James Balog out of the Nikon Ambassador program

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Nikon Z6II with the NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 lens in Italy with Joe McNally

James Balog, one of the original group of Nikon Ambassadors, is no longer. Balog was one of the original 13 photographers admitted into the Nikon Ambassadors program. I have to admit that I just released Balog was no longer a member.

Others photographers who were part of the original 13 who are no longer part of the program are:

• Bill Frakes

• Lucas Gilman

• Sandro Miller

I wonder why they leave or are asked to leave by Nikon? The expectations don’t appear to be very hard to satisfy. On Nikon’s website, it has the following statement on the Ambassador’s page:

“The Nikon Ambassadors are authorized by Nikon to demonstrate to the public and professional image makers the capabilities and use of Nikon imaging products, but the expressive content of their work is solely their own. Nikon Ambassadors are independent contractors and visual artists and are not employees of Nikon. Nikon Ambassadors are responsible for the content of their photographs, websites, exhibitions, and visual images and the manner in which such content and images are obtained. Any messages, beliefs, or viewpoints expressed in the Ambassador’s photographs, websites, exhibitions, or visual images do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs or viewpoints of Nikon or any Nikon employee.”

And also:

“To be selected as an Ambassador, a photographer must be considered among the most talented and influential visual artists working in the business today. This elite group consists of gifted, spirited storytellers who are admired for their passion, energy and commitment to their craft. The Ambassadors represent a vast array of backgrounds and shooting disciplines that reflect the breadth of professional photographers today; including wedding /portraiture, fashion, wildlife, sports, adventure and multimedia.”

This sounds pretty reasonable to me. The only thing I can think of as to a reason for leaving or being ask to leave is that they no longer use Nikon as their main camera gear.

Let me know in the comments below (no sign-in required) why you think people leave the Nikon Ambassador program.