Panasonic Expands Popular LUMIX FZ Series With Premium 24x Super-Zoom, 3D Shooting Compact Digital Camera

New Panasonic LUMIX FZ150 Digital Camera Packs a Powerful 24x Optical Zoom in High-Quality 25mm Ultra Wide-Angle Leica Lens That Shoots Full HD Video

SECAUCUS, NJ (August 26, 2011) – Panasonic today introduces the newest addition to its super-zoom LUMIX FZ-Series digital cameras. The new LUMIX DMC-FZ150 is fully equipped with a 25mm ultra wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens and a powerful 24x Optical Zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 25-600mm) available for shooting both stills and videos. Additionally, the LUMIX FZ150 has two of Panasonic’s newest features – newly advanced Nano Surface Coating technology which helps minimize light reflection that causes ghost and flare – and the new 3D Photo Mode.

As the top-end model of LUMIX’s popular FZ series, the FZ150 combines a new 12.1-megapixel MOS sensor and the renowned Venus Engine giving the camera high-performance image recording capability in both higher light sensitivity and speed. And as a step-up from the recently announced LUMIX FZ47’s 1920 x 1080 60i video feature, the FZ150 realizes 1920 x 1080 60p Full-HD AVCHD Progressive (MPEG-4 / H.264) format. It is also possible to take still images while recording video simultaneously (3.5-megapixel) and the powerful 24x optical zoom is available in video recording. The FZ150 incorporates a stereo zoom microphone with a Wind Cut function, so that videos come with high-quality stereo sound through Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator.

“Panasonic continues to strive to meet the photography demands of its consumers by providing unique features and advanced technology in all our LUMIX digital cameras,” said Darin Pepple, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “With the 24x Optical Zoom and 3D shooting capabilities the FZ150 is a versatile, powerful camera that gives users endless options to take creative and high-quality images and videos.”

The Light Speed AF of approx. 0.1 sec never misses fleeting photo opportunities. To encourage step-up users to enjoy shooting even more, full manual control is available with the FZ150. Users can enjoy image shooting while expressing their intention not only in photos but also in video, utilizing a host of options including the new Creative Control and Photo Style with a wide variety of preset options. The effective hand-shake correction system POWER O.I.S. now gains Active mode, which helps to record stable video even if shot while walking.

The LUMIX’s popular iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode powerfully assists in any shooting situations to get the best results. Thanks to the Intelligent Resolution technology, Intelligent Zoom is available with the FZ150 extending the zoom ratio by approx. 1.3x, maintaining the picture quality while combining a digital zoom. This means the 24x optical zoom can virtually extend to a 32x equivalent. Not only drawing near the subject that is far away with its powerful optical zoom, the 25mm ultra wide angle lens captures approx.196% wider angle of view compared with a standard 35mm camera. This is helpful for shooting dynamic landscape or indoor group portrait.

The popular iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode is also available in video recording. The POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent D-range Control also support shooting beautiful videos with ease. The Intelligent Scene Selector automatically switches between Normal, Portrait, Macro, Scenery, and Low Light modes according to the situation, to optimize visual quality. The Intelligent D-range Control makes images look more natural by preventing blocked shadows and blown highlights to optimize the exposure for each part of an image. It also ensures a beautiful reproduction of gradation and details.

A new 12-Megapixel High Sensitivity MOS sensor pursuing Resolution, Sensitivity and Speed has been incorporated along with the renowned Venus Engine enabling the FZ150 to excel in image processing power. The combination of these powerful components results in the S/N ratio improvement by 3.9dB (ISO 100) to 4.7dB (ISO1600) compared with the predecessor – the FZ100. Newly developed Multi-process Noise Reduction applies optimum noise reduction according to the brightness of the part of the picture. Both high frequency noise that occurs in the dark part and low frequency noise in the light part are suppressed even in a picture. As a result, Images recorded in low-lit situations are now dramatically clear.

