December 5, 2021
Workshops
We have started with a new feature: Workshops by members, where professional Nikonians are offering their workshops and webinars to all members in the community.
First listing has been made by Florida based nature photographer Nancy Elwood (NElwood) who is taking a lucky few with her on the next trip to Costa Rica April 2023 and to Kenya, in June 2023. See the Workshops by members forum.
More Nikonian pro's are preparing to publish their webinars, workshops and photowalks in the coming weeks and we will provide a newsletter with all listings by the end of December.
Image by Nancy Elwood (NElwood)
Posted by bgs at 1:48 PM
February 12, 2021
Webinar with Tony Sweet, Feb 16th 07:00 PM EST
Our third webinar with photographer and Nikon Legend Behind the Lens Tony Sweet will be held February 16th, 7:00 PM EST. A video recording will be available after the live event.
Tony's program will be Compelling Composition: Isolate and Simplify.
Many Nikonians will probably recall Tony from the interview in our very first podcast held back in June of 2005. Nikonians have also participated in his photography workshops throughout the years and read his books, and we are thrilled to have him back with us.
To access the webinar, please see the specific webinar page. The webinar is available to all members on Silver membership and higher.
Image by Tony Sweet
The program: Compelling Composition: Isolate and Simplify
The program will be a "tour de force" of compositional techniques and creative applications for greatest visual impact. The overriding concept is to learn to isolate and simplify the subject.
Among the topics discussed will be
- The power of perspectives
- The power of line in visual design
- Creating visual drama
- Using strong graphics to enhance visual interest and drama
It is the hope that this presentation increases the attendees' attention to detail in creating clean, direct and compelling compositions. Questions are encouraged throughout the presentation and at the end.
For more information on Tony and how to see the live event, or to access the webinar video recording, please see the webinar page.
Not on Silver yet? No problem, just upgrade to access our webinars series.
Posted by bgs at 9:36 AM
May 26, 2018
18th ANPAT in the Fall in Western Colorado
Come join us for a great photographic adventure in western Colorado.
We will meet in Grand Junction, CO this year for the fall edition of the Annual Nikonians Photo Adventure Trip 2018. The dates for this years ANPAT are from Saturday September 29 to Saturday October 6, 2018.
We will visit locations such as Maroon Bells / Aspen, Colorado National Monument, Grand Mesa, Ouray, Silverton, Durango' and Telluride. We plan to ride on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This area is absolutely loaded with great photo opportunities - classics like Maroon Bells and lesser known opportunities around Ouray, Silverton, Telluride, and Durango.
The timing should be peak color of the aspens - with potential for a little snow on the upper peaks.
Save the date: Saturday September 29 (arrival) to Saturday October 6, 2018 (departure)
The FAQs are up online here.
Early Booking will be Greatly Appreciated
We are getting ready to sign hotels and we'll need to pay deposits.
If you are ready to book, please send an email to jrp@nikonians.org to send you and invoice, stating if you want a Single or Double occupancy.
COST CONTRIBUTION:
Single: $3,299
Double: $2,899
Posted by dm1dave at 11:16 PM
April 28, 2018
ANPAT18 Spring - Day 5 images
The participants of the ANPAT18 Spring edition with its adventures in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park have spent their fifth day shooting the southern side of the Smokies. We are sharing some inspirational images from the day.
The tour is lead by Eric Bowles, the director of the Nikonians Academy in the US.
Eric says about day five: "Our first full day in the southern side of the Smokies was great. We had clearing skies for a trip to Cataloochee Valley, a tour along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and a late finish at Morton's Overlook for a classic sunset. Along the way we saw fog, but also some bright blue skies. Here are a few photos - including a group photo with Big Foot."
Posted by bgs at 5:16 PM
April 27, 2018
ANPAT18 Spring - Day 4 images
The participants of the ANPAT18 Spring edition with its adventures in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park have spent their fourth day shooting landscape and traveling. We are sharing some inspirational images from the day.
The tour is lead by Eric Bowles, the director of the Nikonians Academy in the US.
Eric says about day four: "We had a great morning on Foothills Parkway in spite of dense fog at our planned sunrise location. After a quick discussion, we moved to an alternate spot and were rewarded with a magnificent sunrise.
After sunrise, we returned to the hotel to finish loading and say goodbye to Townsend. Today was a travel day. We moved from Townsend on the north side of the park, to Sylva on the south side near Cherokee and with access to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
We made one final trip to the Roaring Fork area to visit a few more locations before the rains hit again. With lots of rain most of the afternoon, we used the time to change locations, get settled, and process images.
The weather forecast for tomorrow looks good with sunshine for a change. We have an early start to Cataloochee."
Posted by bgs at 3:53 PM
April 26, 2018
ANPAT18 Spring - Day 3 images
The participants of the ANPAT18 Spring edition with its adventures in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park have spent their third day shooting several interesting venues outdoors. We are sharing some inspirational images from the day.
The tour is lead by Eric Bowles, the director of the Nikonians Academy in the US.
Eric says about day three: "Another fantastic day in the Smokies for participants in the ANPAT. Our day started on Foothills Parkway and continued in Cades Cove and Tremont.
The highlight was some great looks and photos of a barred owl hunting and perched in a dogwood tree.
We continued to have rainy and overcast weather - perfect for macro and close up photography, stream photography, and some wildlife. We finished the day with some light painting at a local train museum."
Posted by bgs at 12:12 PM
April 25, 2018
ANPAT18 Spring - Day 2 images
The participants of the ANPAT18 Spring edition with its adventures in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park have spent their second shooting day outdoors. We are sharing some inspirational images from the day.
The tour is lead by Eric Bowles, the director of the Nikonians Academy in the US.
Eric says about day 2: "It's still raining but we are having a great time. Another good day today at Roaring Fork, Greenbrier, and the Cove Hardwoods Trail."
Ogle Cabin with Dogwoods in Roaring Fork
Showy Orchis
Native fern
Roaring Fork streams
Roaring Fork streams
Showy Orchis
Yellow Trillium and Tennessee Dwarf Iris
Trillium
Posted by bgs at 10:05 AM
April 24, 2018
ANPAT18 Spring - Day 1 images
The ANPAT18 Spring edition is currently under way and we are posting some inspirational images from the first day in this post. This photo adventure trip takes the participants to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. The tour is lead by Eric Bowles, the director of the Nikonians Academy in the US.
Eric says: "We had a good first day in spite of rain throughout much of the day. We called it "atmosphere". We spent most of the day in Cades Cove for early and late photography, and in the Tremont area for stream photography."
Posted by bgs at 10:57 AM
October 16, 2017
European trip autumn 2018
Are you interested in going for a week of shooting in Europe in the autumn of 2018?
Maybe combined with the largest imaging and photography exhibition there is, Photokina in Cologne, Germany which is taking place 26th-29th of September?
Before starting the planning on this, it would be great to get your feedback on this and your ideas of what you would like to see.
We could include the alps region of Switzerland/Austria/Germany to get some great shooting opportunities at castles, medieval towns, birds, wildlife in general and then to end the week at the Photokina for a day or two of tons of industry updates, photography arts and everything else around imaging.
The overall design of the trip would be in line with our regular "ANPAT" trips, but it would potentially include one additional leg of flying (e.g. from the alps to Cologne).
Please do chime in on the post to discuss this in the Café
Posted by bgs at 10:57 AM
June 20, 2017
Fireworks - Tips, Tricks and more
Here are some of the topics and news items we're tracking for our community this week. ---
Time to share your favorite fireworks images, tips, techniques and tricks - Seven deadly photography sins - 32-bit bites dust--- PLUS more....
1 -- Fireworks - One of the Hottest Topics we share
We are fast approaching a significant increase in fireworks oriented photography, and this means we need to re-visit one of the most comprehensive posts on the topic. Our Café now has a link to the original post, along with an open invitation for our members to share their best images from last year, along with your descriptions of equipment used, techniques, tips and tricks that made them one of your favorites.
Here are just a few of the great tips we have already gathered:
• My tip is that when you are taking fireworks photos where the scene includes buildings that are important to the image, the exposure and focus must be coordinated to get the lighting on the buildings as well as the fireworks.
• Fireworks are bright, almost as intense as an afternoon sun, so your aperture should be set as if shooting during the day. The exception will be what you do with your shutter speed.
• Don't forget to photograph the amusing people and things that happen around you. If your children are with you, have them stand still while spinning some light sticks for some great effects.
There's plenty more advice available--Check it Out.
2 -- Think Tank Teams with SKB
Our friends at Think Tank Photo have just announced an exciting new partnership with hard-case manufacturer SKB. Think Tank's designers have created internal divider sets, organizers, and a backpack designed specifically to fit within 10 SKB hard cases.
There are times when you simply must use the airline gate-check procedure with your most precious photography equipment. At moments like these, nothing will do a better job of protection than a hard case.
But, one of the downsides of hard cases is that they are basically hard shells with not a lot of other features built into them.
Think Tank's partnership with SKB solves this problem.
The result is a perfect combination matching the best of a hard case with the best of internal organization. Don't forget that with our special partnership with Think Tank that you receive free gear and free shipping when you order using our special link.
3 -- Sounds easier than it looks
Silver member Robert Metheney (bobpilot) from Utah, USA has what seems to be a simple problem. He wants to change the background on an image from a dull white to pure white.
Bob quickly tells us he's not a Photoshop expert, and he's wondering if anyone has an easy to understand step-by-step guide that will help him solve the problem.
Here's Bob's situation:
I made a photograph of sunglasses for an acquaintance. He is trying to sell them and he wants a white a white background. Nothing artistic. The photo I made has an off-white background. I made the photo with the glasses on top of translum paper with a light above and below.
We've already had a few members taking the original and transforming to the desired effect.
Check them out and see if you agree with the procedure. If not, show us your solution. Don't forget to explain how it was done.
4 -- The Seven Deadly Sins in Photography - Part 1
Nikonians co-founder J. Ramón Palacios (jrp) has over 50 years of photography experience, nevertheless, he makes a review of the typical errors that he has committed and shares with us the solutions to improve our photography. His newest article is therefore a confession, an act of contrition and a fast mix of easy tips.
The author tells us:
There are seven days of the week, seven colors of the rainbow, seven notes on a musical scale, seven seas and seven continents in the world; seven branches for seven candles in the Menorah. On the lighter side, seven were the dwarfs chosen by Walt Disney's for Snow White. And just as there are seven deadly or cardinal sins that may prevent us to get to the seventh heaven, there are seven sins to avoid for good photography. I know because I have committed them all and even today I may occasionally forget to avoid.
His article comes in multiple parts, and this edition explores the topic of subject centering. Here's a hint: Centering your subject in a frame tends to work against you.
5 -- 32-Bit bites dust?
Nikonians Moderating team member Jonathan Kandel (JonK) sees a technological progression that spells doom for 32-bit apps.
He looked carefully at the preliminary results of a recent Apple Worldwide Developers Conference and noticed a trend.
Jon tells us:
The next operating system for the Mac, announced at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference ten days ago but given more prominence next consumer play over the past two days is interesting -- and ominous.
The new system, called High Sierra, will be a complete 64-bit system with a new file system (faster and more secure), better graphics and VR, and enhancements to Safari and Mail. The troubling item in that last sentence is the 64-bit system.
Recent operating systems have supported 64-bit apps and 32-bit apps. High Sierra will do the same when released this coming October. But starting in January 2018 it will be no longer support 32-bit apps. Here's what I think that means (so far, more thought and research is required):
• That's the end of Nik.
• Many other plug-in and standalone enhancement apps are 32-bit -- and some are from small companies or solo practitioners who may not have the resources to rewrite code to 64-bit.
• While the major Adobe apps are currently 64-bit, some of the support software -- the desktop app and the loader app -- are not. They will obviously be rewritten to 64-bit, but I wonder if Adobe will take this "opportunity" to have the new loader not handle the standalone CS6 suite and move all Adobe software to the subscription model.
• The Microsoft Office Suite -- Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook -- has not been updated since 2011. Given the Mac's place in the marketplace (7% or so) I wonder if Microsoft will invest the resources necessary to rewrite four major apps (and related support software).
There are a myriad of other apps that many of us use -- i.e., the Pocketwizard loader, Camranger, device drivers, etc. -- for which we need to be mindful.
Do you agree with Jon's analysis? Join the conversation.
6 -- 17th ANPAT (Fall) bookings gather
Bookings are moving along for our 17th ANPAT in the Fall to Acadia and Coastal Maine.
This area is a photography paradise, with rugged coastlines, iconic lighthouses, and warm tones of the northern light.
The ANPAT is scheduled for October 7, 2017 (arrival) to October 14, 2017 (departure).
October is the best time to be there; exquisite colors abound, not just on the trees, but also on the ground, thanks to the berry plants characteristic of the northern areas.
Your early booking is highly appreciated as it helps to make early deposits to keep arrangements and negotiated rates.
Practically everything you want to know about lodgings, itineraries, special arrangements and clothing suggestions are contained in our 17th ANPAT in the Fall FAQ's.
7 -- Best choices - Matrix, Spot, Manual?
Silver member Gary Pack (GaryPk) is wondering what are using us as your favorite metering mode when shooting landscapes.
He's looking at a specific style of photo:
If I am shooting two of the same landscape with one exposed for the sky and the other for the foreground due to high dynamic range, should I be using Spot Metering Mode? Thanks, Gary
Here are two suggestions pointing in different directions:
• I'll let the landscape masters give you the best answer, but for me, I would use matrix. If you have a mix of clouds in the sky, your metering will depend on where you put the spot. With matrix, you would get a better "average" of the exposure value (in my thinking). I would also move the meter around the sky to see how much it varies. You can also check your histogram to get an idea of what the meter is telling you.
• Since you are probably going to be shooting from a tripod with the head locked (to ensure the two images will correctly register) Spot should work well. You could focus on the foreground and use spot metering (which is normally slaved to the focus point) for the first exposure. Then move the focus point to the sky (without re-focusing) and take the second exposure.
What metering mode would you suggest?
8 -- Your vote matters
Moderating Team member Dan Wiedbrauk (domer2760) is looking to add more votes to the month of May Digital Artistry contest results.
The theme was "Lines."
The instruction for those competing were simple:
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.
For the longest time, we had a three-way tie, but now one image has picked up steam. It's still a close call, so Dan would appreciate your vote to help make the final decision.
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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 10:40 PM
November 1, 2016
Nikonians Academy Update
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen is headed to Tanzania for his annual African Photo Safari. He has already scheduled the next Safari for November 2017.
Mike tells us:
We are limiting the size to 12 participants and this number includes your Tour Leader.
One of the best aspects of this trip is that we are only allowing three photographers per vehicle. This means that each person will have an entire row to themselves with one seat for their camera gear and the other seat for themselves.
There will be plenty of room to move around and everyone will have perfect access to all photo opportunities.
Down the Road:
Join Steve Simon for one of his two workshops to Cuba this December and January.
The US Government continues to reduce restrictions on travel to Cuba, which means the flood of tourists isn't far behind. If you've wanted to visit before the massive changes take place, then join Steve Simon and Nikonians Academy in December or January for his workshop, Cuba: The Passionate Street Photographer.
Steve Simon has been running photography workshops to Cuba for quite a few years and is uniquely qualified to show off this beautiful country to visitors. These two workshops are open to travelers whether or not you are a US Citizen. We'd love to have you along on the trip no matter where you are from.
This intimate six-day masterclass (limited to 10 students) will take you to some of the most picturesque, interesting and exciting locations on and off the beaten path in Havana and beyond.
Steve has been traveling to Cuba for many years now and has a great knowledge of this country.
His workshops are based on the concepts from his best-selling book, The Passionate Photographer, and work to take the student from good to great. Steve's next trips begin December 10th and January 16th.
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Rick Hulbert is running a really fun workshop to Budapest, Hungary in May, 2017.
His class will be a photographic exploration of this beautiful city that straddles the banks of the Danube River. This is a true photography workshop and Rick will be working with participants to improve their photography of urban areas, including buildings, man-made spaces, and street photography.
Rick stresses that you won't need fancy equipment to enjoy this trip. In fact, any and every brand of camera will work. So, feel free to bring your Nikon (of course!), Canon, Fuji, Pentax, Sony or iPhone.
Posted by flashdeadline at 8:24 PM
October 18, 2016
Build a DIY Home Studio - New CreativeLive class
In an ongoing effort to bring our Nikonians.org members value, we are running another free online workshop with CreativeLive on Monday, October 24th.
Our Nikonians Academy Director, Mike Hagen is teaching a new class titled Build a DIY Home Studio. In this practical, hands-on broadcast, you'll learn:
- How to find and create grip equipment by shopping at your local hardware store
- How to create a tabletop studio in your home
- How to put together and light a portrait studio on a budget.
Invite your friends and camera club members to watch live so you can interact with Mike as he is giving tips and tricks to help you create a great home studio at a low cost.
You don't have to have your own studio space or purchase thousands of dollars worth of equipment to build your portfolio of images.
Join Mike as he gets you expanding your portfolio so you can gain the clients to eventually purchase the gear you want to own!
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Down the Road:
Join Steve Simon for one of his two workshops to Cuba this December and January.
The US Government continues to reduce restrictions on travel to Cuba, which means the flood of tourists isn't far behind. If you've wanted to visit before the massive changes take place, then join Steve Simon and Nikonians Academy in December or January for his workshop, Cuba: The Passionate Street Photographer.
Steve Simon has been running photography workshops to Cuba for quite a few years and is uniquely qualified to show off this beautiful country to visitors. These two workshops are open to travelers whether or not you are a US Citizen. We'd love to have you along on the trip no matter where you are from.
This intimate six-day masterclass (limited to 10 students) will take you to some of the most picturesque, interesting and exciting locations on and off the beaten path in Havana and beyond.
Steve has been traveling to Cuba for many years now and has a great knowledge of this country.
His workshops are based on the concepts from his best-selling book, The Passionate Photographer, and work to take the student from good to great. Steve's next trips begin December 10th and January 16th.
------------------------------------------------------
Rick Hulbert is running a really fun workshop to Budapest, Hungary in May, 2017.
His class will be a photographic exploration of this beautiful city that straddles the banks of the Danube River. This is a true photography workshop and Rick will be working with participants to improve their photography of urban areas, including buildings, man-made spaces, and street photography.
Rick stresses that you won't need fancy equipment to enjoy this trip. In fact, any and every brand of camera will work. So, feel free to bring your Nikon (of course!), Canon, Fuji, Pentax, Sony or iPhone.
Posted by flashdeadline at 5:56 PM
October 6, 2016
CreativeLive workshops online
Watch them live for free. You can also purchase previous workshops from them on hundreds of different topics.
Our Nikonians Academy Director, Mike Hagen has recommended a variety of workshops for Nikonians members focused on Travel, landscape and nature photography here.
He has also taught a number of live classes for CreativeLive that you might be interested in, such as:
► Photographing Panoramas for Large Prints
► Nikon Wireless Flash for Creative Photography
► Using The Nikon Autofocus System
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Join Steve Simon for one of his two workshops to Cuba this December and January.
This intimate six-day masterclass (limited to 10 students) will take you to some of the most picturesque, interesting and exciting locations on and off the beaten path in Havana and beyond.
Steve has been traveling to Cuba for many years now and has a great knowledge of this country.
His workshops are based on the concepts from his best-selling book, The Passionate Photographer, and work to take the student from good to great. Steve's next trips begin December 10th and January 16th.
------------------------------------------------------
Rick Hulbert is running a really fun workshop to Budapest, Hungary in May, 2017.
His class will be a photographic exploration of this beautiful city that straddles the banks of the Danube River. This is a true photography workshop and Rick will be working with participants to improve their photography of urban areas, including buildings, man-made spaces, and street photography.
Rick stresses that you won't need fancy equipment to enjoy this trip. In fact, any and every brand of camera will work. So, feel free to bring your Nikon (of course!), Canon, Fuji, Pentax, Sony or iPhone.
Posted by flashdeadline at 4:24 PM
September 13, 2016
Academy instructors touring the globe
Our Nikonians Academy instructors are all around the world
over these next two weeks.
Steve Simon is in Cuba, Rick Hulbert in Chicago, and Mike
Hagen is in the Galapagos Islands.
They are all running workshops with intrepid photographers who aspire to improve their skills in many the most visually interesting areas around the world.
We've just posted six new workshops to www.nikoniansacademy.com.
These include two new trips to Cuba with Steve Simon. One starts on December 10th, and the other begins January 16, 2017.
This intimate six-day masterclass (limited to 10 students) will take you to some of the most picturesque, interesting and exciting locations in Havana and beyond.
Lester Picker is opening his October trip to Acadia National Park for Nikonians members and we've included a link on the site to sign up. Some call it the most beautiful National Park in the country, a tiny gem compared to its larger siblings. Whether or not you agree, Maine's Acadia National Park is most definitely a sparkling jewel for its combination of geology, flora, fauna... and weather.
Mike Hagen has posted three of his 2017 trips, including workshops to Iceland, Galapagos and Tanzania. He still has one seat available for our Tanzanian photo safari this November, so email him right away if you are interested (mike.hagen@nikonians.org).
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Our partnership with CreativeLive continues to grow and we are happy to announce Photo Week, running from September 26-29, 2016. Watch live for free. Attend in person if you are in New York City. Buy the workshops at a pre-show discount of $199 vs. $499 after shows air.
Mike Hagen tells us Photo Week is the biggest online photography education event, ever. Join more than 50 thousand students worldwide and get access to:
► 24 live classes taught by top-tier, expert photography instructors that you can watch at home, live, and for free.
► A photo school-style education in 4 days -- learn the techniques, tools, and gain insights in a fraction of the time, for less, and with the best instructors.
► A full post-processing track that will take your images from bland to show-worthy.
Here's our Nikonians link to sign up.
Posted by flashdeadline at 8:51 PM
August 30, 2016
Nikonians Academy and CreativeLive newest videos
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen invites us to check out one of the latest results from the partnership between the Academy and CreativeLive.A CreativeLive blog by Justin Katz titled Back Button Focus Will Change the Way You Use Your Camera includes video workshop amplification by Mike. With over 20,000 views already, this teamwork approach to a complicated topic is helping many photographers improve their techniques.
For more about mastering autofocus on Nikon cameras, be sure to watch Mike's CreativeLive workshop titled Using the Nikon Autofocus System. This is an often-overlooked function of your digital SLR.In this workshop Mike Hagen helps you understand how to configure your camera's autofocus system for portraits, sports, wildlife, and landscapes.
Relying on autofocus will also let you concentrate on lighting and composition, and help you take advantage of those fleeting moments.
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September is a busy month for three of our Nikonians Academy
instructors. Steve Simon is running his sold-out workshop Cuba
- The Passionate Street Photographer.
This intimate six-day masterclass (limited to 10 students) will take attendees to some of the most picturesque, interesting and exciting locations on and off the beaten path in Havana and beyond.
Steve tells us:
"Everything will
be taken care of for you so we can concentrate on making amazing images of the
people and the culture in Havana. We will explore vibrant, visually rich places
and neighborhoods in Old Havana, often outside tourist areas for unique photo
opportunities.
We will have great access at a local outdoor boxing club with great light-a place where some of Cuba's best known boxers have trained. We will visit and photograph the National Ballet & Dance Company. Old Havana is spectacular at night and we will go out night shooting as well. With the recent warming of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba, change is inevitable making now a perfect time to visit."
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Mike Hagen leaves for Galapagos on September 17 with 9 intrepid photographers to shoot stunning pics of wildlife from their chartered yacht.
There are some seats still available (and going fast).
Mike describes each day beginning with:
"An early 6:00am
breakfast followed by the first shore excursion. We return for lunch followed
by a siesta while the vessel navigates to the next island.
Mid-afternoon, we disembark for the second excursion and return to the boat by sunset.
Before dinner, we hold
a briefing for the next day's shore excursions. In the evenings, we motor to
the next island arriving early in the morning for a new adventure."
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Rick Hulbert is running his top-notch Urban and Street Photography Workshop in Chicago, Illinois September 22-25. Rick still has a few seats available for the September workshop, so don't delay if you want to attend.
This workshop is designed to improve your photography regardless of whether you consider picture taking a hobby, or you are a serious enthusiast, professional photographer, or earn your living as a member of the global real estate, design, and construction industries.
There are accepted principles for photographing buildings and other man-made structures. Knowing these principles will make you a better photographer. Understanding the science and art behind these principles will allow you to learn how to "break rules" in a deliberate, meaningful way.
You will learn how a basic understanding of Street Photography will assist in your architectural and urban photography.
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In conclusion, Mike Hagen reminds us:
"Our workshops and trips are an incredible amount of fun.
Our participants always learn practical skills, have a wonderful time, and come home thousands of beautiful images.
We've already begun adding new workshops for the remainder of 2016 and 2017. Join us in Africa, Utah, Hungary, Italy and much more."
Posted by flashdeadline at 6:15 PM
August 23, 2016
Academy Spotlight: Chicago, Elephants and CreativeLive
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen has three updates this week.
The first points to one of our most popular workshop series, hosted by Rick Hulbert.
The second spotlights your opportunity to join Mike at one of the ideal locations for photographing elephants in Africa.
The third update highlights online classes available to the community through our partnership with CreativeLive.
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We have one month to go until Rick Hulbert's Chicago Urban
and Street Photography Workshop.
Rick is one of our Academy success stories and does such a
wonderful job on his workshops.
He's thought through all the details for this workshop and
has created a curriculum that's truly one of the best in the world.
There is no requirement for fancy equipment. Any and every brand of camera will work, so we strongly encourage participants with Canon, Sony, Fuji, Leica and other camera brands to attend. The principles taught will also apply to point and shoot cameras, new mirrorless cameras, and yes. . . even camera phones!
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Tanzania's elephant population is one of the more robust in the world. One of the best places to photograph these giants is in Tarangire National Park. Mike Hagen has designed this November's photo safari to take full advantage of the park in order to maximize elephant photography.
Mike tells us:
"Tarangire is one
of my favorite places to photograph elephants. Here, you are able to compose
herds of elephants against giant acacia trees, babies interacting with their
mothers, all from just a few meters away."
One of the best aspects of this trip is that we are only allowing three photographers per vehicle.
This means that each person will have an entire row to themselves with one seat for their camera gear and the other seat for themselves. There will be plenty of room to move around and everyone will have perfect access to all photo opportunities.
Join Mike on this year's safari (November 4-15, 2016).
Our online workshop partnership with CreativeLive, includes
these three topics which are sure to of interest to the Nikonians community:
►Learn how to make panoramas
for large prints
►Using the Nikon Autofocus
System
►Using the Nikon Wireless
Flash System
Posted by flashdeadline at 9:07 PM
August 17, 2016
Nikonians Academy focus on Chicago and Cuba
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen tells us the Instructors Rick Hulbert and Steve Simon are all set for their upcoming workshops.
Rick Hulbert's Urban and Street Photography Workshop in Chicago starts September 22nd. The four-day session includes plenty of field photography exercises followed by constructive critiques.
Rick's education philosophy is all about photography for smarties. He feels strongly that photographers want to be treated with respect and that he should build on their existing knowledge.
Rick mixes classroom lectures with field photography and image reviews to teach attendees how to photograph the urban environment. This class is truly great and routinely garners some of the highest feedback from students.
Here's a sample from one of our members attending a previous session in the Windy City:
"Just finished the Chicago Urban and Street Photography Workshop with Rick Hulbert - Fantastic! I learned a ton and had a great time. Rick is a fabulous teacher, photographer and Architect.
He really knows his stuff and isn't shy about sharing his experience and knowledge.
Well worth the money as I walked out of the workshop feeling as though I'm headed to the next level as opposed to walking out the workshop with a few good images but haven't learned much."
- Tom Ferguson
Cuba - The Passionate Street Photographer
We are three weeks away from Steve Simon's Passionate Street Photographer workshop in Cuba. The workshop begins on September 9th.
We have just enough space for one or two of you to squeak in under the wire. Contact us immediately if interested. The neat thing about this workshop is that Steve combines teaching from his best-selling book, The Passionate Photographer, with the real-world street scenes of Havana.
Every day is an adventure on this trip. This intimate six-day masterclass (limited to 10 students) will take you to some of the most picturesque, interesting and exciting locations on and off the beaten path in Havana and beyond.
Steve will be teaching you new and powerful street photography techniques guaranteed to push you from your comfort zone to new heights in your work and share his street-shooting philosophies gleaned from a lifetime of wandering urban places with his camera.
This intensive workshop will help you find your own unique vision and street style through assignments created to get you past photographic fears and clichés to capturing lyrical, poetic and decisive moments that communicate the energy of the streets.
Posted by flashdeadline at 12:44 AM
July 19, 2016
Nikonians Academy spotlight: Iceland and Chicago
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen sends this week's update from Iceland, where he is leading a group of photographers through Iceland's landscapes and bird sanctuaries.
His group is now photographing geothermal sites, glacial lagoons, birds, landscapes, volcanoes, lava fields, waterfalls, and basalt columns. Mike also included a photo tour of Reykjavík that includes buildings and architecture.
Mike tells us:
"Puffins in flight are some of the most difficult birds to photograph. I'm working closely with our photography group and so far, everyone has taken keepers of this beautiful maritime bird."
Mike's image (at left) was taken this week with his Nikon D800 and AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II Lens. He shot at 1/2000 sec, with an f/5.6 aperture and ISO of 1600.
Next year's Iceland trip will run July 16-24, 2017 and Mike will have it posted to the Nikonians Academy website immediately upon returning to his office.
To learn how to master Nikon's autofocus system to capture bird-in-flight shots like the ones shown here, check out Mike's CreativeLive workshop titled The Nikon Autofocus System. Here's the direct link.
Mike will help you configure the autofocus system for portraits, sports, wildlife, and landscapes. Relying on autofocus will let you concentrate on lighting and composition, and help you take advantage of those fleeting moments.
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Rick Hulbert's Urban and Street photography workshop concentrates on the other end of the photography spectrum.
Rick's next stop will be Chicago in September.
He takes participants through an amazing instructional process to help them see and understand urban landscapes.
His specialty is teaching attendees how to capture people in the built environment. You're going to love this class.
This workshop is designed to improve your photography regardless of whether you consider picture taking a hobby, or you are a serious enthusiast, professional photographer, or earn your living as a member of the global real estate, design, and construction industries.
If you are returning participant to Rick's Urban and Street Photography Workshop, Rick would like to offer you a special 25% off deal. We'll send refund details after you sign up.
Posted by flashdeadline at 9:19 PM
May 31, 2016
Academy Director hosting two free online workshops
Get ready for a double dose of Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen teaching new live workshops with CreativeLive.
Mike's workshops are coming this week and they are aimed directly at Nikonians members around the world.
Join us live online for free. Or, you can purchase the workshops for future viewing at your convenience. CreativeLive produces some of the best online training classes in the world.
We are proud to partner with them and know that this will bring excellent value to the Nikonians.org family.
Workshops brief:
June 9th - Photographing Panoramas for Large Prints. Mike will be teaching an intensive full-day class on ow to create and print large panoramic prints independent of what camera you use. He'll show field shooting techniques from a real-life photography session including using some of the top panorama gear in the industry. Back in the studio, Mike will demonstrate how stitch the images together, then go through a full printing workshop using high-end Epson inkjet printers.
June 10th - Nikon Wireless Flash for Creative Photography. Mike will go through all the details around setting up your Nikon cameras to work with the Nikon wireless flash system.
He'll be showing off the new SB-5000 and D500 camera as well.
We are also shooting another class next week called Using the Nikon Autofocus System where Mike will be showing how to configure your Nikon DSLR for all kinds of real world shooting scenarios. This class will be recorded and will go directly to their catalog, so as soon as the class is published, we'll send a link so you can access the workshop.
You can watch the live workshops for free. Also, you can purchase the workshops for your own use at any time in the future.
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Time is running out to register for our Iceland Birds and Landscapes photo adventure.
This trip runs July 17-24, 2016 and is timed to coincide with beautiful weather, great wildlife and stunning summertime light.
Because we'll be traveling as an independent group, our guides and drivers are dedicated to getting us to the best locations in the most incredible light.
Our travel group is small (limited to a maximum of 10 participants), but the landscapes are huge! Prepare to be awed by the size and scope of the Icelandic topography. The memories of this trip will last a lifetime.
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Rick Hulbert's Chicago Urban and Street Photography workshop is your opportunity to learn urban photography in an environment brimming with great images.
This is a four-day workshop with a maximum enrollment of 10 people.
This class has been praised as one of the best in the world on the topic of photographing the built environment. Rick has spent years perfecting his curriculum so that it incorporates the perfect mix of art and science. He likes to refer to his classes as "Workshops for Smarties." You're going to love this class.
Join us September 22-25, 2016 for this intensive workshop from one of the best instructors in the industry.
Posted by flashdeadline at 6:08 PM
May 25, 2016
Academy spotlight on New York City and Iceland
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen tells us Steve Simon has scheduled another of his world-famous Passionate Street Photographer workshops for New York City, June 16-21.
This workshop is designed to help you go from good to great and will be set in the bustling metropolis of New York.
Check out what Gold member Herb Brail (hbrail) has to say about Steve's workshop:
"Steve is an incredibly talented photographer and phenomenal teacher. The workshop exceeded my expectations and was an extraordinarily valuable experience. I particularly appreciated the specific assignments rather than simply being told "go out and shoot".
Even though I considered myself a fairly advanced amateur, this workshop was of tremendous benefit to me.
With an appropriate mixture of both shooting and critiques with feedback and suggestions, I learned not only from Steve, but from the styles and techniques of the other participants.
New York City offers a dazzling array of photographic venues that were significantly enhanced by Steve's guidance and instruction.
His passion as a teacher to reach out to every participant in order to maximize the workshop experience was evident each and every day."
--Herb Brail, Dearborn, Michigan, USA
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Meanwhile, Mike Hagen is preparing for his July photo adventure to Iceland.
The itinerary includes special access to wildlife sanctuaries, boat tours, and island bird reserves.
During summer, Iceland is truly the land of the midnight sun as it never truly gets dark. The evening light lasts forever and sunsets go on and on and on.
These sunsets are especially spectacular at the Glacier Lagoon, where the group visits multiple times during the week in order to maximize opportunities for great images.
For Mike, the key to success is proper planning in advance:
"We work hard to get you into the right places at the right time for the most beautiful Iceland photographs you can imagine.
We still have room on our July trip and would love to have more Nikonians and Nikonians spouses along for the adventure."
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Interested in learning more about Nikon lenses?
Check out this free 13 minute CreativeLive video segment from John Greengo's class, "Nikon Lenses: The Complete Guide."
You can purchase the entire class at CreativeLive's website. This week you'll get 30% off all CreativeLive workshops using this link.
Posted by flashdeadline at 7:30 PM
May 17, 2016
Nikonians Academy photo destinations abound
Nikonians Academy instructors are preparing for workshops in outstanding photo destinations.
Steve Simon is running his Passionate Photographer workshop in New York City this week and then leaves for Cuba next week to run a similar class that focuses on the streets of Havana.
If you missed out on both of these, then don't wait to sign up for his June 16-21 Passionate Photographer workshop in New York City.
In class, we will look at a selection of your best work from the previous day. These daily critiques are of crucial importance, where we share ideas and constructive criticism as we look through each others' images. The workshop will be a "safe place" for group discussions with suggestions and new ideas put forward. We will visit New York photography galleries and museum shows and participate in lectures and critiques every day.
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Mike Hagen still has open slots for his Iceland Photo and Bird Adventure this July.
Summer in Iceland is unbelievably beautiful, with gorgeous light for most of the day. In fact, it never gets truly dark in Iceland in the summer because of its high latitude near the arctic circle.
During our journey, we'll photograph some of the most amazing scenery and wildlife Iceland has to offer. From verdant rolling hills to rugged mountains, the landscapes of Iceland are famous for their interplay between light and sky.
Join Mike and his business partner Tim Vollmer, as they take you to places off the beaten path in the pursuit of stunning images and grand adventure.
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Later this year, join Mike Hagen in the Galapagos Islands for a yacht-based photo adventure that is guaranteed to tickle your wildlife fancy.
This trip is designed around capturing the unique fauna of the Galapagos Islands including birds and marine life that you'll only find in this special part of the world.
Our group size is small and our expedition yacht is perfectly designed to get us into small bays teeming with animals.
Each day will feature a different area of the amazing Galapagos Islands. Our expedition yacht has the ability to anchor close to our attractions and our small group size means that we can be nimble while photographing nature's splendor.
The adventure begins on September 18, 2106.
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Our online workshop partners at CreativeLive just let us know that all classes are 30% off this week through May 22nd. Also, if you buy any class, then you get a chance to win access to the entire CreativeLive catalog. A new winner is chosen every day. Winning this allows you full access to over 1,000 online workshops!
Posted by flashdeadline at 9:25 PM
May 15, 2016
Yellowstone and Grand Teton Oct 1st 2016
Our community are going to the great Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Teton. Join us to collect unforgettable memories and exceptional photographs.
More info at the Nikonians Academy
Posted by bgs at 7:02 PM
May 11, 2016
Hulbert heading for Italy
Rick Hulbert has been busy creating new workshops and his newest is a week-long photography workshop in Trioria, Italy. 
If you are looking for a completely original, unique photography experience, then this is for you.
Triora is a photographer's delight. In every direction, the Italian Alps rise around you, and in every direction other delightful tiny towns cling to their own mountains.
With architecture that is hundreds of years old, the interior of the town is off limits to cars. Small, covered, cobblestoned lanes wind their way between the residents' houses, their stoops colorful with pots of flowers and herbs.
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Rick also just sent a note
about a date change for this Fall's urban and street photography workshop in
Chicago.
"Date change announced
for Rick Hulbert's Chicago 4 Day Urban and Street Photography Workshop this
Fall
September 22-25, 2016
It is a great time of year to be in Chicago!
We will be photographing along the Chicago River front, in Millennium Park,
along the historic "L" Train Loop, and in a location providing a dramatic
waterfront skyline view of the City Core. We will allow for opportunities to
photograph during the best light available in the early mornings along with
late afternoons and early evenings. All in all, we will combine a serious
photographic learning experience with being able to return home with some great
images of a world class urban environment.
We have been able to book a more affordable downtown hotel for us all to enjoy
the daily lecture/discussions and image reviews.
Our host hotel will be the Comfort Inn:
Comfort Suites Chicago on
Michigan Avenue
320 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60601
Our host hotel is in a super
convenient location, just one half block from the Chicago River in the heart of
downtown, and just 3 blocks from Millennium Park.
Should you decide to stay at the host hotel, speak with their Director of
Sales, Daniel Grajdura, and tell him you are registered with "Rick Hulbert's
Photography Workshop" to request the best room rate available. Of course,
should you prefer, there are numerous other hotel options in and around Chicago
from which to choose.
Hope to see you this September in the heart of Chicago."
--Rick
Hulbert
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Steve Simon's Passionate Street Photographer 6-Day Workshop in New York City will challenge even the most experienced photographer to see the world in a new way.
The workshop helps photographers develop
their vision and works closely to help them go from good to great. Join Steve
in New York at his studio from June 16-21, 2016.
He will be teaching you new and powerful street photography techniques guaranteed to push you from your comfort zone to new heights in your work.
Steve will share his street-shooting philosophies gleaned from a lifetime of wandering urban places with his camera.
He will help you find your own unique vision and street style through assignments created to get you past photographic fears and cliches to capturing lyrical, poetic and decisive moments that communicate the energy of the streets.
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Nikonians Academy Director Mike
Hagen wants you to join him in Iceland this July.
Mike says, "This is the perfect trip for traveling
spouses or friends who want to explore a new section of the world.
The scenery is stunning and the wild birds are
bountiful. Photos rarely do the scenes justice as many of the landscapes seem
to be from a different planet. Our trip
runs from July 17-24, 2016 and we have a few open seats available for intrepid
travelers."
This workshop is strictly limited to a maximum of 10 participants. This means that you'll receive hands-on training from your workshop leaders every single day. Our goal is to help you capture incredible images and our small group size ensures you are well taken care of.
Posted by flashdeadline at 1:21 AM
April 27, 2016
Nikonians Academy gateway to CreativeLive discount
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen tells us our partnership with CreativeLive leads to a heads up on special offers:
"CreativeLive is offering 25% off all landscape photography workshops. These workshops are from some of the best photographers in the industry and cover everything from composition to post-processing to drone photography."
Offer: 25% off Outside Photography Sale at CreativeLive
This offer is valid only up to May 1, 2016.
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Steve 
Simon's Cuba - The Passionate Street Photographer Workshop is almost filled.
We have just a couple of seats remaining for the May 28 - June 3, 2016 adventure.
Steve is taking his Cuba street smarts and combining them with his decades of knowledge as a documentary photographer to bring you this unique and special trip.
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Mike Hagen's photography trip to Iceland this July combines all the essential elements for a top-tier photography trip:
• Unbelievable landscapes
• Beautiful wildlife
• Private access to unique locations
• Excellent food
• Knowledgeable and helpful leaders
Mike Hagen and his business partner Tim Vollmer are experts at leading photography trips in this beautiful island nation. They can't wait to show you everything they know about Iceland and photography.
Posted by flashdeadline at 6:35 AM
April 19, 2016
Nikonians Academy Spotlight - Simon, Hagen, Hulbert
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen tells us the coming months will feature some of the most popular workshops and adventures on the curriculum for 2016.
Steve Simon has three upcoming Passionate Street Photographer workshops in May and June.
Join him in New York City or in Havana, Cuba for some of the best photo inspiration money can buy.
Steve bases his workshops off of his best-selling book, The Passionate Photographer, Ten Steps Toward Becoming Great.
He has worked hard to put together itineraries, critiques and shooting scenarios that teach participants how to hone their vision and craft. His upcoming classes are:
► May 13-15 - New York City
► May 28-June 3 - Havana, Cuba
► June 16-21 - New York City
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Mike Hagen's annual Iceland Photo and Bird Adventure gets better every year: "We keep refining our trip to make the most of the nesting puffins and the stunning landscapes.
After having led many trips to Iceland, we know the area well and are able to provide trip participants with a unique Icelandic adventure they'll never forget."
Join Mike and his business partner, Tim Vollmer for this Summer's Iceland trip, July 17-24, 2016.
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Our Africa wildlife photo safari is all set to go for this November.
We still have a couple of seats available for individual photographers or for traveling couples.
This is our premiere photo trip and is a journey into wild savannas, dense forests, and towering acacia trees.
Prepare to shoot thousands of photos per day during our trip and watching in awe over the incredible diversity of birds, mammals and reptiles.
Our trip runs November 4-15, 2016.
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Rick Hulbert's Urban and Street Photography workshop in Chicago now has a venue.
We'll be hosting our 4-day workshop in downtown Chicago at the Chicago River Hotel.
This beautiful hotel is located in the heart of the city and will provide a perfect base for our daily classroom sessions and field photography sessions.
Sign up for the workshop here.
Posted by flashdeadline at 10:49 PM
April 12, 2016
Nikonians Academy Steve Simon's First Look: Nikon DL's
Steve Simon just finished up
shooting the promotional campaign for Nikon's new camera release, the DL
series.
See Steve's DL camera report here.
Read more about the Cuba workshop here
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Rick Hulbert's Urban and Street Photography workshops are some of the best in the industry.
Last week,
Rick and Mike Hagen ran a series of workshops in The Woodlands Texas where
attendees spent two days learning Rick's unique approach to photographing
architecture and people.
At right are a couple of shots
from his class using techniques Rick taught to the workshop participants.
Rick's next Urban and Street
Photography workshop is set for Chicago
Illinois (September 15-18, 2016) and we'd love to have you along for the
trip.
This workshop has a maximum enrollment of 10 people.
This workshop is designed to get you to think about concepts in Urban Photography that you hadn't thought of or considered before.
That is, admittedly a rather bold statement.
However,
that is exactly what this four-day experience will achieve.
You will discover how to
better frame and crop your images using the long established principles of fine
art painting and drawing.
You will learn how to create
jaw-dropping images that will be the envy of both your friends and potential
future clients.
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For travel photographers, nothing beat's Iceland's stunning landscapes and beautiful birds.
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen is headed to Iceland
this July and would love to have you along for a trip of a lifetime.
Mike has coordinated the trip so we take advantage of summer's best weather while also coinciding with the puffin nesting season.
Join Mike on his Iceland
Photo and Bird Adventure photo tour (July 17-24, 2016).
During your journey, you will
photograph some of the most amazing scenery and wildlife Iceland has to offer.
From verdant rolling hills to rugged mountains, the landscapes of Iceland are
famous for their interplay between light and sky.
