On May 1, Nikon named ten new U.S. Ambassadors, three of whom are also esteemed WPPI speakers and educators: Kristi Odom (wedding, portrait and wildlife), Jen Rozenbaum (boudoir and portrait) and Charmi Peña (wedding and portrait).

All of the new Ambassadors (the other seven are Rod Mar, Stacy Pearsall, Tod Owyoung, Chris Hershman, Julia Kelleher, Deborah Sandidge and Keith Ladzinski) represent a mix of shooting styles and subject matter ranging from filmmaking, sports and travel to portrait, maternity and weddings. Congratulations to all!

Shortly after Nikon broke the news, Odom posted a heartfelt testament to the power of photography on Facebook. Here is an excerpt:

“As I write this, I can’t help but tear up. Today, I am a Nikon Ambassador.

One of my biggest passions has always been photography, an art that I can use to show my love for this world and to help conserve all the beautiful creatures that roam it. A tool that can show my love for people and all their crazy emotions that come out on either a wedding day or a random Tuesday. I love being a photographer, I love the photography community, and truly believe in the power of photography. I can’t wait to see where this road leads and I couldn’t be more excited to join a more passionate group of the world’s most inspiring photographers. Thank you, Michael Corrado and the Nikon team for seeing something in me and this unbelievable opportunity. I am so crazy excited!“

To see Nikon’s full roster of talented image-makers, click here.