Thursday, 27 May 2010

Tim Motion: An Eye for the Sound at the Richard Young Gallery

The Richard Young Gallery is delighted to announce the Tim Motion ‘An Eye For The Sound’ Exhibition, showing through May and June 2010. The show will display a variety of striking images by photographer Tim Motion, featuring portraits of some of the most influential jazz musicians in the history of the genre.

Signed, limited edition posters have been made to accompany the exhibition and will be sold for £12.50 each. These fantastic photographs will be exhibited until the 12th of June. We look forward to seeing you in the gallery!

Ray Charles, 1987

The unique exhibition showcases photographs of jazz icons including Ray Charles, Dizzy Gillespie, Chet Baker, Miles Davis, Bo Diddley, George Benson and Art Blakey. These arresting images provide an insight into the vibrant world of jazz, capturing its stars in their element, with the passion of their performances clear in every shot.

Al Grey at Nice Jazz Festival 1984

Since he first attended the Lisbon Jazz Festival in 1971, Tim Motion has built an unrivalled reputation as a jazz photographer after opening a club that brought him into contact with the members of the legendary ‘Newport All‐Stars’ who defined the genre.

Muddy Waters at the Capital Jazz Festival London 1979

“The images in this exhibition represent a selection from almost four decades in jazz photography for me, and what a time that has been. The photographs reflect a real labour of love, capturing the great musicians that I have been lucky enough to watch perform, and I am very pleased to have them on display at the Richard Young Gallery. These pictures fuse my passion for jazz music and photography, and through capturing the undeniably great performers portrayed here, strengthens my love of both. Music is, of course, something that cannot be photographed, but with these images I have sought to provide a glimpse of the magic and personality that jazz is so famous for.”
- Tim Motion

An Eye for the Sound will open from 4th May 2010 to 12th June 2010 at The Richard Young Gallery, 4 Holland Street, London, W8 4LT.

Photographs will be available for purchase with prices ranging from £375 ‐ £2500.

For further information please contact:
Susan Young or Michelle Boynton on 020 7937 8911, office@richardyoungonline.com

Wednesday, 26 May 2010

Grays of Westminster presents The Definitive Simon Stafford General Photographic Technique Seminar

Saturday, June 5th, 2010

For a number of years, Grays of Westminster has presented and hosted a number of comprehensive photographic seminars and workshops covering a wide variety of subject matter including Mike Maloney’s recent House of Lords Photographic Event, wildlife and natural history weekend workshops in Pembrokeshire and Sussex, flash, general photographic technique, portrait and macro training sessions, and many more.

Due to overwhelming demand, we are delighted to announce a further general photographic technique seminar to be held in central London, at Fitzroy House, 37 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 6DX on Saturday, June 5th, 2010.

Fitzroy House, 37 Fitzroy Street, London

The seminar will be presented by Simon Stafford, technical director of Nikon Owner magazine, and will take place from 2.00 p.m. until 5.30 p.m. The cost of the session will be £155 with a special price of £95 if you are a current Nikon Owner subscriber. To book, please email me with your full name, daytime mobile and landline, or call between 2.00 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. Monday to Friday on 020 7828 4925 or for International calls telephone + 44 (0)20 7828 4925, and ask to speak to me, Gillian Greenwood.

gillian.greenwood@graysofwestminster.co.uk

Agenda for the General Photographic Techniques session

Part one: Camera skills
  • Understanding f/numbers & shutter speeds
  • Learn how to optimise white balance and ISO
  • Mastering camera menu settings
  • JPEG versus RAW: the pros and cons of both
  • How to achieve accurate exposures
  • Understand how your camera’s metering system works
  • Learn the benefits of digital histograms
  • Improve your focus techniques with AF and manual focus
Part two: Shooting skills
  • Learn good camera handling
  • Camera support systems, tripods, monopods, and alternatives
  • Understanding and using depth-of-field
  • Choosing and using filters
  • Imaginative use of shutter speed
  • Creative use of white balance
Part three: Beyond the camera
  • Planning and visualising the picture
  • Techniques of composition
  • Transporting photographic equipment
  • Tips for location shooting
Please note: there will be ample opportunity to ask questions throughout the event.