Mike also included a few
photo sessions with some famous bird populations to stoke your wildlife
photography
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Our partnership with
CreativeLive continues to grow and CreativeLive keeps adding new video training
content to their website.
Their library of online workshops is quite extensive and you'll love what they have to offer our Nikonians community.
Check out the Nikonians page at CreativeLive for workshops selected
by Mike Hagen here.
Soon, Mike will be teaching
new classes for CreativeLive that will also be available to watch live or
download from their library.
Posted by flashdeadline at 7:34 PM
April 6, 2016
Nikonians Academy adding new workshops
Steve Simon's world-famous Passionate Photographer workshops are back!
Steve has planned three new workshops, two in New York City and one in Cuba scheduled in May and June.
He has lead workshops all over the world, including Mentor Series, Macworld, PhotoPlus Expo and Gulf Photo Plus in Dubai.
Here are the three workshops with dates:
► The Passionate Street Photographer 3-Day Intensive; starting May 13, 2016 in New York City
► Cuba - The Passionate Street Photographer; starting May 28, 2016 in Havana, Cuba
► The Passionate Street Photographer 6-Day Workshop; starting June 16, 2016 in New York City
They are all based on his best-selling book The Passionate Photographer.
These workshops vary in length from 3-days to 6-days and are designed for different price points and experiences. Check out all three of Steve's workshops here.
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Nikonians Academy Director Mike
Hagen's Iceland
photo adventure is designed specifically for bird and landscape photography
(July 17-24, 2016).
You will go to a number of puffin rookeries in the pursuit of the perfect puffin picture.
The adventure takes you to some of the most incredible landscape photography locations.
Having traveled to Iceland many times over the years, Mike and his co-leader Tim Vollmer know the best spots for photography and are especially suited to treating you to the best Iceland photographic experience possible.
This workshop is strictly limited to a maximum of 10 participants. This means that you'll receive hands-on training from your workshop leaders every single day.
Our goal is to help you capture incredible images and our small group size ensures you are well taken care of.
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Rick Hulbert has just added a new workshop to Budapest,
Hungary (May 18-21, 2017).
This is a unique workshop for a select few photographers and is designed to help photographers improve their urban and street photography craft.
Budapest straddles the banks of the iconic Danube River.
The west bank is defined by the Buda Hills, the medieval Castle Quarter, the fanciful Fisherman's Bastion, and extensive Roman ruins and remnants from the Ottoman Turks who occupied the city for 150 years.
The east bank, the Pest side, is the center of culture and commerce. Dominated
by its neo-Gothic parliament building, the Danube Promenade is a World Heritage
site, and the inner city is rich with historic monuments, markets, Bauhaus and
art nouveau buildings, as well as Soviet-era housing projects.
Posted by flashdeadline at 1:05 AM
March 30, 2016
Spotlight on Cuba -- Steve Simon prepares for Havana Workshop
The Nikonians Academy curriculum has added a new Cuba workshop this year. Join Steve Simon in Havana, Cuba May 28 - June 3 for his Passionate Street Photographer workshop. 
Steve describes the workshop as perfect mix of photogenic locations and unique cultural experiences:"We will explore vibrant, visually rich places and neighborhoods in Old Havana, often outside tourist areas for unique photo opportunities.
We will have great access at a local outdoor boxing club with great light-a place where some of Cuba's best known boxers have trained.
We will visit and photograph the National Ballet & Dance Company.
Old Havana is spectacular at night and we will go out night shooting as well.
With the recent warming of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba, change is inevitable making now a perfect time to visit."
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Nikonians Academy Director Mike
Hagen loves Iceland and travels there every year in search of stunning images
of puffins, landscapes and glaciers. Join
him this July for another beautiful adventure to the land of fire and ice.
Mike is also working with a
partner who has established credentials in the area:
"Our partner on this trip is the
world-renowned photographer Tim Vollmer who is a native of Iceland and has been
running photo tours for years. He has one of the best reputations in the
industry. Mike Hagen, your Nikonians Academy Director, is co-leader for this
trip, so you can be sure that this will be an adventure you'll never forget.
We'll photograph geothermal sites, glacial
lagoons, birds, landscapes, volcanoes, lava fields, waterfalls, and basalt
columns. We've also included a photo tour of Reykjavík that includes buildings
and architecture."
If you need some Iceland
photo motivation, check out his Instagram feed (mikejhagen) where he is sharing
Iceland photos every day this week: https://www.instagram.com/mikejhagen/
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Our partnership with CreativeLive
is getting stronger every week. Did you know that CreativeLive has a daily blog
where they post great how-to articles?
Here are three articles you
might be interested in:
► Ben
Willmore's 5 Photoshop Tips to Make Your Travel Photos Pop
► 8 World-Class
Photographers Share Tips and Tricks For Travelling With Gear
► Low
Light Photography: Making The Most of Dark Scenes
Also, be sure to RSVP for Frans Lanting's upcoming free
live workshop with CreativeLive this May.
Posted by flashdeadline at 4:23 AM
March 23, 2016
Texas workshops less than two weeks away
Two of our Nikonians Academy master instructors, Rick Hulbert and Mike Hagen, are teaming up for five days of workshops in The Woodlands, Texas.
Located just north of Houston, Texas with easy international airport access, The Woodlands will provide a perfect base for our classes.
We're covering topics specifically targeted to travel, nature and portrait photographers.
There is no requirement for fancy equipment at this workshop. Ideally, you'll have a DSLR or camera that allows you to vary the exposure, but any and every brand of camera will work.
We strongly encourage participants with Nikon, Canon, Fuji, Olympus, Pentax, Sony, Leica, and any other camera brands to attend.
The principles taught will also apply to point and shoot cameras, mirrorless cameras and even camera phones.
The schedule includes:
April 5 & 6 - Urban and Street Photography
April 7 - Free Photo Walk
April 8 - Photo Workshop Series Day 1
April 9 - Photo Workshop Series Day 2
Sign up now here.
Iceland
Our Iceland trips are unique in that we travel to many places that few other photo tours go.
Sure, we hit the impressive waterfalls and glacier lagoons, but we also head to private wildlife preserves and remote island chains in pursuit of unique images.
Iceland is extremely popular right now and many photographer's images look the same.
Travel with us to photograph areas that are off the beaten path.
Take a walk on the wild side with us as we hike into volcanic craters and explore the stunning country in our own private tour vehicles.
Because we'll be traveling as an independent group, our guides and drivers are dedicated to getting us to the best locations in the most incredible light.
Mike Hagen's next tour to Iceland is set for July 17-24, 2016. Sign up now here.
CreativeLive
The cool thing about CreativeLive is their constant push to help people become better artists, creatives and photographers.
Our partners have just released a free eBook called 28 To Make.
It is a free 28-day series of habit-forming creative exercises designed to help you get back in the habit of making cool stuff.
It features 28 short prompts from some of the best designers, illustrators, typographers, and all-around makers we know.
Download your own copy today.
Be sure to check out our CreativeLive Nikonians landing page for recommended workshops from Mike Hagen.
Also, the front landing page of CreativeLive always has a variety of free broadcasts.
Be sure to head to creativelive.com to see what's broadcasting for free.
Cuba
With the President of the USA visiting Cuba for the first time in over 80 years, we are bound to see some dramatic changes in Cuba's economy very soon.
Much has been made of the impending "Americanization of Cuba," so now is the time to visit.
Steve Simon is operating a workshop in Havana, Cuba from May 28 - June 3, 2016.
We have three seats remaining and would love to have you join us.
Join Steve and Cuban photographer and guide Juan Carlos Ocana for an unforgettable week of living and breathing photography in beautiful Havana, Cuba.
This intimate six-day masterclass (limited to 10 students) will take you to some of the most picturesque, interesting and exciting locations on and off the beaten path in Havana and beyond.
Sign up here.
Posted by flashdeadline at 12:12 AM
January 26, 2016
Academy Spotlight - Africa, Texas, Sri Lanka
The Nikonians Academy Tanzania photo safari is on for November 2016. This marks Academy Director Mike Hagen's tenth safari to Tanzania and he keeps refining them to be better and better.
His trip focuses on northern Tanzania's national parks including Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara.
We still have spots available, and most people who come, bring their spouse, but we also have a lot of individual shooters attend as well.
One of the best aspects of this trip is that we are only allowing three photographers per vehicle. This means that each person will have an entire row to themselves with one seat for their camera gear and the other seat for themselves.
There will be plenty of room to move around and everyone will have perfect access to all photo opportunities.
Obviously, this trip is very focused on photography and each day is optimized to photograph wildlife and landscapes. More information here.
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Rick Hulbert and Mike Hagen are running a week-long series of workshops in The Woodlands, Texas (April 5-9, 2016).
These workshops are in conjunction with The Woodlands Camera Club and their 10-year anniversary. We've decided to open the workshops up to all Nikonians.org users as well. Our classes won't be Nikon specific, but will cover on a wide variety of photographic topics including:
► 2-day urban and street photography workshop
► Free photo walk for anyone
► Series 1 = Wildlife photography, HDR, Lightroom CC, Travel and street photography
► Series 2 = Studio lighting, composition, AF for action & wildlife, Panorama photography
Mike tells us the focus for this project is flexibility:
"We are offering classes on a variety of topics including Lightroom CC, studio lighting, architectural photography, street photography, composition, HDR imaging, panorama photography and autofocus for sports/wildlife.
You can sign up for one workshop or all workshops. We also have a photo walk scheduled for the evening of Thursday, April 7th and would love to see you there."
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We're now making our last call for Les Picker's Sri Lanka: Culture and Wildlife photography trip (March 12-23, 2016).
Les leads photo workshops to Sri Lanka every two years and says that the photo opportunities are like none other in the world.
For this trip, Les Picker, has added a 4-day extension in Dubai.
Les tells us this extension is a photographer?s dream:
?Those of us who elect the extension will leave from Sri Lanka and fly directly to Dubai, the epicenter of the United Arab Emirates.
Truly a cosmopolitan city, Dubai has the most skyscrapers of any city in the world. Beyond that, city planners have given unparalleled freedom to architects.
The result is a photographer?s paradise, with angles, reflections, spiraling towers, and architectural landscapes that are unmatched.?
If interested in the pre-trip, email Les directly for more information.You can find the address at Les Picker's Sri Lanka page.
Posted by flashdeadline at 3:20 PM
January 20, 2016
Hagen-Hulbert tag-team targets Texas in April
What's better than a Nikonians Academy instructor leading a workshop series?
Try two Nikonians Academy instructors at the same location presenting their specialties in a 'pick and choose' assortment tag-team format.
That assortment includes your choice of customized training at various price ranges (depending on the subject matter and number of courses you choose) capped off with a free Photo Walk.
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen and Rick Hulbert are collaborating on a 5-day workshop series in The Woodlands, Texas from April 5th - 9th, 2016.
Mike tells us the focus for this project is flexibility:
"We are offering classes on a variety of topics including Lightroom CC, studio lighting, architectural photography, street photography, composition, HDR imaging, panorama photography and autofocus for sports/wildlife.
You can sign up for one workshop or all workshops. We also have a photo walk scheduled for the evening of Thursday, April 7th and would love to see you there.
All photographers are welcome to attend, as our instruction includes Nikon, Canon and other brands of cameras. We'd love to have you and your friends come to Texas for this workshop series. It is truly going to be great."
---------- Looking Ahead-----------------------------
Our Iceland 2016 photo adventure is set to be an incredible journey. Workshop leader Mike Hagen and his co-leader Tim Vollmer, are Iceland veterans who have a proven track record of leading top notch trips. We travel during late July in order to maximize light and photograph during the best weather. These trips are beautiful.
Take a walk on the wild side with Mike as you hike into volcanic craters and explore the stunning country in private tour vehicles. Because you will be traveling as an independent group, your guides and drivers are dedicated to getting you to the best locations in the most incredible light.
Co-leader Tim Vollmer is a native of Iceland and has been running photo tours for years. He has one of the best reputations in the industry.
Get ready to photograph geothermal sites, glacial lagoons, birds, landscapes, volcanoes, lava fields, waterfalls, and basalt columns. Mike also included a photo tour of Reykjavík that includes buildings and architecture.
This workshop is strictly limited to a maximum of 10 participants, and early reservations are highly recommended.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Rick Hulbert has spent his entire career becoming an internationally awarded architect. He has combined his thorough knowledge of architecture with his professional photography experience to put together a tremendous class called the Urban and Street Photography Workshop.
Rick has led these workshops for many years now and they are some of the best-reviewed classes we teach. Our next workshop is scheduled for Chicago, Illinois September 15-19.
There is no requirement for fancy equipment. Any and every brand of camera will work, so we strongly encourage participants with Canon, Sony, Fuji, Leica and other camera brands to attend. The principles taught will also apply to point and shoot cameras, new mirrorless cameras, and yes. . . even camera phones!
We will discuss the elementary basics of how people see, how the camera sees, and why extending the Dynamic Range of light captured in your images can be so enticing and fulfilling. This is true, whether you are wanting to document reality, or wanting to interpret reality.
► More information here.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Join the Nikonians Academy on a beautiful journey to Tanzania for a photo safari you'll never forget. Mike Hagen has led ten safaris to this region and knows it very well.
He's optimized every moment of this trip to take advantage of photographing local animal populations in diverse regions of Tanzania. This year's trip is planned to be the best ever with upgraded lodges, and luxury tented camps located inside the National Park Lands.
Mike leads his 10th safari to Tanzania November 4th-15th, 2016 and he would love to have you along. His photography trips to Tanzania are completely focused on maximizing the time we spend in the outdoors in the pursuit of stunning images.
Mike works with one the best guide companies in the country and has optimized the trip for the best experience possible. Join him to photograph leopards, lions, cheetah, the great migration, elephants, and everything else under the African sun.
This is definitely a bucket list opportunity you don't want to miss.
Check out the African wildlife photos he's been posting to Instagram here.
Posted by flashdeadline at 2:43 AM
January 12, 2016
Nikonians Academy Sri Lanka trip adds Dubai extension
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen tells us he is nearing the deadline for closing enrollment on our Sri Lanka trip (beginning March 12).
Our intrepid travelers will visit quite a few national parks with amazing wildlife photography opportunities. In these parks, we've arranged transport in open-air vehicles to better photograph leopard, elephants, monkeys, birds and other wildlife.
When not photographing wildlife, our trip will focus on stunning landscapes and beautiful culture.
Our trip leader, Les Picker, has added a 4-day extension in Dubai.
Les tells us this destination is a photographer's dream:
"Those of us who elect the extension will leave from Sri Lanka and fly directly to Dubai, the epicenter of the United Arab Emirates.
Truly a cosmopolitan city, Dubai has the most skyscrapers of any city in the world. Beyond that, city planners have given unparalleled freedom to architects.
The result is a photographer's paradise, with angles, reflections, spiraling towers, and architectural landscapes that are unmatched."
► Click here to sign up for the workshop.
► Click here to learn more about the 4-day extension to Dubai.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Iceland in the summer is a place every serious photographer should visit at least once in their lifetime. Our photography trip with Mike Hagen hits all the big highlights along the southern coast of Iceland (July 17-24).
Our partner on this trip is the world-renowned photographer Tim Vollmer who is a native of Iceland and has been running photo tours for years. He has one of the best reputations in the industry.
Birds, landscapes, waterfalls, and of course, lots of ice. Last year's trip sold out, so don't wait too long to sign up for the 2016 adventure.
This workshop is strictly limited to a maximum of 10 participants. This means that you'll receive hands-on training from your workshop leaders every single day. Our goal is to help you capture incredible images and our small group size ensures you are well taken care of.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Rick Hulbert has spent his entire career becoming an internationally awarded architect. He has combined his thorough knowledge of architecture with his professional photography experience to put together a tremendous class called the Urban and Street Photography Workshop.
Rick has led these workshops for many years now and they are some of the best-reviewed classes we teach. Our next workshop is scheduled for Chicago, Illinois September 15-19.
There is no requirement for fancy equipment. Any and every brand of camera will work, so we strongly encourage participants with Canon, Sony, Fuji, Leica and other camera brands to attend. The principles taught will also apply to point and shoot cameras, new mirrorless cameras, and yes. . . even camera phones!
We will discuss the elementary basics of how people see, how the camera sees, and why extending the Dynamic Range of light captured in your images can be so enticing and fulfilling. This is true, whether you are wanting to document reality, or wanting to interpret reality.
► More information here.
Posted by flashdeadline at 11:12 PM
January 6, 2016
Nikonians Academy Spotlight ? Sri Lanka, Iceland, Tanzania
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen is highlighting his international itinerary as we begin the year 2016.
His first message of the new year points to three destinations with a popular track record of success.
We are looking for a few more intrepid souls to join us in Sri Lanka this March. Our trip is already a go, and we are really looking forward to photographing the incredible wildlife and landscapes in this island nation.
Join Les Picker on his photo tour of this enchanting land (March 12-23, 2016).
Travel guide book publisher Lonely Planet describes:
"Endless beaches, timeless ruins, welcoming people, oodles of elephants, rolling surf, cheap prices, famous tea and flavorful food describe Sri Lanka."
We couldn't agree more.
Les' trip dives deep into the local culture and wildlife for a journey you (and your spouse) will remember for the rest of your life.
One of the highlights of the tour will be spending two days (four safari treks) in famed Yalla National Park, which boasts the densest wild leopard population on earth, along with bull elephants, crocodiles, water buffalo, monkeys and an incredible variety of colorful birds.
We will also do safaris in two other National Parks famous for their wild elephant populations, monkeys, crocodiles, colorful birds, and other wildlife. Most evenings we will have an optional image review and critique.
This workshop is limited to 12 participants.
------------------------------------------------------------
Our Iceland 2016 photo adventure is set to be an incredible journey. Workshop leader Mike Hagen and his co-leader Tim Vollmer, are Iceland veterans who have a proven track record of leading top notch trips. We travel during late July in order to maximize light and photograph during the best weather. These trips are beautiful.
Take a walk on the wild side with Mike as you hike into volcanic craters and explore the stunning country in private tour vehicles. Because you will be traveling as an independent group, your guides and drivers are dedicated to getting you to the best locations in the most incredible light.
Co-leader Tim Vollmer is a native of Iceland and has been running photo tours for years. He has one of the best reputations in the industry.
Get ready to photograph geothermal sites, glacial lagoons, birds, landscapes, volcanoes, lava fields, waterfalls, and basalt columns. Mike also included a photo tour of Reykjav?k that includes buildings and architecture.
This workshop is strictly limited to a maximum of 10 participants, and early reservations are highly recommended.
---------------------------------------------------------
Join the Nikonians Academy on a beautiful journey to Tanzania for a photo safari you'll never forget. Mike Hagen has led ten safaris to this region and knows it very well.
He's optimized every moment of this trip to take advantage of photographing local animal populations in diverse regions of Tanzania. This year's trip is planned to be the best ever with upgraded lodges, and luxury tented camps located inside the National Park Lands.
Mike leads his 10th safari to Tanzania November 4th-15th, 2016 and he would love to have you along. His photography trips to Tanzania are completely focused on maximizing the time we spend in the outdoors in the pursuit of stunning images.
Mike works with one the best guide companies in the country and has optimized the trip for the best experience possible. Join him to photograph leopards, lions, cheetah, the great migration, elephants, and everything else under the African sun.
This is definitely a bucket list opportunity you don't want to miss.
Check out the African wildlife photos he's been posting to Instagram here.
Posted by flashdeadline at 2:29 AM
December 29, 2015
Nikonians Academy ready for New Year
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen tells us 2016 will be filled with photo adventures in exotic locations as well as workshops and member gatherings in the USA.
It is well as timed for
one of the few rare scenes in Yosemite that happens only once a year for about
10 days in only the perfect conditions: the backlit illumination of Horsetail
Fall by the setting sun, called 'The Firefall' as immortalized by the original
1973 Galen Rowell photo.All three sunset opportunities of the workshop will be devoted to capturing this elusive visual phenomenon.
---------------------------------------------
Rick Hulbert is preparing for his first workshop of the New Year, when he leads attendees through diverse, target-rich places to gather images of Seattle. His four-day Urban and Street Photography workshop with a maximum enrollment of 10 people will begin on March 17, 2016.
This workshop is designed to improve your photography regardless of whether you consider picture taking a hobby, or you are a serious enthusiast, professional photographer, or earn your living as a member of the global real estate, design, and construction industries.
There are accepted principles for photographing buildings
and other man-made structures. Knowing these principles will make you a better
photographer. Understanding the science and art behind these principles will
allow you to learn how to ?break rules? in a deliberate, meaningful way.
You will learn how a basic understanding of Street
Photography will assist in your architectural and urban photography.
---------------------------------------------
The 16th Annual Nikonians Photo Adventure Trip (ANPAT) will take participants to the USA West Coast for the Spring edition.
Join Nikonians founders Bo Stahlbrandt (bgs) and J. Ramon Palacios (jrp), with ANPAT Leader Eric Bowles (ericbowles), in this target-rich region for splendid photography opportunities. Palacios tells us the location was chosen by popular demand and early bookings will assist with making key deposits on ideal accommodations.
The inclusive dates are Saturday April 16, 2016 to Saturday April 23, 2016.
The ANPAT has become the traditional Nikonians field event of the year, where
we all become students and teachers to live our Nikonians motto: Share, Learn,
and Inspire.
This is a great way to hone your skills as a photographer, make true friends
and have a great time.
Check the
original announcement posting for updates on member questions and travel
discussions.
---------------------------------------------
The 2016 Sri Lanka photo adventure trip has reached the minimum number of signups. Join Les Picker on his photo tour of this enchanting land (March 12-23, 2016).
Travel guide book publisher Lonely Planet
describes:
"Endless beaches, timeless ruins, welcoming people, oodles of
elephants, rolling surf, cheap prices, famous tea and flavorful food describe
Sri Lanka."
We couldn't agree more.
Les' trip dives deep into the local culture and wildlife for a journey you (and
your spouse) will remember for the rest of your life.
One of the highlights of the tour will be spending two days
(four safari treks) in famed Yalla National Park, which boasts the densest wild
leopard population on earth, along with bull elephants, crocodiles, water
buffalo, monkeys and an incredible variety of colorful birds.
We will also do safaris in two other National Parks famous for their wild elephant populations, monkeys, crocodiles, colorful birds, and other wildlife. Most evenings we will have an optional image review and critique.
This
workshop is limited to 12 participants.
---------------------------------------------
Later in the year (July 17-24, 2016), Mike Hagen hosts his popular Summer Iceland Photo and Bird Adventure.
Take a walk on the wild side with Mike as you hike into
volcanic craters and explore the stunning country in private tour vehicles.
Because you will be traveling as an independent group, your guides and drivers
are dedicated to getting you to the best locations in the most incredible
light.
Mike's partner on this trip is the world-renowned
photographer Tim Vollmer who is a native of Iceland and has been running photo
tours for years. He has one of the best reputations in the industry.
Get ready to photograph geothermal sites, glacial lagoons,
birds, landscapes, volcanoes, lava fields, waterfalls, and basalt columns. Mike
also included a photo tour of Reykjav?k that includes buildings and
architecture.
This workshop is strictly limited to a maximum of 10
participants, and early
reservations are highly recommended.
Posted by flashdeadline at 10:47 PM
December 22, 2015
Snow just in time for Yosemite workshop
After years of not having snow (at the right times) in Yosemite, it looks like this year might be a different story.
Michael Mariant's Yosemite in Winter is shaping up to be a wonderful workshop with snow piling up in the Sierras.
Join him and our intrepid group of Nikonians for this workshop scheduled February 18 - 21, 2016.
This workshop will focus on the numerous locations in the Yosemite Valley that are complemented by the snow season as well as timed for one of the few rare scenes in Yosemite that happens only once a year for about 10 days in only the perfect conditions: the backlit illumination of Horsetail Fall by the setting sun, called 'The Firefall' as immortalized by the original 1973 Galen Rowell photo.
All three sunset opportunities of the workshop will be devoted to capturing this elusive visual phenomenon.
This workshop focuses not only on the 'where' to take the pictures, but also on the 'how' to take pictures, incorporating photographic education throughout the workshop at each location.
---------------------------------------------------
Our Sri Lanka: Culture and Wildlife photography workshop is all set to go forward. Les is an expert in Sri Lankan photography and has traveled to this beautiful island nation many times.
He likens the trip to an experience that rivals Africa, but at a fraction of the cost. Our 12-day Sri Lanka photo adventure runs March 12-23, 2016.
Join us for a 12-day (11-night) exploration of the unparalleled photographic possibilities in this island nation. Located off the southernmost coast of India, Sri Lanka is replete with some of the oldest Buddhist and Hindu temples in the world (many still in use), some of the friendliest and most photogenic people on Earth, and wildlife that rivals Africa?s best locations.
In this photography tour we will intimately explore Sri Lanka?s landscape, from vaunted mountains to its pristine seashore, from its tidy and colorful tea plantations to its lush forests.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
If you are looking for something a bit more domestic, then consider joining Rick Hulbert on one of his critically acclaimed Urban and Street Photography workshops. We currently have two cities planned; Seattle, WA in March 2016 and Chicago, IL in September 2016. Learn architectural photography from one of the best in the industry.
Urban environments comprise the most diverse, target-rich places to photograph . . . anywhere. Most photos contain a ?subject? within a setting or background. The cool reality is that Buildings and Urban Places can be both subjects and/or settings. Think about all the images you have made or will make in the future that contain buildings as the featured subject or as backgrounds to a myriad of other photo subjects . . . like people and their activities.
This workshop is designed to improve your photography regardless of whether you consider picture taking a hobby, or you are a serious enthusiast, professional photographer, or earn your living as a member of the global real estate, design, and construction industries.
There are accepted principles for photographing buildings and other man-made structures. Knowing these principles will make you a better photographer. Understanding the science and art behind these principles will allow you to learn how to ?break rules? in a deliberate, meaningful way.
Posted by flashdeadline at 8:31 PM
December 15, 2015
Workshop seats getting rare at Nikonians Academy
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen tells us his Galapagos 2016 photo adventure is down to the final two cabins.
That's right, he's almost sold out and the trip doesn't even leave until September 2016.
Sign up quickly to reserve a cabin for you and your spouse.
Mike works hard to make the experience top notch with excellent shooting itineraries, food, and tour amenities.
For those of you wanting to photograph giant tortoise, marine iguanas and the blue footed booby, this is your chance! The trip includes seven nights on a Galapagos cruise and two nights in Guayaquil Ecuador.
Your expedition yacht has the ability to anchor close to the best attractions and the small group size means that everyone can be nimble while photographing nature's splendor.
This is the perfect trip to participate in a safe, yet intrepid photographic adventure. If you've been looking for a time to check Galapagos off your bucket list, then this is it!
Check Mike Hagen's Galapagos article starting on page 21 in the number 58 edition our eZine: THE NIKONIAN.
------------------------------------------------------
Professional photographer and retired architect and Rick Hulbert keeps on building great workshops. His Urban and Street Photography workshops have been described as probably the best workshops on the subject in the entire USA.
Rick knows how to teach in a way that is engaging, humorous, and extremely helpful. He calls his teaching style, "Photography for Smarties." Check out his classes in Seattle and Chicago.
This workshop is designed to improve your photography regardless of whether you consider picture taking a hobby, or you are a serious enthusiast, professional photographer, or earn your living as a member of the global real estate, design, and construction industries.
There are accepted principles for photographing buildings and other man-made structures. Knowing these principles will make you a better photographer. Understanding the science and art behind these principles will allow you to learn how to ?break rules? in a deliberate, meaningful way.
You will learn how a basic understanding of Street Photography will assist in your architectural and urban photography.
------------------------------------------------------
Mike Hagen leads photography adventure trips to Iceland every summer. Last year's adventure sold out early, so don't wait much longer to sign up for his July 2016 trip.
He and his workshop leading partner Tim Vollmer have optimized their adventure to photograph the very best of Iceland's landscapes and wildlife over the span of one week. Mike and Tim would love to have you travel with them in 2016 for a photo trip you'll never forget.
The schedule includes photographing geothermal sites, glacial lagoons, birds, landscapes, volcanoes, lava fields, waterfalls, and basalt columns. It also features a photo tour of Reykjav?k that includes buildings and architecture.
Posted by flashdeadline at 8:23 PM
December 8, 2015
Nikonians Academy Spotlight: Urban Seattle and Iceland in Summer
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen puts this week's Spotlight on two workshops with totally different approaches.
The first places the emphasis on urban environments and the second takes our members on an incredible journey to the land of Fire and Ice.
Rick Hulbert is preparing for his first workshop of the New Year, when he leads attendees through diverse, target-rich places to gather images of Seattle. His four-day Urban and Street Photography workshop with a maximum enrollment of 10 people will begin on March 17, 2016.
This workshop is designed to improve your photography regardless of whether you consider picture taking a hobby, or you are a serious enthusiast, professional photographer, or earn your living as a member of the global real estate, design, and construction industries.
There are accepted principles for photographing buildings and other man-made structures. Knowing these principles will make you a better photographer. Understanding the science and art behind these principles will allow you to learn how to ?break rules? in a deliberate, meaningful way.
You will learn how a basic understanding of Street Photography will assist in your architectural and urban photography.
---------------------------------------------
Later in the year (July 17-24, 2016), Mike Hagen hosts his popular Summer Iceland Photo and Bird Adventure.
Take a walk on the wild side with Mike as you hike into volcanic craters and explore the stunning country in private tour vehicles. Because you will be traveling as an independent group, your guides and drivers are dedicated to getting you to the best locations in the most incredible light.
Mike's partner on this trip is the world-renowned photographer Tim Vollmer who is a native of Iceland and has been running photo tours for years. He has one of the best reputations in the industry.
Get ready to photograph geothermal sites, glacial lagoons, birds, landscapes, volcanoes, lava fields, waterfalls, and basalt columns. Mike also included a photo tour of Reykjav?k that includes buildings and architecture.
This workshop is strictly limited to a maximum of 10 participants, and early reservations are highly recommended.
Posted by flashdeadline at 9:41 PM
December 1, 2015
Sri Lanka and Galapagos adventures going fast
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen tell us the 2016 Sri Lanka photo adventure trip has reached the minimum number of signups so it is now definitely a go for 2016. Join Les Picker on his photo tour of this enchanting land (March 12-23, 2016).
Travel guide book publisher Lonely Planet describes:
"Endless beaches, timeless ruins, welcoming people, oodles of elephants, rolling surf, cheap prices, famous tea and flavorful food describe Sri Lanka."
We couldn't agree more.
Les' trip dives deep into the local culture and wildlife for a journey you (and your spouse) will remember for the rest of your life.
One of the highlights of the tour will be spending two days (four safari treks) in famed Yalla National Park, which boasts the densest wild leopard population on earth, along with bull elephants, crocodiles, water buffalo, monkeys and an incredible variety of colorful birds.This workshop is limited to 12 participants.
----------------------------------------------------
Mike Hagen's trip to the Galapagos (September 17-25, 2016) is almost sold out. We have just a few spots available for next year and will be posting our 2017 trip soon.
This is a great trip for you and your spouse (or you and your favorite shooting buddy) to attend. Mike works hard to make the experience top notch with excellent shooting itineraries, food, and tour amenities.
Check Mike Hagen's Galapagos article starting on page 21 in the number 58 edition our eZine: THE NIKONIAN.
For those of you wanting to photograph giant tortoise, marine iguanas and the blue footed booby, this is your chance! The trip includes seven nights on a Galapagos cruise and two nights in Guayaquil Ecuador.
Our expedition yacht has the ability to anchor close to our attractions and our small group size means that we can be nimble while photographing nature's splendor.
This is the perfect trip to participate in a safe, yet intrepid photographic adventure. If you've been looking for a time to check Galapagos off your bucket list, then this is it!
Posted by flashdeadline at 8:47 PM
November 24, 2015
Nikonians Academy 2016 Highlights
Preparing for the new year, Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen has compiled his personal thoughts on some highlighted workshops.
Two will take members to exotic locations while two in the United States will use architectural and street methods as a focus for improving your skills in photography.
As a bonus, Mike includes links to sites showing examples of the images you will have an opportunity to capture (with your own artistic interpretations).
-------------------------------------------
Sri Lanka
If there is one location on Earth that is still a photographic ?sleeper? it would have to be Sri Lanka. This lovely island off the southern coast of India is so scenically rich and varied it is hard to believe that it is not more popular than it is with photographers.
Where else can one find antiquities stretching back to Buddha?s visit, replete with temple ruins that still amaze? Or a coastline with blue-green waters that supports a huge population of blue whales and colorful fishermen? Now add in wild elephants and the densest population of leopards on the planet and you have a photographer?s Valhalla, right? Now for the best part; nowhere else will you find friendlier people who love to be photographed!
Join Les Picker on his bi-annual photo tour of Sri Lanka March 12-23, 2016.
-------------------------------------------
Urban and Street Photography Workshops
Rick has brought back his very popular Urban and Street Photography workshops for 2016.
Rick aspires to teach participants how to create photographs in urban, target-rich locations. Although our classes are set in beautiful Seattle and Chicago, Rick shows how to translate skills so you can create beautiful urban photography anywhere in the world.
Seattle, WA - March 17-20, 2016
Chicago, IL - September 15-18, 2016
Check out some of Rick's architectural photography here.
-------------------------------------------
Tanzania Wildlife Photo Safari
Mike Hagen leads his 10th safari to Tanzania November 4th-15th, 2016 and he would love to have you along. His photography trips to Tanzania are completely focused on maximizing the time we spend in the outdoors in the pursuit of stunning images.
Mike works with one the best guide companies in the country and has optimized the trip for the best experience possible. Join him to photograph leopards, lions, cheetah, the great migration, elephants, and everything else under the African sun.
This is definitely a bucket list opportunity you don't want to miss.
Check out the African wildlife photos he's been posting to Instagram here.
Posted by flashdeadline at 5:53 PM
November 17, 2015
Nikonians Academy 2016 Preview Highlights
Nikonians Academy Director has updated the preview highlights for the coming year.
Near the top of his list we find a photo adventure an island nation with unparalleled photographic possibilities, a perfect trip for couples to participate in a safe, yet intrepid adventure together and your opportunity to learn how to create jaw-dropping images that will be the envy of both your friends and potential future clients.
----------------------------------------------------
Join Les Picker on our 2016 Sri Lanka photo tour.
Les has traveled to Sri Lanka on numerous occasions and says the photographic experience is "truly unparalleled."
Our adventure runs from March 12-23, 2016 and includes photography of wildlife, stunning landscapes, and compelling culture.
This 12-day (11-night) exploration of the unparalleled photographic possibilities of an island nation located off the southernmost coast of India features some of the friendliest and most photogenic people on Earth, and wildlife that rivals Africa?s best locations − all at a fraction of the cost. The workshop is limited to 12 participants. Sign up here.
----------------------------------------------------
Our Galapagos 2016 photo adventure with Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen already has seven seats sold and we have just a few more seats available.
For those of you wanting to photograph giant tortoise, marine iguanas and the blue footed booby, this is your chance! The trip includes seven nights on a Galapagos cruise and two nights in Guayaquil Ecuador (September 17-25, 2016).
Our expedition yacht has the ability to anchor close to our attractions and our small group size means that we can be nimble while photographing nature's splendor. This is the perfect trip for couples to participate in a safe, yet intrepid adventure together. If you've been looking for a time to check Galapagos off your bucket list, then this is it!
----------------------------------------------------
Rick Hulbert's passion is photographing the urban landscape. He's added two new Urban and Street Photography workshops for 2016 in San Francisco and Chicago.
You will discover how to better frame and crop your images using the long established principles of fine art painting and drawing. You will learn how to create jaw-dropping images that will be the envy of both your friends and potential future clients. You might even be able to impress your kids!
Finally, if there is an interest, we can talk about the best gear and broadly touch on software solutions that will make your images sing. If you've been to one of Rick's workshops, then you know how much fun they are and how much you learn. Join him in 2016 for a learning experience guaranteed to make you a better photographer.
Posted by flashdeadline at 7:25 PM
November 10, 2015
Nikonians Academy Director pens new book
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen's new book titled The Nikon Autofocus System, Mastering Focus for Sharp Images Every Time is now available for purchase.
Created in conjunction with Rocky Nook and NikoniansPress, this book is aimed at photographers who want to improve their autofocus skills with Nikon DSLR cameras.
With today's advanced camera technology, achieving focus on a photographic subject seems like it should be a straightforward task. But many photographers know that it can be deceptively difficult, especially when shooting moving subjects or in challenging situations. Now, there is a complete guide available for Nikon shooters that will help them get tack-sharp photos every time.
In The Nikon Autofocus System, photographer Mike Hagen, author of the bestselling The Nikon Creative Lighting System, takes his deep knowledge of Nikon technology and concentrates on its focus features.
In this book, which covers all current Nikon DSLR models, Hagen fully explains how Nikon autofocus works, including detailed discussions of all the autofocus modules, drive systems, and camera buttons and menus.
He also devotes an entire chapter to explore how focus works with Nikon?s lenses.
Armed with this general knowledge, Hagen then dives deep and offers camera setups, settings, and best practices for specific field techniques that address the photographic genres that are notoriously challenging for focus: action and sports (indoor and outdoor), wildlife (including birds in flight), and macro photography.
He also covers genres such as portrait, landscape, underwater, low-light, and street photography.
Hagen
not only advises on the best ways to set up the camera and focus systems, he
gives helpful tips and tricks throughout the book.
The Nikon Autofocus
System also covers:
? Live view autofocus methods and settings
? Achieving great focus in video
? AF tracking
? AF shooting styles, such as back-button AF and
shutter-release AF
? HDR, panoramas, and other techniques for shooting with a
tripod
? An entire chapter on additional terms and techniques, such
as hyperfocal distance, calibrating lenses, focus and flash photography, and
more
Ebook versions are available for purchase right now and paperback versions will
be in stores during the first few weeks of November, 2015.
Links:
The Nikon Autofocus
System eBook
at Rocky Nook
? The Nikon Autofocus
System at
Rocky Nook
? The Nikon Autofocus
System at Amazon
? The Nikon Autofocus
System ? Autographed
Copies
Posted by flashdeadline at 9:23 PM
November 4, 2015
Nikonians Academy preps for Sri Lanka, Chicago, Seattle
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen is finishing up the paperwork for the 2015 curriculum and he's now setting his sights on the coming year.
Two items on the 2016 curriculum are in this week's Academy Spotlight.
It is important to note that while the first item (Sri Lanka) may be several months in the future, there is a November deadline for booking your reservation.
The workshop is limited to 12 participants.
In this photography tour you will intimately explore Sri Lanka's landscape, from vaunted mountains to its pristine seashore, from its tidy and colorful tea plantations to its lush forests.
Sri Lanka can arguably be called the most beautiful island in Asia, a tiny gem with a rich mix of culture, wildlife, history, people, geography and tropical weather. Join Les Picker and the Nikonians Academy for a 12-day (11-night) exploration of the exciting photographic possibilities in this magnificent island nation.
Sri Lanka is replete with some of the oldest Buddhist and Hindu temples in the world, some of the friendliest and most photogenic people on Earth, and wildlife that rivals Africa's best locations.
One of the highlights of the tour will be spending two days (four safari treks) in famed Yalla National Park, which boasts the densest wild leopard population on earth, along with bull elephants, crocodiles, water buffalo, monkeys and an incredible variety of colorful birds. We will also do safaris in two other National Parks famous for their wild elephant populations, monkeys, crocodiles, colorful birds, and other wildlife. Most evenings we will have an optional image review and critique.
Our trip runs March 12-23, 2016 and we are accepting signups through the end of November.
--------------------------------------------------
Rick Hulbert's highly reviewed Urban and Street Photography workshops are back for 2016 in Seattle and Chicago. Learn from the architectural master how to photograph urban environments using principles that will make you a better photographer.
Rick teaches the science and art of urban photography in a light-hearted, but technical 4-day workshop designed to help you see the urban world from a different perspective.
This workshop is designed to improve your photography regardless of whether you consider picture taking a hobby, or you are a serious enthusiast, professional photographer, or earn your living as a member of the global real estate, design, and construction industries.
There are accepted principles for photographing buildings and other man made structures. Knowing these principles will make you a better photographer. Understanding the science and art behind these principles will allow you to learn how to 'break rules' in a deliberate, meaningful way.
Seattle is scheduled for March 17-21, 2016 and Chicago is scheduled for
September 15-18, 2016.
Posted by flashdeadline at 2:23 AM
October 28, 2015
Urban & Street Workshops set for 2016
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen has good news for Rick Hulbert fans. 
While the illustrated lectures will give you the fundamental information you need, you will spend a significant portion of the workshop in the field, with hands on photography.
Rick Hulbert will also give daily constructive critiques of
your own selected images, which is a key part of the learning experience.
There is no requirement for fancy equipment. Any and every brand of camera will work, so we strongly encourage participants with Canon, Sony, Fuji, Leica and other camera brands to attend.
The principles taught will also apply to point and shoot cameras, new mirrorless cameras, and yes. . . even camera phones!
Take a look at attendee testimonials from Rick?s past workshops.
To guarantee your seat (along with only 9 others available) register here for Seattle or here for Chicago.
----------------------------------------------
Attention
to detail ? The Hagen Hallmark
Traveling to an exotic international location with a small, dedicated photography group is truly a joyful experience.
Mike Hagen works hard to make his photo adventure trips excellent on all levels.
Obviously, he takes you to the most beautiful and awe-inspiring locales on earth, but he pays extra attention to everything else like transportation, logistics and food to ensure the trip is efficient and fun.
Speaking of food, he always places a premium on providing excellent meals.
Mike says:
"You need to eat well in
order to maintain your energy on my trips, so I make a point to eat at nice restaurants or provide private chefs who prepare flavorful and robust meals each day.
of us. In every case, they do!"
His goal is to help you create amazing images of your trip. He wants you to be proud of the work you create and wants you to be able to show off your images to friends and family so they are able to experience the scene just as is they were there with you.
Mike Hagen's trips to Iceland and Galapagos sold out last year, so he has added a total of four international trips in 2016.
? Iceland
? Galapagos
? Czech Republic
? Tanzania
Feel free to contact him him directly if you have questions. Or, head over to www.nikoniansacademy.com to read more about these international photo adventures.
Posted by flashdeadline at 12:26 AM
October 20, 2015
Academy Spotlight: USA West Coast and Africa
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen has been fine-tuning the 2016 curriculum and he's sent us two suggestions for our Academy Spotlight.
One is for the Spring version of the Annual Nikonians group event of the year and the other takes a very small group of members all the way to Africa.
16th Spring ANPAT
The 16th Annual Nikonians Photo Adventure Trip (ANPAT) in the Spring is now booking and the destination will take participants to the northern California and southern Oregon coast. This is a unique location known for massive redwood trees, sea stacks, scenic fishing villages and wonderful coastal scenes. It will be the first time Nikonians have organized a group visit to these areas.
The inclusive dates are Saturday April 16, 2016 to Saturday April 23, 2016.
The ANPAT has become the traditional Nikonians field event of the year, where we all become students and teachers to live our Nikonians motto: Share, Learn, and Inspire.
Join Nikonians founders Bo Stahlbrandt (bgs) and J. Ramon Palacios (jrp), with ANPAT Leader Eric Bowles (ericbowles), in this target-rich region for splendid photography opportunities. Palacios tells us the location was chosen by popular demand and early bookings will assist with making key deposits on ideal accommodations.
For your comfort, participants will be driving in 15-seat passenger vans, occupied by a maximum of 8 Nikonians each, leaving plenty of space for camera bags and tripods in their daily runs. Members will be staying two hotels, right on the beach, to minimize long haul driving.
This is a great way to hone your skills as a photographer, make true friends and have a great time.
Check the original announcement posting for updates on member questions and travel discussions.
Any questions? - We also have a 16th ANPAT in the Spring FAQ post available.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Africa 2016
Mike Hagen will be taking 11 members to one of his favorite photography locations next month.
The 2015 Africa photo adventure is sold out with only a waiting list available, but he's already set the groundwork for his African Photo Safari, Tanzania - November 2016.
Mike tells us the emphasis is on top level accommodations, professional assistance and ample maneuvering room:
"We'll be photographing the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and at private luxury tent camps throughout Northern Tanzania. All with private Land cruisers, professional wildlife guides, catered meals and excellent accommodations. Yes, it is a long ways off, but start planning now for the trip of a lifetime! We are limiting the size to 12 participants and this number includes your Tour Leader.
One of the best aspects of this trip is that we are only allowing three photographers per vehicle. This means that each person will have an entire row to themselves with one seat for their camera gear and the other seat for themselves. There will be plenty of room to move around and everyone will have perfect access to all photo opportunities."
