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21 Sep 08 NIKON’S NEW D80™ DIGITAL SLR CAMERA BRINGS ADVANCED PERFORMANCE AND UNMATCHED CREATIVE CONTROL TO PHOTO ENTHUSIASTS

* 10.2 D80 Offers Outstanding Performance, Ease Of Use, Versatile Personal Control and Exciting In-Camera Editing Tools
* All New 7.5x 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S IF-ED DX Nikkor Lens Included with the D80 Outfit Creates a Compelling Option for Enthusiasts

MELVILLE, NY, AUGUST 9, 2006 - Building on the extraordinary success of the D70 and D70s, ® (www..com) today introduced the new D80™ camera - an impressively featured, high performance camera that incorporates ’s latest digital and photographic technologies, and offers advanced features as well as automated operation to satisfy any with the passion to create beautiful and preserve special moments. With a new 10.2 effective DX Format and an exclusive high- color processing engine inherited from ’s latest professional cameras, the D80 can render with incredible , sharp detail and vibrant color that is unmatched in this class of cameras. And it can shoot these fast - at speeds of up to 3 frames per second, for up to 100 (in JPEG Normal mode), ensuring that the camera’s always ready for the next fleeting moment.

The D80 works with the efficiency and grace of a fine-tuned instrument, powering up in only 0.18 seconds and capturing a with an imperceptible shutter lag time of just 80 milliseconds (0.08 seconds). A new 11-area auto-focus system detects focus with superb precision and can even track a moving subject across the frame, shifting focus instantly and automatically to any of the 11 auto-focus points that detect the subject. The D80’s large, bright 0.94x affords a remarkable view not found in many , making critical composition easier and more pleasing. The camera’s rechargeable can last up to 2700 shots on a single charge, while also providing a real-time Fuel Gauge of the percentage of charge remaining in the at all times. And like all cameras, the D80 feels solid and substantial while being both compact and comfortable. But more experienced enthusiasts will admire the D80 most for its bevy of creative controls and features that make with the camera so much more enjoyable and rewarding. Its new Optimize image menu, for instance, offers complete control over the look and feel of your , allowing you to boost and create with vivid color, or shoot black-and-white with a choice of four filtration effects, or even create your own custom look that expresses personal style and creativity. Other creative tools include an all-new image Retouch menu for in-camera , built-in i-TTL control with the ability to control up to two remote groups of Speedlights, as well as over 32 Custom settings to customize several attributes of the camera’s performance.

“The D70 and D70s cameras proved to be extraordinarily successful due to the excellent value they offered to passionate enthusiasts when each was introduced. They offered an ideal balance of features, performance, innovation and price, making them appealing to a very broad range of . With the introduction of the D80, is significantly raising the bar for a camera in this class,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR System Products at Inc. “By bringing high-end features and technologies inherited from our professional line of cameras to the passionate enthusiast, while making the camera simpler and more enjoyable to use, we believe the D80 will represent the ’sweet spot’ for anyone looking for a new level of camera performance and value. Paired with the new 7.5x 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S IF-ED DX -Nikkor lens, the D80’s performance and versatility becomes even more compelling for consumers,” he added.

Unrivaled
At the heart of any lies its image processing engine - a sophisticated processor that determines, among other things, the overall color rendering and of taken with the camera. One of the key advances developed for the D80 is ’s own high- image processing engine that inherits best-of-breed technologies from ’s latest professional cameras, including color independent analog pre-conditioning and high-precision 12-bit processing algorithms, which combine to produce natural-looking that benefit from faithful color and tone reproduction. A new dedicated high-performance processing chip greatly accelerates performance on all levels, while also achieving lower power consumption, assuring more per charge.
The D80 also benefits from ’s exclusive Metering II, to ensure accurate exposures, even in the most challenging lighting conditions. Evaluating, rather than merely measuring or averaging the true content of each scene, input from the system’s frame-wide 420- sensor is automatically referenced against an onboard database of over 30,000 scenes from actual to calculate final exposure value. Variable Center-Weighted metering and Spot metering centered on the active focus area are also available, as are exposure compensation and auto exposure bracketing. Sophisticated exposure automation combined with options for complete user control help to make the D80 an ideal high-performance for passionate enthusiasts.

Speed to Burn
One of the hallmarks of ’s cameras is how fast they operate, not only when capturing , but also when processing them. The D80 proudly carries this tradition forward. Not only is the camera powered up and ready to shoot in only 0.18 seconds, it also reacts at blazing speeds when the shutter button is pressed. With a minimal shutter lag time of just 80 milliseconds (0.08 seconds), and the ability to shoot 3 frames per second up to 100 (in JPEG Normal mode), the camera is ready to shoot whenever that priceless expression or special moment presents itself. shot are processed instantly and recorded rapidly to the inserted SD card. Preview are also displayed near instantly.
The D80’s new 11-area auto-focus system also fulfills its role in the overall speed of the camera, delivering fast and precise focus under varying shooting conditions. Adopting a refined version of ’s advanced Multi-CAM 1000 AF Sensor Module, this new 11-area AF system with center area wide-frame operation adds effective new focusing options that will instill greater confidence in getting the desired shot. An all-new Auto-Area AF mode measures all eleven focus areas and automatically determines which of them are on the primary subject.

Creativity Comes Standard
The D80 is designed to inspire creativity at every level. For this reason, the camera includes a wide assortment of features and tools to empower all kinds of users, ranging from the novice to the seasoned pro, to pursue their creative vision, instantly and right from within the camera.
D80 will enjoy the camera’s built-in Multiple Exposure mode for unique composite image effects, or the Optimize menu options that closely tailor results to the scene at hand or the intended use of an image or to a custom preference of the . Optimization of sharpening, tone (contrast), color, and hue is controlled by the user-selected choice of Normal, Softer, Vivid, More Vivid, Portrait, Custom and Black-and-White. The black-and-white mode can be customized using red, green, yellow and orange filter effects as well as image sharpening and tone compensation.

