Monday, 8 February 2010

Images of English Gardens

IMAGES OF ENGLISH GARDENS
Photographed by Simon Marsden
For the HISTORIC HOUSES ASSOCIATION
& CHRISTIES INTERNATIONAL
(Garden of the Year Award - 25th anniversary)
To be exhibited at BLENHEIM PALACE in Oxfordshire
15th February - 28th March 2010


These and other images from the series are now available
for sale and editorial use in the Secret Gardens category
of the picture library
Visit www.marsdenarchive.com

Grays of Westminster sponsors Amateur Photographer 2010 Exceptional Achievement in Photography award

This year's winner is legendary photographer, best-selling author and Professor Emeritus of the Royal College of Art - John Hedgecoe



The Amateur Photographer 2010 Exceptional Achievement award is presented to John Hedgecoe's son, Sebastian, by the sponsor, Gray Levett, of Grays of Westminster

Damien Demolder, Editor Amateur Photographer, Sebastian Hedgecoe collecting the Exceptional Achievement in Photography Award on behalf of his father, John Hedgecoe and Gray Levett Founder Grays of Westminster
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Friday, 5 February 2010

Grays of Westminster's Silver Anniversary: Special Nikon Offers

Grays of Westminster’s Silver Anniversary

Grays of Westminster celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year. In the last twenty-five years, Grays of Westminster has become an international icon of all that is excellent in the way of bespoke service for Nikon enthusiasts and professionals alike, and it is as much for its service to its customers as for the variety and quality of its Nikon products that Grays of Westminster is renowned.

As a celebration of this very special year, there will be a number of items of Nikon kit and exciting Nikon special offers that we are pleased to be able to provide for our customers over the months ahead.

This week, while stocks last, we are delighted to be able to offer our UK and Republic of Ireland customers, with their purchase of a Nikon D3S, the following vouchers:



D3S
Nikkor Micro 60mm f2.8G
£40 Voucher
Nikkor Micro 105mm VR f2.8G
£40 Voucher
14-24mm f2.8G AF-S
£50 Voucher
WT-4B W-LAN Adapter
£70 Voucher
COOLPIX S640
£50 Voucher

Alternatively, with their purchase of a D300s:

 D300S
10-24mm f3.5-4.5G AF-S DX
£75 Voucher
16-85mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX
£50 Voucher
Nikkor Micro 85mm VR f3.5G
£50 Voucher
70-300mm f4.5-5.6G AF-S VR IF-ED
£50 Voucher
MB-D10
£50 Voucher

Second-hand Department
Whatever your photographic needs, as a uniquely Nikon-only shop, Grays of Westminster is the perfect destination. Now, as well as a full range of bodies and accessories, we are pleased to announce that we have a number of Mint and Mint Minus second-hand items in our Second-hand Department, to including a D3s, D3, D300, a D700 and some spectacular lenses including a 70-200mm f/2.8G VR, 200-400mm VR f/4G VR IF-ED and a Fisheye 10.5mm f/2.8 DX; we have also sourced the much sought-after 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 G AFS VR DX, and much, much more!!

Three-year warranty
A three-year warranty is available to Grays of Westminster customers who are also Nikon Owner subscribers for any new Nikon purchases made at Grays. Whether your new purchase is a camera, a lens or an accessory, Grays offer an additional complimentary period of warranty on top of the one offered by Nikon to make it up to a total period of three years, and an 18-month warranty on any second-hand kit.

(Please note that VAT is included in all of our prices for new equipment)

Contact details
For further enquiries please call 020 7828 4925 or for International calls, telephone + 44 (0)20 7828 4925 to speak to any of our staff; alternatively, go onto our website www.graysofwestminster.com

If you need anything at all, please k now that we are here to help you, and stay in touch by telephone or by viewing our website to find out about our special offers as they occur during our Silver Anniversary Year.

Kindest regards

Gillian Greenwood
For Grays of Westminster

Nikon introduces the AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/2.8g ED VR II

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Raising the bar for hand-held telephoto photography

RRP: £5099.99
Sales start date: OUT NOW


Nikon UK today announces a new super telephoto lens, the AF-S NIKKOR 300MM F/2.8G ED VR II. The new telephoto lens features the new generation of Vibration Reduction technology (VR II) and a new A/M focus mode, making it an ideal choice for serious sports, action and wildlife photographers.

Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager Lenses, Accessories and Software, Nikon Europe says: "The new lens's comparatively light weight and compact dimensions make it a perfect choice for hand held super telephoto photography, particularly when used with a teleconverter. The new VRII system allows photographers to shoot pin sharp images at shutter speeds up to four stops slower than normally required, making this a practical solution for the news and wildlife photographer".

The evolution of the AF-S NIKKOR 300MM F/2.8G ED VR II NIKKOR lens reflects a commitment to developing a range of products tailored to photographers' needs, and strengthens the line-up of high-performance NIKKOR lenses.

