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August 2, 2023

Behind the image

mklass-490290-110.jpgHow was that great Editor's Choice image you see on Nikonians homepage made? Which steps did the photographer take to achieve it? Are there any tips and tricks to be learnt?

We have a specific forum where the photographers talk about how they created their image which was selected as Editor's Choice of the day. We believe you will find lots of interesting aspects being discussed and hopefully lots of things to learn in the Behind the Image forum.


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Image by mklass, which he discuss in detail in his Behind the Image post.

Posted by bgs at 3:08 PM

July 15, 2023

Current contests July 2023

Here at Nikonians we have 5 monthly competitions and our monthly photo assignment. Each month a new theme is presented and a thread is opened for submissions. The following month 4 to 6 finalists (depending on the number of entries, could be as many as 12) are chosen by the previous months 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. The winners will be recognized in our blog and will receive a printable Certificate of Photographic Achievement.

These monthly contests are the preliminary rounds for the The Best Nikonians Photo Contest. So, if you want to participate in this annual photo contest, Please be sure to enter one of the monthly competitions listed below.

Our contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.
All registered members are allowed to vote in the contest polls.

All ongoing contests - details

The Best of Nikonians 2023 Photo Contest
The 2022 segment themes are as follows:

April - May: Doors and Windows --->> Winners Announced
June - July: Age of Industry (Open until July 15)
August - September: Agriculture - Lets' Go Farming
October - November: Unique Gradients

Special Edition Contests:
- Black and White Challenge - Winners Announced
- Nikonians Portrait Challenge - Winners Announced
- Nikonians Self Portrait Challenge 2023 Open through August 15.

Current Wildlife Photography Contest
July > The Predators

Current Landscape Photography Contest
July > A City with a View

Current Macro / Close-Up Photography Contest
July > Plants & Flowers

Current Travel Photography Contest
July > Wide Open Spaces

Current Digital Artistry Contest
July > Plants & Flowers

Posted by bgs at 11:10 AM

June 27, 2023

Photo Assignment: Black & White

rmigliaccio-16477UBS_B_115JPEG-2-110.jpgJoin us for our July & August 2023 assignment: Your assignment is to capture an artistic shot and convert it to B&W.

Some digital cameras have a B&W option and you may use that if you wish. Ideally, for everyone's benefit, please disclose how you converted your photo, and if there were steps involved, what those steps were.

Full details on the assignment


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Oracle Emerging from the Fog by rmigliaccio

Posted by bgs at 4:19 PM

April 8, 2023

Best of Nikonians 2022

487995.jpgGet to know the winners of The Best of Nikonians Annual Photo Contest 2022.

In our 25th webinar held 28-MAR-2023 07:00 PM EDT, We got to know the winners, their photography and had the chance to ask questions.

The 2022 Winners Webinar

Screenshot 2023-07-15 at 10.31.57.png

Here at Nikonians we have monthly and themed contests. The winners of these contests are then eligible for the Annual Best of Nikonians Photo Contest which Nikonians has hosted each year since 2004 to showcase some of our members best work.

Posted by bgs at 12:21 PM

November 18, 2022

Photo Assignment - A Striking Still Life

still-life2022-small.jpeg Can you make the ordinary seem extraordinary?

Challenge yourself, get creative and test your photography skills using almost anything you have laying around the house to create A Striking Still Life.

A still life is an artfully arranged (posed) collection of inanimate objects that set a scene. The still life photographer controls all the elements -- subject material, lighting, depth of focus, and the fore-, middle-, and background to create the image. Food is a classic subject (e.g., a bowl of fruit on a sideboard) but still life images can be created from any inanimate grouping. Tools, toys, flowers and paper have been used to great effect. A cigar in a crystal ashtray might be a still life, but if you add a book, inverted reading glasses, and a crystal tumbler of spirits, the scene suggests you are relaxing with a good book. A still life is a scene.

Submit your photos now ---> November - December Assignment - Striking Still Life

There are no other restrictions except that your image(s) MUST BE TAKEN DURING THE MONTHS OF November and December, 2022.


Image: Dec 2019 Assignment Best Submission by Keith Hamel (KJH1958)
stii-life2022.jpeg

Posted by dm1dave at 7:17 PM

October 13, 2022

Autumn inspiration?

barn-owl-secondhandpat-110.jpgWith a lot of things happening around the world right now, it is important to stay inspired, to find joy in our daily undertakings.
To participate in a photo contest, or to work on an assignment is a way to stay in touch with your creative side, to improve your skills while experiencing joy with other photographers.

We have a constant, good flow of contests and assignments at Nikonians. Our director of this section is Dave Summers (dm1dave) and he has a list of the current contests in the community. More info

If you haven't seen the virtual gallery with the 2021 Best of Nikonians finalists and winners, we strongly recommend that you take a stroll in the gallery, and that you look at the webinar with the winners.

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Barn Owl by Pat Husband (Second Hand Pat) in the Best of Nikonians 2020, theme "Animal Portraits".

Autumn is the time to go for Gold

There is a special on signing up for Gold membership throughout this month of October. Just make sure you are logged in and then use the voucher code "inspiration22" when you are upgrading. By doing so, you will get 40% off on a Gold membership. You can use this code if you are on Basic or on Silver level (from Silver level to Gold: whatever value is on your account will be converted to additional days on the Gold level). As a Gold member you can post images for critique, you get your own portfolio, your own Nikonians email address and more. See this for all the goodies. You can take advantage of the voucher by using this link

Nikonians Photographer's Card

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We are producing a new batch of our popular Photographer's Card this autumn. If you are on Gold or Platinum, please make sure you apply for yours. Already have one, but it is getting a bit old and shabby? No problem, you can re-order a new card once a year. Gold and Platinum members: Access your Photographer's Card form under My Profile and Membership tab.

All webinars

In case you have missed one or the other of our webinars with team member Eric Bowles (ericbowles), don't fret. We have them all listed on our webinars index page where you fill find (nearly) all of the recordings. Enjoy!

Posted by bgs at 12:06 PM

Photo Assignment - Made of Glass

assignment10-2022.JPGDon't miss out on our September - October Online Assignment - Made of Glass

Let us see your best photos of things made of glass. Glass can be delicate or very strong - it can be bent, it can distort, bend, or center light. It can be totally transparent or brilliantly colored.

Submit your photos now - Sept - Oct Assignment - Made of Glass

Posted by dm1dave at 5:08 AM

March 31, 2022

Two New Contests - Abstract and B&W

black-white challange-2022-110px.jpgOur first two special edition contest of 2022 are up and running. Segment One - Abstract Photography & the Black and White Challange.

These are a Special Edition Contest, an extension of our big annual contest. Up to five images from this challenge will be advanced to the finals of the Best of Nikonians 2018.

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Segment One - Abstract Photography

In the first segment of the Best of Nikonians 2022, we are going to explore the world of Abstract Photography.

Segment One is open from April 1 - May 15. Winners will be announced before the end of May.

Click her to enter

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Balck and White Challange 2022

It is time again to ditch the color and create some beautiful black and white images.

Open from April 1 - May 15.
Winners will be announced before the end of May.

Click her to enter

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Both of these contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

If you are currently a basic member there is still time to upgrade your membership and join the competition.

Posted by dm1dave at 7:13 PM

March 24, 2022

Best of Nikonians 2021 Photo Contest Winners

winners best of 2021-110px.jpgNikonians is proud to announce the Winners of The Best of Nikonians 2021 Photo Contest.

Once again, the quality of the images submitted this year has been outstanding. We are extremely proud of the level of photographic accomplishment of our membership.

An international jury of seventeen talented photographers, from seven countries, were drawn from the Nikonians Team to grade the one hundred and forty-one qualifying finalist images.

Winners will receive:

The Laureate Ribbon, as Winners of an annual Best of Nikonians Photo Contest
The Nikonians Certificate of High Photographic Achievement signed by the founders.

Their images are featured in the Best of Nikonians 2021 3D virtual exhibition.

Please congratulate the winners.

Winners are...

  • Judith Dunn (topper1946) - Heron - Alligator Farm
  • Christian Fritschi (ChristianF) - Snowy on Barn Rooftop
  • William McEwen (Wolfgang55) - Metal Smith
  • Russ Glindmeier (russg) - Uppertown Net Loft, Astoria, Or.
  • John T Kane (Checkmate) - Bee on Salvia Mysty
  • Michael Kawerninski (qanik) - Snowy Owl
  • Myrna Paige (PhotoGma) - Rockhopper Sweethearts
  • Barry Schirm (BSchirm) - Shrouded in Clouds
  • Tom Jacob (sevendayimages) - Love is in the Air
  • Dennis Bray (Dbray) - Is That Him?

winners best of 2021.jpg


Posted by dm1dave at 5:28 PM

November 6, 2021

September 2021 Contest Winners

winners sept2021contests-110px.jpgWe are pleased to announce the winners of the September 2021 monthly contests. Please join us in congratulating the all of winners.

All winning images have been entered in The Best of Nikonians 2021 Photo Contest.

Click on the name of the member to offer your congratulations.


Wildlife
Heron - Alligator Farm by Judith Dunn (topper1946)
Bittern by Michael Kawerninski (qanik)

Landscape
West Chester, PA by James Walsh (jpwalsh)
Misty Morning by Alan Medlow (medlowa)

Macro & Close-Up
Bee on Salvia Mysty by John T Kane (Checkmate)
Travel
Stunning Singapore by Alane Shoemaker (Peregrination)
Digital Artistry
Vivid Bouquet by John Roach (jdroach)

winners sept2021contests1.jpg


Contests Updated

The November contests are up and running.

Contests are open in Wildlife, Landscape, Macro, Travel, and Digital Artistry Forums.
A new On-Line Assignment has been set.

All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

Can you meet the challenge of our monthly contests? All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

Fined a list of all open contests and polls here: Current Contest

Posted by dm1dave at 9:49 PM

October 15, 2021

Black & White Challenge - 2021

black&white challange-2021-110px.jpgThis is a Special Edition Contest, an extension of the Best of Nikonians 2021.

Okay Nikonians, once again, it is time to ditch the color and show us your best Black and White work.

All subjects are acceptable as long as the photo is black and white and shot with a Nikon Camera.

Open for entries until November 15.

Click here to enter.

black&white challange-2021.jpg

The contest is open only to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.
If you are currently a basic member there is still time to upgrade your membership and join the competition.

The Nikonians team will choose five images as winners. All five images will automatically be uploaded to the Best of Nikonians 2020 Gallery.

We are looking forward to seeing your best work!

Posted by dm1dave at 10:52 PM

September 16, 2021

Nikonians Cell Phone Challenge 2021

cell-phone-2021-110px.pngA growing number of artists out there using cell phones and tablets to create inspiring photography. We want to see what Nikonians can do when challenged with the limitations of cell phone photography.

This is a special edition of the Best of Nikonians 2021 Contest.

The theme is "Cell Phone Photos".

Click here to enter.

cellphone2021-800px.jpg

This contest is for images created using Cell Phones or Tablets only. The winners will be entered as finalists into the Best of Nikonians 2021 Contest.

This contest will be open to entries from September 15 - October 15. Members of the Nikonians Team will choose up to five winners.

Posted by dm1dave at 5:41 PM

September 7, 2021

Nikonians Self Portrait Challenge 2021

self portrait challange-2021-110px.jpgThis is a Special Edition Contest, an extension of our big annual contest. Up to five images from this challenge will be advanced to the finals of The Best of Nikonians 2020 Photo Contest.

We are looking for your best self portraits. Have fun with this and be creative.

Click here to enter, Nikonians Self Portrait Challenge 2021


self portrait challange-2021.jpg


This contest is open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

If you are currently a basic member there is still time to upgrade your membership and join the competition.

The Nikonians Team will choose 5 winning images. All 5 images will be advanced to the finals of the The Best of Nikonians 2020 Contest.

The winner will be announced before the end of September and will be recognized in the Nikonians Blog and Facebook Page, they will also receive a printable Certificate of Photographic Achievement.

We look forward to seeing how you fulfill this challenge!

Click here to enter, Nikonians Self Portrait Challenge 2021

Posted by dm1dave at 5:04 AM

July 31, 2021

Segment 3 Contest - Geometric Patterns

2021-seg3-110px.jpgThe third segment of the Best of Nikonians 2021 is now open for entries. The theme is Geometric Patterns. .

We are looking for photos depicting geometric patterns, either in nature or manmade.

Open from August 1 - Sept. 15. Click here to enter.

The winners will be announced at the end of September. The winners will be recognized in this blog and will receive a printable Certificate of Photographic Achievement.

2021-seg3-800px.jpg

Posted by dm1dave at 8:07 PM

July 25, 2021

Nikonians Portrait Challenge 2021

portrait challange-2021-110px.jpgThis is a Special Edition Contest, an extension of our big annual contest. Up to five images from this challenge will be advanced to the finals of The Best of Nikonians 2020 Photo Contest.

We are looking for your best portrait photography. All forms of portraiture are eligible, formal, informal, candid, environmental portraits, etc.

Nikonians Portrait Challenge will open for entries until August 25, 2021.

portrait challange-2021.jpg

This contest is open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

If you are currently a basic member there is still time to upgrade your membership and join the competition.

The Nikonians Team will choose 5 winning images. All 5 images will be advanced to the finals of the The Best of Nikonians 2020 Contest.

The winner will be announced before the end of August and will be recognized in the Nikonians Blog and Facebook Page, they will also receive a printable Certificate of Photographic Achievement.

We look forward to seeing how you fulfill this challenge!

Click here to enter, Nikonians Portrait Challenge 2021.

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Posted by dm1dave at 6:19 PM

July 7, 2021

May 2021 Contest Winners

may2021-winners contest-110px.jpgWe are pleased to announce the winners of the May 2021 monthly contests. Please join us in congratulating the all of winners.

All winning images have been entered in The Best of Nikonians 2021 Photo Contest.

Click on the name of the member to offer your congratulations.

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Landscape
Tulips by the river by Myrna Paige (PhotoGma)
Wildlife
Great Horned Owl Portrait by Doug Hawthorne (HAW3)
Macro & Close-Up
COVID Jigsaw by Keith Hamel (KJH1958)
Travel
Feeling is Everything - a Foxy Look by Frederic Hore (voyageurfred)
Digital Artistry
The Passing of My Time by Geoff Baylis (GBaylis)
On Line Assignment
Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge by Steven Campbell (sk252301)

may2021-winners contest-800px.jpg


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Contests Updated

The July contests are up and running.

Contests are open in Wildlife, Landscape, Macro, Travel, and Digital Artistry Forums.

All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

Can you meet the challenge of our monthly contests? All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

Fined a list of all open contests and polls here: Current Contest


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Posted by dm1dave at 4:40 PM

June 23, 2021

Two Contests, Eight Winners

2021-non-nikon-vivid-color-110px.jpg We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2021 Environmental Photography Challenge and the Non-Nikon Contest - Vivid Color.

All winning images have been entered in The Best of Nikonians 2021 Photo Contest.

We had a lot of great entries in this years Environmental Challenge.

Please join us in congratulating the winners.

David Berg (bergsli)
Title: Smogg

Judith Dunn (topper1946)
Title: Flare - Havana Harbor

Gary Worrall (glxman)
Title: Victoria Sugar Mill

Frederic Hore (voyageurfred)
Title: New Energy Source with Wind Turbines

John D. Roach (jdroach)
Title: Aspahlt and Concrete Jungle

2021-enviro-contest-800px.jpg

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The first of our two Non-Nikon Photo contests was Vivid Color

Please join us here in congratulating the winners.

Name: Bonnie Christensen (BChrisRad)
Title: Elevator Doors

Doug Nickle (fivesense)
Title: Time for Red or White?

David Fink (Palisades Dave)
Title: Color TV

2021-non-nikon-vivid-color-800px.jpg

See all current contests here.


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Posted by dm1dave at 3:14 AM

June 10, 2021

April 2021 Contest Winners

april2021-winners contest-110px.jpgWe are pleased to announce the winners of the April 2021 monthly contests. Please join us in congratulating the all of winners.

All winning images have been entered in The Best of Nikonians 2021 Photo Contest.

Click on the name of the member to offer your congratulations.


Wildlife
Elephant Family Crossing the Chobe Water by Eduardo Kneler (ek44) and Walking on Water by Mike Marston (mfmimages)

Landscape
Predawn Pacific Moon by John Straub (Analogdude)

Macro & Close-Up
Open Mic Night by Bill Klipp (billklipp)

Travel
Key West Sunset by Bill Klipp (billklipp)

Digital Artistry
The Italian Stallion by Gerald Oliver (geraldroliver)

april2021-winners contest-800px.jpg


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Contests Updated

The June contests are up and running.

Contests are open in Wildlife, Landscape, Macro, Travel, and Digital Artistry Forums.

All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

Can you meet the challenge of our monthly contests? All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

Find a list of all open contests and polls here: Current Contests


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Posted by dm1dave at 3:55 AM

June 1, 2021

Low and Wide Contest winners

winners 2021-seg1-110px.jpgWinners have been announced in the Best of Nikonians Segment One - Low and Wide and Segment Two From Above is now open.

Please join me in congratulating the winners of The Best of Nikonians 2021 Photo Contest - Low & Wide.

All five winning images will be advanced to the final rounds of the Best of Nikonians 2021 at the end of the year.

Click here to congratulate the winners.

Post #1 Dream Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park by Darryl Hodson (skibreeze7)
Post #6 Old Boat Sunset by Paul Blais (PBlais)
Post #16 One little flower by Egbert Reinhold (Ineluki)
Post #39 Middle of Abraham Lake by Gary Feinberg (gfeinberg)
Post #54 Mooring Line by William McEwen (Wolfgang55)

winners 2021-seg1-800px.jpg


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The Best of Nikonians 2021 Segment Two - From Above is now open for enteries.

The last segment we got down low to shoot. This time we want the opposite, get up high and shoot down on your subject. This can looking down from a hillside, mountain, a manmade structure, or even just pointing your camera down on smaller subjects.

Open from June 1 - July 15. Click here to enter.

2021-seg2-open.jpg

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Posted by dm1dave at 4:38 PM

May 16, 2021

Environmental Challenge and Online Assignment

enviro-110px.jpgLooking for inspiration or maybe just something new and challenging to shoot. Our Environmental Challenge and the Online Assignment are a great place to start.

The 2021 Environmental Challenge:
Lets see your best attempt to create images depicting either positive or negative effects on the environment from human or animal activity. Subject matter could include natural events, human caused destruction or activities intended to improve the environment such as clean energy alternatives or clean-up activities, just to name a few. People or animals may or may not be included in the image.

Click here to enter. Open trough June 15, 2021


enviro-800px.jpg


The May - June Online Assignment is "Night Photography" (no Flash)

Put away those speedlights everyone - for this assignment you don't get to use them. If you have never tried night photography, then the time has come. And if you're skilled at night photography, then it's time to stretch your skills and share with us your techniques.

So keep your eyes open for possible subject matter. Will it be lit by street lights?
Neon signs?
Buildings lit from the inside or by floodlights?
Is there water involved?
Are there reflections that need to be included?

There are no other restrictions except that your image(s) MUST BE TAKEN DURING THE MONTHS OF May or June, 2021.

Click here to enter. Open trough June 30, 2021.

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We look forward to seeing how you fulfill these challenges!


Click here to find all open contests.

Posted by dm1dave at 5:36 PM

May 9, 2021

March 2021 Contest Winners

march2021-winners contest-110px.jpgWe are pleased to announce the winners of the March 2021 monthly contests. Please join us in congratulating the all of winners.


All winning images have been entered in The Best of Nikonians 2021 Photo Contest.


Click on the name of the member to offer your congratulations.

Wildlife
Michael Kawerninski (qanik) and Antionette Morkel (amorkel)

Landscape
Carol Freshley (photospydie) and Tom Davison (tomdavisonart)

Macro
William McEwen (Wolfgang55)

Travel
Tom Jacob (sevendayimages)

Digital Artistry
Darryl Hodson (Skibreeze7)

Best Submission Nov/Dec Online Assignment
Shari Wilkinson (BelleInPA)

march2021-winners contest-800px.jpg

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Contests Updated

The May contests are up and running.

Contests are open in Wildlife, Landscape, Macro, Travel, and Digital Artistry Forums.

All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

Can you meet the challenge of our monthly contests? All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

Fined a list of all open contests and polls here: Current Contests

Posted by dm1dave at 1:49 AM

April 16, 2021

Video w Vincent Versace & Virtual Exhibition

vincent-versace-screenshot-2021-04-08-1-110.pngWe have our brand new 3D Virtual Exhibition online and the latest video from our webinar series is now available, this time with Nikon Ambassador and Nikon Legend Behind the Lens, Vincent Versace.

If you are not a Gold member yet, this is your chance. Between now and April 20th, you can use the voucher GoldenSight and you'll get 50% off on a Gold Membership.

vincent-versace-screenshot-2021-04-08-2-640.png
Vincent Versace discussed photography and a wide array of topics of being a photographer.

The webinar with Vincent Versace was very interesting and he covered a variety of topics. You will find the video on the webinar page. If you are interested in our earlier webinars, you'll find them all on our webinar overview

virtual-gallery-best-of-nikonians-2020-screenshot-1-640.png
Nikonians Virtual Exhibition opens its doors with The Best of Nikonians 2020 Annual Photo Contest, displaying over 70 great artworks from the finalists and winners.

Thanks to the team members Tom Jacob (sevendayimages) and David Summer (dm1dave), our new Virtual Exhibition, featuring all of the finalists and the winners of the Best of Nikonians 2020 Annual Photo Contest is now available for you to enjoy.

Make sure you use the full screen mode in the virtual exhibition (menu is top right icon in the exhibition).

Posted by bgs at 7:30 AM

April 1, 2021

Segment 1 Contest - Low & Wide

2021-seg1-110px.jpgThe Best of Nikonians 2021 Photo Contest is underway. The first segment theme is "Low and Wide."

The theme is simple - we want you to get down low and shoot with a wide angle lens. Focal length should be 24mm or less and you should get as low an angle as possible, even if the means laying on the ground to get the perspective. Of course some of the new cams like the D850 and Z series with the tilting screen makes this a bit easier.

Any subject is acceptable as long as it is shot with a wide angle lens from a low perspective.

Enter the contest by replying to the contest thread here - 2021 Segment 1 - Low & Wide.


2021-seg1-800px.jpg


This is the first of four themed segments of the Best of Nikonians 2021 Photo Contest. This segment will be open to entries from April 1 - May 15.

The winner will be announced at the end of May. The winner will be recognized in our weekly newsletter and will receive a printable Certificate of Photographic Achievement.

For more info about all of our current contests see our Current Contests post.

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Posted by dm1dave at 6:18 PM

March 26, 2021

Webinar Best of Nikonians Video & Gold opportunity

matyszyk-the-ballerina-110.jpgThe video from our webinar Best of Nikonians Annual Photo Contest 2020 is now available and there is a 20% discount on a Gold membership right now.

You can find the video on the webinar page and it is available to all members, no matter membership level. Please make sure you are logged in to access it.

Are you interested in meeting other Nikonians? As hopefully the epidemic gets more under control, there are members being interested meeting others face-to-face again.

Our Nikonians trips & chapter area is the place to post your interest in doing that. This is for example what silverhair2048 did, asking if there are any Nikonians in Houston, Texas interested in meeting up.

From the portfolios
matyszyk-the-ballerina.jpg
The Ballerina by Gloria Matyszyk (matyszyk). Nikon D800, Tamron 45mm at 1/100th second and f/1.8
See her complete portfolio

Your own portfolio
If you don't have your own portfolio at Nikonians yet, it is easy to set up. Here's an intro on how to get going. Btw, you can use the voucher "GoldMarch21" for a 20% discount on Gold, valid until March 31st, 2021

Specials from Hunt's Photo, making our webinars possible
-Receive a 6% store credit on all Nikon camera and lens purchases (Excluding the Z6ii and Z7ii). Email Noah to inquire at nbuchanan@huntsphoto.com

-Purchase any Canon or Epson printer 13" or larger and receive a free 50 pack of paper along with it in either luster or glossy finish. Email Noah to inquire.

-Save 15% off all Think Tank bags and all Mind Shift bags

-If there is anything else you are in the market for or do not see what you're looking for on the website, please email Noah for a custom quote!

Posted by bgs at 8:00 AM

March 11, 2021

Webinar Best of Nikonians 2020

nikonians-winners-2020-451844-110.jpgJoin us in our upcoming webinar with the winners of The Best of Nikonians 2020 Annual Photo Contest, March 18th 2021,07:00 PM EST

Our fourth webinar will be held 18-MAR-2021 07:00 PM EST with the winners of The Best of Nikonians Annual Photo Contest 2020. We get to know the winners, their photography and have the chance to ask questions.

In the webinar session the panelists dm1dave, ericbowles, jrp and bgs will discuss the images.

The link to access the webinar can be found on the webinar page, available to all members on Silver membership and higher. If you are not logged in, please login to access it.

A recording of the webinar will be available to all members on Silver membership and higher, located on the webinar page a few days after the live event.

nikonians-winners-2020-451844-600.jpg

Here at Nikonians we have monthly and themed contests. The winners of these contests are then eligible for the Annual Best of Nikonians Photo Contest which Nikonians has hosted each year since 2004 to showcase some of our members best work.

In spite of the pandemic, our members gave us great year of contest images and after 76 separate contests, 147 images were advanced to the final round of the The Best of Nikonians 2020 Photo Contest. In February 2021, an international jury of 19 judges from 8 countries scored each of the images and the top 10 scoring members are featured as the contest winners.

Ask a question

If you want to ask the panelists or winners any question, please post in the webinar forum.

Posted by bgs at 9:07 AM

March 8, 2021

January 2021 Contest Winners

jan2021-winners contests-110px.jpgWe are pleased to announce the winners of the January 2021 monthly contests. Please join us in congratulating the all of winners.


All winning images have been entered in The Best of Nikonians 2021 Photo Contest.

Click on the name of the member to offer your congratulations.

Wildlife
Gerald Botkin (bayouboy66) and Gary Paige (JazzDoc)

Landscape
Geoff Baylis (GBaylis)

Macro
John Miner (D850fan)

Travel
Tom Jacob (sevendayimages)

Digital Artistry
Geoff Baylis (GBaylis) and Bonnie Christensen (BChrisRad)

jan2021-winners contests-800px.jpg


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Contests Updated

The March contests are up and running.

Contests are open in Wildlife, Landscape, Macro, Travel, and Digital Artistry Forums.

All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

Can you meet the challenge of our monthly contests? All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

Fined a list of all open contests and polls here: Current Contests

Posted by dm1dave at 8:35 PM

February 16, 2021

The Best of Nikonians 2020 - Winners Announced

best-of-2020-win-110px.jpgNikonians is proud to announce the Winners of The Best of Nikonians 2020 Photo Contest.

Once again, the quality of the images submitted this year has been outstanding. We are extremely proud of the level of photographic accomplishment of our membership.

An international jury of nineteen talented photographers, from 8 countries, were drawn from the Nikonians Team to grade the one hundred and forty-seven qualifying finalist images.

Winners will receive:

The Laureate Ribbon, as Winners of an annual Best of Nikonians Photo Contest
The Nikonians Certificate of High Photographic Achievement signed by the founders.
Their images will be featured in a Nikonians webinar on March 18.

Please stop by to congratulate the winners.

Winners are...

  • Stop Action by Isaac Vaisman (ivaisman)
  • Spitzkoppe by Antionette Morkel (amorkel)
  • Mandrill by Gerald Botkin (bayouboy66)
  • Cerro Torre by Robert Wightman (robwig)
  • Tanglewood Mist by Tom Egel (tegel)
  • Death Valley by Barry Schirm (BSchirm)
  • Today Is A Good Day by Tom Jacob (sevendayimages)
  • Mills Lake by Thomas Sprunger (Melman59)
  • Eyes of Fire by Elsburg Clarke (mrphotoman)
  • Pop Culture by Howard McNeely (Mackuen)

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Special Thanks to our sponsor ThinkTank Photo


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Posted by dm1dave at 7:46 PM

January 7, 2021

November 2020 Contest Winners

nov2020-winners contest-110px.jpgPlease join us in congratulating the winners of our November monthly contests. All winning images have been entered The Best of Nikonians 2020 Photo Contest.

iAll of the images have been added to the The Best of Nikonians 2020 Photo Contest Gallery.

Click on the name of the member to offer your congratulations.


Wildlife

Name: Lynn Fisher (fisherd80fun)
Theme: Conflict
Title: Let Me Show You

Landscape

Name: Matthew Gregory (Matthew Gregory)
Theme: B&W Landscape with Man Made Things
Title: Oregon Inlet Lifesaving Station

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Name: Daniel Ryan (Dan Ryan)
Theme: B&W Landscape with Man Made Things
Title: Dawn on Gull Lake, Eastern Sierras

Macro

Name: Bill Klipp (billklipp)
Theme: Stripes
Title: Palm Frond

Travel

Name: Bill Klipp (billklipp)
Theme: Roadside Attractions
Title: Vegas Shoe

Digital Artistry

Name: Bert Sirkin (bertsirkin)
Theme: Night
Title: The Bus to Nirvana

Best Submission Nov/Dec Online Assignment

Name: John Kane (Checkmate)
Theme: Patterns in Nature
Title: Tree Trunks

nov2020-winners contest-800px.jpg


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Contests Updated

The January contests are up and running.

Contests are open in Wildlife, Landscape, Macro, Travel, and Digital Artistry Forums.

All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

Can you meet the challenge of our monthly contests? All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

Fined a list of all open contests and polls here: Current Contests

Posted by dm1dave at 5:17 PM

November 26, 2020

Two Contest, Fifteen Winners!

black-white-challange-winners2020-110x.jpgThe winners have been announced in two contests this month, The Best of Nikonians 2020 Photo Contest - Segment Four - Your Local Community, and The Nikonians Black & White Challenge.


Please join us in congratulating our all of the winners.

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Your Local Community Contest...

- "Goin' Further" by James Buch (jimray)
- "Space Coast Launch At The Port" - Tony Balzanto (balzanto)
- "Oceanside, CA Pier" by James Keenan (Lomcevak)
- "Whaling City" by William McEwen (Wolfgang55)
- "West Coast Sunset" by Ian Crook (pics905)

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Black & White Challenge Winners...

- Tree and Sky by Bert Sirkin (bertsirkin)
- King Penguin by Bill Klipp (billklipp)
- Three's Company by Dennis Bray (dbray)
- Stop Action by Isaac Vaisman (ivaisman)
- Totality 2017 by James Keenan (lomcevak)
- Phyä Cabin by Gerald Oliver (geraldoliver)
- The Chrysler Building by Mick Klass (mklass)
- Downtown Portland by Darryl Hodson (skibreeze)
- Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo, Japan by John Hernlund (tokyo_john)
- Feather on the Beach - Iceland by Judith Dunn (topper1946)

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Posted by dm1dave at 6:21 PM

October 17, 2020

Black & White Challenge 2020

black-white-challange-2020-110.jpg This is a Special Edition Contest, an extension of our big annual contest. Up to five images from this challenge will be advanced to the finals of The Best of Nikonians 2020 Photo Contest.

Okay Nikonians, it is time our annual Black and White challenge.

All subjects are acceptable as long as the photo is black and white and shot with a Nikon Camera.

Open for entries until November 15. Click here to enter.

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For more info on all of our open contests, go to the Current Contests thread.

Posted by dm1dave at 2:15 AM

September 28, 2020

Two Contests, Ten Winners!

segment3-winners-110.jpgThe winners have been announced in two Special Edition Contests, The Best of Nikonians 2020 Photo Contest - Segment Three - People of a Places, and The Nikonians Self Portrait Challenge.


Please join us in congratulating our all ten winners.
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People of a Place Contest...
- Jingle Dress Dancer by Fred Crowden (freqflyerfred)
- Old-Fashioned Gentleman,Tokyo - John Hernlund (Tokyo_John)
- Jamaican of Havana - Gary Paige (JazzDoc)
- Today Is A Good Day by Tom Jacob (sevendayimages)
- Burmese Flower Girl by Jody Camacho (Jodys98Torch)

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Self Portrait Challenge...
- Scary! by Mark Thomas (Danygraig)
- Photographer in a Bubble by Srinivasamurthy Prakash (niknac37)
- Beside myself by Godofredo Baylon (GBaylon)
- My lifelong interests by Geoff Baylis (GBaylis)
- Famous...? by Christian Fritschi (ChristianF)

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Posted by dm1dave at 9:45 PM

August 10, 2020

People of a Place Contest

seg3-people-110px.jpg- The Best of Nikonians 2020 Photo Contest - Segment Three - Open Now

This segment's theme is "People of a Place".

This segment we are looking photos of people who are dressed in attire or participating in activities that are representative of their unique local culture. These can be candid shots, posed portraits, or street photography.

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This is the third of four themed segments of The Best of Nikonians 2020 Contest. This segment will be open to entries from August 1 - September 15.

Click here to enter.

The winner will be announced at the end of September. The winner will be recognized in our blog and newsletter, they will receive a printable Certificate of Photographic Achievement.

The Nikonians team will choose five images as winners. All five images will automatically be uploaded to the Best of Nikonians 2020 Gallery.

This contest, along with the monthly forum contests, are the preliminary rounds for the Annual Best of Nikonians Photo Contest where you have the opportunity to win prizes and have your images highlighted in the Winners Galleries

Posted by dm1dave at 6:06 PM

August 6, 2020

June Contest Winners

june20-winners-110px.jpg Please join us in congratulating the winners of our June monthly contests.

All winning images have been entered in The Best of Nikonians 2020 Photo Contest.
https://images.nikonians.org/gallery/c-31084/the-best-of-nikonians-2020-images

Click on the linls below to offer your congratulations.

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Wildlife
Gerald Botkin (bayouboy66)
Theme: Feeding
Title: Eye to Eye
----
Mark Kraus (pipco)
Theme: Feeding
Title: Bluebird Meal

Landscape

Robert Wightman (robwig)
Theme: Up A Hill, Down A Mountain
Title: Cerro Torre
----
Antionette Morkel (amorkel)
Theme: Up A Hill, Down A Mountain
Title: Last Light Spitzkoppe

Macro & Close-up

Bonnie Christensen (BChrisRad)
Theme: Leaves
Title: Highways and Byways

Travel
Mark Thomas (Danygraig)
Theme: Little Shops on Back Streets
Title: Tivoli Gardens

Digital Artistry
Christian Fritschi (ChristianF)
Theme: Movement
Title: The Flight of the Eastern Kingbird

Non-Nikon Cameras, Special Edition Contest

Darryl Hodson (skibreeze7)
Theme: Fun & Games
Title: Covid-19 Break

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Monthly Contests Updated

The August contests have been updated.

Contests are open in Wildlife, Landscape, Macro, Travel, and Digital Artistry Forums.

As well as the Nikonians Portrait Challenge 2020, open until August 15.


and the Best of Nikonians 2020 - Segment 3 - People of a Place, open until Sept 15.

