Well, I had nothing to do early Saturday AM while stuck in a hotel in Olympia, WA ... so I wrote down everyones name on a piece of paper and threw them in a basket. I picked the six (6) lucky winners of a SanDisk - 2GB Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card.
Winners are as follows:
1. Elaine of Alaska
2. Olivia Myles of Texas
3. #167 Dad of Arizona
4. McKay Family of an Unknown Location (there are no roads there).
5. Jenni Ross of Iowa
6. Dusty Lens of Minnesota
Congratulations. You six winners need to send a mailing address for the card. Send the address to nikonsniperguy@aol.com. Don't worry I am not some kind of creep that would sell your e-mail address to a national spam mailer.
Sorry the rest of you didn't win this time. We will do this again in the future ... so stay tuned.
God bless and thanks again to all of you!
NikonSniper Steve
113 comments:
Hi, Steve. Enter me!
You are full of surprises! My two cameras uses other Memory Cards - so I cannot use them anyway! But I wish everyone else good luck!
Your site is really growing! A sign of good work from your part!
Cool! Enter Me. I have been enjoying your blog muchly! Keep it up...please. :D
Back again...enter me please!
Please enter me. Your work is amazing. I stop in everyday. You are an inspiration.
Aloha Steve,
"ENTER ME" please!
Hi Stephen! i didn't realize you were having a contest. Enter me, please! Thanks! Lin
Oh yes, please do enter me in your contest. And let the followers build like crazy!!!
Hello there Stephen, I am quite a new follower of your blog amd I shoot with a Pentax, but please do 'Enter Me'. :)
Thank you and God bless.
Please enter me in your contest!
Enter me, please. I enjoy checking out your new photos every day.
Enter me too.
Also, I wanted to ask if there is any way that we - your followers - can submit any of our snaps for your consideration for inclusion in this site? In the past couple of days since I joined in, the images on here have really inspired me....
Mandi.
Congratulations! I love your photos, yes please enter me!
Hi Steve, enter me too
My cameras use other cards, so I won't enter. :)
That being said, I really enjoy your blog, and my friend who's blog you found through mine is delighted by the new followers!
Your ability to compose the photograph is amazing. I love having photographer's blogs on my daily read.
Hallo Stephen.
I'm italian woman and i love U.S.A (it's my eternal dream)
(excuseme for my "italian english" ^_^)
Wonderful photos..very compliments
enter me
enter me
Follow and enter me :)
Hi Stephen, I can understand how you've hit 400! Your blog has wonderful photos. We can click on your posts and view beautiful scenery, get a laugh from a funny caption, or be inspired for the day. Thanks! Sure! Enter me.
Enter me too please Stephen.
hi Stephen, Enter me!!
youbetcha!
enter me.
I became a follower almost 300 ago. I cannot believe how fast your popularity has increased. I take that back... yes I can. YOU have an amazing blog and talent.
ToOdLeS.
Hey there, love the site and the pictures.
Enter me please.
Enter me.
Sure could use on of those things in my, gulp, Canon.
R, J, B and D
I am sorry I almost forgot...Congratulations on so many followers Enter Me.
Hey, I don't even remember how I found you but I appreciate your work as so does most of the world. Count me in for something free. Thanks for being a blessing to so many with your photos.
Hi Stephen! I just noticed you're a new follower to my blog, and I'm hoping this means you'll be stopping by often. The ratio of men to women is not what I've hoped for, so come on, I need another "constant" reader/commenter that's a male!
I've barely glimpsed your blog yet, but I plan on looking some more right now. Don't enter me in your contest... it wouldn't be fair, as I'm a brand new follower.
Justine :o )
Well, I've looked about a bit Stephen, and what can I say, but wow... your photos are fantastic. My favorite is the small pond. It actually took my breath away!
But... don't you ever write anything about the picture you've taken? ya know, tell us a little story about where you were, what you were feeling, who you were with? As you can tell if you've been to my blog, I'm a "wordy" person!
Justine :o )
Hi Stephen, Congrats, this is all because we love your photography. Keep it going.
Enter Me!
Thanks for the follow! Looking forward to our blogging relationship.
Hi Justine, ... Thanks so much for the compliments. Sorry I try not to say too much ... except thank you on this blog. They say a picture says a thousand words ... but I do not want to add to that. I do not want to try to explain too much so as to partially define the photo. The thousand words you hear are different from what I hear. I don't want to try to force you to hear my interpretation if something far more beautiful is at your disposal. See there ... I wrote some words to say i don't like writing too many words. I think many return to the blog because they don't have to listen to me. Ha! Thanks again.
nikonsniper steve
Hi Steve, Congratulations on the 400 followers. I find your photos inspiring. (That is so understated it isn't funny). I love your shots and they never fail to make me smile. I can tell you have a great sense of humour. Enter me please!
