Dubai-based visualist Charles Liban Jr. has two great passions in life: traveling and photography. This is evident in his blog and social media platforms, which are filled with wondrous images from his many travels around the globe.
In November 2017, Charles was invited by Nikon Middle East to take part in their Nikon Premium Member program – an initiative that rewards professional Nikon users with a wide array of privileges and benefits such as discounted photography tours, free lens checking and cleaning, gear loans, and access to exclusive workshops and photowalks.
The Filipino Times recently sat down with Charles to talk to him about his experience with the NPM program, and how it benefits pro photographers like himself.
What was your initial reaction when you were approached by Nikon for the NPM program?
At first I was quite surprised. I use Nikon gears in my line of work, but most of my followers know me for being an advocate of another camera brand, so I didn’t expect Nikon to reach out to me with such generosity and enthusiasm. When I brought this up to them, they just said that they have been following my work on social media for a long time and thought that a content creator like me could really use what NPM had to offer. I am impressed with how committed Nikon Middle East is in empowering creatives in the region. They don’t just talk the talk. They walk the walk.
What NPM privileges have you experienced thus far?
When Nikon approached me last November, they invited me to join their photography tour of Georgia, which was the first photography tour under the NPM program. I’ve been to Georgia before and I have fond memories of my time there, so there was no way that i could refuse Nikon’s offer. I already knew what to expect from the destination, but what astounded me was how Nikon designed the itinerary to be very photography-centric. Not only did Nikon take us to the most photogenic spots in Georgia, they also lent us the best DSLR’s and lenses in the market. I got the chance to play with the new Nikon D850, which is the one camera that is high on every photographer’s wish list right now.
How do you think photographers could benefit from being a Nikon Premium Member?
As any photographer or filmmaker would tell you, creating content can be a very cost-intensive job. Equipment, gear maintenance, logistics, and training often cost a lot of money, so we need all the help and support that we can get. The Nikon Premium Member program is incredibly useful because it takes care of some of the operational costs that content creators like me have to worry about on a regular basis.
Just imagine: I don’t have to spend anything on having my lenses checked and cleaned. I don’t have to redirect a fraction of my income to training, because NPM conducts regular workshops. I don’t have to purchase or rent gears for special projects, because NPM can just lend me what I need. And when I want to travel abroad to take pictures that I can add to my platforms and portfolio, NPM gives me discounted options on holiday packages that include flights, lodging, and tours. The Nikon Premium Member program covers all the bases, so all I need to worry about is making sure that my work is excellent and on point.
Be a Nikon Premium Member and enjoy exclusive perks and privileges worth USD6700*! Head to the NPM website to learn more: www.npm-mea.com
Follow Charles on his platforms:
Website: www.charleslibanjr.com
IG: @charleslibanjr
FB: @clibanjr