All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

Can you meet the challenge of our monthly contests? All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

Find a list of all open contests and polls here: Current Contests

Posted by dm1dave at 5:12 AM

July 26, 2020

Segment 2 Contest Winners

seg2-win2020-110px.JPGThe winners of The Best of Nikonians 2020 Photo Contest - Segment Two have been announced.

The theme of this segment was After Dark.

Please join us in congratulating our five winners.


All images will advance to the final rounds of the Best of Nikonians 2020 at the end of the year.


- Cologne Germany and the Rhine River at Night - by Doug Hawthorne (HAW3)
- Night stairs by Bert Sirkin (bertsirkin)
- CReflections in Lyon by Bonnie Christensen (BChrisRad)
- Montreal Night Skyline by Christian Fritschi (ChristianF)
- Pop Culture by Howard McNeely (Mackuen)

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Posted by dm1dave at 7:31 PM

July 16, 2020

Nikonians Portrait Challenge 2020

2020portrait challange-110px.jpgThis is a Special Edition Contest, an extension of our big annual contest. Up to five images from this challenge will be advanced to the finals of The Best of Nikonians 2020 Photo Contest.

We are looking for your best portrait photography. All forms of portraiture are eligible, formal, informal, candid, environmental portraits, etc.

Nikonians Self Portrait Challenge will open for entries until August 15 2019.


2020portrait challange-800px.jpg


This contest is open only to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

If you are currently a basic member there is still time to upgrade your membership and join the competition.

The Nikonians Team will choose 5 winning images. All 5 images will be advanced to the finals of the The Best of Nikonians 2020 Contest.

The winner will be announced before the end of August and will be recognized in the Nikonians Blog and Facebook Page, they will also receive a printable Certificate of Photographic Achievement.

We look forward to seeing how you fulfill this challenge!

Click here to enter, Nikonians Portrait Challenge 2020.

Posted by dm1dave at 11:54 PM

July 12, 2020

May 2020 Contest Winners

may20-winners-110px.jpgPlease join us in congratulating the winners of our May monthly contests.

All winning images have been entered in The Best of Nikonians 2020 Photo Contest.

Click on the name of the member to offer your congratulations.


.
Wildlife

Name: Gerald Botkin (bayouboy66)
Theme: Backyard and Urban Wildlife
Title: Green Tree Frog
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Name: Barry Schirm (BSchirm)
Theme: Backyard and Urban Wildlife
Title: Color Profile
https://www.nikonians.org/forum/topic/161-319599-319599/congratulations-barry-and-gerald-?page=3


Landscape

Name: Thomas W. Sprunger (Melman59)
Theme: We Give Hope
Title: Spring on the Salamonie River
----
Name: Doug Hawthorne (HAW3)
Theme: We Give Hope
Title: Mealt Falls and Kilt Rock Rainbow


Macro

Name: Darryl Hodson (skibreeze7)
Theme: Blue or Purple
Title: Dahlia in Macro


Travel

Name: Bonnie Christensen (BChrisRad)
Theme: Transportation Hubs
Title: Sails of DIA


Digital Artistry

Name: Carolyn Dalessandro (nikocarol)
Theme: Birds or Butterflies from Another World
Title: Butterflies in Gold


Best Submission Online Assignment - Best Submission

Name: Bert Sirkin (bertsirkin)
Theme: In the Kitchen
Title: Lemon Spritzer

may20-winners-800px.jpg


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Contests Updated

The July contests are up and running.

Contests are open in Wildlife, Landscape, Macro, Travel, and Digital Artistry Forums.

We also have two special edition contests tha are open.

All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

Can you meet the challenge of our monthly contests? All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

A list of all open contests and polls can be found here: Current Contests

Posted by dm1dave at 5:21 AM

June 24, 2020

Winners - Lockdown Challenge

45-BChrisRad--110px.jpgThe winners of the Lockdown 2020 Photo Challenge have been announced.

We have all been looking for fun and creative outets to releive that stress and keep busy during this strange, stressfull time. As alway our community come through to finding great subjects for creative photography wile staying close to home.

Please join us in congratulating the winners

All of the images will be advanced to the Best of Nikonians 2020 Photo Contest.


Egbert Reinhold (Ineluki)
Title: Charly

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Gavin Duffy (Gaduf)
Title: Garden Lockdown

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Bert Sirkin (bertsirkin)
Title: Daffodil

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Bonnie Christensen (BChrisRad)
Title: Hope

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Peter Pieroni (elec164)
Title: Mid-Spring

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Connie Cassinetto (Via the Lens)
Title: Wildflower 3

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William Jamieson (Will_j)
Title: Bee Fly Landing

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James Keenan (Lomcevak)
Title: Bridge Over Chlorinated Water

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Ian Crook (Pics905)
Title: Vancouver Sunrise

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William McEwen (Wolfgang55)
Title: Daffodils in Black and White

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Posted by dm1dave at 3:04 AM

May 30, 2020

Segment 1 Contest Winners


seg1-win2020-110px.JPGThe winners of The Best of Nikonians 2020 Photo Contest - Segment One have been announced.

The theme of this segment was Nostalgia or History Today.

Please join us in congratulating our five winners.

All images will advance to the final rounds of the Best of Nikonians 2020 at the end of the year.


- Once Faithful Companion - by William Middleton (wrmiddleton)
- 1906 Lutheran Church - Rick Spehn (PSAGuy)
- Carpentry Shop with Resident Cooper - by Bonnie Christensen (BChrisRad)
- Nine-O-Nine The Past Comes Alive - by William McEwen (Wolfgang55)
- Nostalgia: When I was young - by Godofredo Baylon (GBaylon)

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Posted by dm1dave at 3:24 AM

May 10, 2020

March Contest Winners

Please join us in congratulating the winners of our March monthly contests.

All winning images have been entered in The Best of Nikonians 2020 Photo Contest.

Click on the name of the member to offer your congratulations.
.


Wildlife
Name: Pat Husband (Second Hand Pat)
Theme: Dramatic Light
Title: So That is Me
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Name: Christian Fritschi (ChristianF)
Theme: Dramatic Light
Title: Preying Mantis


Landscape
Name: Antionette Morkel (amorkel)
Theme: Your Tourism Brochure
Title: Sehlabathebe National Park In Lesotho


Macro
Name: Gerald Botkin (bayouboy66)
Theme: All that Glitters
Title: Gold Coins

Travel
Name: Bonnie Christensen (BChrisRad)
Theme: Travel Icons
Title: The Vessel in NYC

Digital Artistry
Name: Preston Moochnek (massulo)
Theme: Postcards
Title: Spring is in the Air

march2020winners-800px.jpg

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Contests Updated

The May contests are up and running.

Contests are open in Wildlife, Landscape, Macro, Travel, and Digital Artistry Forums.

We also have two special edition contests tha are open.

All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

Can you meet the challenge of our monthly contests? All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

Fined a list of all open contests and polls here: Current Contests

Posted by dm1dave at 4:41 PM

March 6, 2020

January 2020 Contest Winners

jan19-winners-110px.jpgPlease join us in congratulating the winners of our January monthly contests.

All winning images have been entered in The Best of Nikonians 2020 Photo Contest.

Click on the name of the member to offer your congratulations.

.

Wildlife
Name: Michael Kawerninski (qanik)
Theme: Small Groups
Title: Snowy Parliament

Landscape
Name: Carolyn Dalessandro (nikocarol)
Theme: National Parks
Title: White Sands NP at Sunset

Name: Marsha Edmunds (meadowlark2)
Theme: National Parks
Title: Waterton Lakes National Park

Macro
Name: Gerald Oliver(geraldroliver)
Theme: 2019 Redux
Title: A kiss is just a kiss

Travel
Name: Bonnie Christensen (BChrisRad)
Theme: Cityscapes
Title: Lyon, France

Digital Artistry
Name: Fred Crowden (freqflyerfred)
Theme: Altered Perspective
Title: Measure Twice, Cut Once

jan19-winners-800px.jpg

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Contests Updated

The March contests have been updated.

Contests are open in Wildlife, Landscape, Macro, Travel, and Digital Artistry Forums.

All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

Can you meet the challenge of our monthly contests? All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

Fined a list of all open contests and polls here: Current Contests

Posted by dm1dave at 7:39 PM

February 18, 2020

The Best of Nikonians - Winners Announced

2019winners-110.jpg Nikonians is proud to announce the Winners of The Best of Nikonians 2019 Photo Contest.

Once again, the quality of the images submitted this year has been outstanding. We are extremely proud of the level of photographic accomplishment of our membership.

An international team of twelve Judges, from six countries, drawn from the Nikonians Master's Society, came together to grade the one hundred and twenty qualifying finalist images.

Winners will receive:

  • The Laureate Ribbon, as Winners of an annual Best of Nikonians Photo Contest
  • The Nikonians Certificate of High Photographic Achievement signed by the founders.
  • A prize from our contest sponsors or a membership extension.

Please stop by to congratulate the winners.

Winners are...
  • Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail by Gerald Botkin (bayouboy66)
  • All Eyes on Me by John Roach (JDroach)
  • Courting in the Rain by Antionette Morkel (amorkel)
  • Let Sleeping Frogs Lie by Pat Husband (Second Hand Pat)
  • Red Fox in Winter by Scott Ashley (scottashley)
  • Sheltered on a Cold Day by Marsha Edmunds(Meadowlark2)
  • Mating Ritual Elegant Terns by Bill Klipp (billklipp)
  • Sadhu in an Alley by Tom Jacob (sevendayimages)
  • Feathers of a Bird by Tom Egel (tegel)
  • Road to the Lake by Hans Zitzler (Hans Ztz)

2019winners-800px.jpg

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Posted by dm1dave at 11:35 PM

February 4, 2020

December Contest Winners

dec19-winners-110px.jpgPlease join us in congratulating the winners of our December monthly contests.

All winning images have been entered in the annual Best of Nikonians 2019 Contest.

Click on the name of the member to offer your congratulations.


.
Wildlife
Name: John Roach (JDroach)
Theme: Your Best Wildlife Shots of 2019
Title: All eyes on me

Name: Marsha Edmunds(Meadowlark2)
Theme: Your Best Wildlife Shots of 2019
Title: Sheltered on a cold day


Landscape
Name: Pat Husband (Second Hand Pat)
Theme: Your best Landscapes of 2019
Title: Yellowstone Superscape

Name: Hans Zitzler (Hans Ztz)
Theme: Your best Landscapes of 2019
Title: Road to the Lake


Macro
Name: Tom Egel (tegel)
Theme: Red and Green
Title: Feathers of a Bird


Travel
Name: Preston Moochnek (massulo)
Theme: Harbors and Marinas
Title: Golden Sunrise

Digital Artistry
Name: Gerald Oliver (geraldroliver)
Theme: Feathers, Fins, & Fur
Title: The Swoop

dec19-winners-800px.jpg


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Contests Updated

The February contests are being updated.

Contests are open in Wildlife, Landscape, Macro, Travel, and Digital Artistry Forums.

All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

Can you meet the challenge of our monthly contests? All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

Fined a list of all open contests and polls here: Current Contests

Posted by dm1dave at 4:27 PM

January 5, 2020

November Contest Winners

nov19-winners-110px.jpgPlease join us in congratulating the winners of our November monthly contests.

All winning images have been entered in the annual Best of Nikonians 2019 Contest.

Click on the name of the member to offer your congratulations.
.


Wildlife
Antionette Morkel (amorkel)
Theme: Aggression
Title: Eagle Squabble

Landscape
Mike Marston (mfmimages)
Theme: Fall Foliage with Sky
Title: Portland Lighthouse in October

Russ Glindmeier (russg)
Theme: Fall Foliage with Sky
Title: Cushman Lake, Colorado
D800E |24-120 f4 VR @ 24mm

Macro
Darryl Hodson (skibreeze7)
Theme: Books, Letters, and Numbers
Title: Roman Numerals

Travel
Russell Whittemore (rosewood_ltd)
Theme: Tourist Traps
Title: Take Me To Your Leader

Digital Artistry
William McEwen (Wolfgang55)
Theme: Harvest
Title: Crazy Hot Harvest

Online Assignment
Winner Nov/Dec Assignment
Keith Hamel (KJH1958)
Theme: Still Life
Title: Charcuterie


nov19-winners-800px.jpg

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Contests Updated

The January contests have been updated.

Contests are open in Wildlife, Landscape, Macro, Travel, and Digital Artistry Forums.

All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

Can you meet the challenge of our monthly contests? All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

Fined a list of all open contests and polls here: Current Contests

.

Posted by dm1dave at 7:34 PM

December 5, 2019

October Contest Winners

oct19-winners-110px.jpgPlease join us in congratulating the winners of our October monthly contests.

All winning images have been entered in the annual Best of Nikonians 2019 Contest.


Click on the name of the member to offer your congratulations.

.

Wildlife
Pat Husband (Second Hand Pat)
Theme: Reptiles & Amphibians
Title: Let Sleeping Frogs Lie

Landscape
Dave Soderlund (DaveSoderlund)
Theme: On The Rocks
Title: Afterglow

Gerald Botkin (bayouboy66)
Theme: On The Rocks
Title: Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Macro
Gerald Botkin (bayouboy66)
Theme: Abstract
Title: Milkweed Seed Bal

Travel
Philip Nist (phil711)
Theme: Travel by Rail
Title: Quivero Steam Test Run

Digital Artistry
John Parisi (NIKONCAMERACT)
Theme: Spooky
Title: Graveyard


oct19-winners-800px.jpg


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Contests Updated

The December contests have been updated.

Contests are open in Wildlife, Landscape, Macro, Travel, and Digital Artistry Forums.

All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

Can you meet the challenge of our monthly contests? All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

Fined a list of all open contests and polls here: Current Contests

Posted by dm1dave at 6:29 PM

November 21, 2019

Segment 4 Contest Winners

seg4-winners-110px.jpgThe winners of the Best of Nikonians - Segment Four have been announced.

The theme of the Best of Nikonians - Segment Four was Converging Lines.


The winning image is "Pago Pago Plafond" by Alane Shoemaker (Peregrination)

In addition to our overall winner, we have four members earning an honorable mention. All images will advance to the final rounds of the Best of Nikonians 2019 at the end of the year.

Join us here to congratulate these five members.


- The Oculus by Bill Klipp (billklipp)
- Melbourne Sound Tunnel by Richard Robert Faris (Rrfaris)
- Iceland Rescue Shelter by John McGarry (jtmcg)
- Fürth Hauptbahnhof by Egbert Reinhold (Ineluki)


seg4-winners-800px.jpg

Posted by dm1dave at 10:25 PM

November 3, 2019

September Contest Winners

Please join us in congratulating the winners of our September monthly contests.sept19-winners-110px.jpg

All winning images have been entered in the annual Best of Nikonians 2019 Contest.

Click on the name of the member to offer your congratulations.

.

Sept/Oct Assignment
Mike Marston (mfmimages)
Theme: Fill the Frame
Title: Serpent or shipwreck?

Wildlife
Theme: Eye Contact
Scott Ashley (scottashley)
Title: Red fox in winter

James Keenan (Lomcevak)
Title:Family Portrait


Landscape
Scott Ashley (scottashley)
Theme: Dramatic B&W Landscapes
Title: Mt. Foraker, Alaska

Macro
Darryl Hodson (skibreeze7)
Theme: Planes, Trains, & Automobiles
Title: 1953 Pontiac Chiefton Hood Ornament

Travel
Dennis Bray (Dbray)
Theme: Signs and Marquees
Title: Sign Museum in Cincinnati

Digital Artistry
Bonnie Christensen (BChrisRad)
Theme: Grunge
Title: Main Street in Hope, Alaska

sept19-winners-800px.jpg

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Contests Updated

The November contests have been updated.

Contests are open in Wildlife, Landscape, Macro, Travel, and Digital Artistry Forums.

All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

Can you meet the challenge of our monthly contests? All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

Fined a list of all open contests and polls here: Current Contests

Posted by dm1dave at 9:06 PM

September 26, 2019

Segment 3 Contest Winners

seg3-winners-110px.jpgThe winners of the Best of Nikonians - Segment Three have been announced.

The theme of the Best of Nikonians - Segment Three was Symmetry.

The winning image is "Swan Lake" by Carolyn Dalessandro (nikocarol)

In addition to our overall winner, we have four members earning an honorable mention. All images will advance to the final rounds of the Best of Nikonians 2019 at the end of the year.


"Yellow Porsche" by William Middleton (wrmiddleton)
"British Museum--Main Hall" by Darryl Hodson (skibreeze7)
"Salt Pan" by Pakku (niknac37)
"Towering Atrium" by Jody Camacho (Jodys98Torch)

Please join us in congratulating these members.

seg3-winners-800px.jpg

Posted by dm1dave at 4:54 AM

September 5, 2019

July Contest Winners

july19-winners-110px.jpg
Please join us in congratulating the winners of our July monthly contests.

All winning images have been entered in the annual Best of Nikonians 2019 Contest.

Click on the name of the member to offer your congratulations.


Wildlife
John Roach (jdroach)
Theme: Action on the Water
Title: The Catch

Landscape
Darryl Hodson (skibreeze7)
Theme: A Low Viewpoint
Title: Coyote Buttes North

Macro
Pat Husband (Second Hand Pat)
Theme: Backlit
Title: Backlit Butterfly

Travel
Jeff Atchley (Graceland)
Theme: Street Life
Title: The Street Life of Cats

Digital Artistry
Preston Moochnek (massulo)
Theme: Abstract
Title: Swaying in the Breeze

july19-winners-800px.jpg


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Contests Updated

The September contests have been updated.

Contests are open in Wildlife, Landscape, Macro, Travel, and Digital Artistry Forums.

The third segment of the Best of Nikononas 2019 - Symmetry is open untill Sept 15.

Two special edition contest are also open until the end of September.
They are the Photojournalism Challenge and the Cell Phone Photos contest.

All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

Can you meet the challenge of our monthly contests? All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

Fined a list of all open contests and polls here: Current Contests


.

Posted by dm1dave at 6:22 PM

August 27, 2019

Self Portrait Challenge Winners

self portrait-win-110px.jpgThe Nikonians Self Portrait Challenge is complete.

Once again our members were able share their creative vision in creating portraits of themselves.

We are pleased to announce the Winner and four Honorable mentions. All five photographs will be advanced to the finals of the Best of Nikonians 2019.

The winning image is "Down on the Riverfront" by Darryl Hodson (skibreeze)

Honorable Mention is awarded to the following members.

"Younger than I look!" by John Miner (D850fan)
"50-yr Timelapse" by Godofredo Baylon (GBaylon)
"My Shadow" by Bill Klipp (billklipp)
"Long Lens" by Peter McGing (OJD)

Please stop by to see the full images and congratulate the winners, here.

self portrait-win-800px.jpg


You can find all currently contests listed, here.

Posted by dm1dave at 5:46 AM

August 20, 2019

Photojournalism Challenge - 2019

contests1-110px.jpgWe are looking for images that help tell a story.

Illustrations of public events, public interest stories, or news events.

- No violence
- no blood or gore, such as injured accident victims.

This is about the photography, you are not expected to write a news story.

Open for submissions until Sept 31. Click here to enter.

Examples:
by ajdooley
PhotojournalismChallenge-800px.JPG

Posted by dm1dave at 3:41 AM

August 4, 2019

June Contest Winners.

june19-winners-110px.jpgPlease join us in congratulating our most recent monthly contest winners.


All winning images have been entered in the annual Best of Nikonians 2019 Contest.


Click on the name of the member to offer your congratulations.

Wildlife
Tom Riedman (goodday)
Theme: Wildlife with young
Title: Burrowing Owls

Landscape
Brad White (orftoden)
Theme: Long Exposure Seascape
Title: Niest Point Lighthouse at Dusk

Macro
Gerald Oliver (geraldroliver)
Theme: Facial Features
Title: Too close for comfort?

Travel
Tom Jacob (sevendayimages)
Theme: Interesting People

Digital Artistry
Gerald Oliver (geraldroliver)
Theme: Word
Title: Checkmate?


june19-winners-800px.jpg


---------------------------

Contests Updated

The August contests are in the process of being updated.

Contests are open in Wildlife, Landscape, Macro, Travel, and Digital Artistry Forums.

Don't miss you chance to get your image in the Nikonians Self Portrait Challenge. Entries will close on August 15.

All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

Can you meet the challenge of our monthly contests? All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

Fine a list of open contests here: Current Contests

Posted by dm1dave at 8:15 PM

August 1, 2019

The Best of Nikonians - Segment Three - Open Now

2019-seg3-110px.jpgThis segment's theme is "Symmetry".

What is symmetry? It is "an exact matching of form and arrangement of parts on opposite sides of a boundary, such as a plane or line, or around a central point or axis." This sounds like a simple theme, but the task of creating an artistic photo of a subject that reflects symmetry can be challenging.

Let's see some creative photography, strive to be different; let your artistic juices flow, and show us your best work.

There are no restrictions other than the image must be an artistic image of a symmetrical subject.

2019-seg3-800pxx.jpg

This is the third of four themed segments of The Best of Nikonians 2019 Contest. This segment will be open to entries from August 1 - September 15.

Click here to enter.

The winner will be announced at the end of September. The winner will be recognized in our blog and newsletter, they will receive a printable Certificate of Photographic Achievement.

In addition to our overall winner, the four images will be recognized as Honorable Mention and advanced to compete as finalists in The Best of Nikonians 2019 Contest. All five images will automatically be uploaded to the Best of Nikonians 2019 Gallery.

Posted by dm1dave at 3:50 AM

July 27, 2019

Congratulations Contest Winners

portrait challange-win1-110px.jpgThe winners of the Best of Nikonians - Segment Two and the Nikonians Portrait Challenge have ben announced.

The theme of the Best of Nikonians - Segment Two was Motion.

The winning image is "Skimming Stones" by Gerald Oliver (geraldroliver)

Honorable mention go to the members below.

"Whirling Dervish" by Jeff Atchley (Graceland)
"Grand Central--the Melting Pot" by Gary Paige (JazzDoc)
"DC at Night" by Dave Smith (smitheroosky)
"Maximum Effort" by William McEwen (Wolfgang55)

Please join us in congratulating these members.

seg2-winners-800px.jpg


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Nikonians Portrait Challenge

The winning images is "Merleena's Skin Art" by Wen Wu (wwp512)

Honorable mention go to the members below.

"A Portrait within the Portrait" by Jeff Atchley (Graceland)
"Village Lady in Local Tribal Attire" by S D Dharmadhikari (ESSDEEDEE)
"Sisters" by Godofredo Baylon (GBaylon)
"Young Boxer" by Connie Cassinetto (Via the Lens)

Please join us in congratulating these members.

portrait challange-win-800px.jpg

Posted by dm1dave at 8:10 PM

July 15, 2019

Nikonians Self Portrait Challenge 2019

self portrait challange19-110px.jpgThis is a Special Edition Contest, an extension of our big annual contest. Up to five images from this challenge will be advanced to the finals of The Best of Nikonians 2019 Contest.

We are looking for your best self-portraits. Portraits can range from formal studio shots to fun creative shots, such as shadows, reflections, etc.

Nikonians Self Portrait Challenge will open for entries until August 15 2019.

This contest is open only to Silver, Gold and Platinum members. The Nikonians Team is not eligible for this particular contest.

If you are currently a basic member there is still time to upgrade your membership and join the competition.

self portrait challange19-800px.jpg


The Nikonians Team will choose the winner and 4 honorable mentions. All 5 images will be advanced to the finals of the Best of Nikonians 2018 contest.

The winner will be announced before the end of August and will be recognized in the Nikonians Blog and will receive a printable Certificate of Photographic Achievement.

We look forward to seeing how you fulfill this challenge!

Click here to enter.


*************************************************************************************************


Vote now!

Be sure to vote for your favorite images from the June contests. Voting is open to all registered members.

Here is a full list of Current Contest & Polls.

Posted by dm1dave at 5:29 PM

July 7, 2019

July Contest Updated

july2019-contests-110px.jpgAll of the Junly contests are up and running.

Contests are open in Wildlife, Landscape, Macro, Travel, and Digital Artistry Forums.

Dont miss you chance to get your image in the second segmnet of the Best of Nikoninas 2019 Contest, the theme is Motion. Enteries will close on July 15.


The Nikonians Portrait Challenge is also closing on July 15. Lets see your best work!

All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

Can you meet the challenge of our monthly contests? All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

This month's themes are...

Wildlife > Action on the water

Landscape > A Low Viewpoint

Macro/Closeup > Backlit

Travel > Street Life

Digital Artistry > Abstract

july2019-contests-800px.jpg


Be sure to vote for your favorite images from the April contests. Voting is open to all registered members.

Here is a full list of Current Contest & Polls.

Wildlife Poll: Wildlife with young

Landscape Poll: Long Exposure Seascape

Macro/Closeup Poll: Facial Features

Travel Poll: Interesting People

Digital Artistry Poll: Word


.

Posted by dm1dave at 8:34 PM

July 2, 2019

May Contest Winners

may2019-winners1-110px.jpgPlease join us in congratulating our most recent contest winners.

All winning images have been entered in the annual Best of Nikonians 2019 Contest.

Click on the name of the member to offer your congratulations.

.


Wildlife
Bill Klipp (billklipp)
Theme: Wildlife Courtship
Title: Mating Ritual Elegant Terns

Landscape
Henning Bossen (henbo)
Theme: The Beauty of Shadows
Title: Soussusvlei

Macro
Duncan Drummond (Lucaduca)
Theme: Details of Spring
Title: Silk tree ripe for pollination

Travel
Henning Bossen (henbo)
Theme: Abandoned Places
Title: Ghost Town

Digital Artistry
Judith Dunn (topper1946)
Theme: Black and White
Title: Dandelion


may2019-winners1-800px.jpg


Non-Nikon Camera Special Edition Contest Winners

We had a great set of images submitted to our People & Culture contest in the Non-Nikon Cameras forum. The polling was close all month and ultimately ended in a tie.

The two winning images are...

Name: Jim Troxell (FFN)
Title: Dayhawks

Name: Russ Glindmeier (russg)
Title: Orme Dam Victory Days Rodeo

may2019-winners2-800px.jpg


See the Current Contests post for up-to-date contest listings.

Posted by dm1dave at 9:49 PM

June 24, 2019

Winners - Nature Photography Day Contest

nature-day-110px.JPGPlease join us in congratulating the winners of our Nature Photography Day Contest.

This was a great contest with many exceptional images.. The Nikonians Team has chosen an overall winner and five Honorable Mention images.

Please stop by the Special Edition Contests forum to see larger versions of the images and to congratulate the winners.

The overall winner is...

"Florida Water Flower" by Tony Balzanto (balzanto)

nature-day800px1.jpg


The following members have earned an Honorable Mention.

"Threatening Nature the storm front" by Bruce Henderson (hendo55)
"Palouse Falls" by #19. Carol Freshley (PhotoSpydie)
"Night Heron" by Bill Klipp (billklipp)
"Sunset Storm" by James Holladay (jh1day)
"Snail on the Run" by Tom Jacob (sevendayimages)


nature-day800px2.jpg

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Posted by dm1dave at 5:30 PM

June 16, 2019

Nikonians Portrait Challenge 2019

portrait challange-1-110px.jpgThis is a Special Edition Contest, an extension of our big annual contest. Up to five images from this challenge will be advanced to the finals of The Best of Nikonians 2019 Contest.

We are looking for your best portrait photography. All forms of portraiture are eligible, formal, informal, candid, environmental portraits, etc.

Nikonians Portrait Challenge will open for entries until July 15 2019.


portrait challange-1.jpg


This contest is open only to Silver, Gold and Platinum members. The Nikonians Team is not eligible for this particular contest.

If you are currently a basic member there is still time to upgrade your membership and join the competition.

The Nikonians Team will choose the winner and 4 honorable mentions. All 5 images will be advanced to the finals of the The Best of Nikonians 2018 Contest.
The winner will be announced before the end of July and will be recognized in the Nikonians Blog and Facebook Page, they will also receive a printable Certificate of Photographic Achievement.

We look forward to seeing how you fulfill this challenge!

Click here to enter, Nikonians Portrait Challenge 2019.

.

Posted by dm1dave at 5:22 PM

June 8, 2019

Nature Photography Day 2019

nature photo day110px.jpg Get you cameras ready, help Nikonians celebrate Nature Photography Day, June 15th.

Each year, photographers from around the world go out to document the wonders of nature and share their work with the world.

Here at Nikonians, we will celebrate with a short-term special edition contest. As June 15th falls on a Saturday, and a single day of shooting is a bit restrictive, we are making a long weekend of it. This contest will require that all photos be shot between Thursday, June 13 and Monday, June 17. A contest thread will be available for posting your images from the 13th to the 20th.

So, start planning for a fun weekend of nature photography. Then submit your images for a chance win and be advanced to The Best of Nikonians 2019 Contest.

The Nature Photography Day Contest thread will be open for entries on June 13th.

nature photo day2.jpg

Posted by dm1dave at 2:29 AM

June 5, 2019

Winners & Updated Contests

apr19 winners-110px.jpgApril Contest Winners.

Please join us in congratulating our most recent contest winners.

All winning images will be entered in the annual Best of Nikonians 2019 contest.

Click on the name of the member to offer your congratulations.

Wildlife
Scott Ashley (scottashley)
Theme: Environmental Portrait
Title: Mountain goat mother and kid

Landscape
Robert Wightman (robwig)
Theme: Reflections of Nature
Title: Eystrahorn

Macro
Gerald Oliver (geraldoliver)
Theme: Opposites
Title: Spin the Coin..

Travel
Harish Unnikrishnan (harishu)
Theme: Vivid Color
Title: Glow Garden

Digital Artistry
Gerald Oliver (geraldoliver)
Theme: Left of Center
Title: What's Over there Grandpa?

apr19 winners-800px.jpg


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Contests Updated

The June contests are up and running.

Monthly contests are open in Wildlife, Landscape, Macro, Travel, and Digital Artistry Forums. The second segment of The Best of Nikonians 2019 Contest - Motion, is also open for entries.

Don't miss you chance to get your image in the second segment of the Best of Nikonians 2019 Contest. Entries will close on July 15.

The theme is Motion, lets see your best work!

All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

Can you meet the challenge of our monthly contests? All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

You can find a list of all open contests here: Current Contests

Posted by dm1dave at 5:49 PM

May 29, 2019

Shallow Depth of Field Contest Winners

seg1-2019winer-110px.jpg We are proud to announce the winners of the first segment of The Best of Nikonians 2019 Photo Contest, Shallow Depth of Field.

The winning photo is "A windmill buck wheel" by Gerald Oliver (geraldroliver)

seg1-2019winer-800px.jpg

In addition to our winner we have five images earning the designation of Honorable mention. All images will be advanced to the final round of the Best of Nikonians 2019 Photo Contest.

Please join me in congratulating the winners.
(follow link to see full images, and congratulate winners)

1. "To Dance...perchance to Dream" by Jeff Atchley (Graceland)
2. "No Mail for 617" by William Middleton (wrmiddleton)
3. "Parson's Chameleon" by Bill Klipp (billklipp)
4. "Meet Bumble Bee" by Tom Jacob (sevendayimages)
5. "GAS" by William McEwen (Wolfgang55)

seg1-2019hm-800px.jpg

Posted by dm1dave at 1:36 AM

May 11, 2019

May Contests

may contests-110px.jpg All of the May contests are up and running.

Contests are open in Wildlife, Landscape, Macro, Travel, and Digital Artistry Forums.

Don't miss you chance to get your image in the first segment of the Best of Nikonians 2019 Contest.
Entries will close on May 15.

The theme is Shallow Depth of Field, lets see your best work!

All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

Can you meet the challenge of our monthly contests? All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

This month's themes are...

Wildlife > Wildlife Courtship
Landscape > The Beauty of Shadows
Macro/Closeup > Details of Spring
Travel > Abandoned Places
Digital Artistry > Black and White

may-contests-800px.jpg


Special Edition Contest

We are calling all Nikonians who shoot with non-Nikon cameras.

The first of two non-Nikon camera contests is now open for entries. It is open until May 31, 2019 and the theme is simple: People & Culture.

So, get out there with your non-Nikon cameras, have some fun, and enter for your chance to win.


Be sure to vote: You choose the winners! Vote for your favorite images from the April contests. Voting is open to all registered members.

Here is a full list of Current Polls:

Wildlife Poll: Environmental Portrait
Landscape Poll: Reflections of Nature
Macro/Closeup Poll: Opposites
Travel Poll: Vivid Color
Digital Artistry Poll: Left of Center

.

Posted by dm1dave at 5:13 PM

May 4, 2019

March Contest Winners

mar-winrs-110px.jpgPlease join us in congratulating our most recent contest winners.

All winning images will be entered in the Best of Nikonians 2019 Photo contest.

Click on the name of the member to offer your congratulations.

.


Wildlife
Michael Kawerninski (qanik)
Theme: Beak and Talon / Fang and Claw
Title: Grizzly and sockeye salmon


Landscape
Russell Whittemore (rosewood_ltd)
Theme: Beautiful Cityscapes
Title: Vancouver From Granville Island


Macro
William Middleton (wrmiddleton)
Theme: Vintage
Title: The Beat Goes On


Travel
Robert Brown (RP62)
Theme: Roadside Attractions
Title: Lowell Arizona
D7200 | 24mm | 1/200s | f/10 | ISO-320


Digital Artistry
William McEwen (wolfgang55)
Theme: Liquid
Title: Organic Car Wash

mar-contest-winners-800px.jpg

Posted by dm1dave at 2:04 AM

May 2, 2019

How do you recover lost images?

Have you ever lost images kept on a hard disk? I guess I am not the only one that would reluctantly answer that question with a "yes". Were they maybe even on a redundant disk array, a "RAID" system for extra safety? Member Geoff Baylis (GBaylis) experienced that dreadful moment when he lost all of his images, several TB of data due to a Windows 10 glitch prior Christmas 2018.

Read how he kept a cool head and managed to restore the images, which tools came in handy and how to prevent this from happening to you in the first place. See his article

I am wishing you some great captures and a data-loss-free upcoming weekend,
Bo (bgs)


From the portfolios

orchid_study_3_1_jcdonelson-org_535394.jpg
Orchid Study 3.1 by Jim Donelson (jcdonelson). See his complete portfolio

Improving your photography
Getting better group photographs: Pro photographers Frank Villafañe (frankmv) & Rose Rios tell you what works and what not in this premium article using five easy-to-remember "rules" with examples. See their article

Interested in digital art? Preston Moochnek (massulo) shares some good thoughts on the topic in his new article

Inspiration
Marsha Edmunds (meadowlark2) has interviewed another of our members in the I Am Nikonians article series. This time Gary Paige (JazzDoc) is in the limelight. Gary is a recent winner in the Annual Best of Nikonians photo contest. Read the interview

Talking about contests... We are calling all Nikonians who shoot with non-Nikon cameras.

The first of two non-Nikon camera contests is now open for entries. It is open until May 31, 2019 and the theme is simple: People & Culture.

So, get out there with your non-Nikon cameras, have some fun, and enter for your chance to win. Five images from this contest will be advanced to the finals of the Annual Best of Nikonians 2019 contest. It is open to all Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

More info on how to enter.