The Venus Engine has a quad-circuit system for processing large amount of progressive Full HD data at high speed. Not only 1920 x 1080 60p smooth Full-HD video recording, but also super fast consecutive shots at 12 fps (without auto focusing) and 5.5 fps (with auto focusing) in full resolution. It is also compatible with recording high-speed video at 220fps in QVGA. At the same time, the multi-task image-processing engine, the Venus Engine, realizes a super-fast response time. The auto focus gains approx. 50% faster speed compared with the FZ100, achieving Light Speed AF of approx. 0.1 second. The speed in AF Tracking also becomes faster, thanks to the improved tracking performance which doubles its sampling frequency.

The FZ150 provides the new Creative Control mode with a selection of artistic effect modes; Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia, High Dynamic, Miniature Effect, Film Grain and Pin Hole. In addition, Photo Style is newly added to the FZ150 for the expression of finer nuance. It has Standard, Vivid, Natural, Monochrome, Scenery, Portrait presets, while enabling finer adjustment of contrast, sharpness, saturation and noise reduction by each.

As a further step-up from the FZ47, the FZ150 is equipped with a hot shoe allowing attachment of various accessories including an optional stereo microphone (DMW-MS1) or an optional external flash (DMW-FL220 / FL360 / FL500). The FZ150 is also compatible with an optional remote shutter (DMW-RSL1) for advanced expression in photography.

The newly-added 3D Photo mode takes 20 panning shots and then the camera automatically selects the two most suitable images – one for the right eye and one for the left eye – to synthesize a 3D composite. The 3D image can then be viewed on any VIERA 3D HDTV. The format of 3D images is compatible with MPO which can be played back on other MPO-compatible equipment.

Other features of the Panasonic LUMIX FZ150 include:

- Motion Deblur Mode, which helps to prevent blur. 
- Intelligent Handheld Nightshot Mode, which generates beautiful night scenery with illumination by layering multiple images shot consecutively. 
- PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.5 BD Edition Software makes it possible to sort and organize photos not only of those newly taken but also of those stored on the PC with quick start-up and fast read-in of images. Recorded videos can be edited with the Short Movie Story function and written into MPEG2 to burn onto a Blu-ray or DVD disc.

The Panasonic LUMIX FZ150 will be available in black for a suggested retail price of $499.99, starting in late-September 2011. For more information on Panasonic LUMIX digital cameras, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.

*¹ The "AVCHD Progressive" is a high definition (HD) digital video recording / playback format jointly established by Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.

Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH.

The LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lenses are manufactured using measurement instruments and quality assurance systems that have been certified by Leica Camera AG based on the company's quality standards.

Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

All other company and product names are trademarks of their respective corporations.

This unit is compatible with both SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards. You can only use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are compatible with them. You cannot use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are only compatible with SD Memory Cards. (When using an SDHC Memory Card on another device, be sure to read the operating instructions for that device.)

Some accessories are not available in some countries.

The use of recorded or printed materials that are protected by copyright for any purpose other than personal enjoyment is prohibited, as it would infringe upon the rights of the copyright holder.

Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

 

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Canon's Latest Powershot Cameras Set New Standards For Image Capture

New PowerShot SX150 IS and ELPH Cameras Showcase Extraordinary Image Quality with Every Shot

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., August 23, 2011 – Today's tech-savvy consumers expect to have a photo-capturing device always at hand that is adept at producing exquisite images and video without sacrificing quality. Delivering these users' must-haves, Canon U.S.A., a leader in digital imaging, announced three new PowerShot Digital cameras that capture beautiful still images and great high-definition video: the PowerShot SX150 IS, the PowerShot ELPH 510 HS (the world's thinnest digital camera with 12x optical zoom and a 28mm wide-angle lens1) and the PowerShot ELPH 310 HS. Built to handle a wide range of shooting situations with ease and accuracy, each camera is equipped with features such as impressive zoom, a new Intelligent Image Stabilization (IS) system, Smart AUTO with 32 shooting scenes, High-Speed Burst mode and HD video capture. The ELPH 510 HS and ELPH 310 HS Digital cameras also include Canon's renowned HS SYSTEM to handle shooting in low light.