About Simon Stafford

Simon Stafford is considered by many to be one of the foremost technical Nikon experts in the UK . With over twenty-five years of experience using the Nikon system, he brings his considerable expertise to bear both as technical editor for Nikon Owner, and as author of a number of comprehensive books on the Nikon system, including his best-seller series of Magic Lantern Guides on the Nikon D70s/D70, the Nikon D80, the Nikon D40, D40X, D50, D60, D200, D300, D700, D90, D3. The series includes a Magic Lantern Guide on the Nikon AF Speedlights & Creative Lighting System, and he is currently working on a fully updated, second edition to include the latest Nikon SB-900.

Special Nikon Owner discount off the price of the course

Enrolling on this course as a current Nikon Owner subscriber will allow you the benefit of a discount of £60 off the normal price of £155 for the session.

About Nikon Owner

Nikon Owner is a worldwide users’ group initially founded with the purpose of assisting Nikon owners to make full use of the Nikon equipment they own, to give advice on a wide spectrum of photographic queries and problems, and at the same time to offer ideas to bring about an increase in photographic skills. As a subscriber to this group, you will receive an array of offers and assistance, which includes:

Nikon Owner Magazine


Nikon Owner Magazine

Nikon Owner Magazine and Interactive Website is considered by many to be the world’s number 1 user group for Nikon owners.

Subscriber benefits include:

  • Nikon Owner Magazine: a stunning, full-colour 60 page glossy quarterly magazine which is 100% Nikon.
  • Subscribers’-only website with a lively forum, message board, technical equipment reviews, events’ page and use of a photo gallery.
  • Simon Stafford’s Technical Helpline: free technical consultation and support from Simon Stafford, one of the top Nikon experts in the UK.
  • FREE 3-year warranty on all new Nikon products from Grays of Westminster, or a free 18-month warranty on second-hand Nikon from Grays of Westminster.
  • 10% off Think-Tank bags purchased at Grays of Westminster.
  • Special trips: past visits have included a two-week trip to Japan and a personal tour of the Nikon factory, a visit to Nikon Thailand , Angkor Watt, Cambodia.
  • Substantial discounts on events and training sessions such as Mike Maloney’s House of Lords Photographic Workshop, Heather Angel’s Wildlife & Natural History Workshops, Simon Stafford’s Definitive Flash, Portraiture and Macro Seminars, Chris Weston’s Photographic Courses, Michael Eleftheriades’ Panoramic Seminars.
  • 10% off any training courses run by Nikon UK.
  • A range of complimentary meetings and outings organized by local Nikon Owner Groups.
Please email me at gillian.greenwood@graysofwestminster.co.uk with your name, daytime landline and mobile telephone number if you are interested in enrolling in Nikon Owner or call me after 2.00 p.m. Monday to Friday on 020 7828 4925 or for International calls, telephone + 44 (0)20 7828 4925. The cost of an annual subscription to Nikon Owner is currently only £59.
With best wishes,

Gillian ( Greenwood )
Features Editor, Events’ Coordinator

Thursday, 13 May 2010

Nikon joins Heather Angel's Wildlife & Natural History Workshops in July 2010

Nikon UK will be joining the doyenne of nature photography, Heather Angel, for her 14th Annual Wildlife & Natural History Workshops in July this year. The events are sponsored by the world-famous Nikon-only shop Grays of Westminster, and will be held at Saint Hill Manor in West Sussex. She will also be joined by representatives from Think Tank Photo bags.

London - Grays of Westminster is pleased to present two one-day workshops on Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th July 2010 at Saint Hill Manor, East Grinstead, West Sussex, England.

Heather Angel workshop venue: Saint Hill ManorHeather Angel workshop venue: Saint Hill Manor

Heather Angel, the internationally renowned wildlife photographer, has been the recipient of a large number of awards and prizes from all over the world for her widely acclaimed lectures, writing and workshops. In addition, she is a regular contributor to the worldwide photographic press and the distinguished author of over 50 books.

Heather Angel is an enthusiastic tutor of wildlife and nature photography, and these hugely popular one-day workshops on Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th July 2010 at
Saint Hill Manor are perfect for both the newcomer and experienced photographer alike. The schedule for each day includes lectures, demonstrations and the chance to handle and use a huge range of new Nikon camera equipment and the range of Think Tank camera bags. Her workshops regularly attract visitors from all over the U.K., Europe and throughout the world.