Posted by bgs at 8:39 AM

April 28, 2019

Non-Nikon Contest Open for Entries

non-nikon-2019-1-110px.jpgCalling all Nikonians who shoot with non-Nikon cameras!

The first of two non-Nikon camera contests is now open for entries. The contest will be open until May 31, 2019.

The theme is simple, People & Culture.

So, get out there with your non-Nikon cameras, have some fun, and enter for your chance to win. Five images from this contest will be advanced to the finals of the Best of Nikonians 2019 Photo contest.

Open Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

Click here to enter.

4302Girl_and_2_brothers_bw11.jpg

Posted by dm1dave at 6:55 PM

April 9, 2019

April Contests

apr-contests-110px.jpgAll of the April contests are up and running.

Contests are open in Wildlife, Landscape, Macro, Travel, and Digital Artistry Forums.

So, lets see how you can meet the challenge of these contests. All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

This month's themes are...


Wildlife > Environmental Portrait

Landscape > Reflections of Nature

Macro/Closeup > Opposites

Travel > Vivid Color

Digital Artistry > Left of Center


apr-contests-800px.jpg

Be sure to vote for your favorite images from the March contests. Voting is open to all registered members.

Here is a full list of Current Contest & Polls.

Wildlife Poll: Beak & Talon / Fang & Claw

Landscape Poll: Beautiful Cityscapes

Macro/Closeup Poll: Vintage

Travel Poll: Roadside Attractions

Digital Artistry Poll: Liquid

Posted by dm1dave at 4:49 PM

April 2, 2019

February Contest Winners

feb-winrs-110px.jpgPlease join us in congratulating our most recent contest winners.

All winning images will be entered in the annual Best of Nikonians 2019 contest.

Click on the name of the member to offer your congratulations.

.

Wildlife
Antionette Morkel (amorkel)
Theme: Snow and Rain
Title: Courting in the rain

Landscape
William McEwen (Wolfgang55)
Theme: A Winter Wonderland
Title: Lower Natchaug River

Macro
Cathy Straub (Chessam)
Theme: Snow & Ice
Title: Flakes

Travel
David Soderlund (DaveSoderlund)
Theme: Famous Landmarks
Title: Blue Hour Notre-Dame

Digital Artistry

Judith Dunn (topper1946)
Theme: Isolation
Title: Footprints in Nambia

feb-contest-winners-800px.jpg

Posted by dm1dave at 11:12 PM

March 14, 2019

March Contests

mar contests-110px.jpg All of the March contests are up and running.

Contests are open in Wildlife, Landscape, Macro, Travel, and Digital Artistry Forums.

So, lets see how you can meet the challenge of these contests. All contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.


This month's themes are...

Wildlife > Beak & Talon / Fang & Claw

Landscape > Beautiful Cityscapes

Macro & Close-Up > Vintage

Travel > Roadside Attractions

Digital Artistry > Liquid

mar-contests-800px.jpg


Be sure to vote for your favorite images from the February contests. Voting is open to all registered members.

Here is a list of Current Polls.

Wildlife Poll: Snow and Rain

Landscape Poll: A Winter Wonderland

Macro/Closeup Poll: Snow and Ice

Travel Poll: Famous Landmarks

Digital Artistry Poll: Isolation

Posted by dm1dave at 6:17 PM

March 3, 2019

January Contest Winners

jan-winners2.jpg Please join us in congratulating our most recent contest winners.


All winning images will be entered in the annual Best of Nikonians 2019 contest.

Click on the name of the member to offer your congratulations.


Landscape
Scott Ashley (scottashley)
Theme: First Light Last Light
Title: Washerwoman Arch

january2019-landscape-scottashley.jpg


Landscape
Gerald Oliver (geraldroliver)
Theme: First Light Last Light
Title: The Evening Catch

january2019-landscape-geraldoliver.jpg


Macro & Close-up
Antionette Morkel (amorkel)
Theme: Dragonflies and Damselflies
Title: Brown Wings

january2019-macro-amorkel .jpg


Travel
Gerald Oliver (geraldroliver)
Theme: What Lies Beyond...?
Title: The Forbidding Moors

january2019-travel-geraldroliver.jpg


Digital Artistry
Gerald Oliver (geraldroliver)
Theme: Invitation
Title: invitation to a fictitious exhibition

january2019-digitalart-geraldroliver.jpg


Wildlife
Gary Paige (JazzDoc)
Theme: Vanishing through Camouflage
Title: Mossy leave-tailed Gecko blending in

january2019-wildlife-JazzDoc.jpg

Keep up to date on our current contests here.

Posted by dm1dave at 2:52 AM

February 14, 2019

Nikon Z cameras book deadline & State of photojournalism

6724_8419abstarcanhingaw-110px.jpgIf you are shooting with a Nikon Z7 or Z6 and you want to get published, Darrell says the content submission deadline for the two NikoniansPress books on mastering the Nikon Z cameras is getting near. Want a chance for your image to be included? You better move fast. See our Nikon Z cameras forum.

Photography as a profession
What is the state of the art of photojournalism? Where is the profession going? Read what member Chris Horn (HotSpur369), journalist and former newspaper photographer has to say about the journey todays PJ's have to take to make a living. Read the article

I am wishing you a splendid rest of the week, with some good light and great subjects.
Bo (bgs)

From the portfolios
6724_8419abstarcanhingaw.jpg
Red & Black. Caught This Anhinga flying - I tried to create an abstract.
By Preston Moochnek (massulo). See his complete portfolio.

Contests
The winners of the Best of Nikonians 2018 contest have been announced. Once again, the quality of the images submitted this year has been outstanding.

We are extremely proud of the level of photographic accomplishment of our membership. An international team of Judges, from eight countries, were drawn from the Nikonians Master's Society to grade the one hundred and twelve qualifying finalist images. See all winners.

Photo trips
Several members have already registered for the 19th ANPAT in the Spring but there is still room for you. Don't miss this opportunity to capture the extraordinary birds migration into Cape May, NJ and very interesting scenery in Pennsylvania. For details check the Nikonians Annual Photo Adventure Trips (ANPATs) forum.

Posted by bgs at 6:26 AM

February 13, 2019

Best of Nikonians 2018 Winners Announced

best of 2018-contes110px.jpg Nikonians is proud to announce the winners of the Annual Best of Nikonians 2018 Contest.

Once again, the quality of the images submitted this year has been outstanding. We are extremely proud of the level of photographic accomplishment of our membership.

An international team of Judges, from eight countries, were drawn from the Nikonians Master's Society to grade the one hundred and twelve qualifying finalist images.

Winners will receive:
The Laureate Ribbon, as Winners of an annual Best of Nikonians Photo Contest
The Nikonians Certificate of High Photographic Achievement.
A prize from our contest sponsors or a membership extension.

Please stop by to see the full images and congratulate the winners.

Winners are...

That's My Old Rotten Salmon by Pat Husband (Second Hand Pat)
Nautical Nomad by Preston Moochnek (massulo)
Michael Kerouac (MKerouac) by Maddi in Studio
William McEwen (Wolfgang55) by William McEwen (Wolfgang55)
Death Valley Campsite by Tom Egel (tegel)
Butterfly on Flower by Geoff Baylis (GBaylis)
Coming out by Rick Moran (slopoki1)
Full Moon at White Sands by Ernesto Santos (esantos)
Crystal Mill, Colorado by Russ Glindmeier (russg)
A Walk in a Blizzard by Richard Roth (ricardo00)

best of 2018-contest800px.jpg

Posted by dm1dave at 1:54 AM

February 5, 2019

February Contests

feb contests-110px.jpg All of our contests and polls have been updated for February.

All contests are open for entry, Silver, Gold and Platinum members are eligible.

All members are eligible to vote in the polls. You choose the winners, make your vote count.

Below is a list of all contests and polls.

Wildlife: Snow and Rain | Poll

Landscape: A Winter Wonderland | Poll Part 1 | Poll Part 2

Close-up & Macro : Snow and Ice | Poll

Travel: Famous Landmarks | Poll

Digital Artistry: Isolation | Poll

feb contests-800px.jpg

Posted by dm1dave at 8:02 PM

February 2, 2019

The Best of Nikonians Photo Contest Judging

bestof2109-110px.JPG How do we choose images for The Best of Nikonians Contest Photo Contest?

The contests that we run in the forums throughout the year are the preliminary rounds for our premier event, The Best of Nikonians Photo Contest. Each winning image is added to the Best of Nikonians Contest galleries.

The December contests winners are the final images to be eligible for the current years' contests. The voting for the December contests are carried out in January, so judging process is scheduled to begin on the first day of February each year.

Who makes up the jury?

The jury in for the Best of Nikonians Contest are members of the Nikonians Masters Society, a select group of highly experienced, advanced photographers, representing a wide range of photographic disciplines.


How are the images evaluated?

The images are presented to the jury without members names or any other context. Images are evaluated on their own merit as stand-alone images without bias as to the subject matter, technique, or difficulty of getting the shot.

Jurors will assign a numerical sore between 10 and 50 for each image.

A score of 50 - Indicates an Exceptional Image. This is not necessarily a perfect image, but a work of photographic excellence. The image should not have any oblivious flaws and a high level of impact on the viewer.
A score of 40 - Indicates a Very Strong Image. These images are technically correct and impactful. Image elements should work together to keep the viewer engaged. Any flaws are minor and/or hard to identify.
A Score of 30 - Indicates an above average image. These images demonstrate a strong composition and solid technical skill.
A Score of 20 - Indicates a good image. This image will have no major flaws. It will have limited impact and may not keep a viewer engaged.
A Score of 10 - Indicates a poor or weak image.

The final scores are determined by scoring each image on five criteria. Each criteria is scored 1-10, then all are then added together for the final score.

- Overall Impact:
This is about how did you feel about the image at your first look, before a close examination...
What impression does it make on you? - from dull to exhilarating, mysterious, captivating, etc.
Does the image have emotional appeal?
Was you first impression of the image 'so..so..' or 'good' or 'very good', or 'Wow'?
- Color/Tone:
If color, how does the use color impact the overall image?
Are the colors and tones appropriate for the subject matter?
If black and white, is the image toned appropriately for the subject matter?
- Composition:
Does it keep the viewer engaged? Are you drawn to the subject?
Does the image have good balance?
or Does it feel awkward or uncomfortable to view?
- Technical Execution:
Look for... Proper exposure, appropriate depth of field, quality of lighting, good focus, distractions.
- Story/Message:
Does the image tell a story?
Does the image convey a message?
Does the image stand on its own, without a title, caption or other explanation?
Can you interpret the intent of the photographer?
Does the image advance awareness of a subject or an issue?


Winners

The top ten scoring images will be designated as equal winners.

If any one member has more than one image in the top ten, then their highest scoring image is selected and any other are removed advancing the next highest scoring image.

In the end we will have ten images by ten separate members announced as winners.

Winners will be announced in mid February each year.

To see all of the eligible photo from each years competition, go to the Contest Categories in our galleries.

.

Posted by dm1dave at 11:47 PM

January 18, 2019

Contest Reminder

Contests_110px.png The end of the month is approaching fast, please take some time and stop by the contest forums and vote for your favorite images.

All of the polls are open until the end of January.

The winners of these contests are the last group of photos to be entered in the Best of Nikonians 2018 contest.

Here are the current polls:

Wildlife Contest: Backlit Wildlife, Poll #1 and Backlit Wildlife, Poll #2

Landscape Contest: Mans Influence on the Landscape

Closeup & Macro Contest: Holiday Decorations

Travel Contest: Winter Festivals

Digital Artistry Contest: My Best Image

Assignment: Animal Portrait


For more info about current contests and polls click here.

Posted by dm1dave at 6:54 PM

January 10, 2019

Assignments, a Hidden Gem

assignment110px.jpg One of the strong points of the Nikonians community is our ability come together and help each other become better photographers. Learning, sharing and growing together we increase the joy we find in photography.

I feel that the Nikonians Photo Assignments are a hidden gem within our community. Participation in the assignments is a wonderful opportunity for both beginners and advanced photographers to teach, learn, and to expand their photographic horizons.


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The assignments challenge new photographers to build both technical, compositional, and artistic skills. More accomplished photographers will benefit from the assignments by tackling challenges that are outside of their usual photographic genre and expanding their skills.

Nikonians has had monthly online assignments since 2006. We have presented over 140 challenging assignments over those years. Each month we chose an image as best submission, all the best submission images have been added to the Online Assignments Winners Galleries.


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The difference between the assignments and our other contests is that the images must be shot during the month of the assignment. You will typically have four weeks for planning, shooting, post-processing, and presenting the image you want to submit to face the challenge of the assignment.

These exercises are excellent training for real life, day to day photography and a great way to jump start the creative side of your mind.

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The January/February 2019 Assignment theme is 2.8.

This assignment is easy, you choose any subject to shoot - just be sure your aperture is set to f/2.8.

What if I don't have a 2.8 lens?

No problem, we understand that not everyone has fast lenses. All you need to do is shoot an image at the widest aperture you have available, just identify the lens and the aperture that you used.

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As always, we want you to be creative and work to make an artistic image. Strive to be different; let your artistic juices flow when composing your image. Is the image you post for this assignment one you would be willing to frame and hang on your wall?

There are no other restrictions except that your image(s) must be taken during the months of January or February , 2019.

For details and to enter your images click here.

We look forward to seeing how you fulfill this assignment.

Posted by dm1dave at 3:22 AM

January 4, 2019

November Contest Winners

wild-dec-110.jpg Please join us in congratulating our most recent contest winners.

All winning images will be entered in the annual Best of Nikonians 2018 contest.

Click on the name of the member to offer your congratulations.

Wildlife
Richard Roth (ricardo00)
Theme: Wildlife and Precipitation
Title: A Walk in a Blizzard

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Landscape
Mike Pastore (Aviatorbumm)
Theme: Colorful
Title: Colorado Fence Line

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Close-up & Macro
John McGarry (jtmcg )
Theme: Details of Autumn
Title: Frosty Susan

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Winner November Travel
Mary Freestone (frantoia)
Theme: On Board
Title: Husky Sledding

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Digital Artistry
Russell Whittemore (rosewood_ltd)
Theme: Subtract
Title: The Temple of Poseidon

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If you are interested in entering our contest, heck out the Current Contest post.

Posted by dm1dave at 5:18 AM

December 8, 2018

Contests Updated

santa110px.jpg The December contests and polls have all been updated.

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Wildlife Contest - Backlit Wildlife
This month's contest is challenging, creating a nice wildlife photo with backlighting.

Landscape Contest - Man's Influence on the Landscape
We are looking for image that show human influence, balance with the beauty of the landscape it is surrounded by.

Close-up/Macro Contest - Holiday Decorations
This one should be easy and fun for everyone. Get out that macro lens, lets see some creative close-ups of your holiday decorations.

Travel Contest - Winter Festivals
Featuring seasonal festivals from around the world.

Digital Artistry Contest - My Best Image
Let's see you best digitally manipulated work from 2018.

November/December Assignment - Animal Portrait
This assignment is perfect for all our pet loving members. We want to see those adorable portraits or your favorite animals both wild and domestic.


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All our November contest polls are open for voting. Voting is open to all registered members.

Please stop by and cast your votes!


Wildlife Contest - Wildlife and Precipitation

Landscape Contest - Colorful

Close-up/Macro Contest - Details of Autumn

Travel Contest - On Board

Digital Artistry Contest - Subtract

Posted by dm1dave at 5:38 PM

November 26, 2018

Old and New Technology Contest Winners

seg4-110px.jpgWe are proud to announce the winners of the forth segment of the The Best of Nikonians 2018, The Wonders of Old and New Technology Contest.

The winning photo is Steam Clock - Vancouver, Canada
by Godofredo Baylon (GBaylon)

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In addition to our winner we have 4 images earning the designation of Honorable mention. All images will be advanced to the final round of the Best of Nikonians 2018 Contest.

Please join me in congratulating the winners.
(follow link to see full images, and congratulate winners)

1. 9th century technology that never gets old... by Tokyo_John
2. Old Technology used to take a photo of Old Technology by billklipp
3. Analog Word Processors by DaveSoderlund
4. Hybrid Tech by dagoldst


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Posted by dm1dave at 3:24 AM

October 15, 2018

Cell Phone Challenge Winners

CellPhoneChallenge_110px.jpgWe are pleased to announce the winners of the Nikonians Cell Phone Photos Challenge.


The winner is Joanna Pecha (PixiePixels01)

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In addition to our overall winner the five members have been selected as Honorable Mention.

All images will be advanced to the Best of Nikonians 2018 Contest.

You can see the full images and congratulate the winners here.

  • Walrus of Foxe Basin by Richard Roth (ricardo00)
  • Abuzz With a Coming Storm by John Tabor (tknogeek)
  • Dolomites by Andrew Laycock (Oppyrider)
  • A Grandfather's Dream by Sarah Boser (Sarah9)
  • Museum Of Islamic Art, Doha by Jody Camacho (Jodys98Torch)

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Don't forget to check out our Current Contests.

Posted by dm1dave at 6:36 PM

September 30, 2018

Wonders of Old and New Technology

sement4-110px.jpgThe Best of Nikonians 2018 - The Wonders of Old and New Technology


In the final segment of the Best of Nikonians 2018, we are going to celebrate the evolution of technology from the industrial revolution through today.We are looking for photographs depicting ever-changing technologies over the last 200 years.

This is a Special Edition Contest, an extension of our big annual contest. Up to five images from this challenge will be advanced to the finals of the Best of Nikonians 2018.

The Wonders of Old and New Technology contest will open for entries until November 15, 2018.

sement4-800px.jpg

This contest is open only to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

If you are currently a basic member there is still time to upgrade your membership and join the competition.

The Nikonians Team will choose the winner and 4 honorable mentions. All 5 images will be advanced to the finals of the Best of Nikonians 2018 contest.

The winner will be announced before the end of November and will be recognized in the Nikonians Blog and will receive a printable Certificate of Photographic Achievement.

We look forward to seeing how you fulfill this challenge!

Click here to enter.

Posted by dm1dave at 5:03 PM

September 23, 2018

Wonders of Nature Contest Winners

seg3-110px.jpgWe are proud to announce the winners of the third segment of the The Best of Nikonians 2018, The Wonders of Nature.

The winning photo is "Milky Way over quiver tree" by Henning Bossen (Henbo.)

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In addition to our winner we have 4 images earning the designation of Honorable mention. All images will be advanced to the final round of the Best of Nikonians 2018 Contest.

Please join me in congratulating the winners.
(follow link to see full images, and congratulate winners)

1. Along the Road by Gerald Botkin (bayouboy66)
2. Winter Ice / Sunrise at Luna Pier, Michigan by Dave Hayford (Patriot Dave)
3. Horseshoe Bend by John Roach (jdroach)
4. Geyser of Yellowstone by William McEwen (Wolfgang55)

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Posted by dm1dave at 11:31 PM

September 9, 2018

Current Contests Updated

spt8-110.JPG All of our contest themes have been updated for September.

The Best of Nikonians Segment 3 is quickly coming to a close. Participation has been quit slow, only 14 entries as of this post. The theme is pretty easy and broad ranging, we are looking for photographs depicting the wonders of nature. Mountains, canyons, waterfalls, storms, etc., all of the wonderous sights of the natural world. Let's see your best work!


Best of Nikonians Segment 3 - The Wonders of Nature -- Closes Sept 15 -

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The Nikonians Cell Phone Challenge is off to a great start. As I expected, Nikonians are using their cell phones with great skill to produce stunning photography. Keep it coming, this contest is open until the end of September.

Cell Phone Photos Challenge

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Rob has extended this month's Online Assignment, you have until the end of October shoot some images of your fall road trips and vacations. So, if you are traveling this month or next, submit your best images documenting your experience. You don't need to travel to a foreign country to qualify for this assignment. But the images must be from a travel experience.

Online-Assignment - Travel Photography

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This months Wildlife Contest has us stepping back, allowing us to take in and document wildlife in their environment. Step back, use a shorter lens, lets see where the wildlife roams.

Wildlife Contest - Wildlife in a Scenic Environment

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This month's Landscape Contest has us closing in a bit to create intimate landscapes. An intimate landscape might be of a grand view or a smaller part of a grand landscape. It might also be a small composition that focuses on shapes, lines, colors, textures or patterns. It has to put a frame around a small part of the world around us.

Landscape Contest - Intimate Landscapes

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The Macro & Close-up contest is quite challenging this month. The theme is Time, this theme can be interpreted in many ways from simple images of time pieces to imaginative compositions suggesting the passage of time, stopped time, or time that is accelerated or slowed.

Macro-Close-up Contest - Time

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The September Travel Photography Contest takes us off the beaten path in search of photographic opportunities in remote locations.

Travel Contest - Remote Locations

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This month's Digital Artistry Contest features a technique rather than a theme. The challenge is to use your processing skills to marry elements from two or more images to create a new composite image.

Digital Artistry Contest - Composite

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Contest Polls, don't forget that you, our members, choose the winners in each of our regular monthly contests. Please cast your votes in all of the polls, let your voice be heard. A post with links to all our contests and polls is pinned in the English Café. All contest winners are advanced to the final round of the Best of Nikoninas 2018.

Current Contest >> Updated September 4, 2018

Posted by dm1dave at 3:59 AM

September 2, 2018

Nikonians Cell Phone Photo Challenge

cell-phone-110px.jpg This is a Special Edition Contest, an extension of our big annual contest. Up to five images from this challenge will be advanced to the finals of the Best of Nikonians 2018.

A growing number of artists are using cell phones and tablets to create inspiring photography. We want to see what Nikonians can do when challenged with the limitations of cell phone photography.

The Nikonians Cell Phone Photo Challenge will open for entries until September 30, 2018.

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This contest is open only to Silver, Gold and Platinum members. The Nikonians Team is not eligible for this particular contest.

If you are currently a basic member there is still time to upgrade your membership and join the competition.

The Nikonians Team will choose the winner and 4 honorable mentions. All 5 images will be advanced to the finals of the Best of Nikonians 2018 contest.

The winner will be announced in the first week of October and will be recognized in the Nikonians Blog and will receive a printable Certificate of Photographic Achievement.

We look forward to seeing how you fulfill this challenge!

Click here to enter.

Posted by dm1dave at 2:11 AM

August 29, 2018

Self Portrait Challenge Winners

self-portrait-110px.JPG The Nikonians Self Portrait Challenge is complete.

Once again our members were able share their creative vision in creating portraits of themselves.

We are pleased to announce the Winner and four Honorable mentions. All five photographs will be advanced to the finals of the Best of Nikonians 2018.


The winning image is 'Catching a Bus' by Jim Davie (jay dee)

Honorable Mention is awarded to the following members.

'D7000 Creepy Eye' by Larry Mannino (Larry E30)

'Kayak Selfie' by Tom Egel (tegel)

'Editing' by Rick Moran (slopoki1)

'Boat Builder' by Michael Camann (mcamann)

Please stop by to see the full images and congratulate the winners, here.

self-portrait-800px.jpg


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Be sure to get your images posted in the 2nd segment of teh Best of Nikoninas 2018 - Wondrous World of Fun and Games


Open for eneries untill July 15.

Posted by dm1dave at 4:03 AM

August 11, 2018

August Contests

august-contests-110px.jpgAll of the August contests have been updated.

Contests are open in Wildlife, Landscape, Macro, Travel, and Digital Artistry Forums, as well as our Online Assignment.

Also the third segment of the Best of Nikonians 2018 is open for entries. The theme is The Wonders of Nature.

So, the challenge is on, lets see what Nikonians can do. The contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

This month's themes are...

Wildlife > Departing or Rear Views
Landscape > Sunbursts
Macro/Closeup > Butterflies, Moths, and Skippers
Travel > Smiling Faces
Digital Artistry > Flowers
Online Assignment > Your Favorite Color

august-contests-1.jpg


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Best of Nikonians, Segment 3 > The Wonders of Nature

In our first two segments where focused on people, this time we turn to nature for inspiration.

Let us see some photos of the wondrous natural surroundings ranging from our own backyards to far away natural sights around the world.

Open for entries until Sept 15, 2018 Click here to enter.

seg3-1.jpg

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Nikonians Self Portrait Challenge

This is a Special Edition Contest, an extension of our big annual contest. Up to five images from this challenge will be advanced to the finals of the Best of Nikonians 2018.

We are looking for your best self-portraits. Portraits can range from formal studio shots to fun creative shots, such as shadows, reflections, etc.

Open for entries until August 25, Click here to enter.

self-portrait-800.png

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Vote now!

Be sure to vote for your favorite images from the July contests. Voting is open to all registered members.

Here is a full list of Current Contest & Polls.

Posted by dm1dave at 2:53 AM

August 7, 2018

Nikonians Self Portrait Challenge 2018

self-portrait-110px.JPG Nikonians Self Portrait Challenge 2018

This is a Special Edition Contest, an extension of our big annual contest. Up to five images from this challenge will be advanced to the finals of the Best of Nikonians 2018.

We are looking for your best self-portraits. Portraits can range from formal studio shots to fun creative shots, such as shadows, reflections, etc.

Nikonians Self Portrait Challenge will open for entries until August 25 2018.


self-portrait-800.png


This contest is open only to Silver, Gold and Platinum members. The Nikonians Team is not eligible for this particular contest.

If you are currently a basic member there is still time to upgrade your membership and join the competition.

The Nikonians Team will choose the winner and 4 honorable mentions. All 5 images will be advanced to the finals of the Best of Nikonians 2018 contest.

The winner will be announced before the end of August and will be recognized in the Nikonians Blog and will receive a printable Certificate of Photographic Achievement.

We look forward to seeing how you fulfill this challenge!

Click Here to enter.

Posted by dm1dave at 2:18 AM

August 3, 2018

June Winners Announced

june-winners-110px.jpg We are pleased to announce the winners of the June monthly contests.

All six images have been entered in the Annual Best of Nikonians 2018 Contest.

Follow the links below to see the full images and to congratulate the winners.


Wildlife: "Coming Out" by Rick Moran (slopoki1)

Landscape: "Merced River, Yosemite National Park" by Russ Glindmeier (russg)

Maco/Close-Up: "Dandelion and Dew" by Gerald Botkin (BayouBoy66)

Travel: "Fire Dancer" by Godfredo Baylon (GBaylon)

Digital Artistry: "Off to Nowhere" by Preston Moochnek (massulo)

june-winners-1.jpg


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Don't forget about the Nikonians Self Portrait Challenge

Open for entries until August 25

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Posted by dm1dave at 4:34 AM

July 24, 2018

Winners & More Winners

july23-110px.jpgWe have two big contest announcements today.

First are the winners in the second segment of the The Best of Nikonians 2018, Wondrous World of Fun and Games.

The winning photo is a colorful expression of joy as a young man shows off his riding skills.
"The Kid Has Tricks!" by William McEwen (Wolfgang55)

In addition to our winner we have 4 images earning the designation of Honorable mention. All images will be advanced to the final round of the Best of Nikonians 2018 Contest.

Please join me in congratulating the winners.


1. "Well, it is supposed to be fun" by Tommie Hardin (tommiejeep)
2. "Peek-a-boo by Michael Hurder" (MKHurder)
3. "Rukus on Rails by Fred Crowden" (freqflyerfred)
4. "Amsterdam - Carnival at Night" by Gary Paige (JazzDoc)

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Then we have the winners of our first ever Nikonians Portrait Challenge.

The winning image is "Catalina" by James Buch (jimray)

As in the other contest we are also recognizing 4 images as Honorable mention.

Please join me in congratulating the winners.

1. "Maddi in Studio" by Michael Kerouac (MKerouac)
2. "Sparkler Illumination" by Wen Wu (wwp512)
3. "High Key by Rick Moran" (slopoki1)
4. "Miss Independence" by Fred Crowden (freqflyerfred)

portrait-winners-800.jpg

Posted by dm1dave at 2:49 AM

July 3, 2018

May Winners Announced


may-win-110px.jpg
We are pleased to announce the winners of the May monthly contests.

All six images have been entered in the Annual Best of Nikonians 2018 Contest.

Follow the links below to see the full images and to congratulate the winners.


1- Wildlife > Gerald Botkin (bayouboy66)

2- Landscape > Vlad Skibunov (vladiator)

3- Macro & Close-up > Fred Crowden (freqflyerfred)

4- Travel > James Buch (jimray)

5- Digital Artistry > Mary Freestone (frantoia)

6- Online Assignment > Gerald Oliver (geraldroliver)

winners-1.jpg

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Best of Nikonians 2018

Be sure to get your images posted in the 2nd segment of the Best of Nikonians - Wondrous World of Fun and Games

Open for entries until July 15.

2018-seg2-post-800px.jpg


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Nikonians Portrait Challenge 2018

The first ever Portrait Challenge continues this month.

Open for entries until July 20.

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Posted by dm1dave at 5:10 PM

June 20, 2018

Nikonians Portrait Challenge 2018

portrait-chall-110px.jpgWe are excited to announce the first ever Nikonians Portrait Challenge.

This is a Special Edition Contest, an extension of our big annual contest. Up to five images from this challenge will be advanced to the finals of the Best of Nikonians 2018.

We are looking for your best portrait photography. All forms of portraiture are eligible including, formal, informal, candid, environmental portraits, etc. Be creative and have fun with this challenge.

The Nikonians Portrait Challenge will be open from entries from June 20 - July 20 2018.

portrai-800px.png


This contest is open only to Silver, Gold and Platinum members. The Nikonians Team is not eligible for this particular contest.

If you are currently a basic member there is still time to upgrade your membership and join the competition.

The Nikonians Team will choose the winner and 4 honorable mentions. All 5 images will be advanced to the finals of the Best of Nikonians 2018 contest.

The winner will be announced before the end of July and will be recognized in the Nikonians Blog and will receive a printable Certificate of Photographic Achievement.

We look forward to seeing how you fulfill this challenge!

Click here to enter.

Posted by dm1dave at 4:59 PM

June 13, 2018

June Contests

Contests_110px.pngDon't forget to check out our June contests.

We currently have 7 contests that are open for entries including Wildlife, Landscape, Close-up/Macro, Travel, Digital Artistry, Online Assignment, & Segment 2 of the Best of Nikonians 2018.

Best of Nikonians Segment 2 - Wondrous World of Fun and Games
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Wildlife Contest - Splash, Action with Water
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Landscape Contest - Streams and Rivers
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Macro & Close-Up Contest - Water and Ice
june4-600px.jpg


Travel Challenge - Street Vendors and Performers
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Digital Artistry Contest - Negative Space
june6-600px.jpg


Assignment - Negative Space
june7-600px.jpg

Posted by dm1dave at 6:32 PM

June 1, 2018

Best of Nikonians, segment 2 is posted

2018-seg2-post-110px.jpg The second segment of the Best of Nikonians has been posted.

The theme is "Wondrous World of Fun and Games"

In our first theme we were concentrating on people at work. This time we want to celebrate the things we do for entertainment. This time we want to see people having fun. Photos can depict people participating in any sort of leisure time activity, playing games, sporting events, adventures, children playing, etc.

Example Photos:
2018-seg2-post-800px.jpg


This is the second of four themed segments of the Best of Nikonians 2018 Contest. This segment will be open to entries from June 1 - July 15.

The winner will be announced at the end of July. The winner will be recognized in our weekly newsletter and will receive a printable Certificate of Photographic Achievement.

In addition to our overall winner, the top five images will be advanced to compete as finalists in the annual Best of Nikonians 2018 Contest. All five images will automatically be uploaded to the Best of Nikonians 2018 Gallery.


Click here to enter.

Posted by dm1dave at 4:53 PM

May 28, 2018

Segment 1 - Winners Announced

2018-seg1-winner-110px.jpgThe winners have been announced in this years Best of Nikonians, Segment 1, Wondrous Jobs from Around the World Contest .

Once again, the Nikonians community has demonstrated great talent and creativity in fulfilling a difficult theme. We see in this contest how photography can be used to document working people from around the world. You can find the contest thread with all the outstanding entries posted here.


The winning is this stunning photograph titled "Dye worker in tannery at Fes" by Nikonians Gold member Richard R. Faris (Rrfaris).

D850. 80-400@240mm. ISO 320. 1/1000s. f5.3
2018-seg1-winner-800px.jpg

In addition to our winner we have 4 images earning the designation of Honorable mention. All images will be advanced to the final round of the Best of Nikonians 2018 Contest.

1. Barnstormer by Robert Brown (RP62)
2. Blacksmith at Middleton Plantation by Bonnie Christensen (BChrisRad)
3. Coming Out by Tom Shlesinger (tomshlez)
4. The Kettle Korn Business by William McEwen (Wolfgang55)

Please stop by and offer your congradulations in this thread.

seg1-honor.jpg

Posted by dm1dave at 3:06 AM

May 5, 2018

March Winners, Contests Updated

may05-110px.jpgWinners Announced, May Contests are Open for entries, Deadline for segment 1 of the Best of Nikonians, & First ever non-Nikon Camera Contest.

We are pleased to announce the winners of the March monthly contests.

All six images have been entered in the Annual Best of Nikonians 2018 Contest.

Follow the links below to see the full images and to congratulate the winners.


#1 - Wildlife > Rick Moran (slopoki1)
#2 - Landscape > Russell Whittemore (rosewood_ltd)
#3 - Macro & Close-up > Dan Wiedbrauk (domer2760)
#4 - Travel > Russell Whittemore (rosewood_ltd)
#5 - Digital Artistry > Gerald Oliver (geraldoliver)
#6 - Online Assignment > Cathy Straub (Chessam)

may05-800px.jpg

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The May Contests have been updated, see the Current Contests post pinned in the English café.

Don't forget to cast your votes for the April Contests.

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Best of Nikonians - Segment 1 "Wondrous Jobs from around the world" deadline is the May 15.

Don't miss out, get you images posted for an opportunity to advance to the finals at the end of the year.

Click here to enter...

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Special Edition Contest

For the first time ever we are offering a special edition contest for non-Nikon cameras.

The theme is Street Photography. Show us what you are doing with you non-Nikon gear!

Click here to enter.

Posted by dm1dave at 9:28 PM

April 16, 2018

April Contest Reminder

apr15-110px.jpgAll of the contests are underway, we have themes in Wildlife, Landscape, Macro, Travel, and Digital Artistry Forums, as well as our Online Assignment.

Also the first segment of the Best of Nikoninas 2018 is open for enteries. The theme is Wondrous Jobs from around the world

So, the challenge is on, let see what Nikonians con do. The contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

This month's themes are...

Best of Nikonians > Wondrous Jobs from around the world

Wildlife > Conflict
Landscape > Bad Weather
Macro/Closeup > Keep it Simple
Travel > Hats and Head Coverings
Digital Artistry > Mechanical
Online Assignment > Sunrises and Sunsets


apr15-800px.jpg

Be sure to vote for your favorite images from the March contests. Winners will advance to the Best of Nikonians 2018. Voting is open to all registered members.

Here is a full list of Current Contest & Polls.

Posted by dm1dave at 12:04 AM

April 2, 2018

February Winners & Best of Nikonians

seg1-110px.jpgWe are pleased to announce the winners of the February monthly contests and the start of the Best of Nikonians Segment One Contest.

