For a number of years, Grays of Westminster has presented and hosted a number of comprehensive photographic seminars, workshops, tutorials and events covering a wide variety of subject matter including wildlife and natural history, flash, general photographic technique, portrait, macro and many more.

Following the sold-out success of the Definitive Nikon Flash Seminar last year, we are delighted to be able to repeat this comprehensive training session on Saturday, 21st May in central London, at Fitzroy House, 37 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 6DX.

The seminar will be presented by Simon Stafford, technical director of Nikon Owner magazine and respected author of many Nikon books, 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 send an email with your full name, (as well as your user name if you are a Nikon Owner subscriber), daytime landline and mobile telephone number to: gillian.greenwood@graysofwestminster.co.uk


Part One: Flash basics

• Introduction to Nikon Speedlights and the Nikon Creative Lighting System
• Understanding light, sync speeds, flash modes, and flash sync modes
• Shooting with one Speedlight on your camera
• Modifying light, its colour, quality, and direction
• Taking the flash off camera, using a cable
• The Advanced Wireless Lighting system

Part Two: Digging deeper

• Advanced Creative Lighting System features: FV Lock and Auto High-speed Sync
• Shooting with multiple Speedlights using wireless control
• Controlling light: get creative with filters and light modifiers
• Practical considerations for location shooting

Part Three: Shooting with one light

• A practical demonstration of setting up and shooting a still-life photograph, using a single Nikon Speedlight and the few simple lighting accessories

There will be ample opportunity to ask questions throughout the event.

Please note: We are anticipating a very high level of response, so please do reply as soon as you are able to to ensure you have a place.

About Simon Stafford


Simon Stafford is 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

If you are not already a Nikon Owner subscriber, you are welcome to join Nikon Owner at the same time to receive the benefit of booking the seminar at the lower price of £95
with the discount of £60 off the normal price of £155 for the session.

Nikon Owner Subscription

If you are not already a Nikon Owner subscriber, you are welcome to join Nikon Owner at the same time to receive the benefit of booking the seminar at the lower price.


Standard Annual Subscription - special price: £59

• 1-year Subscription to Nikon Owner
• 3-year warranty on all new Nikon products from Grays of Westminster
• Nikon Owner magazine, a superb, glossy full-colour 60-page quarterly magazine that is 100% Nikon. Each issue delivers benchmark technical reviews of the very latest Nikon equipment, thought-provoking interviews and articles with world-class images
• Private user-name and password to subscribers-only website
• Simon Stafford’s Technical Helpline
• 18-month warranty on second-hand Nikon from Grays of Westminster
• 10% off Think Tank bags purchased at Grays of Westminster
• Special trips and events
• Discounts on events and training sessions
• 10% off any training courses run by Nikon UK

Silver Subscription - launch price: £129 (normal price: £179)

• 2-year Subscription to Nikon Owner
• 3-year warranty on all new Nikon products from Grays of Westminster
• A half-hour tutorial on the phone or face to face, by appointment
• Nikon Owner quarterly magazine as above
• Private user-name and password to subscribers-only website
• Simon Stafford’s Technical Helpline
• 18-month warranty on second-hand Nikon from Grays of Westminster
• 10% off Think Tank bags purchased at Grays of Westminster
• Special trips and events
• Discounts on events and training sessions
• 10% off any training courses run by Nikon UK

Gold subscription - launch price £349 (normal price £450)

• 5-year subscription to Nikon Owner
• 5-year warranty on all new Nikon products from Grays of Westminster
• 2-year warranty on second-hand Nikon from Grays of Westminster
• Gold Priority waiting list for all new Nikon releases (top of the waiting list)
• A half-hour tutorial on the phone or face to face, by appointment
• Special offers to Gold subscribers throughout the period of subscription
• A signed copy of Grays of Westminster - In the Company of Legends, or if you have one already, a Nikon Magic Lantern Guide of your choice
• A Grays of Westminster umbrella (in store only)
• Nikon Owner quarterly magazine as above
• Private user-name and password to subscribers-only website which includes forum, message board, technical equipment reviews, events’ page and use of a photo gallery
• Gold subscription card
• Simon Stafford’s Technical Helpline
• 10% off Think Tank bags purchased at Grays of Westminster
• Special trips and events
• Substantial discounts on training sessions organised by Grays of Westminster, including Mike Maloney’s Workshops , Heather Angel’s Wildlife & Natural History Workshops, Simon Stafford’s Definitive Flash, Portraiture and Macro Training Sessions, Michael Eleftheriades’ panoramic and colour-calibration seminars and Chris Weston’s Photographic Courses.
• 10% off any training courses run by Nikon UK