An overview of the schedule for the day:

09.15 Registration with coffee and tea served on the terrace of the Manor

10.00 -11.15 Heather Angel - What makes a memorable image?

11.15 Break for mid-morning refreshment: tea, coffee, mineral water on the Terrace.

11.45 - 12.45 Nikon Total Imaging System - John Clements

13.00 Lunch: an elegant lunch overlooking the beautiful gardens of Saint Hill Manor and a wooded lake

14.00 onwards there will be a choice of four sessions:

  • Practical Macro session with Heather Angel inside and in the garden
  • Outside Practical session with John Clements
  • Photoshop Techniques with Giles Angel (aimed at different levels as the afternoon progresses)
  • Practical Macro session with Heather Angel inside and in the garden
  • Outside Practical session with Flying Falcons and Julian Ford
By popular request, the birds of prey are back - ideal subjects to achieve stunning action images - both as stills and HD video with the latest DSLR Nikon cameras.

16.15 Afternoon Tea and Coffee or cool drinks served on the Terrace.

16.45 Practical Session with Heather Angel outside. Heather will demonstrate various gadgets for aiding outdoor photography and demonstrate how she works in the rain.

17.00 Workshop closes

18.30 Dinner at the Manor. A special complimentary thank-you dinner to all those attending the workshop has been organised by Grays of Westminster and the staff of Saint Hill Manor.

For a more detailed schedule, please visit: http://www.graysofwestminster.co.uk/workshop/

Please note that Nikon cameras and lenses will be available for attendees to try out during the day; in fact these workshops are an excellent opportunity to handle and try out Nikon equipment before making a purchase. However, attendees are asked to bring their own kit - macro lens, long lens, flash and tripod - to get the best from the practical sessions.

Heather Angel: "Everything is planned to perfection and nothing is left to chance. My annual Nikon workshops have become a fixed date in the photographic calendar. The innovative formula combines an attractive venue with splendid views over the Sussex countryside, the provision of technical expertise and ample opportunity to try out a wide range of Nikon equipment. All this provides a memorable experience for everyone.”

Copies of Heather's books - including Wild Kew, which is the basis of the 2010 summer exhibition at Kew Gardens - will be available this weekend.

Booking details:

The ticket for either day includes refreshments, lunch and the evening meal, costs £245.00 (£185.00 for Nikon Owner subscribers) per person for the day and can be booked online here: http://www.graysofwestminster.co.uk/secure/angel-workshop.php

About Grays of Westminster

The legendary award-winning Grays of Westminster, currently celebrating its twenty-fifth year, is a charming period shop, specialising exclusively in Nikon. It offers what is probably the widest range of new and second-hand Nikon in the world. It is situated in a quiet location in central London and offers a fast and reliable mail-order service on any Nikon item - available to all world-wide destinations. Tax free shopping to non-European Community residents is also available.

For more information, please contact:

Gillian Greenwood
Grays of Westminster Exclusively…Nikon
40 Churton Street
London
SW1V 2LP

Main: +44 (0)20 7828 4925
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7976 5783
E-mail: info@graysofwestminster.co.uk
Web: http://www.graysofwestminster.co.uk

Tuesday, 11 May 2010

Become a Nikon Owner Affiliate


We are pleased to announce that we have launched an affiliate programme. You can now place a link on your own website which directs visitors to the Nikon Owner magazine site. If that visitor signs up for a subscription, you get a 10% commission!

Become a Nikon Owner affiliate now! It's free to set up and you can earn money from it too!

Just sent an e-mail to affiliates@nikonownermagazine.com to request your unique affiliate number and snippet of code to place on your website.

Small print:

  1. Commission will be paid quarterly provided that an amount of £50 or more has accrued. £50 is the minimum amount that will be disbursed. Money will be held on account until such time as £50 has accrued.
  2. Commissions are paid on the 1st year of subscription only.

Tuesday, 27 April 2010

David Suchet and The Bluebell Railway 50th Anniversary Appeal

David Suchet
photo: Phil Chambers

"As a Patron of the Bluebell Railway I am very proud to be here talking to you about this very important appeal.