"With a strong reputation of imaging excellence, Canon incorporates acclaimed quality, design innovation and intuitive engineering into each product," said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. "With the inclusion of advanced features, such as the HS SYSTEM and HD video in these new PowerShot cameras, we continue to reach new levels of performance and design to satisfy our users."

Key Features:

Small Cameras, Big Zoom

The impressive zoom with optical image stabilization found in all three new PowerShot models allows users to snap a memorable, highly detailed shot from a variety of distances. The PowerShot SX150 IS Digital camera is equipped with a 12x wide-angle optical zoom and 28mm lens. In the compact ELPH series, the PowerShot ELPH 510 HS is the thinnest camera to date, with a 12x optical zoom and 28mm wide-angle lens, while the PowerShot ELPH 310 HS has an 8x optical zoom with 28mm wide-angle lens.

Increase Camera Intelligence

Helping to capture blur-free images and video, Canon introduces the new Intelligent IS system in these PowerShot models. To deliver crisp, undistorted images in various shooting conditions, Intelligent IS automatically chooses from six different modes (Normal, Macro, Panning Dynamic, Powered and Tripod) to optimize image stabilization.
Many novice photographers are intimidated when adjusting camera settings. Canon eliminates this issue with its Smart AUTO feature, which analyzes faces, brightness, colors, distance and movement and selects the appropriate setting based on 32 predefined shooting scenes for stills and 21 scenes for video.

Shoot Better in Low Light

Low light photography is a challenge even for a seasoned photographer. To assist the user, the PowerShot ELPH 510 HS and ELPH 310 HS utilizes Canon's HS SYSTEM that combines a 12.1-megapixel, high-sensitivity CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 Image Processor to enhance image quality in low-light settings. The HS SYSTEM also reduces noise at high ISO speeds and expands the camera's dynamic range to allow for greater detail and color when shooting in darker settings. The HS SYSTEM can also help compensate in situations where a flash can't be used, such as a wedding or dance recital.

Never Miss the Action

Determining the right moment to "freeze" what you are shooting can be difficult in action scenes. The High-Speed Burst mode in the PowerShot ELPH models ensures that you never miss out on the fast-moving or unpredictable moments. With the simple hold of the shutter button, the High-Speed Burst mode shoots continuously, capturing up to 7.8 frames per second (fps) in the PowerShot ELPH 510 HS and 8.7 fps in the PowerShot ELPH 310 HS.

Elevate Video to High Definition

Today, the ability to switch between shooting still images and high-definition video is a key consideration when customers shop for a new camera. Providing stellar video-shooting capability in a compact frame, Canon has incorporated 1080p Full HD video recording into the PowerShot ELPH 510 HS and ELPH 310 HS, while the PowerShot SX150 IS camera features 720p HD video recording. Each camera can optically zoom while filming and has a dedicated movie button for quick access to the video-recording mode. The PowerShot ELPH 510 HS and ELPH310 HS cameras also include Movie Digest mode that shoots a four-second video before capturing a still image and then automatically combine a full day's worth of videos into one clip. All three PowerShot cameras are also iFrame capable, allowing for quick and easy sharing and editing across multiple platforms and devices.

PowerShot Products:

The Canon PowerShot SX150 IS Digital camera

The PowerShot SX150 IS Digital camera is equipped with a 12x optical zoom with 28mm wide-angle lens, 720p HD video recording, Intelligent IS and Smart AUTO. The PowerShot SX150 IS Digital camera also features a 14.1-megapixel CCD sensor and Canon's DIGIC 4 Image Processor. This new camera includes manual-shooting capabilities, such as aperture priority and shutter priority for optimal artistic control that any photography aficionado will appreciate. The PowerShot SX150 IS Digital camera includes a discreet-shooting mode to help ensure a low disturbance when capturing photos, and a 3-inch LCD screen for easy viewing and scrolling through menus. Available in black and red, the PowerShot SX150 IS Digital camera is scheduled to be available at the beginning of September for an estimated retail price of $249.99.