All six images have been entered in the Annual Best of Nikonians 2018 Contest.
The April Cotests are being updated, to stay up-to-date see the Current Contests post pinned in the English cafe.

Follow the links below to see the full images and to congratulate the winners.

Wildlife > Ian McNicol (Scotty45)
Landscape > Tom Egel (tegel)
Macro & Close-up > James Buch (jimray)
Travel > Richard Faris (Rrfaris)
Digital Artistry > Godofredo Baylon (GBaylon)
Online Assignment > Robert Wightman (robwig)


feb-winnerss800px.jpg


Best of Nikonians - Segment 1 is underway.

This segment's theme is "Wondrous Jobs from around the world".
We are celebrating working people everywhere, lets see photographs featuring people at work.

Click here to enter...

Photo by sevendayimages
seg1800px.jpg

Posted by dm1dave at 7:06 PM

March 16, 2018

March Contest Reminder

mar15-18-110px.jpgA call for entries, the contests are off to a slow start this month.

We have some great themes in the Wildlife, Landscape, Macro, Travel, and Digital Artistry Forums, as well as our Online Assignment.

So, the challenge is on, show us your creativity and photographic skill in fulfilling this months contest themes. The contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

This month's themes are...

Wildlife > Birds and Blossoms
Landscape > Dramatic Daylight Sky with Motion Blur
Macro/Close-up > Modern Technology
Travel > The Intentional Tourist
Digital Artistry > Change
Online Assignment > Lakes and Streams

Be sure to vote for your favorite images from the February contests. Winners will advance to the Best of Nikonians 2018. Voting is open to all registered members.

Here is a full list of Current Contest & Polls

march-contests800px.jpg

Posted by dm1dave at 3:37 PM

March 4, 2018

January Winners Announced

jan-contests110px.JPGWe are pleased to announce the winners of the January monthly contests.

All six images have been entered in the Annual Best of Nikonians 2018 Contest.

The February Polls and the March contests are being updated, to stay up-to-date see the Current Contests post pinned in the English café.

Follow the links below to see the full images and to congratulate the winners.

Wildlife > Bill Marchel (BillMarchel)
Landscape > William McEwen (Wolfgang55)
Macro & Close-up > Geoff Baylis (GBaylis)
Travel > Russell Whittemore (rosewood_ltd)
Digital Artistry > Gary Worrall (glxman)
Online Assignment > Gerald Oliver (geraldroliver)

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Posted by dm1dave at 6:50 PM

February 15, 2018

Best of Nikonians 2017 Winners Announced

best-of_2017-contes110px.jpgNikonians is proud to announce the Winners of the Best of Nikonians 2017 Annual Photo Contest.

The quality of the images submitted this year has been better than ever. We are extremely proud of the level of photographic accomplishment of our membership.

An international team of Judges, from eight countries, were drawn from the Nikonians Master's Society to grade the ninety five finalist images.

Winners will receive:
The Laureate Ribbon, as Winners of an annual Best of Nikonians Photo Contest
The Nikonians Certificate of High Photographic Achievement
A prize from our contest sponsors thinkTANK and MindShift

Please stop by to congratulate the winners.

Winners are...

Hunting Snowy Egret by Jack Backs (Jfbacks)
Boxer's Corner by Isaac Vaisman (ivaisman)
Hands up by Rick Moran (slopoki1)
Bubble in Smoke II by Geoff Baylis (GBaylis)
Watkins Glen State Park by Thomas W. Sprunger (Melman59)
Low hanging mist by Henning Bossen (henbo)
Reflections by Mark Kraus (pipco)
Mark Kraus (pipco) by Darryl Hodson (skibreeze7)
Tufted Puffin at Takeoff by Gary Paige (JazzDoc)
Dubai by Harish Unnikrishnan (harishu)

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Posted by dm1dave at 4:31 AM

February 9, 2018

February Contests are now underway.

feb-contests110px.JPG All the new contests for the month of February have been posted.

Share your best work, the February contests in the Wildlife, Landscape, Macro, Travel, and Digital Artistry Forums, as well as our Online Assignment are ready for your submissions.

Contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

This months themes are...

Wildlife > Seeing Red
Landscape > Starry Night
Macro/Closeup > Black & White Close-up or Macro
Travel > Motion
Digital Artistry > Starts with 'R'
Online Assignment > Forests

Be sure to vote for you favorite images from the January contests. Winners will advance to the Best of Nikonians 2018. Voting is open to all registered members.

Here is a full list of Current Contest & Polls.

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Posted by dm1dave at 9:09 PM

February 3, 2018

December Contest Winners

dec-contest_110.jpgWinners Announced!

We are pleased to announce the winners of the December monthly contests. This was the final set of images to advance in the Annual Best of Nikonians 2017 Contest. The judging for the annual contest is now underway, winners will be announced during the week of Feb 12.

Voting was tight this month, resulting in a tie in the Macro contest.

Follow the links below to see the full images and congratulate the winners.

Wildlife > Jack Backs (Jfbacks)
Landscape > Thomas Sprunger (Melman59)
Macro & Close-up > Rick Moran (slopoki1) & Henning Bossen (henbo)
Travel > Barbara Colbert (Britbear)
Digital Artistry > Gerald Oliver (geraldoliver)
Online Assignment > Kevin Holder (Shutterbug57)


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Posted by dm1dave at 5:17 PM

January 8, 2018

January Contests are now underway

jan-contests110px.JPGAll the new contests for the month of January have been posted.

Let's see your best work, the January contests in the Wildlife, Landscape, Macro, Travel, and Digital Artistry Forums, as well as our Online Assignment are ready for your submissions. Contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

The themes are...

Wildlife > Flight
Landscape > Winter in Black and White
Macro/Close-up > Flower Shapes or Patterns
Travel > Single Horse Portrait
Digital Artistry > Simplicity
Online Assignment > Off Camera Flash With Modifier

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Be sure to vote for you favorite images from the December contests. The winners from December will be the final group entered the Best of Nikonians 2017. Voting is open to all registered members.

Here is a full list of Current Contest & Polls.

Posted by dm1dave at 6:32 PM

January 2, 2018

Contest Winners Announced

winners_110px.jpgWe are pleased to announce the winners of the November monthly contests.

With over tree hundred entries submitted in six contests during the month of November, these six outstanding images have been chosen as winners by our members. All six have been entered in the Annual Best of Nikonians 2017 Contest.

Click on the members names below send your congratulations and to see the full images.


Wildlife > Rick Moran (slopoki1)

Landscape > Russell Whittemore (rosewood_ltd)

Macro & Close-up > Mark Kraus (pipco)

Travel > Harish Unnikrishnan (harishu)

Digital Artistry > Mike McLain (AUMike)

Online Assignment > Andrew Laycock (Oppyrider)

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November 2017 Contest Winners

Posted by dm1dave at 5:04 PM

December 19, 2017

Vote for Your Favorite Images

vote1.jpgWe have just over a week until the end of the month. So, please stop by and vote for your favorite images from the November Contests. Your vote Counts!

All members are eligible to vote and choose our monthly contest winners.

The following polls are open for voting until the end of the month...


Wildlife > Beak & Talon / Fang & Claw
Landscape > Fall Colors
Macro & Close-up > Dewdrops
Travel > Cityscapes
Digital Artistry > Painting

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Follow contest updates each month with the Current Contests Post in the English Café.

Posted by dm1dave at 9:24 AM

July 4, 2017

Summer release of New Nikon DSLR expected

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Here are some of the topics and news items we're tracking for our community this week. ---
Members react to new Nikon D820 rumors- May contest congrats- $25K lens reviews a hoot--- PLUS more....


1 - Summer release of New Nikon DSLR expected

Our members have been discussing recent bargain prices on the Nikon D810, and the logical conclusion seems to point towards the next camera in the D8XX series. Now, the internet is buzzing with rumors of a D820 unveiling later this month. 

This discussion, started last month, starts to unravel the possibilities. 

A few sample comments:

•  I think it's time for an updated "800" series body and that is likely to be significantly better than the D800/D810. It should incorporate some of the improved focus and processing systems in the D5 and D500 and could be close to 50 MPX (if that is of interest).

•   I will be getting a D820 or whatever the next high-resolution camera is around that price point. Skipping a generation tends to work well and produce more significant updates. 

•  But I'm not going to jump to a 40+ mp D820 - I'll wait for the 40+ mp D830!

Have you been holding off for a generation jump in the D8XX series? If so, what features are you holding out for?  

One more thing--that image we're using of a "D820" - it's a Photoshop fake.  


2 - May Contest Congrats

Nikonians Contest Coordinator David Summers (dm1dave) has posted the results of the May contests.

Congratulations to our winners!

Special congratulations go to Kathy Cavallero (Cavy2) for taking first place honors in two categories.

Check our winning images legend below and scroll down for the names of the winners. Each photo title serves as a link, which will lead you to explanations behind some of the photographs and an overall look at the competition. 


Here are the winners of the May Contests:

1. -- Wildlife - "Interaction between animal species" theme winner Isaac Vaisman (ivaisman), from Florida, USA with his image titled Not this time.

2. -- Landscape - "Coastal Views" theme winner Darryl Hodson (skibreeze7) from Oregon, USA with his image titled Ecola Point at Sunset.

3. -- Macro - "Green" theme winner Roberta Davidson (birdied) from Louisiana, USA with her image titled My What Big Eyes You Have.

4. -- Travel - "Room with a View" theme winner Kathy Cavallero (Cavy2) from Pennsylvania, USA with her image titled Chillon Castle-Switzerland.

5. -- Digital Artistry -  "Lines" theme winner Kathy Cavallero (Cavy2) from Pennsylvania, USA with her image titled Heuchera.

6. -- Assignment -  "Street Photography" theme winner Dan Mitchell (danmitch) from England, The United Kingdom with an image from a series, capturing moments of quiet in busy places. .

Interested in submitting your photos?

If you want to participate, please be sure to enter one of the monthly competitions listed in David Summers' contest guide

The Online Photo Assignments category is coordinated by Rob Migliaccio (rmigliaccio) from Rhode Island, USA. You can check his recap of past assignments here

The current (July) assignment is "The Color White." 

Here is Rob's description:

It would follow of course that since last month's assignment was the color black, this month's assignment would be the color white. Like last month, my suggestion is to Google "the color white" to get a sense of this month's assignment. You will come up with a ton of ideas that are associated with this color - what it means, what it evokes, how it affects us, etc. Your job is to convert what the color means to you into a photograph. The assignment is easy, yet it will be hard.


3 - 100 more millimeters - worth it?

Silver member David Powell (DaveP142) from England, The United Kingdom is wondering if he should invest in a lens that hits the 300mm mark.

He already has a lens reaching 200mm and is looking to find out if that extra 100mm is worthwhile. 

Here's the question:

My "long" lens at the moment is the Nikkor 55 - 200mm. I've been feeling that a little more reach could be handy and looking at 70 - 300mm lenses.

It seems there are three contenders. According to online reviews:

The Nikon VR - Well built, popular, but, apparently, tragically soft at 300mm.

The Tamron SP Di VC USD. Cheaper, not quite so well made but a bit better optically - but I have come across reports that this too is less than satisfactory at 300mm

The Nikon AF-P DX. Thom Hogan reckons it's the best match for a 24MP camera although he apparently hasn't given it a full lab session. I wouldn't challenge his evaluation, but I personally think that f/6.3 at 300mm could be a problem for me.

I'm starting to think that just wanting an extra 100mm isn't such a good idea in practice as the whole point of the exercise would be to use the lens at 300mm.

I understand that I might see an improvement in image quality at 200mm and below but I'm not sure how much and by the sound of things I would end up "paying" for any improvement by having to take constant care to avoid using the dodgy focal lengths.

This is all based on stuff I found on line, and much of that was four or five years old. I'd appreciate some more up to date thoughts on the subject. 

Should have said: Intended use would be nature / landscape - no sports!

We've already had some enlightening responses, including positive comments on a 300mm prime option (instead of zoom).  Join the discussion if you have wrestled with the same problem as you added new gear.


4 - $25,999 lens? Why not?

Scrolling through the many news sources regarding our favorite camera gear, we sometimes run into unusual (and sometimes funny) tidbits.

This is one of those tidbits.

It's an expensive lens that has drawn very interesting reviews. In fact, the reviews are getting funnier with time. 

We're currently discussing the lens and those reviews which are gathering on a famous online shopping site. 

Here's a sample: 

•  I decided to try it out at a nature park near me to look at Saturn. I got some pretty good pics (seen in images) but I accidentally set off the built-in mini nuke launcher and destroyed the entire planet of Saturn! 

•  This lens is great as others have already mentioned so I won't get into that detail, but there is one major flaw with this listing. The lens cap is not included! 

•  I got this for the camera in my iPhone, works great. I took it with me to Vegas and was using it in the casino (I know, not supposed to use cameras in the casino, but I was discreet) I was actually able to read guys security code at an ATM in Detroit. 

And that's just a small sample-- wait till you read the one about the guy who uses this lens for a certain medical procedure. The links can be found here.


5 -  Upgrade decisions - ready for new computer?

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Silver member Neal Nurmi (Wingman) from British Columbia, Canada is researching his next computer, and his question to our members has resulted in a number of insightful appraisals. If you are also considering a computer upgrade, this is a must read.

Here's a small portion of his question:

I'm planning a new computer to replace my aging machine. I know questions like this one get posted here a lot, but I would like some advice on this. It will be a Windows 7 machine.

I've been emailing with a builder who has a good reputation. He himself is a gamer and gaming is what he knows best, but he has worked with photographers and graphic artists as well and is well spoken of by photographers in his area. When I explained my needs to him (high megapixel cameras, HDR, image stacking and panoramas etc. but no gaming and no interest in video) he came up with this possible build: ----

Neal goes on to give specs, and our members are already weighing in with further advice.

Check it out, and feel free to share your opinion Neal's perfect upgrade.


6 - Bye-bye Lexar?

Our thanks to Silver member Colin H Frydrych (colin1957) from England, The United Kingdom for his heads up on some sad news for Lexar memory card fans.

It seems the entire line of Lexar cards and accessories may be headed for extinction. Our members quickly reacted to the news.

A clarification post by Nikonians Academy Director Eric Bowles sheds more light on the topic:

Micron - the parent - is doing well but Lexar and other consumer products are holding them back. Camera sales are down and most smart devices are shifting to cloud storage rather than SD cards.

Micron's new CEO was a co-founder of SandDisk and left SanDisk in 2016. He was named CEO of Micron in April 2017.

It's pretty obvious that the storage business is a concern. Toshiba announced they were getting rid of memory cards last year but just sold the unit to a group including Bain Capital in June. They - like Micron - reported financial results showing the weak unit was a "discontinued operation" - and that presentation boosts operating results and stock price of the parent. So, the timing is partly for accounting presentation. They will likely sell the brand and it will likely continue in some form. There is a big difference between closing the unit and announcing it is being discontinued with plans for sale.

Do you agree with Eric's assessment? Let us know.


7 - D5 time lapse - Pool table install

Silver member Linwood Ferguson (Ferguson) from Florida, USA shares an interesting time-lapse project condensing the steps involved in the assembly of a pool table.

Linwood shares the final product as well as some tech-specs:

I tried something completely different. We were getting a pool table installed, and I set the D5 up with the Intervalometer running at 10 second intervals, and got 1632 images. Put them together in Resolve to a video, and got about a minute worth of the install. 

Maybe this should go under video, but I didn't use the video feature.

Just for your amusement.

I limited it to HD (1080p) but you get really high resolution when you take stills and then make it into a video.  -- Linwood

If you have a similar project in mind and you want to gather some preparation notes, feel free to ask Linwood.


8 - D7500 memory card performance review

Nikonians Academy Director Eric Bowles (ericbowles) has posted a link to memory card performance specs from cameramemoryspeed.com, along with his own assessment of the results.

Here's a brief sample of Eric's thoughts on the published performance specs: 

The bottom line is this confirms that the camera has a UHS-I SD card slot and gets no benefit from using newer, faster, and more expensive UHS-II cards. The SanDisk Extreme Pro 95 MB/s UHS-I cards are identified as the best value with write speed of around 80 MB/s. The fast UHS-II cards are no better in terms of write speed, but can be much faster using a USB 3.0 UHS-II card reader for downloads. 

The buffer on the D7500 is quite large, so the camera can shoot 14 bit RAW lossless compressed files at 6.5 fps and zip off the limit of 100 frames before stopping. It takes a while to clear the buffer if it fills - around 12-15 seconds with the fastest cards. 

Check Eric's full post for details and the link to the performance test. 

----------------------------------- 

That's it for this week. Make sure you grab your favorite camera and capture some images to share with family and friends (especially us at Nikonians). -- Tom Boné (flashdeadline)

Posted by flashdeadline at 1:10 PM

May 30, 2017

Are you a darkroom "cheater?"

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Here are some of the topics and news items we're tracking for our community this week. ---

Members share views on digital darkroom enhancements, Black and White competition winners announced, landscape photography on a budget, rain gear comparisons --- PLUS more....


1 -- Are you a darkroom cheater?

Silver member Dale Williams (Tropidale) from Florida, USA wants to know where our members stand on post processing techniques that may be stretching the "truth" of an image.

The modern digital darkroom allows for endless variations on an original photo, but Dale is thinking there may be a bit of "misrepresentation" involved.  


Here's a very short excerpt from his opening remarks:

Today I researched tutorials on how to get those magnificent milky way shots I have been drooling over for years. Imagine my disappointment to find that the "before" shots appear to be nothing like the edited version, just a fairly starry sky with a slightly lighter area. I was certainly expecting some adjustment, and I am sure that the video didn't do the actual original justice, but the extreme enhancements seemed a lot like 'bait and switch".


I get that photography is art, and you have a right to create whatever you like based on your skill, imagination, and tools. But it kind of bothers me when we, as photographers, misrepresent reality to such a degree that those who choose to visit a place or shoot the same subject based on what they think are representative images, end up feeling cheated when they arrive and see that they do not represent reality for viewing or photographing.


Check his full post for more points before you join this discussion. Plenty of great responses have already been added. 


2 -- Best B&W contest winners

Nikonians Photo Contest Director Dave Summer (dm1dave) has announced the winner of the Best of Nikonians Segment 1 with the theme "Black and White."


Taking top honors in this round is a powerful image by Gold member Isaac Vaisman (ivaisman) from Florida, USA. His shot of a boxer, captured with his Nikon D4, is titled "Boxer's Corner."


Isaac used a Nikkor 24-70 f/2.8 lens maxed at 70mm with a 1/500 second exposure and f/4 aperture taking advantage of his ISO setting of 2000 (with +1 Exposure Compensation).

The B&W conversion was handled with Silver Effex 2.


In addition to our overall winner, we have four members earning an honorable mention. All images will advance to the final rounds of the Best of Nikonians 2017 at the end of the year.


Honorable mentions go to:

San Juan River New Mexico #2 by Adam Perez (Adamgp) from New Mexico, USA

Ghosts in the Ice by Russell Whittemore (rosewood_ltd) from Ohio, USA

Morning Exercise on Exmoor by Geoff Baylis (GBaylis) from England, The United Kingdom

Stairway to Darkness by Jeff Atchley (Graceland) from Tennessee, USA


All five images have been automatically uploaded to the Best of Nikonians 2017 Gallery.

This contest, along with the monthly forum contests, are the preliminary rounds for the Annual Best of Nikonians Photo Contest where you have the opportunity to win prizes and have your images highlighted in the Winners Galleries and published in the eZine.


3 -- Upgrade your Shutter!

This is the most inexpensive upgrade you can make to your camera. It is incredibly simple and useful. You'll be amazed nobody thought of this before!

Each package contains 2 shutter upgrades (choose RED or BLACK). Fits all Nikon DSLRs. Click here to save 5% now.

Upgrade your photography with our legendary CheatSheets. Each of our CheatSheets is a work of art. You'll find them indispensable. We have CheatSheets for ALL of Nikons DSLRs and most Speedlights,


Get infinite Depth of Field with Helicon Software (discounted 10%). Save 20% on our legendary CheatSheets; 10% on Helicon Photo Software and 5% on accessories.

Get the discount with this link 


4 -- Landscape Photography on a budget

Gold member Wayne Lorimer (wjlorimer) from New Zealand has posted an inspirational article for those of us who do not have a massive assortment of specialized gear designed to help capture landscapes.

His premise is simple: Make use of what you already own.


In his article, Wayne contends:

Before you go off and buy that $5000 camera body, or $2000 wide angle lens, let's think about this. What I'm about to say may shock you, it may upset you (sorry about that), or it may even delight you. But it's the truth. And the truth is, a $2000 lens will NOT make you a better landscape photographer. And a $5000 camera will NOT make you a better photographer - period.


The photographers you admire may very well use the latest full frame bodies, and the most expensive ultra-wide lenses that money can buy. But that's not what makes them great photographers either. Trust me, you can take wonderful, amazing, stunning, incredible landscape pictures with an entry level or mid-range camera body and the humble kit lens. Seriously. When it comes to beautiful landscape images, it is most definitely not about the gear.


Can he prove his point? - by the looks of his sample images, it sure seems so. Check it out. 


5 -- Canon kudos anyone?

Silver member Alex Rosen (klrbee25) from Florida, USA is contemplating Canon as a source for his printing needs. Now is the time for all our Canon Printer users to chime in and let him know if he is on the right track.


Here's his wish-list:

I've been shooting for many years and have amassed a collection of digital photos. However, I drifted away from printing my work, mostly due to cost concerns at the time. I'm now drawn to the high-end Canon wide-format printers to renew my enjoyment of past and future work. I've also found that I'm quite reluctant to use print-shops for my work due to the inconvenience of uploading work, waiting for the prints, and then having to repeat the cycle if I want to adjust the results and receive more prints.


I've been considering the Canon Prograf Pro-1000 to print up to 17"x24" and get excellent quality. The missing roll paper support is bummer. I'm drawn to the improvement in print-head technology to minimize clogs which were a real downer when I was using Epson products many years ago.


My thought is I could use the Canon for all my smaller print needs and to make proofs for larger prints that are beyond the printer's capabilities. Considering really large prints need some special mounting for proper presentation, I expect to use a quality print shop for those works regardless. But I'm hoping the Canon will get me back into high quality printing, fill my small print needs and serve as a stepping stone to proofing which prints go for the big presentation with professional production.


Does this make any sense? I'm not making a living with photography and the prints are for me, my family and for display in our home.


If you have experience with Canon printers like the one Alex is asking about--we encourage you to join the discussion. 


6 -- Last chance for Nikon D500, D750 & D810 plus free Nikon Battery Pack Grips

Our friends at Berger Bros. Camera tell us they have never seen Nikon offer bigger Instant Savings.

If you're on the fence, these low prices should push you off! This offer expires on June 3rd.


• D5500
Two lens kit - save $550

• D500
Body Only - Save $200BB-sp_250.jpgw/ kit lens - Save $670
Plus Free MB-D17 Battery Pack

• D750
Body Only - Save $500
w/ kit lens - Save $1100
Plus Free MB-D16 Battery Pack

• D810 Body Only - Save $500
D810 w/ kit lens - Save $1100
Plus Free MB-D12 Battery Pack


You can now pre-order the new D7500 Body at $1,249.99 or the D7500 w/kit lens at $1,749.99. Great Personal service: Brad Berger 516-816-4921 or Brad@Berger-Bros.com. or mailto:BradBerger@mac.com.


7 -- Rain Gear anyone?


We have a very detailed discussion on rain gear going on in our Camera Carry & Apparel forum. The depth of responses shows many of our more experienced members take water damage seriously. Specific brand names are discussed in-depth.


This is a must read if you have a trip to wet climates and regions in mind. Here are a few examples:

•  It really depends on how much rain and how long. For many photographers, pouring rain is beyond the scope of decent photos so it's really light rain or showers for 15-30 minutes that is the problem. If you must get the shot and are a sports photographer, you need something more. If rather than a shower, you just have nuisance water such as heavy mist, there is still a different solution.


• I would also take a lightweight poncho. A poncho will cover you and your bag and provide temporary shelter for your camera and lens. I have a large size one that becomes a portable shelter and I have it over the tripod and shoot through the hood.


• There's a point at which you have to distinguish rain gear aimed at protecting the camera while shooting, and just protecting the camera (a big garbage bag can do the latter).


How do you protect your valuable investment in great gear? Let us know.  


8 -- Think Tank Photo announces upgraded favorites

Our friends at Think Tank Photo have released a new version of their popular TurnStyle sling bags with an emphasis on stability.

The TurnStyle 5 fits a mirrorless body plus two to four lenses, and an eight-inch tablet.  The TurnStyle 10 fits a standard size DSLR plus one to two lenses, and an eight-inch tablet. 


The TurnStyle 20 fits a standard size DSLR plus one to three lenses, and a 10" tablet.  These new version releases come in the traditional Charcoal and in a new color, Indigo Blue.


Doug Murdoch, Think Tank Photo's CEO and lead designer tells us:

This new version of our popular TurnStyle sling bags reinforces their reputation as the ideal "grab and go" camera bag. One thing we've learned from serving professional photographers for so long is that they always need one, pre-conformed gear kit that gives them access to their core gear.  The TurnStyle is that bag.


If a combination backpack/roller is you favorite Think Tank product, they have you covered with their new version of the StreetWalker® series--  one of the most sought-after products in the photographic world.  


The new StreetWalker Rolling Backpack V2.0, featuring the ability to switch from a backpack to a roller. Also released are upgraded versions of all three classic StreetWalker backpacks.


Photographers get the same comfort and quality as the original series but with new features such as increased depth for modern DSLR systems, and dedicated pockets for both tablets and smartphones.


Editor's note: if you are interested in these bags, make sure you use our links (above)-- our friends at Think Tank have arranged for the links to lead our members to free gear and free shipping with their orders. 


9 -- Real Estate photographers share tips

New member Maris Lubbock (Enidan) from Ontario, Canada took a picture of a home. A realtor liked her work and now she's on the verge of entering the world of real estate photography. It's not as easy as one might think, and she's asking for advice. What would you suggest?


Here's her story:

On a whim, I send some photos of a house - interior & exterior to a real estate agent who is an acquaintance. He loved them. In a note with the photos, I asked if he could would be interested in having me photo a couple of listings. Since I am very new to all this I said I would do it for free for one or two places. They loved my photos &' I'm meeting agents tomorrow afternoon at a large older home. The agent also insists he will pay me. He & some other agents loved my photos.

If things work out, I'm not worried about the business side. I have advice from our insurance agent & accountant. What I need advice on is lighting & everything else. The photos I sent were taken with my crop sensor & my Sigma 10-20. The late afternoon was sunny and the house was beautifully lit with natural light. I know nothing about supplementary lighting, so hoping at this point I don't have to use it. I will be there in the afternoon tomorrow. Hoping it's sunny.

I would love to be able to make some money to support my expensive hobby. I'm retired and have discovered my love for photography late in life when I can least afford it. Any advice would be appreciated.  - Maris


Have you been shooting real estate images? Do you have tips to share?


----------------------------------


That's it for this week. Make sure you grab your favorite camera and capture some images to share with family and friends (especially us at Nikonians). -- Tom Boné (flashdeadline)

Posted by flashdeadline at 11:20 PM

May 23, 2017

New camera, new book, new questions

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Here are some of the topics and news items we're tracking for our community this week. ---

New book coming with member input weighed in, lens storage issues, rip stop nylon for portraits--- PLUS more....



1 -- New camera, new book, new questions


Nikonians author Darrell Young (DigitalDarrell) has opened a virtual Pandora's Box while researching his next book in the Mastering Series

He knew that before he embarked on this new project.  Our members have not been too kind when reading about a new DSLR with apparently more features missing than actually added

The camera is the new Nikon D7500, and although Darrell does not have his in hand yet, he's looking for our input:



Friends, 

I have preordered the new Nikon D7500 (from Berger-Bros.com) and have been examining the camera's features on the Nikon site. There are some exciting things and some negative things that I want to talk with you about before I write our upcoming NikoniansPress book Mastering the Nikon D7500. I value your input on the camera. 

What do you see that is positive and/or negative about the D7500? Is there a particular feature you like or dislike? I am looking for positives about the D7500, although I recognize a few negatives. What are your thoughts?

Editor's note: Darrell's research shows he's ready to tackle what may be the most negatively "pre-reviewed" new model since the Nikon DF. He's asking for input because he's noticed our comments so far seem to be missing some goodies. I talked to him at length before posting this, and I can assure you he's not a "fan-boy" looking to ignore negatives in favor of positives, simply to publish a book.  The new book is already in the pre-order pipeline, so if you want it reserved, orders yours today.



2 -- Right side up? - or down?

Silver member Mark Stephan (Mark37814) from Tennessee, USA wants to know how you are storing your lenses. It's not as much the storage location as deciding "which side up?

Here's the question:

I own a bunch of lenses, both AF Nikkors and many 3rd party lenses. I use a set of shelves in my bedroom closet for storage and easy access. Do I need to keep the front lens element facing up or down? 

Currently all of my lenses including heavy primes and zooms are stored with the front element facing up. With my non AF-S lenses should I keep the lens aperture opened all the way (f/1.4, 1.8, 2.0 etc) or closed to the smallest aperture (f/16, 22 or 32) like my G lenses? 

I know this is a silly question but I want to store my lenses in a way that doesn't hurt functionality later on. 

Do you have a preferred method? Let us know, and don't forget to mention why. 



3 -- Ever lose any equipment?  Gear lost forever? - Maybe not!

new-lbl-k_220.jpg

Each IDmyStuff® label set includes includes 29 labels, in 3 sizes.  Big enough for a 400mm lens to small enough for a filter ring.


3 lines of text on each label, plus a gift or coding message for each set.  Up to 30 characters per line.  Super weatherproof outdoor vinyl with sign grade adhesive, UV resistant colorfast thermal resin printing, laminated with tough polyester. 7 different colors--code your gear by types, storage locations, or application purposes.


Just $9.95, including shipping in USA. (International: $4.95 flat rate shipping per order.)  20% off orders of 3.  30% off orders of 10 sets or more.  Typical turnaround--order to delivery--is one week or less.


4 -- Share your favorite photo storage solution


New member John O'Connell (JBOC) from Virginia, USA needs help deciding on a photo storage sharing site for his club.



Johns asks:
I have been using Dropbox for members to put their monthly theme shots in and if they come up something they like better they can pull back their shot and drop in another.


I would like to have a site where each month's work can be stored for members viewing.


I can't figure out how Flicker can be used by many and any advice would be appreciated.



We've already received comments on sites we've rarely considered. Before you share your advice, don't forget that John's usage is specialized for members of a club, (as opposed to picture sharing with family and friends. 



5 -- Can rip stop nylon improve your portraits?


Have you ever considered using a light panel made of rip stop Nylon?


Portrait photographers have been using light panels made of translucent materials for years.


The versatility factor alone is worth a try.

Silver member Robert Metheney (bobpilot) from Utah, USA has been performing trial runs with the material and he's posted examples.

He has received a few suggestions (mostly about the color of the fabric) and now he's ready for the next step:

Several colors are available. Blue, Black, Charcoal gray, red, hunter green, burnt orange, brown, and a few more that I don't like. My next project, with his mom's approval, is a portrait of a teenager. He wants something modern. He showed me some examples, not of himself, and some had light gray backgrounds, and some had dark backgrounds. We can do both. 

I'm thinking burnt orange then I can light from behind and make it brighter or darker, move it from orange to dark brown.

I am not good at picking background colors. Any help will be appreciated. 



6 -- Don't get p****ed


Silver member Mike McLain (AUMike) from Alabama, USA was first to mention an unusual friend request:


Note to everyone....appears that a scammer has obtained email addresses of members of Nikonians. The body of the email I received from this scumbag references Nikonians.org. Not good. 

Not good indeed Mike, and you were not alone. When I got mine I briefly pictured Gina Lollobrigida or Sophia Loren but my suspicious nature immediately pointed to a phishing scam.

Silver member Fred Brickenkamp (FredB D3) from Florida, USA went a few steps further and looked into some background. 

He reports: This is both a dating scam and an attempt to get people's money (help me get my father's estate, and I'll share with you). 

Many members have also been targeted, and our founders are planning for enhanced preventive measures. 



7 -- Boundless creativity in digital darkroom


Moderating Team member Dan Wiedbrauk (domer2760) reminds us to check out the current digital artistry competition because it is filling up with some amazing images.

Have a look, and let the current submissions give you inspiration to join the competition. 

The May challenge is-- Lines.

This contest features images that have been significantly manipulated for creative effect. The final output can be realistic, surreal, abstract, or fantastic. 

Show us your digitally manipulated images of lines and objects in lines. Any photographic subject is acceptable so long as it meets the Nikonians terms of use. We want to see wall-worthy line abstracts, objects/people in lines, clothes lines, blurred movement lines, architectural lines, or any liney thing that tickles your fancy. Let your inner artist lead the way. 

This is a digital manipulation contest, so tell us a little something about how you achieved the visual effect. 

Editor's note: the image used to illustrate this item was chosen at random, and does not indicate any favoritism to this entry. I'm not on the judging team. Not much time left to enter this May competition. 



8 -- Pushing for perfection


Silver member Bob Levesque (BOB_LEVESQUE) wants to shoot fast action events under challenging light conditions. He needs a good camera and some good advice. 

He has that camera, but now it's time for some advice.

Here's the question: 

This is my first attempt at shooting boxing (also my first outing with my new D750, Nikon 28-300 3.5/5.6 VR, No flash). 

Settings: AF-C, "Group", Manual 1/1000 sec, f/5.6, ISO Auto, face detection ON, focal length used usually 300, shot from the stands (not ringside). 

Read and followed all the tips in the owner's manual, other publications and local camera expert. 

PROBLEM: Even with Face-detection on, and AF-C/Grp, most of the shots were focused on the Rope around the ring instead of the boxers faces. (see attached shot) 

What did I do wrong?

Help and advice much appreciated as I intend to shoot a lot of low-light, fast action events, (boxing, roller-derby, gymnastics...etc.) which is why I bought the D750 to start with.



Thanks!


-------



That's it for this week. Make sure you grab your favorite camera and capture some images to share with family and friends (especially us at Nikonians). -- Tom Boné (flashdeadline)

Posted by flashdeadline at 10:54 PM

January 3, 2017

Congrats November Contest winners

contests-Nov-2016-SQ_110.jpgNikonians Contest Coordinator David Summers (dm1dave) has posted the results of the November contests. Congratulations to our winners!

Specials congratulations go to Geoff Baylis (GBaylis), who took top honors in two categories for the month of November.

Our member driven contests are unique in many ways. Unlike most other photo contests the workings of our contests are transparent. Our members choose the monthly themes, all entries are visible to the entire community as they are posted and you are the judges not an invisible behind the scenes "expert."

Check our winning images legend below and scroll down for the names of the winners.

Contest-November-2016-Legend_499.jpg

1. -- Wildlife -  "Raptors - Big and Small." theme winner Koos Erasmus (Rassie) from Ontario Canada with his image titled Gliding Snowy.

2. -- Landscape -  "Fall Colors" theme winner Thomas Sprunger (Melman59) from Indiana, USA with his image titled Church in Cade's Cove.