The Bluebell Railway is very important to me because over the years I have actually filmed down on the stations, on the platforms and inside the trains as my alter-ego, Hercule Poirot.
Bluebell Railway
I have filmed many times at the Bluebell Railway and every time I visit I feel a certain sense of nostalgia and I am aware that there are so many people of all ages coming to the Bluebell Railway Line to enjoy the unique experience, a very special experience of actually travelling on a steam train. The volunteer-run Bluebell Line was the UK’s first standard gauge preserved passenger railway line reopening part of the Lewes to East Grinstead line of the old London/Brighton and South Cost railway in 1960. Since then it has developed into one of the largest tourist attractions in Sussex. Yet it still remains true to its objectives of the preservation of posterity of a country branch line with its steam locomotives, coaches and goods stock, signalling systems, stations and operating practices.

The line currently runs between Sheffield Park, Horsted Keynes and Kingscote. The Bluebell Railway is currently in the middle of a huge fund-raising initiative to raise the £4million needed to complete the final mile of the Bluebell Line to the historic town of East Grinstead.

This is a very important project. It will, when completed, bring travellers from afar to the town, eager to experience the evocative sounds and romance of a gentler age. We will be able to travel again on these wonderful steam trains as they make their way through beautiful countryside to East Grinstead and finally bring a long-held dream of so many to life. Can you please help us to complete that final mile by making a generous donation to the Bluebell Railway Appeal?
Thank you very much."
David Suchet OBE

DONATIONS

Please make cheques payable to the:
‘Bluebell Railway Trust, 50th Anniversary Appeal’
Sheffield Park Station
East Sussex TN22 3QL

Telephone: 01825 720800 (office hours, inc. Weekends)
Email: 50appeal@bluebell-railway.co.uk
Website: www.bluebellrailwaytrust.org.uk
The Bluebell Railway Trust is a registered charity, No.292497

This article was taken from the current issue of the Nikon Owner magazine (issue #30).

Become a subscriber today and you'll receive the quarterly publication of the Nikon Owner magazine plus many other great benefits.

Nikon's New AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II Lens

AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II Lens


RRP:
£6,249.99
Sales start date: 28th May 2010

April 27th 2010: Nikon UK today announces a new super telephoto zoom lens – the AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II. This lens replaces the highly acclaimed AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED VR and features the new generation of Vibration Reduction technology (VR II), Nano Crystal Coat and a new A/M mode, making it an ideal, versatile choice for sports and wildlife photographers.

This type of super telephoto zoom lens remains unique on the market and reflects Nikon’s continued dedication to innovation and quality in the industry. The evolution of this lens underlines Nikon’s commitment to developing a range of products tailored to photographers’ needs, and strengthens the line-up of high-performance NIKKOR lenses.

Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager Lenses, Accessories & Software, Nikon Europe says: "Rapid advancements in optical technology and Nikon’s continued dedication to provide class-leading products have resulted in recent updates of pro grade lenses. Through its additional features and improved specifications, the AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II delivers the ultimate results and enables even the most demanding of pro photographers to shoot without compromise.”

Specifications










Focal length200-400mm
Aperturef/4
Lens construction24 elements in 17 groups
Picture angle12°20´- 6°10´ (8°- 4° for Nikon DX format)
No. diaphragm blades9 (rounded)
Closest focusing distance2.0m/6ft. (AF); 1.95m/6.4ft. (MF)
Filter/attachment size52mm
Diameter x lengthApprox. 124 x 365.5mm
Weight3,360g

Sharper images with improved handling
The AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II features second generation built in Vibration Reduction (VRII), providing the ability to shoot at shutter speeds up to four stops slower so sharper images can be achieved.

In addition, the new A/M mode added to existing M/A and M modes enables autofocus priority even if the focus ring is being handled during shooting.

Reduced ghosting and flare
The AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II now incorporates Nikon’s exclusive anti-reflection Nano Crystal coat, which drastically reduces ghosting and flare, along with four ED glass elements to minimise internal reflections and aberrations. This delivers rich, high contrast images even under testing lighting conditions.

