NikonNet and ‘Legends Behind The Lens’ Honor the Work of Internationally Acclaimed Travel Photographer Rosanne Pennella

Nikon Press Release Summary:

MELVILLE, N.Y., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Professional photographers will tell you that to succeed as a pro takes more than skill. One needs dedication, planning and even a little luck. Rosanne Pennella added self-confidence, courage, passion and inspiration to this combination.

This August, NikonNet’s inspiring monthly, “Legends Behind the Lens,” honors the work of admired travel photographer Rosanne Pennella, a woman who took a chance and pursued her passion.

“NikonNet is pleased to honor the images and extraordinary career of Rosanne Pennella in this August’s ‘Legends Behind the Lens,’” said Anna Marie Bakker, General Manager of Communications at Nikon Inc. “She’s been an inspiration for so many years, not only making outstanding contributions in travel photography, but sharing her knowledge and expertise as well.”

Pennella started her career path as a practicing attorney. She worked in top litigation firms and with federal judges but wasn’t fulfilling her destiny. What she really loved to do was travel, and when she put that love together with her aptitude for photography; she came up with a plan. Pennella gave herself five years to pursue a career as a professional photographer, and if it didn’t work out, she decided it wasn’t meant to be. Her dedication and determination paid off when her career had reached a point that far exceeded her expectations.

In order to be a successful attorney, Pennella needed a keen sense of detail, which has carried over in her work with her subjects. When working on commercial projects Pennella is sure to check everything involved in the shot from the props to the settings on her D2X or D70. But her diligence shines through her intimate portraits. When lecturing on travel photography, Pennella suggests getting close to your subjects to establish a level of intimacy; not just proximity, but to connect on an emotional level as well. Pennella never brings out the camera until she gets to know her subjects. She strongly believes in achieving some level of interaction with people, to show concern and let her subjects know she’s not there to just shoot and run. Most importantly though, when the natural opening comes, Pennella says it is vital to know what you want to do and how to use your equipment to get you there.  “If you are frazzled and not working efficiently, you won’t be able to make a connection with people.”

Pennella’s approach has led to much success. She has worked with the tourism boards of China, Costa Rica, Malaysia, Morocco and Hungary.  Furthermore, she has traveled and photographed places all over the world, from cloud forests in Central America to cremation ceremonies in Bali and everywhere in between. The exposure to different cultures has generated excitement back in the United States where Pennella’s work was displayed in Union Station in Washington D.C, the Paul Weinshenck Gallery in New York City and the Liberty Science Center in New Jersey in addition to her images that have been published in national magazines.

The photography world has not failed to recognize Pennella’s talents. She was the recipient of Photo District News’s Annual Award in 2001. Moreover, in 2002 she photographed polio and landmine victims as well as the monuments of Angkor Wat to benefit American Friends of the Cambodia Trust. Pennella is also the sole photographer to receive financial support from this photography project sponsored by Nikon and Lowepro.

One of Pennella’s favorite quotations is from the great photographer Dorothea Lange. “The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.” This is one of the many lessons Pennella’s students take away from her classes. She teaches travel photography at The New School in New York and regularly takes part in American Photo magazine’s Mentor Series.  Pennella has found that teaching has made her a better photographer and has pushed her photography to another level.

Pennella is an inspiration to aspiring photographers everywhere. Her motto is simple: “The first person who has to be convinced of your ability is you.” Thankfully, Pennella’s confidence in herself and her abilities have placed her in an elite group of travel photographers and for this reason, we can call her a Legend Behind the Lens.

To learn more about Pennella, log onto NikonNet’s “Legends Behind the Lens” series at http://www.nikonnet.com or http://www.rosannepennella.com.

About “Legends Behind the Lens:”

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

This inspiring monthly program offers a behind-the-scenes look into the personalities and philosophies behind the world’s greatest and most famous photographers. “Legends Behind the Lens” also offers portfolio galleries 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.