Also, I wanted to ask if there is any way that we - your followers - can submit any of our snaps for your consideration for inclusion in this site? In the past couple of days since I joined in, the images on here have really inspired me....
Mandi!
I am so happy you are being inspired. Your question above has actually been asked by several ... and for some reasons that I would not like to elaborate on ... I am not opting to do that. However, in a previous note on the blog I mentioned the possibility of having a contest where you could submit photos in 6 categories. The winners would be posted provided that they can be ... for reasons I would rather not discuss.
Anyway I am looking in to NikonSniper embroidered hats for those winners.
Still thinking!
nikonsniper steve
wow ur followers list never stops i guess.....u rock Stephen!
Do not enter me but i'll keep following your posts.
Enter me too! I don't comment very often, I know, but I do enjoy following your photos as they are posted. Usually very interesting stuff to see.
Hi Stephen, you have reached Excellence!
Hapyy to play and please, yes, ENTER ME!
See you
Loulou from Delhi
please enter me
Enter Me please follower of your beautiful pictures :-))
Enter me!
enter me, please. Congrats on so many followers!
Enter me too...I love stopping by each day to view your pics and see the captions you come up with!
Okay, sign me up too. Your pictures are wonderful!!!
Thank you for the beautiful world!
Enter me please.
Marie
Hi Stephen,
I love your pictures! And I love to carry my camera around with frequently, hoping to find that perfect shot, just like you say! I find a lot of inspiration in the story that your pictures tell.
Thank you for sharing them ... and I would love to be Entered in your Drawing.
God Bless,
Tina
Guess it hepls to put it in the right place!! Please Enter Me, Happy Days, to your generous contest! What a nice gift for 6 lucky people. Do so enjoy your photos, and I still think you would make a great Commercial Photographer...debbie
Wow...that is a lot of followers and more comments! Great to hear that you will be traveling soon to many states! Cannot wait to see those images! Thanks for including me as a follower!
Enter me.
Hi Steve! Well, I would have never found you if you hadn't visited my site and posted a comment but I have to admit, I look forward to seeing what pictures you've posted each day. I do wonder where you find the time to snap all those pictures and at the quality of them all! I remain quite impressed at your use of light and color and the incredible variety of topics. You must carry that Nikon everywhere! Now don't get me wrong, I would carry my Nikon everywhere too but it normally ends up as a bit of a back creak after too long, especially with the birder lens tacked on. I must be getting old. I do have a request. I would love it if you said a little about where you were and what thoughts went into composing each picture. I find that stuff inspiring! Thanks again.
-Arnold
PS
Yeah, you can enter me too. I haven't filled the 8GB memory card I have yet but it's kind of fun to try.
Congrats on 400!
Please enter me.
I feel the same way you do about taking photos!! Altho you have a way better camera!! LOL Enter me please, and keep those fabulous photos coming!!!
Please enter me! I am enjoying your blog and all the wonderful photos! maybe I will learn something! Thanks!
Hi Steve! This is an amazing contest you have running. I too am a photography enthusiast, but nowhere near to what you are. Please 'Enter Me'! :) Thanks!
Yes, "enter me" please.
Nice to run acrosss your blog. A black background always works best to show off one's photography. Good luck.
By all means, inlclude me in the draw. Can't wait to see your new captures from out west. I've been to Winthrop, Washington and the scenery was absolutely breathtaking. Have fun!
Compared to your use of it, I could not do the 2 gig of memory justice... but I'll try :)
enter me thanx steve!
Count me in : ENTER ME !
And when you get to 1000 followers, will you be giving away an external hard drive ?
Best, Owen
Enter me! Thank you.
Thanks for becoming a follower of Life in the Slow Lane. I really appreciate good photography, so I was glad find your site, and I will definitely become a follower.
So.....enter me, please.
The giveaway is very nice, but I am just glad to have found your blog and your gorgeous pictures and personal way of journaling!
Enter me please. Thanks.
Hey Stephen are you also ever going to give tips of Nikon users on your site? I'm part of another social network for photography but I never got a reply. Photography has always been my passion as well and as you know I just got the Nikon D90 with 2 lens, plus I still have my 2 older lens (also from Nikon) which Wolf camera said will work fine, but Best Buy said my older lens aren't the same quality (thought I hardly used them ever; they're about 5 years old.