The new lens features an autofocus with a built-in silent wave motor to ensure fast and quiet focusing. The AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II has a tough magnesium body, incorporating weather and dust sealing and lens protective glass, to withstand the effects of dust and moisture in the toughest of shooting conditions.

Weighing in at only 3,360g, while providing great flexibility in telephoto shooting, this new lens is a practical alternative to carrying several large telephoto lenses. The lens is supplied with a high quality Ballistic, backpack style carry case, allowing for easy and safe transportation.

Tuesday, 13 April 2010

Great Discount off Heather Angel's Wildlife and Natural History Workshop

Nikon Owner subscribers get a £60 discount off two one-day workshops on Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th July 2010 at Saint Hill Manor, East Grinstead, West Sussex, England

Saint Hill Manor

This is the 14th Annual Heather Angel Wildlife and Natural History Workshop presented by Grays of Westminster.

Heather Angel, the internationally renowned wildlife photographer, has been the recipient of a large number of awards and prizes from all over the world for her widely acclaimed lectures, writing and workshops. In addition she is a regular contributor to the worldwide photographic press and the distinguished author of over 50 books.

Heather Angel

Heather Angel is an enthusiastic tutor of wildlife and nature photography, and these hugely popular one-day workshops on Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th July 2010 at Saint Hill Manor are perfect for both the newcomer and experienced photographer alike. The schedule for each day includes lectures, demonstrations and the chance to handle and use a large range of new Nikon camera equipment and the range of Think Tank camera bags. Her workshops regularly attract visitors from all over the U.K., Europe and throughout the world.

Schedule for the day

09.15 - Registration with coffee and tea served on the terrace of the Manor

10.00 -11.15
- Heather Angel - What makes a memorable image?

Pictures of the natural world which transcend language barriers and create an instant rapport are rare. It may be high-speed action, amazing behaviour, dramatic lighting or an intriguing design that arrests the eye. If you rely on coming across them by chance, the odds of achieving many in a year will be slim. But by conceiving the essential ingredients, you can reduce the odds of being successful. Drawing both on images taken over time as well as recent unseen ones, Heather will show some thought-provoking images which she hopes will stimulate a lively discussion.

Copies of Heather's books - including Wild Kew, which is the basis of the 2010 summer exhibition at Kew Gardens - will be available this weekend.

11.15 - Break for mid-morning refreshment: tea, coffee, mineral water on the Terrace.

11.45-12.45 - Nikon Total Imaging System - John Clements

13.00
- Lunch: an elegant lunch overlooking the beautiful gardens of Saint Hill Manor and a wooded lake

14.00 - onwards there will be a choice of four sessions. You may attend them all or be selective. The sessions are outlined here with details of each below.
  • 14.00 - 16.15 Practical Macro session with Heather Angel inside and in the garden
  • 14.00 - 16.15 Outside Practical session with John Clements
  • 14.00 - 16.30 Photoshop Techniques with Giles Angel*
  • Outside Practical session with Flying Falcons and Julian Ford - time to be announced
* Please note that Giles Angel's Photoshop session will be aimed at different levels as the afternoon progresses

16.15 - Afternoon Tea and Coffee or cool drinks served on the Terrace.

16.45 - Practical Session with Heather Angel outside

17.00 - Workshop closes

18.30
- Dinner at the Manor. A special complimentary thank-you dinner to all those attending our workshop has been organised by Grays of Westminster and the staff of Saint Hill Manor. This must be arranged in advance.

Please note that Nikon cameras and lenses will be available for you to try out during the day; in fact these workshops are an excellent opportunity to handle and try out Nikon equipment before making a purchase. However, please bring your own kit - macro lens, long lens, flash and tripod - to get the best from the practical sessions.

For more details on this workshop please visit www.graysofwestminster.co.uk

Booking details:

The ticket for either day includes refreshments, lunch and the evening meal, and costs £245.00 (£185.00 for Nikon Owner subscribers) per person for the day.

The workshops start at 9.15 a.m. and run until 5.00 p.m., followed by dinner. Make your choice of day, Saturday 24th or Sunday 25th July and Book online here! or call Gillian Greenwood, Events and Training Coordinator between 2.00 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. on or 0207 828 8971 Monday to Friday if you are not a current Nikon Owner subscriber to find out how you can receive the £60 discount.