Don't miss this opportunity to photograph some of Earth's most amazing animals in the heart of Tanzania
Posted by flashdeadline at 8:06 PM
October 13, 2015
Academy sets viewfinders on Sri Lanka, Yosemite
Nikonians Academy Instructors are preparing for photo adventures in Maine and California, USA.
Both destinations feature track records as Nikonians community favorites and both are led by instructors who have the distinct advantage of being intimately familiar with the terrain.
Les Picker leaves for his sold-out Acadia National Park workshop this week (October 15). We are looking forward to seeing the incredible photographs from this workshop to one of the east coast's photographic jewels.
-------------------------------------------------
Les Picker's next trip is scheduled for February 2016. His photo workshop to exotic Sri Lanka is the perfect blend of wildlife and culture.
This is a 12-day (11-night) exploration of the unparalleled photographic possibilities on an island nation located off the southernmost coast of India.
Sri Lanka is replete with some of the oldest Buddhist and Hindu temples in the world (many still in use), some of the friendliest and most photogenic people on Earth, and wildlife that rivals Africa's best locations; all at a fraction of the cost.
One of the highlights of the tour will be spending two days (four safari treks) in famed Yalla National Park, which boasts the densest wild leopard population on earth, along with bull elephants, crocodiles, water buffalo, monkeys and an incredible variety of colorful birds. We will also do safaris in two other National Parks famous for their wild elephant populations, monkeys, crocodiles, colorful birds, and other wildlife.
Don't miss it.
-------------------------------------------------
Michael Mariant's Yosemite in Winter workshop scheduled for February 2016 is set to be an incredible adventure in this land of granite spires and stunning landscapes.
Few photographers know Yellowstone better than Michael Mariant. Since he knows the place so well, he's able to get photographers into the right place at the right time for unique images they'll be proud of.
This workshop will focus on the numerous locations in the Yosemite Valley that are complemented by the snow season as well as timed for one of the few rare scenes in Yosemite that happens only once a year for about 10 days in only the perfect conditions: the backlit illumination of Horsetail Fall by the setting sun, called "The Firefall" as immortalized by the original 1973 Galen Rowell photo.
All three sunset opportunities of the workshop will devoted to capturing this elusive visual phenomenon.
-------------------------------------------------
Mike Hagen just returned from a wonderful photo adventure to the Galapagos Islands.
Mike tells us:
"Wildlife photography this year was the best I've ever seen it in the Galapagos. We had hawks and owls posing for us just feet from our lenses, land iguanas in beautiful light, and sea turtles around every corner. We snorkeled with sea lions, marine iguanas, penguins, flightless cormorants, reef sharks, and manta rays just about every day. I can't wait to go back again next year."
Mike says that the travelers from this year's trip were from all around the world including Australia, Canada and the USA:
"We had such a great time together. Everyone had a blast photographing, supporting each other, learning photography, and enjoying the adventure."
Mike's 2016 international photo workshops are posted on the Nikonians Academy schedule and ready for signups.
? Iceland - July 17-24, 2016
? Galapagos Islands - September 17-25, 2016
? Czech Republic - October 9-16, 2016
? Tanzania - November 4-15, 2016
Posted by flashdeadline at 10:52 PM
September 15, 2015
2016 Academy Spotlight: Czech Republic and Sri Lanka
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen has added travel workshops to Sri Lanka and the Czech Republic/Prague for the coming year.
You will visit the country's most picturesque temples and historical structures for architectural photos and opportunities to interact with Sri Lanka's wonderful people.
One of the highlights of the tour will be spending two days (four safari treks) in famed Yalla National Park, which boasts the densest wild leopard population on earth, along with bull elephants, crocodiles, water buffalo, monkeys and an incredible variety of colorful birds.
----------------------------------------
The Czech Republic and Prague trip will be led by Mike Hagen and is scheduled for October 9-16, 2016. It is designed to coincide with fall colors that will provide a stunning backdrop to the castles, mountains, and forests of Bohemia.
You will have the opportunity to explore a large variety of photographic themes, including landscape, countryside, castles and chateaus, colonnades, rural houses and forest animals.
Add four-star hotel accommodations and a scheduled boat ride and you have the makings of a photo adventure in the best Nikonians Academy style.
This 8-day photo adventure to the best of Bohemia will cover historic sites as well as modern marvels such as one of the youngest of national parks in the Czech Republic.
------------------------------------------
Looking to enhance your photo library?
Check out The Passionate Photographer: Ten Steps Toward Becoming Great.Steve has led workshops all over the world, including Mentor Series, Macworld, PhotoPlus Expo and Gulf Photo Plus in Dubai.
He is the author of four critically acclaimed photography books with works in major museum collections around the world.
Steve Simon's book, The Passionate Photographer is a top-seller and continues to garner awards from the photography industry.
Posted by flashdeadline at 9:09 PM
September 8, 2015
Nikonians Academy spotlight on Spring 2016
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen is preparing for his 2015 Galapagos photo adventure in a few days. Join Nikonians founders Bo Stahlbrandt (bgs) and J. Ramon Palacios (jrp), with ANPAT Leader Eric Bowles (ericbowles), in this target-rich region for splendid photography opportunities.
This unique location is known for massive redwood trees, sea stacks, scenic fishing villages and wonderful coastal scenes, and it will be the first time a Nikonians ANPAT has visited these areas.
The ANPAT has become our traditional field event of the year, where we all become students and teachers to live our Nikonians motto: Share, Learn, Inspire. This is a great way to hone your skills as a photographer, make true friends and have a great time.
Keep up on the planning stages (and ask any questions you may have) by following the Announcement and Discussion.
More from the curriculum
If you hurry, we still have seats available for three workshops led by Michael Mariant:
● The Eastern Sierra and Owens Valley trip explores landscapes and astrophotography in some of California's most beautiful environments.
Capture the vibrancy of the Eastern Sierra (September 24-27, 2015) during shooting sessions throughout the day interspersed with extensive specialized instruction in landscape photography.
This workshop focuses not only on the 'where' to take the pictures, but also on the 'how' to take pictures, incorporating photographic education throughout the workshop at each location, building on the previous locations techniques and lessons to culminate in a comprehensive lesson in composition, modified exposure, light controls, and High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography to name just a few.
● The Zen of Thinking (beginning October 2, 2015) is an advanced photography workshop designed to get you out of your comfort zone (only one seat remaining). This two-day course is limited to five students to ensure an intimate environment, fostering the best learning opportunities possible at Yosemite National Park.
The course curriculum includes lecture presentations, one-on-one instruction and critiques, on-site visual approach demos and analysis, and evaluative assessments of each photographer?s strengths, weakness, gear mindset, and areas for growth and development.
● Black and White Infrared Photography is designed to help photographers learn how to shoot and process compelling IR imagery.
Learn infrared black and white photography in beautiful Yosemite Valley.
This three-day course (November 6-8, 2015) is an intensive study of the complete digital and analog technique and process of the black & white infrared photography medium. You will be examining the technical visual aspects of the infrared spectrum, photographic principles in the field, post-production techniques and the proper steps to ?create? a dynamic infrared (IR) photograph.
Looking ahead:
The 2016 schedule for international travel has been posted.
Check the Nikonians Academy ?By City Area? pages for information on journeys spanning the globe to Sri Lanka, Iceland, Galapagos, Prague and Tanzania.
Here's a quick capsule description on the adventures just listed:
● Sri Lanka - Limited to 12 participants, this is a 12-day (11-night) exploration of what some have called ?the most beautiful island in Asia.? Your leader will be Lester Picker. Dates: March 12-23, 2016.
● Iceland - Led by Mike Hagen, this trip runs from July 17-24, 2016. Hagen?s partner on this trip is the world-renowned photographer Tim Vollmer. This workshop is limited to a maximum of 10 participants
● Galapagos - This photo trip of a lifetime takes you on a custom expedition yacht to one of Earth's most treasured locations.
The boat has a maximum capacity of 20 passengers and the Nikonians group will take 10-15 of those positions. Trip Dates: September 17-25, 2016
● Prague - Mike Hagen calls this "The Best of Bohemia in 8-Days."
Mike will again partner with Tim Vollmer and the pair will guide you through a huge variety of photography themes. Trip dates are October 9 - 16, 2016.
● Tanzania - You will be photographing the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and at private luxury tent camps throughout Northern Tanzania.
Your leader, Mike Hagen, has extensive experience in this region. Trip dates are November 4 - 15, 2016.
Posted by flashdeadline at 6:36 PM
September 2, 2015
Seat shortages at the Nikonians Academy
Looking at the curriculum in the coming months, Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen tells us the operative words found most often are "Sold Out."
The sold out workshops include photo adventures to Acadia National Park in Maine, 15th ANPAT Fall in The Badlands, Grand Teton Wildlife and Landscapes, and Galapagos 2015.
If you hurry, we still have seats available for three workshops
led by Michael Mariant:
● The Eastern
Sierra and Owens Valley trip explores landscapes and astrophotography in
some of California's most beautiful environments.
Capture the vibrancy of the Eastern Sierra (September 24-27, 2015) during shooting sessions throughout the day interspersed with extensive specialized instruction in landscape photography.
This workshop
focuses not only on the 'where' to take the pictures, but also on the 'how' to
take pictures, incorporating photographic education throughout the workshop at
each location, building on the previous locations techniques and lessons to
culminate in a comprehensive lesson in composition, modified exposure, light
controls, and High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography to name just a few.
● The
Zen of Thinking (beginning October
2, 2015) is an advanced photography workshop designed to get you out of your
comfort zone (only one seat remaining). This two-day course is limited to five
students to ensure an intimate environment, fostering the best learning
opportunities possible at Yosemite National Park.
The course curriculum includes lecture presentations,
one-on-one instruction and critiques, on-site visual approach demos and
analysis, and evaluative assessments of each photographer?s strengths,
weakness, gear mindset, and areas for growth and development.
● Black
and White Infrared Photography is designed to help photographers learn how
to shoot and process compelling IR imagery.
Learn infrared black and white photography in beautiful
Yosemite Valley.
This three-day course (November 6-8, 2015) is an
intensive study of the complete digital and analog technique and process of the
black & white infrared photography medium. You will be examining the
technical visual aspects of the infrared spectrum, photographic principles in
the field, post-production techniques and the proper steps to ?create? a
dynamic infrared (IR) photograph.
Looking ahead:
The 2016 schedule for international travel has been
posted.
Check the Nikonians Academy ?By City Area?
pages for information on journeys spanning the globe to Sri
Lanka, Iceland,
Galapagos,
Prague
and Tanzania.
Here?s a quick capsule description on the adventures just
listed:
● Sri Lanka - Limited to 12 participants, this is a 12-day (11-night) exploration of what some have called ?the most beautiful island in Asia.? Your leader will be Lester Picker. Dates: March 12-23, 2016.
● Iceland ? Led by Mike Hagen, this trip runs from July 17-24, 2016. Hagen?s partner on this trip is the world-renowned photographer Tim Vollmer. This workshop is limited to a maximum of 10 participants
● Galapagos ? This photo trip of a lifetime takes you on a custom expedition yacht to one of Earth's most treasured locations.
The boat has a maximum capacity of 20 passengers and the Nikonians group will take 10-15 of those positions. Trip Dates: September 17-25, 2016
● Prague ? Mike Hagen calls this ?The Best of Bohemia in 8-Days.?
Mike will again partner with Tim Vollmer and the pair will guide you through a huge variety of photography themes. Trip dates are October 9 ? 16, 2016.
● Tanzania ? You will be photographing the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and at private luxury tent camps throughout Northern Tanzania.
Your
leader, Mike Hagen, has extensive experience in this region. Trip dates are November
4 ? 15, 2016.
Posted by flashdeadline at 12:02 AM
August 25, 2015
Academy adds Czech Republic photo adventure
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen has just added a new travel workshop to the Czech Republic and Prague. The trip is scheduled for October 9?16, 2016 and is designed to coincide with fall colors that will provide a stunning backdrop to the castles, mountains, and forests of Bohemia.
You will have the opportunity to explore a large variety of photographic themes, including landscape, countryside, castles and chateaus, colonnades, rural houses and forest animals.
Add four-star hotel accommodations and a scheduled boat ride and you have the makings of a photo adventure in the best Nikonians Academy style.
This 8-day photo adventure to the best of Bohemia will cover historic sites as well as modern marvels such as one of the youngest of national parks in the Czech Republic.
Coming soon ----
Michael Mariant's autumn workshops to the Eastern Sierra and to Yosemite have just a few seats remaining.
► His annual Eastern Sierra and Owens Valley trip explores landscapes and astrophotography in some of California's most beautiful environments.
Capture the vibrancy of the Eastern Sierra (September 24-27, 2015) during shooting sessions throughout the day interspersed with extensive specialized instruction in landscape photography. This workshop focuses not only on the 'where' to take the pictures, but also on the 'how' to take pictures, incorporating photographic education throughout the workshop at each location, building on the previous locations techniques and lessons to culminate in a comprehensive lesson in composition, modified exposure, light controls, and High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography to name just a few.
Michael Mariant?s two Yosemite workshops are perfect for photographers who are working on their creative skillset.
► The Zen of Thinking (beginning October 2, 2015) is an advanced photography workshop designed to get you out of your comfort zone (only one seat remaining). This two-day course is limited to five students to ensure an intimate environment, fostering the best learning opportunities possible at Yosemite National Park.
The course curriculum includes lecture presentations, one-on-one instruction and critiques, on-site visual approach demos and analysis, and evaluative assessments of each photographer?s strengths, weakness, gear mindset, and areas for growth and development.
► Black and White Infrared Photography is designed to help photographers learn how to shoot and process compelling IR imagery.
Learn infrared black and white photography in beautiful Yosemite Valley.
This three-day course (November 6-8, 2015) is an intensive study of the complete digital and analog technique and process of the black & white infrared photography medium. You will be examining the technical visual aspects of the infrared spectrum, photographic principles in the field, post-production techniques and the proper steps to ?create? a dynamic infrared (IR) photograph.
Looking to enhance your photo library?
Check out Steve Simon?s The Passionate Photographer: Ten Steps Toward Becoming Great
Steve has led workshops all over the world, including Mentor Series, Macworld, PhotoPlus Expo and Gulf Photo Plus in Dubai.
He is the author of four critically acclaimed photography books with works in major museum collections around the world.
Steve Simon's book, The Passionate Photographer is a top-seller and continues to garner awards from the photography industry.
Posted by flashdeadline at 9:42 PM
July 1, 2015
Nikonians Academy instructors preparing adventures
Our Nikonians Academy instructors are gearing up for photo adventures across the United States as well as the Galapagos Islands in the coming months.
The curriculum will be calling on Jim Stamates, Mike Hagen, Michael A. Mariant and Lester Picker to lead some of our most popular adventures.
Here's a quick list of the upcoming workshops (and our Annual Fall ANPAT) through October:
? Alaska! - Whales, Bears, and Ice Fields Wildlife Photography Adventure - starts July 17 - Jim Stamates
? Galapagos Photography Adventure - starts September 13 - Mike Hagen
? Eastern Sierra and The Owens Valley, Bishop, CA - starts September 24 - Michael A. Mariant
? ANPAT 15 Fall 15th Anniversary Edition - starts September 26 ? J. Ramon Palacios (jrp), Bo Stahlbrandt (bgs) & coordinator Eric Bowles.
? Grand Teton Wildlife and Landscapes - Fall - starts September 28 - Jim Stamates
? Advanced Photography Course: The Zen Of Thinking, Yosemite, CA - starts October 2 - Michael A. Mariant
? Acadia NP Photography Adventure, Acadia NP - starts October 15 - Lester Picker
Check below for capsule descriptions and links:
Alaska! - Whales, Bears, and Ice Fields Wildlife Photography Adventure
July 17-23
Nikonians will have their own private boat to find Humpback and Killer Whales, seals, and other marine mammals, and to take us to a remote area to photograph the largest of the grizzly bears, the Alaskan Brown Bear. With instructions from a professional wildlife photographer we will fill our cards with images that will astound our friends, family, and other Nikonians.
Non-photographers enjoy this as much as photo enthusiasts which makes this the perfect workshop to bring your spouse.
Jim is eager to share his knowledge from 30 years as a professional wildlife photographer and his countless trips to Alaska. He will teach his 3 Keys to Great Photos, and how to get those stunning images of wildlife while using ?low impact field techniques.?
Our entire workshop will be based out of Juneau in the Goldbelt Hotel. Each day we?ll depart on adventures to photograph Alaska?s spectacular wildlife, scenery and landscapes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Galapagos Photography Adventure
September 13-20
The Galapagos Islands trip includes 7 nights on a Galapagos cruise and two nights in Guayaquil Ecuador.
The food on our yacht is wonderful and cooked by some of the best chefs on the water. We'll have access to snorkel equipment and kayaks. We'll also have the opportunity for underwater photography if you decide to take on that challenge.
Our outfitters run some of the best trips in the Galapagos. They are certified with SmartVoyager, a voluntary environmental program developed by Corporacion y Desarollo from Ecuador and The Rainforest Alliance from New York since 2000. This program gives a ?green seal of approval? to tour boats that comply with strict requirements to tread lightly on the area's fragile ecosystem.
Temperatures during our adventure will range from the low 60's F at night to the upper 70's F during the day.
This is the perfect trip for couples to participate in a safe, yet intrepid adventure together. If you've been looking for a time to check Galapagos off your bucket list, then this is it!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Eastern Sierra and The Owens Valley
September 24-27
California's Eastern Sierra, a jagged and prominent escarpment rising over 10,000 feet above the Owens Valley, is one of the hidden photographer's gems in California
Many prominent landscape photographers, including the late Galen Rowell, have called Bishop and the Eastern Sierra home and their base for their photographic expeditions into the stunning surroundings
No other region in the country offers the dramatic granite peaks, glacier-carved valleys, dense foliage and roaring mountain streams. And the Fall Season is the time of year prized by all Sierra photographers, as the colors of the Eastern Sierra explode into a visual contrast against the stark gray of the granite, bleached white of the mountain glaciers and the deep blue sky
Capture the vibrancy of the Eastern Sierra during shooting sessions throughout the day interspersed with extensive specialized instruction in landscape photography. This workshop focuses not only on the 'where' to take the pictures, but also on the 'how' to take pictures, incorporating photographic education throughout the workshop at each location, building on the previous locations techniques and lessons to culminate in a comprehensive lesson in composition, modified exposure, light controls, and High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography to name just a few.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
15th Anniversary ANPAT- Badlands in the Fall
September 26 - October 3
Join Nikonians founders Bo Stahlbrandt (bgs) and J. Ramon Palacios (jrp), with ANPAT Leader Eric Bowles, in this target-rich region for splendid photography opportunities.
The ANPAT has become the traditional Nikonians field event of the year, where we all become students and teachers to live our Nikonians motto: Share, Learn, Inspire.
This is a great way to hone your skills as a photographer, make true friends and have a great time.
We will be going for a full week to the Black Hills & Badlands region of South Dakota. It was chosen not only for its unique scenery; it also has one of the largest concentrations of National and State Parks, monuments, memorials and caves in the Midwest. It offers varied and unique photo opportunities for landscapes and wildlife.
Note: There will be a total lunar eclipse on the evening of September 27 beginning at sundown. During this type of eclipse, the Moon will gradually get darker and then take on a rusty or blood red color. Weather permitting we'll be at a great location to catch it.
For more information see the ANPAT 15 in the Fall FAQ?s
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Grand Teton Wildlife and Landscapes - Fall 2015
September 28 - October 1
Join Jim and Kathy Stamates for four wild days to learn, shoot, and experience Grand Teton National Park in the fall.
The landscape of Grand Teton NP has turned to brilliant golds, rusts and browns wetting our appetite for great scenics.
This is an intense 4 days of photography. We will position ourselves each day before dawn for the best light and best wildlife or landscape options. Each day ends with our cards filled with exceptional images. We eat lunch as a group at one of the local in-park restaurants with time to socialize and get to know fellow enthusiasts. Instruction will be in the field. No strenuous hiking.
Nikonians is an Authorized Permittee of the National Park Service under Low Impact Wildlife Photography
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Advanced Photography Course: The Zen Of Thinking
October 17-19, 2014
This two-day course in Yosemite National Park is an intensive exploration of how the mind responds to a scene and how the eye can find the photographic composition ? intuitively.
This course is limited to five students to ensure an intimate environment, fostering the best learning opportunities possible.
The ?Advanced Photography: The Zen of Thinking? course has a detailed curriculum designed to successfully elevate the photographer to a new level of visual and compositional understanding on the theories, mindsets and approaches to photography as an art.
The course curriculum includes lecture presentations, one-on-one instruction and critiques, on-site visual approach demos and analysis, and evaluative assessments of each photographer?s strengths, weakness, gear mindset, and areas for growth and development.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Acadia NP Photography Adventure
October 15-19
Some call it the most beautiful National Park in the country, a tiny gem compared to its larger siblings. Whether or not you agree, Maine?s Acadia National Park is most definitely a sparkling jewel for its combination of geology, flora, fauna? and weather.
Join us for a 4-day exploration of the exciting photographic possibilities in Acadia. We will explore its intimate coves and vaunted mountains, its pristine seashore and lush forests. We have also timed this workshop to take advantage of fall foliage with its resplendent colors.
The workshop will be led by Les Picker, a Nikonians Academy faculty member and professional photographer who has more than 600 published credits in National Geographic books and magazines, Forbes, Fortune publications, Better Homes & Gardens and dozens of other magazines and newspapers. Les is the photo columnist for ScotteVest.com and his blog is widely followed and often quoted by media.
This year Les will be accompanied by his video assistant, who will help participants learn how to more effectively use Nikon (or Canon) video on their DSLRs or point-and-shoot cameras. This creative outlet is increasingly being adopted by photographers to express their creative intent.
Posted by flashdeadline at 2:31 AM
June 23, 2015
Academy Curriculum heavy on photo adventures through 2015
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen has been fine-tuning the curriculum for the coming months and the results is an impressive line-up of the Academy's most popular photo adventures.
These adventures cover wildlife, landscape and specialized photography in all parts of the globe.
Here?s a quick synopsis with links:
Mike Hagen?s Galapagos photo adventure trip (September 13-20, 2015) has only one cabin remaining on the expedition yacht.
The cabin will accommodate either a single traveler or two travelers willing to share.
Michael A. Mariant leads the Eastern
Sierra and The Owens Valley photo adventure September 24-27, 2015. Eastern
Sierra, a jagged and prominent escarpment rising over 10,000 feet above the Owens
Valley, is one of the hidden photographer's gems in California
Travel with Jim Stamates to Grand
Teton National Park this September to photograph animals in the fall.
This is Jim?s most popular workshop and fills early. The
dates are September 28 - October 1, 2015.
The 15th Anniversary Annual Nikonians Photo Adventure
Trip (ANPAT-15)
Badlands in the Fall, begins September 26, 2015 and has less than 10 seats
available. Your trip coordinator will be Eric Bowles and your hosts will be
Nikonians founders J. Ram?n Palacios (jrp) and Bo Stahlbrandt (bgs). You can follow preparations and discussions here.
-------------------------------------------------------
The Advanced
Photography Course: The Zen of Thinking, will be begin October 2, 2015 at
Yosemite National Park. Led by Michael A. Mariant, this two-day course is
limited to five students to ensure an intimate environment, fostering the best
learning opportunities possible.
-------------------------------------------------------
For those Nikonians wanting to explore the east coast of
the USA, Lester Picker will be leading his popular Maine's
Acadia National Park photo adventure, October 15-19, 2015.
-------------------------------------------------------
Learn infrared
black and white photography in beautiful Yosemite Valley. This three-day
course (November 6-8, 2015) is an intensive study of the complete digital and
analog technique and process of the black & white infrared photography
medium. Your leader will be Michael A.
Mariant
Posted by flashdeadline at 10:14 PM
June 16, 2015
Nikonians Academy adds Sri Lanka to 2016 calendar
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen has added a proven popular photo adventure to next year's schedule.
This will be your opportunity to photograph wildlife and culture in an exotic and safe location.
Wildlife opportunities rival that of Africa and include leopard, elephants, crocodiles, buffalo, monkeys, eagles and all types of colorful birds.
Each morning you will embark on an adventure taking you from fog-shrouded tea plantations to cascading waterfalls, en route to photographing mountain sunsets.
You will visit the country's most picturesque temples and historical structures for architectural photos and opportunities to interact with Sri Lanka's wonderful people.
One of the highlights of the tour will be spending two days (four safari treks) in famed Yalla National Park, which boasts the densest wild leopard population on earth, along with bull elephants, crocodiles, water buffalo, monkeys and an incredible variety of colorful birds.
The group will also do safaris in two other National Parks famous for their wild elephant populations, monkeys, crocodiles, colorful birds, and other wildlife.
Most evenings you will have an optional image review and critique session.
Your air-conditioned bus will also have a certified country guide and a porter throughout the trip to help with luggage at each stop.
Porters are also available inexpensively at each location for those who wish to hire someone to help carry gear.
Lester Picker is a Nikonians Academy faculty member and professional photographer who has more than 600 published credits in National Geographic books and magazines, Forbes, Fortune publications, Better Homes & Gardens and dozens of other magazines and newspapers.
His blog (lesterpickerphoto.com) is widely followed and often quoted by media. Les received the prestigious 2011 Canada Northern Lights Award for Best Travel Photography.
He received his doctorate in ecology from the University of Maine and has worked as a nature and photography guide in many locales.
For those Nikonians wanting to explore the east coast of the USA, Les has a wonderful photographic workshop scheduled in Maine's Acadia National Park , October 15-19, 2015.
Les completed his graduate studies in Acadia NP and knows the area like few others do.
His workshops takes participants to the most
dramatic scenes at the right time of day to help participants capture stunning
images.
Posted by flashdeadline at 11:03 PM
June 9, 2015
Limited seats for popular Nikonians Academy outings
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen is nearly finished with cabin arrangements for his Galapagos Photo Adventure and he's been checking on the overall curriculum for the coming months.
The trend he's observed is leaning towards limited seats.
This includes the Acadia National Park Photo Adventures as well as Mike's Galapagos trip, the 15th ANPAT in the Fall and Jim Stamates' Grand Teton September excursion.
Les Picker's annual
trip to Acadia National Park is set to go for October 15-18 and he still has
a few seats available.
Some call it the most beautiful National Park in the country, a tiny gem compared to its larger siblings. Whether or not you agree, Maine?s Acadia National Park is most definitely a sparkling jewel for its combination of geology, flora, fauna? and weather.
During your 4-day exploration of the exciting photographic possibilities in Acadia you will explore its intimate coves and vaunted mountains, its pristine seashore and lush forests. Les timed this workshop to take advantage of fall foliage with its resplendent colors.
Each morning you will embark on an adventures taking you to the fog-shrouded rocky coast or to photograph sunrise atop a mountain. Each evening you will have an optional image review and critique.
This year Les will be accompanied by his video assistant, who will help participants learn how to more effectively use Nikon (or Canon) video on their DSLRs or point-and-shoot cameras. This creative outlet is increasingly being adopted by photographers to express their creative intent.
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Mike Hagen?s Galapagos photo adventure trip (September 13-20) has only one cabin remaining on the expedition yacht. The cabin will accommodate either a single traveler or two travelers willing to share.
Each day will feature a different area of these amazing islands.
The trip includes 7 nights on a Galapagos cruise and two nights in Guayaquil Ecuador. The expedition yacht has the ability to anchor close to photographic attractions and the small group size means you can be nimble while photographing nature's splendor.
The food on your yacht is wonderful and cooked by some of the best chefs on the water. Everyone will have access to snorkel equipment and kayaks, and will also have the opportunity for underwater photography if you decide to take on that challenge.
This is the perfect trip for couples to participate in a safe, yet intrepid adventure together. If you've been looking for a time to check Galapagos off your bucket list, then this is it!
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The 15th Anniversary Annual Nikonians Photo Adventure Trip (ANPAT-15) in the Fall, starting September 26, is down to less than 10 seats available.
Trip coordinator Eric Bowles has arranged for visits to:
▪ Badlands National Park
▪ Buffalo Gap National Grassland
▪ Custer State Park
▪ Sylvan Lake State Park
▪ Mt. Rushmore National Memorial
▪ Crazy Horse Memorial
▪ Wind Cave NP
▪ Devils Tower
▪ Sturgis
In addition: This year there will be a total lunar eclipse on the evening of September 27 beginning at sundown. During this type of eclipse, the Moon will gradually get darker and then take on a rusty or blood red color. Weather permitting we'll be at a great location to catch it.
For more information see our ANPAT 15th in the Fall FAQs
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Iceland in July is sold out and we have a waiting list. Our next trip is set for July 2016 and we'll have it posted on the website in a couple days.
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Travel with Jim Stamates to Grand Teton National Park this September to photograph animals in the fall.
This is Jim?s most popular workshop and fills early.
The landscape of Grand Teton NP has turned to brilliant golds, rusts and browns wetting our appetite for great scenics. You arrive before dawn at Schwabacher Landing and wait for the sun to kiss the tops of the Grand Tetons. The reflection in the beaver pond and autumn cottonwoods add the perfect touch to your first image of the day. Then on to Mormon Row to get the classic shot of the barns with a fall color backdrop. That?s just the first morning.
Join Nikonians Academy with Jim and Kathy Stamates for an intense 4 days of photography learn, shoot, and experience Grand Teton National Park in the fall. The dates are September 28 - October 1, 2015. Instruction will be in the field and there is no strenuous hiking.
Posted by flashdeadline at 8:23 PM
June 3, 2015
Nikonians Academy preps for Year of Adventures
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen tell us his Galapagos Islands trip is all set to go and he has a few spots remaining.
Mike has been taking photographers to the Galapagos for a number of years now and would love to share the beauty and wildlife with you.
Join him and a bunch of other adventurers to photograph the unique fauna of the Galapagos Islands. The trip runs September 13-19, 2015.
The trip includes seven nights on a Galapagos cruise and two nights in Guayaquil Ecuador.
The food on your yacht is wonderful and cooked by some of the best chefs on the water. You will have access to snorkel equipment and kayaks and have the opportunity for underwater photography if you decide to take on that challenge.
Your outfitters run some of the best trips in the Galapagos. They are certified with SmartVoyager, a voluntary environmental program developed by Corporacion y Desarollo from Ecuador and The Rainforest Alliance from New York since 2000. This program gives a "green seal of approval" to tour boats that comply with strict requirements to tread lightly on the area's fragile ecosyste
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Michael Mariant's photography workshops to Yosemite are some of the best in the industry. He's been traveling to and running workshops in Yosemite for decades.
Raised in a family of teachers, it was natural that this Brooks Institute of Photography graduate would return years later to provide lectures on these approaches to photography. At the same time, what first started as week-long photo trips to Yosemite, Michael began his private fine art landscape workshops following a growing demand from the Brooks students.
He has quite a few workshops catered to different photographic genres.
Check out:
Advanced Photography: The Zen of Thinking
Black and White Infrared: Yosemite Valley
Yosemite in Winter: A Season of Contrast
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The 15th Anniversary Annual Nikonians Photo Adventure Trip (ANPAT) in the Fall season is set for the Badlands of South Dakota (September 26-October 3, 2015).
Our annual photographic adventure trip this year will celebrate the Nikonians 15th year. Join our founders in what is sure to be a grand celebration!
This location was chosen not only for its unique scenery; it also has one of the largest concentrations of National and State Parks, monuments, memorials and caves in the Midwest. It offers varied and unique photo opportunities for landscapes and wildlife.
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For those Nikonians wanting to explore the east coast of the USA, Les Picker has a wonderful photographic workshop in Maine's Acadia National Park from October 15-19, 2015. Les completed his graduate studies in Acadia NP and knows the area like few others do. His workshops takes participants to the most dramatic scenes at the right time of day to help participants capture stunning images.
Posted by flashdeadline at 12:04 AM
May 20, 2015
Spotlight on Adventure - Jim Stamates leads the way
This week we shine the Nikonians Academy faculty spotlight on Jim Stamates. Jim will be leading groups of intrepid shooters to the wildlife hotspots of Grand Teton NP, Yellowstone NP and Alaska in the coming weeks.
These shooters will be learning professional field techniques for capturing fleeting wildlife moments from a recognized master in the field
The Grand Teton in the Spring dates are May 25-28, 2015, followed by Yellowstone, June 1-4, 2015.
The seven-day Alaska
- Whales, Bears, and Ice Fields Wildlife Photography Adventure starts July 17. This
trip is special as we travel on boats and planes to photograph Alaska's amazing
bounty.
Nikonians will have their own private boat to find Humpback
and Killer Whales, seals, and other marine mammals, and to take them to a
remote area to photograph the largest of the grizzly bears, the Alaskan Brown
Bear.
Jim has been creating photographic images for more than 35 years. He majored in photography at college and after a short stint as a commercial photographer in San Francisco, where he photographed Janice Joplin, The Jefferson Airplane, and Richie Havens, he moved to Lake Tahoe and focused his talents on the photography and preservation of our natural surroundings. His respect for wildlife takes precedence over "getting the shot."
He has been highly commended by the Natural History Museum, London, England through the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition.
His award winning images have been published in over 30 countries. His fine art prints are sought after worldwide and are hanging in homes, offices, and galleries throughout the U.S, Japan, Australia, and Europe.
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Join Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen for a wildlife
photography adventure in Galapagos this September.
We'll be traveling on a 78-foot expedition yacht and photographing land and marine wildlife with our national park guides. This trip is great fun and the food is incredible. Mark your calendar for September 13-20, 2015.
This is the perfect trip for couples to participate in a safe, yet intrepid adventure together. If you've been looking for a time to check Galapagos off your bucket list, then this is it.
Check out Mike Hagen's Instagram feed (@MikeJHagen) for daily photographs from this diverse and alluring wildlife location.
You will also want to check out Mike?s article in The Nikonian eZine #58 on photographing in the Galapagos. Read the article, then think about joining him this September.
Posted by flashdeadline at 1:56 AM
May 12, 2015
Grand Teton and Yellowstone workshops up next
Spring is the best time to photograph baby animals in the Yellowstone & Grand Teton ecosystems. Our Nikonians Academy resident professional wildlife photographer Jim Stamates is leading two separate trips to these National Parks and you are invited to join him.
He will host his popular springtime photo adventures in succession at these two parks, starting late this month and his invitation is open to either or both workshops in a row.
These field workshops will help you learn the ins and outs of wildlife photography in North America.
Join Nikonians Academy with Jim and Kathy Stamates while learning to shoot, and experience Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park in the spring.
Each day ends with your memory cards filled with exceptional images. You will eat lunch as a group at one of the local in-park restaurants with time to socialize and get to know fellow enthusiasts. Instruction will be in the field. No strenuous hiking.
This week we have photographers at workshops in London and in Yosemite.
Don't miss out on your own opportunity to join us on a photo
workshop somewhere in the world.
Join us in Alaska this summer, the Galapagos this September, California or Maine this fall, or in Tanzania this November.
If you are checking your calendar, here?s a quick reference guide for the next four months:
▪ Grand
Teton Wildlife and Landscapes - Spring 2015 (starting May 25)
▪ Yellowstone
Wildlife and Landscapes - Spring 2015 (starting June 1)
▪ Giant
Redwoods of Northern California (Starting June 26)
▪ Alaska
- Whales, Bears, and Ice Fields Wildlife Photography Adventure - (starting July
17)
▪ Galapagos
Photography Adventure ? (starting September 13)
▪ Eastern
Sierra and The Owens Valley ? (starting Sept 24)
▪ 15th ANPAT- Badlands
in the Fall ? (starting September 26).
Special Note: The 15th Anniversary Annual Nikonians Photo
Adventure Trip (ANPAT) in the Fall is booking fast, with less than a dozen
seats available.
Your trip coordinator. Eric Bowles has arranged for visits
to:
▪ Badlands National Park
▪ Buffalo Gap National Grassland
▪ Custer State Park
▪ Sylvan Lake State Park
▪ Mt. Rushmore National Memorial
▪ Crazy Horse Memorial
▪ Wind Cave NP
▪ Devils Tower
▪ Sturgis
In addition: This year there will be a total lunar eclipse on the evening of September 27 beginning at sundown. During this type of eclipse, the Moon will gradually get darker and then take on a rusty or blood red color. Weather permitting we'll be at a great location to catch it.
Posted by flashdeadline at 10:59 PM
May 5, 2015
Spring/summer workshops spotlight on photo adventures
The Nikonians Academy spring/summer 2015 workshop series is ready to kick into high gear with fun, educational trips all throughout the North American West.
Michael Mariant and Jim Stamates are running these trips and are both experts in their fields.
Join them for adventures you'll never forget.
Highlights include:
● Yosemite - Spring Waterfalls and Spring Blooms (May 14-17)
● Grand Teton Wildlife and Landscapes (May 25-28)
● Yellowstone Wildlife and Landscapes (June 1-4)
● Giant Redwoods of Northern California (June 26-28)
● Alaska - Whales, Bear, and Ice Fields Wildlife Photography (July 17-23)
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This week marks your last chance to sign up for Rick Hulbert's Urban and Street Photography Workshop in London.
This workshop runs May 14-17 and is based in downtown London, UK for close access to all the amazing architecture and street life for which London is known.
Urban environments comprise the most diverse target-rich places to photograph anywhere. Most photographs contain a ?subject? within a setting or background. The cool reality is that Buildings and Urban Places are both subjects and settings. Think about all of the images you have taken or will take in the future that contain buildings as the featured subject or as backgrounds to a myriad of other photo subjects ? like people, for instance.
This workshop series is designed to improve your photography regardless of whether you consider picture taking a hobby, or you are a serious enthusiast, or a professional photographer, or earn your living as a member of the global real estate, design, and construction industries.
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Join Mike Hagen in the Galapagos this September for our Galapagos Photography Adventure trip. We'll be photographing one of the most impressive wildlife regions in the world, just off the coast of Ecuador in South America.
Mike has led trips here on numerous occasions and will help you get amazing shots of your own. Come along for photographs of blue-footed boobies, sea lions, iguanas, and penguins. Check out Mike's Instagram feed for more Galapagos images to whet your appetite.
Each day will feature a different area of the amazing Galapagos Islands. Our expedition yacht has the ability to anchor close to our attractions and our small group size means that we can be nimble while photographing nature's splendor.
The trip includes seven nights on a Galapagos cruise and two nights in Guayaquil Ecuador.
Posted by flashdeadline at 10:49 PM
April 28, 2015
Last call for London Nikonians Academy workshop
This is your last week to sign up for Rick Hulbert's Urban and Street Photography workshop in London. He's one of the best in the business and would love to have you attend. This is a four-day workshop with a maximum enrollment of 10 people, starting May 14th.
It is designed to get you to think about concepts in architectural and urban photography that you hadn?t thought of or considered before.
That is, admittedly, a rather bold statement. However, that is exactly what this four-day experience will achieve.You will discover how to better frame and crop architectural and urban images using the long established basic principles of portrait, wedding, and event photography. By the way, if you are a wedding or event photographer, this workshop will take your photography up a notch as well.
Richard Hulbert is an International Award winning and published architect, urban designer, and photographer. As a photographer, Rick has been awarded a Laureate recognition within the World Wide Nikonians community.
He has been a frequent lecturer, teacher and Seminar Panel participant on four continents. Richard has been named a Fellow in the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada which is among the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a member. He is a former President of the Architectural Institute of British Columbia. Notably, Richard is also an Academician in the Royal Canadian Academy of the Arts, one of the youngest members ever to be elected to that august body.
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Galapagos and Tanzania
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen recently shared his scheduling strategy as he prepares for two of his favorite photo adventures.
Mike chooses to travel to the Galapagos in September because:
"That's when most of the tourism is down and we tend to have our viewing sites all to ourselves. Wildlife is amazingly abundant and our opportunities to shoot mammals, reptiles and birds are around every corner."
Each day will feature a different area of the amazing Galapagos Islands. Your expedition yacht has the ability to anchor close to photo attractions and the small group size means that you can be nimble while photographing nature's splendor.
The trip includes seven nights on a Galapagos cruise and two nights in Guayaquil Ecuador. The food on the yacht is wonderful and cooked by some of the best chefs on the water. You have access to snorkel equipment and kayaks, and also have the opportunity for underwater photography if you decide to take on that challenge.
Based on his previous experiences in Africa, Mike tells us:
"November is one of the best times to travel to Tanzania for wildlife photography. The grasslands are dry which means that the grass is lower and we have amazing opportunities to photograph the big cats as they hunt. Because our trip is entirely dedicated to photography, we spend as much time as possible in the National Parks and Conservation areas taking photos.
These trips are also wonderful trips for spouses to attend as well. We have a lot of flexibility each day and if a spouse wants to stay back at the lodge for a relaxing afternoon, then they are welcome to do so while others in the group head out for an amazing day of photography. It is common for non-photographer spouses to travel together with photographers on our trips."
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Spring Wildlife
Join Jim Stamates for our spring wildlife photography funshops in Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park.
Jim is one of the best when it comes to leading photographers to wildlife in the most beautiful light.
The Grand Teton in the Spring dates are May 25-28, 2015, followed by Yellowstone, June 1-4, 2015.
Jim has been creating photographic images for more than 35 years. He majored in photography at college and after a short stint as a commercial photographer in San Francisco, where he photographed Janice Joplin, The Jefferson Airplane, and Richie Havens, he moved to Lake Tahoe and focused his talents on the photography and preservation of our natural surroundings.
His respect for wildlife takes precedence over "getting the shot." His philosophy is rewarded by a unique intimacy with his subjects.
Posted by flashdeadline at 6:41 PM
April 21, 2015
15th ANPAT Spring edition concludes -- Get set for Fall edition
Our ANPAT 15 in the Spring group just wrapped up their photo tour in the Southeast USA.
This special spring edition took everyone to the southern marshes, swamps and beaches of the border area between the states of Georgia and Florida.
They had a wonderful trip and created thousands of beautiful images.
You can check in on their adventure by visiting the ANPAT 15 in the Spring Galleries.
The Gallery is arranged in three parts:
? Nikonians Friends
? Landscapes Images
? Wildlife Images
We're waiting for everyone to get back home, unpack and start going through their memory cards to start filling it up with even more images. The photo below was taken on the final day.
Nikonians co-founder J. Ram?n Palacios (jrp) summed up the adventure in his re-cap posting:
?Judging from the final individual comments before departing, the ANPAT 15th in the Spring was a big success. What a blast! I even re-learned to pan for BIF!
We got rained daily and yet the images shown at the farewell meeting were splendid.
We hope you all got back home in good health and high spirits.
It was a pleasure to meet new ANPAT goers and some of the veterans.
We hope to see you all again soon.?
Our next ANPAT is all set for the Badlands of South Dakota. Be sure to sign up for this trip soon as it is destined to sell out. The fall season ANPAT will be held from September 26 to October 3 and your trip coordinator will once again be Eric Bowles.
During this ANPAT we'll visit:
▪ Badlands NP
▪ Buffalo Gap National Grassland
▪ Custer State Park
▪ Sylvan Lake State Park
▪ Mt. Rushmore National Memorial
▪ Crazy Horse Memorial
▪ Wind Cave NP
▪ Devils Tower
▪ Sturgis
You can check out highlights of the 2005 South Dakota ANPAT in our Galleries.
In addition: This year there will be a total lunar eclipse on the evening of September 27 beginning at sundown.
During this type of eclipse, the Moon will gradually get darker and then take on a rusty or blood red color.
Weather permitting we'll be at a great location to catch it.
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For our UK Nikonians, we are bringing our very popular Urban and Street Photography Workshop to London May 14-17, 2015.
Our instructor, Rick Hulbert, is both an accomplished professional architect and professional photographer. He loves merging his passions by teaching participants how to photograph beauty in the urban environment.
His conference space is within walking distance of a number of landmarks, buildings and bridges (including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye).
There are numerous hotels in the area as well as great access to transit if attendees are staying out of the downtown.
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Mike Hagen's trip to the Galapagos this September is set to be an amazing adventure. He has leased an expedition yacht specially for our group so we'll be able to get into small coves and beautiful locations.
This is the perfect trip for couples to participate in a safe, yet intrepid adventure together. If you've been looking for a time to check Galapagos off your bucket list, then this is it!
Check out Mike Hagen's Instagram feed (@MikeJHagen) for daily photographs from this diverse and alluring wildlife location.
We'd love to have you along on this trip.
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For North American wildlife photographers, there are few places more special than the Yellowstone-Grand Teton ecosystems.
Our spring wildlife photography trips to these ecosystems are targeted towards photographing baby animals and their parents in stunning natural environments.