Anywho, I want to become a pro, but do I have to take a class for this or can I just read up on things or is there another online way to learn. Wolf camera's camera class is not agreeable with my schedule; it's always in the evening when I have my kids. I don't have an external 'shoe' lens thingy but do I need that? Obviously I must. Anywho, are you planning on offering tips for Nikon users here? Are you a pro?
This is a very beautiful photo - The Flag from a different perspective.
Enter me.( I think I did this once)
Hi thanks for following my site Samaritiandiva, much appreciated, oh before I forget, love your pictures you have a great eye.And Enter me In for the drawing....be blessed, happy travels!
Well Hello to God's Not Finished With Us Yet!
Thank you for dropping by and commenting. Let me try to answer some of your questions quickly. Paraphrasing your previous questions below.
Am I going to give tips to Nikon users? I will give tips to anyone trying anything if they want to ask specifics.
By the way ... many people have been apologizing for not having a Nikon! That is ridiculous. I don't care what kind of camera you have ... the camera should never define your limits! I love Canons, Minoltas, Sonys and I shouldn't mention any of them because I will forget them and you will think I don't like your camera.
Oh yeah and something else. People have also been saying things like ... "I love photography but I am not as good as you." Thank you ... but really now ... I could teach anyone what I know if they want to spend a week in my area. The point is ... I don't want you to ever compete with me. Start with beating your own shots. For some of you are ALREADY ahead of me. I present no challenge for many but I have to beat my own best. I want you to accept the challenge of beating yourself and really enjoying your own pictures. Truth is ... if you are the only one in the world that likes your photos ... would you stop taking them. Be satisfied with being a better you. Learn from everyone. Gosh I love ALL of your photos out there. They give me new and fresh ideas.
OK ... back to your questions.
Becoming a pro is a great goal! Go for it. You have what it takes. If you want something bad enough you will pay whatever the price.
Do I have to take a class? Well, it helps. I took classes in my 20's and now my 50's. But honestly there are things you may just be born with that help even more. A photographic eye is priceless. I recommend classes but ... I believe it's possible to understand photography and exposure values and all kinds of theory and STILL take horrible photos. So classes are valuable in my oppinion but you still have to have an eye and a brain that helps you override theory and be the artistic composer instead of the aperature mathamatician.
Can I just read up on things? I learn from everything I see. I often try to think my way through how I would attempt a shot. I ask myself ... How would I put myself in the best position to get that similar shot? How could I do it differently? But read everything you can.
Finally, you asked if I am a pro. Short answer is no.
When I think of "pro" I think of someone that can or needs to earn their living from their photographic skills. That is not all that easy to do. Especially if you want health care, benefits like vacation, sick days etc. I earn my living in the printing industry. Photography is a hobby / therapy for me. I enjoy it more as the years pass. I had many years that I completely ignored what you see being photographed now. But when I got older I discovered that I had learned a lot while photographing our 5 kids growing up, playing sport and being together. I learned how to use a camera fast to get what I wanted. I learned how to photograph deer at baseball diamonds. So don't worry if you can't hit that out of the park homerun in photography yet. Keep shooting and learning. I believe at 50 ... I have not yet even bought the camera that will take my best photos. Maybe I have. But it keeps pushing me to get better. Better than me!
I will try to help in any way I can. Ask questions. I am learning that if I can't answer the question ... this blog is loaded with brilliant photgraphers. So ask and we can get help.
All the best to you.
nikonSniper Steve
Hi! I love all these photographies...
I hope you like my blog, of photography too. :)
http://photographiart.blogspot.com
Thanks! I'll be visiting u.
Wow, thank you Stephen for spending so much effort in replying to my comment! It means so much. Is there a place to share photo's on your site to give input? I 'feel' I have a natural eye....for years I have a huge passion for taking snapshots of people mainly. I lay on the ground like a fool taking snaps of my kids in public even. But then I hear stuff about RAW photo's? I have no clue what that even is. And it seems everyone, and I mean everyone, seems to have PhotoShop (not the free one from online, which is limited) but the full software one, which from my understanding is a pretty heavy penny. Can you give insight to that?; What is RAW and why do other's say once you go RAW you'll never want to do 'Point and Shoot'. What is RAW anywho? And how crucial is Photoshop? Is there a certain version that's better or are they all similar? One more thing (sorry to bug), but do you recommend an external flash, like for my Nikon D90? What will it do other than the good images I feel I already get? Also (I lied, one more question.... :(
How does someone change a photo format from like a jpg file to a png file, does someone need a certain program for that. And what kind of Camera do you have? I saw there were like Nikons as well as other cameras that went all the way up to $8 grand! That's insane!!! I can't imagine! Okay, I'm done now...long breath! lol PS...I'm so glad you visited my blog/site today....don't know how ya found me, but glad you did. Thanks for being so patient!