After a twenty year gap which I truly regret, I have taken up photography again. After a great deal of  research, all my experience was pre-digital, I decided to purchase a Nikon camera. Having scoured all available avenues I came upon Grays of Westminster and having perused the website made my way to Churton Street with a certain amount of apprehension - after all I am a novice in the digital photography age.

On the first occasion, I was helped by Bron who was patience personified as he explained the features and mysteries of the D7000 allowing me the opportunity of taking the aforementioned onto Churton Street to have a play. As time was short, I bid my thanks and farewells and dashed to a meeting.

The following week I returned and received a warm greeting from Bron, he was attending to another customer, and was helped by Tabitha. Again the service was exemplary, she was friendly, knowledgeable and patient. I purchased the D7000, the 18-200 zoom and all the peripherals and the whole "Grays' experience" made my re-entry into photography such a joy.

Nikon D7000

The ambience of the shop, the friendliness of the team and the range of product is absolutely out of the top draw and I would encourage anyone who is thinking about purchasing a new camera to pay a visit to Grays before they make their decision.

---

Just a note to confirm safe receipt of a Nikon D700 and MB-D10. Excellent service as usual - ordered late afternoon on Friday, delivered before 9.00 a.m. on Saturday!

Nikon D700 with the MB-D10 Battery pack

The camera is a gift for my son, because I'm still so pleased with the F6 that I bought from you some years ago, that I am still using that ... along with my original F, and as new F3 & F3P of course. All four cameras are used with MF Nikkors; my collection of AF's have been donated to the D700. ... Who knows, I may be converted to Nikon D yet!

Thank you again for your continuing excellent service.

---

Thank you so very much for yesterday's (Mike Eleftheriades Definitive Panoramic Workshop) talk in London.


It was extremely instructive, helpful and you were most generous in sharing your knowledge. I came away inspired even though I had to leave for my train just before you showed your final images.

We Nikon owners are so fortunate to have Grays of Westminster and people like yourself who are so generous with your time and instruction.

I would also like to say that your way of showing the techniques is much superior to most 'gurus'. Your pace enable us to follow everything whereas most, if not all, others speed through with quick clicks in such a manner that one has difficulty in following and, by the time a note has been made, one is way behind what is happening on the screen. This is not what happened yesterday and I greatly commend you for that.

Yesterday was my first 'Grays' event' it will not be the last even given the hassle of travel down from Nottingham.

My sincere thanks to you and Gray for arranging the event.

Following on from Michael Eleftheriades' very popular Definitive Panoramic Seminar (October 2010), Grays of Westminster is delighted to announce the Definitive Practical Panoramic Workshop on Saturday, February 26th, 2011. Whilst the first seminar provided a general overview, the second workshop will go through the practical processes in detail and is aimed at all photographers who are interested in improving their practical skills in shooting panoramas.

Photographers are welcome to bring their own laptops (either Mac or PC) so they can follow the tutorials. A list of recommended software and demo files will be sent via email to all attendees a week before the workshop. As a minimum requirement, attendees should have a recent copy of Adobe Photoshop or Photoshop Elements installed.



We are also pleased to announce that 360Precision has donated two Atome heads for this event, worth over £200 each. The Atome is a lightweight and compact head which is ideally suited to hiking, travel or back-packing. The draw for the two Atomes will take place at the end of the workshop.

This panoramic workshop will be held in central London, at Fitzroy House, 37 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 6DX.

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 your full name, daytime mobile and landline to Gillian Greenwood at: gillian.greenwood@graysofwestminster.co.uk or call between 12.00 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. Monday to Friday on 020 7828 4925 - for International calls telephone + 44 (0)20 7828 4925 - and ask to speak to Gillian Greenwood or Katrin Ruckert. There are limited places available, so please book as soon as you are able to, in order to avoid disappointment.

