Can you believe we are heading towards the end of February 2025…? Now where did that cold and dreary January disappear to? Never the most exciting month in the year, is it? Especially when everything always takes a while to get going for the year ahead.
However, my January was brightened as I learned that I was to be mentioned in the next editor’s letter, within a very prestigious photographic magazine within the next few weeks.
In the autumn of 2024, I happened to be discussing all things worldly with my good chum Gray Levett. Gray is one of the founders and editor of the Nikon Owner Magazine. I am proud to say that we have been friends for many a year now, and we happened to be talking about persistence. (Not the first time I’ve discussed this in a newsletter.)
Marisol Nicols 👆🏻
In fact, the last time was 2018, when I discuss my admiration for an old friend, actress and freedom fighter, Marisol Nichols. Some may know her from the popular American TV show Riverdale or perhaps one of her successful films such as: Spiral: from the Book of Saw or Vegas Vacation with Chevy Chase.
Anyway, Gray and I happen to be a chatting away over a spot of coffee, in his world-renowned photographic shop: Grays of Westminster, in London.
He shared with me some of the most incredible tales of persistence from a few of the world’s most revered photographers, to whom, it seems, life is merely a game to play to its absolute max.
And so, on reflecting upon my own progress over the years, Gray decided that my travels were worth a mention. So, Gray very kindly wrote about me in his current editor’s letter — the first magazine of 2025 — issue 85.
So I thought I would share it with you, so you get a glimpse of the winding road that I have travelled, with an insight into where some of my more elaborate story ideas have sprung from. My heartfelt thanks to Gray for forging me into the prodigious archives of the Nikon Owner magazine.
If you would like to read the opening to his editor’s letter click on the picture.
For those serious about photography, particularly those owners of a Nikon camera, the Nikon Owner magazine is a must for keeping in the loop of all things Nikon and all things photographic.
Founded by Gray Levett, Gillian Greenwood and Uri Zakay many years ago, it has become the benchmark for professional photographers the world over.
Within its lustrous pages, one will be astounded by breathtaking images and technical know-how from the very best in their fields of photographic excellence. The names of these giants regularly dance upon the pages like the sparking tinsel on a Christmas tree, enticing all that are seeking guidance and inspiration.
If you are a budding photographer, then either visit www.nikonownermagazine.com or head over to the Aladdin’s cave of Nikon camera equipment at www.graysofwestminster.co.uk.
This is a picture of the front cover of the wonderful book: Grays of Westminster: The Legend and the Legacy. Written by the highly talented writer, Gillian Greenwood and details the history of the multi-award winning Nikon-only shop, also mentioning that it is the first camera shop in the world to be granted a Coat of Arms from His Majesty’s College of Arms.
And finally, if that wasn’t enough, I was also mentioned in his recent Youtube podcast with Konstantin Kochkin, about the history of the Nikon Owner Magazine. So if you are into photography and fancy a deep-dive into past, grab yourself a cup of tea, sit back and enjoy the clip below.
Until next time…
Stephen
The History of Nikon Owner Magazine (mentioned around 26:22)