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 510 HS and ELPH 310 HS Digital cameras

The PowerShot ELPH 510 HS Digital camera features a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor with a 12x optical zoom and 28mm wide-angle lens, Canon's HS SYSTEM and 1080p Full HD video recording. The ELPH 510 HS Digital camera also includes a High-Speed Burst mode, Intelligent IS and Smart AUTO. Available in red, black, and silver, this camera has a 3.2-inch wide, touch-panel LCD screen, offering fast and easy menu navigation. The ELPH 510 HS Digital camera also has Touch Shutter, simply touch the screen where you want to focus and release your finger to take a photo. The ELPH 510 HS Digital camera is scheduled to be available at the beginning of October for the estimated retail price of $349.99.
The PowerShot ELPH 310 HS Digital camera has a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor with an 8x optical zoom and 28mm wide-angle lens, Canon's HS SYSTEM and 1080p Full HD video recording. The ELPH 310 HS Digital camera features a High-Speed Burst mode, Intelligent IS and improved Smart AUTO. The ELPH 310 HS Digital camera includes a 3-inch LCD screen and comes in five vibrant colors: purple, blue, pink, green and silver. The ELPH 310 HS Digital camera is scheduled to be available at the beginning of October for an estimated retail price of $259.99.

The Canon HF-DC2 High-Power Flash

To further enhance the built-in flash of the PowerShot lineup, Canon has developed the HF-DC2 High-Power Flash , which increases the effective flash range up to approximately 30 feet and supports 24mm wide-angle shooting with the wide-panel attachment. The HF-DC2 automatically fires in-sync with the camera's built-in flash and operates wirelessly to capture subjects at twice the range of the camera's built-in flash. The HF-DC2 includes a mounting bracket that attaches to the camera, but it can also be hand-held or mounted on a tripod. The HF-DC2 High-Power Flash is scheduled to be available in December for an estimated retail price of $149.99.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked fourth overall in the U.S. in 2010†, with global revenues of more than US $45 billion and is listed as number five in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine's World’s Most Admired Companies 2011 list. Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. At Canon, we care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei – "all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future" – Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives. Additional information about these programs can be found at www.usa.canon.com/kyosei. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.

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¹ As of August 23, 2011.
† Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.
All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.
Availability, specifications and prices subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by the individual dealer and may vary.

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Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition Announced; Over $75,000 in Prizes will be Awarded

Underwater Photography Guide is pleased to announce that the prestigious Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition 2011 will be accepting images between August 9 and November 20, 2011.

Marina Del Rey, CA - Underwater Photography Guide is proud to announce it is accepting entries for the second annual Ocean Art Photo Competition 2011.

There are over $75,000 worth of prizes, including over 25 liveaboard and scuba diving resort packages, dive equipment, and much more. Grand prizes include an all-inclusive 10-night stay at Kungkungan Bay Resort in Indonesia, an 18-night stay in Papua New Guinea including a trip on the M/V Febrina, an 11-day voyage on the SMY Ordina, a cruise on the Rocio Del Mar to the Socorro Islands, an 11-night cruise with Kararu Dive Voyages, a 7-day charter on the Nai’a in Fiji, a 5-night stay at Wananavu Beach Resort in Fiji, a week-long stay for two with Maluku Divers in Ambon, and a voyage on the Nautilus Explorer.

This is one of the largest underwater photography competitions held in terms of prizes.

The competition has 12 categories, including a Novice dSLR category and 3 compact camera categories, giving underwater photographers of all levels a chance to win a great prize. Unique categories include SuperMacro, Cold/ Temperate Water, Nudibranchs, and Divers/ Fashion. The more traditional categories include Wide-Angle, Macro, