals in mind:
- Improve usability in general through reduced clutter, clearer functional use while providing a modern design.
- Reduce ?containerization? between the different areas of Nikonians, where new information and images might earlier have gone unnoticed.
- Improve usability on mobile devices including tablet computers.
Bo tells us the enhancements should improve your browsing experience:
?We have changed the forums lobby (the homepage of the forums) quite a lot and we have introduced a favorite marking system, where you can mark your most commonly used forums to appear in a separate group, a box placed above all the other forums.
A lot will hopefully feel familiar to our members, whereas some other items, such as the order of ?last update? vs. ?original post date? on threads might take some time to get used to. We feel this change makes sense because it makes for faster reading throughout the forums.?
The launch comes minus the familiar optional ?skin? or theme featuring a white background with darker text, but those members who preferred that skin will find it once again available in the near future.
Also on the agenda for later release is an improved text editor for editing messages and further enhancements on how images are displayed when included in messages, especially on smaller devices.
Posted by flashdeadline at 2:07 AM
April 1, 2015
Iceland Photo Adventure extra dates under review
Popular demand for one of the Nikonians Academy?s photo adventures has prompted a potential addition to the schedule.
Academy Director Mike Hagen?s Iceland Summer Birds and Landscapes photo adventure (July 12 - 20, 2015) is already sold out, but if you still want to go, then put your name on the waiting list.
Mike?s 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.
They are arranging photography at geothermal sites, glacial lagoons, birds, landscapes, volcanoes, lava fields, waterfalls, and basalt columns. They also included a photo tour of Reykjav?k that includes buildings and architecture.
The response from members over this photo adventure has Hagen evaluating whether or not to add another trip the week before (July 4 - 12, 2015).
Send Mike an email if you are interested: mike.hagen@nikonians.org.
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Rick Hulbert's Urban and Street Photography workshop in San Francisco begins the second week of April and he only has two seats remaining. Rick's classes are top notch and he's the recipient of excellent review from our members.
Here?s a sample:
??what a truly learning experience I had with Rick. He is an amazing and talented teacher who was so willing to share his secrets, wanting us to succeed and advance our photography to the next level. I learned so much from him, from our photo expeditions ? to manipulating the images in post-production. This was my first class taken with Rick and I hope it won?t be my last.?
- Cheryl Tadin
Rick will bring the same workshop to London, England during May. His conference space is within walking distance of a number of landmarks, buildings and bridges (including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye). There are numerous hotels in the area as well as great access to transit if attendees are staying out of the downtown.
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Our resident wildlife photography expert, Jim Stamates, has three upcoming adventures planned for wildlife hotspots in North America.
▪ Grand Teton Wildlife and Landscapes in Spring (starting May 25)
▪ Yellowstone Wildlife and Landscapes in Spring (starting June 1)
▪ Alaska Whales, Bears, and Ice Fields Wildlife (starting July 17)
Recognized as a prominent wildlife photographer, Jim Stamates has been creating photographic images for more than 35 years.
He has been highly commended by the Natural History Museum, London, England through the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition. His award winning images have been published in over 30 countries. His fine art prints are sought after worldwide and are hanging in homes, offices, and galleries throughout the U.S, Japan, Australia, and Europe.
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Looking down the road, our Galapagos trip in September is one of the most unique photo adventures on the curriculum.
Mike Hagen is your leader and he?s putting together an exciting package:
?We lease an 83-foot expedition yacht and live aboard for a full week while we photograph all day long. We shoot wildlife above and below water, so bring your GoPro as well!?
The trip dates are September 13-20, 2015. Each day will feature a different area of the amazing Galapagos Islands. The expedition yacht has the ability to anchor close to attractions and the small group size means you can be nimble while photographing nature's splendor.
This photo adventure includes seven nights on a Galapagos cruise and two nights in Guayaquil Ecuador.
Posted by flashdeadline at 2:09 AM