I thought I would provide a photo diary of the House of Lords photographic shoot organised by Grays of Westminster with Mike Maloney OBE and Nikon, on Saturday 13th of February 2010.

I would like to echo Karen's comments from her post a few days ago:

What a brilliant day at the House Of Lords. It was like stepping through time. Thank you to Gray, Gillian, Mike Maloney, Mike and all who made it possible for such a great day. Felt very special to be a part of the first group to be allowed in to photograph. Famous press photographer Mike Maloney OBE made us laugh and we could of listened to his amazing stories for a long long time. It was good to meet up with members old and new and a big congratulations to the winners. Another grand day out we will never forget. best wishes Karen.












The attendees submitted three of their favourite photographs and the judges, led by Mike Maloney, retired to choose the winners.

Later in the evening, we proceeded to a 3-course dinner at Elena's Etoile Restaurant in Charlotte Street, in a room adorned with celebrity-signed photographs.

After dinner there was a presentation of the winning images and awards, which included a Nikon D300s for the winner, kindly donated by Nikon UK.

The winners displayed originality and visualised a unique perspective, which made their images stand out from the rest. Here are the winning shots:






Congratulations to the winners, thank you to everyone for attending and look forward to seeing you again soon.

Best regards + many thanks,

Mike Eleftheriades
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The Duke of Wellington is a wonderful historic pub and the same excellent venue that has been used before. It is a superb location for a celebratory dinner and Adrian and Andy would appreciate it if everyone possible could attend, in order that the landlord can justify our use of the room.

Places for the dinner are limited to 20, but please do feel free to bring family members and additional guests. The Christmas Menu and Booking Form can be accessed on the Nikon Owner Message Board forum

The cost is just £34.00 per head for a full three-course dinner with wine included. Kindly pay on the night. We look forward to seeing you Saturday 19th, December 2009. Please indicate your attendance by replying to the message on the Nikon Owner Message Board under the subject: South Coast Group Christmas Dinner

Kind regards,

Gray Levett
Editor, Nikon Owner magazine

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Nikon Owner magazine
40 Churton Street
Pimlico
London SW1V 2LP
Tel: +44 020 7828 8971
Fax: +44 020 7976 5783
Website: www.nikonownermagazine.com

THE HISTORY OF THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON PUB
Located in Southampton's historic Bugle Street, the Duke of Wellington Pub, a dark timbered medieval building, was originally built upon Norman vaults and cellars in 1220. In 1494 the building was for the first time converted into a public house after being bought by brewer Rowland Johnson who named it Bere House or Brew House, and subsequently set up Southampton's first brewery. In 1620 the pub would have been passed many times by the Pilgrim Fathers on their way to the Mayflower, which sailed its maiden voyage to The New World from the bottom of Bugle Street. Since that time, the pub has gone through a number of name changes. In the eighteenth century the pub was renamed the Shipwrights Arms serving the many local ship-builders. After the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, the owners of the pub celebrated by changing its name to that of the victorious Duke of Wellington who had become a national hero.
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On behalf of Grays of Westminster and Nikon Owner magazine, we are delighted to announce our celebratory 2009 Christmas Event and Dinner, which will be held at the prestigious Institute of Directors (IoD) at 116 Pall Mall on Friday, December 11th, 2009. This grand Regency building with its sweeping marble staircase and vast walls covered in 18th and 19th Century canvases provides a spectacular backdrop for the evening, which will take place in the magnificent period restaurant, a most fitting venue for an elegant, traditional Christmas celebration.


The Grays of Westminster and Nikon Owner Christmas Event will be a unique occasion this year. During the evening, Mr. Scott Andrews, the legendary former head of Nikon Professional Services for Washington, will be flying in from the USA to give us an extraordinary illustrated talk on photographing a Rocket launch with Nikon using remote applications, entitled: “Shooting a NASA Space-Shuttle Launch.”


Over the years, Scott Andrews has worked with the Washington Press Corps and the US Government in introducing new products and helping Nikon R&D gather ideas. He has also worked very closely with NASA in documenting the Space Shuttle and the evolution of the International Space Station, both in the United States and in Russia. Throughout the period, he continued to develop ways of using remote photography; that is mounting cameras in or on hazardous areas (aircraft, boats, etc) or areas where detection or threat is possible (surveillance, rocket launch). He has also worked with such august bodies as the US Government, National Geographic, Smithsonian Air and Space, US Navy, US Marines, US Air Force, US Army and with prestigious media outlets such as Sports Illustrated, Newsweek, US News and World Report, Reuters, Associated Press, United Press International, European Press Agency, New York Times and Washington Post. He has in addition acted as a consultant to many events such as Presidential Inaugurations, political conventions, Senate hearings, as well as space launches and sporting events.


The Christmas dinner which is included in the event is a sumptuous 3-course meal, with wine, mineral water, coffee and chocolates.

Ticket price: £79.00 per head

Ticket price for current Nikon Owner subscribers: £59.000 per head (or the special price of £55.00 per person if you are bringing a guest or guests).

Please note, that if you are not currently a Nikon Owner subscriber, and would like to find out more, do send me an email with your name and daytime (mobile and landline) telephone numbers and I will be happy to call you and answer your questions.

To reserve your place(s) at the Christmas event and dinner, please email me with your name and contact details or call the Nikon Owner magazine office on 020 7828 8971 or Grays of Westminster on 020 7828 4925 (Monday to Friday between 10.00 a.m. and 5.30 p.m.). Please ask to speak to myself or Gray Levett. Do note that places are strictly limited so contact us as soon as you are able to in order to avoid disappointment. Your menu choices (please see the menu below) will be emailed to you to complete and return.

Venue: Institute of Directors, 116 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5ED

Tel: 020 7839 1233

Website: www.iod.com

Time: From 6.30 pm to 11:30 pm on Friday, December 11th, 2009.

The bar will be open from 6.30 pm to 10.30 p.m., and dinner will be served at 7.30 p.m.

Dress Code: Suits/cocktail dresses. (Trainers, jeans or T-shirts are not permitted.)


We very much forward to welcoming you to our very special Christmas evening.

With best wishes,

Gillian Greenwood

(on behalf of Nikon Owner magazine and Grays of Westminster)
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