The Grand Teton photo adventure runs May 25-28, 2015, followed by the Yellowstone photo adventure (June 1?4, 2015).
Your leader, Jim Stamates, has been photographing wildlife in these parks for decades and is one of the foremost experts in wildlife behavior in these two ecosystems.
Posted by flashdeadline at 7:50 PM
April 15, 2015
Hulbert's Urban Photography workshop heads for London
Rick Hulbert's next Urban and Street Photography workshop is set for London, May 14-17, 2015.He's practiced as a professional architect for decades and when he combines that knowledge with his excellence in photography you are set for a top-notch workshop.
He continues to receive excellent feedback. Here?s what a participant wrote in a message
to Nikonians Academy Director
Mike Hagen about last week's San Francisco workshop -
Mike,
I just finished Rick Hulbert's workshop and it was an outstanding class. As you
told me, he is a talented, engaging and humorous guy and I really enjoyed his
in depth presentation!
He couldn't have been more caring to everyone's needs. I read up on his accomplishments in architecture and they totally "blew my mind." I'm not sure that I have ever met anyone who is so accomplished and so humble.
- Earl McGrath
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Michael Mariant's Yosemite Spring trip is an annual best
seller and he has seats available for the next
adventure (starting May 14). You will photograph blooming flowers, stunning
landscapes, deep forest and meandering rivers while learning from Michael
Mariant's decades of experience in this iconic national park.
This workshop focuses not only on the 'where' to take the pictures, but also on the 'how' to take pictures, incorporating photographic education throughout the workshop at each location. By building on the previous location's techniques and lessons, this allows for culmination in a comprehensive lesson in composition, modified exposure, light controls, Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS), and Infrared (IR) photography.
This truly is a collaboration of extensive, comprehensive landscape photography education coupled with a dynamic location.
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Don?t forget to check Mike Hagen?s article in The Nikonian eZine #58
on photographing in the Galapagos. Read the article, then think about joining
him this
September in the Galapagos Islands for a wildlife photography adventure
you'll never forget.
Each day will feature a different area of the islands. You expedition yacht has the ability to anchor close to favorite attractions and the small group size means everyone can be nimble while photographing nature's splendor.
The trip includes seven nights on a Galapagos cruise and two nights in Guayaquil Ecuador.
The food on the yacht is wonderful and cooked by some of the best chefs on the water. You will have access to snorkel equipment and kayaks and also have the opportunity for underwater photography if you decide to take on that challenge.
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Jim Stamates has two spring wildlife photography trips to
Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park this May and June.
Jim has been photographing wildlife in these parks for decades and is one of the foremost experts in wildlife behavior in these two ecosystems.
Spring is the best time to photograph new baby animals and Jim knows how to find them.
The Grand Teton photo adventure runs May 25-28, 2015, followed by the Yellowstone photo adventure (June 1?4, 2015).
Posted by flashdeadline at 1:24 AM
April 7, 2015
Fall ANPAT seats going fast
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen tells us the 15th Anniversary ANPAT (Annual Nikonians Photo Adventure Trip) to the Badlands in South is already about half sold out.
Join us as we celebrate the Nikonians' 15th year of operation by doing what we do best ... taking pictures!
The anniversary ANPAT runs from September 26 to October 3 in South Dakota. Trip Coordination and leadership duties are in the hands of Moderating Team member Eric Bowles.
As an added bonus, there will be a near total eclipse of a
"super moon" just after sunset during our time in the Badlands.
The lunar eclipse arrives on the evening of September 27 beginning at sundown. During this type of eclipse, the Moon will gradually get darker and then take on a rusty or blood red color. Weather permitting, the 15th Anniversary ANPAT attendees we'll be at a great location to catch it.
If you are an ANPAT veteran, you well know why you should not miss it. If you are new to our Annual Nikonians Photo Adventure Trips you must come to learn why Nikonians is not just "a site" but a full rewarding community experience of a brotherhood.
Check our current discussion on this photo adventure to see what our members are planning.
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If you enjoy wildlife photography, you need to check out the spring season photo opportunities offered throughout the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park ecosystem with Jim Stamates.
Spring is when all the baby animals come out to play. We'll be looking to photograph animals such as moose, bear, wolves, coyote, bison, birds and everything in between. Jim calls his trips ?Fun Shops? "Because if it's not fun, I'm not doing it."
As always, his trips are rich with instruction, how-to,
humor and amazing photography.
For Jim, respect for wildlife takes precedence over ?getting the shot.? His philosophy is rewarded by a unique intimacy with his subjects. Dedicated to the proper and ethical behavior toward nature, Jim champions his ?low impact field techniques? through his In The Rhythm? lectures and workshops that emphasize the well-being of the subject.
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Rick Hulbert's next Urban and Street Photography Workshop is scheduled for London, May 14-17, 2015. This week, he's in San Francisco running the same workshop for a group of happy participants. Join him in London for a class you won't forget.
His conference space is within walking distance of a number of landmarks, buildings and bridges (including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye).
There are numerous hotels in the area as well as great access to transit if attendees are staying out of the downtown.
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It's time to start planning for your fall photo trips. Here's what we have to offer both domestically and internationally:
? Galapagos
Photography Adventure (starts September 13)
? Eastern
Sierra (starts September 24)
? Grand
Teton Wildlife in the Fall (starts September 28)
? Acadia
National Park (starts October 15)
? Advanced Photography Course in Yosemite
(starts October 23)
? Infrared
Photography in Yosemite (starts November 3)
? African
Photo Safari (starts November 4)
Posted by flashdeadline at 11:45 PM
April 1, 2015
Iceland Photo Adventure extra dates under review
Popular demand for one of the Nikonians Academy?s photo adventures has prompted a potential addition to the schedule.
Academy Director Mike Hagen?s Iceland Summer Birds and Landscapes photo adventure (July 12 - 20, 2015) is already sold out, but if you still want to go, then put your name on the waiting list.
Mike?s partner on this trip is the world-renowned photographer Tim Vollmer who is a native of Iceland and has been running photo tours for years. He has one of the best reputations in the industry.
They are arranging photography at geothermal sites, glacial lagoons, birds, landscapes, volcanoes, lava fields, waterfalls, and basalt columns. They also included a photo tour of Reykjav?k that includes buildings and architecture.
The response from members over this photo adventure has Hagen evaluating whether or not to add another trip the week before (July 4 - 12, 2015).
Send Mike an email if you are interested: mike.hagen@nikonians.org.
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Rick Hulbert's Urban and Street Photography workshop in San Francisco begins the second week of April and he only has two seats remaining. Rick's classes are top notch and he's the recipient of excellent review from our members.
Here?s a sample:
??what a truly learning experience I had with Rick. He is an amazing and talented teacher who was so willing to share his secrets, wanting us to succeed and advance our photography to the next level. I learned so much from him, from our photo expeditions ? to manipulating the images in post-production. This was my first class taken with Rick and I hope it won?t be my last.?
- Cheryl Tadin
Rick will bring the same workshop to London, England during May. His conference space is within walking distance of a number of landmarks, buildings and bridges (including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye). There are numerous hotels in the area as well as great access to transit if attendees are staying out of the downtown.
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Our resident wildlife photography expert, Jim Stamates, has three upcoming adventures planned for wildlife hotspots in North America.
▪ Grand Teton Wildlife and Landscapes in Spring (starting May 25)
▪ Yellowstone Wildlife and Landscapes in Spring (starting June 1)
▪ Alaska Whales, Bears, and Ice Fields Wildlife (starting July 17)
Recognized as a prominent wildlife photographer, Jim Stamates has been creating photographic images for more than 35 years.
He has been highly commended by the Natural History Museum, London, England through the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition. His award winning images have been published in over 30 countries. His fine art prints are sought after worldwide and are hanging in homes, offices, and galleries throughout the U.S, Japan, Australia, and Europe.
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Looking down the road, our Galapagos trip in September is one of the most unique photo adventures on the curriculum.
Mike Hagen is your leader and he?s putting together an exciting package:
?We lease an 83-foot expedition yacht and live aboard for a full week while we photograph all day long. We shoot wildlife above and below water, so bring your GoPro as well!?
The trip dates are September 13-20, 2015. Each day will feature a different area of the amazing Galapagos Islands. The expedition yacht has the ability to anchor close to attractions and the small group size means you can be nimble while photographing nature's splendor.
This photo adventure includes seven nights on a Galapagos cruise and two nights in Guayaquil Ecuador.
Posted by flashdeadline at 2:09 AM
March 24, 2015
Nikonians Academy prepares for photo adventures
Since the 15th Anniversary ANPAT Announcement last week, over a third of the available spaces have been accounted for.
Our fall season Annual Nikonians Photo Adventure Trip (ANPAT) takes us to a favorite location from years ago and we'd love to have you along on the adventure. The 15th Anniversary ANPAT will be held from September 26 to October 3.
ANPAT veteran Eric Bowles is leading our trip to the Badlands in South Dakota.
During this ANPAT we'll visit:
▪ Badlands NP
▪ Buffalo Gap National Grassland
▪ Custer State Park
▪ Sylvan Lake State Park
▪ Mt. Rushmore National Memorial
▪ Crazy Horse Memorial
▪ Wind Cave NP
▪ Devils Tower
▪ Sturgis
In addition: There will be a total lunar eclipse on the evening of September 27 beginning at sundown. During this type of eclipse, the Moon will gradually get darker and then take on a rusty or blood red color. Weather permitting we'll be at a great location to catch it.
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Rick Hulbert's Urban and Street Photography workshops are all set for San Francisco (starting April 9) and London, England (starting May 14).
Rick is one of the best at teaching photographers how to see in the urban, built environment.
He's practiced as a professional architect for decades and when he combines that knowledge with his excellence in photography you are set for a top-notch workshop.
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We have the corner of the market on wildlife photography trips and many are set for some of the most dramatic locations on planet Earth.
▪ Grand Teton in May
▪ Yellowstone in June
▪ Iceland birds and landscapes in July
▪ Alaska Whales, Bears and Ice Fields in July
▪ Galapagos in September
▪ Tanzania in November
All of these trips have a significant wildlife component to them and our trip leaders, Jim Stamates and Mike Hagen, have years of experience in each of these locations. Join us for a wildlife photography adventure you'll never forget.
Posted by flashdeadline at 9:50 PM
March 17, 2015
15th Anniversary ANPAT invitation issued - Fall in South Dakota
This year we celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the Nikonians.org community, and for some members, the celebration will be extra special.
Our fall season Annual Nikonians Photo Adventure Trip (ANPAT) will be officially known as the 15th Anniversary ANPAT. It will be held From September 26 (arrival) to October 3 in South Dakota.
The invitation has been released for you to join Nikonians founders Bo Stahlbrandt (bgs) and J. Ram?n Palacios (jrp) in this target-rich region for splendid photography opportunities.
Trip Coordination and leadership duties are in the hands of Moderating Team member Eric Bowles, and he?s promising unique shooting opportunities:
?In putting together this trip, I've tried to keep driving time reasonable and maximize shooting time. We've got some great locations planned.
One treat - there will be a near total eclipse of a "super moon" just after sunset during our time in the Badlands. We'll have good locations for photographing the eclipse as well as moonlight on Mount Rushmore later in the week.
Badlands and Custer State Park are great landscape locations and very good for wildlife. 
We'll see lots of bison, prairie dogs, pronghorn, etc.
We will be going for a full week to the Black Hills & Badlands region of South Dakota. It was chosen not only for its unique scenery; it also has one of the largest concentrations of National and State Parks, monuments, memorials and caves in the Midwest. It offers varied and unique photo opportunities for landscapes and wildlife.?
The lunar eclipse arrives on the evening of September 27 beginning at sundown. During this type of eclipse, the Moon will gradually get darker and then take on a rusty or blood red color. Weather permitting, the 15th Anniversary ANPAT attendees we'll be at a great location to catch it.
If you are an ANPAT veteran, you well know why you should not miss it. If you are new to our Annual Nikonians Photo Adventure Trips you must come to learn why Nikonians is not just "a site" but a full rewarding community experience of a brotherhood.
Need More information?
Check:
The official 15th Anniversary ANPAT page
The 15th Anniversary ANPAT Announcement and Invitation
More from the Academy:
Registration is closed for Spring ANPAT and we are looking forward to spending a week photographing southern marshes, swamps and beaches in Florida and Georgia.
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Rick Hulbert's Urban and Street photography workshop in San Francisco is down to the last few seats available.
After every workshop Rick leads, customers write in with accolades regarding Rick's excellent teaching style. Rick is one of the best and you'll love his workshops.
This workshop series is designed to improve your photography regardless of whether you consider picture taking a hobby, or you are a serious enthusiast, or a professional photographer, or earn your living as a member of the global real estate, design, and construction industries.
There is no requirement for fancy equipment. Any and every brand of camera will work, so we strongly encourage participants with Canon, Pentax, Sony and other camera brands to attend. The principles taught will also apply to point and shoot cameras, new mirrorless cameras and even camera phones.
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Mike Hagen's Iceland Bird and Landscapes photo adventure this July has just a couple seats remaining as well.
Mike is returning to one of his favorite places on earth and loves to share his photography knowledge with participants on this amazing Icelandic journey along the southern coast.
Join him on this or any of his adventures to Galapagos or Tanzania for a photo trip you'll never forget.
Posted by flashdeadline at 9:36 PM
March 10, 2015
Nikonians Academy spotlight on photo adventures
If travel and adventures are at the top of your 2015 goals, the Nikonians Academy has plenty to offer.
Highlights include trips to U.S. National Parks, Iceland, the Galapagos Islands, and downtown San Francisco.
Each of these trips has been designed with a small attendance size to make sure you have as much one-on-one time with the trip leader as you need.
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen tells us he is down to the last three seats for Iceland Photo and Bird Adventure in July.
Join Mike as he takes you to the most scenic spots along the southern coast of Iceland for this week long photo excursion.
During our journey, we'll photograph some of the most amazing scenery and wildlife Iceland has to offer. From verdant rolling hills to rugged mountains, the landscapes of Iceland are famous for their interplay between light and sky. We've also included a few photo sessions with some famous bird populations to stoke your wildlife photography passions.
----------------------------
How does traveling to Galapagos on your own privately chartered expedition yacht sound?
Add a small group of intrepid photographers and you have a recipe for an amazing trip to one of this planet's most pristine wildlife sanctuaries.
This is the perfect trip for couples to participate in a safe, yet intrepid adventure together. If you've been looking for a time to check Galapagos off your bucket list, then this is it!
Join our Nikonians Academy trip to the Galapagos Islands this September. Check out Mike Hagen's Instagram account for daily posts showing images from the Galapagos and Iceland: https://instagram.com/mikejhagen/
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Rick Hulbert is ramping up for his next Urban and Street Photography workshop in downtown San Francisco.
Rick is the master of the built environment and would love to teach you all about photographing urban environment. Join him April 9th - 12th, 2015.
This workshop series is designed to improve your photography regardless of whether you consider picture taking a hobby, or you are a serious enthusiast, or a professional photographer, or earn your living as a member of the global real estate, design, and construction industries.
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Spring wildlife in Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park is a sight to behold.
Join Jim Stamates for a wildlife photography field workshop in either or both of these incredible National Parks. Our Grand Teton trip begins May 25th and our Yellowstone trip begins June 1st.
Posted by flashdeadline at 11:12 PM
March 4, 2015
Academy taking full advantage of the Seasons
It may be hard to believe for many members still buried in piles of snow, but the first day of spring begins on March 20.
If you enjoy your photography in cool environments, check your calendar for July 12 - 20, 2015.
Those are the dates to join Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen at the Iceland Photo and Bird Adventure - Summer 2015.
Our partner on this trip is the world-renowned photographer Tim Vollmer who is a native of Iceland and has been running photo tours for years. He has one of the best reputations in the industry.
Mike Hagen is the co-leader for this trip, so you can be sure that this will be an adventure you'll never forget.
During our journey, we'll photograph some of the most amazing scenery and wildlife Iceland has to offer. From verdant rolling hills to rugged mountains, the landscapes of Iceland are famous for their interplay between light and sky. We've also included a few photo sessions with some famous bird populations to stoke your wildlife photography passions.
You will have opportunities to photograph geothermal sites, glacial lagoons, birds, landscapes, volcanoes, lava fields, waterfalls, and basalt columns. Mike and Tim also included a photo tour of Reykjav?k that includes buildings and architecture.
This workshop is limited to a maximum of 10 participants. This means that you'll receive hands-on training from your workshop leaders every single day.
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Academy highlights in North America include Rick Hulbert's next Urban and Street Photography Workshop set for San Francisco April 9 - 12, 2015.
This four-day workshop has a maximum enrollment of 10 people and the class roster is now half full. Rick has designed your classroom and field activities to get you to think about concepts in architectural and urban photography that you hadn?t thought of or considered before.
You will discover how to better frame and crop architectural and urban images using the long established basic principles of portrait, wedding, and event photography. By the way, if you are a wedding or event photographer, this workshop will take your photography up a notch as well.
Following the San Francisco workshop, Rick will be headed for London, UK (starting May 14th).
The conference space being used for the workshop is within walking distance of a number of landmarks, buildings and bridges, including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye.
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In the middle of summer, you have the opportunity to join Jim and Kathy Stamates as they return to one of their favorite places, Southeast Alaska (July 17-23).
This will be our next Alaska! - Whales, Bears, and Ice Fields Wildlife Photography Adventure.
During this seven day, six night photo adventure Nikonians will have their own private boat to find Humpback and Killer Whales, seals, and other marine mammals, and to take us to a remote area to photograph the largest of the grizzly bears, the Alaskan Brown Bear. With instructions from a professional wildlife photographer we will fill our cards with images that will astound our friends, family, and other Nikonians.
Non-photographers enjoy this as much as photo enthusiasts which makes this the perfect workshop to bring your spouse.
Jim is eager to share his knowledge from 30 years as a professional wildlife photographer and his countless trips to Alaska. He will teach his 3 Keys to Great Photos, and how to get those stunning images of wildlife while using ?low impact field techniques?.
Evening shoots for whales and sunsets from the water and from the top of Mount Roberts leave us breathless and our images prove that this is an amazing place.
During the boat ride, our captain maneuvers his craft cautiously up Tracy Arm Fjords until we can almost touch the ice floes. We are so close to calving glaciers we can hear them! The Tracy Arm Fjords are some of the most amazing scenery in all of Alaska and we are there. Seals and their pups have hauled out on the ice floes and we have ample opportunity to get great images.
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Our Nikonians Academy photo adventure trip to the Galapagos Islands will be held September 13-20. Each day will feature a different area of these amazing islands.
The trip includes 7 nights on a Galapagos cruise and two nights in Guayaquil Ecuador. Our expedition yacht has the ability to anchor close to our attractions and our small group size means that we can be nimble while photographing nature's splendor.
The food on our yacht is wonderful and cooked by some of the best chefs on the water. We'll have access to snorkel equipment and kayaks. We'll also have the opportunity for underwater photography if you decide to take on that challenge.
Our outfitters run some of the best trips in the Galapagos. They are certified with SmartVoyager, a voluntary environmental program developed by Corporacion y Desarollo from Ecuador and The Rainforest Alliance from New York since 2000. This program gives a "green seal of approval" to tour boats that comply with strict requirements to tread lightly on the area's fragile ecosystem.
Temperatures during our adventure will range from the low 60's F at night to the upper 70's F during the day. You'll spend 3-4 hours at each site allowing plenty of time to explore and photograph the abundant wildlife. There are opportunities to swim or snorkel almost every day during the week and sometimes twice a day.
This is the perfect trip for couples to participate in a safe, yet intrepid adventure together. If you've been looking for a time to check Galapagos off your bucket list, then this is it!
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Looking ahead to November, Mike Hagen invites you to join him in Tanzania for a photo safari to the Serengeti that you'll never forget.
Each year, our trips get better and this year's trip is slated to be one of the best.
One of the best aspects of this trip is that we have arranged to place only three photographers per vehicle. This means that each person will have an entire row to themselves with one seat for their camera gear and the other seat for themselves. There will be plenty of room to move around and everyone will have perfect access to all photo opportunities.
Mike has secured lodging in some of the most incredible wild locations in Tanzania so that we can be as close to the wildlife as possible. In fact, most nights you fall to sleep under the stars while listening to lions and hyenas in the distance. If you've been waiting to go on a trip to Africa, now's the time to go.
This year's trip runs November 4-15, 2015.
Posted by flashdeadline at 1:17 AM
February 24, 2015
Nikonians Academy piling up the kudos
Photography workshop sessions often rely on positive feedback to generate interest and Rick Hulbert has been hauling in the goods.
He just finished his Urban and Street Photography workshop in Charleston, SC to glowing reviews.
Check out this message sent to Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen from one of his participants:
"Hi Mike,
I attended Rick Hulbert?s workshop in Charleston, and I want you to know that I think he is a wonderful teacher. I have attended 10 or more educational workshops sponsored by the Nikonians and other companies, and they were all good. However, Rick?s workshop was fabulous. His perspective as an architect and a photographer is amazingly insightful, and he is passionate about his teaching. He says that he loves teaching, and it shows. The Nikonians Academy has a winner here.
Best,
-John"
Rick's next Urban and Street Photography workshop is scheduled for San Francisco April 9-12. After that, he takes the workshop to London May 15-18.
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Our newest Nikonians Academy Instructor, Colin Hocking is excited to share his knowledge with the Nikonians community. Colin has been a professional photographer for many years, photographing everything from sports to portraits. His next workshops for the Nikonians Academy are scheduled for Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA during April. At these events, he'll be teaching classes on Lightroom and on the Nikon D750, D600, D610, and D7000 & D7100.
Here are the links and dates for his workshops:
▪ Charlotte ? Starting April 9
▪ Atlanta ? Starting April 16
Check out our other Master's series workshops with Steve Simon in New York and Philadelphia as well:
▪ New York ? Starting April 9
▪ Philadelphia ? Starting May 28
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Meanwhile, looking ahead, Mike Hagen invites you to join him in Tanzania this November for a photo safari to the Serengeti that you'll never forget.
Each year, our trips get better and this year's trip is slated to be one of the best. Mike has secured lodging in some of the most incredible wild locations in Tanzania so that we can be as close to the wildlife as possible. In fact, most nights you fall to sleep under the stars while listening to lions and hyenas in the distance. If you've been waiting to go on a trip to Africa, now's the time to go.
This year's trip runs November 4-15, 2015.
Posted by flashdeadline at 7:48 PM
February 17, 2015
Academy highlights stretch into warmer weather
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen has an update on current and future workshops, concluding with one his favorites ? the Iceland Birds and Landscapes Photo Adventure.
This week, a group of photographers descends on Charleston, South Carolina for what is destined to be a fantastic Urban and Street Photography workshop with Rick Hulbert.
If you weren't able make this class on the east coast, then how about heading over to our next Urban and Street Photography Workshop on the west coast in beautiful San Francisco, California.
This is a four-day workshop with a maximum
enrollment of 10 people, starting April 9.
For our members across the Atlantic, Rick has scheduled an Urban and Street Photography workshop this May for London, England. The London workshop starts on May 14.
The conference space being used for the workshop is within walking distance of a number of landmarks, buildings and bridges, from Big Ben to Buckingham Palace to the London Eye.
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The March 26th - 29th workshop to Death Valley with Michael Mariant is right around the corner. Michael's intimate knowledge of Death Valley is one of the selling points of this workshop since he knows exactly where to go and when to be there for the best photography experience possible.
Capture the vibrancy of Death Valley during shooting sessions throughout the day interspersed with extensive specialized instruction in landscape photography.
This workshop focuses not only on the 'where' to take the pictures, but also on the 'how' to take pictures, incorporating photographic education throughout the workshop at each location, building on the previous locations techniques and lessons to culminate in a comprehensive lesson in composition, modified exposure, light controls, Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS), and High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography to name just a few.
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Jim Stamates' annual Alaska! - Whales, Bears, and Ice Fields Wildlife Photography Adventure is scheduled for July 17 - 23, 2015 and is a perennial favorite.
During this seven-day, six-night adventure Nikonians will have their own private boat to find Humpback and Killer Whales, seals, and other marine mammals, and to take us to a remote area to photograph the largest of the grizzly bears, the Alaskan Brown Bear. With instructions from a professional wildlife photographer you will fill your cards with images that will astound our friends, family, and other Nikonians.
Last year's trip brought some of the best whale photography in Jim's career. Jim does everything he can to maximize opportunities for grizzly bears, birds, sea lions, killer whales, glaciers and everything in between.
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Did you get a new Nikon camera gear or Lightroom software this year? If so, let us help you learn it in one of the industry's best classes. Our small (15 or fewer) workshops are perfect for learning complicated gear and they are formatted in a hands-on way that is second to none.
Check out our next workshops in:
▪ Charlotte
? Starting April 9
▪ Atlanta
? Starting April 16
▪ Orlando
? Starting May 15
▪ Dallas
? Starting June 11
▪ New
York ? Starting April 9
▪ New
Jersey ? Starting May 7
▪ Philadelphia
? Starting May 28
We have more cities coming your way very soon!
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Join Mike Hagen in Iceland this July for our annual Birds and Landscapes Photo Adventure. Mike will be taking a small group of intrepid photographers to the Southern Coast of Iceland for a journey they'll never forget.
Mike tells us:
?Our trip runs from
July 12 - 20, 2015. During our journey, we'll photograph some of the most
amazing scenery and wildlife Iceland has to offer. From verdant rolling hills
to rugged mountains, the landscapes of Iceland are famous for their interplay
between light and sky. We've also included a few photo sessions with some
famous bird populations to stoke your wildlife photography passions.?
This trip is already half sold out, so don't hesitate to sign up if you are interested.
Posted by flashdeadline at 7:54 PM
February 11, 2015
Nikonians Academy three month preview
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen tells us the next few months will have instructors running workshops and photo adventures throughout North America.
Next week is Rick Hulbert's Urban and Street Photography Workshop in Charleston, SC and his next Urban and Street workshop is set for San Francisco April 9 - 12, 2015. We are already half-filled for his SF class, so don't wait too long to sign up.
This workshop is designed to get you to think about concepts in architectural and urban photography that you hadn?t thought of or considered before. That is, admittedly, a rather bold statement. However, that is exactly what this four day experience will achieve.
You will discover how to better frame and crop architectural and urban images using the long established basic principles of portrait, wedding, and event photography. By the way, if you are a wedding or event photographer, this workshop will take your photography up a notch as well.
---------------------------------------
Michael Mariant's Death Valley workshop takes adventurous photographers to this top destination. Michael knows this park better than almost anyone and is one of the best at showing technique in the field while also helping travelers create stunning images.
Capture the vibrancy of Death Valley during shooting sessions throughout the day interspersed with extensive specialized instruction in landscape photography.
This workshop focuses not only on the 'where' to take the pictures, but also on the 'how' to take pictures, incorporating photographic education throughout the workshop at each location, building on the previous locations techniques and lessons to culminate in a comprehensive lesson in composition, modified exposure, light controls, Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS), and High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography to name just a few.
The Death Valley workshop runs from March 26 - 29, 2015.
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Join us in April for our Masters Series workshops on Nikon cameras and Adobe Lightroom 5. We are scheduled to be in Charlotte, New York, Atlanta during the month of April and are looking forward to seeing you!
Here are your links to the next three workshops:
▪ Charlotte (starting April 9)
▪ New York (also starting April 9)
▪ Atlanta (starting April 16)
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Our international trips are some of the best out there and we'd love to help you create some beautiful memories in a foreign land. Join us in Iceland this July or the Galapagos this September or Tanzania in November for a trip you'll never forget.
Posted by flashdeadline at 1:59 AM
February 3, 2015
Nikonians Academy curriculum spans continental and international borders
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen has issued an invitation for members to check in to the Urban and Street Photography workshops presented by Rick Hulbert in the next two months. Rick will be coming to Charleston SC, February 19-22 and San
Francisco, CA, April 9-12.
There is no requirement for fancy equipment. Any and every brand of camera will work, so we strongly encourage participants with Canon, Pentax, Sony and other camera brands to attend.
The principles taught will also apply to point and shoot cameras, new mirrorless cameras and even camera phones.
International -----
Come with us on an international photo adventure to Iceland,
Galapagos or Tanzania with Mike Hagen. Each of these trips are specifically
designed to take photographers (and their spouses) to amazing places with
incredible photo opportunities.
▪ Iceland
Photo and Bird Adventure - Summer 2015 ? July 12-20
▪ Galapagos
- September 13-20
▪ Tanzania
? November 4-15
One of the best aspects of the Tanzania trip is that we are only allowing three photographers per vehicle. This means that each person will have an entire row to themselves with one seat for their camera gear and the other seat for themselves. There will be plenty of room to move around and everyone will have perfect access to all photo opportunities.
This is a trip for photographers, designed by photographers. Your tour leader works exceedingly hard to help put you in the right spot at the right time.
National Parks---
Our Nikonians Academy instructors shoot the USA national parks like no one else.
Join us in Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Giant
Redwoods, Bishop and Acadia this year for some incredible photography with
three of the best instructors in the business: Michael Mariant, Lester Picker and
Jim Stamates.
Check out our National Parks Schedule for this year:
▪ Yosemite
▪ Acadia
Masters Series ---
- Our classroom workshops are some of the best-designed, well thought out
workshops in the industry. We created them to help people learn their equipment
in a way not commonly taught at other workshops.
These classes are specifically targeted to cameras, software and flashes. Join us in a city near you.
The current schedule includes:
▪ Charlotte
(starting April 9)
▪ New
York (also starting April 9)
▪ Atlanta
(starting April 16)
▪ New
Jersey (starting May 7)
▪ Orlando
(starting May 14)
▪ Philadelphia
(starting May 28)
▪ Dallas
(starting June 11)
We are adding more cities to the schedule all the time, so make sure you visit the Nikonians Academy homepage for updates.
Posted by flashdeadline at 10:15 PM
January 27, 2015
Masters Series workshops schedule adding new cities
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen reports the Academy Masters Series workshops are back with new cities added all around the USA.
Check out our classes in:
? Charlotte
? April 9-12 ? with Colin Hocking
? New
York ? April 9-12 ? with Steve Simon
? Atlanta
? April 16-19 ? with Colin Hocking
? New
Jersey ? May 7-10 ? with Steve Simon
? Orlando
? May 14-17 ? with Colin Hocking
? Philadelphia
? May 28-31 ? with Steve Simon
? Dallas
? June 11-14 ? with Colin Hocking
Topics are on all the newest professional and pro-sumer
Nikon DSLR cameras and on Lightroom 5.
Our instructors go into a lot of detail with each camera, covering the main dial operations, menu controls and custom function screens.
The also show
you how to use all main features and then assist with practical exercises.
Photographers who have come to our previous workshops tell us time and time again that our classes are the best they've ever attended.
Try it out for yourself. The goal is to help you learn your camera and show you techniques that will greatly improve your photography.
We are actively adding more cities all the time, so if you
don't see your favorite city posted, expect to see it
listed very soon.
Join Rick Hulbert for our Urban and Street Photography
workshop in Charleston,
SC from February 19-22 to learn the skills required to photograph urban
spaces. After Charleston, his next Urban and Street photography workshop is
scheduled for San
Francisco, CA April 9-12.
This workshop series is designed to improve your photography
regardless of whether you consider picture taking a hobby, or you are a serious
enthusiast, or a professional photographer, or earn your living as a member of
the global real estate, design, and construction industries.
---------------------------------------------
Now is the time to plan for your 2015 international
photography adventure.
Join Nikonians Academy director Mike Hagen on a trip to Iceland
in July, Galapagos
in September or Tanzania
in November.
These trips are incredible adventures completely designed
around photography.
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If you are a wildlife and nature photographer, we have a ton
of photo workshops to satisfy your outdoor needs:
? Death
Valley in March ? with Michael A. Mariant
? Yosemite
in May ? with Michael A. Mariant
? Grand
Tetons in May ? with Jim Stamates
? Yellowstone
in June ? with Jim Stamates
? Giant
Redwoods in June ? with Michael A. Mariant
Michael A. Mariant and Jim Stamates share extensive experience leading photographers through outdoor photo adventures in settings they have personally explored for decades. Combining their real-life experiences in these locations with impressive photography credentials, Michael and Jim will lead you with their trademark passions for improving your ability to capture stunning images in their adopted ?backyards.?
Posted by flashdeadline at 4:01 PM
January 6, 2015
Nikonians Academy adds new instructor
The newest instructor on the Nikonians Academy roster combines a hefty resume with international experience.
Academy Director Mike Hagen welcomes the newest member of the instructor team, Colin Hocking, from Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.
Colin Hocking LRPS is an award winning and published photographer from Plymouth, England, who received his Bachelor of Science with Honors in Photo Science from the University of Westminster in London. Member of the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP), he is a Licentiate of the Royal Photographic Society (LRPS)
Colin's interest in photography started at a very young age when he would take his little plastic point & shoot out into the woods behind his parents' house to photograph birds.
He started his career at Polaroid UK and worked with many of the big names in the photography world. Moving to the United States, he lived in California for 19 years where he accumulated experience in the field and as owner of a photo-processing business. Now living in North Carolina, he held the position of Photography Department manager with the US National Whitewater Center for several years and later created his own franchise for high volume photography, photographing every photo genre one could think of, including sports, schools, pets, families, children, weddings, engagements, and of course nature and wildlife, his lifetime passion.
While some of his work has been featured in local and national publications he is specially proud of his nature and wildlife photography and of his growing commercial business that includes clients such as Lowe's Corporate, Ingersoll Rand, US National Whitewater Center,. Media Tech Publishing, Hedrick Gardner, Hickmon & Perrin, Care Pkg, Sequel Select and many more.
With a background that includes computer software teaching and the training of trainers, he is recognized as having a knack for teaching complicated subject matter in an easy and enjoyable way.
His first four cities on the 2015 schedule are:
Charlotte, NC 3/19 - 3/22
Atlanta, GA 4/8 - 3/12
Orlando, FL 4/16 - 3/19
Miami, FL 4/23 - 3/26
Specific classes and locations will be posted to the Nikonians Academy website in the next
few days.
Looking ahead----
Rick Hulbert's Urban and Street Photography workshops are set for Charleston, South Carolina this February and San Francisco this April.
The Charleston location is designed to photograph the beautiful and historic downtown area. Rick's San Francisco venue is designed to highlight the drama and grand city-scapes of the City by the Bay. Rick is also looking forward to our London and Munich Urban and Street Photography workshops this May. If you live in Europe or are interested in visiting these great locations, then don't hesitate to sign up for these great workshops!
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Jim Stamates? annual photo trips to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks are dedicated to wildlife and landscape photography.
Few people know these parks better than Jim and he is definitely a master at helping photographers become better image makers in the wild.
Our Grand Teton trip is scheduled to begin May 25th and our Yellowstone trip is scheduled to begin June 1st.
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Be sure to check out our other trips to the USA National Parks with instructors Michael Mariant and Les Picker.
We are running photo workshops to Yosemite, Death Valley, Giant Redwoods and Acadia.
The Yosemite in Winter adventure is slated for next month. Death Valley in the Spring comes in March and the Acadia workshop will be in October.
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For the international adventurers, we still have a few seats available for our Iceland photo adventure this July.
Also, we have spots open for our Galapagos cruise this September and our Tanzania photo safari in November.
Posted by flashdeadline at 11:55 PM
November 12, 2014
National Parks photo adventures added
Nikonians Academy instructor Michael Mariant has a brand new 2015 schedule taking you to America's National Parks.Michael is based on California's Central Coast where for over 20 years he has explored the diverse Western States, from the mountains of the High Sierra to the plateaus of the Great Basin and the deserts to the south, capturing the stunning landscape in traditional black and white fine art prints.
Coupled with his documentation of the Western landscape, Michael has worked for nearly a decade as a contract photojournalist for The Associated Press as well as shooting travel/documentary editorial assignments.
Here's a preview to his new schedule:
Yosemite in Winter
Dates: Thurs, Feb. 19 - Sun, Feb. 22
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Death Valley in Spring
Dates: Thurs, Mar. 26 - Sun, Mar. 29
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Big Sur: Coasts & Canyons
Dates: Fri, Apr. 17 - Sun, Apr. 19
(Intermediate Level Course)
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Digital B&W Zone System: Yosemite
Dates: Fri, May 8 - Sun. May 10
(Specialized Course)
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Secret Yosemite: Exclusive Locations
Dates: Thu, May 13 - Sun, May 16
(New description coming soon)
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Giant Redwoods of Northern California
Dates: Fri, June 26 - Sun, June 28
(Intermediate Level Course)
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Eastern Sierra & Owens Valley
Dates: Thu, Sept. 24 - Sun, Sept. 27
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Advanced Photography: The Zen of Thinking
Dates: Fri, Oct. 2 - Sun, Oct. 4
Capacity: 5 participants
(Advanced Level Course)
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Digital B&W Zone System: Yosemite
Dates: Fri, Oct 23 - Sun. Oct. 25
Capacity: 5 participants
(Specialized Course)
Coming in December
Rick Hulbert will be in Los Angeles next month (Dec 11-14) presenting his popular Urban and Street Photography workshop. This 4-day workshop features a calculated mix of illustrated lectures and location shooting.
While the lectures will give you the fundamental information you need, you will spend a significant portion of the workshop in the field, with hands on photography. Rick will be giving daily constructive critiques of your images, which is a key part of the learning experience.
You will discover how to better frame and crop architectural and urban images using the long established basic principles of portrait, wedding, and event photography. By the way, if you are a wedding or event photographer, this workshop will take your photography up a notch as well.
Following his North American schedule, Rick heads to London starting May 21, 2015.
German speaking Nikonians can join Rick in Munich starting May 21, 2015.
Check out our new our curriculum
Responding to popular demand, the curriculum now includes new Masters Series workshops added to the schedule. These workshops include classes for the Nikon D750, D810, D4s, D7100, D610, Df, Adobe Lightroom, Nikon wireless flash, Passionate Photographer and much more. For a full listing, go to our "By Topic" section at the Academy home page.
Looking ahead --
Now is the time to start signing up for our September 2015 trip to the Galapagos Islands on our private expedition yacht. This year's trip was incredible and we can't wait to go back again in next year. The Nikonians Academy is also traveling to Iceland and Tanzania for more amazing photography. Our trips are designed by photographers, for photographers and we know you'll have a blast.
Posted by flashdeadline at 12:54 AM
November 4, 2014
Winter plans include warm options at Nikonians Academy
Nikonians Academy instructor Rick Hulbert will be in Los Angeles next month (Dec 11-14) presenting his popular Urban and Street Photography workshop. This 4-day workshop features a calculated mix of illustrated lectures and location shooting.
While the lectures will give you the fundamental information you need, you will spend a significant portion of the workshop in the field, with hands on photography. Rick will be giving daily constructive critiques of your images, which is a key part of the learning experience.
You will discover how to better frame and crop architectural and urban images using the long established basic principles of portrait, wedding, and event photography. By the way, if you are a wedding or event photographer, this workshop will take your photography up a notch as well.
Following his North American schedule, Rick heads to London starting May 21, 2015.
German speaking Nikonians can join Rick in Munich starting May 21, 2015.
Warm up your Nikon this winter
Winter shooting will be a lot more comfortable for our members joining Jim Stamates in Costa Rica next year (February 28 to March 10, 2015).
This is your opportunity to warm up in the middle of winter enjoying beaches, jungles, river trips, culture and lots of birds and wildlife. Jim and Kathy Stamates will be sharing photography tips as well as their knowledge of birds, wildlife and Costa Rican travel. This adventure is limited to 12 explorers for a more personal experience.
Jim and Kathy have been traveling to Costa Rica since 1994 and have explored border to border and coast to coast. They have included their favorite places in this adventure of a lifetime. You will see, do, and photograph more in 10 days then you can imagine!
Jim's schedule expands
Jim Stamates will be busy next year, with three new wildlife photography trips posted.
His new schedule now includes:
▪ Grand Teton Wildlife and Landscapes - Spring 2015 - (May 26-29)
▪ Yellowstone Wildlife and Landscapes - Spring 2015 - (June 1-4)
▪ Grand Teton Wildlife and Landscapes - Fall 2015 ? (Sep 28-Oct 1)
Posted by flashdeadline at 10:54 PM
October 21, 2014
Nikonians Academy adding dates, courses to 2015 calendar
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen reports the academy staff is wrapping up the October schedule with plenty more to come before the year is out.
Mike posted a quick message from the road:
"What a busy few
weeks we've had at the Nikonians Academy. With photo adventure travel to Acadia
National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Yosemite National Park and classroom
workshops in Los Angeles and Seattle, we are busier than ever. This week, we
have workshops in New York and still have a few seats available if you'd like
to sign up."
If you are thinking of signing up for one of the New York City workshops (led by Steve Simon) here's a look at the schedule:
▪ Master
the Nikon D600, D610, D7000 and D7100 - In Depth 2 - Oct. 22
▪ Master
the Nikon D800, D810, Df, D4 and D4s - In Depth 1 - Oct. 23
▪ Master
the Nikon D800, D810, Df, D4 and D4s - In Depth 2 - Oct. 24
▪ The
Passionate Nikon Photographer Two-Day Mastery Workshop - Oct. 25-26
Coming up, Mike Hagen is leaving for Tanzania to lead is 8th Photo Safari on November 1st. If you missed this year's trip, then don't wait o sign up for next year's African Photo Safari. It is already posted and members are beginning to sign up.
The dates for 2015 are November 4-15.
Mike tells us he likes to give plenty of planning time for his Safari participants:
"Yes, it is a
long ways off, but start planning now for the trip of a lifetime! We are
limiting the size to 12 participants and this number includes your tour leader.
One of the best
aspects of this trip is that we are only allowing three photographers per
vehicle. This means that each person will have an entire row to themselves with
one seat for their camera gear and the other seat for themselves. There will be
plenty of room to move around and everyone will have perfect access to all
photo opportunities."
Looking ahead...
Join Rick Hulbert in Los Angeles this December for his signature Urban and Street Photography workshop designed to help photographers with composition, creativity and passion. This is a four-day workshop with a maximum enrollment of 10 people.
This workshop is designed to get you to think about concepts in architectural and urban photography that you hadn't thought of or considered before. That is, admittedly, a rather bold statement. However, that is exactly what this four-day experience will achieve.
You will discover how to better frame and crop architectural and urban images using the long established basic principles of portrait, wedding, and event photography. By the way, if you are a wedding or event ehotographer, this workshop will take your photography up a notch as well.
You will learn how to create jaw-dropping images that will be the envy of both your photographer friends and potential future clients.
Rick is one of the best instructors in the industry and you will love his mix of detailed knowledge and humor.
Next Year...
We are working on our 2015 workshop schedule right now and
will be posting
more workshops within the next week for cities around the USA and countries
around the world. Look for workshops on new cameras, new flashes, new software
and new locations. We love photography here at the Nikonians Academy and have a
passion to share that love with the world.
Posted by flashdeadline at 11:04 PM
October 15, 2014
Academy wrapping up the 2014 Calendar
Nikonians Academy instructor Steve Simon is running his signature Passionate Photographer workshop at his new studio in New York.
We have already prepared for the brand new Nikon D750 and are including this in our existing D610/D7100 workshop classes.
If you have a D750, come join us in New York (beginning October 21).
Steve Simon's New York curriculum includes:
▪ Master the Nikon D600, D610, D7000 and D7100 - In Depth 1 - Oct. 21
▪ Master the Nikon D600, D610, D7000 and D7100 - In Depth 2 - Oct. 22
▪ Master the Nikon D800, D810, Df, D4 and D4s - In Depth 1 - Oct. 23
▪ Master the Nikon D800, D810, Df, D4 and D4s - In Depth 2 - Oct. 24
▪ The Passionate Nikon Photographer Two-Day Mastery Workshop - Oct. 25-26
Academy Director Mike Hagen is hosting three days of workshops in Seattle this week and there are a few seats available if you hurry.
Mike Hagen's Seattle curriculum includes:
▪ Master Adobe Lightroom 5 In Depth 1 - Oct. 16
▪ Master Adobe Lightroom 5 In Depth 2 - Oct. 17
▪ Master Nikon i-TTL Wireless Flash, CLS - Oct. 18
Coming soon...
Rick Hulbert's Urban and Street Photography workshop is scheduled for Los Angeles and San Diego this December and January. Join Rick to learn how to create compelling photos in urban areas. Rick is a professional architect and professional photographer.
There is no requirement for fancy equipment. Any and every brand of camera will work, so we strongly encourage participants with Canon, Pentax, Sony and other camera brands to attend. The principles taught will also apply to point and shoot cameras, new mirrorless cameras and even camera phones.