Panoramic Workshop Agenda

The aim of the workshop is to give attendees first-hand experience in setting up their equipment, shooting successfully in demanding environments, and guidance in the post production and final output of panoramic files for the web and mobile devices.

Part 1: The General Principles

• Panoramic theory & principles
• Selecting the right camera and lenses
• Finding the lens nodal point
• How to set the exposure
• White Balance Tools

Part 2: Shooting Planar Panoramas

• Benefits & How To Shoot
• Using Tilt & Shift lenses

Part 3: Shooting Cylindrical Panoramas

• Benefits & How To Shoot
• Image processing
• Stitching using Photoshop and more advanced tools
• Photographing in public spaces (dealing with movement)
• Printing Considerations

Part 4: Shooting Spherical Panoramas

• Benefits & How To Shoot
• Stitching using advanced tools
• Creating the illusion (capping the nadir)
• Creating photospheres
• Publishing on the web (virtual tours)
• Playback on portable devices

Part 5: Panorama showcase

• Examples of recent work, including panoramas from Japan, Thailand and Cambodia.

About Michael Eleftheriades

A Nikon Owner subscriber since 2002, Michael is an architect and photographer who fuses his particular passion for architecture, virtual reality, computer graphics and photography in the creation of large-scale panoramic imagery.

Michael had been photographing virtual reality scenes using Nikon film cameras since 1986, and subsequently moved into digital usage and implementation with the launch of Nikon's Coolpix range in 1998.

He has exhibited his photographs at three exhibitions in London and lectured on panoramic creation to wide acclaim in the UK, Europe and the United States. When not photographing, Michael directs the efforts of Media Synthesis, a media development and consultancy company established in 1993, and is responsible for virtual reality tours and interactive exhibits at many of the UK's leading museums, including the Maritime and Natural History Museums.

Michael has recently created the virtual tour for Grays of Westminster and has been the Nikon Owner London Group coordinator for the last two years.

Comments from the attendees of his Panoramic Seminars at Nikon UK

Thank you for a informative and enjoyable evening. I have been an architectural photographer for twenty something years and your seminar has enlightened me on how to offer clients alternative marketing, display and web site design possibilities. I will be very interested in attending any future workshops that you and Nikon might offer - C.B. & K. M.

I really enjoyed the talk you gave, and was fascinated by the capability of both the software and pano heads. When I got home that night, I told my wife that I had seen true magic! Those are powerful tools, and you have personally done some amazing things with them - J. W.

I was lucky enough to attend both your recent seminars at Nikon House. It's an interest I have had for a long time and I found your seminar most interesting and informative - M. H.

I just wanted to thank you for the two seminars that I attended, I found both seminars very informative and inspiring. Both seminars were very well presented - K. P.

I should like to let you know, how much I enjoyed the talk by Mike Eleftheriades - I found it most inspirational - T. J.
Fast, but a great deal to cover. Excellent friendly manner, presentation by a master of his art - E. C.

Fantastic, a real eye opener! Excellent! - S. H.

Absolutely fascinating - R. J. S.

Travelling to Fitzroy House
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.


Subscribe to Nikon Owner and receive £60 discount off the course

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.

Nikon Owner standard subscription benefits 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.

The cost of a standard annual subscription to Nikon Owner is currently at the special price of £59. (Quote ME2 59 when you email.)

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..

The seminar will be presented by one of the world's foremost Nikon experts, Simon Stafford, who is the technical editor of Nikon Owner magazine and best-selling author of numerous Nikon books. It will take place from 2.00 p.m. until 5.30 p.m. and there will be a limited number of places so that each attendee will be able to benefit more fully from the tuition.

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 as soon as you can to avoid disappointment, 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.
gillian.greenwood@graysofwestminster.co.uk

General Photographic Techniques:
Agenda for the 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

Questions and Answers:

• Please note that there will be ample opportunity to ask questions throughout the seminar.

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 an annual subscription to Nikon Owner is currently at the special price of £59. (Quote SSS59 when you call or email.)

With kindest regards

Gillian Greenwood
Features Editor and Events & Training Coordinator

The inventor of the orbis™ ring flash, James Madelin, is coming for a one-off free event!