3. -- Macro - "Food" theme winner Tom Jacob (sevendayimages) from Spain with his image titled Garlic Food Pin-up.

4. -- Travel  - "Off the Beaten Track" theme winner Gary Paige (JazzDoc) from New York, USA with his image titled Brown Bear Family; Katmai NP

5. -- Digital Artistry -  "My Favorites" theme winner Geoff Baylis (GBaylis) from England, The United Kingdom with his image titled Tender Moment.

6. -- Assignment  -  "Abstract Body" theme winner Geoff Baylis (GBaylis) from England, The United Kingdom with his image titled Eye'm Watching You!

On the blog, each photo title serves as a link, which will lead you to explanations behind some of the photographs and an overall look at the competition.

Interested in submitting your photos?

If you want to participate, please be sure to enter one of the monthly competitions listed in David Summers' contest guide.

The Online Photo Assignments category is coordinated by Rob Migliaccio (rmigliaccio) from Rhode Island, USA. You can check his recap of past winners here.

The current (January) assignment is "Fluffy" - and this one has zero input at the current publication time. Here is Rob's description:

"What more can I say - let's start the new year with a fun assignment - submit images where the subject is fluffy. Have fun with this assignment, but make sure the image is wall worthy."

Posted by flashdeadline at 2:41 PM

December 6, 2016

Call for Entries - New Contest offers $10,000 in prizes

Lensculture-Awards-SQ_110.jpgYou are invited to participate in the First Ever Nikonians Photography Awards!
The Nikonians Photography Awards 2017 is an opportunity for photographers of all levels to enter their work and engage with peers in the photo industry, be eligible for awards including an online exhibition of your photos, and get professional reviews and critics of your work.

Prizes include $10,000 in camera gear, online learning programs and exposure of your work to a global audience. Our international jury panel will select 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners as well as 25 finalists. You are invited to enter your images.

Enter this new Nikonians Photography contest now.
Deadline: Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Submission of images will include a modest entry fee.

This contest is open to all types of photography:

LANDSCAPE • WILDLIFE • TRAVEL • DIGITAL • MACRO • PEOPLE • BLACK & WHITE • STREET • ARCHITECTURE • FAMILY • PANORAMA • SPORTS • STUDIO • EVENTS • & MORE

Get a Free Professional Review
For the Nikonians Photography Awards 2017 we are proud to be working in partnership with LensCulture, to provide each application you make with an optional free Professional Review.

LensCulture believes that every photographer who applies to the Nikonians Photography Awards deserves thoughtful feedback on their work. These professional reviews deliver insightful, critical feedback plus recommendations for improving your practice and preparing your work for such opportunities as competitions, grants, juried exhibitions, and other calls for entries.


NIKONIANS PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS 2017 JURY
Lensculture-Judges-700.jpg

Ken Geiger - Director of Photography, The Nature Conservancy
Brendan McCabe - Photo Editor, Smithsonian Magazine
Michael Yamashita - Photographer, The Photo Society
Alexander Strecker - Managing Editor, LensCulture
Mike Hagen - Photographer, Author and Owner, Visual Adventures
David Summers - Director, Moderator and Photo Contests Director, Nikonians

AWARDS

1st Place - $5,000
2nd Place - $3,000
3rd Place - $2,000

Lensculture-Awards-Gear_175.jpg1st, 2nd and 3rd place winning photographers will receive vouchers to purchase the camera equipment of their choice from B&H Photo Video. Cameras, lenses, drones, tripods, flashes, lighting, filters, accessaries & more are available from brands including Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Leica, Olympus, Sony & so many more.

Online Workshops and Learning Opportunities
Lensculture-Awards-workshops_200.jpgWinning photographers and finalists will receive vouchers to select a series of their choice in classes from CreativeLive's Camera & Gear curriculum.

Plus, you will enjoy a 10% off discount good for a full year of Nikonians "in person" learning events including workshops in Galapagos, Iceland, Sri Lanka, Cuba, Tokyo, and more as well as the twice yearly Nikonians Photo Adventure Trips.

Nikonians Platinum Membership
Lensculture-Awards-Platinum_200.jpgAll winning photographers will receive a free one-year platinum membership to Nikonians. With a value of over $200 this membership level is the highest offered to the Nikonians community with the most complete access to forums, galleries, content, community and discounts.

Massive Exposure to our Nikonians audience with an online exhibition
Winning images will be showcased in the Nikonians 2017 Online Exhibition, accessible by photography-lovers all over the world immediately after the results are announced as well as long after the competition closes.

Selected photographers will also be published in feature articles on Nikonians.org and published across Nikonians social media and editorial channels.

Don't miss this opportunity to let your photography skills earn you a prestigious award plus great prizes.
Enter the Nikonians Photography Awards 2017 contest now.

Nikonians has partnered with LensCulture to give you access to this organization who develops and fosters opportunities that help you move your photography career forward creatively and professionally.

Through this partnership photographers can apply to be featured in an Online exhibition as well as gain access to many opportunities for exposure, recognition and learning through LensCulture.

Posted by flashdeadline at 9:48 PM

Congrats October Contest Winners

Digital-Art-SQ-Dog-Halloween_110.jpgNikonians Contest Coordinator David Summers (dm1dave) has posted the results of the October contests. 
Congratulations to our winners!

Our member driven contests are unique in many ways. 

Unlike most other photo contests the workings of our contests are transparent.

Our members choose the monthly themes, all entries are visible to the entire community as they are posted and you are the judges not an invisible behind the scenes "expert."


Check our winning images legend below and scroll down for the names of the winners.

Each photo title serves as a link, which will lead you to explanations behind some of the photographs and an overall look at the competition.

Contest-Legend-October-2016_495.jpg

1. -- Wildlife "Wildlife Emotions" theme winner Michael Kawerninski (qanik), from British Columbia, Canada with his image titled Happiness is.

2. -- Landscape "Wild waters" theme winner Charlie Choc (cchoc) from Georgia, USA with his image titled Rainbow in the Mist.

3. --  Macro "Intimate Landscapes" theme winner Dean Andersen (DeanAZ) from Arizona, USA with his image titled Island In the Stream.

4. -- Travel "Hustle and Bustle" theme winner Barbara Colbert (Britbear) from Illinois, USA with her image titled Spice Market Porter.

5. -- Digital Artistry "Halloween" theme winner Candi Foltz (CandisCamera) from Florida, USA with her image titled China-Pug Witch.

6. -- Assignment ""Forests" theme winner Scott Ashley (scottashley) from Colorado, USA with his image titled Split trees on mountainside.

Interested in submitting your photos?

If you want to participate, please be sure to enter one of the monthly competitions listed in David Summers' contest guide.

The Online Photo Assignments category is coordinated by Rob Migliaccio (rmigliaccio) from Rhode Island, USA. You can check his recap of past winners here.

The current (November) assignment is "Bottles".

Check out Rob's description:

Here's a great opportunity to photograph your favorite beverage.

It may seem easy, but there are things you need to think about - i.e. do you want to eliminate reflections, what kind of background should you have? -  etc. Have fun with this assignment, but make sure the image is wall worthy.

Posted by flashdeadline at 8:45 PM

November 30, 2016

Congrats: Best of 2016 Contest Segment 4

Contest-BON-seg4--2016-Winner_110.jpgNikonians Contest coordinator David Summers (dm1dave) has announced the latest segment winner in our Best of Nikonians 2016 Contest.

Congratulations to Henning Bossen (henbo) from Denmark for his winning image in the Fourth Segment of the Best of Nikonians 2016.
The theme was "Places" and Henning's winning entry was titled Alpe di Siusi at sunrise. It was captured with his Nikon D3.

Contest-BON-seg4--2016-Legend_495.jpg

Four Honorable mentions go to:
2- Gary Shackelford (redbuffalo), from Wisconsin, USA with his image titled Arctic fogbow.

3- Kathy Cavallaro (Cavy2), from Pennsylvania, USA with her image titled Sunrise Portland Headlight.

4- William McEwen (Wolfgang55), from Connecticut, USA with his image titled Hartford.

5- Jeff Holdgate (Escaladieu) from France with his image titled France.

Posted by flashdeadline at 7:28 AM

November 8, 2016

Congrats September Contest winners

5-Digital-Art-hummingbird-SQ_120.jpgNikonians Contest Coordinator David Summers (dm1dave) has posted the results of the September contests. Congratulations to our winners!

Special congratulations go to Roberta Davidson (birdied) for excelling in two of our categories for September (Macro and Digital Artistry).

Our member driven contests are unique in many ways. Unlike most other photo contests the workings of our contests are transparent. Our members choose the monthly themes, all entries are visible to the entire community as they are posted and you are the judges not an invisible behind the scenes "expert."

Check our winning images legend below and scroll down for the names of the winners. Each photo title serves as a link, which will lead you to explanations behind some of the photographs and an overall look at the competition.

Legend-September-2016_495.jpg
1. -- Wildlife "Garden Wildlife" theme winner Donna Knodle (dgknodle), from Michigan, USA with her image titled Common Garter Snake.

2. -- Landscape "Landscape with a single tree" theme winner Russ Glindmeier (russg)  from Arizona, USA with his image titled Meadview, Arizona.

3. --  Macro "Liquids" theme winner Roberta Davidson (birdied) from Louisiana, USA with her image titled The Dandelion Seed.

4. -- Travel "Iconic Landmarks" theme winner Henning Bossen (henbo), from  Denmark with his image titled Memorial - Reichstag reflection.

5. -- Digital Artistry "Color"  theme winner Roberta Davidson (birdied) from Louisiana, USA with her image titled Dahlia Loving Ruby.

6. -- Assignment "Environment" theme winner Mike Rheault (mikerofoto) from Ontario, Canada with his untitled image of Power Lines.


Interested in submitting your photos?

If you want to participate, please be sure to enter one of the monthly competitions listed in David Summers' contest guide.


The Online Photo Assignments category is coordinated by Rob Migliaccio (rmigliaccio) from Rhode Island, USA. You can check his recap of past winners here.

The current (November) assignment is "Abstract Body" - and this one has zero input at the current publication time. It's a tough one to visualize, so here is Rob's description:

"For a sense of what this month's assignment is, I recommend you Google "Abstract Body Photography". It is fascinating, really. The human body presents untold photographic opportunities. Whether you are photographing the entirety of the body, or a part, use your imagination to make the image interesting. Careful use of light, shadows or motion will make the image more abstract. Black and white is often used to intensify the image and make it grittier.

The goal of this assignment is not NSFW (Not Safe For Work) images, however, they may be included if they are tasteful and appropriately referenced as such in the title. This is a challenging assignment and I hope you all produce some great, wall-worthy images."


 

Posted by flashdeadline at 7:17 PM

September 6, 2016

Congrats Nikonians July Photo Contest winners

Contest-July-2016-SQ_110.jpgNikonians Contest Coordinator David Summers (dm1dave) has posted the results of the July 2016 competitions.

Congratulations to our winners!

This month we have two winners in the Wildlife category.
We encourage you to click on the links to each image for a closer look.
All Silver, Gold and Platinum members are eligible to participate in any and all theme categories of the monthly forums contests and online assignments.

Check our winning images legend below and scroll down for the names of the winners. The image titles include links to the winning entries along with a look at the competition in each category. 

Contest-July-2016-Legend_495.jpg

 


1-A - Wildlife - "Small Feathered Friends" theme winner Roberta Davidson (Birdied), from Louisiana, USA with her image titled Female Red Winged Blackbird.    

1-B - Wildlife - "Small Feathered Friends" theme winner Jesse Martinez  (jesse101) from Montana USA with his image titled Red winged Blackbird.

2 - Landscape -  "Sunrise or sunset with water as a significant feature" theme winner Nicholas Randall  (NRandall), from Victoria, Australia with his image titled Capturing the Rising Sun - Point Addis.

3 - Macro - "Jewels or Jewelry" theme winner Jesse Martinez  (jesse101),  from Montana USA with his image titled Jewels.

4 - Travel - "History through a Nikon" theme winner James Reynolds  (reynja), from Texas, USA with his image titled Corsair Wreck - Oahu, HI - USA.

5 - Digital Artistry -  "Water" theme winner Darryl Hodson (skibreeze7), from Oregon, USA with his image titled Dew Drops on Web.

6 - July Assignment  -  "Isolation" theme winner Dan Wiedbrauk (domer2760), from Wisconsin, USA with his image titled  Defeat.

Interested in submitting your photos? 

If you want to participate, please be sure to enter one of the monthly competitions listed in David Summers' contest guide.

The Online Photo Assignments category is coordinated by Rob Migliaccio (rmigliaccio) from Rhode Island, USA. You can check his assignments updates here.

The current September Assignment is "Environment."

Your challenge is to use your photographic skill to focus attention on environmental issues.

Wall worthy images that evidence pollution or ecological damage would be perfect, as would images demonstrating the positive effects of responsible environmental management.

Posted by flashdeadline at 6:15 PM

August 2, 2016

Congrats Segment Two "Best of Nikonians" winners

Seg2-BestoF-SQ-Kitten.jpgNikonians Photo Contest Director David Summers (dm1dave) has posted the winner and honorable mentions from Segment Two of our Best of Nikonians Photo Contest. The segment theme was Animals. Our winner is Leb Annamaria-annie (annie_j) from Romania, with her image titled My Little Assistant. Her photo of a kitten in front of a Canon camera was taken with her Nikon D40.

Check our image legend below and scroll down for background information:

Seg2-BestoF-Legend_499.jpg

1. Winner - "My little assistant" by Leb Annamaria-annie (annie_j) from Romania.
• D40, Nikkor 18-105 mm VR, f/5, 1/100 sec, ISO 200, post-processed with Adobe Photoshop CC and Lightroom 4

2. Honorable mention -" Black Bear Cub In Meadow" by Mark Morrison (Lunastar) from Minnesota, USA.
• D500, Nikkor 200-400/ f/4 lens w/14TC @ f/6.3, ISO 800, 1/2000SS

3. Honorable mention - "Otis My Black Pug Dog" by Candi Foltz (CandisCamera) from Florida, USA.
• Nikon D7100, 50sec, 400 ISO, 300mm f/3.5 VR Lens

4. Honorable mention -" Puffin against the sea" by Henning Bossen (henbo) from Denmark.
• Nikon D810 | Nikkor 200-400mm f/4 VRI @ 260mm
ISO 360, -0.7 EV | 1/400s, f/4

5. Honorable mention - "Bugling Elk" by Pete Wilson from Michigan, USA.
• D2X | 200-400 f/4.0 @ 400mm | f/4 | 1/60 sec | ISO 640

Posted by flashdeadline at 8:36 PM

July 12, 2016

Congrats May 2016 Photo Contest Winners

Contest-May-2016_SQ-Frog_110.jpgNikonians Contest Coordinator David Summers (dm1dave) has posted the results of the May 2016 competitions. Congratulations to our winners! 

We encourage you to click on the links to each image for a closer look. 

All Silver, Gold and Platinum Members are eligible to participate in any and all theme categories of the monthly forums contests and online assignments.

Check our winning images legend below and scroll down for the names of the winners. The image titles include links to the winning entries along with a look at the competition in each category. 

Contest-May-2016_496.jpg

1. Wildlife - "No Fur, No Feathers" theme winner Mark Kraus (pipco), from Ohio, USA with his image titled Working Under-cover.

2. Landscape - "It's all about the clouds" theme winner Keith Manning (kamf0t0) from New York, USA with his image titled Burning Clouds.

3. Macro - Sharp" theme winner Godofredo Baylon (GBaylon), from Ontario, Canada  with his image titled You won't feel a thing...trust me.

4. Travel - "Interesting Lights" theme winner Jeff Atchley (Graceland) from Tennessee, USA with his image titled The shadow fountain.

5. Digital Artistry - "Painting or Drawing" theme winner Karen Gottschall (scenicshutterbug) from South Carolina, USA with her image titled Ice Sculpture

6. May Assignment -  "High Contrast" theme winner Olivier Rychner (olivierrychner) from Switzerland with his image titled Room in a castle.

 

Interested in submitting your photos?

If you want to participate, please be sure to enter one of the monthly competitions listed in David Summers' contest guide.

 

---------------------------------------------------------

The Online Photo Assignments category is coordinated by Rob Migliaccio (rmigliaccio) from Rhode Island, USA. You can check his assignments updates here.

The Nikonians online assignment is a great opportunity to have some fun and learn at the same time. 

The monthly Assignment is a bit different from our other contests. We present a new assignment each month and the images posted are to be shot during that month with specifically to fulfill the assignment.

This is one of Nikonians best learning resources.  It teaches beginners how to preconceive an image and follow through to a completed work, to building both technical and compositional skills.  Advanced photographers will grow their abilities by working outside of their usual photographic style.   

The July Assignment is "Isolation."

- a wall worthy image that demonstrates the photographic technique of isolation - i.e. making your subject stand out as the main focal point of the image.

 

Posted by flashdeadline at 7:21 PM

June 15, 2016

Congrats April Contest winners

Eagles-Contest-April-2016-SQ_110.jpgNikonians Contest Coordinator David Summers (dm1dave) has posted the results of the April 2016 competitions.

Congratulations to our winners!

We encourage you to click on the links to each image for a closer look.
All Silver, Gold and Platinum Members are eligible to participate in any and all theme categories of the monthly forums contests and online assignments.

Check our winning images legend below and scroll down for the names of the winners. The image titles include links to the winning entries along with a look at the competition in each category.

Contest-April-2016_Legend_499.jpg

1. Wildlife - "Spring is in the Air" theme winner Michael Kawerninski (qanik), from British Columbia, Canada with his image titled Spring is in the Air, are just.

2. Landscape - "Reflections in a Landscape Setting" theme winner Russ Glindmeier (russg) from Arizona, USA with his image titled Yosemite Falls, Yosemite National Park.

3. Macro - "Spring Fever" theme winner Tom Ferguson (tekneektom), from Wisconsin, USA with his image titled A sure sign of Spring - Pussy Willow.

4. Travel - "Travels to the Edge" theme winner Darcy Shelanskey (dshlink)) with her image titled Muenzenberg, Germany.

5. Digital Artistry - Digital Composite theme winner Godofredo Baylon (GBaylon) from Ontario, Canada with his image titled This face needs Photoshop help.

6. April Assignment -  "Feet" theme winner James Buch (jimray) from Wisconsin, USA with his image titled Little feet.

Interested in submitting your photos?

If you want to participate, please be sure to enter one of the monthly competitions listed in David Summers' contest guide.

---------------------------------

The Online Photo Assignments category is coordinated by Rob Migliaccio (rmigliaccio) from Rhode Island, USA. You can check his assignments updates here.

The current June Assignment is "Low Contrast."

This one is simple (and it is the opposite of last month's assignment) - a wall worthy, low-contrast photograph that does not exhibit much difference between the lights and the darks - i.e. not a broad range of tones.

The image may be color or black and white. An image of a subject shrouded in fog is a great example. The photo you submit must be taken in the month of June 2016. That's why they call it an assignment. Go get it - - don't search your hard drive.  

Posted by flashdeadline at 1:42 AM

May 3, 2016

Congrats March 2016 contest winners

Contest-March-2016-SQ.jpgNikonians Contest Coordinator David Summers (dm1dave) has posted the results of the March 2016 competitions.

Congratulations to our winners!

We encourage you to click on the links to each image for a closer look.
A great example is the "Things found in a kitchen" theme used in the Micro and Macro forum. It clearly shows you don't even have to leave your house to exercise your creativity.

All Silver, Gold and Platinum Members are eligible to participate in any and all theme categories of the monthly forums contests and online assignments.

Check our winning images legend posted below and scroll down for the names of the winners. The image titles include links to the winning entries along with a look at the competition in each category.

Contest-March-2016_495.jpg

1.  Wildlife "Action with Water" theme winner Peter Allinson (critidoc) from Maryland, USA with his image titled Swordfish.

2.  Landscape "National or State Parks" theme winner Scott Ashley (scottashley) from Colorado, USA with his image titled Redwoods in Fog.

3. Macro "Things found in the kitchen" theme winner Dean Andersen (DeanAZ) from Arizona, USA with his image titled Lemon Slice.

4. Travel "Fishing" theme winner William McEwen (Wolfgang55) from Connecticut, USA with his image titled Fishing Derby.

5. Digital Artistry "Camera-based Manipulation" theme winner Darryl Hodson (skibreeze7) from Oregon, USA with his image titled Aspens.

6. March Assignment "Hands" theme winner Tom Ferguson (tekneektom) from Wisconsin, USA with his image titled Dirty Hands - B&W.

Interested in submitting your photos? 

If you want to participate, please be sure to enter one of the monthly competitions listed in David Summers' contest guide.

The Online Photo Assignments category is coordinated by Rob Migliaccio (rmigliaccio) from Rhode Island, USA. You can check his assignments updates here.

The May Assignment is "High Contrast".  This would be a high-contrast photograph that includes strongly contrasting elements. The image may be color or black and white. Remember, the assignments category has a central and important emphasis. The photo you submit must be taken in the month of May 2016

smile_40.jpg

That's why they call it an assignment


Posted by flashdeadline at 6:36 PM

April 5, 2016

Congrats February Contest winners

Contest-Feb-2016-SQ_110.jpgNikonians Contest Coordinator David Summers (dm1dave) has posted the results of the February 2016 competitions.

Congratulations to our winners!

We encourage you to click on the links to each image for a closer look, with special attention to the Digital Artistry fruit slicing photo. Godofredo Baylon (GBaylon) includes a step by step "how-to" on how it was accomplished.

Our member driven competitions are unique in many ways.
Unlike most other photo competitions the workings of our contests are transparent.

Check our winning images legend below and scroll down for the names of the winners.

You can also go to our February Competition News Blog, where the image titles include links to the winning entries along with a look at the competition in each category.  

Contest-February-2016_499.jpg

1. Landscapes - "No manmade objects or people" theme winner Russ Glindmeier (russg) from Arizona, USA with his image titled Sunrise, White Sands National Monument.  

2. Macro - "Something Human" theme winner Jesse Martinez (jesse101) from with his image titled Laid back

3. Travel - "Water" theme winner Fred Laberge (labtrout) from Connecticut, USA with his image titled Early morning on Moose Pond.

4. Digital Artistry -  "Before and After" theme winner Godofredo Baylon (GBaylon) from Ontario, Canada with his image titled Fruit Ninja.

5. Online Assignment - "Ice" theme winner Dale Armstrong (Dgastrong) from Colorado, USA with his image titled Ice Crystals in the Morning.    

Interested in submitting your photos? 

If you want to participate, please be sure to enter one of the monthly competitions listed in David Summers' contest guide.

The Online Photo Assignments category is coordinated by Rob Migliaccio (rmigliaccio) from Rhode Island, USA. You can check his assignments updates here.
You still have time to enter the March Assignment.
The theme is Hands

Posted by flashdeadline at 11:43 PM

January 6, 2016

Congratulations November Contest Winners

Contests-Nov-2015-SQ_110.jpgNikonians Contest Coordinator David Summers (dm1dave) has posted the results of the November contests. Congratulations to our winners!

Our member driven competitions are unique in many ways. 

Unlike most other photo competitions the workings of our contests are transparent. Our members choose the monthly themes.  All entries are visible to the entire community as they are posted and you are the judges (not an invisible behind the scenes 'expert').

Check our winning images legend below and scroll down for the names of the winners. Each winning image title includes a link to the winning photo along with a look at the competition in each category.

Contest-November-2015_legend_499.jpg

1. Wildlife -  "Animal Portrait" theme winner Scott Ashley (scottashley from Colorado, USA with his image titled Young grizzly portrait.

2.  Landscape - " From dusk to dawn" theme winner Scott Sternberg (Bump57), from Illinois, USA with his image titled Windermere.

3.  Macro - ?The Color Blue? theme winner Barry Schirm (Bschirm) from California, USA with his image titled Dragonfly.

4. Sports - "Grace" theme winner Linwood Ferguson (Ferguson) from Florida, USA with his image titled Whole body kick.

5. Travel ? " Ship Shape" theme winner Darryl Hodson (skibreeze7) from Oregon, USA with his image titled On Deck.

6. Online Assignment ? ?Wide Open ? Single Focused Subject" theme winner Linwood Ferguson (Ferguson) from Florida, USA with his image titled Yes!


Interested in submitting your photos? 

If you want to participate, please be sure to enter one of the monthly competitions listed in David Summers' contest guide.
The Online Photo Assignments category is coordinated by Rob Migliaccio (rmigliaccio) from Rhode Island, USA. You can check his recap of past winners here.

 

Posted by flashdeadline at 1:37 AM

December 8, 2015

Congrats October Contest Winners

Oct-Contest-2015-SQ_110.jpgNikonians Contest Coordinator David Summers (dm1dave) has posted the results of the October contests. 
Congratulations to our winners! 
  

Our member driven competitions are unique in many ways. Unlike most other photo competitions the workings of our contests are transparent.

Our contests are open to Silver, Gold and Platinum members and all registered members are allowed to vote in the polls.

Check our winning images legend below and scroll down for the names of the winners.
Each photo title includes links to the winning images along with a look at the competition in each category. 

Contest-October-2015_495_blg.jpg

1. Wildlife -  "Wildlife in Action" theme winner Christine Gallagher  (CRHGallagher) from  Calgary, Canada with her image titled Salmon run in the Chilko Valley.

2.  Landscape - "Dramatic sky with motion blur" theme winner Darryl Hodson  (skibreeze7) from Oregon, USA with his image titled Dreamy Cannon Beach.

3.  Macro -   ?Money Matters? theme winner David Wilcox  (dkeithw)  from Pennsylvania, USA with his image titled REAL predator.

4. Sports"A Sequence of shots" theme winner James Keenan  (Lomcevak) from California, USA with three surfing sequence images.

5. Travel ? "Public Performance" theme Jeff Atchley  (Graceland) from Tennessee, USA with his image titled Blues Harmonica.

6. Online Assignment ? "Fall Colors" theme winner Bill McEwen  (Wolfgang55) from Connecticut, USA with his image titled Salmon River.

Interested in submitting your photos? 

If you want to participate, please be sure to enter one of the monthly competitions listed in David Summers' contest guide.
The Online Photo Assignments category is coordinated by Rob Migliaccio (rmigliaccio) from Rhode Island, USA. You can check his recap of past winners here.

Posted by flashdeadline at 8:32 PM

November 4, 2015

Congratulations - September Contest Winners

Sept-Contest-SQ_110.jpgNikonians Contest Coordinator David Summers (dm1dave) has posted the results of the September contests. 
Congratulations to our winners! Our member driven contests are unique in many ways. 
Unlike most other photo competitions the workings of our contests are transparent. 
Our members choose the monthly themes, all entries are visible to the entire community as they are posted and you are the judges not an invisible behind the scenes "expert."

Check our winning images legend below and scroll down for the names of the winners.
Each photo title serves as a link, which will lead you to explanations behind some of the photographs and an overall look at the competition.

SEPTEMBER-2015-Legend_499.jpg

1. Wildlife ? "Show Offs" Theme winner Don Rich (dwr857), from Winston Salem, North Carolina USA with his image titled Adult Tri Color Posing.

2. Landscape ? "Details" Theme winner Henning Bossen (henbo), from Tistrup, Denmark with his image titled Val di Funes ? Italy.

3. Macro ? "Sweet Things" Theme winner Gregg Heckler (gheck58) from Aliso Viejo, California, USA with his image titled Cookies N Honey.

4. Sports ? "Speed" Theme winner David Malaro (dmalaro), from Revere, Massachusetts with his image titled Running to win.

5. Travel ? "Off the Main Drag" Theme winner Russell Whittemore (rosewood_ltd), from  Akron, Ohio, USA with his image titled Decisions, Decisions.

6. Online Assignment ?"Specular Highlights" Theme winner Tom Ferguson (tekneektom), from Land O Lakes, Wisconsin, USA with his image titled Flowers with Water Highlights.


Interested in submitting your photos?

If you want to participate, please be sure to enter one of the monthly competitions listed in David Summers' contest guide.

The Online Photo Assignments category is coordinated by Rob Migliaccio (rmigliaccio) from Rhode Island, USA. You can check his recap of past winners here.



Posted by flashdeadline at 1:38 AM

October 6, 2015

Congratulations August photo contest winners

aug-contest-legend-SQ-110-2015.jpgNikonians Contest Coordinator David Summers (dm1dave) has posted the results of the August contests. Congratulations to our winners! 
Our member driven contests are unique in many ways. Unlike most other photo contests the workings of our contests are transparent. 
Your fellow members choose the monthly themes, all entries are visible to the entire community as they are posted and you are the judges not an invisible behind the scenes "expert."

Check our winning images legend below and scroll down for the names of the winners. Each photo title serves as a link, which will lead you to explanations behind some of the photographs and an overall look at the competition.

August_2015_Legend_495.jpg

1. ? Wildlife "Friendship In The Wild" theme winner Michael Kawerninski (qanik) from British Columbia, CA with his entry titled Rams near Spences Bridge BC.

2. ? Landscape "Geometry in Nature theme winner  Keith Manning (kamf0t0), from New York, USA. With his entry titled Na Pali Geometry.

3. ? Macro "Nostalgic Items" theme winner Godofredo Baylon (GBaylon), from California, USA with his entry titled 1940 Caddy.

4. ? Sports "Wipe Out" theme winner Stephen Hindley (tembo), from Dubai, AE, with his image titled Landing Short.

5. ? Travel "Harbours and Marinas" theme winner Gary Paige (jazzdoc), from New York, USA with his image titled Siglufjordur fishing village.

6. ? Assignment "Trekking on the Beach" theme winner Darryl Hodson (skibreeze7), from Oregon, USA with his image titled Backlight ? Reboot.


Interested in submitting your photos?

If you want to participate, please be sure to enter one of the monthly competitions listed in David Summers' contest guide.

The Online Photo Assignments category is coordinated by Rob Migliaccio (rmigliaccio) from Rhode Island, USA. You can check his recap of past winners here.

 

Posted by flashdeadline at 9:52 PM

September 8, 2015

Congratulations July Contest Winners

Contests_75px.jpgNikonians Contest Coordinator David Summers (dm1dave) has posted the results of the July contests. Congratulations to our winners! Two of the outstanding images submitted in July feature canine involvement.

Check our winning images legend below and scroll down for the names of the winners.  

Each photo title serves as a link, which will lead you to explanations behind some of the photographs and an overall look at the competition in that category.

July-2015-Legend_450.jpg

1. July Landscape "Shoot the Moon" theme winner Dayn Cederstrom (DaynLarz), from Missouri, USA, with his image titled Moonrise Between the Twin Mittens.

2. July Macro "Parts of a single flower" theme winner Richard Dubiel (Dubes), from Ontario, Canada with his image titled Lotus Flower.

3. July Sports "Four Legged Champions" theme winner Bob Chadwick (Bob Chadwick), from Georgia, USA with his image titled Woofstock.

4. July Travel "Street Life" theme winner Russell Whittemore (rosewood_ltd), from Ohio, USA with his image titled A Hard Road - Highway 101, Oregon.

5. July "Bokeh" Assignment winner Gregg Heckler (gheck58), from California, USA with his image titled Yee Haw!

Interested in submitting your photos?
If you want to participate, please be sure to enter one of the monthly competitions listed in David Summers' contest guide.

The Online Photo Assignments category is coordinated by Rob Migliaccio (rmigliaccio) from Rhode Island, USA. You can check his recap of past winners here.    

 

Posted by flashdeadline at 5:36 PM

August 4, 2015

Congratulations June Contest Winners

June_2015-SQ-winners.jpgNikonians Contest Coordinator David Summers (dm1dave) has posted the results of the June contests. 

Congratulations to our winners! 

The June highlights include a tie in the Landscape category and one member taking top honors in two separate categories.

Check our winning images legend below and scroll down for the names of the winners.  Each photo title serves as a link, which will lead you to explanations behind some of the photographs and an overall look at the competition.

June_2015_Legend-Master_499.jpg

1. Wildlife ?Cold Blooded? theme winner - Don Irwin (dirwin), from Washington, USA with his image titled Warming Up.

2A. Landscape ?Leading Lines? theme co-winner Darryl Hodson (skibreeze7), from Oregon, USA with his image titled Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.
2B. Landscape ?Leading Lines? theme co-winner Gary Paige (JazzDoc), from New York, USA with his image titled Morning Twilight over Elk Lake, Adirondacks.

3. Macro ?Office Supplies? theme winner Darryl Hodson (skibreeze7), from Oregon, USA with his image titled Paper-Markers-Clips.

4. Sports ?Defying Gravity? theme winner Huw Thomas (HUW), from New South Wales, Australia with his image titled Dance Class.

5. Travel ?Rail Journey? them winner Robert Wyatt (sulkyrob), from Victoria, Australia with his image titled Impala 61002 at Goathland Station

6. Online Photo Assignments ?Black and White? theme winner Tom Ferguson (tekneektom), from Wisconsin, USA with his image titled Film Noir.

 

Interested in submitting your photos?
If you want to participate, please be sure to enter one of the monthly competitions listed in David Summers' contest guide.

The Online Photo Assignments category is coordinated by Rob Migliaccio (rmigliaccio) from Rhode Island, USA. You can check his recap of past winners here.    

Posted by flashdeadline at 5:57 PM

June 2, 2015

Congratulations April Contest Winners

Contests_125_THU_SQ.jpgNikonians Contest Coordinator David Summers (dm1dave) has posted the results of the April Contests. 

Congratulations to our members who submitted the images in our composite key (below).

Scroll down to find links to the original entries, along with explanations behind the photographs and an overall look at the competition. 
April-2015-Legend_499.jpg

Here are the winners of the April contests:

1. Wildlife ? ?Animal Pairs? theme winner Mark Kraus (pipco) from Ohio, USA with his entry titled ?Dinner Time." 

2. Landscape ? ?Signs of Spring? theme winner Charlie Choc (cchoc) from Georgia, USA with his entry titled "Spring in the Smokies." 

3. Macro ? ?Round or Circular? theme winner Richard Dubiel (Dubes) from Ontario, Canada with his entry titled ?Glass Eyes.? 

4. Sports ? ?Score? theme winner Stephen Hindley (tembo) from Dubai, United Arab Emirates , with his entry titled ?The Stretch.?

5. Travel ? ?Second Tier Destinations" theme winner Robert Cranna (robcran) from New South Wales, Australia with his entry titled "Norfolk Island Cemetery."


Are you ready to join in the exchange of great images?

Check the latest contest update from David Summers for details.

Posted by flashdeadline at 11:24 PM

March 10, 2015

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

November 12, 2014

September Contest Congrats

Contest-Sep2014-THU-SQ.jpgNikonians Contest Coordinator David Summers (dm1dave) has posted the results of the September Contests.

Congratulations to our members who submitted the images in our composite key (below). 

Scroll down to find links to the original entries, along with explanations behind the photographs and an overall look at the competition.

September-Contest-Legend_450.jpg

1 - Wildlife ? ?Courtship? winner John McGarry (jtmcg), from Connecticut, USA with his image titled Puffin Sweethearts.

2 - Landscape ? ?Watery Landscapes? winner John Roach (jdroach), from Wisconsin, USA with his image titled Lower Bond Falls.