Answer Part 1
OK, so, God’s STILL Not Finished With Us Yet,
Is there a place to share photo's on your site to give input?
Not at this time. This is the most common question I am asked. There are a number of issues I am dealing with that limit the availability of this happening in the current NikonSniper blog. However, I have purchased the domain name for nikonsniper.com and more may happen down the road. I mean I have crazy crazy ideas including leading tours to Australia for photographers and their spouses who wish to have an educational and fun trip experience. Also, looking into this for places like Alaska and Jackson Hole. No idea what direction this could go yet. It is limitless.
Have a natural eye?
You may have the best eye in the country. But how do you determine if you have an eye that is good enough to make a full-time leap?
I hear you speak of huge passion for photography. That’s essential to make it but it does not determine whether or not you have an eye to make it. You don’t need to answer these questions in the blog. What kind of feedback do you get when people see your photos? Try to rule out relatives. What kind of tests can you perform to see if people are raving? These are usually good ways to measure if a natural photographic eye exists. But, please understand that my photos were garbage when our first daughter was born. I was so angry that I paid $400 for a Minolta SLR and could not get anything to look good at all. I went to school to figure it out. I believe I have always had a decent eye. I believe I was seriously lacking in photographic understanding. I guess I’m saying … if you think my photos are OK now, … it is proof you can learn a lot of photographic technique and principles … so I believe school is always the best route if it can happen.
But then I hear stuff about RAW photo's?
RAW is a file format that allows for great manipulation of a photo. I know a bit about RAW format but I don’t use it. There are some serious advantages in editing RAW files but I just use the best form of JPEG. Others can give you better reasons to use RAW.
Answer Part 2
As for PhotoShop. It is expensive but it is a great tool. But I recommend you start with Photoshop Elements for around $100. It is amazing for the money. Our community college has night school classes for $120 for 18 hours of class. That was one of my best investments EVER! Also, I recommend a free software program you can download called Irfanview. Google it!
“… once you go RAW you'll never want to do Point and Shoot”.
I don’t understand this statement at all. RAW is a file format. I always thought “point and shoot” was a term used for non-SLR cameras with auto focus. I might add that I was dropped a lot as a baby so maybe this statement is just is misunderstood by me.
How crucial is Photoshop? It is powerful. It brings all kinds of new dimension to the photographic world. I think it would be critical for any photographer doing portraiture. The most recent versions are best … however, most people are lost exploring on their own. A class at a community college is a good idea.
OK, if you have a Nikon I recommend a Nikon flash. I always recommend staying with the same manufacture as your camera for all extras if it’s possible. Nikon makes SB-600 and SB-800 flashes as well as others. I have both of these units. Both are great. SB-800 is more powerful. Great for sports at night like football. Not cheap and I agree this is great to have. Your current Nikon D90 will not allow you to shoot faster than 1/200th of a second with the flash on your camera. And you will find it has limited power. The popup flash on your camera will tend to produce a more harsh flash where the bigger units mentioned here can be easily tilted to bounce light off a ceiling to produce a very soft result.
What kind of Camera do I have? Well, I have two Nikon D70’s, two Nikon D80’s and I just bought three Nikon D90’s. I never change lenses. I use different cameras instead. It’s way faster and does not risk getting as much dust in the camera.
I do not know anything about PNG files.
Take care, NikonSniper Steve
Hi! Thanks for following my blog, I love your pics!! I added myself to your followers too... please add me to your contest. I never entered a giveaway for a pic card before, VERY CLEVER!!!!...Thank you! hugs, Jennifer
Do Daughters count in this drawing? I did notice that im down to one card for my camera ;)
Also I posted some of my new photos on my blog if you wanna check them out
Enter me, please! I think I'm the only one from Romania, so pick me, pick me! :)
Thank you for watching my blog, this way I've discovered yours!
Cheers, Silvia.
Stephen, Thanks for following my blogs, very appreciated.
All photography is good and you have great photos.
Enter me, can never have enough memory.
