Grand Launching of Nikonian Academy Discovery Center

Simon Says: Some company grabbed Cindy's jadezheng.com domain and she didn't even have chance to announce it. She now blog in teycindy.com. Remember to update your link guys.


I went to the launching of Nikonian Academy Discovery Center last Saturday. Nikonian Academy which used to be in Phileo Damansara has finally shifted to a bigger place which comprised of a four-storeys shoplot at The Strand, Kota Damansara. Instead of just being a training center for avid DSLR photographer, it nows have a Discovery Center at the ground floor where the NAF memeber and photography enthusiatic can find the range of products that is valuable to be added to a more fun filled experience of DSLR photography.

Michael Jackson were there too for the opening. (Impersonator lah)

After much speech giving and performances, Sean and Andrew finally officiated and open the door to the Discovery Center for the guests to visit and purchase items there because there's opening special price just for that day only.




The Discovery Center has loads of photography accesories such as:

Lens cleaning tools

Tripods

DSLR and lens bags

Nikonian Academy shirts and caps.

Nikonian Academy Photography Vest

There's also a range of National Geographic Photo Bag Collection. I think this is on most photographer wish list lol.

How can this be Nikonian Academy Discovery Center if there's no Nikon DSLR and lenses.

From the new entry level DSLR D5000 to the most advanced D3X.

Nikon lenses from the affordable 50mm f/1.8D AF to 300 mm f/2.8G.



I was told that even if you have the money, you won't be able to get this lens easily because of the high demand and limited stock. This is the prize for lucky draw for the customer who bought over RM 100 worth of merchandise on that day.


I happen to be able to test out the mother of all macro lens, Nikkor 85mm f 1.4, the lens in the middle of this pic here. It's yours for RM 3,900.

You can sell your Kancil and buy this lens.

Those that plan to setup your own studio, can come here and buy the studio lighting, reflector and etc.

There's still a lot of other items that is to post. One have to come here and discover it themselves for the full experience. Interested? The click here for the map.

Address:

Nikonian Academy
13, Jalan PJU 5/21,
The Strand Kota Damansara,
47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Tel: 1-700-80-NIKA (1-700-80-6452)

Going up to the 1st floor, we have one side for the photo editing class and another for a classroom lecturing style. Which is now more spacious and can accommodate more people.



Note: Photo editing class doesn't comes with Big Apple donuts.

Taking the stairs, I walked up to the 2nd floor. I got a pleasant surprise of instead of finding one, I found two photography studios or just one studio with two shooting space?? No more rush now.

Clothing and costume for the models.

The 3rd floor is the administrative office so nothing special to show there unless you want to see Andrew's desk, he used to have a room in the old office lol.


As I was saying, I got to try out the mother of all macro lens, Nikkor 85mm f 1.4 on a Nikon D3X body. Which means, its a mother of all macro photography lol. Thanks Jay for letting me testing it out. Below is a few test shot using the combination.

I took a pic of Jay checking out SMS on his phone.

The two pics below was taken by Jay focusing on different target. It's so bloody clear that it clearly shows that I haven't shave lol.

Lastly, I put here the two performances that were performed during the opening. Fire show and Michael Jackson impersonator dance. Click on the picture to watch the video.

Last but not least, congratulation to Nikonian Academy and I'll like to end this with a picture of Helen's cute son, Justin.

Nikonian Nose Bleeding Swimsuit Photography Class

Three weeks ago Andrew invited me to go and look see look see in one of his Nikonian Swimsuit Photography that he is conducting in Dynasty Hotel. This of course is one opportunity that I won't miss because there will be models wearing bikini that will make one's nose bleed for the students to practice.

The photography class will be conducted at the roof top swimming pool of Dynasty Hotel. Which is 29th floor.


The venue where every student will start to nose bleed practice their photography skill.

I can see the house that I used to live in when I was young from 29th floor. That is Sentul by the way.

After Sean arrived with the mini-compo and the CDs, and we're good to start the class. He compiled some very groovy music for this class.

Most students bring some pretty expensive lens that even the trainers envy lol.

Okay, okay. I'll keep my long story short. Here's the picture of the three girls in bikini. They're models from SGX Faces, a modeling agency that Nikonian Academy works with. The models also model clothes for Cocorich.com the online boutique.

This is the teaser. No nose bled yet.

Participants working hard not to bleed from the nose to capture the best angle.

The participants were too shy, so Andrew demonstrated how to get closer to get a good shot.

Shots that I took with my puny Canon Powershot A470, click here to see some of the photos that the participants took in other classes:

The Prologue

Er...remote flash?

Is it getting hot here or is it just me?

Jeslyn looking at me very seductively.