3 - Macro ? ?Monochrome? winner Mark Kraus (pipco), from Ohio, USA with his image titled Back-lit Flower.

4 - Sports ? ?Agony of Defeat? winner Linwood Ferguson (Ferguson), from Florida, USA with his image titled Are They Done Yet?

5 - Travel ? ?Framed? winner Barbara Colbert (Britbear), from Illinois, USA with her image titled Window to a Courtyard.

6 - Online Assignment ? ?Children? winner Robert Baldassano (robsb), from California, USA with his image titled Brotherly Love.

Special Reminder: The last of the four themed segments of the Best of Nikonians 2014 Contest concludes this week. This segment is open to entries from October 1 ? November 15 and the theme is ?Unusual Perspective.?

Posted by flashdeadline at 12:23 AM

October 15, 2014

Contest Congratulations

Aug-Cont_SQ_110.jpgNikonians Contest Coordinator David Summers (dm1dave) has posted the results of the August Contests.

Check our six-image legend below and scroll down for the names of the winners and the photo links. The links will lead you to explanations behind some of the photographs and an overall look at the competition.

15Oct2014-Contest-Aug-Legend_450.jpg

1. Wildlife ? "Cooling Off" winner Barry Schirm (BSchirm) from California, USA with his image titled Liquid Perch.

2. Landscape ? "Up Close and Wide" winner Russ Glindmeier (russg), from Arizona, USA with his image titled "Valley View, Yosemite NP.

3. Macro ? "Borders and Edges" winner John Kirkpatrick (natashadak), from California, USA with his image titled Curved.

4. Sports ? "Speed" winner James Reynolds (reynja), from Texas, USA with his image titled Sparks.

5. Travel ? "Little Shops on Back Streets" winner Tom Ferguson (tekneektom), from Wisconsin, USA with his image titled Simple Life.

6. Online Assignment ? "Lens Flare" winner Darryl Hodson (skibreeze7), from Oregon, USA with his image titled Sunset Flare.

If you want to participate, please be sure to enter one of the monthly competitions listed in David Summers' contest guide.

 

Posted by flashdeadline at 1:08 AM

September 23, 2014

July competition final results and congrats

Contest-July-2014-SQ-THU_125.jpgNikonians Contest Coordinator David Summers (dm1dave) has posted the results of the July Contests. This one was packed with outstanding images.
   

Congratulations to our members who submitted the images in our composite key (below). Follow the links provided in each category to see the original entries, along with explanations behind the photographs and an overall look at the competition.

The Wildlife Category had two winners in July due to high participation.


Contest-July-2014-Key_450.jpg

1 ? Wildlife - "Alone at Last" winner Hector Tan (htan), from New Jersey, USA with his image titled Finally... Some Peace and Quiet.

2 - Wildlife - "Alone at Last" winner Richard Dubiel (Dubes), from Ontario, Canada with his image titled Some Quiet Time Away From the Brood.  

3 - Landscape ? ?Urban Landscape? winner Dayn Cederstrom (DaynLarz), from Missouri, USA with his image titled Kansas City.

4 - Macro ? ?Wide Angle Close-Up? winner Christopher Brown (shipsupt), from England, UK with his image titled Let me out!

5 - Sports ? ?Patriotism and Pageantry? winner Glenn Thompson (gmth), from Texas, USA with his image titled Pre-Game Color Presentation.

6 - Travel ? ?Back Roads? winner Barbara Colbert (Britbear), from Illinois, USA with her image titled Bunratty Cottage Lane.

7 - Online Assignment ? ?Colorful Bokeh? winner James Buch (jimray), from Oregon, USA with his image titled Fading white flowers.


Interested in submitting your photos?

Be sure to enter one of the monthly competitions listed in David Summers' contest guide.

 

Posted by flashdeadline at 11:34 PM

August 13, 2014

Contest congratulations - June winners

Contest-Aug_SQ-Crib.jpgNikonians Contest Coordinator David Summers (dm1dave) has posted the results of the June Contests.


Congratulations to our members who submitted the images in our composite key. Scroll down to find links to the original entries, along with explanations behind the photographs and an overall look at the competition.

Contest-August-Best-2014-Key-499.jpg

1.  Landscape - “Early and Late Sidelit Images w/o Sun” winner Scott Sternberg (Bump57) from Illinois, USA with his image titled Morton, IL Corn Crib.

2.  Macro - “More Than One” winner John Kirkpatrick  (Natashadak) fromk California, USA with his image titled edibles – oyster mushrooms.

3.  Wildlife - “Pairs” winner Jeannean Ryman (jrtx) from Texas, USA with her image titled White Morph Reddish Egrets in aerial battle.

4.  Sports - “A Defining Moment” winner Richard Sandor (rbsandor) from Colorado, USA with his  image titled Bull Rider.

5.  Travel  - “Making Music”  winner  Ray Drueke (drueke) from Rhode Island, USA with his image titled Bass Player

6.  Online Assignment  - “June Cover Shot” winner Jeannean Ryman (jrtx) from Texas, USA with her image titled Female Cardinal.

Interested in submitting your photos?

Currently these monthly contests serve as preliminary rounds for the Best Nikonians 2014 Photo Contest. So, if you want to participate in our big Annual Photo Contest for prizes, please be sure to enter one of the monthly competitions listed in David Summers' contest guide.

Posted by flashdeadline at 1:12 AM

August 5, 2014

Leading lines contest congrats

Contests_125_THU_SQ.jpgNikonians Contest Coordinator David Summers (dm1dave) has posted the results of the Best of 2014 Contest Segment 2. The theme was "Leading Lines."

Congratulations to Joshua A. Williams (Kidsthehall45) from Chicago, USA, with his winning image titled Two-Toned S-Curve.

Win-2-tone-s-curve_350.jpgHere the the summary comment from our judges: 
"We feel that the bisecting road leading into the image creates a wonderful play of light and color with the cityscape beyond illuminating the clouds above in an artificial glow. 
The horizon line further divides the image into hard and soft elements. Given the dramatic composition, vibrant color and strong leading lines terminating visually at the city, this image is a prime example of what the theme 'Leading Lines' is all about."

The nine runners up will also be advanced to the final rounds of the Best of Nikonians 2014. Check our nine-image legend below and scroll down for the names of the winners. You will find links to the the original entries along with explanations behind some of the photographs and an overall look at the competition

Contest-Aug-Leading-Lines_499.jpg

1.  Gary Sutherland (Gazzas007) from New South Wales, Australia — with his image titled Lucerne, Switzerland.

2.  Carolyn Dalessandro (Nikocarol) from New Mexico, USA — with her image titled Leading Lines Stop! Post #14

3.  Don Menges (Dmenges) from New York, USA with his image titled — Midtown Bridge.

4.  Mark Thomas (Danygraig) from Wales, UK with his image titled — College Stairs.

5.  David Jackson (Wingnuts) from Malta with his image titled — Misty Hillside.

6.  Dale Armstrong (Dgastrong) from Arizona, USA with his image titled — Bunker to Silo.

7.  Darryl Hodson (Skibreeze7) from Oregon, USA with his image titled— Time Portal #1.

8.  Dan Wiedbrauk (domer2760) from Michigan, USA with his image titled — Retired Ore Dock.

9.  Oliver Rychner (Oliverrychner) from Switzerland, with his image titled— Home of Le Corbusier.

David Summers has already posted the entry information for the next round of competition. This segment’s theme is "The Rule of Thirds."

This is the third of four themed segments of the Best of Nikonians 2014 Contest. Entries will be accepted August 1 – September 15. The winner of this segment will be announced at the end of September.

Posted by flashdeadline at 10:59 PM

July 8, 2014

May 2014 Contest Congrats

Contest-May-2014-THU-SQ.jpg

Nikonians Contest Coordinator David Summers (dm1dave) has posted the results of the May Master Your Vision forum contests. 

You will notice we have dual winners in the wildlife contest due to unusually heavy participation.


Check our seven-image legend below and scroll down for the names of the winners. The legend includes photo links which will lead you to explanations behind some of the photographs and an overall look at the competition in each category.

Contest-May-2014_legend_499.jpg

1.  Wildlife – “Birds in Flight” winner John Hutchison (Kipmm), from Ontario, Canada with his image titled Eyes on Prey

2.  Wildlife – “Birds in Flight” winner Harry Swan (HSSwan), of California, USA with his image titled “Masters of Flight”

3.  Landscape – “Trekking” winner Louis Blair (Louis) of Quebec, Canada with his image titled “Back to Base”

4.  Macro – “In Your Backyard” winner Arlon Motsch  (arlon) from Texas, USA with his image titled “Fly in the Yard”

5.  Sports – “Coach/Athlete Interaction” winner Craig Moseley (Oilfinder) from Texas, USA with his image titled “Lesson Learned”

6.  Travel – “Carnival”  winner David Soderlund (DaveSoderlund), from New York, USA with his  image titled “Venice Carnevale: eye contact”

7.  Online Assignment – “Cover Shot - Car and Driver Magazine” winner Tom Ferguson  (tekneektom) from Wisconsin, USA with his image titled “Rusty V8”

Wish to participate? For information on entering our contests, check this post by David Summers.

Posted by flashdeadline at 11:29 PM

June 10, 2014

April Master Your Vision contest congrats

Nikonians Contest Coordinator David Summers (dm1dave) has posted the results of the April Master Your Vision forum contests.

Contest-April04-2014SQ_125.jpg

Check our six-image legend below and scroll down for the names of the winners and the photo links. The links will lead you to explanations behind some of the photographs and an overall look at the competition.

Congratulations to:

Contest-April04-2014_499.jpg

1- Wildlife – “Happy Accidents” winner Kelly Morris  (Morris_in_MT) of Montana, USA with his image titled “High Key Loon

2- Landscape – “Green” winner Scott Sternberg (Bump57), from Illinois, USA, with his image titled “Roaring Fork Creek...”

3- Macro – “The Eyes Have It” winner John McGarry  (jtmcg) of Connecticut USA with his image titled “Old Blue Eyes.”

4- Sports – “Sports Equipment” winner Chris Casey (CCasey924), of Virginia, USA with his image titled "Train"

5- Travel – “Walking” winner Barbara Colbert  (britbear), of Illinois, USA with her image titled “Alms Procession”

6 - Online Assignment – “Cover Shot -  Field and Stream Magazine” winner Mark Morrison  (Lunastar) of Minnesota, USA with his image titled “Spring Hunting DogTraining.”

Interested in submitting your photos? Check David's contest guide for more information.  

Posted by flashdeadline at 7:56 PM

June 4, 2014

Negative space inspires creative images

June-04-2014Contest-SQ_125.jpgNikonians Photo Contest Director Dave Summers (dm1dave) has posted the results of our latest round of contests along with links to the original entries.

Check our ten-image legend below and scroll down for the names of the winners and the photo links. The links will lead you to explanations behind some of the photographs and an overall look at the competition.

June-04-2014-Contest-Key_499.jpg

1. Congratulations to Darryl Hodson (Skibreeze7), of Oregon, USA, overall winner of the first segment of the Best of Nikonians 2014 contest. The theme was  "Negative Space."

His entry is titled “A Granddaughter's Smile

Darryl's entry will join the nine below in advancing to the finals of the Best of Nikonians 2014 at the end of the year. All of the images are in the Best of Nikonians 2014 Gallery.  

2.  Christopher Casey (CCasey924), of Virginia, USA  with his entry: "Stood Up."

3. Tom Ferguson (tekneektom) of Wisconsin, USA with his entry: "Spring Blossoms."

4. Carolyn Dalessandro (nikocarol) of New Mexico, USA with her entry: "Water lily."

5. Pete Wilson, of Michigan, USA with his entry titled "Serenity."

6. Sheri Becker (SheriB) of Pennsylvania, USA with her image titled: "Double Negative."

7. Paul Buckles (Shotglass) of Ohio, USA with his entry: "Symbol."

8. Don Menges (dmenges), of New York, USA with his entry "From the Cellar."

9.  Dan Wiedbrauk (domer2760) of Michigan, USA with his entry: "Candle and Lens."

10. Mike McLain (AUMike) of Alabama, USA, with his entry titled: "Just Chillin'."

The second segment theme is "Leading Lines."  This segment will be open to entries from June 1 to July 15. Details are now posted in the “A Picture I Took” forum.

Posted by flashdeadline at 4:50 AM

March 12, 2014

Contest Congrats -- January

January-2014-Contest_THU_125.jpgDave 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.

January-2014-Contest_475.jpg

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

February 4, 2014

Congratulations to our December Contest winners

Dec-Contest_SQ_120.jpgIt's time for some well-deserved congratulations.

Dave Summers (dm1dave), Nikonians Photo Contest Director, has compiled the latest list of winners, and provided links to the original entries.

Check our nine-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.  

Contest-Key-Dec-2014_455.jpg

December Master Your Vision forum contests

1.   Wildlife – “Best or Favorite 2013” winner Rick Moran (slokoki1) from Florida, USA for his image titled Bad Day for Mr. Fish

2.   Landscape – “Best Landscape of 2013” winner Joshua Williams (kidsthehall45), from Illinois, USA for his image titled S-Pier Sunrise

3.   Macro – “Best Macro & Close Up of 2013” winner Geoff Baylis (GBaylis), from Lightwater, Surrey, Great Britain for his image titled Match Flame

4.  Sports – “Cover Shot” winner Richard Jordon (rjjj629), from Ohio, USA for his image titled Cyclocross

5.  Travel – “In the Marketplace”  winner Brian Tilley (briantilley), from Paignton, Great Britain for his image titled Buying Nuts at Bath Christmas Market

 

 Special Edition Contest - Your Top 5 Shots of 2013

6.   Segment One - Winner is Gary Sutherland (gazzas007), from New South Wales, Australia  for his image titled Harris Hawk

7.   Segment Two - Winner is Mark Smith (lastdaylight), from Texas, USA for his image titled Somewhere in Canada

8.   Segment Three - Winner is David Eyestone (txstone12), from Texas, USA for his image titled White Gull - Roman Pantheon, Rome Italy

9.   Segment Four - Winner is Liz Gray (lizgray), from Texas, USA for her image titled Surprise Bride

Editor's Note: If you noticed the last three winners were all from Texas, USA, and you were wondering if we had some sort of typographical glitch. No glitch --- they all coincidentally hail from Texas. 

Posted by flashdeadline at 11:02 PM

March 2, 2013

Triple Crown Photo Contest winners


Phil_P_THU_125.jpg
Congratulations to R. Thomas Smith (EarthTrek, Phil Pound (Phil Pound), and Darryl Hodson (skibreeze7, winners of the Triple Crown Contest.
Their images are posted in our Nikonians Photo Contest Forum.
Each of the Triple Crown Winners will receive:
From LowePro, a Pro Runner 350AW Backpack
From BlackRapid, a RS-4 Classic camera strap

Posted by flashdeadline at 3:01 PM

November 26, 2012

Contest to Nikonians

Banner_RFi_Nikonians_sm.jpgProfoto is holding a unique offer for Nikonians. Are you photo savvy? Click here to submit an answer to the question to enter, and win the newest product from Profoto, an RFi Softbox and a Nikon Speedring.

Posted by Ronny89 at 10:37 AM

February 4, 2012

Super Bowl prediction challenge with Think Tank prize

Football_thu.jpgOur friends at Think Tank Photo have supplied us with a Speed Racer V2.0 hybrid shoulder bag/belt pack as a prize for the psychic Nikonian who already knows the winning team and score of the 2012 Super Bowl.
Super Bowl Surprise Challenge/Contest details are available in our English Cafe, and all Nikonians -- worldwide -- (except one) are eligible to enter.

Posted by flashdeadline at 8:27 PM

Assignment: show Nikon how you would sell their gear

NIKON-LOGO_125.jpgNikonians online photo assignments leader Rob Migliaccio (rmigliaccio) of Rhode Island, USA has posted one of his most challenging assignments to date.
Can you come up with a Nikon product image good enough to gain the attention of their advertising team?

"You've been hired by Nikon to come up with a unique, never-before-seen photo for use in an advertisement for any Nikon product on the market. The image must have the product in it - whether it be a camera, lens, flash or otherwise. This assignment is intended to be fun, while at the same time, having a serious component to it. You need to stoke your ingenuity. Be imaginative. Who knows, maybe the folks at Nikon will take notice."

There are no other restrictions except that your image(s) must have a Nikon product as its subject and be taken during the month of February, 2012.

Full details are available in Rob's assignment post.

Posted by flashdeadline at 7:47 PM

July 10, 2011

Best of Nikonians Photo Contest unveils new twist

Logo_Nikonians-Contests-kl.jpgGet ready for an expanded eligibility Best of Nikonians - 2011 Images Photo Contest starting this month. All Silver, Gold and Platinum Nikonians members will now have the opportunity to enter in four categories representing a multitude of themes.

That multitude comes from an innovative approach to the first category, which will draw on a broad range variety of images based on past success. This will be a ground-breaking new twist in the contest because it opens the door for multiple submissions based on winning images of 2010-Win-Contest_250.jpgthe Online Assignments forum and challenges posted in our many specialized forums from January 1st to October 31st, 2011.

If you earned more than one win (in those forums and within those dates) you now have the opportunity to submit each of those wins for consideration by our panel of expert Nikonians photographers.

The other three categories (Themes) will be Nature, High Dynamic Range (HDR) and B&W (open to any subject with grayscale images that may have been originally shot in grayscale or converted during post processing).

Lowepro_99.jpgCategory winners and honorary mentions will be recognized in our News Blogs and General Newsletter and they will be eligible for prizes from our Contest Sponsor: Lowepro — The Trusted Original.

Ready to win?
Follow these important links:
Best of Nikonians - 2011 Images Photo Contest
Contest Rules
Contest Gallery
2010 Photo Contest Winners
▪ subscribe to our Nikonians General Newsletter (to make sure you get the contest updates).

Posted by flashdeadline at 2:55 PM

June 7, 2011

Handsome man helps Nikonian win Fantasea housing

Congratulations to Silver member Paul Papanek (paulpap), winner of our New Members Welcome Photo Contest – Phase VIII.

Paul is a California, USA resident who favors travel and lifestyle photography and his winning image was captured while he was on a trip to Mexico. It was taken with his Nikon D200, with an AF-S DX VR Zoom-NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED lens using an f/4.2 aperture, 38mm focal length and 1/200 second shutter speed. He used Aperture-priority AE and an ISO of 400.

I_Was_So_Handsome-275.jpgPaul's entry marks his joining as a Silver member last month (following a very brief visit to the community five years ago). The title of image says it all: "I was so handsome."

Paul tells us: "I've been shooting for Cabo Living Magazine for the past four years.
In addition to traveling to Baja to shoot for the magazine, I travel all over Mexico.
I was on a trip to Puebla when I happened upon the incredible man in this photograph.
He is incredibly handsome, but wanted to show us how much more handsome he was in his youth.
He retrieved a photograph, and I made the picture of him holding it up. It was a wonderful, touching moment."

Fantasea-FP-7000_300.jpgAs winner of the contest, Paul's prize is a Fantasea FP7000 Underwater Housing for the Nikon Coolpix P7000, courtesy of Fantasea (currently valued at $599.95 USD).

Our friends at Fantasea describe their new housing as ideal for all outdoor and watersports photography, especially for underwater photographers. It is depth rated to 60m/200 feet and is fully functional with ergonomically designed and labeled controls.

Other features include:
▪ Shock resistant
▪ Double O-ring seal
▪ Special mount for lighting accessories
▪ Removable double fiber optic cable connection
▪ Removable flash diffuser
▪ Easy and secure installation of camera
▪ Compatible with a wide range of underwater photo accessories

Posted by flashdeadline at 4:21 PM

April 21, 2011

Photography Book Now 2011 Contest

Are you an aspiring photographer seeking an opportunity to have your work reviewed by world-reknowned experts and a chance of winning the USD25,000 grand prize? Then look no further - the Photography Book Now 2011 Contest is now accepting submissions for their fourth annual juried competition.

Photography Book Now (PBN) is a celebration of the most creative, most innovative, and finest photography books – and the people behind them. Last year Blurb received more than 2,300 submissions from over 40 countries, and this year they’re hoping for even more submissions from Blurbarians and other self-published bookmakers worldwide.

Some of the new book categories for 2011 include:

  • Fine Art
  • Documentary
  • Travel
  • Student

This is the first time Blurb has opened up the PBN competition to non-professional student work, and the organizers are excited to reward and celebrate up-and-coming talent.

Also new to the competition are "best-of" category awards, including:

  • $5,000 cash prizes to the winners in each of the four categories
  • $1,500 cash prizes to each of the category winners of the People’s Choice competition

The submission deadline is July 14 – so head on over to PBN and put your book in the running for some excellent prizes and international recognition. Best of luck!

Posted by covey22 at 3:52 PM

February 28, 2011

Richard Hulbert Grand Prize winner Day Two-- still shooting - still learning

Nikonians co-founder Bo Stahlbrandt (bgs) has been covering workshop activities in Belgium and he reports that day two for Richard Hulbert's (rhulbert) grand prize session was busy.

Rhulbert-2_275.jpgRichard, from Vancouver, Canada is attending a workshop lead by International award winning photographer Pascal Baetens, which he won in our Nikonians 10th Anniversary Photo Contest from last year.

Bo tells us the lessons for day two included: "Light - working with natural light, how to model with light. Further practicing how to locate yourself on relation to your model and the pros and cons of adding effects in post processing."

Pascal explained that post processing effects can often lead to discussions how the photo was done instead of focusing the audience on the original intent of the photographer.

Posted by flashdeadline at 3:01 PM

February 26, 2011

10th Anniversary Contest winner enjoying his Grand Prize

Richard Hulbert (rhulbert), from Vancouver, Canada is in Leuven, close to Brussels,enjoying his exclusive workshop with an International award winning photographer Pascal Baetens.
He won the grand prize in our Nikonians 10th Anniversary Photo Contest last year.

p-r_300.jpg
That's Rick on the right (on the first day), discussing photo techniques with Pascal.

Rick has has been learning the use of perspective and relative perspective in people photography as well as practicing the techniques for establishing distance between photographer and model (and how you can enter into the personal bubble to get more emotional portraits).

Also discussed was placement of the model in best frame composition to allow for strongest communication between subject and viewer.

A small group of four students in the first workshop Rick is taking with Pascal makes learning highly effective. Two models are available to the photographers.

Rick's workshop win included air ticket and hotel accommodations in Belgium plus a Plaber Case HPRC 2780W and Foolography Wireless GPS Bundle.

His winning image titled "3 Nikonian Amigos on the Caribbean Road" was made with a Nikon D3X camera using a 14-24mm f/2.8G AF-S set at 16mm. The aperture was f/5.6, the shutter speed was 1/8000s.

Check our News Blog for Richard's description of the shooting details (including the names of our shadowy Nikonians Amigos).

Posted by flashdeadline at 9:25 PM

December 1, 2010

Texas Nikonian comments on lens review-- and gets it for free

Tamron_110.jpgCongratulations to Nikonians Silver Member Pamela Stickney (jaw_fish) winner of a brand new Tamron SP70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD (for Nikon) lens for submitting a comment to a review on this lens posted in our Resources section.

Pamela_120.jpgPamela, of Texas USA, commented on the review with a short note mentioning "Selecting the correct lens for a camera is getting harder and harder to accomplish for those of us who are not professionals."

The review by Nikonians News Editor Armando Heredia (Covey22) drew over 100 comments and the Nikonians Editorial department randomly selected one of the submitting members to receive the lens absolutely free.

This particular Lens Giveaway was sponsored by Tamron USA, and could only be offered to our USA members.

For our many Nikonians members in Europe and other countries you are not forgotten or ignored. Your turn for a similar offer will be coming soon.

Posted by flashdeadline at 5:48 PM

November 8, 2010

Tamron Lens Review includes free lens giveaway

Tamron_110.jpgRead — Write — Rejoice! It's just that simple for USA Nikonians members.
Tamron USA will be giving away a brand new Tamron SP70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD (for Nikon) lens to a member who submits a comment to the review on this lens posted in our Resources section.

The review by Nikonians News Editor Armando Heredia (Covey22) includes a comments section at the bottom.

The Nikonians Editorial department will randomly select one of the submitted comments in Armando's review and that person will receive the lens absolutely free.

The random selection will be made during the first week in December, and the deadline for entries is midnight (Greenwich Mean Time), November 30, 2010.

This particular Lens Giveaway is sponsored by Tamron USA, and can only be offered to our USA members. For our many Nikonians members in Europe and other countries you are not forgotten or ignored. Your turn for a similar offer will be coming soon.

Posted by flashdeadline at 2:47 PM

September 26, 2010

Classic musical instrument and digital manipulation combine for a win

violin_90.jpgCongratulations to Nikonians Silver Member Zoran Buletic (Bzox), winner of the August Segment in The Best of Nikonians - 2010 Images Contest.

Zoran is a designer and photographer from Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Last year he won our fourth (and final) week of in the Welcoming Photo Contest Phase III-2009.


violin_300.jpg
The August theme was Digital Art and Zoran's image, titled "Violin" was originally taken in Belgrade, Serbia, focusing on street musicians.

He used his Nikon D200 and AF-S DX Zoom- NIKKOR 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED lens.

Think Tank Photo, our contest sponsor will be providing Zoran with a Speed Racer camera and lens beltpack valued at $160.00 (USD).

Still time to enter this month:
The September segment deadline is this week, and the theme is Macro and Micro photography. Check our Contest rules and guidelines for details on entering. You can also view the gallery of the current contenders.

Posted by flashdeadline at 5:42 PM

August 15, 2010

Your Far East image or video can win a journey to China

China_Holidays_78.jpgphotokina PIONEERS – the international community for people with a passion for creating expressive photographs and videos — has launched a very special project.

China_Holidays_180.jpgIn a competition titled "China in Your Eyes," all present and potential PIONEERS can go to the community's website at www.photokina-pioneers.com and upload up to five photographs or a video (no more than 60 seconds long) to participate.
Show how the "magic of the Far East" can be felt even in your own immediate surroundings — whether it's in the cozy restaurant around the corner, watching the pandas at the zoo, or looking at bonsai trees in your neighbors' garden.
The winner of the photo holiday will be drawn among the ten PIONEERS which gather the highest scores. The scores will be fixed on August 23rd, 2010. The winner will be rewarded with a photo holiday for two persons offered in cooperation with photokina PIONEERS partner China Holidays.

Posted by flashdeadline at 10:48 PM

August 9, 2010

Best of Nikonians - 2010 Images Photo Contest update

Inferno_June_2010_78.jpgCongratulations to Preston Moochnek (massulo), winner of the June segment of our Best of Nikonians - 2010 Images Photo Contest. Preston is a Gold member from Florida, USA.

Inferno_June_175.jpgHis image is called "Inferno in the Galapagos."

Described by the judges as a timeless image that captures nature at its finest with a simple yet wonderful composition, Preston takes a modest approach, telling us it was a lucky shot: "It was a very bright sun that afternoon - Frigate birds were everywhere to be seen. This shot was taken hand held. I put the Nikon D200 in high speed mode. Closed my eyes and voilà--I got lucky...Sigma 100-300mm F4 EX DG APO HSM lens at f/5.6 with 1/1000 shutter speed and ISO set to 200."

Preston's prize for winning the June segment will be a Think Tank Photo Airport Acceleration backpack, valued at $279.00 USD.

August Segment Under Way
The July Segment (Babies Theme) is being judged and meanwhile, it is time for fans of image manipulation to go wild this month. The August theme is "Digital Art." For information check the Best of Nikonians - 2010 Images Contest Rules.

Posted by flashdeadline at 12:33 AM

July 26, 2010

10th Anniversary Photo Contest Grand Prize results

Logo_Nikonians-Contests-kl.jpgCongratulations to the winners of our Nikonians 10th Anniversary Photo Contest. The Grand Prize winner not only takes top honors, he also manages to be the subject of one of the Honorable Mention images.

3-Nikonian-Amigos_300.jpgGrand Prize honors go to "3 Nikonian Amigos on the Caribbean Road" by Gold member Richard Hulbert (rhulbert), from Vancouver, Canada.

He made his winning image with a Nikon D3X camera using a 14-24mm f/2.8G AF-S set at 16mm. The aperture was f/5.6, the shutter speed was 1/8000s.

Here's his description of the shooting details:
"We were all part of the Nikonians Academy inaugural Ultimate Travel Workshop in the Caribbean led by Michael Mariant. The shadow on the left is me taking the photo. Just to the right of me in the photo is my MAGICA from the Nikonians' Photo Pro Shop (modified with a Wimberly Head) holding up my D3-500mm f/4 combo. I was getting ready to shoot the sunset...and hence the low sun angle casting the shadow.
The middle shadow is David Mathre (david_mathre). On the very right is Albert Esschendal (alberte) ...both die hard Nikonians.
Dave and I each think that we suggested the three of us turn around.
The great thing about shooting with guys like Albert and Dave (and other Nikonians) is that we help each other with finding possible shots. We laugh together, we learn from each other and we, of course, get inspired by one another.
The lesson here is to try to be aware of your total environment as you concentrate on the subject at hand. More often than one would expect, I have simply turned around and found a visual surprise!"

Honorable Mentions:
World-of-Fun_300.jpg"A World of Fun" by Gold member Jeff Meyers (jeffmeyers), takes Honorable Mention.

Jeff subtitled his winning entry: "The Nikonians community is a carnival of coolness!"

It was taken with his Nikon D300, using an aperture of f/11 for an exposure lasting 1.5 seconds.
The ISO was set to 200.


Rick_H_Death_Valley_175.jpgThe second Honorable Mention goes to "Rick H Death Valley" by Platinum member Rick Paul (rickpaul), from Arizona, USA.

His winning entry was subtitled: "Nikonian Rick Hulbert shooting the Dunes in Death Valley"
The image was made with a Nikon D3, his lens @ 35mm, f/11, 1/60 sec, ISO 200.

Prizes:
The Grand Prize for Richard Hulbert will be will be an exclusive "One-on-One" workshop with an International award winning photographer Pascal Baetens in Brussels, including air ticket and hotel accommodations. He will also receive a Plaber Case HPRC 2780W and Foolography Wireless GPS Bundle.

Jeff Meyers will receive a Plaber Case HPRC 2600W, Epson Stylus Photo R1900 Ink Jet Printer, a Gorillapod SLR-Zoom support and Foolography Wireless GPS Bundle.

Rick Paul's prizes include a Plaber Case HPRC 2550W, Epson Perfection V500 Photo Scanner, Gorillapod SLR-Zoom support, and Foolography Wireless GPS Bundle.

Posted by flashdeadline at 1:28 AM

July 18, 2010

New Members Welcoming Photo Contest Phase VI concludes

NM-Contest-THU_80.jpgCongratulations to the winners of our fourth and fifth week in the Nikonians New Members Welcoming Photo Contest Phase VI.
Week Four honors go to a new member from the Netherlands, and Week Five's winner comes from Brazil, and posted shots taken in Scotland.

4th-Week_175.jpgOur flying boy shot is submitted by Silver Member Maurits Obbema (Maupey) from the Netherlands.

He tells us the 4th week winning shot was made on one of the Dutch islands and confirms: "It's my son trying to fly."

He was shooting his Nikon D80 with an ISO of 100, an f/4.5 aperture and froze the image with a 1/1600 sec shutter speed.

Maurits has been shooting digital for a long time, first with a COOLPIX and now with his D80.

----

5th-week_300.jpgOur 5th Week winner is Silver Member Eric Emerson (eemerson) from Brazil. His image is titled "High School Sweethearts -2009" and it was taken in Scotland.
Eric tell us:
"Hey - Here is a picture of a young couple getting ready to go to their Junior-Senior prom in May 2009. They were juniors then. They have been dating since the 9th grade, they are seniors now and are getting ready for the prom again. This location is called Johnston Gardens in Aberdeen, Scotland. It's beautiful, tranquil little park tucked away in the city. Springtime here is fantastic!! I liked this picture because of all the different colors in the background, in addition the various tones of green. I like how they and the bridge are in the foreground and the plants provide such a vivid backdrop."
5th-week_150.jpgHe used his Nikon D300 and Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED lens with an aperture of f/10, 1/125th sec shutter speed, ISO 3200. The camera was mounted on a Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod with 486RC2 head.

<-- The shooting location in Scotland may be hard to guess at first glance and if you need a better visual clue on that location, check out his shot from this year's prom, with the young man now wearing the traditional Scottish kilt.

Both of our winners earned a Topaz Photo Shop Plug-in Bundle, courtesy of our sponsor Topaz Labs.

Posted by flashdeadline at 10:17 PM

Caribbean, Alaskan and Chinese images earn contest honors

3--Ami-Thu.jpgCongratulations to our winners in the third and last round before the finals of the Nikonians 10th Anniversary Photo Contest.

Richard Hulbert (rhulbert), Paul Ekman (pdekman) and Kenneth Fok (zedbadee) combined to share with us scenes from the 14-Day Ultimate Travel Workshop in the Caribbean, the 9th Annual Nikonians Photo Adventure Trip (ANPAT) in Alaska — and China.

3-Nikonian-Amigos_300.jpgFirst Place honors go to "3 Nikonian Amigos on the Caribbean Road" by Richard Hulbert (rhulbert), from Vancouver, Canada. Rick is a Charter Member -with Nikonians at least from 2005.
He made his winning image with a Nikon D3X camera using a 14-24mm f/2.8G AF-S set at 16mm. The aperture was f/5.6, the shutter speed was 1/8000s.

Rick will be receiving as prizes:
- A Gorillapod Focus + Ballhead X by Joby
- A Nikonians Gold Membership extension for one year
- A Nikonians Academy Voucher for $179
- Photo Pro Shop USA voucher for 10% discount
- A Nikonians Annotate Expert software license

Honorable Mentions
Nikonians-Spencer-Glacier_300.jpgTo "Nikonians at Spencer Glacier", by member Paul Ekman (pdekman) from Iowa, USA.

Paul has been a Nikonian since 16th Nov 2005 and made this picture with his Nikon D200, 70-200mm/f2.8F AF-S VR with TC14E at 280mm, f/8, ISO 400. Images from Spencer Glacier were a popular feature of the 9th ANPAT, including one action packed close-up which made the front cover of one of our Nikonians eZine magazines.
Nikonians_China_300.jpg
------------------
And to "Nikonians in China" by member Kenneth Fok (zedbadee) from British Columbia, Canada. Kenneth has been a Nikonians Member since June 2007.

He made his China night scene image with a Nikon D700, his lens set at 45mm, f/4.5, 1/30 sec, ISO 2,200

Both Honorable Mentions, pdekman and zedbadee will receive as prizes:
- A Platinum membership extension for six months
- A Nikonians Academy Voucher for $179, applicable to any workshop within the next 12 months
- A Photo Pro Shop USA voucher for 10% discount on any purchase above $50 within the next 12 months.
- A Nikonians Annotate Expert software license

You can look at all contestant images in the 10th Anniversary Contest Galleries here.
We will provide the finals winners details in the Nikonians Photo Contest forum, in our News Blog and your free Nikonians Newsletter.