Sharper action images
The AF-S NIKKOR 300MM F/2.8G 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 when using the camera for hand-held shooting. 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. Weighing in at 2,900g this is a lens that ticks every box for those who are serious about action photography.

Built for any environment
This super telephoto lens is designed with the photographer in mind and has the same excellent optical system as its predecessor. Those who need extreme speed and quiet to capture wildlife, can rely on the autofocus with a built-in silent wave motor to ensure you won't disrupt the action. To top off the extensive features, this lens is also sealed to withstand the affects of dust and moisture, allowing photographers to keep shooting whatever the conditions. Finally, the lens construction features eleven elements in eight groups, including three ED glass elements and Nano Crystal Coat.

Specifications
Focal length 300mm
Max/min aperture Min f/22 Max f/2.8
Lens construction 11 elements in 8 groups
Picture angle 8◦10'
No. diaphragm blades 9 (rounded)
Closest focusing distance 2.3m/7.5ft. (AF); 2.2m/7.2ft. (MF)
Filter/attachment size 52mm
Diameter x length Approx. 124 x 267.5 mm/ 4.9 x 10.5 in.
Weight 2,900g

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Nikon introduces the AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III

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Class leading image quality for Nikkor telephoto lenses

RRP: £449.99
Sales start date: OUT NOW


Nikon UK is launching the new AF-S TELECONVERTER TC-20E III, the world's first teleconverter with an aspherical lens element. With a completely new optical design, the compact new teleconverter offers class leading image quality for wildlife and sports photography.

Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager for Lenses, Accessories and Software, Nikon Europe says: "The ground breaking optics in the new AF-S TELECONVERTER TC-20E III allow photographers to extend the reach of their NIKKOR telephoto lens with the confidence that there will be no comprises on image quality."

World's first teleconverter with aspherical lens element
The AF-S TELECONVERTER TC-20E III is the world's first teleconverter with an aspherical lens element, which delivers brilliant image quality in a compact package. Completely compatible with the latest VR, autofocus and metering coupling systems, the AF-S TELECONVERTER TC-20E III is a 'must have' addition to any sports or wildlife photographer's kit.

Built for professional demands
The new AF-S TELECONVERTER TC-20E III is designed to provide a seamless fit with the NIKKOR range of compatible telephoto lenses, and features rubber seals for body mount, tough release mechanism for intensive use and an oversized button for fast removal with gloved hands. It comes with newly designed caps and a practical storage pouch to protect it when not in use.

About teleconverters
Teleconverters are attached between the camera body and telephoto lens to multiply focal length without affecting closest focusing distance. This magnification factor comes at the cost of reduced light transmission which reduces the effective minimum aperture of the lens in use. The AF-S TELECONVERTER TC-20E III reduces aperture by two stops. So when attached to an f/2 aperture lens (such as the AF-S VR 200mm f/2G) the minimum aperture becomes f/4.

Specifications
Max/min aperture Reduces by 2 stops
Lens construction 7 elements in 5 groups (one Aspherical lens)
Closest focusing distance Same as that of a prime lens
Maximum reproduction ratio Double that of a prime lens
Supplied accessories Teleconverter Cap BF-3A, Rear Lens Cap LF-1, Flexible Lens Pouch CL-0715
Diameter x length Approx. 66 x 46mm/2.6 x 1.8 in.
Weight Approx. 330g/11.6 0z
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Ordering Information By phone: +44 (0)20 7828 4925 for immediate service. Please have your credit card number and its expiry date to hand. By mail: For  UK residents: Grays of Westminster, FREEPOST LON235, London SW1V 2BR. If ordering from outside the UK: Grays of Westminster, 40 Churton Street, Pimlico, London SW1V 2LP, England. By Fax: Fax your order to us at any time to +44 20 7976 5783 By e-mail: Send you order to: info@graysofwestminster.co.uk  
Methods of payment We accept Visa, MasterCard, Eurocard, American Express, Delta and Maestro. Orders may also be paid by postal order or cheque.

Grays of Westminster presents a Unique Photographic Shoot at the House of Lords

On Saturday, 13th February, 2010 with Mike Maloney OBE


This is a unique opportunity to photograph inside the House of Lords with Britain’s highest decorated press photographer, Mike Maloney OBE.


Mike Maloney

Mike Maloney has won over 100 major photographic awards and in 2005 became the first “Fleet Street” photographer to have been awarded the OBE for services to photo-journalism. Three times voted Press Photographer of the year, he was Chief Photographer for the Mirror Group Newspapers before turning freelance in 2002. He also has numerous Royal tours to his credit, as well as photographing world leaders such as Clinton, Reagan, Gorbachev and Yeltsin, with resulting invitations to dine at both The White House and the Kremlin.

Workshop Schedule:

Arrival time: 10.25 a.m.