"You really don't want to takes off your clothes, Simon?", says Jeslyn.

"Sorry, I have to go to Cineleisure to catch Quantum of Solace later", answered me.

"Oh come on, you watch James Bond anytime. It's not everyday that you can be with 3 hot girls in bikini."

"I'll do whatever pose you want, if you stay"

"Sorry but I made a promise to go", I answered very reluctantly.

"You won't stay even if I'm all wet?"

"Oops, look at the time. Catch you girls later, gotta make a move. Ciao."

So, did I regretted of taking off so early? Not really because I know that there will be another session that I can always go. LOL.

For all the photos that I took that day, click the album below or you can take some swimsuit photograph using your own DSLR just by signing up for a one day class. More details here.

Nikonian Swimsuit Photography

Looking For Swimsuit Models

Note: This is not an Advertorial because I don't get pay by posting this. This is just a favour for a friend of mine and also to let more people know about this coming audition.



Ok, girls that missed out the audition for Malaysian Dreamgirl but are still interested in joining the modeling industry? Here's your chance, SGX Faces, a modeling agency is looking for swimsuit models for their client Nikonian Academy for their April Swimsuit Photography class.


I'm not sure whether they need guy or not but SGX Faces do look for male model if the need arise, so guys you can try to submit your application too. No, I won't be submitting mine.


Those interested can send your photos to info@sgxfaces.com. SGX Faces will be having an audition to look for swimsuit model. You'll be call for audition after they qualify you. If you are not suitable for swimsuit modeling, you might be chosen for other assignment that they have on hand because there are many other projects going on. No guarantees though.


For further information you can give a call to SGX Faces office at 03-7955 2998 or 012-391 6833 and ask for Andrew Boey. Full contact details here.


Closing date is 7th of April 2008.


Below is a sample shot of the model from the March Swimsuit Photography class of Nikonian Academy.

Click to enlarge:

Model: Natasha

Makeup: Simple makeup by Natasha herself.

Photographer: Andrew Boey (Director of Academy, Nikonian Academy)

Modeling Photography with Amber Chia

Note: First of all, this is not a paid post or an Advertorial. I don't get any monetary or non-monetary benefit for posting this. I just want to share this news with serious photographer out there.


I just got an email from Nikonian Academy that they will be running a course on Modeling Photography on the 24th of May 2008, which is a Saturday. Who knows better about Modeling Photography than a model. So, this time they are able to invite a model to be a not only a model but also a trainer as well. The model is non other than Amber Chia, whom has a lot of experience in the modeling industry.

She knows what angle is right for her. Amber Chia will not only be there to model but also to train students that took this blockbuster course about things like how to pose a model, working with models on a set, how to motivate your model to get super results and lots more.

Another trainer is Andrew Boey, Nikonian Academy's Director will teach on the subject of how to get started in modeling photography, dos and don'ts of Modeling Photography, how to take good potrait pictures and lots more technique on Modeling Photography.

For those of you that like to improve your photography skill can click here to find out more about this course. You'll get certificate from Nikon Malaysia too.

Another Funny Caption Contest

As I've blogged here, there's 4 Nikonian Funny Caption Contest running simultaneosly. Here's one more of the photo to be contested.

"Hello? DBKL? I think you lost some street dogs here."

I didn't submit this to the contest. Just wanna post something funny ;).

Funny Caption Contest

Nikonian Academy the appointed professional training center by Nikon Malaysia for profesional photography using Nikon DSLR is running a "Funny Caption Contest" that can win you 1 FREE March 2008 Nikon Creative Lighting System class. All you have to do is just think of a funny caption for the photo that was posted on their website.

I've already submitted my entry. Below is my funny caption:

"Hey! I think my camera can see through her clothes."

For those that are interested to win free class on Nikon Creative Lighting System can visit the contest website here. This can help dig up your funny bones and can have a chance to attend professional photography class.

UPDATES: There are actually 4 contest running with four different picture. The above is only one of them. You can see the other 3 pictures in the official contest website. Rules & regulations also in the website. Please read carefully before submitting your Funny Caption. ;)

Are you a Nikonian?

So, do you own a Nikon DSLR or you just bought a D300 or D3 but don't know how to fully utilise it. The focus just isn't right, which lens should be use to capture certain spot, how much ISO should be set, and etc. If those are the question you want answer for, look no more because Nikon Malaysia have a appointed Nikonian Academy as the official training center for Nikon DSLR enthusiast.

Courses conducted by professional photographer that has vast experience of using Nikon camera even before the DSLR era. There are various courses to choose depending on your flavour. After completing a course, you'll receive a certificate certified by Nikon.

Look no more if you want to know more about your Nikon DSLR. Click here.

P.S. This is not a paid post.