Posted by flashdeadline at 7:40 PM

May 21, 2010

Size and perspective bird photo earns spot in our Best of the Year Contest

Size_perspective_75.jpgCongratulations to Nikonians Gold member David Metta (Merlin50), of Illinois, USA. He's the winner for the April segment of our Best of Nikonians - 2010 Images Photo Contest.

He won the segment theme "Birds" with an image he calls: Size, largely a matter of perspective.

David made his photograph with his Nikon D700 and AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED lens at an f/22 aperture.

Size_perspective_300.jpgHis shutter speed was 1/320 sec and ISO was set to 200. It shows a Rufous-tailed Hummingbird (Amazilia tzacatl) in flight, with a tiny insect nearby. The image was captured in Panama at the Soberania National Park, roughly 25 kilometers (15 miles) from Panama City.

As his prize, he will receive from Think Tank Photo an Airport Ultralight™ V2.5 backpack valued at $169.00 USD.

At the end of the year, the Nikonians Masters Society, composed of outstanding professional and distinguished advanced amateur photographers around the world, will include Dave's April winner as they select the First Place winner of the Best of Nikonians - 2010 Images Contest.

For our Silver, Gold and Platinum members, check our complete details and a guide on how to prepare your entries for our Photo Contest and enter your shots now.

Our May segment is currently under way. Please remember that the main subject for this month is a mode of transportation. The longest size of the photograph must be between 900 and 1024 pixels.

Posted by flashdeadline at 9:15 AM

Natural lighting and happy model help win contest

Thumbnail image for Contests_75px.jpgCongratulations to Nikonians Silver member Brandy Fortune (pixiepurls) from Georgia USA, winner of the 3rd Week of our Welcoming Photo Contest Phase VI. She had been a member previously and qualified for the contest by re-activating as a Silver member in May.

Brandy shot the image of her daughter wearing a knit cap with a Nikon D80, using an aperture of f/8 on her AF NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D lens. She used Auto White Balance for an indoor shot that depended on natural lighting from a window as her "main." The shutter speed was 1/250 sec.

Knit-Hat_window_photo_300.jpgShe tells us:
"I had designed the knitted hat she is wearing and needed to take a good photo of it. In this photo she is standing on top of her bed, we are to the left of a very large window with a bunch of natural light. I always get great light standing to the left or right of this particular window; it also has a sheer curtain that helps filter the light. She was standing on her bed, running back and forth (as fast as a toddler can "run" on a bed I guess) and was bouncing and giggling. I was totally shocked I got the shot as clear as it is. I love her expression, and I love how the background of the wall looks in the photo. It reminded me of a Gap clothing ad."
Brandy will receive a license for the Award winning Topaz Photoshop Plug-in Bundle courtesy of Topaz Labs (currently valued at $180 USD).

Details on this contest can be found in our Phase VI announcement posted in the Photo Contest Forum.

Posted by flashdeadline at 8:09 AM

May 16, 2010

Nikonians 10th Anniversary Photo Contest 2nd Round Winners

Thumbnail image for Contests_75px.jpgCongratulations to Rick Paul (rickpaul), Richard Hulbert (rhulbert) and Noel Holland (Noel Holland), our winners in the second round of the Nikonians 10th Anniversary Photo Contest.
The theme was "Fellow Nikonians at Work."

Rick_H_Death_Valley_175.jpgFirst Place honors go to "Rick H Death Valley" by Rick Paul (rickpaul), from Arizona, USA.

Rick is a Charter Member -which means he has been a Nikonians member since at least 2005.
His winning entry was subtitled: "Nikonian Rick Hulbert shooting the Dunes in Death Valley"
The image was made with a Nikon D3, his lens @ 35mm, f/11, 1/60 sec, ISO 200.

Rick will be receiving as prizes:
- A ColorMunki Photo Color Management Solution by X-Rite
- A Composer and Optic Kit by Lensbaby
- A Platinum membership extension for six months
- A Nikonians Academy voucher for $179, applicable to any workshop within the next 12 months
- A Photo Pro Shop USA voucher for 10% discount on any purchase above $50 within the next 12 months
- A Nikonians Annotate Expert software license


Honorary Mentions
Nikonians_at_Work_175.jpg "ANPAT6 Nikonians at work" (at left) by Richard Hulbert (rhulbert) from Vancouver, Canada.

He subtitled it: "From Left to Right: Peter Curatolo, Rick Matheny, Ronnie Wright, and Jon Bloom. Can you help me make these guys famous? "

Richard is also a Charter Member -with Nikonians at least from 2005.

He made this image with a Nikon D2Hs and 105mm f/2.8G ED IF AF-S VR Micro Nikkor at f/2.8, 1/30 sec, ISO 200.


Stephen_Dohrmann_Grand_Tetons_400.jpg "Stephen Dohrmann photographs the Grand Tetons ANPAT7" (above) by Noel Holland (Noel Holland) from London, England.

Noel has been a Nikonians Member since 2006.
His image was subtitled: "Image of Stephen Dohrmann (Steve D) taken as he photographs morning light on the Grand Tetons with the Snake River Valley in front."
He made it with a Fuji S5 Pro, 18-70mm Nikkor set to 18mm @ f/8, 1/125, ISO 100 with polariser and Lee Grad ND filters. Processed in Lightroom 2 and Nik Silver Effects.

Honorary Mention winners Richard and Noel will each receive as prizes:

- A Nikonians Membership extension for one year (Gold for Richard, Platinum for Noel).
- A Nikonians Academy voucher for $179, applicable to any workshop within the next 12 months
- A Photo Pro Shop USA voucher for 10% discount on any purchase above $50 within the next 12 months.
- A Nikonians Annotate Expert software license

Don't forget you can follow the 10th Anniversary Contest Galleries to see how the contest is shaping up. We will provide future winners names and details in our Nikonians Photo Contest Forum, News Blog and General Newsletter.

Posted by flashdeadline at 7:53 PM

May 5, 2010

Sambesi Group sponsors Photo Contest

Logo_Nikonians-Contests-kl.jpgThe Sambesi Group, manufacturer of flash equipment, sponsors the May segment of your "Best of Nikonians - 2010 Images" photo contest.

The lucky winner will not only get the regular prize - an attractive product from Nikonians long-time partner ThinkTankPhoto - but additionally he will recieve a flash2softbox from the Sambesi Group worth $375.

The photography theme in May is "Transportation". Contribute your image on that subject and you may win both prizes!

All details on the contest can be found on our webpage, more information on the flash2softbox (including a video clip) on the Sambesi Group's website.

flash2softbox_Set_XL-EN.jpg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted by joef at 12:21 PM

April 28, 2010

Infrared photo wins New Member Contest first week honors

Contests_75px.jpgCongratulations to Silver member Richard Kain (MNisgreat) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, winner of our First Week of eligibility in the Nikonians Welcoming Photo Contest - Phase VI.


Garden_Emptiness_325.jpg
Dick is a new member with experience in infrared and landscape photography. His winning entry is titled "Garden of Emptiness." It was taken with his Nikon D70s (modified for infrared) and AF DX Fisheye-NIKKOR 10.5mm f/2.8G ED lens. He used an aperture of f/10 with the shutter speed at 1/400 and ISO 800.

Dick tells us:
"This picture was taken in Kyoto, Japan at the Garden of Emptiness. I like the infrared effect and the fisheye distortion, which causes you to look into the garden.
I'm looking forward to the connections I can make and the information I can learn through Nikonians. Thanks for being here!"

As his prize, he will be receiving a license for the award winning Topaz Photoshop Plug-in Bundle courtesy of Topaz Labs (currently valued each at $180 USD).

Our contest continues and a new winner will be announced for the next four weeks, during the five week span of Phase VI.

Check the Welcoming Photo Contest - Phase VI announcement for details.

Posted by flashdeadline at 8:45 PM

April 16, 2010

Welcoming Photo Contest - Phase VI debuts

Contests_75px.jpgNew members of the Nikonians community will be eligible for a welcoming gift in Phase VI of our popular Welcoming Photo Contest.
All members registered between April 12 and May 18 2010, no matter at which level (from Basic to Platinum) will be eligible to participate in this five-week contest.
Each weekly winner will be receiving one license of the Award winning Topaz Photoshop Plug-in Bundle courtesy of Topaz Labs (currently valued each at $180 USD.
Check the Contest Announcement for details.

Posted by flashdeadline at 2:35 PM

March 18, 2010

10th Anniversary Photo Contest first round winners announced

Tenth_88.jpgOur 10th Anniversary Photo Contest first round of judging and has been completed and we have a winner and two honorable mentions to congratulate. We have also revised (and expanded) the deadlines for the next two rounds of judging.

The first round winning entries cover the theme "What Nikonians means to me" and include examples of images created thanks to lessons learned from the community.
Tenth-First-Place.jpgFirst Place honors go to "A World of Fun" by member Jeff Meyers (jeffmeyers), from Missouri, USA Nikonian since 2006.
Jeff subtitled his winning entry: "The Nikonians community is a carnival of coolness!" It was taken with his Nikon D300, using an aperture of f/11 for an exposure lasting 1.5 seconds. The ISO was set to 200.

Jeff will be receiving as prizes:
- An AF 18-270mm/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Macro lens by Tamron
- One Nikonians Gold Membership for one year
- One Nikonians Academy Voucher for $179, applicable to any workshop within the next 12 months
- One Photo Pro Shop USA voucher for 10% discount on any purchase above $50 within the next 12 months.
- One Nikonians Annotate Expert software license

Our Two Honorary Mentions:

Tenth-HM-Crossroads.jpg"Crossroads of the Nikon Universe" by Mark Garbowski (mgarbowski), from New York, USA.

Mark has been a Nikonian since 2009 and the image was made with his Nikon D50 and AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED lens at ISO 400, on a tripod with aperture priority at f/8 and 1/4s shutter speed.

Tenth-HM-Geese.jpg "Geese in the Mist II" by Kelly Morris (Morris in MT), from Montana, USA.
He's been a member of the Nikonians community since 2007 and made the winning image with his Nikon D80; AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5 - 5.6G IF-ED lens at 195mm; F5.3; 1/1600 sec; ISO 800; +1 Exp Comp.

Both Honorary Mention winners will receive:
- One Nikonians Gold Membership for one year
- One Nikonians Academy Voucher for $179, applicable to any workshop within the next 12 months
- One Photo Pro Shop USA voucher for 10% discount on any purchase above $50 within the next 12 months.
- One Nikonians Annotate Expert software license

New expanded deadlines added
The next two rounds of judging include an extension to the original deadlines. As we came close to our first round deadline dates we heard from some members with technical difficulties getting their submissions registered on time. To benefit our members we have expanded the contest deadline dates to make sure everyone has a fair chance at our prizes. When you check on the 10th Anniversary Photo Contest Rules for all submission guidelines, you will now have new extended deadlines available.

The next two rounds:

II. Fellow Nikonians at Work
The winner will be our member who submits a photo that best expresses fellow Nikonians with their gear taking photos in environments or scenarios that have been made possible by their membership. This gallery is now open, and the eligibility dates have been updated to include March through April, 2010.

III. On the Nikonians Road
The winner will be our member who submits a photo that best expresses "Look at the places I have been to, inspired or directed by Nikonians" and "Places and pictures I could not have made without my fellow Nikonians." This gallery will open in May and will last through June, 2010.

You can follow the 10th Anniversary Contest Galleries here, and we will provide winner details in our News Blogs and Newsletter.

Posted by flashdeadline at 3:05 PM

February 18, 2010

Ten days left to win this lens

tamron-18-270-thmb_100.jpgNikonians Silver, Gold and Platinum members have ten days left to claim this lens, which is our February prize in the Nikonians 10th Anniversary Photo Contest.
The contest consists of images which serve to share, learn and inspire us all and it has been designed to give our active members a "head-start."

Each Month's theme category is an easy challenge, but this contest has a new "twist."
It also includes some stepping stones (called tasks) which provide eligibility priorities to our members who are also taking advantage of their discussion forum and gallery benefits.
These extra steps are narrowing the eligible entries, which means you have an even greater statistical chance to win our first month's prize:

EISA-Tamron-100.jpgTamron’s AF18-270mm/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Macro lens
This is the lens that won the coveted European Imaging & Sound Association (EISA) Photo Award – European Travel Lens of the Year 2008-2009 award, announced in August last year.

The Awards Jury summary of this 15x-zoom lens in the APC-S (Nikon DX format) lens described it as an ideal compact and lightweight travel lens:

tamron-18-270_250.jpg "Tamron has not only produced a DSLR lens with the most extensive zoom range available, but also an impressive optical performance. Tamron’s built-in optical image stabilizer, Vibration Compensation (VC), is able to reduce the impact of camera shake so the photographer can hand hold the lens at shutter speeds of up to 4 stops beyond normal safe levels. This is especially useful in low light conditions. With its compact design, light weight, high optical performance and extremely wide focal range the Tamron AF18-270mm VC lens is a perfect travel companion.”

DX-format lenses are not intended for use in full-frame format cameras, but for the full-frame reference minded photographer, this DX lens gives you a 28-419mm equivalent angle of view when converted to full frame.

On to the Contest:
In order to make sure that all the winners in the monthly segments and eventual grand prize selection are totally committed to the Nikonians community goals of "sharing, learning and inspiring" these stepping stones are set up to look for contest entrants who are actively participating in our forums and the photo galleries. Most of our members have probably already accomplished these tasks with no thoughts of entering the 10th Anniversary Photo Contest by their active participation in any of our forums.

So, for each month of the contest, you will become eligible to enter your image for the monthly segment as well as the grand prize by just having started a discussion thread, replied to any discussion thread, and posted any image (not your contest entry image) from your Nikonians Gallery into the Forum. The Tamron lens prize goes to our winner from the February contestants, who will then be elgible for the Grand Prize.

The Grand Prize will be an exclusive "One-on-One" workshop with an International award winning photographer. You alone will have the full dedicated attention of a workshop with Pascal Baetens in Brussels, including air ticket and hotel!

Check our Contest Rules and stake your claim on that February prize of the Tamron lens today!

Posted by flashdeadline at 5:06 PM

February 14, 2010

2009 Nikonians Image of Year Winners announced

Storm-Win_88.jpgCongratulations to Silver Nikonian Ryan Pendleton (Pichead) of Missouri, USA for taking top honors as the overall winner of The Best of Nikonians - 2009 Image Contest.

Storm-175.jpgHe first displayed his image "St. Louis Storm" in our November segment.
Ryan used his Nikon D700 and Nikkor AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8 G ED lens for an extended 25 second exposure at f/2.8.
That's Ryan standing in the foreground. He had his D700 tripod mounted and triggered it with his remote.
In his photo notes he calmly states "Did not get struck."
As the winner, he will receive a Think Tank Photo - Airport Security™ V 2.0 backpack, and an extension of his membership at the Gold level for three years.


Honorable Mention went to (by sheer coincidence) to our first and last segment finalists during the 2009 contest.


Snowflake_300.jpgOctavian Radu Topai (Tavi) of Timisoara, Romania, was our first finalist in the Best of Nikonians – 2009 Images Contest.
His segment focused on the theme "Hot and Cold" and he won with "Story of a Snowflake."

He used his Nikon D200 with a Tokina AF 12-24mm f/4 AT-X 124AF Pro DX lens zoomed to about 19 mm, aperture f/9, exposure time 1/30 sec at ISO 100.
Octavian will receive Think Tank Photo's StreetWalker® backpack as his prize, along with an extension on his membership at Gold level for one year.


Play-Time_300.jpg Silver member Jody L. Dutro (Jodys98Torch ) earned Honorable Mention with her image titled “Play Time.” It shows a novice monk having a little fun at the Hsinbyume Pagoda in Mingun, Burma. Jody submitted this photo as her entry in the December segment of the contest. She used a Nikon D300 with her AF-S DX VR Zoom-NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED lens at 65mm f/14, 1/800 sec., ISO 200, handheld, no filters.
She tells us:
We had a small group of novice monks we 'borrowed' from the monastery for our photo shoot at this temple. When our guide asked them to climb around and leap from point to point, this young monk was the one I concentrated on shooting because of his graceful and fluid motion. I liked the way he had that slight smile the whole time, like he was enjoying himself, and was probably amused at us goofy photographers clicking away.
As her prize, Jody receives a Datacolor - Spyder3Pro Hardware/Software package and her membership will be upgraded to Gold and extended for one year.

The 2010 Contest has begun!
The Best of Nikonians 2010 Image Contest started in February, with the first theme centered on HDR (High Dynamic Range) photos. HDR is a unique aspect of the digital darkroom age, allowing you to combine the best exposure elements from multiple exposures into one perfect end-product.

For more information on HDR photography discussed by Nikonians, check our Photomatix & Other HDR software forum.

Posted by flashdeadline at 11:21 PM

February 12, 2010

Win an exclusive VIP workshop and flight to Europe

We are celebrating our 10th anniversary where you can win a VIP workshop with Pascal Baetens in Brussels including air ticket and hotel! Other prices include great gear and software and we run the contest for February, March and April. Make sure you upload an image each month and that you take part in posting and answering questions in the forums. Read more


Tenth_88.jpgFollowing the announcement of our Nikonians 10th Anniversary Photo Contest in the News Blogs, we've had a number of questions seeking details and a further explanation of the contest procedures (referred to as "tasks" in the Contest Rules).

Posted by bgs at 7:09 PM

February 4, 2010

10th Anniversary Photo Contest Update

Tenth_88.jpgFollowing the announcement of our Nikonians 10th Anniversary Photo Contest in the News Blogs, we've had a number of questions seeking details and a further explanation of the contest procedures (referred to as "tasks" in the Contest Rules).

Those tasks are merely stepping stones in a new concept for this particular contest. You will see that the actual image descriptions for the three months are centered on three basic themes (one per month) and should be fairly easy to accomplish.
In order to make sure that all the winners in the monthly segments and eventual grand prize selection are totally committed to the Nikonians community goals of "sharing, learning and inspiring" these stepping stones are set up to look for contest entrants who are actively participating in our forums and the photo galleries. Most of our members have probably already accomplished these tasks with no thoughts of entering the 10th Anniversary Photo Contest by their active participation in any of our forums.

First-Entry.jpgSo, for each month of the contest, you will become eligible to enter your image for the monthly segment as well as the grand prize by just having started a discussion thread, replied to any discussion thread, and posted any image (not your contest entry image) from your Nikonians Gallery into the Forum.

The contest rules spell it out in detail.

Another question that has come up (and since been resolved) regards pop-ups. Many of our members are not liking pop-ups and have them blocked. Those pop-ups were designed to help you keep track of the tasks as you proceed with the contest. However, recognizing that pop-ups are not popular (thanks to a number of postings in our forums and messages to our Help Desk) we have eliminated the pop-ups.

Another question that has come up is the grand prize option. We have been asked whether or not the trip to Brussels, Belgium (with round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations and a chance to study with internationally recognized Nikonians Photographer Pascal Baetens) is the only option. There are some who have expressed concern that they may not be able to make the trip in the June 11 through June 13 timeframe.

If our winner grand prize winner will not be able to make the trip, our contest coordinators are currently arranging for an alternative prize featuring a professional quality Nikon DSLR and other goodies). We don't have the exact details yet, but you will like it. :)

So, go have a look at those contest rules again—you will find the "tasks" are not that hard, and your pop-ups worries are taken care of.

Posted by flashdeadline at 5:04 PM

November 18, 2009

Shoot yourself -- win a Nikon and $100K

Your_Day_80.jpgWell, you don't really have to shoot yourself literally. All you need to do is submit a video of 140 seconds or less with the theme "Your Day" and you can win.

Your_Day_300.jpgNikonians in the USA 50 states and the District of Columbia age 18 or above are invited to enter Nikon's "A Day through your Lens" video contest with a deadline of December 15th at midnight.

Nikon's contest announcement explains the theme:
So what's it like to be you? Capture the essence of your day in a video of 140 seconds or less. It can be funny, touching or profound. It can be about everything you did, everything you didn't do, the day's biggest dilemma or its most telling detail.

The contest promotes Nikon's HD-video capable D5000 camera, but the neat part is you can shoot your entry with any video-capturing device that can produce videos in one of the following formats: flv, avi, mpg, mpeg, mpe, dat, vob, wmv, asf, mp4, mov, 3gp, 3gp2, 3gpp, dv, qt, rm, or rmvb.

The grand prize is $100,000 and a Nikon D5000 D-SLR kit. This contest has an audience viewed popularity feature, which means if your video gets a pile of audience reaction you could win $25,000 and a Nikon D5000 D-SLR kit.

You can find the rules and submission guidelines here, and follow the contest at the Nikon Festival site.

As a heads up -- If you have thoughts of sweetening your video submission with a favorite track from your favorite iPod collection, you could be disqualifying yourself immediately:
"Note: Please do not use music, brand images or talent that you do not have permission to use in your video. If you're going to put music on your video it's best to use music that is in the public domain or music that you have created."

Posted by flashdeadline at 6:50 PM

7-Week New Members Photo Contest has started

Our recently completed photo contest which awarded prizes to new members was so popular that we're launching an extended seven-week Phase V which will last for the rest of this year.

In this fifth edition of the New Members Welcoming Photo Contest We are giving out one Photo Mechanic by Camera Bits (currently valued at $150 USD, with a media price of $160), once every week for a series of four weeks.

Then, the following three weeks we are giving out a GPS unit courtesy of buyGPSnow.

Each week we will select a winner.
The first winner will be announced Monday November 23, 2009
The final winner in this series will be announced January 4, 2010.

Announcements
Winners will be announced at the Nikonians Photo Contests Forum.

Posted by flashdeadline at 3:33 PM

November 15, 2009

Kids capture photog's eye and contest win

NPOY_Oct-Win_78.jpg
Congratulations to Nikonians Gold Member Voltaire Malazarte (Alaz), of New York, USA, winner of the Best of Nikonians - 2009 Images Photo Contest October segment with his image "Children of lesser God."

NPOY_Oct-Win_350.jpg Voltaire's photo is a Black and White conversion of street children jockeying for better positions at the famous Magellan's Cross historical site, in Cebu, Philippines.

He used his Nikon D700 and AF-S Zoom-NIKKOR 28-70mm f/2.8D IF-ED lens at 52mm. The exposure was 1/60 sec at f/8, using ISO 200. The Black and White conversion was made using Adobe Creative Suite 4 and Silver Efex Pro from Nik Software.

Voltaire's prize for making it into the semi-finals is a StreetWalker camera backpack from Think Tank Photo.

Night shooters next in line
The contest, open to all Silver, Gold and Platinum Nikonians Members, results in monthly winners being announced, with each moving on to the finals at the end of the year.
Our November segment is currently under way (and the deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 30). Please remember that the main subject for this segment is "Night Sky." The December theme will be "My Best Shot."

For detailed information on entering, check our contest rules.

Posted by flashdeadline at 8:52 PM

October 25, 2009

Foreground crowd helps to enhance winning photo

Sept-Win_78.jpgCongratulations to Silver Nikonian Tammy McBrien (duffergirl) of Ontario, Canada for winning the September segment of our Best of Nikonians - 2009 Images Photo Contest.

Tammy's photo, entitled "Fireworks Festival Montreal" was captured at the L'International Des Feux Loto-Quebec - Montreal, Canada with her Nikon D300 and AF-S DX VR Zoom-NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED lens.


Sept-Win_275.jpg
Tammy shares with us her behind the scenes preparations:
It was late in the evening. I managed to get a tripod set up which was difficult as there were so many people in the crowd. I was initially disappointed that I could not get closer to the fireworks but once I started shooting I realized that I could capture the crowd watching the fireworks — and I really liked that depth and the ability to capture the entire event from a distance. It was a lovely clear evening. The fireworks display in this portion of the competition was put on by South Africa.
I shoot with my D300 and my 18-200 lens aperture was f/13. The ISO was set to 200 and the focal length of the lens was at 56 mm. The exposure lasted for 1.3 seconds. My camera was mounted on a 25 year old, creaky, aluminum tripod. The head was propped up straight with a wine cork. I have since replaced it with a snappy carbon fiber model.

Tammy's concern about that crowd in the foreground turns out to be a big factor in her winning formula. The contest judges praised her ability to capture the crowd as well as the fireworks display.

As her prize, Tammy will receive from Think Tank Photo a Speed Racer™ Camera Beltpack.

Join in on the action!
For our Silver, Gold and Platinum members, all you need to do is have a quick look at our Rules and Guidelines and make sure you know we only have three months of eligibility left (with one ending this week).
Our October contest segment is currently under way (last entry date is October 31.) The main subject for October is a "People" scene. The longest size of the photograph must be between 900 and 1024 pixels. If you want to check out some great images already in the running for top honors in the "People" theme, check the October entries already entered in the competition.
Looking ahead for your final two shots at earning the Best of Nikonians - 2009 Images Photo Contest crown — the November segment theme is "Night Sky" and the final segment in December will be your opportunity to show us "My Best Shot."

Posted by flashdeadline at 8:00 PM

October 12, 2009

Boat ride with D300 yields winning image

Congratulations to Silver member Lori McEathron (McEathron), of Suzhou Jiangsu Province, China — winner of our fourth week in the Nikonians Welcoming Photo Contest - Phase IV.

Venice_of_the_East_175.jpgLori tells us Jiangsu Province in southeast China is known as the "Venice of the East" and her winning entry bears the same title.

In her own words:
"The numerous watertowns are quaint and peaceful, promising the simple life and quiet times. I enjoy bringing foreign guests on boat rides through the canals of Zhou Zhuang, propelled by a single, polished oar gently moving back and forth in time with the mournful Chinese ballad sung by the oarsman. Priceless."

The photo was taken with her Nikon D300 and AF-S DX VR Zoom-NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED lens. Her aperture was f/7, with a 1/200th shutter speed and the camera set to ISO 200.
Lori will be receiving a Photoshop Bundle by Topaz Labs (currently valued at $149.99 USD) for her winning entry.

About our Phase IV Contest sponsor:
Topaz Labs, makers of popular Photoshop Plug-Ins such as Adjust, Vivacity and DeJPEG are currently offering a very generous 25% discount for all contributing Nikonians at the Silver, Gold and Platinum levels. Check your Nikonians Rewards Page for details.

Posted by flashdeadline at 12:11 AM

September 28, 2009

Coyote's hunt results in Nikonian's win

Congratulations to Silver member Bill Wayazo (wayazo), winner of the Best of Nikonians - 2009 Images Photo Contest August segment with his image "Hidden Hunter."

August-Winner_375.jpg
It was taken with a Nikon D700, ISO 200, f/16, 1/500 sec, Nikon 200-400mm @ 400mm. Bill tells us he shot this image of a coyote searching for prey in Gibbon Meadow, Yellowstone National Park. Bill is from Washington, USA.
Bill's prize for making it into the semi-finals is a Speed Freak Beltpack from Think Tank Photo.

The contest, open to all Silver, Gold and Platinum Nikonians Members, results in monthly winners being announced, with each moving on to the finals at the end of the year.
Our September segment is currently under way (and the deadline is Wednesday, Sept. 30). Please remember that the main subject for this month must be a "Celebration" scene. The longest size of the photograph must be between 900 and 1024 pixels
October's theme is "People" — followed by "Night Sky" in November and "My Best Shot" in December.

For detailed information on entering, check our contest rules.

Posted by flashdeadline at 2:32 AM

September 21, 2009

Two Canadians have taken top honors in Welcoming New Members Photo Contest

Congratulations to Cam Fennell (CSFSue2), of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, winner of our second week of eligibility in Welcoming Photo Contest - Phase IV. The first week's win was also by a Canadian Nikonians member.

Bush_Tit_in_Flight_320.jpgCam (short for Camilla) is a Silver member with experience using her D50, D80 (and now D90) cameras in shooting wildlife and birds. Cam's winning entry is entitled Bush Tit in Flight .

Cam tells us the image was a lucky shot while practicing with a brand new Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Autofocus VR Zoom Nikkor Lens.
The lens was on her Nikon D90, shooting at 1/4000 seconds with an aperture of f/10 and the ISO set to 320.

Cam will be receiving a Photoshop Bundle by Topaz Labs (currently valued at $149.99 USD) for her winning entry.

Our contest continues and a new winner will be announced once every week for the next two weeks. Check the Welcoming Photo Contest - Phase IV announcement for details.

About our Phase IV Contest sponsor:
Topaz Labs, makers of popular Photoshop Plug-Ins such as Adjust, Vivacity and DeJPEG are currently offering a very generous 25% discount for all contributing Nikonians at the Silver, Gold and Platinum levels. Check your Nikonians Rewards Page for details.

Posted by flashdeadline at 12:40 AM

September 13, 2009

Small Photo gets the big prize in current new member contest

Congratulations to Steve Harrington (sevenball), of Ontario, Canada for winning the first week of our New Members Welcoming Photo Contest Phase IV with a soft-focus macro shot of flower petals.

Petal_300.jpg
Steve was shooting with his Nikon D40 and AF-S DX VR Zoom-NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED lens (with a #4 close-up filter attached). The camera was set to ISO 200 and he used the full 200mm of his lens at aperture f/5.6 and a shutter speed of 1/500th sec.
Steve will be receiving a Photoshop Bundle by Topaz Labs (currently valued at $149.99 USD) for his winning entry, entitled A Petal World.

Our contest continues and a new winner will be announced once every week for the next three weeks.

Topaz Labs, makers of popular Photoshop Plug-Ins such as Adjust, Vivacity and DeJPEG are currently offering a very generous 25% discount for all contributing Nikonians at the Silver, Gold and Platinum levels. Check your Nikonians Rewards Page for details.

If you are a new member you too can win!

If you registered between August 30th and September 26th, no matter at which level (from Basic to Platinum), you can participate in this contest.
Each week we will select a winner.
The week two judging concludes this weekend and the announcement will be made after Sepember 14.
The last one in this series will be announced on September 28, 2009.
Complete details and a guide on how to prepare your entries are available in our New Members Welcoming Photo Contest Phase IV announcement.

Posted by flashdeadline at 7:40 PM

2010 Nikon Small World competition under way

The 2010 Contest designed to showcase excellence in photography through microscopes has begun, and this year's prize list includes a $3,000 USD shopping spree towards the purchase of Nikon equipment.

NikonSmallWorld_125.jpg The deadline for entries in the 2010 Nikon's Small World Competition is April 30, 2010.
Photomicrographs must be taken using a light microscope, such as one of the Nikon series of compound or stereoscopic microscopes. The use of Nikon equipment is not required. Complete contest entry rules and the online entry form are available at the Nikon Small World Homepage (along with great examples of the winning entries from previous competition).
According to the site:
Winners will receive one of 20 prizes, sorted according to rank in the competition. First prize is $3,000 toward the purchase of Nikon equipment. In addition, the winner is invited to attend an awards presentation ceremony in New York City as Nikon’s special guest.
Nikon’s Small World was founded in 1974 as a means to recognize excellence in photography through the microscope. The competition’s reputation has grown over the years and is regarded as the leading forum for recognizing beauty and complexity as seen through the microscope

Posted by flashdeadline at 4:55 PM

August 31, 2009

New Members Welcoming Photo Contest launches Phase IV

Our recently completed photo contest which awarded prizes to new members was so popular that we're launching our brand new four-week Phase IV.

This time, we are giving out one Photoshop Bundle by Topaz Labs (currently valued at $149.99 USD, with a normal price of $270) once every week for the next four weeks.

TopazLaps.jpg
Topaz Labs, makers of popular Photoshop Plug-Ins such as Adjust, Vivacity and DeJPEG are currently offering a very generous 25% discount for all contributing Nikonians at the Silver, Gold and Platinum levels. Check you Nikonians Rewards Page for details.

The contest has already started
If you registered between August 30th and September 26th, no matter at which level (from Basic to Platinum), you can participate in this contest.
Each week we will select a winner.
The first winner will be announced Monday September 7, 2009.
The last one in this series will be announced on September 28, 2009.
Complete details and a guide on how to prepare your entries are available in our New Members Welcoming Photo Contest Phase IV announcement.

Posted by flashdeadline at 1:09 AM

July 26, 2009

Macro shot snags final week winning New Member Photo Contest

Congratulations to Nikonians Silver Member Zoran Buletic (Bzox),winner of our fourth (and final) week of our Welcoming Photo Contest Phase III-2009.

Cocon_300.jpg Zoran is a designer and photographer from Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

It was near Sarajevo, in a place called Binjezevo, that Zoran captured his macro shot which he has entitled “Cocon.”

He shot it with his Nikon D200, tripod mounted, and a Sigma APO Macro 180mm f/3.5 EX DG IF HSM lens.
His lens aperture was f/5.6 and the shutter speed was 1/60 sec. The camera was set for ISO 200 with Auto White Balance activated.

As his prize for winning in the fourth week, Zoran wins his his personal license code for Nik Color Efex Pro for Capture NX2 - Complete Edition software package with 52 Filters by Nik Software, valued at $179.95 USD.
Color Efex Pro 3.0 for Capture NX 2 offers a comprehensive, powerful, and easy to use set of filters to satisfy demanding enthusiasts and professional photographers.

Look for more contests and win
This phase of the New Members Welcoming Photo Contest may be over, but don't forget that all Silver, Gold and Platinum members are eligible to enter our other contests, including The Best of Nikonians - 2009 Images Contest.

Posted by flashdeadline at 11:58 PM

July 20, 2009

New Member Contest has third winner, one day left for final prize

We are pleased to congratulate the third week winner of our Third week of our New Members Welcoming Photo Contest (Phase III) 2009.

During our Third Phase of this popular contest, new members registering between June 22nd and July 19th are eligible to enter for a chance to win one of four Nik Color Efex Pro for Capture NX2 - Complete Edition software packs with 52 Filters by Nik Software, valued at $179.95 USD.

Color Efex Pro 3.0 for Capture NX 2 offers a comprehensive, powerful, and easy to use set of filters to satisfy demanding enthusiasts and professional photographers.

bodie_car_300.jpgOur Third Week Winner is Silver member Ed Gage (egage1979), of Wales, United Kingdom with his image of an abandoned old car entitled "Bodie Gold Mining Town."

Ed's photo was taken at the Bodie ghost town, Mono County, California, United States, with his Nikon D300 and his 18-200mm f3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor lens.
He shot it at ISO 200, 1/1250 seconds, with an aperture of f/4.5.

ONE DAY LEFT!
There is only one day left in the contest.
The final selection in this series will be on July 20, 2009
Details on how to enter the Welcoming Photo Contest can be found at the Nikonians New Members forum here.

Posted by flashdeadline at 12:51 AM

July 18, 2009

Are you the Digiscoper of the Year?

If you have been taking photographs with a digital compact camera through the eyepiece of a telescope and you have some great results, the answer could be "Yes!" Check out the Swarovski Optik Digiscoper of the Year 2009 contest today.

D-of-Year.jpgThree "Digiscopers of the Year" will each win:
1st PRIZE: A Complete Digiscoping Equipment Set (telescope, eyepiece, adapter)
2nd PRIZE: Swarovski Optik EL 42 Binoculars
3rd PRIZE: Swarovski Optik POCKET Binoculars
In addition: The best 20 pictures will be published on the Swarovski Optik Digiscoper of the Year-2009 homepage.
The closing date for this contest is October 31, 2009, and entrants must be 18 years of age and over.
Complete details can be found at the Swarovski Optik Digiscoper of the Year site. Look near the bottom of the page for "A Brief Summary of the Most Important Points for Entrants."