The D80 also features an all-new image Retouch menu, with exclusive in-camera editing functions that will certainly keep D80 users engaged when they’re not busy shooting. Options within the Retouch menu include:

* D-Lighting: Automatically balances underexposed portions of an image to enhance detail in these areas, without affecting the highlights of the
* In-camera Red-eye Correction: Automatically removes the annoying red-eye effect sometimes caused by .
* Trim: can be trimmed within the camera to produce smaller files with reduced display sizes for easy sharing or greater efficiency for specific end purposes.
* Image Overlay: Merges a pair of selected RAW files taken with the D80 to create a composite image within the camera as a RAW or JPEG file. This feature is especially useful when trying to create a soft-focus effect with two similar
* Monochrome settings: Monochrome settings can be applied to any color image in the camera, to convert it to a pleasing monochromatic , either in black-and-white, sepia or cyanotype
* Filter Effects: Can be used to emulate and apply the effects of a Skylight filter or a Warming filter to any image stored on the inserted . A Customized Color menu within filter effects can also be used to make subtle shifts in color to any image in the camera.

For anyone just beginning to enjoy the added performance and versatility of , creative shooting is as simple as rotating the Digital Vari-Program mode dial on the camera. The D80 has seven preconfigured program modes to optimize the camera for specific shooting conditions and greatly increase the chances of taking a great . In “Portrait” Mode, for example, the camera automatically optimizes the color, hue, and levels to capture the most flattering skin tones, softens the focus of the background to emphasize the face and applies a milder form of in-camera sharpening. Users can choose from Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-Up, Sports, Night Landscape or Night Portrait.

The D80 also offers creative ways to share , with its built-in Pictmotion slideshow feature, which includes style selections that control transitions and background music. Shows can be enjoyed on the 2.5-inch LCD, or complete with audio on a television when connected via the supplied AV cable.

Creature Comfort
The D80 features refined ergonomics and design, borne from ’s extensive experience designing successful for over 50 years. As a result, the camera is incredibly comfortable to use and handle, and incorporates several new features that enhance its usability. The D80 features a large and bright with large 0.94x magnification to ensure the clearest view possible for precise composition. Included is a built-in diopter adjustment control knob also makes it easier to fine-tune the view to match eyesight. The ’s integrated grid display can also be turned on to assist with composition.
A large new 2.5-inch 230,000-dot high- LCD provides an ultra-wide 170-degree viewing angle from all directions. Navigating the spacious preview of your is easy with a new dedicated button, magnifying on screen up to 25 times their original size. A new RGB histogram display aids in evaluating exposures with greater precision. Other playback options include single frame, 4 or 9-image thumbnail display, an improved histogram display and highlight point display. A new menu interface featuring refinements to the carefully chosen color scheme and increased font size makes navigation easier on the eye, easier to understand and easier to use. Menus can be customized to display only selected items using the new “My Menu” set.

The D80 is slimmer and more compact than its predecessors, and remains true to ’s commitment to intuitive operation. The size, layout and operation of all buttons and controls are designed for maximum ease of use.

System Strength
With the D80, users also have complete and seamless compatibility with ’s extensive Total Digital Imaging System, and the camera is designed to take advantage of many of the technologies built into accessories. The D80’s powerful built-in Speedlight is compatible with ’s Creative Lighting System, and can wirelessly control up to two groups of Speedlights in full TTL mode, taking the guesswork out of multiple . Compatible Speedlights within the Creative Lighting System include the SB-800, SB-600 and ’s Wireless Close-up Speedlight Systems, featuring the SB-R200.
The D80 also offers unprecedented compatibility with ’s extensive selection of AF Nikkor as well as new DX Nikkor , which are designed exclusively for use with DX format cameras. Nikkor , famous for optical superiority, add to the D80’s ability to deliver outstanding .

The D80 will also have an optional MB-D80 pack available, extending the shooting capability in an ergonomic design that adds shooting stability. Able to run on either one or two EN-EL3e rechargeable or six AA-size , the pack also features an additional command dial and alternative buttons for shutter release and AE-Lock/AF-Lock that make vertical shooting more comfortable.

The D80 is also fully compatible with Capture NX software (available for purchase separately), ’s highly versatile and elegantly simple new editing solution designed to help tap the full potential of NEF (RAW) . Featuring an innovative user interface that provides easier access to powerful and visually intuitive enhancement tools, Capture NX’s powerful image processing and editing tools can also be applied to JPEG and TIFF files to satisfy a broader range of photofinishing needs and applications.

The D80 will be available beginning September 2006 for an estimated selling price of $999.95** for body only and $1299.95** for body and lens outfit, including the new 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S IF-ED DX Nikkor Lens. For more information, please visit www..com.

About
, At the Heart of the Image™. Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision and imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional . Inc. distributes the Total Imaging System of consumer and professional cameras, Nikkor , Speedlights and System Accessories; COOLPIX® compact ; COOLSCAN® digital scanners; ; software products and sports and recreational . At the heart of every camera is ’s Exclusive Feature System, making it easy for anyone to take amazing digital . Through the Spirit Initiative™, the company, plays an active role in supporting aspiring and advanced through a variety of philanthropic organizations, educational programs, events and workshops. For more information, dial (800) -US or visit www..com, which links all levels of to the web’s most comprehensive learning and sharing communities.

