As it is a workshop, please do bring kit, but please would you kindly keep it simple because of space issues - such as one camera, one flash (SB-600, SB-800, or SB-900), and a lens that you would normally use for portraiture images.

Agenda for the session

Nikon's Creative Lighting System (CLS) offers level of flexibility and control that provides a huge range of creative possibilities for off-camera flash and portable on-location lighting. Simon will share his in-depth knowledge of the CLS and 30-years of photographic experience, so that you can achieve professional looking portraits easily and swiftly using a minimum of equipment.

Simon will show you how to set-up, position, and control simple lighting that will have an immediate impact on your photography. He will lead you through a variety of lighting set ups with live demonstrations, so you will be able to observe first-hand how to improve your lighting techniques. Starting with a single Nikon Speedlight you will learn how to progress from the uncompromising light of direct, on-camera flash to well crafted lighting that complements your subject to best effect, then building on this foundation Simon will show you how you can introduce additional Speedlights and other lighting control accessories to expand your lighting repertoire.

Session 1

The simplest and most effective way to improve lighting with a Speedlight is to take it off the camera, as this enables you to direct the light at will. In this session you will learn how to:

• Understand the relationship between the TTL metering of your camera, ambient light and the interaction with the Speedlight and camera settings for flash.
• Work with flash output controls and flash sync options, so you can mix light from a Speedlight with ambient light for more balanced, natural lighting effects.
• Modify the light from a Speedlight to emulate the "soft box" look without actually using a sophisticated lighting accessory.
• Direct and control light from your flash on to the subject and avoid light spill by using some simple accessories

Session 2

Adding a second Speedlight will increase options and elevate the lighting possibilities to a greater level. In this session you will learn how to:

• Set up and control your Speedlights wirelessly from the camera position for effective and efficient shooting
• Establish a lighting set up starting with a single flash as a key light, and then introduce a second, or even third Speedlight as fill-lights
• Use lighting ratios for creative off-camera lighting effects on both your subject and background
• Set up multiple flashes on location quickly and easily using the minimum of equipment
• Use light modifying accessories to improve the colour, direction and quality of the lighting

Session 3

Exploring a few of the more advanced flash techniques will help you expand your lighting creativity even further. In this session you will learn how to:

• Apply Front -curtain, Rear-curtain, Slow-flash sync to achieve special effects when mixing flash with ambient light
• Adjust the zoom head of your the flash manually to further refine the light output from a Speedlight
• Understand and use the Auto FP High-Speed sync mode which will enable you to shoot with flash beyond the normal maximum sync speed of your camera
• Exploit the FV Lock feature for consistent flash results

Session 4

The final session will be an opportunity for delegates to practice setting up their own camera and flash under Simon's supervision, while asking questions about the tools and techniques discussed during the previous sessions.

Tutorial Details

The availability of places for each tutorial is very limited, so that each attendee will benefit from very hands-on personal tuition.

The tutorial is from 12 noon until 4.00 p.m., and includes a light lunch and mid-afternoon tea and biscuits. The fee for each attendee is £155.00 with a special price of £95.00 for Nikon Owner subscribers. Please contact Gillian Greenwood on 020 7828 8971 Monday to Friday 1.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m..

It is January and the shortest day has passed, and whatever the weather may bring us in this month, we can take heart and notice that the days are, minute by minute getting longer. We can also take heart that despite the VAT increase, Grays of Westminster not only kept many of its prices the same as they were before the VAT was increased, but have also lowered the prices of a range of sought-after Nikon products on our Specials List.

We are pleased to be able to offer you the following items at the prices listed below, all of which include VAT :

Nikon D700 Digital SLR body
(RRP - £2,248.00) £1,689.00

Nikon D7000 Digital SLR body
(RRP - £1,099.99) NEW SHIPMENT JUST ARRIVED - WHILE STOCKS LAST! £999.00

Nikon D90 Digital SLR body
(RRP - £850.00) £589.00

Nikon D90 + 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S VR II Nikkor Kit
(RRP - £1,596.00) £1,115.00

Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Body
(RRP - £499.99) £399.00

Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Body with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 VR Nikkor
(RRP - £579.99) £475.00

24-120mm f/4G ED AF-S VR Zoom Nikkor
(RRP - £1,071.99) £899.00

28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Nikkor
(RRP - £888.99) £760.00

16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S VR DX Nikkor
(RRP - £573.99) £399.00

Nikon SB-600 Speedlight
(RRP £292.00) £235.00

Nikon SB-700 Speedlight
(RRP £296.00) £280.00

Nikon SB-900 Speedlight
(RRP: £408.99) £325.00





In September 2010 the Nikon Corporation announced its latest Nikon Speedlight, the SB-700; think SB-900 but on a smaller scale. Said to have everything good about the SB-900 incorporated with more besides, coupled with the lightweight handling on the order of its very popular predecessor, the SB-600.

