EP 39: behind the scenes at nikon's creator camp
Hi everyone, this is your host Summer Grace, and welcome to another episode of Summer School. After a brief hiatus due to some exciting events, I'm back to share all the incredible experiences and lessons from Nikon's Creator Camp.
In this solo episode, I almost mistakenly call it Summer Camp again because I've been all over the place with various camps recently! Right after our own Summer Camp in Palm Springs, I flew straight to Nikon's Creator Camp. If you listened to last week's episode, you know we covered everything from Summer Camp. Now, it's time to dive into my latest adventure at Nikon's Creator Camp.
What is Nikon's Creator Camp?
Nikon's Creator Camp is an annual event that started a few years ago. It brings together creators, whether YouTubers, TikTokers, influential educators, or other key figures in the photography space, to test Nikon's latest cameras. The camp is a marketing genius move by Nikon, allowing influencers to generate buzz around their new releases.
My Experience at Nikon's Creator Camp
I was invited to test Nikon’s latest camera, and it was quite an experience. Despite not feeling my best due to pregnancy and a busy schedule, I pushed through and learned a lot. The camp was packed with activities from early morning until late at night. We had shoots with trapeze artists, fire spinners, dancers, and performers – it was like a mini Cirque du Soleil!
Lessons Learned: Shooting in Challenging Conditions
One major takeaway was learning to shoot in various lighting conditions, which isn't always the case at weddings. I found myself in scenarios with harsh midday sunlight, and using reflectors and scrims made all the difference. This experience has inspired me to consider bringing an assistant to future shoots to help with lighting.
The Importance of Manual White Balance
Another technical lesson was the importance of manual white balance. Initially, I struggled with Nikon’s settings but once I got the hang of it, my photos improved significantly. This reinforced my preference for manual settings over auto white balance.
Working with a Team
The camp highlighted the value of having a supportive team. From lighting assistants to fellow creators, having a collaborative environment made the experience enjoyable and productive. It also made me rethink how I approach my own shoots and the potential of involving more people in my process.
Insights from Fellow Creators
Being surrounded by other creators was incredibly inspiring. Their dedication to consistency in content creation, even after long days, motivated me to step up my social media game. I realized the importance of posting regularly and engaging with my audience, even when it feels overwhelming.
Gear Talk: Nikon Z6 III
For those interested in gear, I tested the Nikon Z6 III and was impressed by its focusing capabilities. It performed exceptionally well in various conditions, and I found it to be more reliable in focus compared to my usual Canon setup.
The Takeaway
Overall, Nikon’s Creator Camp was an eye-opening experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone and into new creative territories. Whether it's shooting in challenging lighting, understanding the importance of a good team, or staying consistent with content creation, this camp taught me invaluable lessons that I’m excited to apply moving forward.
If you have any questions about the Nikon camera or my experience at the camp, feel free to reach out. Have a great week, and I'll catch you in the next episode!
Connect With Me Online:
Show Notes: summergracephoto.com
Instagram: @summergrace.photo
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