-----------------
Lester Picker is hosting the Acadia National Park photo adventure this week and in two weeks Mike Hagen leads our Annual Tanzanian Photo Safari.
-----------------
Join us in 2015 for another great photo adventure to the greatest destinations in the world: Iceland in Winter, Costa Rica, Yosemite in Winter, Galapagos, Iceland in Summer, and Tanzania.
Posted by flashdeadline at 2:17 AM
October 7, 2014
Academy coast to coast and worldwide
Mike Hagen's Seattle curriculum includes:
▪ Master Adobe Lightroom 5 In Depth 1 - Oct. 16
▪ Master Adobe Lightroom 5 In Depth 2 - Oct. 17
▪ Master Nikon i-TTL Wireless Flash, CLS - Oct. 18
Steve Simon's New York curriculum includes:
▪ Master the Nikon D600, D610, D7000 and D7100 - In Depth 1 - Oct. 21
▪ Master the Nikon D600, D610, D7000 and D7100 - In Depth 2 - Oct. 22
▪ Master the Nikon D800, D810, Df, D4 and D4s - In Depth 1 - Oct. 23
▪ Master the Nikon D800, D810, Df, D4 and D4s - In Depth 2 - Oct. 24
▪ The Passionate Nikon Photographer Two-Day Mastery Workshop - Oct. 25-26
Rick Hulbert's newest global
tour begins
Check out Rick Hulbert's Urban and Street Photography Workshops in Los Angeles and San Diego this December and January. Rick is a professional architect and professional photographer. He knows his stuff and is a great instructor. Participants from previous workshops give Rick rave reviews and can't wait to come back for more.
Here are just a few examples:
?That was the best photographic presentation I have ever attended, without
question. I loved your story telling and your analogies ? bodies and buildings,
feet and foundations.?
? Lloyd Houghton
?Just a short note to thank you for your recent Urban
Travel Workshop. I learned a great deal from your wide-ranging lectures, in
fact, more than I have from other workshops I have attended. Your teaching
style and methodology really resonated with me. The ?three E?s? of composition
are now firmly entrenched and help me to pre-visualize and plan images. We
appreciated the significant time and effort you put into both the lectures and
field trip portions of this workshop.?
? Gordon Griffiths
?. . . Rick?s background as an Architect makes him a
glove fit for a workshop on urban & street photography. As an instructor,
Rick uses humor very effectively to convey his principles about framing, cropping
and composing a photo. In the field making photos or in a hotel meeting room
reviewing student?s images, Rick is non-judgmental, while at the same time he
manages to give useful feedback to the students in his classes . . . I look
forward to the opportunity to attend other workshops that Rick will teach in
the future.?
? Bruce Bourbon
For those of you in Europe, Rick has two more workshops planned for London and Munich next year.
Speaking of global?
If you are an international photographer, then be sure to check out our diverse list of trips to places like Iceland in Winter, Costa Rica, Iceland in Summer, Galapagos Islands and Tanzania.
Posted by flashdeadline at 10:55 PM
September 30, 2014
October-November-December Academy spotlights
Masters Series workshops highlight the Nikonians Academy curriculum in October.
Join Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen in Los Angeles and Seattle for workshops covering Adobe Lightroom 5, Nikon iTTL Wireless Flash and camera workshops on the Nikon D810, D4s, Df, D800 and D4.
Steve Simon will be teaching a 6-day workshop series in New York at his new studio.
These workshops will cover the newest Nikon DSLR cameras (D7100, D610, D810, Df, D4s) as well as his signature Passionate Photographer 2-day Mastery Workshop.
? Los
Angeles - October 9-12 (Mike Hagen)
? Seattle
- October 16-18 (Mike Hagen)
? New
York City - October 21-26 (Steve Simon)
Acadia ? last chance
We are nearing the last week to sign up for our Acadia National Park photography adventure.
This 4-day workshop begins on October 16.
Your leader, Lester Picker, is an incredible photographer and a great instructor to boot.
To top it off, he is one of the foremost experts on Acadia National Park, having served for many years as a graduate researcher.
Few people anywhere know the park as well as he does. Les lived in Maine for ten years and received his doctorate in ecology from the University of Maine, using Acadia National Park for his research.
Check out Mike Hagen's previous interview with Les.
Photo Safari in
Africa this November
Interested in going to Tanzania for a wildlife photography trip you'll never forget? Mike Hagen is leading our seventh Tanzania photo safari and will be in Tanzania from November 4th - 15th.
Mike tells us he still has a few openings.
This is a trip for photographers, designed by photographers. Mike works exceedingly hard to help put you in the right spot at the right time.
One of the best aspects of this trip is that we are only allowing three photographers per vehicle. This means that each person will have an entire row to themselves with one seat for their camera gear and the other seat for themselves. There will be plenty of room to move around and everyone will have perfect access to all photo opportunities.
Urban and Street
workshop in Los Angeles
Rick Hulbert's Urban and Street Photography workshops are known as one of the best ways to understand how to photograph the built environment.
This workshop series is designed to improve your photography regardless of whether you consider picture taking a hobby, or you are a serious enthusiast, or a professional photographer, or earn your living as a member of the global real estate, design, and construction industries.
You will discover how to better frame and crop architectural and urban images using the long established basic principles of portrait, wedding, and event photography. By the way, if you are a wedding or event photographer, this workshop will take your photography up a notch as well.
Join Rick in Los Angeles this December.
Posted by flashdeadline at 8:12 PM
September 24, 2014
Acadia Workshop sign-up deadline nears
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen has returned from the Galapagos Photo Adventure and reviewed his current curriculum updates.
At the head of the list is a last minute reminder that sign-ups for Lester Picker's Acadia National Park photography adventure are in the last week of eligibility. The 4-day exploration of this national park in Maine, USA begins October 16th.
Your leader, Lester Picker, is an incredible photographer and a great instructor to boot. To top it off, he's one of the foremost experts on Acadia National Park, having served for many years as a graduate researcher.
Few people anywhere know the park as well as he does.
Check out Mike Hagen's previous interview with Les.
Master Series
Our Masters series workshops for October are all set to go for Los Angeles, Seattle and New York.
Join Mike Hagen and Steve Simon for these excellent classes that will help you learn the ins and outs of your cameras, software and flash systems.
Here's the schedule (by date):
? Los Angeles - October 9-12 (Mike Hagen)
? Seattle - October 16-18 (Mike Hagen)
? New York City - October 21-26 (Steve Simon)
Africa in November
Interested in going to Tanzania for a wildlife photography trip you'll never forget? Mike Hagen is leading our seventh Tanzania photo safari and will be in Tanzania from November 4th - 15th. Mike tells us he still has a few openings.
You'll be waking up in the early morning hours to take sunrise photos and then staying in the bush late for sunset photos. The goal is perfect light and great images so all decisions we make are around optimizing your photography experience.
During the middle part of the day and at night you will take a rest at our lodges and bush tents.
Urban Photography in Los Angeles
Rick Hulbert's Urban and Street Photography workshops are known as one of the best ways to understand how to photograph the built environment.
This workshop series is designed to improve your photography regardless of whether you consider picture taking a hobby, or you are a serious enthusiast, or a professional photographer, or earn your living as a member of the global real estate, design, and construction industries.
Join him in Los Angeles this December.
Death Valley Mid-November
Michael Mariant's Death Valley National Park: Sand Dunes and Landscape Oddities workshop is a 4-day visual extravaganza designed to help you be a better photographer.
Join him from November 14-17.
One surprising aspect of these travel/landscape photography workshops for nearly all attendees is the level of education provided.
There is a comprehensive photographic curriculum integrated into the workshop, with each location providing an exercise in technique and application.
Posted by flashdeadline at 12:03 AM
September 16, 2014
Busy October for Nikonians Academy
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen is finishing up the Galapagos Photo Adventure and when he gets back, he won't have much time to unpack.
Mike is bringing back (by popular demand) the Lightroom and iTTL wireless flash workshops for the Los Angeles and Seattle Masters Series scheduled for October
Mike will be in Los Angeles October 9-12 and in Seattle October 16-18.
During the series, you?ll learn how to integrate Lightroom 5 into your digital life. Mike helps you understand how to use Lightroom to import, sort, rate, edit, color correct, and make quick enhancements to your images. Then you?ll learn how to export your digital images for print, email or uploading. Learn how to set up Lightroom as your digital hub.
After taking this workshop, you?ll be well prepared for Master Adobe Lightroom 5 In Depth 2 (the following day).
The flash workshops are for anyone who owns a SB-600, SB-700, SB-800, SB-900, SB-910 Speedlight and wants to understand how the i-TTL (intelligent Through The Lens) system works and what Nikon's Creative Lighting System (CLS) can do for you.
You will learn flash techniques that will help you solve difficult lighting scenarios. We'll cover methods on how to creatively light situations that arise in studio photography, outdoor portraits, product photography, closeup and flower photography, web and product photography, travel photography, fill-flash photography and night photography.
The Los Angeles workshops also include Master the Nikon D800, D810, Df, D4 and D4s - In Depth 1.
Acadia seats limited
Only three seats are now available for the Acadia National Park Photography Adventure with Les Picker (starting October 16).
Les knows this park inside out and does a wonderful job of both teaching and helping participants create beautiful images.
Join us for a 4-day exploration of the exciting photographic possibilities in Acadia. You will explore its intimate coves and vaunted mountains, its pristine seashore and lush forests.
Les timed this workshop to take advantage of fall foliage with its resplendent colors.
New York in October
The Masters Series workshops with Steve Simon will be arriving in New York City (starting October 21). Steve's schedule for New York includes his popular Passionate Photographer 2-Day workshop.
In his best selling and critically acclaimed book The Passionate Photographer, Steve maintains that to do your best work requires a technical mastery after which your creativity will soar.
If you own any of the following Nikon bodies: D7000, D7100, D600, D610, D700, D800, D300/D300s, D3, D3s, D3x, D4, D4s, Df then you are eligible to take this intensive two-day workshop designed to make your camera fade to the background, no longer getting in the way of the images you know you can make.
The New York workshops cover October 21-26.
Photo Safari special invitation
We want you to come to Tanzania with us. There are a few seats remaining for our November trip (Nov 4-15) and your workshop leader Mike Hagen will make sure it as one of the best wildlife photography opportunities you'll experience in your lifetime.
Your will see lions, cheetah, leopard, elephants, giraffe and over 100 species of birds on this adventure. Be sure to bring lots of memory cards because you'll need them.
Posted by flashdeadline at 11:28 PM
September 7, 2014
Nikonians Academy Spotlight on Urban Feeback
Rick Hulbert's Urban and Street Photography Workshops are receiving excellent reviews, and with a full slate of those workshops scheduled in the months ahead, we thought you might want to check them out.
Here are just a few examples:
?That was the best photographic presentation I have ever attended, without question. I loved your story telling and your analogies ? bodies and buildings, feet and foundations.?
? Lloyd Houghton
?Just a short note to thank you for your recent Urban Travel Workshop. I learned a great deal from your wide-ranging lectures, in fact, more than I have from other workshops I have attended. Your teaching style and methodology really resonated with me. The ?three E?s? of composition are now firmly entrenched and help me to pre-visualize and plan images. We appreciated the significant time and effort you put into both the lectures and field trip portions of this workshop.?
? Gordon Griffiths
?. . . Rick?s background as an Architect makes him a glove fit for a workshop on urban & street photography. As an instructor, Rick uses humor very effectively to convey his principles about framing, cropping and composing a photo. In the field making photos or in a hotel meeting room reviewing student?s images, Rick is non-judgmental, while at the same time he manages to give useful feedback to the students in his classes . . . I look forward to the opportunity to attend other workshops that Rick will teach in the future.?
? Bruce Bourbon
Rick's itinerary for these workshops in the coming months include:
▪ San Antonio, Texas (Sept 11, 2014)
▪ Los Angeles, California (Dec 11, 2014)
▪ London, United Kingdom (May 14, 2015)
▪ Munich, Germany (May 21, 2015
Masters Series update
Mike Hagen is bringing back (by popular demand) the Lightroom and iTTL wireless flash workshops for the Los Angeles and Seattle Masters Series scheduled for October.
He will be in Los Angeles October 9-12 and in Seattle October 16-18.
During the series, you?ll learn how to integrate Lightroom 5 into your digital life. Mike helps you understand how to use Lightroom to import, sort, rate, edit, color correct, and make quick enhancements to your images. Then you?ll learn how to export your digital images for print, email or uploading. Learn how to set up Lightroom as your digital hub.
After taking this workshop, you?ll be well prepared for Master Adobe Lightroom 5 In Depth 2 (the following day).
The flash workshops are for anyone who owns a SB-600, SB-700, SB-800, SB-900, SB-910 Speedlight and wants to understand how the i-TTL (intelligent Through The Lens) system works and what Nikon's Creative Lighting System (CLS) can do for you.
You will learn flash techniques that will help you solve difficult lighting scenarios. We'll cover methods on how to creatively light situations that arise in studio photography, outdoor portraits, product photography, closeup and flower photography, web and product photography, travel photography, fill-flash photography and night photography.
The Los Angeles workshops also include Master the Nikon D800, D810, Df, D4 and D4s - In Depth 1.
Back to the Big Apple
The Masters Series workshops with Steve Simon will be arriving in New York City (starting October 21). Steve's schedule for New York includes his popular Passionate Photographer 2-Day workshop.
In his best selling and critically acclaimed book The Passionate Photographer, maintains that to do your best work requires a technical mastery after which your creativity will soar.
If you own any of the following Nikon bodies: D7000, D7100, D600, D610, D700, D800, D300/D300s, D3, D3s, D3x, D4, D4s, Df then you are eligible to take this intensive two-day workshop designed to make your camera fade to the background, no longer getting in the way of the images you know you can make.
The New York workshops cover October 21-26.
Countdown for Acadia
Only three seats are now available for the Acadia National Park Photography Adventure with Les Picker (starting October 16).
Les knows this park inside out and does a wonderful job of both teaching and helping participants create beautiful images.
Join us for a 4-day exploration of the exciting photographic possibilities in Acadia. You will explore its intimate coves and vaunted mountains, its pristine seashore and lush forests.
Les timed this workshop to take advantage of fall foliage with its resplendent colors.
Outdoors and to the stars
Michael Mariant's Eastern Sierra and Owens Valley workshop (September 18-21) is a top-notch adventure and he's extending his invitation to those member still thinking of taking the few remaining seats. Photograph beautiful fall colors, scenic mountains and stunning astrophotography.
California's Eastern Sierra, a jagged and prominent escarpment rising over 10,000 feet above the Owens Valley, is one of the hidden photographer's gems in California
Many prominent landscape photographers, including the late Galen Rowell, have called Bishop and the Eastern Sierra home and their base for their photographic expeditions into the stunning surroundings
No other region in the country offers the dramatic granite peaks, glacier-carved valleys, dense foliage and roaring mountain streams.
A rare and special treat, exclusive only to the Eastern Sierra & Owens Valley workshop, is an evening at a Deep Space Satellite Dish Array Complex to photograph star trails and the Milky Way, while surrounded by giant satellite dishes.
Each workshop participant gets to pick out their own satellite dish on the pad to use in the foreground of their astrophotography. Past workshop participants remark that this is the highlight of the entire workshop!
Photo Safari special invitation
We want you to come to Tanzania with us. There are a few seats remaining for our November trip (Nov 4-15) and your workshop leader Mike Hagen will make sure it as one of the best wildlife photography opportunities you'll experience in your lifetime.
Your will see lions, cheetah, leopard, elephants, giraffe and over 100 species of birds on this adventure. Be sure to bring lots of memory cards because you'll need them.
Posted by flashdeadline at 10:07 PM
September 3, 2014
ANPAT-14 has slots available
Only two seats are left for the 14th Annual Nikonians Photo Adventure Trip (ANPAT). Our founders, J. Ram?n Palacios (jrp) and Bo Stahlbrandt (bgs), urge any members trying to make a last-minute decision to sign up now. The park is a photographer's dream location with classic landscapes, sweeping panoramas, and giant mountain vistas. The adventure is based out of Estes Park, Colorado.
Check the official Nikonians Academy ANPAT page for more information.
To see what the attendees are discussing in advance of the adventure, click here.
Next week begins our San Francisco workshop series taught by Steve Simon (Sept 9-15).
He's running workshops on the top Nikon cameras as well as his signature Passionate Nikon Photographer Two-Day Mastery Workshop.
Looking Ahead
September is a busy month for workshops. We have trips leaving for Sri Lanka, Galapagos, Bishop and Yellowstone. We still have a couple seats open for our Eastern Sierra/Owens Valley and Yellowstone Wildlife trips if you are interested.
The Eastern Sierra workshop runs Sept 18-21, and the Yellowstone Wildlife adventure dates as Sept 22-25.
For those of you interested in urban landscape photography, we encourage you to take a look at Rick Hulbert's Urban and Street Photography workshops that are scheduled all around the world. Next up in his highly rated workshop series are Los Angeles (USA) starting December 11, London (UK) starting May 14, 2015 and Munich (Germany), starting May 25, 2015.
---------------------------------------------------------
Special Edition Interview
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen recently interviewed Rick Hulbert for the Nikonian eZine and thought we'd republish it again here for the blog:
Tell us a little bit about yourself. What is your background in architecture and what is your background in photography?
I have been a licensed, practicing Architect and Urban Designer for 4 decades ? and I have been enjoying Photography both as a hobby and commercially for half a century. In my Architectural Firm, I have been consistently relying on photography as a wonderful communication tool.
You are currently teaching workshops for the Nikonians Academy but you also teach workshops for other groups. Tell us about those.
I started my educational career in Photography teaching at Vancouver Photo Workshops, a Vancouver, Canada based academy of photography.
I have now expanded my teaching to include lecture courses at Colleges and University such as Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, Canada. Additionally, I am proud to say that I have been a featured speaker on photography to a number of groups including the New England Chapter of the American Society of Media Photographers.
The photographic subjects of my workshops and lectures include Urban Photography, Street Photography, Travel Photography, Garden Photography, Panorama Photography, Heritage Photography, Infrared Imaging, along with High and Extended Dynamic Range Imagining.
For the Nikonians Academy, I have chosen to focus on Urban Photography, which includes everything from buildings and bridges to people and their activities, to urban travel and vacation photography.
The content of my workshops includes not only techniques that will enhance your photography, but also ?composition.? I use the knowledge I have gained in my education in Architecture, Art and Music to show how you can create great images.
Finally, I teach how people see and visually perceive the world around them, and how that knowledge can enhance your photography. Wouldn?t you like to know how people will view your images? ? especially if you are trying to win awards or want accolades from others!
While I don?t teach software specifically, I use software when reviewing student images showing each workshop attendee (with their permission of course) how they can enhance their initial RAW files. This process allows students to get a taste of my personal workflow and hopefully get some valuable tips.
My students include those for which photography is a casual hobby, passionate enthusiasts, along with professional and fine art photographers.
How important is knowledge of architectural design principles to getting a great urban photo?
As an Architect, I have had a rigorous training in the art of composition. As an Urban Designer, I have learned how Cities are structured and organized and more importantly how people actually perceive the urban experience.
Knowing and teaching how our brains interpret edges of objects and people can give photographers a big advantage in portraying the myriad of photographic subjects available to us in Cities and Towns.
How do urban photography locations change around the world? . . . and what makes one urban photo location better or worse than another?
Every city, town, and village offers exciting opportunities for photography. If I am planning ahead, I look for specific locations that fall on ?edges.? These include waterfront or riverfront edges, street edges, edges of parks, plazas, squares . . . you name it. Urban edges are a great place to start.
If I have not had a chance to plan ahead in advance, I look to intercept great light. We talk a lot about ?Intercepting Great Light,? and what that means in my workshops.
What do you find people most often neglect when they start taking photos in an urban area?
We need to recognize that cities and towns are designed for people. Urban areas comprise a series of indoor and outdoor spaces for people and their activities. We talk about the importance of learning how to photograph "3-D space".
Lots of people know the great landscape photographers by name, but what photographer do you think has done the best job of capturing the urban aesthetic?
WOW, let me think here?great photographers of buildings include master Architectural Photographers like Julius Schulman. For ?street photography? of people in candid situations, I most admire Henri-Cartier Bresson. Intriguingly, no single photographer comes to mind that actually combines both the constructed environment along with people and their activities in a consistently great way. That is, humbly, what I am trying to accomplish.
If people cannot afford a tilt and shift lens, what is the next best option for them to consider for architectural photography?
Architecture, and actually the vast majority of the designed and built environment is made up of straight lines or what I refer to as straight ?edges.? Traditionally, to photograph and to portray these edges as our brain interprets them, photographers had to employ the very best lens optics.
Today, with the sophisticated software available at very reasonable prices, almost any lens can be used to create sophisticated architectural images. This is true for single buildings indoors and out, and it is true of glorious cityscapes. I carry a couple of tilt/shift lenses with me so that workshop participants can see how they work if so desired, but they are definitely not necessary. A standard or super wide-angle lens is a great place to start.
Over the years you have used a number of different camera systems. Do you find that one format works better than another for urban photography?
All camera systems have their benefits depending upon the subject. For instance, smaller cameras are less threatening for candid images of people in the urban environment.
I personally enjoy and appreciate an SLR with live view. While I love my Nikon cameras, I welcome all types and brands of cameras from point and shoots (including camera phones) though mirrorless camera systems, range finders along with single lens reflex cameras and large format cameras.
My past students have brought along cameras and lenses from numerous manufacturers and it has proven my belief that all cameras are capable of serving as a tool for allowing the photographer to make great images.
Why are you passionate about urban photography?
I am passionate first about photographic education. I believe that the camera is the best tool for learning how to better see and perceive the world around us. I find the constructed environment a target rich palate of unending opportunities, and these great opportunities are often not far from home.
What do you wish more people understood about urban photographers?
I want us all to learn to appreciate both the natural and man made environment and how they interact with each other?how they come together. Understanding how cities and towns are designed and used will make your photography all that much better and more appreciated by others.
You've been running workshops for quite a few years. What do you find to be the most common mistake new urban photographers make?
As I mentioned earlier, I teach the importance of recognizing edges in photography?edges of structures, edges of the urban landscape and especially the 4 edges of the photo itself.
The thing to appreciate is that our brain sees these edges first and that it is light that highlights these edges and the surfaces that connect them together. I want photographers to realize the importance of what a difference the quality of light can make in an image. Since there are no ?rules? for photography, I guess one could argue that there are no ?mistakes.? However, knowledge of how we see and interpret images can be incredibly powerful and fulfilling in your quest for great images.
What is the best city in the world for urban photography?
The best city is the one in which you find yourself.
Most people think of urban photography as downtown Manhattan or San Francisco. What aspects of photographing in these areas can be translated to smaller urban areas or suburbs?
I am glad you brought that up. My workshop teaches what ?urban? means and you will find that the principles of photography that apply to big city cores, also apply to any area consisting of designed and constructed objects and places. These objects and places don?t just include buildings, but all constructed elements large and small, from roads and pathways to damns and power plants and from fences to telephone poles.
Even gardens and parks are planned and designed and are part of the urban context. When you add people and their activities into the mix, you can see how the principles of ?urban photography? can apply to almost anywhere that humans have made a visible impact on our environment.
Anything else you want to tell us?
I am most proud of the testimonials from my students.
If anyone is interested in my Nikonians Academy Workshop, they should have a look at my website
. . . and especially check out the comments from former attendees.
My upcoming schedule of workshop locations are listed on the Nikonians Academy Website:
Posted by flashdeadline at 12:08 AM
August 13, 2014
Spotlight on Acadia
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen invites you to join Lester Picker for our Acadia National Park Photography Adventure this October.
Les Picker spent ten years in Maine and did his graduate research in Acadia National Park. Few people anywhere know the park as well as he does. Combine his photographic knowledge with his detailed knowledge of the park and you have a recipe for a fantastic photography event.
Acadia, Maine is one of the premier photo destinations on the Eastern Seaboard. Even though it is one of the nation's smallest national parks, it is one of the most diverse.
Wildlife abounds and the colors are stunning in the fall. In a manageable area, we have mountains and rocky coast, forests and meadows, streams and lakes.
Our annual trips to Acadia National Park perennially get great reviews from participants.
The workshop dates are October 16-20, 2014. For more information check our recent FAQ and Interview with Les Picker and Feedback and Images From Previous Attendees.
Coming very soon -----------------------------
September is a big month for workshops, with some of the most popular curriculum items in the lead. Richard Hulbert brings his 4-day Urban and Street Photography Workshop to Houston and San Antonio in the coming month.
This workshop series is designed to improve your photography regardless of whether you consider picture taking a hobby, or you are a serious enthusiast, or a professional photographer, or earn your living as a member of the global real estate, design, and construction industries.
You will learn how a basic understanding of street photography will assist in your architectural and urban photography.
You will discover how the fundamental principles of travel photography will enhance your architectural and urban imaging.
The Masters Series ----------------------
Steve Simon will be bringing the Masters Series to San Francisco.
His schedule includes:
▪ Master the Nikon D600, D610, D7000 and D7100 - In Depth 1 (Sept 9)
▪ Master the Nikon D600, D610, D7000 and D7100 - In Depth 2 (Sept 10)
▪ Master the Nikon D800, D810, Df, D4 and D4s - In Depth 1 (Sept 11)
▪ Master the Nikon D800, D810, Df, D4 and D4s - In Depth 2 (Sept 12)
▪ The Passionate Nikon Photographer Two-Day Mastery Workshop (Sept 13-14)
Sri Lanka ------------------
Only three seats remain for Lester Picker's Sri Lanka: Culture and Wildlife photo adventure (September 13-24). Join Lester for a 12-day (11-night) exploration of the unparalleled photographic possibilities in this island nation.
Located off the southernmost coast of India, Sri Lanka is replete with some of the oldest Buddhist and Hindu temples in the world (many still in use), some of the friendliest and most photogenic people on Earth, and wildlife that rivals Africa’s best locations − all at a fraction of the cost.
In this photography tour you will intimately explore Sri Lanka’s landscape, from vaunted mountains to its pristine seashore, from its tidy and colorful tea plantations to its lush forests.
Eastern Sierra and Owens Valley ----------------------------
Michael A. Mariant leads the 4-day Eastern Sierra and The Owens Valley photo adventure beginning September 18.
California's Eastern Sierra, a jagged and prominent escarpment rising over 10,000 feet above the Owens Valley, is one of the hidden photographer's gems in California
Many prominent landscape photographers, including the late Galen Rowell, have called Bishop and the Eastern Sierra home and their base for their photographic expeditions into the stunning surroundings
No other region in the country offers the dramatic granite peaks, glacier-carved valleys, dense foliage and roaring mountain streams. And the Fall Season is the time of year prized by all Sierra photographers, as the colors of the Eastern Sierra explode into a visual contrast against the stark gray of the granite, bleached white of the mountain glaciers and the deep blue sky.
A rare and special treat, exclusive only to the Eastern Sierra & Owens Valley workshop, is an evening at a Deep Space Satellite Dish Array Complex to photograph star trails and the Milky Way, while surrounded by giant satellite dishes. ]
Each workshop participant gets to pick out their own satellite dish on the pad to use in the foreground of their astrophotography.
Past workshop participants remark that this is the highlight of the entire workshop!
Yellowstone Wildlife and Landscapes -----------------
Join one of North America's most successful wildlife photographers as he leads you to the amazing wildlife and scenics of Yellowstone National Park (September 22-25). Jim Stamates will bring you to Yellowstone National Park during an exciting time.
Bears have entered hyperphagia so they feed constantly, preparing for hibernation. Most of the deer species are in full rut with giant bull elk bugling and chasing females. Pronghorn bucks gather their harems and chase off the competition.
Wolves are active in the early mornings in Lamar Valley as the young pups join the pack to hunt their prey. Bison herds roam the meadows as autumn colors return after a summer of love.
The air has the smell of changing seasons and winter is just around the corner. Join Nikonians Academy and Jim and Kathy Stamates for four wild days to learn, experience, and capture the essence of Yellowstone National Park in its prime.
ANPAT 14 -----------------------
Last but not least, starting September 28, Nikonians founders Bo Stahlbrandt (bgs) and J. Ramón Palacios (jrp) team up with event coordinator Mike Hagen to host the 14th edition of the Annual Nikonians Photo Adventure Trip (ANPAT). The ANPAT is the Nikonians field event of year, where we live our motto: Share, Learn Inspire.
This year's location is Rocky Mountain National Park, a photographer's dream location with classic landscapes, sweeping panoramas, and giant mountain vistas.
Each and every day, our intrepid crew of photographers will explore the mountains of Colorado. Your hosts have put together a detailed daily itinerary that highlights the best the area has to offer and traveling on our own time table gives us the flexibility to stay on location as long as we wish.
The daily goal is to capture the beautiful golden hours of sunrise and sunset as it washes across the grand landscape. Every effort has been made to provide a fun, educational, safe, adventurous, and most of all photography-rich adventure.
It's not uncommon for participants to stay up all night shooting star trails, then spend the entire next day photographing the landscapes at sunrise and sunset. The enthusiasm and camaraderie on the ANPAT is contagious, and is something you truly have to experience to believe. Even though this trip isn't a traditional photography workshop, people who come always are amazed at how much they learned from each other and how many new tips & tricks they take away for their own photography.
Looking ahead
Check your Masters series workshops schedule carefully when we mention upcoming cities. In some, we've brought back Lightroom 5 workshops and iTTL Wireless Flash workshops. Masters series workshops are set for Los Angeles, Seattle and New York.
The Tanzania Wildlife Photo Safari (November 4-11) will be led by Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen. You will have access to unbelievable wildlife photography, stunning scenery and fantastic accommodations. We operate with only three people per vehicle, so there's lots of space to move around and great opportunities for photographs.
Posted by flashdeadline at 1:43 AM
August 6, 2014
Giant September curriculum ahead from Nikonians Academy
September is a big month for workshops, with some of the most popular curriculum items in the lead.
Richard Hulbert brings his 4-day Urban and Street Photography Workshop to Houston and San Antonio in the coming month. There are rules for photographing buildings and other man-made structures, and knowing these rules will make you a better photographer. Mastering these rules will allow you to learn how “break” them in a deliberate, meaningful way.
You will learn how a basic understanding of street photography will assist in your architectural and urban photography.
You will discover how the fundamental principles of travel photography will enhance your architectural and urban imaging.
The Masters Series
Steve Simon will be bringing the Masters Series to San Francisco.
His schedule includes:
▪ Master the Nikon D600, D610, D7000 and D7100 - In Depth 1 (Sept 9)
▪ Master the Nikon D600, D610, D7000 and D7100 - In Depth 2 (Sept 10)
▪ Master the Nikon D800, D810, Df, D4 and D4s - In Depth 1 (Sept 11)
▪ Master the Nikon D800, D810, Df, D4 and D4s - In Depth 2 (Sept 12)
▪ The Passionate Nikon Photographer Two-Day Mastery Workshop (Sept 13-14)
Sri Lanka
Only three seats remain for Lester Picker's Sri Lanka: Culture and Wildlife photo adventure (September 13-24). Join Lester for a 12-day (11-night) exploration of the unparalleled photographic possibilities in this island nation.
Located off the southernmost coast of India, Sri Lanka is replete with some of the oldest Buddhist and Hindu temples in the world (many still in use), some of the friendliest and most photogenic people on Earth, and wildlife that rivals Africa’s best locations − all at a fraction of the cost.
In this photography tour you will intimately explore Sri Lanka’s landscape, from vaunted mountains to its pristine seashore, from its tidy and colorful tea plantations to its lush forests.
Eastern Sierra and
Owens Valley
Michael A. Mariant leads the 4-day Eastern Sierra and The Owens Valley photo adventure beginning September 18.
California's Eastern Sierra, a jagged and prominent escarpment rising over 10,000 feet above the Owens Valley, is one of the hidden photographer's gems in California
Many prominent landscape photographers, including the late Galen Rowell, have called Bishop and the Eastern Sierra home and their base for their photographic expeditions into the stunning surroundings
No other region in the country offers the dramatic granite peaks, glacier-carved valleys, dense foliage and roaring mountain streams. And the Fall Season is the time of year prized by all Sierra photographers, as the colors of the Eastern Sierra explode into a visual contrast against the stark gray of the granite, bleached white of the mountain glaciers and the deep blue sky.
A rare and special treat, exclusive only to the Eastern Sierra & Owens Valley workshop, is an evening at a Deep Space Satellite Dish Array Complex to photograph star trails and the Milky Way, while surrounded by giant satellite dishes. ]
Each workshop participant gets to pick out their own satellite dish on the pad to use in the foreground of their astrophotography.
Past workshop participants remark that this is the highlight of the entire workshop!
Yellowstone Wildlife
and Landscapes
Join one of North America's most successful wildlife photographers as he leads you to the amazing wildlife and scenics of Yellowstone National Park (September 22-25). Jim Stamates will bring you to Yellowstone National Park during an exciting time.
Bears have entered hyperphagia so they feed constantly, preparing for hibernation. Most of the deer species are in full rut with giant bull elk bugling and chasing females. Pronghorn bucks gather their harems and chase off the competition.
Wolves are active in the early mornings in Lamar Valley as the young pups join the pack to hunt their prey. Bison herds roam the meadows as autumn colors return after a summer of love.
The air has the smell of changing seasons and winter is just around the corner. Join Nikonians Academy and Jim and Kathy Stamates for four wild days to learn, experience, and capture the essence of Yellowstone National Park in its prime.
ANPAT 14
Last but not least, starting September 28, Nikonians founders Bo Stahlbrandt (bgs) and J. Ramón Palacios (jrp) team up with event coordinator Mike Hagen to host the 14th edition of the Annual Nikonians Photo Adventure Trip (ANPAT). The ANPAT is the Nikonians field event of year, where we live our motto: Share, Learn Inspire.
This year's location is Rocky Mountain National Park, a photographer's dream location with classic landscapes, sweeping panoramas, and giant mountain vistas.
Each and every day, our intrepid crew of photographers will explore the mountains of Colorado. Your hosts have put together a detailed daily itinerary that highlights the best the area has to offer and traveling on our own time table gives us the flexibility to stay on location as long as we wish.
The daily goal is to capture the beautiful golden hours of sunrise and sunset as it washes across the grand landscape. Every effort has been made to provide a fun, educational, safe, adventurous, and most of all photography-rich adventure.
It's not uncommon for participants to stay up all night shooting star trails, then spend the entire next day photographing the landscapes at sunrise and sunset. The enthusiasm and camaraderie on the ANPAT is contagious, and is something you truly have to experience to believe. Even though this trip isn't a traditional photography workshop, people who come always are amazed at how much they learned from each other and how many new tips & tricks they take away for their own photography.
Looking ahead
Check your Masters series workshops schedule carefully when we mention upcoming cities. In some, we've brought back Lightroom 5 workshops and iTTL Wireless Flash workshops. Masters series workshops are set for Los Angeles, Seattle and New York.
Acadia National Park is beautiful in the Fall. Join Les Picker for this annual trip (October 16-20) that is sure to produce stunning colors and beautiful landscapes.
The Tanzania Wildlife Photo Safari (November 4-11) will be led by Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen. You will have access to unbelievable wildlife photography, stunning scenery and fantastic accommodations. We operate with only three people per vehicle, so there's lots of space to move around and great opportunities for photographs.
Posted by flashdeadline at 12:35 AM
July 30, 2014
California here we come (and more....)
Nikonians Academy instructor Michael Mariant is preparing for photo adventures in his home state of California. 
One of the most popular workshops Michael runs is the Eastern Sierra and Owens Valley workshop (September 18-22). Each year, participants come back with stunning images of the landscape as well as beautiful shots of stars in the clear Californian back country.
For those of you channeling your Inner Ansel Adams, be sure to check out Michael's Black and White Digital Zone workshop October 3-5 and our annual Death Valley Sand Dunes and Landscape Oddities workshop November 14-17. His Advanced Photography Course: The Zen of Thinking, is already sold out.
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September is an incredible time to visit Yellowstone for wildlife photography. Jim Stamates is running this year's fall trip to Yellowstone and knows this park inside and out. Jim has an uncanny ability to consistently deliver wonderful wildlife photography experiences on his tours.
Fall in Yellowstone National Park is an exciting time. Bears have entered hyperphagia so they feed constantly, preparing for hibernation. Most of the deer species are in full rut with giant bull elk bugling and chasing females.
Pronghorn bucks gather their harems and chase off the competition. Wolves are active in the early mornings in Lamar Valley as the young pups join the pack to hunt their prey.
Bison herds roam the meadows as autumn colors return after a summer of love. The air has the smell of changing seasons and winter is just around the corner. This is Yellowstone National Park in its prime.
This trip is scheduled for September 22-25 and still has a few seats available.
Our next Masters Series workshops are set for:
▪ San Francisco (9-14 Sept) with Steve Simon
▪ Los Angeles (9-12 Oct) with Mike Hagen
▪ Seattle (16-18 Oct) with Mike Hagen
▪ New York (21-26 Oct) with Steve Simon
Our members have described these workshops as "simply the best" way to learn the camera, software or wireless flash skills you've been dying to learn.
Mike Hagen has added our very popular Lightroom and Nikon wireless flash workshops in Los Angeles and Seattle. Steve Simon is running our camera workshops and his Passionate Nikon Photographer workshops in San Francisco and New York City.
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We have lots more trips this year and we encourage you to head over to the Academy website for more information on Tanzania, Acadia, Iceland, and India.
Posted by flashdeadline at 1:05 AM
July 22, 2014
Academy updates (with Les Picker Interview)
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen tells us the academy curriculum has many new workshops posted this week. Mike has filed another workshop leader interview with Les Picker, which is posted at the tail end of this blog (after we take care of some timely announcements).
We mentioned Tanzania for next year, but your workshop leader (Mike Hagen) has an extra incentive for this year's version.
There is still space available for this year, but the rates are bound to go up in 2015:
Mike tells us:
"The Tanzanian government is just about to institute a new VAT (Value Added Tax) that will increase travel costs by 10% or more for future travel.
If you've been thinking
of going to Tanzania, then now's
the time so you can beat the tax."
►This week, Jim Stamates is in the middle of his Alaska - Whales, Bears, and Ice Fields Wildlife Photography Adventure.
►In just a few weeks, Mike will be leaving for his sold-out photography adventure to Iceland.
Don't miss the opportunity to join the academy staff on an incredible adventure to a global destination you've always wanted to visit.
►Rick Hulbert will be in Texas during the first two weeks of September running his signature Urban and Street Photography workshops in Houston and San Antonio. These are beautiful cities, so we pick great venues to host the classes.
For example, the location for the San Antonio workshops will be downtown within a couple of blocks walking distance of the famous Riverwalk and within walking distance of some great locations for field photography of buildings, garden waterscapes and some photogenic people. You will have an opportunity to photograph some lovely urban evening scenes as well.
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An Interview with Les Picker
by Mike Hagen
For the third year, Les Picker will lead a 4-day photography workshop in iconic Acadia National Park, along Maine's storied rocky coast (October 16-20, 2014). What many Nikonians may not realize is that Les lived in Maine for 10 years and did his graduate research in Acadia National Park. Few people anywhere know the park as well as he does.
We thought we'd ask Les a few questions to spark Nikonians' interest in this always popular workshop.
Why should Nikonians members consider a workshop in Acadia?
Acadia is one of the nation's smallest, yet most diverse national parks. In a manageable area, we have mountains and rocky coast, forests and meadows, streams and lakes. Wildlife abounds. In the fall, when we have our workshop, the foliage is gorgeous beyond belief.
What happens during the workshop?
We start at least two of the days before sunrise, so we can catch the seashore as it is bathed in golden light. We visit stands of moss-covered rocks, verdant forests, running streams, and spectacular lakes fringed with fall foliage. For sunset, we usually find ourselves back along the rocky coast.
Evenings include a session designed to prepare us for the next day's shooting, as well as tips and techniques from Les for more effective picture taking. A voluntary critique is part of the evening session as time allows.
Do participants have to be in top physical shape?
The short answer is, no. Some locations involve hiking short distances. However, these can be done according to the person's abilities. Perhaps you won't hike quite as far, but the sites you are able to access will be spectacular!
Are non-photographer spouses welcome?
Most definitely! There will be many locations that are just as interesting to the non-photographer or for a point-and-shoot enthusiast.
Are there any special things going on this year?
Again, most definitely. This year I will be bringing my incredibly talented video assistant. He will be doing a presentation on using the video functions on your Nikon (and other brand) cameras. We will be discussing story-telling - landscape, wildlife, or documentary - combining videos and stills.
Where can Nikonians get more information?
Check the Nikonians Academy site here.
If you would like to see what former workshop participants felt about rhe Acadia workshop, visit Les' site here.If you have further questions for Les, feel free to write him at:
lespicker@gmail.com
Posted by flashdeadline at 10:58 PM
July 16, 2014
ANPAT Bookings closing soon - last chance alert
Only a few seats are left for the 14th Annual Nikonians Photo Adventure Trip (ANPAT). Our founders, J. Ramón Palacios (jrp) and Bo Stahlbrandt, want you to know they will soon be closing down bookings in order to make hotel reservations in a timely manner. The ANPAT, at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, USA will be held from September 28 to October 4. The park is a photographer's dream location with classic landscapes, sweeping panoramas, and giant mountain vistas.
Check the official Nikonians Academy ANPAT page for more information.
To see what the attendees are discussing in advance of the adventure, click here.
Based on the success of our previous European Urban and Travel Photography workshops, Rick Hulbert has just added two new dates for Munich, Germany and London, England. If you are in the USA, then be sure to check out Rick's Urban and Street Photography workshops set for Houston and San Antonio, Texas this September.
You will learn how a basic understanding of street photography will assist in your architectural and urban photography. You will discover how the fundamental principles of travel photography will enhance your architectural and urban imaging.
While the illustrated lectures will give you the fundamental information you need, we will spend a significant portion of the workshop in the field, with hands on photography. Your professional instructor, Rick Hulbert, will also give daily constructive critiques of your own selected images which is a key part of the learning experience.
We continue to add more Masters series workshops around North America. Our next workshops are set for San Francisco from September 9-14, 2014.
Steve Simon will be leading the San Francisco workshops:
• Master the Nikon D600, D610, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1 (Sept 9)
• Master the Nikon D600, D610, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 2 (Sept 10)
• Master the Nikon D800, Df and D4 - In Depth 1 (Sept 11)
• Master the Nikon D800, Df and D4 - In Depth 2 (Sept 12)
• The Passionate Nikon Photographer Two-Day Mastery Workshop (Sept 13-14)
Our September workshop schedule is packed full of amazing trips to places like Sri Lanka, the Eastern Sierra, Yellowstone and Rocky Mountain National Parks (the ANPAT).
We are already sold out for our September Grand Teton trip and Galapagos trip, so don't hesitate if you are thinking of going on one of our incredible photo journeys.
Posted by flashdeadline at 6:40 AM
July 9, 2014
Nikonians Academy curriculum update
Our Nikonians Academy instructors are putting the finishing touches on their upcoming workshops and trips. Jim Stamates' 11-day Costa Rica photography tour next February is shaping up to be an amazing trip.Jim has been leading tours to this lush land for years now and know the are extremely well.
This adventure is limited to 12 explorers for a more personal experience.
This is an eco-adventure and includes everything Costa Rican
from mountains to beaches, rural towns to rain forest, wildlife, birds,
scenery, butterfly gardens, culture, volcanoes and even a sunset boat tour that
is one of the highlights of the trip.
You will learn:
▪ Travel/adventure photography
▪ Photographing wildlife in the jungle
▪ Landscape photography
▪ Macro photography
▪ Costa Rican lifestyle and history and people
▪ Best places for photography
Our August workshops are sold out, but September workshops are right around the corner.
Join us for Rick Hulbert's Urban and Street Photography workshop in Houston and San Antonio, Texas.
Then, we have Steve Simon's Master's series workshops set for San Francisco (starting September 9) where he'll be teaching classes on all the current Nikon dSLRs such as the D610, D600, D7100, D800, D4s, Df and more.
Our Sri Lanka trip in September only has three seats remaining.
Don't hesitate to sign up for this if you are looking for an exotic adventure to a foreign land. This trip highlights wildlife, landscapes and cultural photography by one of the best in the business - Les Picker.
Join us for a 12-day (11-night) exploration of the unparalleled photographic possibilities in this island nation. Located off the southernmost coast of India, Sri Lanka is replete with some of the oldest Buddhist and Hindu temples in the world (many still in use), some of the friendliest and most photogenic people on Earth, and wildlife that rivals Africa?s best locations − all at a fraction of the cost.