Based around the concept of a Photowalk, James and Snapperstuff will host walks around three cities in September in Leeds, Birmingham and London.

James will be teaching some of his techniques for strobist-style photography using the orbis™ system and other portable and affordable lighting gear.

• Meet British inventor and creator of the orbis™ James Madelin
• Learn easy effective off-camera flash tips, strobist-style
• Shoot a professional model using your new skills
• Try out an award-winning orbis™ ring flash
• Take home great pictures on your own camera!
• 5:30pm start - Leeds 14 Sept, Birmingham 15 Sept, London 17 Sept
  

Orbis Photowalks – Leeds
when: Tuesday 14 September 2010, 17:30 prompt
where: meet at TFC, Leeds
email: events@enlightphotopro.com (enlight photo)
call: 020 7193 6769 (Snapperstuff)
book now: Places strictly limited so sign up now to avoid disappointment.

Orbis Photowalks – Birmingham
when: Wednesday 15 September 2010, 17:30 prompt
where: meet at Victoria Square, City Centre, Birmingham
email: events@enlightphotopro.com (enlight photo)
call: 020 7193 6769 (Snapperstuff)
book now: Places strictly limited so sign up now to avoid disappointment.

Orbis Photowalks – London
when: Friday 17 September 2010, 17:30 prompt
where: meet in front of City Hall, near Tower Bridge
email: events@enlightphotopro.com (enlight photo)
call: 020 7193 6769 (Snapperstuff)
book now: SOLD OUT (waiting list available)

Following his sell-out season of seminars earlier this year, Simon Stafford returns to Fitzroy House in London with a series of comprehensive training sessions. These will include practical workshops on the use of flash and ‘available light’ for portraiture, as well as seminars on the tools and techniques for close-up and macro photography, and general photographic techniques.



There will be a limited number of delegates at each seminar or workshop in order that each attendee will benefit more fully from the tuition. The cost of each session will be £155 with a special price of £95 if you are a current Nikon Owner subscriber.

About Simon Stafford

Simon Stafford is one of the foremost technical Nikon experts in the world. 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.

To log your interest, please email your full name, daytime landline and mobile telephone number to: gillian.greenwood@graysofwestminster.co.uk

Special Nikon Owner discount off the price of the course
As mentioned, enrolling on any of these courses as a current Nikon Owner subscriber will allow you the benefit of a discount of £60 off the normal price of £155 for each session.

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.

Please email gillian.greenwood@nikonownermagazine.com with your full name, daytime landline and mobile telephone number if you are interested in finding out more about Nikon Owner or call after 10.00 a.m. Monday to Friday on 020 7828 4925 or 020 7828 8971 to speak to any of my colleagues; alternatively for International calls, telephone + 44 (0)20 7828 4925. The cost of an annual subscription to Nikon Owner is currently at the special price of £59.

With kindest regards

Gillian Greenwood
Features Editor and Events & Training Coordinator

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.


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 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

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 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

Regardless of your choice of Nikon camera, it is important to know how to achieve the best from your equipment using Nikon optics, Nikon Speedlights and software, and in this session the Nikon Total Imaging System will be fully explained. In a live-shoot environment, using flash illumination indoors, John Clements will demonstrate how to create images to cover various genre of natural history photography, explaining every step of the procedure from the point of taking the initial image to the end result. As images are shot, they will appear on screen. John will then explain the procedure in detail as he fine-tunes and improves upon the images in camera. Each vital camera feature - focusing, exposure and much more - will be thoroughly examined and exact settings discussed during the shoot.

Jpegs - working within a limited time frame, Jpegs allow a speedy way to go straight to print.

NEF Raw files - using Nikon Capture NX2 and his broad experience of post-capture techniques, John will demonstrate how to generate imagery to professional imaging standards.