Posted by flashdeadline at 5:06 PM

June 29, 2009

Photography Book Now International Competition Deadline Nears

The Photography.Book.Now international juried book competition entry deadline is just three weeks away.

PBN_logo_209x64.png This competiton, featuring a Grand Prize of $25,000 USD, is presented by blurb.com and features additional prize packages from major photo imaging industry organizations.
For more details, Check our competition announcement News Blog.

Posted by flashdeadline at 5:15 PM

June 26, 2009

nikonians.org continues its Welcoming Contest

nikonians.org — The World Wide Home for Nikon Photographers — continues its Welcoming Photo Contest for New Members. This time, members registering between June 22nd and July 19th will be eligible to enter and have a chance to win one of four Nik Color Efex Pro for Capture NX2 - Complete Edition software packs with 52 Filters by Nik Software, valued at $179.95 USD.

cep3_nx2.jpg Color Efex Pro 3.0 for Capture NX 2 offers a comprehensive, powerful, and easy to use set of filters to satisfy demanding enthusiasts and professional photographers.

Details on how to enter can be found at the Nikonians New Members forum here

A new winner will be selected every week for the next four weeks.
The first winner will be announced June 29th, 2009
The last one of this series on July 20, 2009

Posted by jrp at 2:19 AM

May 4, 2009

Volcano sunset photo earns New Member Prize

Congratulations to Jerrold Matthews (jwmatthews) from Alaska, USA for his winning image of a volcanic eruption in the fourth week of our Welcoming Photo Contest II 2009.

Sunset-MtRedoubt_300.jpg Jerrold took his photo in early April of this year, shooting from a unique vantage point across the Cook Inlet in Alaska.
The 10,200-foot volcano spewed ash up to 60,000 feet when it started erupting in March. It is located approximately 100 miles southwest of Anchorage, Alaska.
Jerrold was shooting almost two weeks later from Kasilof, Alaska (on the east side of the Cook Inlet on the Kenai Peninsula). He was shooting towards the west, across the inlet, as the smoldering volcano was backlit by the setting sun, and he came up with this image which he calls "Mt. Redoubt Sunset."
He had his Nikon D80 tripod mounted, and he used his AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED lens at the full 135mm to pull in the volcano which is over 60 miles from his shooting location. The lens used an aperture of f/10 and his camera shutter speed was 1/250 second. His ISO was set to 160 and his White Balance was set to Auto.

Jerrold will receive a personal license code for Silver Efex Pro software by Nik Software (valued at $199.95 USD).

Week Five of the contest has begun.
This is the final week. If you register between now and May 5, no matter on which level (from Basic to Platinum), you can participate in this contest. Complete details and a guide on how to prepare your entries for our Welcoming Photo Contest II are available here.

Posted by flashdeadline at 1:57 AM

April 23, 2009

Miami skyline photo earns free software

Congratulations to new member Kosta Pavlakos (dj master blaster), of Montreal, Quebec, Canada for providing the winning image in the third week of our Welcoming Photo Contest II 2009.

Miami-at-Night_300.jpgKosta traveled to Miami, Florida, USA and captured his winning entry entitled "Miami at Night" with his Nikon D300 and AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED lens.
He had his D300 mounted on a tripod and used an ISO of 200, shutter speed at 1.3 seconds, and the lens aperture wide open at f/2.8. He used Program AE for exposuring and had his white balance set to Auto. The lens was close to its long limit, registering at 50mm.
As his prize, Kosta will receive a personal license code for Silver Efex Pro software by Nik Software (valued at $199.95 USD).

Week Four of the contest has begun.
If you register between now and May 5, no matter on which level (from Basic to Platinum), you can participate in this contest. Complete details and a guide on how to prepare your entries for our Welcoming Photo Contest II are available here.

Posted by flashdeadline at 4:14 PM

April 20, 2009

Canoes capture contest finalist slot

Congratulations to Silver Nikonians member Igor Voljc (IgorV), winner of the March segment of our Best of Nikonians - 2009 Images Photo Contest.

BoN-PC-April_300.jpgIgor is from Ljubljana, Slovenia and his winning entry in theme of "Transportation" was a group of canoes on the river Ljubljanica.

Igor used his Nikon D300 and Nikkor 20mm f/2.8 AI-s lens, shooting at ISO 200, with the lens aperture at f/8 and the shutter speed at 1/400s. His image drew praise from the panel of judges as an excellent example of composition techniques.

As his prize, Igor will receive from Think Tank Photo a Modular Set (valued at $169.95 USD). His image is now in the running for the title of Best of Nikonians - 2009 Images

The current segment of the contest is now under way and the theme is "Water." Check the Contest Guidelines for details-- grab your camera-- and good luck!


Posted by flashdeadline at 1:25 AM

Welcoming Photo Contest adds more winners

Congratulations to Nikonian Hans Zitler (Hans Ztz), winner for the second week of our Welcoming Photo Contest II 2009.

Hans is currently a Silver Member from Germany, and he is a key account manager for a company which produces airbrush tools.

WC2-Week2_300.jpgHans captured his image, entitled “Welcome Sunrays” in Bavaria, Germany with his Nikon D300 set to ISO 200 and his lens aperture at f/16. Hans tells us he got the D300 in January of this year, and he prefers to shoot landscapes. Photography is just one of his many interests. Hans is a Harley Davidson owner and he collects traditional knives.
As his prize, Hans will receive a personal license code for Silver Efex Pro software by Nik Software (valued at $199.95 USD).

WC2-Week1_300.jpgOur First week winner in the latest Welcoming Photo Contest was Jim Hammond (hamjam) of California, USA. His photo was also a landscape image.
Jim tells us:
“I took it at the South Tufa location of Mono Lake, California at 0630 in the morning to capture the warm morning sunlight. Initial processing, cropping, etc., was done using Lightroom 2.3. Final processing was done in PS CS4.The image was taken using my Nikon D80 and an 18-200mm AF-S Nikkor 3.5-5.6 G ED Lens. I used a shutter speed of 1/6 @ f22 at 29mm ISO 100, with the camera on a tripod. The image was among many I took on that morning for a Digital Photo class photo assignment I'm taking at a local junior college.”

Week Three of the contest has begun.
If you register between now and May 5, no matter on which level (from Basic to Platinum), you can participate in this contest. Complete details and a guide on how to prepare your entries for our Welcoming Photo Contest II are available here.

Posted by flashdeadline at 12:45 AM

April 2, 2009

Here comes the Skins Competition

Choose_75.jpgNikonians co-founder J. Ramón Palacios (jrp) has launched a Nikonians Skins competition, opening the door for our computer savvy members to add new options to our choice of Nikonians skins.

Choose_125.jpgThe current choices for your viewing choices include Nikonians Classic and Nikonians V2.0. Recognizing the insatiable appetite for customized skins shared by many of our members, the call is now out for those of you with a good knowledge of HTML and css sheets to participate in a re-design competition.
Designers of the three best alternate skins will receive a Nikonians merchandise gift pack as a token of our appreciation.
Check your formal invitation to participate (and deadlines/guidelines) here.

Posted by flashdeadline at 4:33 PM

March 21, 2009

Win Silver Efex Pro

Win a Silver Efex Pro software (value $199.95 USD) every week for the next five weeks and turn your photos into beautiful black & white images. It's easy - Just join our New Members Contest.

Posted by bgs at 1:39 PM

March 19, 2009

New Members Welcoming Photo Contest launches Series II

The recently completed photo contest which awarded prizes to new members was so popular that we're launching our brand new five-week Series II.

Silver-Efex-Pro-175.jpg This time, we are giving out one License Code for Nik Software - Silver Efex Pro valued at $199.95 USD, once every week for the next five weeks.

All new members registering between now and May 5, no matter on which level (from Basic to Platinum), are eligible to participate in this contest.
The first winner will be announced Wednesday April 8, 2009.
The final winner of this series II will be announced on Wednesday May 6, 2009.

Complete details and a guide on how to prepare your entries are available in our Welcoming Photo Contest II announcement.

In case you missed it, here are the winners from the first contest.
Week One honors went to Pete Campbell (PeteCamp) with his portrait of "My Friend Chico."

Week Two's winner was David Parker (1984Landcruiser) with his "old-time" photo of a steam locomotive. By coincidence, David used Silver Efex Pro to achieve his results.

Week Three's winner was Tim Ryll (tmwr1) with his composite image called "Weed Wall."

Jim Thackrey (jthackrey) was our winner for the fourth week with his shot of a“Lonely Road” in Nevada.

Finishing off the series was one of our youngest winners ever---- 12 year-old Nikonian Luke Birtles (LJB) won with his photo of Pont de Normandie.

Posted by flashdeadline at 1:44 PM

March 15, 2009

First 2009 Contest winner nails "Hot and Cold" theme

Congratulations to Octavian Radu Topai (Tavi) of Timisoara, Romania, our first finalist in the Best of Nikonians – 2009 Images Contest. The finalist segment focused on the theme "Hot and Cold" and Octavian's image, entitled "Story of a Snowflake" successfully combined the two elements.

Snowflake_300.jpgHe tells us: "It was a cold winter, at about -12 to -15 Celsius degrees in the day time, temperature decreased by the strong wind. During the night our tent was buried in snow two times and nearly destroyed by the wind, but in the morning we had a very pleasant reward... This splendid view at the sunrise, with the snowflakes carried by the wind towards the sun. It looked like the frozen environment started to burn in flames. Unfortunately it didn't last too much. After about 20 minutes everything was surrounded by a consistent fog, which lasted all day long."

Tavi-250.jpgHe used his Nikon D200 with a Tokina AF 12-24mm f/4 AT-X 124AF Pro DX lens zoomed to about 19 mm, aperture f/9, exposure time 1/30 sec at ISO 100.

Octavian started to take photography seriously while studying at his university and he prefers to shoot architecture, landscape and travel photography. This gives him the opportunity to go traveling, trekking and climbing.

He plans to go to the Pamir mountains in Central Asia this summer, and next year he hopes to travel to New Zealand.

As a finalist, Ocatavian will receive will receive Datacolor's Spyder3Pro display calibration package and Think Tank Photo's Skin Set.

Get in on the action!
The March finalist segment theme is "Modes of Transportation." Check our Contest Directions for details.

Posted by flashdeadline at 7:04 PM

March 3, 2009

Best of Nikonians 2008 Images Photo Contest winners announced

Congratulations to Joe Iannandrea (skorj), Poras Chaudhary (kaipu) and Thomas Spain (Countryboy), our top three finalists in the Best of Nikonians 2008 Images Photo Contest.

Cold_Wait_275.jpgSilver member Joe Iannandrea (skorj) of Fort Erie, Canada is our Grand Prize winner with his image entitled "Cold Wait."
Joe captured his winning entry with his Nikon D80 in the Manual exposure mode, shooting at a shutter speed of 1/320 second. He used his Tamron SP AF 20-40mm F/2.7-3.5 Aspherical-IF lens at f/9.
Joe's image has earned him a Spyder3Print software and hardware package from Datacolor and a Glass Taxi convertible backpack/ shoulder bag from Think Tank Photo. Joe will also receive a one-year Platinum level membership and Certificate of Photographic Achievement from our Nikonians co-founders.


Color-Me-Red_275.jpgHonorable Mention goes to Silver member Poras Chaudhary (kaipu) from India, who submitted his image "Color Me Red." He used his newly purchased Nikon D3 and a Nikkor AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8 G ED lens. He had the lens wide open at f/2.8, allowing him to expose at 1/640 sec with ISO 400.
His picture was taken on the colorful festival of Holi, which is celebrated on the day after the full moon in early March every year. It is also called the Festival of Colors. On this day people throw colors at each other.
As an Honorable Mention Finalist he will receive a one-year Gold level membership and Certificate of Photographic Achievement from our Nikonians co-founders.


Praying_Mantis_275.jpgHonorable Mention also goes to Gold member Thomas Spain (Countryboy), from Memphis, Tennessee, USA. His "Praying Mantis” image was taken in his backyard. with his Nikon D2X. He used natural light and a cable release. His camera was tripod mounted and the mirror was locked up. Thomas also used a white matte board reflector and a suns shade. He used his AF Micro-NIKKOR 200mm f/4D IF-ED at f/4.3, 1/13 sec at an ISO of 100.
He was spot-Metering for the shot and used shutter speed priority for his autoexposure setting.
As an Honorable Mention Finalist he will have his Gold level membership extended for another year and he will receive a Certificate of Photographic Achievement from our Nikonians co-founders.

The Best of Nikonians 2009 Images Photo Contest has already begun.
Check the contest guidelines and get in on the action today!

Posted by flashdeadline at 2:19 PM

February 23, 2009

Lonely Road leads to Contest Win

Congratulations to Nikonian Jim Thackrey (jthackrey), our winner for the fourth week of the New Members Welcome Photo Contest.

lonelyroad_275.jpgJim, one of our Gold members from Florida, USA used his Nikon D200 and 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR Zoom NIKKOR lens to capture this image called “Lonely Road” near Valley Of Fire State Park in Nevada.
He shot it at ISO 800, f/14, 1/400 sec, using Matrix metering.

His selection as our winner has earned Jim a Noise Ninja Pro Bundle by PictureCode (valued at $79.95 USD).

Responding to the good news, Jim wrote: "Thank you so much for this wonderful news. I had already kindled a fire for photography over the last year trying to learn and now I feel like gas has been poured on the flames. You made my day...week."

We have been giving out Noise Ninja Pro Bundles once every week for the past four weeks and the contest will be finished this month. If you register between January 23rd and February 27th, no matter on which level (from Basic to Platinum) you can participate in this contest. More information on the New Members Welcome Photo Contest is available here.

Posted by flashdeadline at 1:04 AM

February 9, 2009

Old photo earns new prize

Congratulations to Nikonian David Parker (1984Landcruiser), of Atlanta, Georgia, USA. David is our winner for the second week of the New Members Welcome Photo Contest. His winning photo is "twice old."

It was taken three years ago, and it's been post-processed to reflect the vintage black and white look of the main subject.
Durango_Silverton_350.jpg
David’s photo was taken in the summer of 2006 in Durango, Colorado, USA. He used his Nikon D70 and an AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED18-70 AFS lens to capture this image of a Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad steam locomotive. He had his zoom set to 55mm and his exposure was f/7.1 at 1/160 sec.

This particular locomotive (No. 482) was built in the mid-1920’s and is now serving as a tourist attraction. David converted his 2006 image to a realistic “old time” black & white using Silver Efex Pro from Nik Software.

He shared with us: “It certainly made this photo look much better than I could have using Photoshop alone. It really helped that the conductor and engineer were in costume.” More photos from Durango are posted in his Gallery.

David’s winning image has earned him a Noise Ninja Pro Bundle by PictureCode (valued at $79.95 USD).

We are giving out Noise Ninja Pro Bundles once every week for the next three weeks as the contest continues.

If you register between January 23rd and February 27th, no matter on which level (from Basic to Platinum) you can participate in this contest. More information on the New Members Welcome Photo Contest is available here.

Posted by flashdeadline at 10:53 PM

January 31, 2009

New Members Photo Contest winner hits jackpot with his favorite dog

Week-1_75.jpgCongratulations to Nikonian Pete Campbell (PeteCamp), the winner for the first week of our New Members Welcome Photo Contest.

Week-1_250.jpgPete submitted this photo entitled "My Friend Chico" taken with his Nikon D40 using a Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D AF, @ f/1.4 1/80 sec and Center-Weighted metering. His D40 was set for ISO 200 and he tells us he used Nikon Capture NX2 to make light adjustments.

Pete is in Texas, USA, where he currently serves as a Pastor and Police Chaplain. Although involved in photography since the early 70s, Pete is just getting back to it.
His winning entry has earned him a Noise Ninja Pro Bundle by PictureCode (valued at $79.95 USD).
We are giving out Noise Ninja Pro Bundles once every week for the next four weeks as the contest continues.
If you register between January 23rd and February 27th, no matter on which level (from Basic to Platinum) you can participate in this contest.

Complete details are available here.

Posted by flashdeadline at 5:02 PM

January 23, 2009

Contest for New Members

All new members registering between January 23rd up to and including February 27th 2009 at Nikonians can participate in our New Members Welcome contest, where we are giving out one Noise Ninja Pro Bundle (value $79.95 USD) once per week.

Make sure you get your own, free copy of this great software. Details in the forums.

Posted by bgs at 12:38 PM

December 8, 2008

Nikonians invited to show their colors

Datacolor, manufacturer of Spyder3 color calibration solutions has invited Nikonians to join in on a colorful contest.

REAL_Colors.jpg
Datacolor's simple invitation: Show colors, get published & win!

They ask contestants to send images "that show your colors -- images that show how you feel and how you see the world. Even if these colors are black and white, your artwork is welcome. Anything goes, but demands are high!"

Entries will be accepted from now until the 31st of January 2009 and can be in color or black and white in web resolution no larger than 1,000 by 1,000 pixels (small image files). The contest calls for two images from each submitting contest. The submitted images are being compiled with the assistance of artlimited.net. They have made this a public project (anyone can join). Registration for their demo basic package is free, and it can be used for the purposes of this project. Please remember that if you are chosen as a winner, you will need to supply the winning images in a high resolution format.

Thirty participants -- chosen by a jury -- get rewarded with a publication of their two images in the "Real Colors of my Life" photo book, which will be available beginning February 9 in the Blurb bookstore. All proceeds from the sale of the book will go to Las Mariposas, a children's village in Chile managed by the organisation "Hope for Children."

Every winner will get a free copy of the book and will have a chance to also earn one of the three top prizes:
  • First Prize: A one week workshop in Italy at TPW (Tuscany Photographic Workshop).
  • Second prize: Adobe Photoshop CS4 & Adobe Photoshop Lightroom.
  • Third prize: The "Nik complete collection" software.


For details check Datacolor's "Colors of My Life" Web site.

Posted by flashdeadline at 4:35 PM

November 15, 2008

Nikonians Photo Contest October Winner

Thumbnail image for Contests_75px.jpgNikonians member Daryl Godkin (dgwpg) from Canada is the Nikonians Photo Contest Winner for October with his image "The Blue Room"

Daryl's image will go on to the contest finals for the Best of Nikonians - 2008 Images

Daryl will receive a PhaseOne Capture One - 4 software package for his October win

Posted by jrp at 7:28 PM

June 12, 2008

Winter scene captures Nikonians contest prize

Congratulations to Joe Iannandrea (skorj) of Fort Erie, Canada.
His image, entitled "Cold Wait" has been chosen as the May segment winner in The Best of Nikonians - Images 2008 contest.

Cold-Wait.jpg Joe's winning photo will go on to the finals at the end of the year.
Datacolor, one of the contest sponsors, will be awarding Joe a Spyder 3 colorimeter calibration device and Spyder3Pro software.

Joe captured his winning entry with his Nikon D80 in the Manual exposure mode, shooting at a shutter speed of 1/320 second. He used his Tamron SP AF 20-40mm F/2.7-3.5 Aspherical-IF lens at f/9.

The competition continues! - Check the rules and posting instructions and share your best image.

Silver, Gold and Platinum member can enter one image during each monthly segment.

Posted by flashdeadline at 11:04 AM

May 29, 2008

You are one click away from winning a Nikon D60

The new advertising campaign for Nikon COOLPIX and the D60 D-SLR featuring Ashton Kutcher includes your chance to win a new Nikon D60.

Sixty D60 kits will be awarded as First Prizes and the Grand Prize winner earns a trip for two to Los Angeles to attend The Hollywood Style Awards. The awards, sponsored by Nikon, will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2008.

Details on the "Moving Moments" contest are available at www.ashtonsd60.com. According to a Nikon USA press release the theme of the contest submissions will cover a wide range of both emotionally captivating and action shots. The images can be captured by any brand of camera.

The 60 First Place camera kits will include a Nikon D60 camera body, AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR (Vibration Reduction) Image Stabilization Lens, Rechargeable Battery, Charger, USB Cable, and Software Suite CD-ROM.

According to the official rules posted by Nikon, the contest is open to residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are at least 18 years old at the time of entry. Contest submissions need to be uploaded before midnight (Eastern Time) on June 20, 2008.

When you win, make sure you let us know (so we can share the good news).

Posted by flashdeadline at 2:46 PM

January 28, 2008

Congratulations to Nikonians Photographer of the Year 2007 Segment Five Winners

Contests Director Chris Gray (wpgf100) has contacted the winners of Segment Five in our Nikonians Photographers of the Year 2007 Contest, letting them know they have earned prizes in their categories. The First Place winners have also been selected to move on to the finals of this year's contest.

Segment Five judging concentrated on the Open, Wedding and Digital Art categories, with the following Nikonians taking top honors.



Open Category ----------













First Place - Andy (AllMyHobbies) Bredemeier, of the USA, takes First Place with "Santa Fe."- The winning entry earns Andy a Spyder2PRO from datacolor and a seat in the finals.









 



  



Second Place - Rick (rteremi2) Teremi of the USA wins Second Place with his image "Zion Watchman."- The winning entry earns Rick an HP Scanjet G4000 Photo Scanner from HP.






Wedding Category----------








 



First Place - Joe (skorj) Iannandrea, of Canada took First Place with "Heading Forth." - The winning entry earns Joe a SilverFast DC Pro Studio from LaserSoft Imaging and a seat in the finals.





 



Second Place - Maralee (maralee808) Park, of the USA captured her image overseas. Her "Wedding in Italy" earned Second Place honors. - The winning entry earns Maralee a Glass Taxi Backpack from Think Tank Photo.



Wildlife Category----------





 






First Place - Thomas (klamcake) Sisto, of the USA calls his First Place winner "The Fantastic Four."


- The winning entry earns him a Photosmart A618 Compact Photo Printer from HP and a seat in the finals.












 






Second Place - Vanessa (Dr Van) Hilliard of the USA took Second Place with "Reddish Egret with a New Do." - The winning entry earns Vanessa a Capture One LE package from Phase One.



 



The Contest was open to all Silver, Gold and Platinum Members. All entries were judged by a panel of expert Nikonians photographers who cast their vote on the photographs received within a given period.


The 2007 Contest is now closed.

Stay tuned for the naming of the 2007 Winners.

Posted by flashdeadline at 1:44 AM

September 30, 2007

Congratulations to Nikonians Photographer of the Year 2007 Segment Three Winners

Contests Director Chris Gray (wpgf100) has contacted the winners of Segment Three in our Nikonians Photographers of the Year 2007 Contest, letting them know they have earned prizes in their categories. The First Place winners have also been selected to move on to the finals of this year's contest.

Segment Three judging concentrated on the Night Time, Open and Digital Art categories, with the following Nikonians taking top honors.

Night Time ----------

First Place - Sten (stenrasmussen) Rasmussen, from Norway, for "Norwegian Spring Night" - The winning entry earns Sten a Spyder2PRO from ColorVision and a seat in the finals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Second Place - Phil (pmwollenberg) Wollenberg, from the USA, for "Overlook at Chateau de Blois" - The winning entry earns Phil an HP Scanjet G4000 Photo Scanner from HP.

 

 

 

 

Open ----------

 

 

First Place - Jeff (jrayner) Rayner, from the USA, for "Underwater Danger" - The winning entry earns Jeff a SilverFast DC Pro Studio from LaserSoft Imaging and a seat in the finals.

 

 

 

 

 

Second Place - John (WINDSURFER) Bambace, from the USA, for "Dream Boats" - The winning entry earns John a Glass Taxi Backpack from Think Tank Photo.

 



 

Digital Art ----------

First Place - Sue (Sue A) Ahon, from Australia, for "Inner Soul"- The winning entry earns Sue an HP Photosmart A618 Compact Photo Printer from HP and a seat in the finals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Second Place - Alexander (Alejandro) van Toom, from Spain, for "Un lagardonbe la paz se puede tocar"- The winning entry earns Alexander a Capture One LE from Phase One.

 

The Nikonians Photographers of the Year 2007 Contest is open to all Silver, Gold and Platinum Members. All entries are judged by a panel of expert Nikonians photographers who cast their vote on the photographs received within a given period.

Segment Four is currently being judged. This segment concentrates on Landscape, Architectural and Sports.

Posted by flashdeadline at 6:34 PM

August 10, 2007

Quench Your Wanderlust with Nikon

Nikon UK and Wanderlust magazine have teamed up once again for the magazine's 12th running of their annual Travel Photography Contest. The stakes are very high - four finalists in the Amateur category will be jetted off to Australia on photographic commissions while the Professional category winner takes home GBP5000!

Posted by covey22 at 4:38 PM

August 9, 2007

Fulfill Your "Summer Dreams" with Sigma's Photo Contest

Sigma wants to make your "Summer Dreams" come true with their Third Annual Photo Contest. Winning entries depicting the best of summer themes stand to win one of the new 50-150mm f2.8 DC telephoto lenses and other prizes.

Posted by covey22 at 6:43 PM

April 1, 2007

Nikonians announces winners of 2006 Photo Contest

53699Day_Dreamer_thumb.jpg
Winnipeg, Canada. Chris Gray, Director of Nikonians Photo Contests, announced today the winners of the Nikonians Photographers of the Year 2006 Contest.
First Place was won by Nikonian Knut Askim, username "DrBjarnt", from Norway, with the portrait "Day Dreamer". Knut will receive a Hewlett-Packard B9180 Photosmart Pro Printer for gallery-quality prints with extended archival properties, a 3-Years Nikonians Gold Membership and a Certificate of Nikonians High Photographic Achievement.

53699Gentile_Gentoo_thumb.jpgSecond Place was awarded to Nikonian Nico Housen, username "nhou", from Belgium, for his wildlife image "Gentle Gentoo". Nico will receive a Capture One Pro RAW workflow software by Phase One, a 2-Years Nikonians Gold Membership and a Certificate of Nikonians High Photographic Achievement.


53699Jokulsarlon_thumb.jpg
For the 3rd Place Award and prizes, Nikonian Russ Barker, username "LeCCy" from the United Kingdom, impressed the judges with his landscape "Jokulsarlon". Russ will receive a Color Efex Pro 2.0 Software Imaging Pack by Nik Software, a 1-Year Nikonians Gold Membership and his Certificate of Nikonians High Photographic Achievement.


"It was an exciting year for the Contest." Director Chris Gray added. "The quality of the entries keeps on improving. It took the judges several weeks to select 18 finalists from all entries and then choose the 3 final winners. The growth rate of our community remains growing itself, and as our Systems Engineering team migrates the Nikonians Members Galleries to new servers within the next few weeks, we expect to see a big expansion in the number of participants. We are also very happy to see our enthusiastic sponsors adding to the prestige and attractiveness of our contests."

Congratulations to all participants and to the winners.

More information on this link for the 2007 Nikonians Photo Contest

Posted by jrp at 6:53 AM

March 20, 2007

UNDER THE BLUE Photography Competition

Underwatercompetition.com announces their newest photography and videography contest, UNDER THE BLUE, with over USD20000 in prizes, travel and equipment.

The sponsors of last year's popular DEEP Indonesia and Our World Underwater competitions have teamed up with the 2007 SCUBA Show in San Diego. Winners of UNDER THE BLUE will be displayed online and during the show June 2nd to the 3rd in Long Beach, California. Categories include:

1. Majesty of the Oceans
2. The Macro World
3. Man & the Sea
4. California Underwater
5. Video

The deadline for image submission is 12-May-2007.

Posted by covey22 at 2:34 PM

February 7, 2007

Environmental photos to be judged

EPI.jpg

We extend thanks for an interesting invitation from Nikonian Richard McEnery (mcenergy) who serves as Executive Director for the Environmental Photography Invitational.

This event is helping to gather photos bringing awareness and preservation to our environment.

The annual juried photo competition will (along with awarding cash and merchandise to selected photographers) include an online exhibit, a six week gallery show, and publication in PhotoMedia magazine.

The selected prints will celebrate the world's diversity along with the creativity and originality of photographers. Photographer and creator of EPI, Art Wolfe, will host the print exhibit in his state-of-the-art gallery space in Seattle.

EPI is an annual community event involving foundations, sponsors, politicians, and photographers to promote environmental awareness.

It is open to all photographers residing in North America including Alaska and Hawaii.

Check here for eligibility and rules, and here for last year's results.

Posted by flashdeadline at 8:30 PM

December 12, 2006

Dive Into Some Rewarding Photo Contests

Nikonians who have a love for underwater photography and videography have not one, but TWO chances to win some serious cash and recognition by submitting their winning entries by 7-January, 2007.

Dive enthusiasts can enter the 2nd Annual Wetpixel & DivePhotoGuide International Underwater Photo and Video Competition AND the 1st Annual DEEP Indonesia Competition; at stake are photo equipment, diving gear and trips to some of the premier dive spots in the world like Bali, Bahamas and the Galapagos. Contest information can be found at www.UnderwaterCompetition.com. For more information, see the press release.

Posted by covey22 at 8:41 PM

August 19, 2006

Boost Your Benefits: Our Supporting Members are Winners

Give us your best shot and win big.

If you haven't joined the growing ranks of our supporting members, you're missing out on valuable chances to gather international praise and recognition while winning valuable equipment along the way.

The easy part is joining our greatly appreciated list of supporting members.

A Silver level membership is only $25 USD per year, and for only 7-cents per day it instantly provides your exclusive opportunity to enter our continuing series of Nikonians photo contests.

The fun part comes as you take a shot at winning our Nikonians Photographer of the Year honors.

Last year, our winners in both the color and black and white categories each earned a Nikon D70s camera kit, complete with an 18-70 DX zoom lens, and a one year Gold Membership with Nikonians.org. Second place winners earned Tamrac Expedition 7 camera bags and one year Gold Memberships.

Their good fortune was a mix of being in the right place at the right time with their best photos and you have the same opportunity with an upgrade to our supporting member roster.

You can find full details and instructions for upgrading on our home page. Just look for the Nikon camera under two checkered flags on the left, and click on the "Guided Tour" link.

Posted by covey22 at 7:14 PM

April 17, 2006

Participate in Nikonians Contest and Win

Participate and include your work in the Nikonians Photo Contest, gain recognition and get the chance to win great gear, software and more. The 2005 winners took home Nikon D70s cameras, professional Tamrac backpacks and more.

Don't wait and join the contest today! Open to all Silver, Gold and Platinum members.

More information about Nikonians Photography Contest.

Posted by bgs at 8:15 PM

April 7, 2006

2005 Nikonians Photographers of the Year

The 2005 Nikonians Photographers of the Year have been selected, and it was a very well-represented field of the best talent among our community of artisans. Congratulations to the finalists! Our thanks also go out to all our members who participated and to Nikon and Tamrac for contributing generous prize packages.

1st Place Colour Category
"Autumn Leaf"
Wendy Roscoe (tinkerbell)from Australia

1stplacec.jpg

What Wendy has to say about the photograph:
"The Image Autumn Leaf came about when I was walking my daughter home from school. She saw some beautiful Autumn Leaves and wanted to pick them. As she held them up to her face I was amazed the colours of the leaf were similar to her lips. I wanted to capture this to share with some friends."

What the judging panel had to say:
"A great and simple idea, well executed. Good composition and a strong expression make for a bold image that has cover potential."

"Bold, unique and fun. An excellent concept on the part of the photographer."

Wendy has won:
Nikon D70s camera kit with 18-70 DX lens
One year Gold Membership with Nikonians.org


1st Place Black/White Category
"Flying V"
Oliver Kuerten (inselney) from Germany

1stplacebw.jpg

What Oliver has to say about the photograph:
"My D2X was new, and it was a chance to test the high speed mechanism of that camera. I've used a Sigma 500/4 lens to shoot some of the doves sitting on a small rock. When they flew away I've made several shots and I was very pleased by the results. So: Even if you're in a boring situation and there are only birds around you - your D2X makes the best out of it."

What the judging panel had to say:
"A graceful image that becomes almost abstract in nature due to the alignment of the wings. A unique image of a familiar subject."

"A very good example that timing is everything."

Oliver has won:
Nikon D70s camera kit with 18-70 DX lens
One year Gold Membership with Nikonians.org


2nd Place Colour Category
"Harem"
Stephan Maurer (nafets) from Germany

2ndplacec.jpg

What the judging panel had to say:
"The colors are what the viewer will notice first, but the fact that you can see the eyes on all the subjects is what really makes this image a winner."

"Deep blacks and vibrant colours combine in this dazzling image of these women who are obviously beautiful, but hidden from our eyes."

Stephan has won:
Tamrac Expedition 7 camera bag
One year Gold Membership with Nikonians.org


2nd Place Black/White Category
"Bird on a branch"
Nico Housen (nhou)from Belgium

2ndplacebw.jpg

What the judging panel had to say:
"Excellent composition enhances this evocative landscape. I like how the composition allows your eye to roam around the image."

"This simple title doesn't do justice to this wonderful shot. Fragile little bird in what seems like extremely tough conditions make for a nice contrast. Black and white is perfect choice for this world of snow and silhouettes."

Nico has won:
Tamrac Expedition 7 camera bag
One year Gold Membership with Nikonians.org

Posted by covey22 at 5:49 PM

March 23, 2006

Nikonian POTY - Segement 1 Winners

The Segment # 1 Winners in the 2006 Nikonians Photographer of the Year have been selected and these photos are certainly worthy of the honor.

From Geoff Peterson's foggy and placid view of the forests to a waxing Moon by Louis Blair, these photos represent the best in skill and artistry that comprise the Nikonians community. All first place winners received a copy of Bibble Pro RAW editing software courtesy of Bibble Labs and move forward to the finals. All second place winners received a Tamrac 9 Velocity Sling Bag courtesy of Tamrac. Click here to learn more about our contests.

Posted by covey22 at 4:37 PM

March 2, 2006

22nd Annual PDN/Nikon Self-Promo Awards

PDN has extended the deadline for entries to the 22nd Annual Self-Promotion Awards. The contest is co-sponsored by Nikon and seeks to recognize the best in self-promotion pieces and materials available. The deadline is 5/24/2006, and winners will be featured in PDN's October Issue and a web gallery will be made available at PDNOnline.

Posted by covey22 at 10:50 PM

February 5, 2006

Nikonians Raffle at PMA - Win a Markins M10

ballheads_n_accss.jpg
Every Nikonian visiting Nikonians booth #1759 at the PMA in Orlando, Florida February 26th - March 1st can participate in our raffle and win a professional Markins M10 Ball Head.

Posted by bgs at 10:49 PM

November 17, 2005

Nikonians Search Engine Logo Contest

We are looking for the best, coolest logo for our new search engine NikoScope.com.

Participate and create a logo for our search engine NikoScope.com. The best three proposals will receive vouchers worth $75, $50 and $25 in our Pro Shop. Winning logo will be located at the NikoScope site and all proposals will make it onto a separate logo page in the community.

Send your proposal and your username to our contest mailbox. All entries must be received by December 20th, 2005.

Posted by covey22 at 7:42 PM