SQ
I'm feeling lucky. Sign me up.
Enter Me! Please.... :)
I like you photos, I will be back from time to time to see more great works!
I will win! I will conquer!Yes, yes I will!
This is my command: ENTER ME!
Thanks!
Oh my please enter me too and thanks for the giveaway.
Thanks for following my little blog! Enter me!
Well, this is a great idea! Not only leaving a comment but also some interaction, even if there's nothing to get in change. It's not the case, I know. Keep paying a visit! Anyway...enter me!
Romicas
Well, how fun. Enter me. I've been looking at your pictures for a while, but now I guess I'd better become an official FOLLOWER, LOL.
Your pictures are simply beautiful, amazing and breathtaking. I want to take pretty pictures when I grow up, right now, I really just take a lot of static, LOL.
Entered me. Thanks for the follow on my end!
How ironic that you are now following my blog (I see you're addicted to following blogs!), I have been eyeing the thumbnails of your posts on Chase Images. Curious to know what caught your eye at Oars in the Water (which is very neglegted and boring!) Don't hesitate to leave a comment. Good luck on your way to 600! Enter Me
Hey, Woodstock!
Enter me, please. :o)
Would love to enter - if I win does that mean my pictures will turn out as good as yours?
Love,
Kelly
Hi I've just found your blog and it looks great. Enter me please. I will follow your blog later as I am writing this on my iPhone and you can't copy and paste, will fire up the laptop later.
Nice blog
Ash
Thank you for entering me.
This is my first time visit and please enter me into this contest.
Cheers and have a lovely fun,
enter me
me encanto tu trabajo¡ son todas sacadas por ti?
saludos
karina
pink days studio-shabby chic
buenos aires
argentina
Please enter Sue and me, and we will fill it up with wildlife.
Thankyou for entering us.
Jrandsue.
So enjoy your photos!
Enter me, please...
Susan
Hi! Very Nice Collection of Photo's
"Enter Me"
Oh.... I don't like saying, "enter me" but I will.
(please) enter me.
It doesn't matter which way you say it, it's just not nice.
Mannequin is funny but has a good point :)
This is my first visit..look forward to see more of your wonderful pictures. Sharpening my Nikon too.
Left a comment on the your previous post so will just say "enter me". Thanks Lx
Enter me. Ta.
Enter me ~ I am new to photography and plan on taking a photography class at the local community college this fall. I'm also new to blogging but am thoroughly enjoying seeing everyones photos and submitting some of mine as well.
BTW I love your definition of digital Photography...
Enter me! Thank you
enter me in your giveaway please!!
I just love your site. Your pictures are amazing.
Enter me Please!!!!
Again, thank you for your awards, recognition and kind words. I am SO sorry but I am horrible at this ... and I have little to no time right now to pass this on justly as there are so many GREAT blogs to evaluate ... and I am leaving for Oregon and Washington in less than 36 hours. Too much to do and no time. Thank you so much. I will post this here so that I can go back and look at the other sites you mention as soon as I get time. I hope other followers of NikonSniper will also take a look.
All the best.
NikonSniper Steve
Hello. I'm so new I feel a bit guilty saying it... but enter me please!
Soooo nice of you to offer this contest. I'll be tagging along on your trip to see your new pix. Let me be one of the 1st to say congrats on 600!!!
You are inspiring to photographers everywhere.
And I will be second. Six hundred Congrats.
Please enter me too.
Thanks.
It's a very nice offer.
And your photos are very nice to look at too.
I will be flying to Klamath Falls OR. on June 11th to 19th. I will visit Crater Lake and in Northern Ca. Mt. Shasta. Good Luck Sharp Shooting!!!!!
Thanks again. tterlyn
JEEEEEEEEEEEZ WHO ARE YOU STEVE...
EVERYONE LOVEs YOU...
we want in to .....
email gaffergirls@gmail.com
thought we had missed .. thanks for the wonderful contest
ps ..
BUT WE'D RATHER WIN A LESSON ON TAKING BETTER PHOTO'S NEXT TIME YOU'RE IN THE SEATTLE AREA:)
please enter me
Enter me......I just joined to follow you, and I found your via another blogger. We are looking at getting a new camera, can't begin to afford and SLR but am looking at the new Nikon Coolpix P90.
Great site,,,,,beautiful pictures.
enter me in the drawing please! we have a canon rebel xs and would love this prize!
Enter me in the drawing please!!, well Im your 598 follower, wow, would love to win.
Ale.
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