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21 Sep 08 Nikon(R) Introduces the D2xs(TM) Professional Digital SLR Camera, Delivering Performance Advancements and Enhanced Features

* 12.4- D2xs Offers Unique Combination of Extraordinary , High-Speed and High- in a Single
* Internal and External Refinements Make D2xs a Commendable Successor to ’s Flagship D2x Camera

MELVILLE, N.Y., June 1 — (R) (http://www..com), the world leader in , today introduced the new D2xs(TM) professional camera, incorporating an impressive range of refinements that improve overall camera performance and enhance the user experience. The D2xs shares many performance and design innovations with the current and highly successful D2x camera, including the 12.4 million DX format that renders with high and sharp detail, necessary for demanding professional assignments. The D2xs also hosts a range of upgraded features that make operation significantly more responsive — including refined performance that makes for easier composition when shooting in ’s exclusive High-Speed Crop mode, a new 2.5 inch LCD with a 170-degree wide viewing angle, individually calibrated at the factory to ensure consistent color fidelity, significantly increased life and a wide range of firmware enhancements.

With its numerous refinements, the D2xs is truly equipped to meet the widely varied demands of today’s professional who strive to create that push the boundaries of what’s possible. Not only does the camera successfully combine high , speed and quality, but it also incorporates exclusive technologies that enable unfettered creativity. Options such as the WT-2A Wi-Fi transmitter achieves full wireless remote camera control and transmission, while the revolutionary i-TTL Speedlight technology included in the D2xs ensures radical new possibilities in creative lighting.

“Increasingly, professional have chosen the D2x as their primary workhorse camera due to its remarkable performance and versatility, making it ’s best selling professional camera. With the introduction of the D2xs, has built upon the proven performance of its predecessor and added new technologies and refined features that will
offer professionals an enhanced overall experience,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, Products, Inc. “The D2xs is poised to become the next of choice among professional .”

Versatility Refined

Many of the that made the D2x such a success have been retained. The D2xs is capable of capturing 12.4 JPEG or RAW (NEF) at a rate of up to 5 frames per second in continuous shooting mode, and maintains a rapid start-up time, the world’s shortest shutter release time lag of just 37ms, as well as a blackout time of just 105 milliseconds. The D2xs also inherits the popular High-Speed Crop mode that uses a specific central area of the sensor to capture 6.8 at an incredible rate of up to 8 frames per second. A newly developed in the D2xs automatically superimposes a mask over the cropped area within the while in the High-Speed Crop mode, for easier and more confident composition.

The D2xs features ’s acclaimed Mutli-CAM2000 high-speed AF system, with eleven autofocus sensors — nine of which are cross-type and placed in the rule of thirds layout. The D2xs offers improved subject acquisition and tracking as well as a new option for controlling the duration of Lock-On(TM) focus tracking, making it easier to adjust for shooting
different types of scenes and action.

New Image Rendering and Menu Options

With a combination of powerful image-processing technologies and ’s exclusive 1,005 3D-Color Matrix Metering II, the D2xs makes it possible to capture beautiful 2.4- that meet and exceed professional ’ needs for larger files that are rich in detail, color and smooth tonal range. The D2xs has also been refined so demanding can take advantage of ’s 3D-Color Matrix Metering II even in the High-Speed Crop mode. Professional will appreciate the ability to select Adobe RGB in any of the three color modes — making it possible to work with a wider range of colors to match highly diverse assignments and workflow environments, while ideally complementing the NEF file. In-camera creative possibilities are extended even further through the addition of a new Black & White (sRGB) color mode.

shooting in RAW (NEF) will have the ability to shoot in and still retain the color information in the RAW image data, allowing them to easily reverse a image to color using ’s new Capture NX software.

RAW and JPEG taken using the D2xs can be trimmed within the camera to produce of reduced display sizes ranging from 640 x 480 to 2,560 x 1,920 pixels. The resulting smaller files can help improve workflow efficiency by eliminating the time required to download and perform software editing within a computer.

New ISO sensitivity options offer greater convenience to who work under constantly changing lighting conditions such as weddings. A new Auto ISO feature allows to maintain a specific while letting the camera automatically select an appropriate ISO setting, within a predefined range of sensitivities, based on the existing lighting conditions. This feature helps achieve optimum exposure while freeing the to concentrate on composition. ISO sensitivity can also be manually set between ISO-equivalent 100 and 800 in increments of 1/3 EV, or boosted using HI-0.3, HI-0.5, HI-0.7, HI-1 or HI-2 settings when high sensitivity is a priority. The 3 settings between 800 and HI-1 are newly added to give the D2xs finer control over sensitivity.

Refined Ergonomics and Design

The D2xs body is consistent with the exterior styling of the D2-series, adopted from a design created by famed industrial designer, Giorgetto Giugiaro*. The body is proportionate and well balanced, with a well designed interface that is intuitive and seamless.

The D2xs improves upon its predecessor’s energy efficient design, and when combined with the newly developed high-energy EN-EL4a rechargeable lithium-ion , the camera boasts an unprecedented 3,800** shots per charge. ’s highly sophisticated, real-time Fuel Gauge system in the D2xs allows to determine the precise level of remaining charge, number of shots taken per charge and the overall life of the — all at the touch of a button.

A new 2.5-inch, 235,000 dot LCD monitor in the D2xs allows a 170-degree wide viewing angle, and is individually calibrated at the factory to ensure consistent color fidelity. The D2xs also features a new color scheme for menu displays.

Expanded Software Options

The D2xs features a unique Image Authentication feature that, when used with ’s new Image Authentication Software, marks the authentication of an image captured by the camera and can determine whether or not it has been altered since capture. Image data is a critical link in the “chain of evidence” for verifying image authenticity, and D2xs’s hardware and software-based image authentication solution allows easy, secure authentication of for a wide range of requirements. The softwareenables verification of JPEGS, TIFF and NEF (RAW) taken with the D2xs.

