Melville, NY—Nikon Inc. announced that four Nikon Ambassadors have join the program’s roster of imaging professionals. The Nikon Ambassador program comprises a group of influential visual artists and leaders in modern photography and videography. Moreover, these newest additions bring a diverse skillset to Nikon’s curated team of top creative minds.
“This year, the Nikon Ambassador program celebrates 10 years. And since the program’s inception, both the visual medium and the industry itself have evolved dramatically, with trends, styles and technology that our Ambassadors have adapted to in order to thrive,” said Mike Corrado, NPS senior manager, Pro Relations and Product Marketing, Nikon Inc. “Along with the other Nikon Ambassadors, these four individuals represent the best of modern storytelling and embody the spirit of the Ambassador program to mentor, inspire and empower all types of creative professionals and enthusiasts.”
Four Nikon Ambassadors Join the Roster
These four new ambassadors are well known for the significant contributions they make to modern photography and filmmaking. As part of their responsibility as ambassadors, they will offer a unique perspective and style to help advance the imaging industry. In addition, they will help Nikon develop and respond to the evolving needs of imaging professionals.
Following are details on Nikon’s newest professional brand ambassadors.
Sharrone Calafiore
Calafiore is a wedding filmmaker that creates captivating, unique films that are as genuine as they are beautiful. She is the creative force behind Fiore Films, which she established in 2008 with her husband, Chris. With a background as a video editor, she believes the key to creating unforgettable films is musicality and creative editing. It’s this ability to weave imagery and music, along with an intense attention to detail, that creates a cinematic experience that transports viewers into the heart of each couple’s love story.
Her sophisticated style is heavily influenced by her love for fashion, music as well as romance. All shape her distinct aesthetic. Furthermore, Calafiore has won numerous awards and industry accolades. She takes pride that her content is described as anywhere from “moody” and “edgy” to “dreamy” and “elegant.”
Mike Mezeul II
A self-proclaimed nerd for everything nature, Mezeul’s life journey is dedicated to capturing the beauty of the world’s most powerful and breathtaking landscapes. He is most well known for epic imagery that conveys the raw, unrelenting power of nature and Earth. From the frozen expanses of the Arctic Circle to the fiery heart of active volcanoes, he pushes the boundaries of traditional landscape photography.
Moreover, born with an innate sense of wonder and a deep connection to nature, Mezeul has transformed his passion for adventure into a career that blends photography, storytelling and environmental advocacy. With a camera and an unyielding spirit, he travels the globe in search of moments that showcase the power of nature. His breathtaking portfolio showcases Earth’s raw beauty in its most unfiltered form.
In addition, Mezeul is an educator. He shares his passion for creating images and telling stories through workshops across the globe. The Texas-based photographer considers life experiences a huge blessing.
Malike Sidibe
Sidibe is a rising star in the world of editorial and commercial photography. His approach is instantly recognizable. His work features surreal and dreamlike tones and textures that compel viewers and clients alike. At his core, Sidibe is an artist. He was born in Man, Cote d’Ivoire, and moved from Guinea to New York City in 2010. At age 12, his father gave him his first camera and he fell in love with photography.
Starting out as a menswear design major at the Fashion Institute of Technology, he discovered that he enjoyed taking pictures of clothing more than designing them. In 2013, Sidibe joined a nonprofit after-school program called NYC SALT, where he discovered photography as his true path. Since then, he has won many awards, including the Nikon Award at the 2017 Eddie Adams Workshop. He was also recognized by TIME for one of the top 10 photos of 2020.
Sidibe’s work reflects his creative nature, and his inspiration is drawn by the people he meets and the places he has lived. He is a high-energy creative photographer producing innovative portraits and images full of spirit and color.
Gilmar Smith
Smith is a multitalented conceptual and portrait photographer, editor, educator, writer, reviewer as well as speaker. Based in Orlando, Florida, she empowers clients with unique imagery that’s vibrant and colorful. Moreover, her work never fails to evoke happiness with lighthearted humor and a creative flair.
Smith is also globally acclaimed for her creative portraiture, personal brand photography and Photoshop manipulations. Her often-daring color palettes and unconventional posing are a hallmark of her work.
In addition, she believes her biggest strength is her ability to infuse each project with a unique and personal touch. Smith also believes in the power of images to inspire, uplift and preserve memories that last a lifetime.