Mike Hagen, Nikonians Academy Director, still has seats available for his Cuba Cultural and Photo Tour this October and his Tanzania Safari this November. Both trips offer stunning photo opportunities and daily instruction from Mike.
Posted by flashdeadline at 12:57 AM
July 2, 2014
Time to start thinking about Academy Fall schedule
Summer is here and the Nikonians Academy curriculum is in full swing. Academy Director Mike Hagen tells us quite a few workshops and photo trips have already been sold out, so it is time to start thinking about the fall season.
Acadia National Park is always a hot spot during October and is known the world over for beautiful fall colors set against a stunning ocean seascape. Join Les Picker on our 4-day Acadia National Park photo adventure (October 16-20).
This year Les will be accompanied by his video assistant, who will help participants learn how to more effectively use Nikon (or Canon) video on their DSLRs or point-and-shoot cameras. This creative outlet is increasingly being adopted by photographers to express their creative intent.
ANPAT-14
The 14th edition of the Annual Nikonians Photo Adventure Trip (ANPAT) is sure to be a tremendous adventure of like-minded photographers. The setting this year will be in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Join us September 28 - October 4th. Rocky Mountain National Park is a photographer's dream location with classic landscapes, sweeping panoramas, and giant mountain vistas.
Each and every day, our intrepid ANPAT-14 crew of photographers will explore the mountains of Colorado. We put together a detailed daily itinerary that highlights the best the area has to offer and traveling on our own time table gives us the flexibility to stay on location as long as we wish.
We only have a few seats left.
Yellowstone and Grand Teton
Jim Stamates is one of the USA's premier wildlife photographers and he's running two fall wildlife photography trips to Yellowstone and the Grand Teton National Parks during September.
Mike Hagen received an update from Jim following his spring wildlife trips:
"Mike, the Yellowstone and Tetons were phenomenal this spring. Fox and coyote dens with pups, Badgers and all the usual species with young including bears. The best sighting of our trip was a pronghorn giving birth to twins. An amazing week."
Don't forget to check out all of our other trips and classroom workshops in places like Cuba, Death Valley, Tanzania, San Francisco, Houston and New York.
Posted by flashdeadline at 12:48 AM
June 25, 2014
Les Picker - Your photo guide in Sri Lanka
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen files his report on upcoming activities and also posts an interview with Les Picker.
The focus of the interview is the newest photo tour destination on the academy curriculum: Sri Lanka.
Here is Mike's report:
We are headed to the Giant Redwoods this week with Michael Mariant.
It's going to be a great week of incredible photographs. The four-day photo adventure runs Thursday, June 26 to Sunday, June 29.
Next up for us is Jim Stamates' wildlife photography trip to Alaska this July to photograph whales, bears and ice fields. This is a seven-day adventure (Friday July 18, to Thursday July 24).
We've just added new Masters Series Workshops for San Francisco and New York City this September and October. Check them out at our website: www.nikoniansacademy.com
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Les Picker: Your guide to Sri Lanka
Nikonians is proud to offer a photo tour destination that is truly off the beaten path.
Academy faculty member Les Picker will be leading a tour of the island of Sri Lanka.
Since this is a first-of-its-kind tour, I decided to
interview Les, an awhttps://www.lesterpickerphoto.com/ard-winning
travel photographer about it.
Why Sri Lanka?
Every year the Earth seems to get smaller and photo destinations today are often overdone.
When I first visited Sri Lanka, I was incredibly impressed by its rich photographic potential. Warm weather, white sand beaches, cascading waterfalls, ancient temples, verdant landscapes and friendly people all line up for the perfect photographic environment.
So many of its attractions are still pristine, but will be changing rapidly in future years, so now is the best time to go.
Plus, costs for a Sri Lanka tour are a fraction of other exotic travel
destinations.
Is it safe in Sri Lanka?
Quite safe. There was a long-standing civil insurrection that lasted for decades, but that ended many years ago.
Being a primarily Buddhist nation crime
is low. The Sri Lankans are very friendly and welcome tourists.
How are the accommodations?
The hotels we will use during the 11-night tour are all very good.
After a full day's photography, they offer a clean, welcoming environment. Food is fresh and high quality.
Most Buddhists follow a primarily vegetarian diet, although they
cater to tourists, so meats and fresh fish are offered.
Do participants have to be in top physical shape?
The short answer is, no. To clarify, we will be walking through temples and sites that require climbing some steps.
One site has many steps and another involves hiking. However, these can be done according to the person's abilities.
Perhaps you won't hike quite as far, but the sites you are able to
access will be fantastic! You will be able to hire a porter nearly anywhere we
stop for just a few dollars, so carrying your gear will not be an issue.
Are non-photographer spouses welcome?
Most definitely! There will be many sites that are just as interesting to the non-photographer or for a point-and-shoot enthusiast.
There are ancient temples that are still being used, historical sites, tea plantations, and tons of wildlife that anyone can enjoy, camera or not.
We encourage non-photographer
spouses to attend and know they will have a tremendous time.
Is there something for the landscape photographer?
Sri Lanka is a landscape photographer's paradise!
How about waterfalls, rolling hills of tea plants, grasses blowing in wide expanses of meadows, beaches, waterscapes and forests?
Sound good?
Are the people willing to be photographed?
As I said, Sri Lankans are a proud and exceptionally friendly people.
They are usually willing to have their pictures taken.
Of course, we always make it a practice to ask for permission first.
It is also nice to get your subject's
email address and send them a copy when you get home.
How about wildlife?
This is one of the most surprising things about Sri Lanka for those who do not
know it.
It has amazing, abundant wildlife. Elephants abound and we will be visiting two parks that feature wild elephants.
The highlight of the trip for wildlife lovers, whether photographer or observer, is Yala National Park, where we will do five separate safari trips.
It has the highest density of leopards
in the world, plus elephants, water buffalo, a rare species of bear,
crocodiles, tropical birds, monkeys and much more.
Where can Nikonians get more information?
Check the Nikonians Academy site.
If you have further questions for Les, feel free to write him at lespicker@gmail.com
Sri Lanka Photos courtesy of Les Picker.
Posted by flashdeadline at 12:46 AM
June 18, 2014
Nikonians Academy summer workshops at a glance
Summer officially begins this weekend, and our Nikonians Academy instructors are planning summertime workshops in Canada, Washington, California and Alaska.
Steve Simon leads the way with three sessions in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada:
▪ Master the Nikon D800, Df and D4 - In Depth 1 (June 19)
▪ Master the Nikon D800, Df and D4 - In Depth 2 (June 20)
▪ The Passionate Nikon Photographer Two-Day Mastery Workshop (starting June 21).
Richard Hulbert will be presenting his four-day Urban and Street Photography Workshop to Seattle starting Thursday (June 18). These workshops have been widely praised, with comments like:
“Just finished the Chicago Urban and Street Photography Workshop with Rick Hulbert – Fantastic! I learned a ton and had a great time. Rick is a fabulous teacher, photographer and architect. He really knows his stuff and isn’t shy about sharing his experience and knowledge. Well worth the money as I walked out of the workshop feeling as though I’m headed to the next level as opposed to walking out the workshop with a few good images but haven’t learned much.”
- Tom Ferguson
June concludes with Michael Mariant's four-day Giant Redwoods of Northern California photo adventure (June 26-29).
The towering, giant redwoods of Northern California are so wide at the base, it takes 20 grown men, linked hand-to-hand, to circle the circumference. Treetops are lost in the clouds as single redwood trees rise to heights greater then a 40-story building.
With thousands of redwood trees clustered in hundreds of groves tucked away in Northern California, this workshop brings you to the perfect and ideal redwood groves, at times and locations predetermined to be the best photographic opportunity.
July's schedule is dominated by Jim Stamates and his Alaska - Whales, Bears, and Ice Fields Wildlife Photography Adventure. This is a seven-day, seven-night session (July 18-24). Jim is eager to share his knowledge from 30 years as a professional wildlife photographer and his countless trips to Alaska.
He will teach his Three Keys to Great Photos, and how to get those stunning images of wildlife while using 'low impact field techniques.'
His entire workshop will be based out of Juneau in the Goldbelt Hotel. Each day you'll depart on adventures to photograph Alaska’s spectacular wildlife, scenery and landscapes.
Posted by flashdeadline at 12:50 AM
June 10, 2014
Nikonians Academy slots filling fast
Masters Series workshops are still going strong for the Nikonians Academy staff. This week they are running classes in Calgary, Alberta (June 12-14) and Seattle, Washington (June 13-19).
Next week, they will be in Edmonton, AB (June 19-21) with our D800/D4/Df Mastery Series workshops.
We have a few spots remaining in each of these classes, so don't hesitate to sign up if you are in town.
Our next Urban and Street Photography workshop is set for beautiful Seattle, WA (June 19 – 22).
We have an entire series of Urban and Street Photography workshops scheduled all around the USA and know that you are going to absolutely love them.
Rick Hulbert is one of the brightest and best photographers out there.
He's also a master architect and knows how to pull hidden gems out of the urban landscape.
Our Fall workshops are set to provide excellent photo opportunities.
Travel with Les Picker to Acadia National Park (starting October 16) in search of beautiful autumn colors.
Les lived in Maine for ten years and received his doctorate in ecology from the University of Maine, using Acadia National Park for his research. Few photographers know the intricacies of Acadia as does Les.
This year Les will be accompanied by his video assistant, who will help participants learn how to more effectively use Nikon (or Canon) video on their DSLRs or point-and-shoot cameras. This creative outlet is increasingly being adopted by photographers to express their creative intent.
Also up are Yellowstone (September 22-25), Bishop for the Eastern Sierra & The Owens Valley adventure (September 18-21), Rocky Mountain National Park for the 14th ANPAT(September 28-October 4), Grand Tetons (September 29-October 2) and Yosemite (October 3-5).
We cover America's National Parks by the people who know them best.
Interested in an international photography adventure? Join Mike Hagen in Tanzania (November 4-15) for a wildlife photography adventure you will never forget.
Or, join professional wildlife photographer Jim Stamates for a rainforest trip to Costa Rica in February 2015.
Posted by flashdeadline at 9:25 PM
June 4, 2014
Summer schedule for Nikonians Academy includes new cities
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen reports the pace is picking up this summer for the instructor staff. He filed a quick brief while preparing for his trip to Seattle.
Here is Mike's report:
In our ongoing goal to bring the best photography workshops to everyone, we have just posted new workshops for San Francisco and New York City.
We'll also have dates set for Vancouver, BC set in the next couple of days. Next week, while I'm running workshops in Seattle, Steve Simon will bring his Masters series to Calgary and Edmonton (June 12-21).
Rick Hulbert's Urban and Street Photography workshops continue to receive tremendous customer reviews.
So much so, that we've added a host of new cities all around the USA and will be coming back to Europe in a few months. Next up are:
▪ Seattle, June 19
▪ Vancouver, July 10
▪ Houston, September 4
▪ San Antonio, September 11
▪ Los Angeles, December 11
We have big trips coming up this Summer and Fall.
We've already sold out of seats for Iceland and Galapagos and we are almost sold out for ANPAT 14.
Don't wait too much longer to sign up for Cuba, Tanzania, Yosemite, Alaska Wildlife, Eastern Sierra, Grand Teton, Yellowstone and Sri Lanka.
Last year's Acadia photo adventure with Les Picker was incredible and we can't wait to go back again to capture the beautiful fall colors and coastline of Maine (starting October 16).
Looking ahead to 2015, our goal is to make it a great year for photography adventures.
We already have a trip set for Costa Rica in early 2015 and will also be running a number of trips like winter photography in Iceland, Northern India for mountains and tea harvest, and wildlife photography in Tanzania.
Posted by flashdeadline at 2:57 AM
May 28, 2014
Nikonians Academy June Highlights
Our Nikonians Academy instructors are presenting a wide range of workshops and photo adventures in June.
Jim Stamates leads off with his four day Yellowstone Wildlife and Landscapes - Spring 2014 photo adventure June 2-5.
Springtime in Yellowstone NP is an exciting time. Bison, Moose and Elk have dropped their young. Bears are on the prowl looking for opportunities to fatten up after a long hibernation.
You will arrive by dawn at Mammoth Hot Springs looking for newly born elk calves.
The travertine formations present you with unending abstract compositions as the hot water bubbles out of the ground.
After a great morning shoot you are off to find more wildlife babies and incredible landscapes.
Your are invited to join Jim and Kathy Stamates to learn, experience , and capture the essence of Yellowstone National Park in the Spring.
Steve Simon will be in Calgary, Alberta, Canada hosting his Masters Series, featuring Master the Nikon D800, Df and D4 - In Depth 1 on June 12, Master the Nikon D800, Df and D4 - In Depth 2 on June 13 and The Passionate Nikon Photographer Two-Day Mastery Workshop with Steve Simon starting June 14. He will continue his Canadian tour in Edmonton presenting the same workshops June 19-22.
Meanwhile, Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen takes the Master Series to Seattle, Washington, presenting Master the Nikon D800, Df and D4 - In Depth 1 and Master the Nikon D800, Df and D4 - In Depth 2 June 13-14.
Richard Hulbert will also be in Seattle, with his four day Urban and Street Photography Workshop starting June 19.
This workshop series is designed to improve your photography regardless of whether you consider picture taking a hobby, or you are a serious enthusiast, or a professional photographer, or earn your living as a member of the global real estate, design, and construction industries.
You will learn how a basic understanding of street photography will assist in your architectural and urban photography. You will discover how the fundamental principles of travel photography will enhance your architectural and urban imaging.
While the illustrated lectures will give you the fundamental information you need, you will spend a significant portion of the workshop in the field, with hands on photography. Your professional instructor, Rick Hulbert, will also give daily constructive critiques of your own selected images which is a key part of the learning experience.
The month will conclude with Michael A. Mariant's Giant Redwoods of Northern California photo adventure (June 26-29).
This four day workshop focuses not only on the "where" to take the pictures, but also on the "how" to take pictures, incorporating photographic education throughout the workshop at each location.
By building on the previous location's techniques and lessons, this allows for culmination in a comprehensive lesson in pre-visualization, composition, modified exposure and light controls.
This truly is a collaboration of extensive, comprehensive landscape photography education coupled with a dynamic location.
Posted by flashdeadline at 7:06 PM
May 21, 2014
ANPAT-14 seats availability shrinks
The number of available seats in the edition of the Annual Nikonians Photo Adventure Trip (ANPAT-14) has shrunk to single digits. Only nine reservations are left to be made.
The ANPAT, at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, USA will be held from September 28 to October 4. The park is a photographer's dream location with classic landscapes, sweeping panoramas, and giant mountain vistas.
Check the official Nikonians Academy ANPAT page for more information.
To see what the attendees are discussing in advance of the adventure, click here.
If you want to enjoy a photo adventure with our Nikonians Academy instructors even earlier, you still have time to register with Jim Stamate's trip to Grand Teton later this month and to Yellowstone the first week of June for a wildlife photography workshop. Jim's field workshops are known worldwide for their excellent ability to produce stunning wildlife images in great light.
For those on the West Coast, check out Michael Mariant's amazing trip to the Giant Redwoods of Northern California this June.
This workshop focuses not only on the 'where' to take the pictures, but also on the 'how' to take pictures, incorporating photographic education throughout the workshop at each location.
By building on the previous location's techniques and lessons, this allows for culmination in a comprehensive lesson in pre-visualization, composition, modified exposure and light controls.
Our Masters Series workshops and Passionate Photographer workshops are scheduled around the USA and Canada for the next two months.
Join us in Seattle, Calgary and Edmonton this May and June.
Rick Hulbert has added an entire new schedule of Urban and Street Photography workshops around the USA for 2014. Next up is Seattle in June, then Vancouver, Houston, San Antonio and Los Angeles.
The reviews from Rick's workshops are excellent and people fly in from destinations far and wide to attend.
Interested in an international photo adventure? Join us for an incredible trip to Sri Lanka, Tanzania, or Cuba this year. Each trip has its own unique mix of exciting wildlife or cultural photography or both.
Posted by flashdeadline at 4:15 AM
May 14, 2014
Academy National Parks photo adventures highlight Spring
Spring is a great time to experience the USA's National Parks with your camera.
Join us on a trip to Grand Teton later this month and to Yellowstone the first week of June for a wildlife photography workshop with Jim Stamates.
Jim's field workshops are known world-wide for their excellent ability to produce stunning wildlife images in great light.
Jim has been highly commended by the Natural History Museum, London, England through the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition. His award winning images have been published in over 30 countries. His fine art prints are sought after worldwide and are hanging in homes, offices, and galleries throughout the U.S, Japan, Australia, and Europe.
The Nikonians Academy is very proud to have Jim as member of its faculty
For those on the West Coast, check out Michael Mariant's amazing trip to the Giant Redwoods of Northern California this June.
This workshop focuses not only on the 'where' to take the pictures, but also on the 'how' to take pictures, incorporating photographic education throughout the workshop at each location.
By building on the previous location's techniques and lessons, this allows for culmination in a comprehensive lesson in pre-visualization, composition, modified exposure and light controls.
Our Masters series workshops and Passionate Photographer workshops are scheduled around the USA and Canada for the next two months.
Join us in Seattle, Calgary and Edmonton this May and June.
Rick Hulbert has added an entire new schedule of Urban and Street Photography workshops around the USA for 2014. Next up is Seattle in June, then Vancouver, Houston, San Antonio and Los Angeles.
The reviews from Rick's workshops are excellent and people fly in from destinations far and wide to attend.
Interested in an international photo adventure? Join us for an incredible trip to Sri Lanka, Tanzania, or Cuba this year. Each trip has its own unique mix of exciting wildlife or cultural photography or both.
Posted by flashdeadline at 5:44 AM
May 7, 2014
Academy: Super summer of workshops and adventures on tap
Nikonians Academy instructor Rick Hulbert just added four new cities to his very popular series of workshops. He invites you to join him in Seattle this June for his best selling Urban and Street Photography Workshop.
He is running his new signature series of workshops Mastering Composition in Photography and Mastering Architectural and Urban Photography in Atlanta, Vancouver BC, Houston, San Antonio, Washington DC and Los Angeles throughout the rest of this year.
Richard Hulbert is an International Award winning and published Architect, Urban Designer, and Photographer
Those of you who are ANPAT veterans will know “Rick” as the guy dressed in black with more gear than should be possible to carry.
Steve Simon is running workshops this week in Houston. We keep adding more workshops to the schedule and will soon be in Boston, Calgary AB and Edmonton AB.
Your choices in the Masters Series include:
▪ Master the Nikon D600, D610, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1
▪ Master the Nikon D600, D610, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 2
▪ Master the Nikon D800, Df and D4 - In Depth 1
▪ Master the Nikon D800, Df and D4 - In Depth 2
▪ The Passionate Nikon Photographer with Steve Simon
Other cities around the USA for our Masters Series workshops are:
Note: Depending on the city scheduled, the number and specific titles of Masters Series workshops may vary, so it helps to check your desired city and dates to make sure your preferred courses are available.
We still have space in our Exclusive Yosemite: Black & White Digital Zone workshop with Michael Mariant beginning on May 17. This rare, private-format, one-time-only workshop will be limited to only five Nikonians students.
The new workshop is aimed towards photographers who want to follow in the footsteps of the famous landscape masters. Michael will be teaching black and white theory, manual exposure, composition, and post processing.
Join Academy Director Mike Hagen on an international photo expedition to Cuba, Galapagos or Africa.
We have already sold out our Summer Iceland trip, so don't wait to sign up for our other adventure locations.
Mike is a veteran trip leader and works tirelessly to provide a shooting experience like none other.
Posted by flashdeadline at 3:42 AM
April 23, 2014
Academy curriculum adding two Canadian cities
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen tells us the list of cities slated for workshops this year continues to grow.
The two newest destinations for the Academy instructor staff are Calgary and Edmonton (in Alberta province, Canada) this June. Your choices in the Masters Series include:
▪ Master the Nikon D600, D610, D7000
& D7100 - In
Depth 1
▪ Master the Nikon D600, D610, D7000
& D7100 - In Depth 2
▪ Master the Nikon D800,
Df and D4 - In Depth 1
▪ Master the Nikon D800, Df and D4 -
▪ The Passionate Nikon Photographer
with Steve Simon
The Calgary sessions run June 12-15 and the Edmonton workshops will be held June 19-22.
Other cities around the USA for our Masters Series workshops are:
Note: Depending on the city scheduled, the number and specific titles of Masters Series workshops may vary, so it helps to check your desired city and dates to make sure your preferred courses are available.
Photo adventures abound
Spring wildlife photograph is around the corner in America's National Parks. Join us this May and June for incredible photography with Jim Stamates.
Wildlife photographers, now is the time to sign up for Jim Stamates' incredible wildlife trips to Grand Teton National Park (starting May 26) and Yellowstone National Park (starting June 2).
In previous years, we've photographed most of the big North American wild animals such as bear, elk, moose, wolves and lots of smaller animals and birds.
Jim is one of the foremost experts on wildlife photography in these national parks. Join him for a trip you won't forget.
We have a brand new black and white workshop in Yosemite titled Exclusive Yosemite: Black & White Digital Zone.
Nikonians Academy instructor Michael Mariant will be hosting this rare, private-format, one-time-only workshop May 16-18, 2014. It will be limited to only five Nikonians students.
The new workshop is aimed towards photographers who want to follow in the footsteps of the famous landscape masters. Michael will be teaching black and white theory, manual exposure, composition, and post processing.
There are a couple of seats remaining, so don't delay.
Rick Hulbert is well known for both his photography and his architectural knowledge. Join him in Seattle this June for his best selling Urban and Street Photography Workshop.
He is running his new signature series of workshops Mastering Composition in Photography and Mastering Architectural and Urban Photography in Atlanta, Vancouver BC, Houston, San Antonio, Washington DC and Los Angeles throughout the rest of this year.
Posted by flashdeadline at 2:14 AM
April 21, 2014
ANPAT 14 attendees prepare for Colorado
The 14th edition of the Annual Nikonians Photo Adventure Trip (ANPAT), already has 11 of 32 seats reserved.
You are invited to join Nikonians founders Bo Stahlbrandt (bgs) and J. Ramón Palacios (jrp) for the Nikonians field event of year, at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, USA.
The adventure will be held from September 28 to October 4.
Rocky Mountain National Park is a photographer's dream location with classic landscapes, sweeping panoramas, and giant mountain vistas.
If you are an ANPAT veteran, you well know why you should not miss it. If you are new to our Annual Nikonians Photo Adventure Trips you must come to learn why Nikonians is not just "a site" but a full rewarding community experience. Don't miss it!
Posted by flashdeadline at 7:45 AM
April 16, 2014
May includes two new workshop opportunities
Two new additions to the Nikonians Academy curriculum highlight our weekly report from Academy Director Mike Hagen. Nikonians Academy instructor Michael Mariant will be hosting a rare, private-format, one-time-only workshop in Yosemite National Park.
This three day workshop (May 16-18, 2014) will be limited to only five Nikonians students and two seats are already taken.
The brand new workshop is called Exclusive Yosemite: Black & White Digital Zone and is aimed towards photographers who want to follow in the footsteps of the famous landscape masters.
Michael will be teaching black and white theory, manual exposure, composition, and post processing.
Michael asks that the Nikonians signing up for this course are:
• Comfortable in shooting in manual mode
• Understand how to use the in-camera spot meter or a hand-held spot meter
• Understand how to use the histogram not for exposure but for reading the tonal range of the image
• Are comfortable with RAW format coupled with exposure camera controls
• Are comfortable and can navigate their way around Photoshop or Lightroom, and use adjustment layers
• Are willing to participate in the workshop planning and prep via email discussion prior to the workshop start
Our Masters Series workshops continue to get fantastic reviews and Steve Simon has been scheduled to take the series to Boston (May 28-June 1).
Steven and Mike Hagen have just finished up workshops in Chicago and New Jersey and are now headed to Texas for classes in Dallas and Houston. We'll be in Seattle this June. Mike Hagen tells us he has plans for many more to come around the USA.
Wildlife photographers, now is the time to sign up for Jim Stamates' incredible wildlife trips to Grand Teton National Park (starting May 26) and Yellowstone National Park (starting June 2).
In previous years, we've photographed most of the big North American wild animals such as bear, elk, moose, wolves and lots of smaller animals and birds.
Jim is one of the foremost experts on wildlife photography in these national parks. Join him for a trip you won't forget.
Rick Hulbert is one of the masters when it comes to urban and architectural photography.
He is running his signature series of workshops Mastering Composition in Photography and Mastering Architectural and Urban Photography in Atlanta, Vancouver BC, Houston, San Antonio, Washington DC and Los Angeles throughout the rest of this year.
Our Iceland trip is sold out for this summer, but we are headed back in February for Northern lights, ice caves and landscape photography.
We still have space on our Tanzanian Wildlife Photo Safari, Galapagos Photo Adventure, Sri Lanka Culture/Wildlife, and Cuba Photography/Cultural Tour.
Posted by flashdeadline at 2:24 AM
April 9, 2014
2014 workshops cover cameras, techniques, adventures
The Nikonians Academy 2014 workshop curriculum has our instructors preparing for workshops and photo adventures in North American cities, National Parks and International scenic islands. In a brief report from the road, Mike gives us a glimpse at some of the highlights for this year::
"I want to invite our members to join our professional wildlife photographer Jim Stamates one or both of our spring wildlife shoots in Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. These are scheduled for the last week of May and the first week of June to coincide with all the new baby animals.
Rick Hulbert just finished up his very successful Urban and Street Photography workshops in Germany and the UK.
His next workshops are set for the USA beginning in June with Seattle, Atlanta, and Vancouver on the agenda.
We've changed the model a little bit and have split the workshops into two, 2-day sessions.
Mastering Architectural and Urban Photography and Mastering Composition in Photography.
Although you may take either workshop on its own, they are designed to be taken in conjunction with each other. If you sign up for both workshops, you will be eligible for a bundling rebate. Details are in the course descriptions.
Rick guarantees that you will come away with a better understanding of composition that goes far beyond 'artistic feelings' and 'divine proportions.'
Join us for an international photo experience to somewhere wild and exotic.
We just sold out for our Iceland Birds and Landscape trip, but still have room for Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Galapagos, Cuba and Costa Rica.
These trips are designed by photographers for photographers so we take full advantage of the beautiful light and stunning scenery.
If you are looking for a photo adventure in one of the USA National Parks, you need to check on Michael Mariant's outings this year. He knows the western national parks like no one else.
His workshops to Yosemite, Death Valley, Eastern Sierra and the Giant Redwoods are well designed and highly educational."
Posted by flashdeadline at 12:34 AM
April 1, 2014
Nikonians Academy - Report from the road
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen is on the road, and he took time to give us an update on the coming months.
Mike tells us a new city has been added to the Master Series workshops: Seattle, Washington. He will be leading the workshops, covering the Nikon D800, Df and D4, in June. The workshops cover the In Depth 1 (June 13) and In Depth 2 (June 14) curriculum.
Steve Simon and Mike are running workshops this week on opposite coasts. Steve is in Los Angeles and Mike is in New Jersey. There's still time to sign up.
Next week, they will be running the Masters Series workshops in Chicago, then off to Dallas and Houston - The Woodlands, Texas.
In a brief report from the road, Mike gives us a glimpse at some of the highlights for this year::
"I want to invite our members to join our professional wildlife photographer Jim Stamates one or both of our spring wildlife shoots in Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. These are scheduled for the last week of May and the first week of June to coincide with all the new baby animals.
Rick Hulbert just finished up his very successful Urban and Street Photography workshops in Germany and the UK.
His next workshops are set for the USA beginning in June with Seattle, Atlanta, and Vancouver on the agenda.
We've changed the model a little bit and have split the workshops into two, 2-day sessions.
Mastering Architectural and Urban Photography and Mastering Composition in Photography.
Although you may take either workshop on its own, they are designed to be taken in conjunction with each other. If you sign up for both workshops, you will be eligible for a bundling rebate. Details are in the course descriptions.
Rick guarantees that you will come away with a better understanding of composition that goes far beyond 'artistic feelings' and 'divine proportions.'
Join us for an international photo experience to somewhere wild and exotic.
We just sold out for our Iceland Birds and Landscape trip, but still have room for Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Galapagos, Cuba and Costa Rica.
These trips are designed by photographers for photographers so we take full advantage of the beautiful light and stunning scenery.
If you are looking for a photo adventure in one of the USA National Parks, you need to check on Michael Mariant's outings this year. He knows the western national parks like no one else.
His workshops to Yosemite, Death Valley, Eastern Sierra and the Giant Redwoods are well designed and highly educational."
Posted by flashdeadline at 11:53 PM
March 25, 2014
Nikonians Academy curriculum in full swing
With warmer weather ahead of them, our Nikonians Academy instructors are engaged in a heavy schedule of workshops and photo adventure tours.
The Masters Series tour continued this week, when Steve Simon started his New York City workshops. He will then head for Los Angeles (beginning April 1) and Chicago (starting April 8).
He will then make his way to Texas, where he will lead the workshops in Dallas (starting April 29) and Houston – The Woodlands (starting May 6). Mike Hagen's Master's Series workshops commence in New Jersey on April 3.
Each workshop leader brings the popular core Masters curriculum, with Steve Simon's slate capped by his popular The Passionate Nikon Photographer workshop.
Course titles include:
■ Master the Nikon D600, D610, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1
■ Master the Nikon D600, D610, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 2
■ Master the Nikon D800, Df and D4 - In Depth 1
■ Master the Nikon D800, Df and D4 - In Depth 2
■ The Passionate Nikon Photographer Two-Day Mastery Workshop (Steve Simon)
Yosemite
Michael A. Mariant will be leading the Yosemite in Spring: Big Waterfall Weekend starting April 26.
This will take you on two days of photography instruction and discovery in Yosemite Valley, with a course curriculum focusing on shooting techniques and learning to read the scene, amidst the splendor of the roaring waterfalls.
Photographing Yosemite in the spring is not about finding the locations, but all about the timing.
Yosemite Valley, with its countless blooming flowers, tall green grasses, roaring rapids in the Merced River and the showcase of them all: over a dozen waterfalls pouring over the towering cliffs of the valley’s rim, makes for an iconic photographic location. Coupled with the dramatic backdrop of the sheer granite walls and iconic lofty, precipitous spires, peaks and domes, spring time in Yosemite is a photographer’s delight.
While Yosemite’s major granite landmarks, such as Glacier Point, Half Dome and El Capitan, can be photographed year-round, the waterfalls run only in spring, and some for only a few months before running dry.
As the sun rises and transits the sky, shining down into this east-west valley, the light changes quickly, turning a dull location into something spectacular, sometimes only for a few minutes.
Grand Teton
Jim Stamates one of North America's most successful wildlife photographers, leads you to the amazing wildlife and scenics of Grand Teton National Park starting May 26.
This springtime four-day photo adventure is an exciting time.
Bison, Moose and Elk have dropped their young. Birds are nesting and beavers and river otters tend to their young. We arrive before dawn at Schwabacher Landing and we wait for the sun to kiss the tops of the snowcapped Grand Tetons.
The reflection in the beaver pond adds the perfect touch to our first image of the day.
Then on to Mormon Row to get the classic shot of the barns with snowcapped peaks in the background. Bison herds move in unison as the brand new calves jump, play and chase each other. That’s just the first morning and we have many opportunities awaiting us.
For photographers hoping to shoot landscapes and wildlife in North America this spring and summer, we have you covered.
Yellowstone
Jim Stamates will stay outdoors the following month, as he leads the Yellowstone Wildlife and Landscapes - Spring 2014 adventure starting June 2.
This is an intense four days of photography. You will position yourself each day before dawn for the best light and best wildlife or landscape options. You will visit the many icons of Yellowstone including Yellowstone Falls, Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, Mammoth Hot Springs and more, while keeping a keen eye for wildlife along the way. Each day ends with your cards filled with exceptional images. You eat lunch as a group at a restaurant within the park taking time to socialize and get to know fellow enthusiasts. Instruction will be in the field. No strenuous hiking.
Make sure you check our Nikonians Academy home page often. That is where Mike Hagen posts the latest workshop and photo adventure news and schedules.
Posted by flashdeadline at 11:12 PM
March 18, 2014
Time to check your 2014 Calendar
Spring officially starts this week in most of the northern hemisphere and Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen suggests you start planning for your big 2014 photo adventure trip.
Mike tells us these are not just "solo" adventures:
"Most of our international photo tours are designed to work with non-photographer spouses. If you are a shooter and have always wanted to bring your spouse along with you to Africa, Costa Rica, Cuba, Iceland, Alaska or the Galapagos, then feel free to sign up.
For more information contact me at mike.hagen@nikonians.org and I'll get back to you right away."
Over the next few weeks, Mike and Steve Simon will be in New York City, Los Angeles and Fairfield, New Jersey and Chicago leading the Masters Series workshops. Join them as they help you master the newest Nikon cameras such as the D610, Df, D4, D800, D610, D7100 and more.
Each workshop leader brings the popular core Masters curriculum, with Steve Simon's slate capped by his popular The Passionate Nikon Photographer workshop.
Course titles include:
► Master the Nikon D600, D610, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1
► Master the Nikon D600, D610, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 2
► Master the Nikon D800, Df and D4 - In Depth 1
► Master the Nikon D800, Df and D4 - In Depth 2
► The Passionate Nikon Photographer Two-Day Mastery Workshop (Steve Simon)
Rick Hulbert is in Europe right now running his highly-regarded Urban and Street Photography Workshops in Germany and Great Britain.
There are just a couple of seats remaining for the Cambridge workshops in Great Britain from March 27-30, so don't wait to sign up.
For photographers hoping to shoot landscapes and wildlife in North America this spring and summer, we have quite a few options to whet your appetite.
Your options include: Yosemite in Spring, Grand Teton in Spring, Yellowstone in Spring, and Giant Redwoods of Northern California.
Make sure you check our Nikonians Academy home page often. That's where Mike Hagen posts the latest workshop and photo adventure news and schedules.
Posted by flashdeadline at 7:25 PM
March 12, 2014
Nikonians Academy going global in March
Nikonians Academy instructor Richard Hulbert's Urban and Street Photography workshop heads for Germany and the UK this month.
The Berlin workshop begins on March 20 and the Cambridge, UK workshop starts on March 27.
This workshop series is designed to improve your photography regardless of whether you consider picture taking a hobby, or you are a serious enthusiast, or a professional photographer, or earn your living as a member of the global real estate, design, and construction industries.
There are rules for photographing buildings and other man-made structures, and knowing these rules will make you a better photographer. Mastering these rules will allow you to learn how "break" them in a deliberate, meaningful way.
You will learn how a basic understanding of street photography will assist in your architectural and urban photography. You will discover how the fundamental principles of travel photography will enhance your architectural and urban imaging.
Masters Series three-city sweep
Steve Simon and Academy Director Mike Hagen bring the Masters Series to New York City, Los Angeles and Fairfield, New Jersey in the coming weeks.
The Masters Series tour begins March 25th when Steve Simon begins his New York City workshops on March 25th. He'll then head for Los Angeles (beginning April 1) while Mike Hagen's workshops commence in New Jersey on April 3.
Each workshop leader brings the popular core Masters curriculum, with Steve Simon's slate capped by his popular The Passionate Nikon Photographer workshop.
Course titles include:
► Master the Nikon D600, D610, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1
► Master the Nikon D600, D610, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 2
► Master the Nikon D800, Df and D4 - In Depth 1
► Master the Nikon D800, Df and D4 - In Depth 2
► The Passionate Nikon Photographer Two-Day Mastery Workshop (Steve Simon)
Looking ahead to 2015
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen has been adding new workshops to the schedule, including dates clear into next year. One of the highlights will be the Costa Rica Photography Adventure 2015 led by Jim Stamates. This is your chance to enjoy 11 Days and 10 nights in beautiful Costa Rica, while warming up in the middle of winter.
This is an Eco Adventure. It includes photo opportunities from mountains to beaches, from rural towns to rain forests, wildlife, birds, beautiful scenery, hanging bridges, butterfly garden, culture, volcanoes, and a sunset boat tour that past participants exclaim is a major highlight.
This expedition is for everyone. If you are a photography enthusiast then you know that rain forest photography is challenging. Jim will help you get great tropical images.
Posted by flashdeadline at 2:38 AM
March 5, 2014
Ready for some warmer shooting?
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen tells us the staff is eager to get out of the winter doldrums.
With spring right around the corner, you will want to check out the Yellowstone and Grand Teton workshops led by Jim Stamates.
The Academy has operated these wonderful wildlife photography workshops for many years now and Jim is one of the most knowledgeable photographers in the USA. He's been shooting here for decades and would love to teach you the tricks of the trade in his adopted back yard.
Join Jim and Kathy Stamates for 4 wild days to learn, experience , and capture the essence of Yellowstone National Park in the Spring.
Yellowstone is an intense four days of photography (June 2-5). You will position yourselves each day before dawn for the best light and best wildlife or landscape options. You will visit the many icons of Yellowstone including Yellowstone Falls, Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, Mammoth Hot Springs and more, while keeping a keen eye for wildlife along the way. Each day ends with your cards filled with exceptional images. You eat lunch as a group at a restaurant within the park taking time to socialize and get to know fellow enthusiasts. Instruction will be in the field. No strenuous hiking.
The Grand Teton Springtime workshop is an exciting time. This will be a four day adventure (May 26-29), when Bison, Moose and Elk have birthed their young.
Birds are nesting and beavers and river otters tend to their young. We arrive before dawn at Schwabacher Landing and we wait for the sun to kiss the tops of the snowcapped Grand Tetons.
The reflection in the beaver pond adds the perfect touch to our first image of the day. Then on to Mormon Row to get the classic shot of the barns with snowcapped peaks in the background. Bison herds move in unison as the brand new calves jump, play and chase each other. That’s just the first morning!
The Masters Series workshops are scheduled in the next few weeks for New York City and New Jersey with Steve Simon and Mike Hagen.
After that, we have Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas and Houston.
More workshops are being added to the schedule all the time.
For you international travelers, it is time to start thinking about summer and fall trips. This year, Mike Hagen is leading trips to Galapagos, Iceland, Cuba and Tanzania. Each trip is designed specifically for photographers. We also have quite a few non-photographing spouses attend our journeys and we work hard to make the trips exciting for both.
Last, but certainly not least, there are just a few seats remaining on this summer's 5th Annual Ultimate Travel Workshop on the Semester at Sea cruise ship with Michael Mariant.
Posted by flashdeadline at 3:06 AM
February 19, 2014
Nikonians Academy ready for Spring
Here's your opportunity to put Winter in your rear-view mirror and look forward to Spring. Nikonians Academy instructor Michael A. Mariant's Death Valley in the Spring photo adventure begins March 13th and he still has some seats left.
This 4-day adventure focuses not only on the "where" to take the pictures, but also on the "how" to take pictures.
It includes photographic education throughout the workshop at each location, building on the previous locations techniques and lessons to culminate in a comprehensive lesson in composition, modified exposure, light controls, Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS), and High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography to name just a few.
Masters Series three-city sweep
Steve Simon and Academy Director Mike Hagen bring the Masters Series to New York City, Los Angeles and Fairfield, New Jersey in the coming weeks.
The Masters Series tour begins March 25th when Steve Simon begins his New York City workshops on March 25th. He'll then head for Los Angeles (beginning April 1) while Mike Hagen's workshops commence in New Jersey on April 3.
Each workshop leader brings the popular core Masters curriculum, with Steve Simon's slate capped by his popular The Passionate Nikon Photographer workshop.
Course titles include:
► Master the Nikon D600, D610, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1
► Master the Nikon D600, D610, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 2
► Master the Nikon D800, Df and D4 - In Depth 1
► Master the Nikon D800, Df and D4 - In Depth 2
► The Passionate Nikon Photographer Two-Day Mastery Workshop (Steve Simon)
Nikonians Academy returns to Europe
Richard Hulbert's Urban and Street Photography workshop heads for Germany and the UK next month. The Berlin workshop begins on March 20 and the Cambridge, UK workshop starts on March 27.
This workshop series is designed to improve your photography regardless of whether you consider picture taking a hobby, or you are a serious enthusiast, or a professional photographer, or earn your living as a member of the global real estate, design, and construction industries.
There are rules for photographing buildings and other man-made structures, and knowing these rules will make you a better photographer. Mastering these rules will allow you to learn how "break" them in a deliberate, meaningful way.
You will learn how a basic understanding of street photography will assist in your architectural and urban photography. You will discover how the fundamental principles of travel photography will enhance your architectural and urban imaging.
Posted by flashdeadline at 1:28 AM
February 12, 2014
Academy slate extending to 2015
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen has been adding new workshops to the schedule, including dates clear into next year. One of the highlights will be the Costa Rica Photography Adventure 2015 led by Jim Stamates. This is your chance to enjoy 11 Days and 10 nights in beautiful Costa Rica, while warming up in the middle of winter.
This is an Eco Adventure. It includes photo opportunities from mountains to beaches, from rural towns to rain forests, wildlife, birds, beautiful scenery, hanging bridges, butterfly garden, culture, volcanoes, and a sunset boat tour that past participants exclaim is a major highlight.
This expedition is for everyone. If you are a photography enthusiast then you know that rain forest photography is challenging. Jim will help you get great tropical images.
Coming This MonthRichard Hulbert's Urban and Street Photography Workshop begins in Dallas, Texas starting February 20, with only two seats left.
This workshop series is designed to improve your photography regardless of whether you consider picture taking a hobby, or you are a serious enthusiast, or a professional photographer, or earn your living as a member of the global real estate, design, and construction industries.
There are rules for photographing buildings and other man-made structures, and knowing these rules will make you a better photographer. Mastering these rules will allow you to learn how “break” them in a deliberate, meaningful way.
There is no requirement for fancy equipment at this 4-day workshop. Any and every brand of camera will work, so we strongly encourage participants with Canon, Pentax, Sony and other camera brands to attend.
The principles taught will also apply to point and shoot cameras, new mirrorless cameras and even camera phones. We’re serious. Bring your iPhone or Android and see what you can create.
Also beginning February 20th, Michael A. Mariant launches the Yosemite in Winter: A Season of Contrast photo adventure. This workshop will focus on the numerous locations in the Yosemite Valley that are complemented by the snow season.
It is well as timed for one of the few rare scenes in Yosemite that happens only once a year for about 10 days in only the perfect conditions: the backlit illumination of Horsetail Fall by the setting sun, called 'The Firefall' (as immortalized by the original 1973 Galen Rowell photo). All three sunset opportunities of the workshop will devoted to capturing this elusive visual phenomenon.
Looking forward to MarchMichael A. Mariant's Death Valley in the Spring photo adventure begins March 13th. This 4-day adventure focuses not only on the 'where' to take the pictures, but also on the 'how' to take pictures. It incorporates photographic education throughout the workshop at each location, building on the previous locations techniques and lessons to culminate in a comprehensive lesson in composition, modified exposure, light controls, Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS), and High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography to name just a few.
On the International front, Richard Hulbert brings his Urban and Street Photography workshop to Berlin on March 20 and Cambridge, UK on March 27.
Steve Simon takes the Masters Series to New York City beginning March 25. His course schedule includes:
► March 25 - Master the Nikon D600, D610, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1
► March 26 - Master the Nikon D600, D610, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 2
► March 27 - Master the Nikon D800, Df and D4 - In Depth 1
► March 28 - Master the Nikon D800, Df and D4 - In Depth 2
► March 29 - The Passionate Nikon Photographer Two-Day Mastery Workshop
Posted by flashdeadline at 12:03 AM
January 29, 2014
Winter beckons Nikonians Academy photo adventure
Winter. It may be colder this year than usual for some areas, but it is also a source of amazing images. Yosemite
Join Michael Mariant (Feb. 20 – 23) for his signature Yosemite in Winter: A Season of Contrast workshop.
Michael explores the park's best features while showcasing the area's austere winter beauty.
Wintertime in Yosemite is peaceful serenity at its best. This is when you find the least number of tourists, while a blanket of white snow covers the valley, dotting the trees and providing great contrast to the stark granite walls. This workshop will focus on the numerous locations in the valley that are complemented by the snow season.
Death Valley
In March, Michael is running a unique photo workshop to
Death Valley that highlights this park's amazing landscapes, beautiful
astrophotography and graphic sand dunes. His 4-day Death
Valley in the Spring workshop begins on March 13.
Michael Mariant is a master at helping photographers realize their full potential in the field.
His workshops to North America's National Parks have been praised as some of the best in the country.