Meeting Place: Cromwell Green Entrance at the House of Lords

10.30 a.m. Assemble at the Cromwell Green Entrance (normal security process with guidelines laid down by the Black Rod’s Office)

10.40 a.m. You will be met in Westminster Hall by the Yeoman Usher for a ‘Welcome to the House of Lords’ with a brief history of the House of Lords

10.45 a.m. Briefing on the Chamber of the House of Lords and layout

11.00 a.m. – 12.15 p.m. Photo shoot with Mike Maloney

12.20 p.m. The party will move to the River Room with spectacular views across the River Thames

12.25 p.m. - 1.00 p.m. Photo shoot of the River Room and Views

1.00 p.m. Depart House of Lords

1.00 p.m. – 2.40 p.m. Free time until 2.40 p.m.

2.45 p.m. The group will meet at Fitzroy House, 35-37, Fitzroy Street , London , W1T 6DX

2.50 p.m. Mike Maloney will give a talk and presentation, view the day’s images, and the winning photograph will be selected

4.30 p.m. Afternoon tea at Fitzroy House

6.10 p.m. Depart for the evening meal at Elena's Etoile Restaurant*, 30 Charlotte Street , London W1T 2NG . Welcome drink courtesy of Mike Maloney, Dinner in the Oscar Room with an Award Presentation where the winner will receive the very special prize of a D300s. (Nikon UK have kindly donated a new Nikon D300s camera for the best image of the day.)

Cost including dinner: £245.00 (£195.00 for subscribers to Nikon Owner)

How to Book Your Place at the House of Lords Photographic Workshop:

To reserve a place at the House of Lords Photographic Workshop, please call 020 7828 4925 and ask to speak to me, Gillian Greenwood, between 2.00 p.m.– 5.30 p.m, or for International calls, telephone + 44 (0)20 7828 4925. Please note that there are only a limited number of tickets available.

Subscribing to the Nikon Owner group allows you to receive a £50 discount off this workshop, a discount off other photographic training sessions and courses, a three-year warranty available on your new Nikon Purchases from Grays of Westminster, use of a comprehensive technical helpline and the interactive website, as well as the prestigious quarterly Nikon Owner Magazine. The price of an annual subscription to the Nikon Owner group is £59.00.

With best wishes

Gillian Greenwood

Features Editor/ Events’ Coordinator
Nikon Owner Magazine

*Elena’s L’Etoile’s glamorous French Bistro, walls adorned with celebrity-signed photographs and Art Deco lighting; a unique environment in a classical French style.

Wednesday, 3 February 2010

Grays of Westminster presents The Definitive Simon Stafford General Photographic Techniques Seminar Saturday, March 6th, 2010

Simon Stafford

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 success of Simon Stafford's recent flash seminar, we are delighted to announce our next photographic training session which will cover the different aspects of general photographic technique. It will be held in central London, at Fitzroy House, 37 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 6DX on Saturday afternoon, March 6th, 2010.


The seminar will be presented as before 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. It will be limited to a maximum of 19 delegates in order that each attendee will be able to benefit more fully from the tuition. The cost of the session will be £145 with a special price of £95 if you are a current Nikon Owner subscriber. To book, please call only between 2.00 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. Monday to Friday on either 0207 828 8971 or 020 7828 4925 or for International calls telephone + 44 (0)20 7828 4925, and ask to speak to me, Gillian Greenwood; alternatively send an email with your full name, daytime landline and mobile telephone number to:

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
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 £50 off the normal price of £145 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


Three-year warranty
A three-year warranty is available to Nikon Owner subscribers only for any new Nikon purchases made at Grays of Westminster. An eighteen-month warranty has just now also been made available for Nikon Owner subscribers purchasing second-hand kit from Grays of Westminster’s superb second-hand department.

Technical Helpline
Full use of our Technical Helpline, which is run expertly by Simon Stafford. There is an encyclopaedic list of Q&A’s on the Nikon Owner website, or subscribers can email him directly with any photographic queries, no matter how small or large.

Interactive website
Interactive subscribers' only website: subscribers' message board, subscribers' gallery (post your own images), press releases, technical equipment reviews, subscriber events, etc, etc.

Discounts off courses
Subscription to Nikon Owner also provides discounts off a range of other photographic courses, including the annual Heather Angel Wildlife and Natural History Workshop, and 10% off all courses at Nikon UK .

Discounts off Think Tank photographic bags
Nikon Owner subscribers also receive a 10% discount off Think Tank photographic bags if purchased at Grays of Westminster.

Events
Special events are regularly organized for Nikon Owner subscribers.

Please email 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 either 0207 828 8971 or 020 7828 4925; alternatively, for International calls, telephone + 44 (0)20 7828 4925. The cost of an annual subscription to Nikon Owner is £59.

If you were unable to enrol on the recent flash seminar, do email me your full details and daytime phone numbers, and I will contact you when we have organised an additional seminar on this subject.


With best wishes,
Gillian ( Greenwood )
Features Editor, Events’ Coordinator