A new remote control software called Camera Control Pro is also available for the D2xs, enabling unprecedented remote control operation of many camera functions from a personal computer. Camera Control Pro software is the next generation of camera control software, previously bundled with ’s Capture 4 software, and features substantial advanced features that offer limitless creativity to who need to control their camera remotely. Camera Control Pro can control the D2xs remotely tethering a high-speed USB cable or optional WT-2a wireless transmitter.

The D2xs is also compatible with ’s soon-to-be-released Capture NX(TM) software — a highly versatile yet elegantly simple editing solution that provides easy, yet powerful and visually intuitive image-editing and enhancement tools. With Capture NX, will be able to tap into the full potential of D2xs’s RAW (NEF) files, while also apply powerful image processing and editing tools to JPEG and TIFF files.

The D2xs will be available from authorized retailers in late June for an estimated street price of $4699.95***. For more information, please visit http://www..com

About

, At the Heart of the Image(TM). Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision and imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional . Inc. distributes the Total Imaging System of consumer and professional cameras, Nikkor , Speedlights and System Accessories; COOLPIX(R) compact ; COOLSCAN(R) digital scanners; ; software products and sports and recreational . At the heart of every camera is ’s Exclusive Feature System, making it easy for anyone to take amazing digital . Through the Spirit Initiative(TM), the company, plays an active role in supporting aspiring and advanced through a variety of philanthropic organizations, educational programs, events and workshops. For more information, dial (800) -US or visit http://www..com, which links all levels of to the web’s most comprehensive learning and sharing communities.

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21 Sep 08 NikonNet and ‘Legends Behind the Lens’ Honor Tony Sweet This March

Jazz drummer Tony Sweet talks about his love of and the passion that drives him

MELVILLE, N.Y., March 8 — Talk to Tony Sweet about and before long, the conversation will turn to the subject of jazz. A jazz drummer for 20 years, Tony’s music experience informs everything he does as a . This March, NikonNet will pay tribute to Tony Sweet and his work in its inspiring monthly showcase, “Legends Behind the Lens.”

Tony’s experience in is extensive and ranges from shooting for stock, calendars, greeting cards, posters and catalogue sales to authoring fine-art books such as Fine Art Nature and Fine Art Flower . Tony is well recognized as an educator and conducts numerous outdoor and nature workshops. He’s also a contributor to Shutterbug magazine.

“NikonNet is pleased to honor Tony Sweet this March,” says Anna Marie Bakker, Director of Communications at Inc. “Music and are very similar — tone, color and balance are all part of their universal language. Tony’s have such grace and elegance; it is evident that music is a major inspiration to him.”

Tony’s striking are based on one guiding principle: “Every single thing in the space either helps or hurts the image; there’s nothing neutral.” He believes that turn imagined into — seeing things first in their mind and bringing them to existence by hitting the shutter. “When you’re playing music, when you’re really in the moment, you’re reacting instantly and totally to what’s going on,” he says. “You’re almost pre-hearing where someone is going, and you’re there. You can’t be thinking about technique; the moment you think about it, it’s too late. It’s the same thing in . The only way to achieve what you want in is to master your craft and then just forget about it. You shouldn’t be thinking of how to get what you want; you’re just out there doing it.”

Tony believes the ideal is to without thinking about technique. While many start out doing a lot of thinking and scanning their surroundings for reference points and scenes they are familiar with, Tony feels that a grows and becomes more spontaneous once they empty their minds and react to what exists around them.

While conducting his workshops and seminars, Tony tells his outdoor and nature workshop students that they’ll know they’re getting better by the number of frames they’re hooting — and the number they’re keeping. He feels that the better you are, the fewer frames you shoot.

Tony can chart his own progress by that formula, and by the fact that he’s simplified his and made them ever more elegant and direct. It was a process he didn’t have to think about because it was identical to the music process. He also says that the players he most admires are the most lyrical. “What hit me was how clear and direct they were, how simple, in fact. Not in technique, but in their expression and communication.”

Tony’s gear includes a F6, for and a D2X, for digital. Among his favorite are the 12-24mm f/4G ED-IF AF-S DX, 35-70mm f/2.8D AF and 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF -Nikkors; the 300mm f/4 ED-IF AF-S Nikkor; the 105mm f/2.8D AF and 200mm f/4D ED-IF AF Micro-Nikkors; and an old favorite, the 85mm f/2.8 PC Micro-Nikkor. A recent addition to his lineup is ’s R1C1 wireless close-up Speedlight system. For more information on Tony Sweet, visit NikonNet’s “Legends Behind the Lens” series at http://www.nikonnet.com/legends.

About “Legends Behind the Lens”

NikonNet’s “Legends Behind the Lens” series aims to educate users and, in turn, breathe excitement into . has assembled a comprehensive and intriguing collection of artists to share their most incredible, challenging, emotional and exciting experiences on NikonNet.

This inspiring monthly program offers a behind-the-scenes look into the personalities and philosophies behind the world’s greatest and most famous . “Legends Behind the Lens” also offers portfolio galleries, as well as tips and tricks of the trade from featured professionals.

Past “Legends” in the series include David Alan Harvey, Nancy Brown, Joe Buissink, Steven Weinberg, B. Moose Peterson, Eddie Adams, Jay Maisel and Howard Bingham.

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21 Sep 08 NikonNet and ‘Legends Behind the Lens’ Honor David Alan Harvey This February

MELVILLE, N.Y., Feb. 1 — David Alan Harvey really knows how to tell a good story - through , that is. Not only can he compose a story through his , but he also has the ability to his subjects without them ever being affected by his presence. This February, NikonNet will pay tribute to David Alan Harvey and his work in its inspiring monthly showcase, “Legends Behind the Lens.”