New 2-Day Workshops
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen tells us a popular workshop series has led to new offerings:
"Building on the success of our Urban Photography 4-day workshops, we've just posted a brand new series of 2-day workshops from Rick Hulbert.
The first is our Mastering Architectural and Urban Photography 2-Day Workshop. The second is the Mastering Composition in Photography 2-Day Workshop.
These two workshops are designed to be taken as a series, but you can also take them one by one. The price of each two-day workshop is $525, but if you sign up for both at the same time, we will send you a rebate of $155 which lowers the total price from $1,050 to $895."
Alaska
The Alaska! - Whales, Bears, and Ice Fields Wildlife Photography Adventure is selling quickly.
Join Jim Stamates for this one of a kind tour through southeast Alaska to photograph its amazing wildlife and landscapes.
The week-long adventure begins July 18 and features the opportunity for Nikonians to venture out in their own private boat to find Humpback and Killer Whales, seals, and other marine mammals, and travel to remote areas to photograph the largest of the grizzly bears, the Alaskan Brown Bear.
Jim is eager to share his knowledge from 30 years as a professional wildlife photographer and his countless trips to Alaska.
He will teach his 3 Keys to Great Photos, and how to get those stunning images of wildlife while using ‘low impact field techniques’.
Master Series
The Academy's famous Masters Series workshops for Nikon Cameras and Lightroom 5 will be running all around the USA.
These workshops include classes on cameras such as the Nikon D600, D610, D7100, D7000, D800/D800E, D4, and the brand new Nikon Df.
Currently, our workshops are scheduled for:
• Atlanta
• Chicago
• Dallas
• New York
• Houston
------------------- and many more to come.
Posted by flashdeadline at 12:40 AM
January 23, 2014
Director adds workshop support for Nikon Df and D610
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen reports the newest DSLR cameras in Nikon's inventory now have corresponding workshop support coming in March, April and May.Mike and Steve Simon will be covering the USA in:
New York (Mar 26 – 30), Los Angeles (Apr 1 – 6), Fairfield NJ (Apr 3 – 6) - hosted at Unique Photo Super Store, Chicago (Apr 8-13), Dallas (Apr 29 - May 4) and Houston (May 6 – 11).
Mike tells us he will continue to add cities to the schedule and he's very close to opening up new workshops for the summer.
Looking ahead:
The Urban and Street Photography workshop is sold out for San Francisco but we have two remaining spots available for Dallas, Texas (Feb 20-23).
This workshop series led by Richard Hulbert is designed to improve your photography regardless of whether you consider picture taking a hobby, or you are a serious enthusiast, or a professional photographer, or earn your living as a member of the global real estate, design, and construction industries.
There are rules for photographing buildings and other man-made structures, and knowing these rules will make you a better photographer. Mastering these rules will allow you to learn how “break” them in a deliberate, meaningful way.
You will learn how a basic understanding of street photography will assist in your architectural and urban photography. You will discover how the fundamental principles of travel photography will enhance your architectural and urban imaging.
Richard will also bring this series to Berlin, Germany and Cambridge, UK. The Berlin workshop (starting March 20) is down to its final two seats remaining and we still have a few available seats for the Cambridge, UK workshop (starting March 27).
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Klamath Falls - Bald Eagles of Klamath Basin – Down to the final three seats
Jim will share the low impact field techniques that have helped him capture thousands of amazing photographs published worldwide. Jim will use his 35 years of experience and knowledge of wildlife, birds, and the natural environment to help you express your uniqueness through your photography. He will also share a little known secret on how to find and get close to wildlife.
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Yosemite - Yosemite in Winter: A season of Contrast - Few seats remaining
This workshop led by Michael A. Mariant will focus on the numerous locations in the Yosemite Valley that are complemented by the snow season as well as timed for one of the few rare scenes in Yosemite that happens only once a year for about 10 days in only the perfect conditions: the backlit illumination of Horsetail Fall by the setting sun, called 'The Firefall' as immortalized by the original 1973 Galen Rowell photo.
All three sunset opportunities of the workshop will devoted to capturing this elusive visual phenomenon. The 4-day workshop begins February 20th.
This workshop focuses not only on the "where" to take the pictures, but also on the "how" to take pictures, incorporating photographic education throughout the workshop at each location.
By building on the previous location's techniques and lessons, this allows for culmination in a comprehensive lesson in pre-visualization, composition, modified exposure and light controls.
Coming to a city near you
Check our Nikonians Academy schedule by city area
for details on workshops coming to your area.
Posted by flashdeadline at 1:44 AM
January 14, 2014
New cities added to Nikonians Academy curriculm
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen has just finished his first 2014 workshop series in Orlando, Florida and he reports sold out classes and high energy. "It's obvious our people are excited to learn all about their cameras," reports Mike.
That excitement generates a need for more workshops and he has already arranged for six new cities to the Nikonians Academy calendar for the first quarter and will be adding many more soon.
• New York, Mar 26 - 30
• Los Angeles, Apr 1 - 6
• Fairfield NJ, Apr 3 - 6 (hosted at Unique Photo Super Store)
• Chicago, Apr 8-13
• Dallas, Apr 29 - May 4
• Houston, May 6 - 11
Mike Hagen and Steve Simon will be hosting Masters Series workshops on the Nikon D800, Df, D4, D600, D610, D7100, D7000, and the Passionate Nikon Photographer. Did you notice the "Df" in that last sentence? Yes, it's true -- The new Nikon Df has been added to the workshop schedule.
Looking ahead:
February brings four great workshops to the USA:
San Francisco - Urban and Street Photography - 1 seat remaining
This workshop series is designed to improve your photography regardless of whether you consider picture taking a hobby, or you are a serious enthusiast, or a professional photographer, or earn your living as a member of the global real estate, design, and construction industries.
There are rules for photographing buildings and other man-made structures, and knowing these rules will make you a better photographer. Mastering these rules will allow you to learn how “break” them in a deliberate, meaningful way.
You will learn how a basic understanding of street photography will assist in your architectural and urban photography. You will discover how the fundamental principles of travel photography will enhance your architectural and urban imaging.
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Klamath Falls - Bald Eagles of Klamath Basin - Few seats remaining
Join Nikonians Academy at the Winter Wings Festival with professional wildlife photographer Jim Stamates for this action filled 2 day field workshop photographing the many birds of the Klamath Basin including Bald Eagles, Hawks, Owls, and waterfowl. We will focus our attention and our cameras on the hundreds of Bald Eagles that winter at the Klamath Basin NWR along with thousands of Swans, Geese, and Ducks. This is the place to be for wintering waterfowl, bald eagle and birds of prey photography.
Jim will share is low impact field techniques that have helped him capture thousands of amazing photographs that have been published world wide. Jim will use his 35 years of experience and knowledge of wildlife, birds, and the natural environment to help you express your uniqueness through your photography. He will also share a little known secret on how to find and get close to wildlife.
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Dallas - Urban and Street Photography (course description above)
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Yosemite - Yosemite in Winter: A season of Contrast - Few seats remaining
This workshop will focus on the numerous locations in the Yosemite Valley that are complemented by the snow season as well as timed for one of the few rare scenes in Yosemite that happens only once a year for about 10 days in only the perfect conditions: the backlit illumination of Horsetail Fall by the setting sun, called 'The Firefall' as immortalized by the original 1973 Galen Rowell photo. All three sunset opportunities of the workshop will devoted to capturing this elusive visual phenomenon.
This workshop focuses not only on the 'where' to take the pictures, but also on the 'how' to take pictures, incorporating photographic education throughout the workshop at each location.
By building on the previous location's techniques and lessons, this allows for culmination in a comprehensive lesson in pre-visualization, composition, modified exposure and light controls.
Posted by flashdeadline at 7:20 PM
January 8, 2014
Academy kicks off 2014 schedule
Our Nikonians Academy instructors are on the road with a full schedule of workshops and photo adventures ahead of them.
Academy Director Mike Hagen will be in Orlando, Florida this weekend leading two workshops:
Master Adobe Lightroom 5 In Depth 1 on January 11 and Master Adobe Lightroom 5 In Depth 2 on January 12.
Rick Hulbert takes his 4-day Urban and Street Photography workshop to San Francisco (February 6-9) at the Fisherman's Wharf and Dallas, Texas (February 20-23). In March he brings the same workshop to Berlin and Cambridge.
For a taste of the wonderful student testimonials that Rick has been consistently receiving for his teaching efforts, have a look at his website.
Jim Stamates' Bald Eagles of Klamath Basin Photography Workshop in Oregon (starting February 12) will be held in conjunction with the Winter Wings Festival with other photographers like Rick Sammon and Bill Thompson. You will have the opportunity to focus your attention and cameras on the hundreds of Bald Eagles that winter at the Klamath Basin NWR along with thousands of Swans, Geese, and Ducks.
Posted by flashdeadline at 5:40 AM
December 25, 2013
2014 workshop curriculum set to launch
Our Nikonians Academy Instructors will soon be packing their gear and to begin a fresh round of workshops for 2014.
Check these highlights:
Join Rick Hulbert on his 4-day Urban and Street Photography workshop. First up is San Francisco in February 6 - 9 down at the Fisherman's Wharf.
You will discover how to better frame and crop architectural and urban images using the long established basic principles of portrait, wedding, and event photography.
You will learn how to create jaw-dropping images that will be the envy of both your photographer friends and potential future clients.
Rick takes the same workshop to Dallas, Texas February 20-23, and for our Nikonians in Europe, he has Urban and Street Photography workshops planned for Berlin and Cambridge during March.
Jim Stamates' Bald Eagles of Klamath Basin Photography Workshop is designed to be a wonderful 2-day field photography experience.
This shoot is in conjunction with the Winter Wings Festival with other photographers like Rick Sammon and Bill Thompson. It will be a stupendous event with bird photography at the forefront.
You will have the opportunity to focus your attention and our cameras on the hundreds of Bald Eagles that winter at the Klamath Basin NWR along with thousands of Swans, Geese, and Ducks.
This is the place to be for wintering waterfowl, bald eagle and birds of prey photography.
Jim will share is low impact field techniques that have helped him capture thousands of amazing photographs that have been published worldwide. Jim will use his 35 years of experience and knowledge of wildlife, birds, and the natural environment to help you express your uniqueness through your photography. He will also share a little known secret on how to find and get close to wildlife.
Mike Hagen will be in Orlando, Florida during the second week of January running four days of workshops:
-- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 1
-- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1
-- Master Adobe Lightroom 5 In Depth 1
-- Master Adobe Lightroom 5 In Depth 2
Mike tells us the classes are filling up quickly and he only has two seats remaining for the D600/D7000/D7100 workshop and three seats for the D800/D4 workshop.
Posted by flashdeadline at 10:02 AM
December 18, 2013
Academy Director thanks workshop participants
Mike Hagen, Academy Director, would like to thank the over 1,200 individuals who participated in a Nikonians Academy workshop during 2013.
Here is Mike's end-of-year message to our members:
"It was a wonderful year that literally spanned the globe. 2014 is shaping up to be another banner year for us.
Our instructor team has new classes, new cities and new adventures just waiting to be explored. Join us for the best "small workshop" instruction in the world. Many workshops are already on the schedule and we'll be posting lots more of our Masters Series workshops very soon.
Entering the New Year, I encourage all our members to take a minute and visit our Nikonians Academy pages to see the variety of workshops and photo adventure trips coming to a location near you.
I'll conclude with two stellar examples: Join Jim Stamates on his Winter Bald Eagles of Klamath Basin Photography Workshop this February in Klamath Falls, Oregon.
This workshop is designed to help participants become better bird photographers while helping them to understand predator/prey behavior.
Jim will share low impact field techniques which have helped him capture thousands of amazing photographs that have been published worldwide.
He will use his 35 years of experience and knowledge of wildlife, birds, and the natural environment to help you express your uniqueness through your photography.
He will also share a little known secret on how to find and get close to wildlife.
Rick Hulbert has expanded his very popular and highly-reviewed Urban and Street Photography Workshops to Berlin, Germany and Cambridge, England.
These four-day workshops will improve your photography regardless of whether you consider picture taking a hobby, or you are a serious enthusiast, or a professional photographer, or earn your living as a member of the global real estate, design, and construction industries.
Our Berlin dates are set for March 20 - 23, 2014 and our Cambridge dates are set for March 27-30, 2014 and we encourage you to sign up today.
Once again, on behalf of the Nikonians Academy Team, thank you to everyone who helped make this past year a success. We look forward to sharing great times and great images with you in 2014."
--- Mike Hagen, Director, Nikonians Academy
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Editor's Note:
Mike begins the first Masters series of the year (January
9-12) in Orlando:
He will be hosting workshops in:
-- Master
the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 1
-- Master
the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1
-- Master
Adobe Lightroom 5 In Depth 1
-- Master
Adobe Lightroom 5 In Depth 2
Check the Nikonians Academy course descriptions for details on the scheduled photo adventure trips to Klamath Basin, Yosemite, Berlin, Cambridge UK, Giant Redwoods, Alaska, Iceland, Galapagos, Cuba and Africa.
Posted by flashdeadline at 1:12 AM
December 11, 2013
Academy wraps up 2013 -- Preps for 2014
The Holiday Season has arrived and only a few more days remain on the 2013 Nikonians Academy curriculum. Steve Simon will be finishing the year in Philadelphia (December 10-14) and Academy Director Mike Hagen will be in San Diego (December 12-15). There is still time to sign up if you want to attend.
Mike Hagen tells us the instructors are already preparing for next year:
"We already have a partial schedule of adventure trips for 2014 on the calendar and we are working actively to schedule our Masters Series workshops in most major North American cities."
Leading the way, Mike begins the first Masters series of the year (January 9-12) in Orlando:
He will be hosting workshops in:
-- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 1
-- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1
-- Master Adobe Lightroom 5 In Depth 1
-- Master Adobe Lightroom 5 In Depth 2
Check the Nikonians Academy course descriptions for details on the scheduled photo adventure trips to Klamath Basin, Yosemite, Berlin, Cambridge UK, Giant Redwoods, Alaska, Iceland, Galapagos, Cuba and Africa.
The Academy strives to cover the globe bringing amazing journeys to photographers looking for the best photo adventures and workshops out there.
Featured Nikonians Academy Instructor - Rick Hulbert
As an International Award Winning Architect, Urban Designer, and Photographer, Rick Hulbert has been enjoying tremendous success as a professional photography instructor.
Rick’s passion for image making along with his communication skills, has led to teaching opportunities at educational institutions such as the University of British Columbia, and speaking opportunities to groups such as the New England Chapter of the American Society of Media Photographers.
Rick has been invited to be a keynote speaker at next summer’s Canadian Association of Photographic Arts regional series of workshops in British Columbia. He will also be teaching seminars and leading “walkabouts” over this 3-day event.
For a taste of the wonderful student testimonials that Rick has been consistently receiving for his teaching efforts, have a look at his website.
You can join Rick in 2014 at one of his acclaimed 4-day workshops featuring Downtown City Photography . . . and learn how to photograph everything cities and towns have to offer, including buildings and people.
Seven great locations are on tap for the first half of 2014 including Berlin, Germany and Cambridge, England.
Download any of the free Nikonians Photo Professors podcasts for a sample of Rick's instructional and informative style.
Posted by flashdeadline at 1:37 AM
November 20, 2013
Safari success caps 2013 calendar - more workshops in Nov-Dec
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen has just returned from leading his latest sold-out Tanzanian Photo Safari. Mike tells us the trip was "epic and we photographed an incredible amount of wildlife during the two-week journey."
The photo adventure traveled through five national parks, each filled with stunning animals and landscapes.
Mike sent this photo of Nikonians capturing images from their vantage point on a Toyota Landcruiser with an open top.
The vehicle is converted from a Toyota truck. It has a full cabin in back that seats a total of six passengers with a row down the middle.
The vehicle has side windows that slide open that allow you photography from a lower angle as well.
The adventure was limited to a class size of 12 (including the tour leader). Here's a group shot of the Tanzania Photo Safari 2013 participants.
If you are interested in signing up for next year's trip, follow this link for more information.
The final few weeks of 2013 are chock-full of workshops taught by Mike Hagen and Steve Simon. We are running classes on the newest Nikon cameras and flashes, as well as workshops on Lightroom and Steve Simon's signature The Passionate Nikon Photographer.
We still have workshops coming to:
The Woodlands, TX - Nov 21 - 24
Atlanta, GA - Dec 4 - 8
Phoenix, AZ - Dec 5 - 7
Philadelphia, PA - Dec 10 - 14
San Diego, CA - Dec 12 - 15
The Nikonians Academy 2014 adventure trip schedule is filling up with trips to the Klamath Basin, Yosemite, Berlin, Cambridge UK, Giant Redwoods, Alaska, Iceland, Galapagos, Cuba and Africa. We cover the globe bringing amazing journeys to photographers looking for the best photo adventures and workshops out there.
Posted by flashdeadline at 2:33 AM
November 13, 2013
Cross-country sweep ahead for Academy instructors
The countdown is on for the final Nikonians Academy workshops of the year. The next few weeks on the schedule feature a coast-to-coast North American sweep.
Nikonians Academy instructors Mike Hagen and Steve Simon finish the 2013 curriculum in Boston, San Antonio, The Woodlands (Texas), Atlanta, Phoenix, Philadelphia and San Diego.
Steve Simon Brings the Masters series to Boston, November 14-19.
His schedule includes:
-- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1
-- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 2
-- The Passionate Nikon Photographer Two-Day Mastery Workshop
-- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 1
-- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 2
Steve brings the same series to Atlanta starting December 4 and Philadelphia starting December 10.
Academy Director Mike Hagen heads for Texas next week, starting with his Master Nikon i-TTL Wireless Flash, CLS workshop in San Antonio on November 16. He then moves to The Woodlands for a four-day Masters series starting on November 21. His Woodlands schedule includes:
-- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1
-- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 2
-- Master Adobe Lightroom 5 In Depth 1
-- Master Nikon i-TTL Wireless Flash, CLS
Mike will take the series to Phoenix, starting December 5 and San Diego starting December 12.
Posted by flashdeadline at 1:54 AM
October 29, 2013
Academy feedback spells success
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen has been on the road for a good portion of the year, and as 2013 reaches the busy months of November and December, he takes time to share some very uplifting feedback.
Here is Mike's report:
Nikonians Academy workshops are some of the best in the industry. We work incredibly hard to bring the best professional instructors to cities all around the world in our never-ending quest to teach others how to be better photographers.
We strive to run the best classes and would love to have you join us to see for yourself. Photo education is our passion and previous attendees love to talk about how we inspired their passion for photography as well.
Here's just some of the feedback we've received from customers over the last few months for workshops ranging from our Master's series to The Passionate Photographer to our portrait workshops to Lightroom.
Greg, this class has stuck with me and has been very beneficial to my photography. When it comes to actual photography this class has done more for me then any class I have taken and believe me I have taken a bunch. So much from what I learned at this class has stuck with me and I use every day in my photography. I believe that this class would be extremely valuable to anyone who wants to photograph people. Now a month after the class I appreciate it more then when I was in it. It is simple, it stuck with me and I use what I learned.
- B. Bendit
Steve,
I just wanted to take an opportunity to thank you once again for your workshop on the D7000. I feel like I know my camera much better now. I especially enjoyed your explanations of not just how to setup the camera but the WHY. I'm following many of your recommended settings including trying to get used to back focusing (I'm also trying to learn to close my left eye and become a right eye shooter). I'm better prepared now to spend more time thinking about the pictures I want to get and less on the camera.
Thanks again.
- D. Tait
Great class, Mike, I learned a lot. You're a great teacher! You can bet I'll be taking more classes.
- Paul Watanabe
Mike,
Thanks. Every time I take a class from you I am inspired.
- V. Thompson
Steve,
I just wanted to thank you for your wonderful class yesterday. I went to the class hoping I would be leaving with some good tips and would be able to remember how to do what I have learned. Not only did you give me fabulous tips, but, having the camera remember the settings for me is far beyond what I could have dreamed for! Your humor is great and your teaching style was perfect for my learning style.
- H. Richards
I recently attended the Lightroom 4 Workshop presented by Mike Hagen in Fairfield, New Jersey. The program was absolutely first-rate - well-planned, well-organized, well-presented. I came away with a much better understanding of not only how to navigate through Lightroom which is complex and initially intimidating but with a greater appreciation of its potential - and mine. More than that, however, was the confidence and satisfaction that I was being taught by and was learning from a consummate professional photographer - Mike Hagen.
He's tops in my book!
- J. Collins
Thanks for the great class!! I learned a lot. Too often at photo workshops the presenter is a great photographer who is a poor presenter and the workshop falls flat. Mike, you are both a great presenter and a great photographer. Please keep up the good work! I don't know when you are traveling home but safe travels!
- Bill
Dear Steve,
I've attended other Nikonians workshops, all of which were excellent.
Your Toronto workshop was superb! My reading your book "The Passionate Photographer" before attending the workshop enhanced the experience. I'm still marveling about your skillful manner in critiquing a photo, first pointing out the positive qualities of the photo, then without any hint of sarcasm or arrogance subtly suggesting ways to improve the photo.
After you pointed out ways I could improve my photos I left the workshop energized by your critique, eager to improve and committed to becoming a better photographer.
Thank you for such a positive experience."
- R.Hansen
The ANPAT experience was fantastic!!! I know that you put your heart and soul into planning it and then when things changed, your scramble to find other things to do was incredible. This certainly was a great learning experience. Thanks for your teaching, and letting me hang with you. This was a positive changing experience for me and my photography.
- D. Patterson
You're a class guy, Mike! I look forward to your Philadelphia area courses. I need one on lighting and you're the best. I got your book.
- Jim
I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for such a wonderful workshop. You are a gifted instructor. The pace and the detail of the information was perfect and I had a really great time.
- Dax
Dear Mike,
I just wanted to personally thank you again for all of your efforts yesterday. I learned so much and you made it fun! As someone who has taught in the past (at UCLA medical residency program), I know first hand that is not easily accomplished (especially in an all day workshop!) and is therefore a compliment to your talents and knowledge.
Again, my heartfelt thanks. Hope to see you in the future.
- Paul
Sign up for any of our classroom workshops or field photography trips
here: www.nikoniansacademy.com
Here's a refresher on our workshops coming up in November and December:
Looking ahead to November:
Greg Stangl brings his Secrets of Studio and Environmental Portraiture 3-day interactive workshop to Richmond. VA starting November 4th.
This class is a must-have for any photographer considering a career in professional portraiture or anyone that needs to increase their understanding of photographing people.
Greg strongly believes in “learning by doing” so come prepared to be an active part of the class. He has a proven track record of helping students become better photographers.
His detailed workbook guarantees that the lessons you learn will become a permanent part of your creative arsenal.
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Steve Simon takes the Masters series to New York City starting November 6th,
His schedule includes:
- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1 (November 6)
- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 2 (November 7)
- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 1 (November 8)
- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 2 (November 9)
- The Passionate Nikon Photographer Two-Day Mastery Workshop (November 10-11)
Steve will be taking the same series to Boston, starting November 14.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Looking ahead to December
Steve Simon will be hosting his Masters series in Atlanta, starting December 4, while Winston C. Hall takes the series to Phoenix, starting December 5.
Steve's next workshops will head to Philadelphia starting December 10 while Winston Hall's next stop takes him to Las Vegas beginning December 12.
Mike Hagen finishes out the year hosting the Masters series in San Diego, starting December 12.
Posted by Ronny89 at 2:34 PM
October 22, 2013
Nikonians Academy finishing 2013 strong-- preps for 2014
Looking ahead to 2014, the Nikonians Academy curriculum includes the most popular workshops mixed with challenging outdoor adventures.
Academy Director Mike Hagen takes the lead in January, bringing the Masters series to Orlando, Florida (Jan 9-12).
February finds Richard Hulbert in San Francisco (starting Feb 6) and Dallas (starting Feb 20) leading his four-day Urban and Street Photography Workshop.
Meanwhile, Jim Stamates brings his Bald Eagles of Klamath Basin Photography Workshop to Oregon starting on February 12th, and Michael A. Mariant leads the Yosemite in Winter: A Season of Contrast photo adventure starting on February 20.
-----------------------------------
Our 2013 calendar is finishing strong:
Looking ahead to November:
Greg Stangl brings his Secrets of Studio and Environmental Portraiture 3-day interactive workshop to Richmond. VA starting November 4th.
This class is a must-have for any photographer considering a career in professional portraiture or anyone that needs to increase their understanding of photographing people.
Greg strongly believes in “learning by doing” so come prepared to be an active part of the class. He has a proven track record of helping students become better photographers.
His detailed workbook guarantees that the lessons you learn will become a permanent part of your creative arsenal.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve Simon takes the Masters series to New York City starting November 6th,
His schedule includes:
- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1 (November 6)
- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 2 (November 7)
- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 1 (November 8)
- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 2 (November 9)
- The Passionate Nikon Photographer Two-Day Mastery Workshop (November 10-11)
Steve will be taking the same series to Boston, starting November 14.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Winston Hall leads the Masters series in Tampa, Florida starting November 7th.
His schedule includes:
- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 1 (November 7)
- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 2 (November 8)
- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1 (November 9)
- Master Nikon i-TTL Wireless Flash, CLS (November 10)
Winston will bring the same series to San Antonio, Texas (November 14-17) and The Woodlands, Texas (November 21-24)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Looking ahead to December
Steve Simon will be hosting his Masters series in Atlanta, starting December 4, while Winston C. Hall takes the series to Phoenix, starting December 5.
Steve's next workshops will head to Philadelphia starting December 10 while Winston Hall's next stop takes him to Las Vegas beginning December 12.
Mike Hagen finishes out the year hosting the Masters series in San Diego, starting December 12.
Posted by flashdeadline at 11:28 PM
October 15, 2013
Winter preview -- Nikonians Academy finishing 2013 strong
With the challenging task of striving for a successful 13th Annual Nikonians Photo Adventure Trip (ANPAT) behind him, Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen has bid farewell to his fellow Nikonians in Arizona and logs this update on the coming months:
Winston Hall is running two days of workshops in Charleston, SC (October 18-19). Join him for his Master the Nikon D600, D7000, D7100 In Depth 1 and In Depth 2 workshops.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Looking ahead to November:
Greg Stangl brings his Secrets of Studio and Environmental Portraiture 3-day interactive workshop to Richmond. VA starting November 4th.
This class is a must-have for any photographer considering a career in professional portraiture or anyone that needs to increase their understanding of photographing people.
Greg strongly believes in “learning by doing” so come prepared to be an active part of the class. He has a proven track record of helping students become better photographers.
His detailed workbook guarantees that the lessons you learn will become a permanent part of your creative arsenal.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve Simon takes the Masters series to New York City starting November 6th,
His schedule includes:
- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1 (November 6)
- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 2 (November 7)
- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 1 (November 8)
- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 2 (November 9)
- The Passionate Nikon Photographer Two-Day Mastery Workshop (November 10-11)
Steve will be taking the same series to Boston, starting November 14.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Winston Hall leads the Masters series in Tampa, Florida starting November 7th.
His schedule includes:
- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 1 (November 7)
- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 2 (November 8)
- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1 (November 9)
- Master Nikon i-TTL Wireless Flash, CLS (November 10)
Winston will bring the same series to San Antonio, Texas (November 14-17) and The Woodlands, Texas (November 21-24)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Looking ahead to December
Steve Simon will be hosting his Masters series in Atlanta, starting December 4, while Winston C. Hall takes the series to Phoenix, starting December 5.
Steve's next workshops will head to Philadelphia starting December 10 while Winston Hall's next stop takes him to Las Vegas beginning December 12.
Mike Hagen finishes out the year hosting the Masters series in San Diego, starting December 12.
Posted by flashdeadline at 10:46 PM
October 1, 2013
October starts with 13th ANPAT
ANPAT 13 gets underway this Saturday. Our intrepid Nikonians are traveling throughout Northern Arizona in search of incredible photographs and great camaraderie.
Nikonians founders Bo Stahlbrandt (bgs) and J. Ramon Palacios (jrp) and Mike Hagen (Mike_Hagen), Nikonians Academy Director will be hosting the Annual Nikonians Photo Adventure Trip and recent developments in Washington D.C. have them concentrating on "Plan B."
---------------------------------------------------------------------
This week is your last chance to sign up for Les Picker's 4-day Acadia NP Photography Adventure. scheduled for October 10th - 13th.
Les lived in Maine for ten years and received his doctorate in ecology from the University of Maine, using Acadia National Park for his research. Few photographers know the intricacies of Acadia as does Les.
We have timed this workshop to take advantage of fall foliage with its resplendent colors.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Join Steve Simon in Washington DC for four days of workshops from October 11th - 14th.
His schedule includes:
- Master
the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 1 (October 11)
- Master
the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 2 (October 12)
- The
Passionate Nikon Photographer (October 13-14)
Steve will be bringing the same series to Boston,
Massachusetts (November 16-21)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Winston Hall is running two days of workshops in Charleston, SC (October 18-19). Join him for his Master the Nikon D600, D7000, D7100 In Depth 1 and In Depth 2 workshops.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Rick Hulbert's next stop for his Urban and Street Photography Workshop is Seattle, WA from October 24th - 27th.
This four-day workshop continues to receive great reviews from participants and is the best way to learn how to combine architecture with street photography.
It is designed to improve your photography regardless of whether you consider picture taking a hobby, or you are a serious enthusiast, or a professional photographer, or earn your living as a member of the global real estate, design, and construction industries.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Finishing out the month, Michael A. Mariant hosts the Advanced Photography Course: The Zen Of Thinking in Yosemite, California (starting October 26).
This course is limited to five students to ensure an intimate environment, fostering the best learning opportunities possible.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Looking ahead to November:
Greg Stangl brings his Secrets of Studio and Environmental Portraiture 3-day interactive workshop to Richmond. VA starting November 4th.
This class is a must-have for any photographer considering a career in professional portraiture or anyone that needs to increase their understanding of photographing people.
Greg strongly believes in “learning by doing” so come prepared to be an active part of the class. Greg has a proven track record of helping students become better photographers. Greg’s detailed workbook guarantees that the lessons you learn will become a permanent part of your creative arsenal.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve Simon takes the Masters series to New York City starting November 6th,
His schedule includes:
- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1 (November 6)
- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 2 (November 7)
- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 1 (November 8)
- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 2 (November 9)
- The Passionate Nikon Photographer Two-Day Mastery Workshop (November 10-11)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Winston Hall leads the Masters series in Tampa, Florida starting November 7th.
His schedule includes:
- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 1 (November 7)
- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 2 (November 8)
- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1 (November 9)
- Master Nikon i-TTL Wireless Flash, CLS (November 10)
Winston will bring the same series to San Antonio, Texas (November 14-17) and The Woodlands, Texas (November 21-24)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted by flashdeadline at 10:08 PM
September 24, 2013
Nikonians Academy Fall schedule begins in the mountains
The Grand Teton Wildlife and Landscapes photo adventure with Jim Stamates next week and there are still a few seats available.
You will shoot:
Bull moose in a backdrop of fall colors are the bill-of-faire at Grand Teton NP and we spend as much time as it takes to get special images of this magnificent animal.
Other wildlife may include, Bison, Elk, Pronghorn, Black and Grizzly Bears, Coyote, Fox, River Otters, Beavers, and Wolves. We will also look for Bald Eagles, Great Gray Owls, Trumpeter Swans, and Osprey. Landscapes will include the Snake River, Autumn Colors with the Grand Tetons, Oxbow Bend, Schwabacher Landing, Moulton Barn, and Jackson and Jenny Lakes.
You will experience:
The Grand Tetons in the fall, being near wild animals, the feeling of wilderness, great camaraderie, exceptional photo opportunities, and lots of fun. No strenuous hiking.
California
Also leading off next month is the Eastern Sierra & Owens Valley workshop led by Michael A. Mariant (October 3 –6) . This 4-day session takes you to a jagged and prominent escarpment rising over 10,000 feet above the Owens Valley, one of the hidden photographer's gems in California
Capture the vibrancy of the Eastern Sierra during shooting sessions throughout the day interspersed with extensive specialized instruction in landscape photography. This workshop focuses not only on the 'where' to take the pictures, but also on the 'how' to take pictures, incorporating photographic education throughout the workshop at each location, building on the previous locations techniques and lessons to culminate in a comprehensive lesson in composition, modified exposure, light controls, and High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography to name just a few.
This truly is a collaboration of extensive, comprehensive landscape photography education coupled with a dynamic locale.
A rare and special treat, exclusive only to the Eastern Sierra & Owens Valley workshop, is an evening at a Deep Space Satellite Dish Array Complex to photograph star trails and the Milky Way, while surrounded by giant satellite dishes.
Each workshop participant gets to pick out their own satellite dish on the pad to use in the foreground of their astrophotography. Past workshop participants remark that this is the highlight of the entire workshop!
ANPAT 13 - Arizona
Nikonians founders Bo Stahlbrandt (bgs) and J. Ramon Palacios (jrp) and Mike Hagen (Mike_Hagen), Nikonians Academy Director, host the 13th edition of the Annual Nikonians Photo Adventure Trip (ANPAT) in Arizona.
The week-long (October 5-12) ANPAT is the Nikonians field event of year.
Northern Arizona is a photographer's dream location with classic landscapes, painted deserts, sweeping panoramas, and amazing canyons.
Each and every day, our intrepid crew of photographers will explore the high desert of America's Southwest. We put together a detailed daily itinerary that highlights the best the area has to offer and traveling on our own time table gives us the flexibility to stay on location as long as we wish.
The ANPAT is currently sold out, but there is a waiting list.
Indiana
Greg Stangl brings his Secrets of Studio and Environmental Portraiture workshop to Indianapolis, Indiana October 7-9.
Greg will guide you through a personal journey toward becoming the portrait artist you’ve always wanted to be.
In this 3-day interactive workshop you will be exposed to a series of lectures, slide shows, and lighting and posing demonstrations that will make your learning experience fun and meaningful.
You will learn to pose the male and female form while also understanding how to pose couples and groups.
This workshop will help you discover and develop your creativity while offering you lessons in studio, window light, and environmental portraiture.
New Mexico
One of the annual highlights of the year is the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta – (October 8 – 11)
Join Winston C. Hall in this 4-day workshop for spectacular Hot Air Balloon photography at one of the USA's most famous events.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest hot air balloon rally in the world with as many as 700 balloons participating.
The balloons take off from Balloon Fiesta Park -- a 78-acre launch site where spectators and participants mix and chat. In addition to the wildly popular mass ascensions, the fiesta offers eerily beautiful balloon glow evening events. As the light fades, these colorful and fragile colossi fill, lit from within by the blasts of flame.
This year, the Nikonians Academy will be in Albuquerque for both the Balloon Fiesta and a combination Nikon camera workshop and field photography activity during the fiesta. This workshop combination will give photographers the chance to learn more about their Nikon camera, photograph in the wonderful light of the southwest and spend a day shooting the colorful balloons.
Washington DC and Baltimore, MD
Steve Simon will be back in the USA with his Masters Series in Washington D.C. (October 9-14).
His schedule includes:
- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1 (October 9)
- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 2 (October 10)
- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 1 (October 11)
- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 2 (October 12)
- The Passionate Nikon Photographer (October 13-14)
Steve will bring the same series to Baltimore, Maryland (October 16-20).
Maine
On October 10, Lester Picker begins the 4-day Acadia NP Photography Adventure.
Some call it the most beautiful National Park in the country, a tiny gem compared to its larger siblings. Whether or not you agree, Maine’s Acadia National Park is most definitely a sparkling jewel for its combination of geology, flora, fauna… and weather.
Each morning you will embark on an adventure taking you to the fog-shrouded rocky coast or to photograph sunrise atop a mountain. You might visit a beaver pond at sunrise to capture these amazing engineers hard at work. You might hike a wooded path to capture sunlight streaking through mature pine forests, or photograph along one of Acadia’s picturesque fresh-water ponds. Each evening we will have an optional image review and critique.
South Carolina
Winston Hall takes the Masters Series to Charleston, South Carolina (October 17-20).
His schedule:
- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 1 (October 17)
- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1 (October 18)
- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 2 (October 19)
- Master Nikon i-TTL Wireless Flash, CLS (October 20)
He will be taking the same series to Richmond, Virginia at the end of the month (October 24-27) with one of the sessions being replaced by Master Adobe Lightroom 5 In Depth 1.
Seattle, Washington
Rick Hulbert, one of our Nikonians Photo Professors brings his 4-day Urban and Street Photography workshop to Seattle, Washington (October 24-27).
This workshop series is designed to improve your photography regardless of whether you consider picture taking a hobby, or you are a serious enthusiast, or a professional photographer, or earn your living as a member of the global real estate, design, and construction industries.
There are rules for photographing buildings and other man-made structures, and knowing these rules will make you a better photographer. Mastering these rules will allow you to learn how “break” them in a deliberate, meaningful way.
You will learn how a basic understanding of street photography will assist in your architectural and urban photography. You will discover how the fundamental principles of travel photography will enhance your architectural and urban imaging. While the illustrated lectures will give you the fundamental information you need, we will spend a significant portion of the workshop in the field, with hands on photography.
Posted by flashdeadline at 11:47 PM
September 18, 2013
New 2014 workshops added to Academy curriculum
The Nikonians Academy staff is preparing for newly announced workshops the 2014 calendar while tackling a busy schedule in the coming weeks.
The most recent additions to the calendar include:
- Iceland Photo and Bird Adventure - Summer 2014
- Galapagos Photography Adventure – September 2014
- Tanzania African Photo Safari - November 2014
- Bald Eagles in Winter – February 2014
- Giant Redwoods of Northern California – June 2014
The coming weeks include:
London
Steve Simon is in London this week running workshops and he still has some seats available.
The London schedule highlights :
- Master
the Nikon D600/D7100/D7000 In Depth 1 (Sept 18)
- Master
the Nikon D800/D4 In Depth 1 (Sept 19)
- Master
the Nikon D800/D4 In Depth 2 (Sept 20)
- The
Passionate Nikon Photographer 2-day Workshop (Sept 21-22)
Wyoming
The Grand Teton Wildlife and Landscapes photo adventure with Jim Stamates begins later this month (September 30 - October 3).
Bull moose in a backdrop of fall colors are the bill-of-faire at Grand Teton NP and we spend as much time as it takes to get special images of this magnificent animal. Other wildlife may include, Bison, Elk, Pronghorn, Black and Grizzly Bears, Coyote, Fox, River Otters, Beavers, and Wolves. We will also look for Bald Eagles, Great Gray Owls, Trumpeter Swans, and Osprey. Landscapes will include the Snake River, Autumn Colors with the Grand Tetons, Oxbow Bend, Schwabacher Landing, Moulton Barn, and Jackson and Jenny Lakes.
You will experience:
The Grand Tetons in the fall, being near wild animals, the feeling of
wilderness, great camaraderie, exceptional photo opportunities, and lots of
fun. No strenuous hiking.
California
Also leading off next month is the Eastern Sierra & Owens Valley workshop led by Michael A. Mariant (October 3 – 6) . This 4-day session takes you to a jagged and prominent escarpment rising over 10,000 feet above the Owens Valley, one of the hidden photographer's gems in California
Many prominent landscape photographers, including the late Galen Rowell, have called Bishop, California and the Eastern Sierra "home" and their base for their photographic expeditions into the stunning surroundings
No other region in the country offers the dramatic granite peaks, glacier-carved valleys, dense foliage and roaring mountain streams. And the Fall Season is the time of year prized by all Sierra photographers, as the colors of the Eastern Sierra explode into a visual contrast against the stark gray of the granite, bleached white of the mountain glaciers and the deep blue sky
A rare and special treat, exclusive only to the Eastern Sierra & Owens Valley workshop, is an evening at a Deep Space Satellite Dish Array Complex to photograph star trails and the Milky Way, while surrounded by giant satellite dishes. Each workshop participant gets to pick out their own satellite dish on the pad to use in the foreground of their astrophotography. Past workshop participants remark that this is the highlight of the entire workshop!
ANPAT 13 - Arizona
Nikonians founders Bo Stahlbrandt (bgs) and J. Ramon Palacios (jrp) and Mike Hagen (Mike_Hagen), Nikonians Academy Director, host the 13th edition of the Annual Nikonians Photo Adventure Trip (ANPAT) in Arizona.
The week-long (October 5-12) ANPAT is the Nikonians field event of year.
Northern Arizona is a photographer's dream location with classic landscapes, painted deserts, sweeping panoramas, and amazing canyons.
Each and every day, our intrepid crew of photographers will explore the high desert of America's Southwest. We put together a detailed daily itinerary that highlights the best the area has to offer and traveling on our own time table gives us the flexibility to stay on location as long as we wish.
The ANPAT is currently sold out, but there is a waiting list.
Indiana
Greg Stangl brings his Secrets of Studio and Environmental Portraiture workshop to Indianapolis, Indiana October 7-9.
Greg will guide you through a personal journey toward becoming the portrait artist you’ve always wanted to be.
In this 3-day interactive workshop you will be exposed to a series of lectures, slide shows, and lighting and posing demonstrations that will make your learning experience fun and meaningful.
You will learn to pose the male and female form while also understanding how to pose couples and groups.
This workshop will help you discover and develop your creativity while offering you lessons in studio, window light, and environmental portraiture.
New Mexico
One of the annual highlights of the year is the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta – (October 8 – 11)
Join Winston C. Hall Join in this 4-day workshop for spectacular Hot Air Balloon photography at one of the USA's most famous events.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest hot air balloon rally in the world with as many as 700 balloons participating.
The balloons take off from Balloon Fiesta Park -- a 78-acre launch site where spectators and participants mix and chat. In addition to the wildly popular mass ascensions, the fiesta offers eerily beautiful balloon glow evening events. As the light fades, these colorful and fragile colossi fill, lit from within by the blasts of flame.
This year, the Nikonians Academy will be in Albuquerque for both the Balloon Fiesta and a combination Nikon camera workshop and field photography activity during the fiesta. This workshop combination will give photographers the chance to learn more about their Nikon camera, photograph in the wonderful light of the southwest and spend a day shooting the colorful balloons.
Washington DC and
Baltimore, MD
Steve Simon will be back in the USA with his Masters Series in Washington D.C. (October 9-14).
His schedule includes:
- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1 (October 9)
- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 2 (October 10)
- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 1 (October 11)
- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 2 (October 12)
- The Passionate Nikon Photographer (October 13-14)
Steve will bring the same series to Baltimore, Maryland (October 16-20).
Maine
On October 10, Lester Picker begins the 4-day Acadia NP Photography Adventure.
Some call it the most beautiful National Park in the country, a tiny gem compared to its larger siblings. Whether or not you agree, Maine’s Acadia National Park is most definitely a sparkling jewel for its combination of geology, flora, fauna… and weather.
Each morning you will embark on an adventure taking you to the fog-shrouded rocky coast or to photograph sunrise atop a mountain. You might visit a beaver pond at sunrise to capture these amazing engineers hard at work. You might hike a wooded path to capture sunlight streaking through mature pine forests, or photograph along one of Acadia’s picturesque fresh-water ponds. Each evening we will have an optional image review and critique.
South Carolina
Winston Hall takes the Masters Series to Charleston, South Carolina (October 17-20).
His schedule:
- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 1 (October 17)
- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1 (October 18)
- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 2 (October 19)
- Master Nikon i-TTL Wireless Flash, CLS (October 20)
He will be taking the same series to Richmond, Virginia at the end of the month (October 24-27) with one of the sessions being replaced byMaster Adobe Lightroom 5 In Depth 1.
Seattle, Washington
Rick Hulbert, one of our Nikonians Photo Professors brings his 4-day Urban and Street Photography workshop to Seattle, Washington (October 24-27).
This workshop series is designed to improve your photography regardless of whether you consider picture taking a hobby, or you are a serious enthusiast, or a professional photographer, or earn your living as a member of the global real estate, design, and construction industries.
There are rules for photographing buildings and other man-made structures, and knowing these rules will make you a better photographer. Mastering these rules will allow you to learn how “break” them in a deliberate, meaningful way.
You will learn how a basic understanding of street photography will assist in your architectural and urban photography. You will discover how the fundamental principles of travel photography will enhance your architectural and urban imaging. While the illustrated lectures will give you the fundamental information you need, we will spend a significant portion of the workshop in the field, with hands on photography.
Posted by flashdeadline at 12:38 AM
September 12, 2013
Nikonians Academy workshops coming to London
The Nikonians Academy staff has been working hard to continue expanding workshops around the world and would love to see you in London, September 18 - 22.
Steve Simon is running our Masters workshops on Nikon camera bodies as well as his famous Passionate Nikon Photographer 2-day Workshop.
