Nikon Press Release:

NikonNet and ‘Legends Behind the Lens’ Honor the Work of Groundbreaking Wedding Photographer John Solano

MELVILLE, N.Y., June 1 /PRNewswire/ -- To wedding photographer John Solano, anticipation is the name of the game.  Backed by careful preparation, Solano’s ability to anticipate the priceless moments at a wedding has lead to a highly successful career as one of America’s premier wedding photographers.  That success and reputation have now earned him a spot as a Legend Behind the Lens.

This June, NikonNet’s inspiring monthly, “Legends Behind the Lens,” honors the work of esteemed wedding photographer John Solano, a 15-year veteran of the craft who brings a creative outlook to every shot.

“NikonNet is pleased to honor the images and extraordinary career of John Solano in this June’s ‘Legends Behind the Lens,’” said Tracy Mack-Jackson, Senior Manager of Internet Development and Programs at Nikon Inc. “With his creative vision and attention to preparation, it’s no coincidence that he manages to capture the most vivid memories time and time again.”

Known for his ability to anticipate a memorable photograph, Solano began his career in wedding photography at 16, when he was hired by a Los Angeles based wedding photographer.  His entire career, in fact, is due to thinking way ahead.  At 16, Solano took a photo class and watching the picture start to develop in the tray was all it took. He knew exactly what he wanted to do, and it was photography.

After receiving his photographic training at the Art Center School of Design in Pasadena, CA, Solano embarked on a career that would make him one of the most sought-after wedding photographers in Los Angeles. In fact, his lens has even captured the images of numerous celebrities throughout the years from Andre Agassi and Brooke Shields, to Slash of Guns ‘n Roses, Tracey Gold and many others at a wide variety of events.

However, it’s still that ability to anticipate that makes Solano’s work so special. He’ll tell you that photographing weddings is a lot like photographing sports.  “They’re both about anticipation, action and reaction.  If someone gives a toast, there will be a reaction. If someone tells a joke, I’m looking for where the laughter is going to come from.”  Like a sports photographer, Solano often works from a distance using long lenses. “My whole thing is to be unobtrusive, to really not be seen,” he says. “The biggest compliment I can get is someone saying, ‘I didn’t even know you were there.’”

What he’s looking for are the pure moments when things happen, and when the key people at the wedding react to what’s happening. In his opinion, that preparation begins long before the wedding day, when he meets the couple and establishes a chemistry with them to understand what they are looking for in their photographs.

Whether he’s capturing a glowing bride or the groom’s reaction, John Solano is recognized as a legend among wedding photographers. To learn more about Solano, log onto NikonNet’s “Legends Behind the Lens” series at http://www.nikonnet.com.

About “Legends Behind the Lens”:

NikonNet’s “Legends Behind the Lens” series aims to educate users and, in turn, breathe excitement into photography. Nikon has assembled a comprehensive and intriguing collection of artists to share their most incredible, challenging, emotional and exciting experiences on NikonNet.

This inspiring monthly program offers a behind-the-scenes look into the personalities and philosophies of the world’s greatest and most famous photographers. “Legends Behind the Lens” also offers a portfolio gallery, as well as tips and tricks of the trade from featured professionals.

Past “Legends” in the series include Kevin Gilbert, Nancy Brown, Joe Buissink, Steven Weinberg, B. Moose Peterson, Eddie Adams, Jay Maisel and Howard Bingham.

About Nikon:

Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc.  distributes the Nikon Total Imaging System of consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Nikon Coolpix® compact digital cameras; Coolscan® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. At the heart of every Nikon camera is Nikon’s Exclusive Feature System, making it easy for anyone to take amazing digital pictures. Through the Nikon Spirit Initiative™, the company, plays an active role in supporting aspiring and advanced photographers through a variety of philanthropic organizations, educational programs, events and workshops. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit http://www.nikonusa.com , which links all levels of photographers to the web’s most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

SOURCE  NikonNet