For over 30 years, Harvey’s have brought us as close to the reality of situations as we are likely to get. With a graduate degree in journalism from the University of Missouri, he went to work for the Topeka [Kansas] Capitol Journal. He eventually became a staff for National Geographic and was named Magazine of the Year in 1978 by the National Press ’s Association. In 1986 he left the Geographic’s staff to become a freelancer. He joined the Magnum agency in 1993. Harvey is a frequent contributor to National Geographic and has shot more than 30 stories for them over the years on subjects as diverse as French teenagers, the Berlin Wall and Mayan culture. His have appeared in numerous magazines and newspapers, including The New York Times and Sports Illustrated. His books include The Mysterious Mayas, America’s Atlantic Isles, Cuba and Divided Soul, an acclaimed collection of of Hispanic life and culture.

The element which makes Harvey’s work so intriguing is his ability to connect and turn them into a visual story. He is constantly drawn to the long-form narrative story. “Sometimes I think, hey, I’m not going to think ’story’ any more, but then I just somehow can’t help myself,” Harvey comments. “I tend to get involved in a narrative, whether it’s Cuba or hip hop or a project I’m doing on portraits of women. It’s something I instinctively feel like doing. I tend to tie together.”

Not only does Harvey have the unique talent of linking together, he also possesses the ability to blend in with each and every crowd. As seen through his , Harvey’s edge is that he can, as he says, “hang out with both the Harley Davidson crowd and IBM executives, all in the same day.” Harvey is often accepted and respected by all groups of people in all areas of life. “You’ve got to like meeting and hanging out with a lot of different kinds of people,” he explains, “and I think that comes from my background. The way I look at the world is that people are not really very different from each other. I key in on the commonalities, and I genuinely enjoy getting to know people from all over the world. It’s not hard for me personally to get involved in their lives.”

“David Alan Harvey has a unique approach to and NikonNet is pleased to honor him this February,” states Anna Marie Bakker, Director of Communications at Inc. “His ability to transcend barriers and merge into the environment of his subjects makes his work honest and distinct. He is, indeed, a rare talent.”

People react to David, not the camera he carries. He does not stand on the sidelines. Instead, he becomes an integral part of his surroundings. It is this ability to merge and interact which has earned him the respect not only of fellow , but from those who have had the honor of being his subjects. To learn more about David Alan Harvey, visit NikonNet’s “Legends Behind the Lens” series at http://www.nikonnet.com/legends.

About “Legends Behind the Lens”

NikonNet’s “Legends Behind the Lens” series aims to educate users and, in turn, breathe excitement into . has assembled a comprehensive and intriguing collection of artists to share their most incredible, challenging, emotional and exciting experiences on NikonNet. This inspiring monthly program offers a behind-the-scenes look into the personalities and philosophies behind the world’s greatest and most famous . “Legends Behind the Lens” also offers portfolio galleries, as well as tips and tricks of the trade from featured professionals. Past “Legends” in the series include Kevin Gilbert, Nancy Brown, Joe Buissink, Steven Weinberg, B. Moose Peterson, Eddie Adams, Jay Maisel and Howard Bingham.

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21 Sep 08 Pep Bonet Announced as Winner of 26th Annual W. Eugene Smith Grant in Humanistic Photography

Annual grant for humanistic sponsored by Inc.; Awards ceremony held Oct. 17th at HBO Theatre in New York City

MELVILLE, N.Y., Oct. 17 — The Spirit Initiative(R) and the W. Eugene Smith Memorial Fund announced Spanish Pep Bonet as the winner of the $30,000 W. Eugene Smith Grant in Humanistic for his project, “Faith in Chaos.” Robin Bowman of Brooklyn, NY, received a $5,000 Fellowship Grant for her project, “Under: Study — Beneath the Surface of the American Teenager.” The grants, which recognize the work of who have established a devotion to documenting the human condition, are presented annually by the W. Eugene Smith Memorial Fund and sponsored by Inc. The presentation of awards will be held on Monday, October 17th at the HBO Theatre located in New York City.

(: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051017/NYM061 )

“ is honored to sponsor the W. Eugene Smith Grant as part of the Spirit Initiative,” stated Anna Marie Bakker, director of Communications Inc. “The grant recipients possess remarkable talent in the field of . Both Pep Bonet and Robin Bowman bring something new and intriguing to the photographic community. These two recipients have shown incredible skill and dedication through their work.”

For the past two years, Mr. Bonet has been taking in post-war Sierra Leone. It is here that he found four groups of children severely affected by war — amputees, the blind, and the traumatized and former child soldiers. Bonet followed this group of kids and “captured the lives of Sierra Leone youngsters whilst they were creating chances for themselves in a land where opportunities are very rare.”

Of his story, Bonet remarks, “It’s a story that sheds light on a side of Sierra Leone (and of Africa) that we don’t often get to see; one of stamina, pride, and self-confidence I saw how faith enabled people to see perspective in even the most inhumane of circumstances.” Bonet followed his subjects closely, his work on this project provides an up-close, and never-before seen view of the direct impacts of war on young people in Sierra Leone and the faith, which gives them strength.

Robin Bowman, the recipient of the fellowship grant, has been interviewing and photographing teenagers all over the United States. She has used and taped interviews to “document the personal history of this generation at the turn of the millennium.” The intent of the study is to “help spawn a new dialogue and public awareness of today’s youth and allow for a deeper understanding of their lives.” Regarding her work, Bowman states, “Most people have a preconceived notion about what it means to be an American. I am hopeful this study will challenge and deconstruct some of these long-held beliefs.”

