Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Smarten up — the Nikon way

Nikon goes on location with pro photographers to educate and inspire with new video series and online community

By Joel Shore
March 11, 2014

Nikon launched the "Nikon Behind the Scenes" video series, dedicated to empowering and entertaining intermediate level photographers by equipping them with the skills they need to take their photography to the next level. The video series follows a diverse group of leading photographers into the field, including Nikon Ambassadors Joe McNally and Corey Rich and Nikon Professional Photographer Tamara Lackey. These pros provide insight on subjects ranging from lighting, lensing, posing models, shooting landscapes, working with different subjects and gearing up for a shoot.

Starting with Nikon Ambassador and lighting expert Joe McNally, each featured photographer will focus on their area of expertise. In "Nikon Behind the Scenes: Light It Up with Joe McNally," McNally will be exploring what is possible with Nikon Speedlights and off-camera flash techniques. Over the course of five videos, he will show viewers how to make the most of lighting in whatever situation a photographer may find themselves in.

"Nikon Behind the Scenes: High Altitude Adventure with Corey Rich" will focus on Nikon Ambassador Corey Rich's techniques for shooting portraits, time lapse, action stills and video while high in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Whether suspended from a sheer cliff face or braving the elements, Rich's penchant for adventure can inspire others to capture their extreme shot.

Finally, the series is rounded out with Nikon Professional Photographer Tamara Lackey, "Nikon Behind the Scenes: All in the Family with Tamara Lackey." Lackey is well known for her family photography, and shares some of her secrets to a successful portrait, whether it's coaxing an elusive smile from a rambunctious toddler or capturing a couples' true personality.

The first video in the series will be go live on March 11 on the Nikon YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/nikonusa) and the new NikonUSA Google+ page. A new video on a different topic will be posted every couple of weeks to both the YouTube channel and Google+ page for viewers to check out. The new Google+ page will feature work from Nikon Ambassadors and Professional Photographers, and serve as a hub for passionate photographers to share favorite photos, insights on techniques and behind the scenes stories. On this page, Nikon aims to help advanced, professional and aspiring photographers looking to further their craft and take their passion to the next level. Please find the official NikonUSA Google+ page at: plus.google.com/+NikonUSA

Video Series Schedule (subject to change)

 Launch Date         Video Segment                   Pro Photographer
 Tuesday, March 11   Reading Light                   Joe McNally
 Thursday, March 20  Golden Hour Expedition          Corey Rich
 Tuesday, April 1    Photos with Family and Pets     Tamara Lackey
 Monday, April 14    Small Lighting, Big Results     Joe McNally
 Thursday, April 24  Extreme Action Shooting         Corey Rich
 Monday, May 5       Capturing an Authentic Smile    Tamara Lackey
 Thursday, May 15    Using Light to Tell a Story     Joe McNally
 Monday, May 26      Packing for an Outdoor Shoot    Corey Rich
 Thursday, June 5    Romantic Portraits              Tamara Lackey
 Monday, June 16     Dramatic Portrait Lighting      Joe McNally
 Thursday, June 26   Starry Night Time-Lapse         Corey Rich
 Monday, June 30     Little Kids, Big Personalities  Tamara Lackey
 Thursday, July 10   Advanced lighting               Joe McNally
 Monday, July 21     Action with Video               Corey Rich
 Thursday, July 31   Lenses for Great Portraits      Tamara Lackey