During the event John will use the Nikon WT4 Wi-Fi system, the Creative Lighting System and components of the Nikon software system

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

14.00 - 16.15 Practical Macro session with Heather Angel inside and in the garden
This is an opportunity for you to get to grips with macro photography as guided by Heather who will demonstrate how to take still life subjects indoors, selecting the lighting which is most appropriate for the subject - whether it be window light, flash, a light box, a light tent or fibre optics. Nikon cameras and lenses will be available for you to use and flowers, fruits, shells and fossils will be provided for this still-life session. This is a marvellous opportunity for you to gain instant feedback on composition and lighting from Heather. She will also show you how to modify natural lighting to get the best results for macro work outside using reflectors, diffusers, and fill-in flash

Although a few Micro-Nikkor lenses will be available to borrow from the Nikon stand, if you would like to attend this session, please bring a Macro Lens, Tripod and Flash.

Outside Practical session with Flying Falcons and Julian Ford - time to be announced

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!

14.00 - 16.15 Outside Practical session with John Clements
ollowing on from his morning presentation, John with continue to explain how to get the best out of the Nikon Total Imaging System; this time (weather permitting) using available light outdoors.

14.00 - 16.30 Photoshop Techniques with Giles Angel
Giles Angel is a professional photographer and digital retoucher. The start of this session will be pitched at the beginner and will move onto more advanced and specific techniques as the afternoon progresses.

• Introduction to a colour managed workflow
• Editing your images using Adobe Bridge
• Workflow in Bridge (editing, renaming, applying raw corrections)
• RAW v JPEG
• RAW conversion tips & techniques
• Simple colour correction / variations
• Introduction to adjustment layers
• Levels - adjusting colour balance
• Preparing images for print and the web
• Precise colour correction with adjustment layers
• Replace colour
• Black and white from colour
• Masking
• Solarisation / colour effects
• Content aware scaling
• Panoramic stitching and panoramic head gear. Photo Merge (to create panoramics) in CS3 / CS4
• Dodging and burning selective areas (CS4 comparison)
• Shadow and highlights tool
• Combining different raw conversion exposures using masks
• Editing masks using paint brushes and gradients to make selective exposure and tonal adjustments
• Working with mask and adjustment levels with reference to levels and curves
• Selectively correcting areas using masks
• Pseudo HDR (High Dynamic Range). Working with multiple adjusted raw files (Single) image and using masks to selectively
• Introduction to HDR

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 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.

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.

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Wales is a stunning location for landscape and wildlife photography. Over the course of this weekend workshop, the group will visit some of the best locations the area has to offer, and will have the opportunity to indulge in some spectacular outdoor photography under the expert guidance of John Archer Thomson (Senior Assistant Director of Centre, Dale Fort Field Centre) and Simon Stafford (Technical Editor - Nikon Owner magazine).

John Archer Thomson will lead the group to venues that he has spent more than twenty years getting to know . He will provide an overview of the area's natural history and help with plant and seabird identification, as well as giving tips on how to photograph locations.

The Gwaun Valley © John Archer-Thomson	Bronze-Age megalith at Pentre Ifan © Simon Stafford
Prostrate Broom, West Dale Bay © Simon Stafford	Atlantic Puffin on Skomer Island © Simon Stafford

The exact itinerary of events will be weather-dependent and flexible to meet the requirements of the attendees; a provisional timetable is outlined below.

Friday 7th May:
Arrive at Dale Fort Centre for mid to late afternoon. Dinner 6.30 p.m., followed by an introduction and welcome from Simon Stafford and an illustrated talk on the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park by John Archer Thomson.

Saturday 8th May:
After breakfast, the group will depart for Skomer Island National Nature Reserve. John, assisted by Simon, will lead the group around the Island pointing out subjects of interest and photographic potential. A packed lunch will be provided. Return to Dale Fort Centre is scheduled for late afternoon. Following an early dinner, John and Simon will lead everyone to one of the nearby bays to photograph the sunset.

Sunday 9th May:
After breakfast, the group will head north from Dale Fort across the Pembrokeshire National Park to the beautiful, steep-sided verdant Gwaun Valley , which was created by torrents of melt water from the retreating ice during the last Ice Age. During May the valley is filled with profusion of plants, including wild garlic that grows in abundance. En route there will be a stop at Pentre Ifan to photograph probably the finest Welsh hilltop the Bronze-Age megalithic site that dates from at least 4000 B.C. During the course of the day Simon will deliver a practical tutorial on using the Nikon wireless flash system in the field.

Guest will depart from Dale Fort Centre during late Sunday afternoon.