The winning proposals of 2005 were selected from 149 entries representing 33 countries. The jury was headed by William M. Hunt, principal director of New York’s Hasted Hunt Gallery, member of the Board of Trustees of the Smith Fund and collector; Elisabeth Biondi, Visual Editor of The New Yorker; and Dr. Shahidul Alam, director of the Drik Library and the biannual Chobi Mela Festival of in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

For the past 21 years, Inc. has attentively supported the W. Eugene Smith Grant. Considered a prestigious honor in photojournalism, the grant was founded in 1978 following the death of W. Eugene Smith, a legendary essayist. Smith’s friends Howard Chapnick, Jim Hughes and John Morris created the grant, whose goal is to perpetuate Smith’s work and spirit. The value of the grant rests in the fact that it provides photojournalists with the opportunity to visualize and achieve goals in photographic studies, all with the benefit of financial freedom.

“Pep Bonet is another talented visionary following in the extraordinary footsteps of Gene Smith. He continues to bring into focus for the public an important part of society we often don’t want to see,” said Helen Marcus, president of the W. Eugene Smith Memorial Fund.

For more information on the W. Eugene Smith Grant, visit the Spirit Initiative website at http://www.nikonspiritinitiative.com or the W. Eugene Smith Memorial Fund site at http://www.smithfund.org.

About the W. Eugene Smith Grant

The W. Eugene Smith Grant in Humanistic is presented annually to a whose past work and proposed project for the upcoming year, as judged by a panel of experts, follows the tradition of W. Eugene Smith’s compassionate dedication exhibited during his 45-year career as a photographic essayist. For 2005, the grant will be $30,000, with an additional $5,000 in fellowship money to be awarded at the discretion of the jury. The grant program is independently administered by the W. Eugene Smith Memorial Fund and generously funded by Inc. For more information on the W. Eugene Smith Memorial Fund, visit the website at http://www.smithfund.org.

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21 Sep 08 Nikon Announces Sponsorship of 57th Annual Missouri Photo Workshop

Spirit Initiative Enters 14th Year as Sponsor of Prestigious Photojournalism Workshop

MELVILLE, N.Y., Oct. 6 — Inc., a world leader in , continues its tradition of fostering the photographic community by once again sponsoring the Missouri Workshop (MPW), the world’s first and longest running photojournalism workshop. Currently in its 57th year, the workshop has partnered with the Spirit Initiative(R) to continue its commitment to artistic and journalistic expression through the lens.

“As part of the Spirit Initiative, we are proud to enter our 14th year as a sponsor of the Missouri Workshop,” said Anna Marie Bakker, director of Communications, Inc. “The workshop has become one of the most highly respected learning forums for of all levels. is proud to support this prestigious program as it further cultivates and unifies the photographic community.”

From September 25th through October 1st, 2005, students and faculty will begin their photographic documentary of Marshall, Missouri — a small farming community located between Kansas City and Saint Louis that is steeped in tradition and history.

This year’s students will be instructed by a distinguished faculty comprised of reputed and editors from some of the country’s finest newspapers and magazines. The workshop faculty is comprised of many of the top editorial and photographic influencers in the business of and photojournalism. Faculty includes: George Olsen, freelance editor; Dennis Dimick, National Geographic Magazine’s associate editor; Melissa Farlow and Randy Olsen, freelance ; Lois Raimondo, chief for Associated Press’ Hanoi bureau; Geri Migielicz, director with the San Jose Mercury News; MaryAnne Golon, Time Magazine’s editor; Danny Wilcox-Frazier, documentary ; John Trotter, freelance journalist and Pulitzer Prize-winning Rick Rickman.

To conclude the two-week documentary tour, the workshop will bring the stories of Marshall to the masses. “The workshop will end with a 300-print exhibit open to the entire community,” said David Rees, Co-Director of the Missouri Workshop. “This is always a unique opportunity for the community to see itself reflected in the mirror of documentary photojournalism.”

Through its sponsorship of the workshop, the Spirit Initiative continues it mission to encourage from all walks of life to share their vision. For more information on the Missouri Workshop, visit http://www.mophotoworkshop.org/57/.

History of Missouri Workshop (MPW)

The roots of the Missouri Workshop are embedded firmly in more than a half-century of rich tradition. Current workshops carry on principles present from the beginning. When the late Clifton C. Edom of the Missouri School of Journalism founded the Missouri Workshop in 1949, he too, looked to the past to map the path for photojournalism’s future. Inspired by the gritty, content-rich of the documentary unit of the pre-WWII Farm Security Administration, Edom promoted research, observation and timing as the methods to make strong story-telling . FSA director Roy Stryker and Russell Lee worked closely with Edom in the creation of the Workshop and served as faculty members during its early years.

In subsequent years, faculty members have been many of America’s leading newspaper and magazine and editors; a roster of faculty and students reads like a who’s who of photojournalism. Faculty of today includes some of the most energetic, productive and articulate documentary creators currently working. All are experts dedicated to passing on the fundamentals of research, shooting and editing to those who hope to carry on these values and techniques into the future. The workshop still follows Cliff Edom’s credo — “Show truth with a camera. Ideally truth is a matter of personal integrity.”

Methods

The Workshop focuses on developing skills to produce the visual narrative known as the story. Individually strong are still expected, but research, questioning and thinking are stressed. Before begin taking , they must have their story ideas approved by a faculty team. The team expects the to have firm ideas about exactly what the essence of the story is and the visual opportunities that can help to tell that story. The Workshop work closely with their faculty team, conferring with them throughout the day. In the evening of each of the six days of shooting is an open critique — where the best and worst of the day’s shooting are publicly critiqued. The week culminates in a unique and often moving 300-print exhibit where local residents are invited to see what the 40 workshop have been seeing in their community through the lens of their cameras.

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21 Sep 08 NikonNet and ‘Legends Behind the Lens’ Honor the Work of Jill Enfield

MELVILLE, N.Y., Oct. 3 — have long known that a memorable needs to not only capture the essence of the subject in front of the lens, but also the heart and soul of the behind the lens. While Jill Enfield seemingly ordinary objects, her unique style of hand-coloring presents an art that is all her own. NikonNet’s inspiring monthly showcase, “Legends Behind the Lens” honors Jill Enfield during October with a portfolio of her most recognizable art, and a glimpse into the thought and technique behind her hand-crafted masterpieces.

