This week Nikon officially launched our second integrated lens content series, I AM Eyes of Nikon: Mongolia, an exciting collaboration together with my creative team of Mike Rogers, Meghan Shea and Annette Fausboll.

Following in the footsteps of our original I AM Eyes of Nikon: Bali series, this collection of still and moving imagery was created to support Nikon’s family of award-winning NIKKOR lenses — integrated photographic and film content that engages, educates and inspires young photographers and photography enthusiasts.

The idea behind these series is to explore in depth a striking location alongside beginner and amateur photographers so that they can experience shooting with a variety of NIKKOR lenses.  These young photographers are mentored by me and the experience is documented by Mike, each vignette featuring a different lens and genre of photography

Aimed at teaching viewers about which NIKKOR lens is right for them, their subject and their style of photography, these short films are connected by a singular story arc — a narrative film introduces viewers to the destination and the world of NIKKOR lenses with integrated

photography and then a behind-the-scenes video brings viewers onto the set with the entire creative team, offering a peak into the world of filmmaking.

Exploring NIKKOR Lenses: Mongolia was shot on location across the vast, enigmatic “Land of the Nomad”. Accompanied by photography enthusiast Chantal Windley and camera bags packed to the brim with seven NIKKOR FX lenses — 16-35mm f/4, 20mm f/1.8, 24-120mm f/4, 50mm f/1.8, 70-200mm f/4, 85mm f/1.8 and Micro 105mm f/2.8 — together we journeyed by iconic Land Rover Defender and vintage Ural motorcycles from Ulaanbaatar across the Great Steppe to the edge of the Gobi Desert and back again.

Each day brought an amazing new experience to photograph: we witnessed soaring giant Golden Eagles, explored centuries-old architecture, observed a camel train traversing mountainous sand dunes, camped under an endless star-filled sky, met traditional artisans, skateboarded with Ulaanbaatar teenagers, and stepped backstage at a traveling Mongolian circus.  This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and one of the most exhilarating and memorable photographic experiences of my life.

Join Nikon and our team on more photography and filmmaking adventures in Bali, Australia, Bhutan, and USA.

CREDITS
Client: Nikon Asia
Production: Ugly Duckling Projects
Executive Producer: Annette Fausboll
Producer (Singapore): Andre Chen
Location Production: Steppes Fixers
Producers (Mongolia): Chinzorig Chuluunbaatar, Khasar Sandag & Davaa Ouunbaatar
Director: Mike Rogers
DoP: Khoroldorj Choijoovanchig
Writer: Meghan Shea
Editors: David Flood & Mark Chua
Strategic Consultant: Caroline Slootweg
Photography Enthusiast: Chantal Windley

WATCH THE VIDEOS