Total fee: £295.00 per person for Nikon Owner subscribers and £350 per person for non-Nikon Owner subscribers. The fee includes all meals, accommodation, and local transport during the course of the weekend but excludes landing fees for Skomer Island and incidental expenses, which will total no more than £15.00.

Please contact me by telephone on: +44 (0)20 7828 8971 between 2.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. Monday to Friday to book your place, or send me a return email with your landline and mobile numbers. If you are not a current Nikon Owner subscriber and would like to find out more about this course and other training sessions we organise, please contact me by email with a daytime telephone number.

With very best wishes

Gillian Greenwood
Features Editor / Events & Training Coordinator

DISCLAIMER: Simon Stafford and Nikon Owner magazine are only taking the initiative of organizing and facilitating this workshop on the strict understanding that they are solely acting in an introductory capacity and anyone booking to come on any such workshop will be deemed to have agreed that they fully understand and agree to this condition of booking. Any contractual relationship and legal liability, if any, shall only be directly between participants and the Field Studies Council as a body. The workshop can be expected to involve travel by foot, small boat, and motor vehicle, while photographing in locations throughout the Pembrokeshire National Park.

Each participant will be deemed responsible for ensuring his or her own safety at all times and no liability whatsoever is accepted either by Simon Stafford, or Nikon Owner magazine in this regard. In other words we shall all act reasonably, safely and responsibly and each person will join the party on the understanding that they do so entirely at their own risk.

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London, United Kingdom - Britain’s most decorated press photographer, Mike Maloney, OBE made history when he was given permission to take a group of amateur photographers on a two-hour shoot in the Great Chamber of the House of Lords on Saturday 13th February 2010.


This unique event was sponsored by the world famous London-based Nikon-only shop Grays of Westminster and hosted by Britain’s highest decorated press photographer, Mike Maloney, with the permission of Black Rod - a senior officer in the House of Lords, responsible for security, controlling access to and maintaining order within the House and its precincts.

The photographers attending competed to win a Nikon D300s camera worth £1,600 – to be awarded to the attendee who takes the best shot of the day, and the opportunity for the top images to be used by the House of Lords Works of Art Committee.


The attendees submitted three of their favourite photographs and the judges, led by Mike Maloney - who were looking for those which displayed originality and which visualised a unique perspective, making their images stand out from the rest – then chose the winners:

1. Andrew Downes
2. David Blundell
3. Diana Church
4. Michael Curtis
5. Susan Forester
   

The proceedings of the day came to a conclusion with a 3-course dinner at Elena's Etoile Restaurant in Charlotte Street, London where there was a presentation of the winning images and awards which included a Nikon D300s for the winner, kindly donated by Nikon UK.


“To have been invited to work with Mike Maloney on this very special photographic occasion at the House of Lords was indeed an extraordinary honour during this, our 25th Anniversary Year,” said Gray Levett, founder of Grays of Westminster.

Mike Maloney also commented on the event: “This was an historic moment in photography. It had never happened before and it is unlikely that it will ever happen again.”

Over the years, Grays of Westminster has organized a number of similarly unique events and photo shoots including a 2-week tour of Japan with a visit to the Nikon factory, and a trip to Nikon Thailand and Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Grays of Westminster is currently celebrating its twenty-fifth year of business.

Mike Maloney has won over 100 major photographic awards and is the only “Fleet Street” photographer to have been awarded the OBE for services to photojournalism. Three times-voted Press Photographer of the year, he was Chief Photographer for Mirror Group Newspapers before turning freelance in 2002. He also has numerous Royal tours to his credit, as well as photographing world leaders like Clinton, Reagan, Gorbachev and Yeltsin with resulting invitations to dine at both The White House and the Kremlin.

A report on the workshop that includes photos of the event plus the winning shots can be seen in the Grays of Westminster blog here:
http://graysofwestminster.blogspot.com/2010/02/house-of-lords-photographic-shoot-with.html

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:

Gray Levett
Grays of Westminster Exclusively…Nikon
40 Churton Street
Pimlico
London
SW1V 2LP

Main: 0207 828 4925
Fax: 0207 976 5783
E-mail: info@graysofwestminster.co.uk
Web: http://www.graysofwestminster.co.uk
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