“NikonNet is proud to honor the work of Jill Enfield,” said Anna Marie Bakker of Inc. “Jill’s work is unique and has inspired other to experiment with alternative processes.”

“ is a jumping off point,” Enfield remarks. “It’s not what I do, or certainly not all that I do. I use to do my artwork. I guess it’s not so much that I’m just a . I want to make these other pieces, and they start with because I don’t draw and I don’t really paint.”

Enfield enjoys the process of creating the image, as much as she values the end result. She comments, “I like to work in the darkroom and I like to work with my hands. I especially like having a lot of choices.” The alternative processes and hand-coloring are ways of going beyond the mechanical aspect of to put a personal stamp on the work. “I can give an image additional emotional weight,” says Enfield. “The colors I use when I hand-color a are not an attempt to recreate what I saw when I took the , but rather to depict how the place made me feel when I saw it. The image is my of that feeling.”

Jill also teaches the alternative processes she uses: cyanotype, kallitype, palladium and Van Dyke Brown. To learn more about Jill Enfield, visit NikonNet’s “Legends Behind the Lens” series at http://www.nikonnet.com.

About “Legends Behind the Lens”

NikonNet’s “Legends Behind the Lens” series aims to educate users and, in turn, breathe excitement into . has assembled a comprehensive and intriguing collection of artists to share their most incredible, challenging, emotional and exciting experiences on NikonNet.

This inspiring monthly program offers a behind-the-scenes look into the personalities and philosophies behind the world’s greatest and most famous . “Legends Behind the Lens” also offers portfolio galleries with a new added each day of the month, as well as tips and tricks of the trade from featured professionals.

Past “Legends” in the series include Kevin Gilbert, Nancy Brown, Joe Buissink, Steven Weinberg, B. Moose Peterson, Eddie Adams, Jay Maisel and Howard Bingham.

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21 Sep 08 NikonNet and ‘Legends Behind the Lens’ Honor the Work of Groundbreaking Wedding Photographer John Solano

MELVILLE, N.Y., June 1 — To wedding John Solano, anticipation is the name of the game. Backed by careful preparation, Solano’s ability to anticipate the priceless moments at a wedding has lead to a highly successful career as one of America’s premier wedding . That success and reputation have now earned him a spot as a Legend Behind the Lens.

This June, NikonNet’s inspiring monthly, “Legends Behind the Lens,” honors the work of esteemed wedding John Solano, a 15-year veteran of the craft who brings a creative outlook to every shot.

“NikonNet is pleased to honor the and extraordinary career of John Solano in this June’s ‘Legends Behind the Lens,’” said Tracy Mack-Jackson, Senior Manager of Internet Development and Programs at Inc. “With his creative vision and attention to preparation, it’s no coincidence that he manages to capture the most vivid time and time again.”

Known for his ability to anticipate a memorable , Solano began his career in wedding at 16, when he was hired by a Los Angeles based wedding . His entire career, in fact, is due to thinking way ahead. At 16, Solano took a class and watching the start to develop in the tray was all it took. He knew exactly what he wanted to do, and it was .

After receiving his photographic training at the Art Center School of Design in Pasadena, CA, Solano embarked on a career that would make him one of the most sought-after wedding in Los Angeles. In fact, his lens has even captured the of numerous celebrities throughout the years from Andre Agassi and Brooke Shields, to Slash of Guns ‘n Roses, Tracey Gold and many others at a wide variety of events.

However, it’s still that ability to anticipate that makes Solano’s work so special. He’ll tell you that photographing weddings is a lot like photographing sports. “They’re both about anticipation, action and reaction. If someone gives a toast, there will be a reaction. If someone tells a joke, I’m looking for where the laughter is going to come from.” Like a sports , Solano often works from a distance using long . “My whole thing is to be unobtrusive, to really not be seen,” he says. “The biggest compliment I can get is someone saying, ‘I didn’t even know you were there.’”

What he’s looking for are the pure moments when things happen, and when the key people at the wedding react to what’s happening. In his opinion, that preparation begins long before the wedding day, when he meets the couple and establishes a chemistry with them to understand what they are looking for in their .

Whether he’s capturing a glowing bride or the groom’s reaction, John Solano is recognized as a legend among wedding . To learn more about Solano, log onto NikonNet’s “Legends Behind the Lens” series at http://www.nikonnet.com.

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21 Sep 08 NikonNet and ‘Legends Behind the Lens’ Honor the Work of Internationally Acclaimed Nature Photographer Thomas Mangelsen

MELVILLE, N.Y., May 2 — The best nature all have one thing in common. Their respect for nature fuels their . For world-renowned Thomas D. Mangelsen, that respect has become a passion to protect nature. That passion makes him a legend.

This April, NikonNet’s inspiring monthly, “Legends Behind the Lens,” honors the work of esteemed nature Thomas D. Mangelsen, a man not only honored for his , but also his efforts on behalf of the environment.

“NikonNet is pleased to honor the and extraordinary career of Thomas D. Mangelsen in this May’s ‘Legends Behind the Lens,’” said Tracy Mack-Jackson, Senior Manager of Internet Development and Programs at Inc. “His work transcends beautiful because he takes responsibility for the wildlife that he , as he champions the cause of the environment throughout the world.”

Mangelsen, 59, began taking at 21, in his native Nebraska. Since then, his work has been published in leading magazines such as Audubon, National Geographic, Life and Wildlife Art. He has been featured on television programs from The Today Show and Good Morning America, to CNN’s World News. Mangelsen received an Honorary Fellowship from the Royal Photographic Society in 2002, the North American Nature Association’s (NANPA) Outstanding Nature of the Year 2000 award, as well as being chosen the BBC’s Wildlife of the Year in 1994.

His breathtaking are made more beautiful by his attitude toward what he . “A lot of young just getting into wildlife don’t quite make the link that they have a responsibility to protect what’s out there,” says Mangelsen. “We have the ability to make that will teach people about endangered species and places needing protection, that can even change minds, and we have a responsibility to do it. They don’t quite understand they have the option to do more than just take pretty .”

While nature can often be the most spontaneous, Mangelsen’s career has been established through his patience and detailed preparation. He spends up to nine months a year in the field documenting the wild lands and creatures he so cares about. Mangelsen has also become adept at adjusting to nature when necessary. An unprecedented great gray owl migration from Canada recently took place. With one day’s notice, Mangelsen packed his bags and captured the amazing event. “You’ve got to be as flexible as you can be or you’ll miss once-in-a-lifetime opportunities,” says Mangelsen.

His successes are tempered by his concern for the landscape and the wildlife. “The best , like the best people who spend time outdoors skiing or hiking or bird watching, accept the responsibility of taking care of the environment.” With a background in wildlife biology, he works both in cinematography and in still , mediums that he believes will touch people on an emotional level and move them to love and protect these fragile places and animals.

Whether he’s capturing migrating birds or publishing another best-selling book that brings attention to the environment, Thomas D. Mangelsen is recognized as a legend among nature . To learn more about Mangelsen, log onto NikonNet’s “Legends Behind the Lens” series at http://www.nikonnet.com/legends.

About “Legends Behind the Lens”:

NikonNet’s “Legends Behind the Lens” series aims to educate users and, in turn, breathe excitement into . has assembled a comprehensive and intriguing collection of artists to share their most incredible, challenging, emotional and exciting experiences on NikonNet. This inspiring monthly program offers a behind-the-scenes look into the personalities and philosophies behind the world’s greatest and most famous . “Legends Behind the Lens” also offers portfolio galleries, with a new added each day of the month, as well as tips and tricks of the trade from featured professionals.

Past “Legends” in the series include Kevin Gilbert, Nancy Brown, Joe Buissink, Steven Weinberg, B. Moose Peterson, Eddie Adams, Jay Maisel and Howard Bingham.

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21 Sep 08 Digital Photography Plays a Major Role As Scientists Discover and Document First New African Monkey Species in Over 20 Years

Camera Captures First-Ever Photographic Holotype of a New Monkey Species

MELVILLE, N.Y., May 20 — For the first time in 20 years, a new species of monkey has been discovered deep in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania, and the proof of its scientific validity is a series of captured by internationally acclaimed scientist, Dr. Tim Davenport. Using a camera, of the highland mangabey represent the first time ever that a new monkey species has been scientifically identified by just a digital .

Dr. Davenport’s discovery of the highland mangabey will be prominently featured in the next issue of the leading international journal, Science. Because the new species lives 8,000 feet above sea level on the flanks of a volcano, Mt. Rungwe, the rare monkey is almost impossible to spot. The steep terrain, dense and poorly-lit rainforest, as well as the shy nature of the animal, made collecting data extremely difficult. However, by using the latest digital technology, Dr. Davenport was able to capture sharp enough to describe the monkey in detail.

“As part of its ongoing partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society, Inc is proud of its supportive role in aiding this unprecedented discovery,” said Anna Marie Bakker, General Manager of communications for Inc. “Dr. Davenport’s conservation work, along with his discovery of the highland mangabey, represents a tremendous accomplishment, and helps the world understand the true impact of on everything from family to wildlife conservation.”

These proved to be immensely valuable in the species authentication process. Recently, the International Commission for Zoological Nomenclature changed its regulations permitting the ‘holotype’ (the individual animal that sets the standard for any new species) to be a , rather than a specimen, as in the past. One of Dr. Davenport’s , taken with the D100, is now the holotype for this new monkey species. It is the first photographic holotype of a monkey in Africa, and possibly in the world.

“The discovery of the highland mangabey represents an amazing breakthrough in science, and played a significant role in it,” said Dr. Tim Davenport, Director of the WCS’ Southern Highlands Conservation Programme (SCHP) in southwest Tanzania. “Without the cutting-edge equipment from , this discovery would have been extremely difficult to capture and share with the scientific community and the world.”

The highland mangabey is brown, with a head and body length of about three feet. The monkey lives as high as 8,000 feet in Kitulo and on Mt Rungwe, where temperatures often fall below freezing; its long coat is probably an adaptation to the cold. Indeed, the monkey has long been known by native hunters who climb into the mountains to hunt. However, these days it seems that only the older generation are aware of the animal. The highland mangabey is extremely rare and critically endangered, with an estimated total population of between 500 and 1,000 animals. According to Davenport, the Southern Highland forests, including those of Mt. Rungwe and Kitulo, are highly degraded by illegal logging, and without prompt action the animal’s future is uncertain.

Dr. Davenport was born in Manchester, UK and received a BSc and Phd in zoology from the University of Leeds. He has worked in over 70 African forests and has been directly involved in the designation of new national parks on both sides of the continent. Dr. Davenport has written and published almost 100 papers, reports and popular articles on subjects ranging from national conservation priorities to invertebrate biology. He joined WCS and moved to Tanzania in 1999. There he set up and now directs the SHCP which carries out research, community conservation initiatives and protected area design and management in threatened habitats across the region.

Since 1895, the Wildlife Conservation Society has worked from their New York based Bronx Zoo headquarters to save wildlife and wild lands throughout the world. Today WCS is at work in 53 nations across Africa, Asia, Latin America and North America, protecting wild landscapes that are home to a vast variety of species.

For more information about ’s ongoing support of the Wildlife Conservation Society, please visit http://www.nikonnet.com.

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