Steve is truly comfortable in the International photography arena, having earned recognition from: Director’s Club of New York, The Canadian Newspaper Photographer of The Year, Global Health Council Photography Award for his work on AIDS in Africa, Alfred Eisenstaedt Magazine Photography Award Nomination and Prix de la Photographie, Paris (Px3).
Steve's London Schedule:
- Master the Nikon D600/D7100/D7000 In Depth 1 (Sept 18)
- Master the Nikon D800/D4 In Depth 1 (Sept 19)
- Master the Nikon D800/D4 In Depth 2 (Sept 20)
- The Passionate Nikon Photographer 2-day Workshop (Sept 21-22)
Posted by flashdeadline at 6:38 AM
September 11, 2013
Nikonians Academy October schedule
Our last weekly Nikonians Academy News Blog highlighted September activities with a glimpse at October. This week, let's have a closer look at the October schedule.
First, we have the Grand Teton Wildlife and Landscapes photo adventure with Jim Stamates (September 30 - October 3).
You will shoot:
Bull moose in a backdrop of fall colors are the bill-of-faire at Grand Teton NP
and we spend as much time as it takes to get special images of this magnificent
animal. Other wildlife may include, Bison, Elk, Pronghorn, Black and Grizzly
Bears, Coyote, Fox, River Otters, Beavers, and Wolves. We will also look for
Bald Eagles, Great Gray Owls, Trumpeter Swans, and Osprey. Landscapes will
include the Snake River, Autumn Colors with the Grand Tetons, Oxbow Bend,
Schwabacher Landing, Moulton Barn, and Jackson and Jenny Lakes.
You will experience:
The Grand Tetons in the fall, being near wild animals, the feeling of
wilderness, great camaraderie, exceptional photo opportunities, and lots of
fun. No strenuous hiking.
Also leading off next month is the Eastern Sierra & Owens Valley workshop led by Michael A. Mariant. This 4-day session takes you to a jagged and prominent escarpment rising over 10,000 feet above the Owens Valley, one of the hidden photographer's gems in California
Many prominent landscape photographers, including the late Galen Rowell, have called Bishop, California and the Eastern Sierra "home" and their base for their photographic expeditions into the stunning surroundings
No other region in the country offers the dramatic granite peaks, glacier-carved valleys, dense foliage and roaring mountain streams. And the Fall Season is the time of year prized by all Sierra photographers, as the colors of the Eastern Sierra explode into a visual contrast against the stark gray of the granite, bleached white of the mountain glaciers and the deep blue sky
A rare and special treat, exclusive only to the Eastern Sierra & Owens Valley workshop, is an evening at a Deep Space Satellite Dish Array Complex to photograph star trails and the Milky Way, while surrounded by giant satellite dishes. Each workshop participant gets to pick out their own satellite dish on the pad to use in the foreground of their astrophotography. Past workshop participants remark that this is the highlight of the entire workshop!
Greg Stangl brings his Secrets of Studio and Environmental Portraiture workshop to Indianapolis, Indiana October 7-9.
Greg will guide you through a personal journey toward becoming the portrait artist you’ve always wanted to be.
In this 3-day interactive workshop you will be exposed to a series of lectures, slide shows, and lighting and posing demonstrations that will make your learning experience fun and meaningful.
You will learn to pose the male and female form while also understanding how to pose couples and groups.
This workshop will help you discover and develop your creativity while offering you lessons in studio, window light, and environmental portraiture.
One of the annual highlights of the year is the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta – (October 8 – 11)
Join Winston C. Hall Join in this 4-day workshop for spectacular Hot Air Balloon photography at one of the USA's most famous events.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest hot air balloon rally in the world with as many as 700 balloons participating.
The balloons take off from Balloon Fiesta Park -- a 78-acre launch site where spectators and participants mix and chat. In addition to the wildly popular mass ascensions, the fiesta offers eerily beautiful balloon glow evening events. As the light fades, these colorful and fragile colossi fill, lit from within by the blasts of flame.
This year, the Nikonians Academy will be in Albuquerque for both the Balloon Fiesta and a combination Nikon camera workshop and field photography activity during the fiesta. This workshop combination will give photographers the chance to learn more about their Nikon camera, photograph in the wonderful light of the southwest and spend a day shooting the colorful balloons.
Steve Simon will be back in the USA with his Masters Series in Washington D.C. (October 9-14).
His schedule includes:
- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1 (October 9)
- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 2 (October 10)
- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 1 (October 11)
- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 2 (October 12)
- The Passionate Nikon Photographer (October 13-14)
Steve will bring the same series to Baltimore, Maryland (October 16-20).
On October 10, Lester Picker begins the 4-day Acadia NP Photography Adventure.
Some call it the most beautiful National Park in the country, a tiny gem compared to its larger siblings. Whether or not you agree, Maine’s Acadia National Park is most definitely a sparkling jewel for its combination of geology, flora, fauna… and weather.
Each morning you will embark on an adventure taking you to the fog-shrouded rocky coast or to photograph sunrise atop a mountain. You might visit a beaver pond at sunrise to capture these amazing engineers hard at work. You might hike a wooded path to capture sunlight streaking through mature pine forests, or photograph along one of Acadia’s picturesque fresh-water ponds. Each evening we will have an optional image review and critique.
Winston Hall takes the Masters Series to Charleston, South Carolina (October 17-20).
His schedule:
- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 1 (October 17)
- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1 (October 18)
- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 2 (October 19)
- Master Nikon i-TTL Wireless Flash, CLS (October 20)
He will be taking the same series to Richmond, Virginia at the end of the month (October 24-27) with one of the sessions being replaced by Master Adobe Lightroom 5 In Depth 1.
Rick Hulbert, one of our Nikonians Photo Professors brings his 4-day Urban and Street Photography workshop to Seattle, Washington (October 24-27).
This workshop series is designed to improve your photography regardless of whether you consider picture taking a hobby, or you are a serious enthusiast, or a professional photographer, or earn your living as a member of the global real estate, design, and construction industries.
There are rules for photographing buildings and other man-made structures, and knowing these rules will make you a better photographer. Mastering these rules will allow you to learn how “break” them in a deliberate, meaningful way.
You will learn how a basic understanding of street photography will assist in your architectural and urban photography. You will discover how the fundamental principles of travel photography will enhance your architectural and urban imaging. While the illustrated lectures will give you the fundamental information you need, we will spend a significant portion of the workshop in the field, with hands on photography.
Posted by flashdeadline at 3:31 AM
September 4, 2013
Nikonians Academy September-October Highlights
September and October offer the full gamut of Nikonians Academy workshops and photo adventures. Our weekly spotlight features the fourth annual wildlife and landscapes workshop in Wyoming, Urban and street photography in Boston and Seattle, and the Masters Series in Colorado and London, United Kingdom.
Check out these highlights:
Grand Teton Wildlife and Landscapes
This September 30 - October 3 workshop is our fourth Grand Teton photo adventure with Jim and he knows how to run them well. He works hard to find the wildlife so you are able to create amazing images in one of North America's most beautiful locations.
You will shoot:
Bull moose in a backdrop of fall colors are the bill-of-faire at Grand Teton NP and we spend as much time as it takes to get special images of this magnificent animal. Other wildlife may include, Bison, Elk, Pronghorn, Black and Grizzly Bears, Coyote, Fox, River Otters, Beavers, and Wolves. We will also look for Bald Eagles, Great Gray Owls, Trumpeter Swans, and Osprey. Landscapes will include the Snake River, Autumn Colors with the Grand Tetons, Oxbow Bend, Schwabacher Landing, Moulton Barn, and Jackson and Jenny Lakes.
You will experience:
The Grand Tetons in the fall, being near wild animals, the feeling of wilderness, great camaraderie, exceptional photo opportunities, and lots of fun. No strenuous hiking.
Urban and Street Photography
These highly regarded four-day workshops with a maximum enrollment of 10 people are led by Rick Hulbert, one of our Nikonians Photo Professors in Boston September 26 - 29 and Seattle October 24 - 27.
This workshop series is designed to improve your photography regardless of whether you consider picture taking a hobby, or you are a serious enthusiast, or a professional photographer, or earn your living as a member of the global real estate, design, and construction industries.
There are rules for photographing buildings and other man-made structures, and knowing these rules will make you a better photographer. Mastering these rules will allow you to learn how “break” them in a deliberate, meaningful way.
You will learn how a basic understanding of street photography will assist in your architectural and urban photography. You will discover how the fundamental principles of travel photography will enhance your architectural and urban imaging. While the illustrated lectures will give you the fundamental information you need, we will spend a significant portion of the workshop in the field, with hands on photography.
Masters Series in Colorado
Join Winston in Colorado Springs as he teaches our signature Masters series workshops on topics including the Nikon D800, Nikon D4, D600, D7100, and D7000.
His schedule begins in Mid-September:
- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 1 (Sept 17)
- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1 (Sept 18)
- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 2 (Sept 19)
The venue will be Courtyard Colorado Springs South, 2570 Tenderfoot Hill Street, Colorado Springs. Get to fully know your camera with Winston's in-depth workshops. Each day's session starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m.
London, United Kingdom
We've been working hard to continue expanding our workshops around the world and would love to see you in London from September 18 - 22. Steve Simon is running our Masters workshops on Nikon camera bodies as well as his famous Passionate Nikon Photographer 2-day Workshop.
Steve is truly comfortable in the International photography arena, having earned recognition from: Director’s Club of New York, The Canadian Newspaper Photographer of The Year, Global Health Council Photography Award for his work on AIDS in Africa, Alfred Eisenstaedt Magazine Photography Award Nomination and Prix de la Photographie, Paris (Px3).
Steve's London Schedule:
- Master the Nikon D600/D7100/D7000 In Depth 1 (Sept 18)
- Master the Nikon D800/D4 In Depth 1 (Sept 19)
- Master the Nikon D800/D4 In Depth 2 (Sept 20)
- The Passionate Nikon Photographer 2-day Workshop (Sept 21-22)
Posted by flashdeadline at 12:01 AM
August 28, 2013
Nikonians Academy September highlights
The Nikonians Academy schedule for September brings workshops and photo adventures to two continents.
Highlights include Secrets
of Studio and Environmental Portraiture by professional photographer Greg
Stangl. Chicago September 9 - 11. In this three-day hands-on workshop, you'll
be shooting in Greg's personal studio on the outskirts of Chicago.
Learn the ins and outs of lighting, metering and posing from a working professional photographer. Small class size and we'll have live models on hand for posing and trying out dynamic lighting setups.
You will learn to pose the male and female form while also understanding how to pose couples and groups. This workshop will help you discover and develop your creativity while offering you lessons in studio, window light, and environmental portraiture.
Emphasis is placed not only on learning and understanding the material, but being able to put these lessons into practical everyday use. You will be exposed to various types of studio lighting as well as on-location equipment, such as the use of light reflectors and flash modifiers.
Whether you are a
relative novice or a seasoned pro, you will find the workshop lessons detailed,
interesting, and challenging.
Winston C. Hall will be in Colorado in mid September bringing three of our popular Mastery series workshops:
- Master
the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 1 (Sept 17)
- Master
the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1 (Sept 18)
- Master
the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 2 (Sept 19)
The venue will be Courtyard Colorado Springs South, 2570 Tenderfoot Hill Street, Colorado Springs
Steve Simon will be "across the pond" in London September 18 – 22 for five days of photography workshops. Steve will be running some of our most popular classes on topics ranging from the newest Nikon cameras to his signature workshop, the Passionate Nikon Photographer.
Steve's London Schedule:
- Master
the Nikon D600/D7100/D7000 In Depth 1 (Sept 18)
- Master
the Nikon D800/D4 In Depth 1 (Sept 19)
- Master
the Nikon D800/D4 In Depth 2 (Sept 20)
- The
Passionate Nikon Photographer 2-day Workshop (Sept 21-22)
Michael A. Mariant
brings Timelapse
photography to San Francisco September 20-22. Timelapse photography is
seeing huge growth all around the world. Learn about timelapse settings,
integrating motion, using sliders and how to put it all together in a movie.
Timelapse photography is an excellent visual representation of action moving at a certain rate of speed but sped up through multi-frame capture, to give a condensed view of the motion sequence. Most people recall their first experience with timelapse photography from grade school science class, watching the multi-day sequence of a flower blooming or a butterfly breaking free from its cocoon.
When utilized to capture everyday life, from the hustle and bustle to the simple events within society, we see timelapse transition from a genre not of just scientific documentary, but rather one of an art form. And in the beautiful city of San Francisco, where the hustle and bustle of society is a tourist draw … with cable cars clanging their way up and down the streets and fog pouring over the Golden Gate Bridge … the condensed scene of daily life becomes mesmerizing.
Jim Stamates has a
double adventure special in late September.
-
Yellowstone Wildlife and Landscapes
After a long
National Park moratorium on photo workshops in Yellowstone, the Nikonians
Academy was able to secure new permits for 2013 and beyond. We are excited to
bring back our Yellowstone photo workshops in one of North America's premier
photography destinations.
Your leader is well known for his professional wildlife photography and is an excellent field instructor.
This is an intense
four days of photography. You will start early each day before dawn for the
best light and best wildlife or landscape options. The trip is designed to take
you to the many icons of Yellowstone including Yellowstone Falls, Old Faithful,
Grand Prismatic, Mammoth Hot Springs and more, while keeping a keen eye for
wildlife along the way.
Each day ends with
your cards filled with exceptional images. Daily lunch will be at one of the
local restaurants with time to socialize and get to know fellow enthusiasts.
Instruction will be in the field with no strenuous hiking.
Trip Dates:
September 23-26, 2013
-Grand Tetons Wildlife and Landscapes
This National Park
is famous for its soaring peaks and accessible wildlife. Instructor Jim
Stamates has been photographing here for decades and knows the park in and out.
The fall landscape of Grand Teton NP has turned to brilliant golds, rusts and browns wetting our appetite for great scenics. Your photo opportunities include Schwabacher Landing, where you wait for the sun to kiss the tops of the Grand Tetons. Then on to Mormon Row to get the classic shot of the barns with the snowcapped peaks and fall color backdrop. That’s just the first morning.
You will also head
to Oxbow Bend but not for scenics. Instead, you will be looking for river
otters, moose, bald eagles, and osprey. Elk, bears, pronghorn, and bison.
Join Jim and Kathy
Stamates for four wild days to learn, shoot, and experience Grand Teton
National Park.
Trip Dates:
September 30 - October 3, 2013
Special Savings -- Sign up for both the Yellowstone Wildlife Photo trip and the Grand Tetons trip and receive a $100 rebate.
Posted by flashdeadline at 6:07 AM
August 21, 2013
Nikonians Academy is gettin' pretty Jammy!
Nikonians Academy is getting all sixes and sevens! Are you by any chance going to visit Her Majesty's Pleasure? We sure hope not! (that's British, for England's Prison, yikes!) However, if you do visit and fancy a cup of tea, or a good pint, and in the midst want to learn more about photography, be inspired and share - in a beautiful city, then join in!
Join the Nikonians Academy and Steve Simon in London, England next month for five days of photography workshops. Steve will be running some of our most popular classes on topics ranging from the newest Nikon cameras to his signature workshop, the Passionate Nikon Photographer. We'd love to see you there and know you'll thoroughly enjoy the classes.
London Schedule
18 September - Master the Nikon D600/D7100/D7000 In Depth 1
19 September - Master the Nikon D800/D4 In Depth 1
20 September - Master the Nikon D800/D4 In Depth 2
21/22 September - The Passionate Nikon Photographer 2-day Workshop
London Venue
Bankside House
24 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9JA
+44 (0)20 7107 5750
bankside.conference@lse.ac.uk
https://www.lsevacations.co.uk/
Sign up now!
www.nikoniansacademy.com
London Bridge is falling down, falling down, falling down, London Bridge is falling down, my fair lady!
Posted by Ronny89 at 7:22 AM
Fall spotlight: Picker and Stamates at National Parks
Nikonians Academy instructors Lester Picker and Jim Stamates are preparing for their annual excursions to some of the USA's most scenic National Parks and you are invited.
Highlights include:
- Yellowstone Wildlife and Landscapes
After a long National Park moratorium on photo workshops in Yellowstone, the Nikonians Academy was able to secure new permits for 2013 and beyond. We are excited to bring back our Yellowstone photo workshops in one of North America's premier photography destinations.
Your leader, Jim Stamates, is well known for his professional wildlife photography and is an excellent field instructor.
This is an intense four days of photography. You will start early each day before dawn for the best light and best wildlife or landscape options. The trip is designed to take you to the many icons of Yellowstone including Yellowstone Falls, Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, Mammoth Hot Springs and more, while keeping a keen eye for wildlife along the way.
Each day ends with your cards filled with exceptional images. Daily lunch will be at one of the local restaurants with time to socialize and get to know fellow enthusiasts. Instruction will be in the field with no strenuous hiking.
Trip Dates: September 23-26, 2013
- Grand Tetons Wildlife and Landscapes
This National Park is famous for its soaring peaks and accessible wildlife. Instructor Jim Stamates has been photographing here for decades and knows the park in and out.
The fall landscape of Grand Teton NP has turned to brilliant golds, rusts and browns wetting our appetite for great scenics. Your photo opportunities include Schwabacher Landing, where you wait for the sun to kiss the tops of the Grand Tetons. Then on to Mormon Row to get the classic shot of the barns with the snowcapped peaks and fall color backdrop. That’s just the first morning.
You will also head to Oxbow Bend but not for scenics. Instead, you will be looking for river otters, moose, bald eagles, and osprey. Elk, bears, pronghorn, and bison.
Join Jim and Kathy Stamates for four wild days to learn, shoot, and experience Grand Teton National Park.
Trip Dates: September 30 - October 3, 2013
Special Savings -- Sign up for both the Yellowstone Wildlife Photo trip and the Grand Tetons trip and receive a $100 rebate.
- Acadia National Park in the Fall
Join Lester Picker for a 4-day exploration of the exciting photographic possibilities in Acadia, through Maine's coastal regions this October 10 - 14.
You will explore its intimate coves and vaunted mountains, its pristine seashore and lush forests.
Lester has timed this workshop to take advantage of fall foliage with its resplendent colors. He lived in Maine for ten years and received his doctorate in ecology from the University of Maine, using Acadia National Park for his research.
Some call it the most beautiful National Park in the country, a tiny gem compared to its larger siblings. Whether or not you agree, Maine’s Acadia National Park is most definitely a sparkling jewel for its combination of geology, flora, fauna… and weather.
September also brings a whole host of additional workshops including:
Seattle, Washington with Mike Hagen
Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1 (Sept 5)
Master Adobe Lightroom 5 In Depth 1 (Sept 6)
Master Adobe Lightroom 5 In Depth 2 (Sept 7)
Chicago, Illinois with Greg Stangl
- Secrets of Studio and Environmental Portraiture (Sept 9-11)
- Glamour and Fashion Photography on Location (Sept 14-16)
Colorado Springs, CO with Winston C. Hall
- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 1 (Sept 17)
- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1 (Sept 18)
- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 2 (Sept 19)
San Francisco, CA with Michael A. Mariant
- Timelapse Photography - Going Beyond the Basics (Sept 20-22)
Boston with Richard Hulbert
- Urban and Street Photography Workshop (Sept 26-29)
Posted by flashdeadline at 12:46 AM
August 14, 2013
Nikonians Academy Summer schedule heats up
Approaching mid-month in August, our Nikonians Academy instructors are checking their gear, organizing travel itineraries and preparing for a whirlwind of workshops and photo adventure trips in the coming weeks.
The schedule includes Academy activities in USA, Canada, The United Kingdom and Italy.
Nikonians Academy
instructor Steve Simon concludes his August workshop tour in Canada, bringing
his popular Mastery courses to Victoria,
BC. He'll be hosting the workshops at the Executive House Hotel, 777
Douglas Street.
- Master
the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1 (August 27)
-
Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 1 (August 28)
-
Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 2 (August 29)
-
The Passionate Nikon Photographer Two-Day Mastery Workshop (August 30-31)
Steve's The Passionate Nikon Photographer Two-Day Mastery workshop is based on his popular book The Passionate Photographer: Ten Steps Toward Becoming Great.
Once he's finished in Canada, Steve jumps "the Big Pond" bringing his workshops to Manchester, United Kingdom, September 9-14.
Santa Barbara
Meanwhile, Michael A. Mariant presents the 3-Day Video & Cinematography with your DSLR workshop in California (August 30-September 1).
Hosted by Samy's Camera in Santa Barbara, this workshop allows you to jump feet-first in the HD DSLR genre at the introductory instruction level.
Get hands-on demos with the myriad of accessory equipment available for the DSLR shooter, including follow focus, matte boxes, shoulder supports, sliders/dollies, monitors and more will be available from High Sierra Workshops for hands-on demo and also for field rental from Samy's Camera.
Aside from a DSLR camera that shoots HD video and a laptop to edit, there is no need to purchase ANY equipment in advance of the workshop!
Looking ahead…September
We've already mentioned Steve Simon's Manchester, UK workshops in September. He'll continue the same series in London (Sept 18-22).
Also scheduled, Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen will be hosting three sessions in the Seattle, Washington area.
Mike's topics include:
Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1 (Sept 5)
Master Adobe Lightroom 5 In Depth 1 (Sept 6)
Master Adobe Lightroom 5 In Depth 2 (Sept 7)
During the Master Adobe Lightroom 5 In Depth 1 workshop you’ll learn how to integrate Lightroom 5 into your digital life. Mike helps you understand how to use Lightroom to import, sort, rate, edit, color correct, and make quick enhancements to your images. Then you’ll learn how to export your digital images for print, email or uploading.
In short, at the end of the day, you’ll fully understand how Lightroom 5 works and how to create stunning images from the program.
After taking this workshop, you will be well prepared for the next workshop in our series: Master Adobe Lightroom 5 In Depth 2.
This version helps you better understand the power and productivity that Lightroom offers. Learn how to develop, map and output your digital images like a pro. We’ll spend ample time helping you understand how to output your digital files for print, web and slideshows.
You’ll learn how to create your own customized workflow along with some of the best tips and tricks along the way. Our Lightroom classes are small in size so that you and Mike can work closely together for the optimum learning experience.
This workshop will focus on the advanced elements of post-processing in Lightroom so that you’ll spend less time in front of your computer correcting images and more time out taking photos.
Spotlight -- Chicago
Master Photographer Greg Stangl will guide you through a personal journey toward becoming the portrait artist you’ve always wanted to be with his Secrets of Studio and Environmental Portraiture workshop. In this 3-day interactive series (Sept 9-11) you will be exposed to a series of lectures, slide shows, and lighting and posing demonstrations that will make your learning experience fun and meaningful.
You will learn to pose the male and female form while also understanding how to pose couples and groups. This workshop will help you discover and develop your creativity while offering you lessons in studio, window light, and environmental portraiture.
Emphasis is placed not only on learning and understanding the material, but being able to put these lessons into practical everyday use.
You will be exposed to various types of studio lighting as well as on-location equipment, such as the use of light reflectors and flash modifiers.
Whether you are a relative novice or a seasoned pro, you will find the workshop lessons detailed, interesting, and challenging.
Students are encouraged to create images during the class as a way to build a personal portfolio. You will be given specific portraiture assignments to complete in class in order to gain a library of images to review after the class is over. These assignments will also allow the instructor to gage your progress. The class is about 2/3 studio and classroom work and 1/3 field work.
September mid-month on:
Nikonians Academy workshops and photo adventure trips will be coming to:
- Glamour and Fashion Photography on Location (Sept 14-16)
Colorado Springs, CO with Winston C. Hall
- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 1 (Sept 17)
- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1 (Sept 18)
- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 2 (Sept 19)
San Francisco, CA with
Michael A. Mariant
- Timelapse Photography - Going Beyond the Basics (Sept 20-22)
Yellowstone National
Park Photo Adventure with Jim Stamates
- Yellowstone Wildlife and Landscapes - Fall 2013 (Sept 23-26)
Boston with Richard
Hulbert
- Urban and Street Photography Workshop (Sept 26-29)
Jackson, Wyoming Photo
Adventure with Jim Stamates
- Grand Teton Wildlife and Landscapes - Fall 2013 (Sept 30 - Oct 3)
Posted by flashdeadline at 3:01 AM
August 7, 2013
HDR, Video and Mastery Classes coming up
Nikonians Academy instructor Winston C. Hall brings his Master HDR Photography - 2-Day Workshop to Seattle/Bellevue, WA August 9-10.
You will learn to master the secrets of High Dynamic Range Photography and learn new techniques for creating amazing HDR images in this two-day workshop.
Winston brings the often confusing world of HDR Photography into an easy and manageable process that in turn opens your photographic eyes to the explosive potential that awaits you.
Your schedule includes classroom and in-the-field instruction and begins with understanding the technical infrastructure of the HDR process, delving into the digital aspects of the methods, followed by a step-by-step explanation of how to go about creating your own HDR images.
From pre-visualization to exposure methods to post-production to the digital workflow to the evaluative comparisons between software options, this workshop explores the whole HDR phenomenon and will de-mystify the process.
Portland Workshops
Nikonians Academy instructor Steve Simon brings a week-long series of workshops to Portland August 12-16 and seats are still available.
The workshops will be held at the Pro Photo Supply Event Center, 1801 NW Northrup Street, in Portland. Steve starts the week with the popular Mastering series, focusing on making sure you get to fully know and understand your camera's capabilities.
In the final two days he combines that mastery with lessons aimed to help you become a great photographer.
His workshop topics include:
- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1 (August 12)
- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 1 (August 13)
- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 2 (August 14)
- The Passionate Nikon Photographer Two-Day Mastery Workshop (August 15-16)
Steve's The Passionate Nikon Photographer Two-Day Mastery Workshop is based on his popular book The Passionate Photographer: Ten Steps Toward Becoming Great.
This workshop helps you create a clear and concise plan of action for becoming a great photographer; maximizing your strengths and talents to move towards achieving your goals.
Steve’s presentation combines humor and poignancy as he takes you on an inspirational journey through his personal, compelling projects and those of other master photographers.
Members within range of Victoria, BC will have the opportunity to attend any of these workshops led by Steve Simon later this month (August 27-31).
Santa Barbara
Rounding out the month of August, Michael A. Mariant presents the 3-Day Video & Cinematography with your DSLR workshop in California (August 30-September 1).
Hosted by Samy's Camera in Santa Barbara, this workshop allows you to jump feet-first in the HD DSLR genre at the introductory instruction level.
Get hands-on demos with the myriad of accessory equipment available for the DSLR shooter, including follow focus, matte boxes, shoulder supports, sliders/dollys, monitors and more will be available from High Sierra Workshops for hands-on demo and also for field rental from Samy's Camera.
Aside from a DSLR camera that shoots HD video and a laptop to edit, there is no need to purchase ANY equipment in advance of the workshop!
Posted by flashdeadline at 1:52 AM
July 30, 2013
West Coast USA and Canada next for Academy workshops
Nikonians Academy instructors Steve Simon, Winston C. Hall and Michael A. Mariant share the workshop schedule in August, bringing popular topics to San Francisco, Seattle/Bellevue, WA, Portland, OR, Victoria, BC and Santa Barbara, CA.
Steve Simon continues his California workshop tour Wednesday (July 31) bringing the following topics to San Francisco:
- July 31 -- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1
- August 1 -- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 1
- August 2 -- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 2
- August 3-4 -- The Passionate Nikon Photographer Two-Day Mastery Workshop
Steve will then head to Portland, Oregon, to make the same workshops available August 12 – 15, followed by Victoria, BC (August 27-31).
Meanwhile, Winston Hall's schedule takes his Master HDR Photography - 2 Day Workshop (August 9-10) to Seattle/Bellevue, WA.
This workshop brings the often confusing world of High Dynamic Range (HDR) Photography into an easy and manageable process that in turn opens your photographic eyes to the explosive potential that awaits you.
The workshop includes classroom and in-the-field instruction and begins with understanding the technical infrastructure of the HDR process, delving into the digital aspects of the methods, followed by a step-by-step explanation of how to go about creating your own HDR images.
From pre-visualization to exposure methods to post-production to the digital workflow to the evaluative comparisons between software options, this workshop explores the whole HDR phenomenon and will de-mystify the process.
Rounding out the month of August, Michael A. Mariant presents the 3-Day Video & Cinematography with your DSLR in California (August 30-September 1).
Hosted by Samy's Camera in Santa Barbara, this workshop allows you to jump feet-first in the HD DSLR genre at the introductory instruction level. Get hands-on demos with the myriad of accessory equipment available for the DSLR shooter, including follow focus, matte boxes, shoulder supports, sliders/dollys, monitors and more will be available from High Sierra Workshops for hands-on demo and also for field rental from Samy's Camera.
Aside from a DSLR camera that shoots HD video and a laptop to edit, there is no need to purchase ANY equipment in advance of the workshop!
Looking ahead to September, Rick Hulbert's best selling Urban and Street Photography Workshop is set for September 5 - 8 in Chicago, IL.
This workshop series is designed to improve your photography regardless of whether you consider picture taking a hobby, or you are a serious enthusiast, or a professional photographer, or earn your living as a member of the global real estate, design, and construction industries.
You will learn how a basic understanding of street photography will assist in your architectural and urban photography. You will discover how the fundamental principles of travel photography will enhance your architectural and urban imaging.
While the illustrated lectures will give you the fundamental information you need, we will spend a significant portion of the workshop in the field, with hands on photography.
Posted by flashdeadline at 9:39 PM
July 24, 2013
Academy Spotlight: Video with DSLR and Urban Photography
One of the Nikonians Academy's newest workshops, Video & Cinematography with your DSLR led by Michael Mariant, comes to California August 30 – September 1st.
Located in the beautiful coastal resort town of Santa Barbara, the workshop will introduce not only the equipment necessary for successful and dramatic HD DSLR video, but provides ample locations and subject matter to fill the short film all workshop participants will create during the four-days of instruction.
From beach volleyball to sailing, surfing and fishing on the coast … to the Spanish architecture, the historic Mission and grounds, to high-end shopping in the city … to mountain biking, hiking, wineries and landscapes in the back-country, Santa Barbara has the story for you.
All workshop participants will be provided with a list of suggested story ideas and resources prior to the workshop, to allow for individual research and study in preparation of four-days of instruction and shooting.
Looking ahead to September, Rick Hulbert's best selling Urban and Street Photography Workshop is set for September 5 - 8 in Chicago, IL.
This workshop series is designed to improve your photography regardless of whether you consider picture taking a hobby, or you are a serious enthusiast, or a professional photographer, or earn your living as a member of the global real estate, design, and construction industries.
You will learn how a basic understanding of street photography will assist in your architectural and urban photography. You will discover how the fundamental principles of travel photography will enhance your architectural and urban imaging.
While the illustrated lectures will give you the fundamental information you need, we will spend a significant portion of the workshop in the field, with hands on photography.
Last minute check on July/August
Los Angeles and San Francisco, California are next on Nikonians Academy instructor Steve Simon's extensive summer workshop schedule.
Steve will be in Los Angeles this week (July 24 – 27) and heads for San Francisco July 31- August 3.
His workshop topics for both cities include:
- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1
- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 1
- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 2
- The Passionate Nikon Photographer Two-Day Mastery Workshop
Steve will then head to Portland, Oregon, to make the same workshops available August 12 – 15, followed by Victoria, BC (August 27-31).
Posted by flashdeadline at 12:16 AM
July 17, 2013
Summer sessions in full swing with Nikonians Academy
Los Angeles and San Francisco, California are next on Nikonians Academy instructor Steve Simon's extensive summer workshop schedule.
Steve will be in Los Angeles July 24 - 27 and San Francisco July 31- August 3.
His workshop topics for both cities include:
- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1
- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 1
- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 2
- The Passionate Nikon Photographer Two-Day Mastery Workshop
Steve will then head to Portland, Oregon, to make the same workshops available August 12 – 15, followed by Victoria, BC (August 27-31).
One of the Academy's newest workshops, Video & Cinematography with your DSLR led by Michael Mariant, comes to Santa Barbara, California August 30 – September 1st.
Located in the beautiful coastal resort town of Santa Barbara, the workshop will introduce not only the equipment necessary for successful and dramatic HD DSLR video, but provides ample locations and subject matter to fill the short film all workshop participants will create during the four-days of instruction.
From beach volleyball to sailing, surfing and fishing on the coast … to the Spanish architecture, the historic Mission and grounds, to high-end shopping in the city … to mountain biking, hiking, wineries and landscapes in the back-country, Santa Barbara has the story for you.
All workshop participants will be provided with a list of suggested story ideas and resources prior to the workshop, to allow for individual research and study in preparation of four-days of instruction and shooting.
Looking ahead to September, Rick Hulbert's best selling Urban and Street Photography Workshop is set for September 5 - 8 in Chicago, IL.
This workshop series is designed to improve your photography regardless of whether you consider picture taking a hobby, or you are a serious enthusiast, or a professional photographer, or earn your living as a member of the global real estate, design, and construction industries.
You will learn how a basic understanding of street photography will assist in your architectural and urban photography. You will discover how the fundamental principles of travel photography will enhance your architectural and urban imaging.
While the illustrated lectures will give you the fundamental information you need, we will spend a significant portion of the workshop in the field, with hands on photography.
Posted by flashdeadline at 1:59 AM
July 9, 2013
Advance schedule includes new HDR workshop
Nikonians Academy instructor Steve Simon's New Orleans workshops are in the last call stage, and as August draws closer, we have a new HDR workshop added to the schedule.
Steve Simon's workshops this month include Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1 on July 10th, Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 1 on July 11th and The Passionate Nikon Photographer Two-Day Mastery Workshop on July 13th. At press time each workshop has seats available.
Steve's next stop will be at Calumet Photo's Hollywood store location from July 24th - 27th. His Calumet Photo workshops include:
July 24 -- Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 - In Depth 1
July 25 -- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 1
July 26 -- Master the Nikon D800 and D4 - In Depth 2
July 27 -- The Passionate Nikon Photographer Two-Day Mastery Workshop
His final destination will keep him in California for the same series of workshops in San Francisco (July 31- August 3).
Heading into August, Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen tells us Winston Hall has a new workshop set for Seattle called Master HDR Photography - 2 Day Workshop (August 9th). He'll be covering all the newest software.
This workshop brings the confusing world of High Dynamic Range (HDR) Photography into an easy and manageable process that in turn opens your photographic eyes into the explosive potential that awaits you.
The workshop includes classroom and in-the-field instruction, beginning with understanding the technical infrastructure of the HDR process, delving into the digital aspects of the methods, followed by a step-by-step explanation of how to go about creating your own HDR images.
Posted by flashdeadline at 7:18 PM
July 3, 2013
Popular workshops and adventure trips going fast
Nikonians Academy instructors are noticing a trend developing for some of the high profile workshops and adventure trips scheduled this year. Academy Director Mike Hagen, currently on the road in California, had time to dash of a fast message while traveling:
"The African Photo Safari in November is sold out, but not to worry. We have already added our November 2014 Photo Safari in Tanzania to the schedule.
On the same topic of "sold out" seating, the 13th Annual Nikonians Photo Adventure Trip (ANPAT) to Arizona in October is almost sold out, and we have just one seat remaining for our Iceland Photo Adventure from July 29 - August 6."
Checking the updated roster of members going to the 13th ANPAT, we ran across an interesting exchange between some of our frequent participants and a self-described "newbie." Academy faculty member Rick Hulbert (rhulbert) assured a first-timer that all participants share equal standing from the moment they arrive.
"Hi MaryKaye,
Remember that everyone attending was at one time a newbie.
The great thing about the ANPATS is that we all enjoy equal status. We all learn from each other, regardless of our level of experience or amount of gear. People from all walks of life come together in the spirit of the sheer enjoyment of photography. I can tell you that after you meet all of the attendees on the first afternoon and evening, you will not feel like a newbie."
Academy faculty member Steve Simon heads to Toronto, New Orleans, Los Angeles, and San Francisco this month, running our signature Masters series classes on the Nikon D600, D7100, D7000, D800, and D4.
Additionally, he's bringing his famous The Passionate Nikon Photographer Two-Day Workshop based on his popular book The Passionate Photographer: Ten Steps Toward Becoming Great.
Steve is in Toronto this week, followed by New Orleans (July 10-14), Los Angeles (July 24-28) and San Francisco (July 31-August 04)
Also in July, the three-day Timelapse Photography Workshop in San Francisco (starting July 12) with Michael Mariant is a fantastic way to learn the ins and outs of creating stunning timelapse videos.
Check out the Nikonians Academy August, September and October schedules for information on workshops and photo adventures coming to a location near you.
Posted by flashdeadline at 1:29 AM
June 26, 2013
Spotlight on Steve "Mr. July" Simon
Nikonians Academy instructor Steve Simon will temporarily earn the role of "busiest workshop leader" during the month of July. One look at the Academy's "By Date" listing will show why.
He loves traveling the world running photography workshops and his schedule for next month is intense with workshops in Toronto, New Orleans, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
Steve will be running our signature Masters series classes on the Nikon D600, D7100, D7000, D800, and D4.
Additionally, he's bringing his famous The Passionate Nikon Photographer Two-Day Workshop based on his popular book The Passionate Photographer: Ten Steps Toward Becoming Great.
This workshop helps you create a clear and concise plan of action for becoming a great photographer; maximizing your strengths and talents to move towards achieving your goals.
Steve’s presentation combines humor and poignancy as he takes you on an inspirational journey through his personal, compelling projects and those of other master photographers.
Steve "Mr. July" Simon's Schedule
Toronto July 3-7
New Orleans July 10-14
Los Angeles July 24-28
San Francisco July 31-August 04
Also in July, we have two workshops with seats still available.
Our Iceland Photo and Bird Adventure scheduled for July 29 - August 6 has one seat open for an intrepid photographer looking to photograph the wilds of Iceland.
The three-day Timelapse Photography Workshop in San Francisco (starting July 12) with Michael Mariant is a fantastic way to learn the ins and outs of creating stunning timelapse videos.
There's hardly a better venue than San Francisco for a subject like this.
Posted by flashdeadline at 12:58 AM
June 19, 2013
Nikonians Academy Spotlight on Maine, USA
For the second year in a row, the Nikonians Academy is pleased to offer a 4-day workshop in Acadia National Park led by award-winning photographer and Academy faculty member Les Picker (www.lesterpickerphoto.com).
Maine’s iconic Acadia National Park always ranks in the Top Ten list of the most visited, and for good reason.
It is a photographer’s dream location with rugged ocean cliffs that glow golden during the magic hours. It features photogenic lighthouses, mountain peaks, evergreen forests, bubbling streams and vibrant fishing communities.
Les lived near Acadia for ten years and did his graduate ecology research there, so few people know the park as well as he does.
Join Les for a once-in-a-lifetime photo experience (starting October 10th). For more information, check the course description.
Here is a testimonial from one of last year's Acadia National Park workshop participants:
Lewis Rothman (lewisrothman).
"I recently returned from a Nikonians workshop led by Les Picker at Acadia National Park. In a word, it was outstanding. Les is an excellent teacher, photographer and leader. He was extremely knowledgeable about the Park and scouted out several beautiful photo venues in advance.
He offered solid and comprehensive shooting tips geared to our individual needs and provided insightful feedback after each shoot.
Perhaps most important he provided additional opportunity to review and improve our images after we returned home from the workshop. He was genuinely interested in our progress and it didn't end with the workshop. I recommend the workshop without reservation and look forward to attending another one with him."
--- Lewis Rothman, M.D., New York City
In other Nikonians Academy News, our Toronto, Ontario, and New Orleans, Louisiana workshops are coming up quickly during the first half of July.
Also, our Timelapse Photography Workshop with Michael Mariant in San Francisco (starting July 13) is sure to be a hit with those who desire to learn the ins and outs of high-quality timelapse photography.
The schedule for this three-day session is a different from typical technical workshops in that much of the instruction takes place in the field.
This helps you fully "read" the scene in order to learn how to calculate the correct sequence methods.
Posted by flashdeadline at 1:41 AM
June 12, 2013
Workshop leaders preparing for annual favorites
One of our most popular Nikonians Academy photo adventures begins in two weeks and your workshop leader has a few seats left.
Michael Mariant's four day Giant Redwoods of Northern California workshop starts June 27th.
Class size is limited to 10 participants only, to maximize interaction with your instructor.
You will learn:
▪ Photographic techniques
▪ Directly related to the Giant Redwoods of Northern California
▪ (i.e. exposure control, white balance shifting, digital zone system, HDR)
▪ Evaluative composition
▪ Pre-visualization of final image
▪ From exposure through post-production
▪ To presentation
▪ Alternative digital processes/approaches
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen says the schedule for the rest of this year reflects a heartfelt goal to provide quality workshops around the globe:
"Our instructors are busier than ever running these workshops because we love sharing our knowledge in order to help you achieve your photographic goals. This year, we have workshops all around North America (USA and Canada) as well as England, Germany, Italy, Iceland, Tanzania, and Australia. Join us for a photo experience you'll never forget."
Steve Simon is running Nikon D800, D4, D600, D7100, D7000 and the Passionate Nikon Photographer workshops this July and August in Toronto, New Orleans, San Francisco, Portland, Oregon and Victoria BC. These classes are consistently rated as top notch by those who attend.
Meanwhile, Mike Hagen leaves for Iceland at the end of July, and then heads out for Tanzania in November.
During the week-long workshop in Africa you will be photographing the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and at private luxury tent camps throughout Northern Tanzania.
All this comes with private Land cruisers, professional wildlife guides, catered meals and excellent accommodations. Class size is limited to 12 participants and this number includes your Tour Leader.
Fall is one of the Academy's busiest seasons for outdoor and nature photography. The entire staff encourages you to join a photo adventure trip with Jim Stamates, Lester Picker, Winston Hall, or Michael Mariant to some place wild. This fall, they have trips planned to Yellowstone NP, Grand Teton NP, Acadia NP, Eastern Sierras, and New Mexico for the annual Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.
Your portal to all information on workshops and photo adventures can be found at the Nikonians Academy home page.
Posted by flashdeadline at 12:50 AM
June 5, 2013
ANPAT-13 FAQ's posted
You've got questions--Nikonians co-founder J. Ramón Palacios (jrp) has answers. He has just posted the Annual Nikonians Photo Adventure Trip (ANPAT) FAQ's for the trip to Northern Arizona this year (October 5-12).
The FAQ's cover costs, lodging, luggage, arrival and departure itinerary highlights, tips on special items and clothing to bring, and much more. Check it out.
The ANPAT is the Nikonians field event of year, and seats for this 13th edition are going fast. The enthusiasm and camaraderie on the ANPAT is contagious, and is something you truly have to experience to believe.
Even though this trip isn't a traditional photography workshop, people who come always are amazed at how much they learned and how many new tips & tricks they take away for their own photography.
Posted by flashdeadline at 1:52 AM
Nikonians Academy continuing its global expansion
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen tells us in addition to workshops already scheduled in Italy and Australia, the staff has just added new workshops for The United Kingdom and Germany.
Rick Hulbert has been running his well-reviewed workshop series titled Urban and Street Photography. His last workshops in Chicago and Toronto drew excellent reviews, such as the two below:
"Thanks for one of the best photographic learning experiences I’ve had. And I’ve had a lot. I could not have designed a more efficient way to learn the art and science of photography of architecture.
Thanks for all the work you put into this, and for going above and beyond, way beyond, what we expected from the workshop."
---Neil Boyle
"I attend a lot of workshops, and your class stands out as the most impactful and useful. Your guidance during the lecture and review was immediately applicable and actionable, and I know I have become a better photographer already. The number of 'aha!' moments was impressive, and my one regret was that it wasn't a full week - or longer - workshop."
---Lala Mamedov
With Rick's proven track record as a springboard, the Academy has decided to add a whole host of new cities around the world to the Urban and Street Photography schedule, including Berlin, Germany and Cambridge, England.
In the same spirit of bringing our best workshops to other points on the globe, Steve Simon has just added new workshops for London and Manchester, England this coming September.
His workshops are Master the Nikon D600, D7000 & D7100 In Depth, Master the Nikon D800/D4 In Depth, and his internationally acclaimed The Passionate Nikon Photographer.
Looking ahead....
We still have a few seats available for our Giant Redwoods of Northern California workshop with Michael Mariant. Also, the very popular Eastern Sierra workshop this October is down to the final two seats remaining.
In July, our we bring our best-selling Master's series workshops and Passionate Photographer workshops to Toronto, New Orleans, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
Posted by flashdeadline at 12:21 AM
May 22, 2013
Nikonians Academy June-July preview
Nikonians Academy instructors Greg Stangl, Jim Stamates and Michael Mariant will highlight the June Calendar this year.