For a full review, you can read what Simon Stafford's first impressions were on our website:
http://www.graysofwestminster.co.uk/newsitem.php?id=303&pg=1&mem=&arc=0

We now have ample stock of the SB-700 at the price of £280.00, and you can place an order by telephoning the shop, emailing us or coming in and trying it out for yourself.



If you have any enquiries regarding Nikon equipment or wish to place an order, please telephone the shop directly on +44 (0)20 7828 4925, reply to this email or otherwise you are welcome to come in person.

Wishing all of our customers a happy and prosperous New Year for 2011.

The workshop will be presented by Simon Stafford, one of the world's foremost Nikon experts, who is the technical editor of Nikon Owner magazine and best-selling author of numerous Nikon books. It will take place from 12.00 p.m. until 4.00 p.m., and includes a light lunch and mid-afternoon tea and biscuits.

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 12.00 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. There are very limited places available, so please book as soon as you are able to in order to avoid disappointment. If you are not currently a subscriber, you are welcome to join whilst booking the workshop to receive the discount on the session.

gillian.greenwood@graysofwestminster.co.uk


About the Workshop
Following his highly successful series of Nikon Speedlight seminars presented earlier this year Simon has developed this entirely new workshop, based on the feedback and demand from delegates who attended those events. The emphasis is focused very much on the practical application of tools and techniques, and it will include an opportunity for delegates to practice applying settings their own Nikon cameras and CLS compatible Speedlight equipment (please note attendance of Simon's earlier seminar is not a prerequisite of this workshop).

Nikon's Creative Lighting System (CLS) offers a level of flexibility and control that provides a huge range of creative possibilities for off-camera flash and portable on-location lighting. Simon will share his in-depth knowledge of the CLS and 30-years of photographic experience, so that you can achieve professional looking portraits easily and swiftly using a minimum of equipment.

Simon will show you how to set-up, position, and control simple lighting that will have an immediate impact on your photography. He will lead you through a variety of lighting set ups with live demonstrations, so you will be able to observe first-hand how to improve your lighting techniques. Starting with a single Nikon Speedlight you will learn how to progress from the uncompromising light of direct, on-camera flash to well crafted lighting that complements your subject to best effect, then building on this foundation Simon will show you how you can introduce additional Speedlights and other lighting control accessories to expand your lighting repertoire.


Session 1
The simplest and most effective way to improve lighting with a Speedlight is to take it off the camera, as this enables you to direct the light at will. In this session you will learn how to:

Understand the relationship between the TTL metering of your camera, ambient light and the interaction with the Speedlight and camera settings for flash.

Work with flash output controls and flash sync options, so you can mix light from a Speedlight with ambient light for more balanced, natural lighting effects.

Modify the light from a Speedlight to emulate the "soft box" look without actually using a sophisticated lighting accessory.

Direct and control light from your flash on to the subject and avoid light spill by using some simple accessories

Session 2
Adding a second Speedlight will increase options and elevate the lighting possibilities to a greater level. In this session you will learn how to:

Set up and control your Speedlights wirelessly from the camera position for effective and efficient shooting

Establish a lighting set up starting with a single flash as a key light, and then introduce a second, or even third Speedlight as fill-lights

Use lighting ratios for creative off–camera lighting effects on both your subject and background

Set up multiple flashes on location quickly and easily using the minimum of equipment

Use light modifying accessories to improve the colour, direction and quality of the lighting

Session 3
Exploring a few of the more advanced flash techniques will help you expand your lighting creativity even further. In this session you will learn how to:

Apply Front -curtain, Rear-curtain, Slow-flash sync to achieve special effects when mixing flash with ambient light

Adjust the zoom head of your the flash manually to further refine the light output from a Speedlight

Understand and use the Auto FP High–Speed sync mode which will enable you to shoot with flash beyond the normal maximum sync speed of your camera

Exploit the FV Lock feature for consistent flash results

Session 4
The final session will be an opportunity for delegates to practice setting up their own camera and flash under Simon's supervision, while asking questions about the tools and techniques discussed during the previous sessions.


Travelling to Fitzroy House, 37 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 6DX:


The nearest underground station is Warren Street, but please do make sure that it is open – it is occasionally closed on a Saturday – if so, Goodge Street station is a good option.

What is Nikon Owner?
Nikon Owner Magazine and Interactive Website is considered by many to be the world’s number 1 user group for Nikon owners. It was initially founded with the purpose of assisting Nikon users 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. Subscription to Nikon Owner magazine and interactive website provides a bridge between theory and practical, technical knowledge and accomplishment. As a subscriber to this group, you will receive an array of offers and assistance, as well as the unique photographic publication:

Nikon Owner Magazine
From the cold reaches of the Arctic to the muted ocres of The Palio, from the panoramic sweep of an alien landscape to the microscopic detail of a leaf in bud, Nikon Owner magazine is both inspirational and informative. With its mix of stunning images, illuminating articles to assist and enlighten the photographer, and the very latest reviews on Nikon equipment, it is the essential magazine for the Nikon user, and is 100% Nikon.

Nikon Owner subscriber benefits additionally include:

• Private user name and password to subscribers-only website which includes 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 who is widely recognized as one of the top Nikon experts in the UK; you will be able to benefit from his formidable knowledge and have all your technical questions fully answered by email. This service is exclusive to Nikon Owner subscribers.
• FREE 3-year warranty on all new Nikon products from Grays of Westminster within your year of subscription.
• FREE 18-month warranty on second-hand Nikon from Grays of Westminster within your year of subscription.
• 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, Chris Weston’s Photographic Courses, Simon Stafford’s Definitive Flash, Portraiture and Macro Seminars.
• 10% off any training courses run by Nikon UK.
• A range of complimentary meetings and outings organized by local Nikon Owner Groups.
• Nikon Owner Grand Christmas Dinner at the Institute of Directors, Pall Mall, London.

The cost of a standard annual subscription to Nikon Owner is currently at the special price of £59. (Quote ME59 when you call or email.)

With kindest regards

Gillian Greenwood
Features Editor and Events & Training Coordinator

RRP: £289.99 / €343
Sales start date: TBC

Nikon UK, 15 September 2010 – Nikon today is pleased to announce a new Speedlight – the SB-700. Packed with features, this is an easy-to-use, yet sophisticated flash in a compact body. It will be a welcome addition to anyone looking to develop their lighting skills and explore the options of the Nikon Creative Lighting system.

Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager Lenses, Accessories and Software, Nikon Europe BV says: “SB-700 offers users the opportunity to expand their creative potential beyond the built-in camera flash. It integrates flawlessly with Nikon’s DSLR cameras, taking advantage of i-TTL to provide optimal results with minimum of effort.”

Inheriting the advanced features of the professional SB-900 flash, the new flash also boasts an intuitive interface and easy-to-understand operating system. It features Nikon’s i-TTL, through-the-lens metering system, ensuring accurate light measuring as well as multi-step auto zoom, which automatically detects the lens focal length and adjusts the flash output accordingly for angles of view from 24mm to 120mm.

Users have the choice of three illumination patterns, which can be quickly selected to match different shooting scenarios. The high performance Speedlight is ideal for a wide range of applications, from portrait and studio to events and night-time photography.

Built for versatility
The SB-700 is compatible with FX and DX cameras and its fast wireless control will make the flash attractive for a wide range of customers, including advanced photographers seeking to extend their Creative Lighting System. It can act as a master, controlling up to two groups of flashes and their light ratios, and can also act as a remote unit in a flash set up.

With its rotating head and built-in bounce card, the photographer can use the flash to direct the light and bounce it off ceilings or walls. The SB-700 also comes with the practical Nikon Diffusion Dome to soften the light and even the shadows of direct flash.

The flash has a mounting foot lock lever, through which the flash can be securely attached to the camera, preventing it from coming loose. There is also an optional weather-sealed mount available for outdoor photography.

Major features:

• The new, improved LCD panel interface and an intuitive layout of switches make it quick and easy to set the features.
• With a maximum guide number of 38 (for an FX camera, at the standard illumination setting at ISO 100 at 120mm) the flash is powerful and versatile to suit most lighting conditions.
• The multi-step power zoom automatically responds to the current focal length of the lens attached to the camera and covers angles of view, ranging from 24mm to 120mm.
• Three illumination patterns can quickly be selected to match each shooting situation, making it the ideal flash for a range of scenarios. The Centre-weighted pattern offers more power and higher guide number which highlights the subject from its surroundings. The Even setting works well for indoor group shots or a flat surface whilst the Standard setting has a slight emphasis on the centre.
• The high-speed recycling time is only approximately 2.5 seconds with NiMH batteries and alkaline batteries and approximately 3.5 seconds with lithium batteries.
• The quick wireless control mode allows the user to change the light ratios of A and B group Speedlight units and can also act as a remote unit in the Nikon Creative Lighting System.
• The SB-700 automatically detects flash head heat and delays the recycling time if the temperature of the flash head rises, protecting the flash from heat damage.
• The firmware of the flash can easily be updated through Nikon DSLR cameras.
• The SB-700 comes with fluorescent and incandescent hard, plastic-type colour filters, which are more durable, heat-resistant and easier to use than the conventional film-type filters. The flash automatically detects these two hard-type colour filters and instructs the camera to set the optimum colour temperature. The optional colour filter set SJ-4 is also available.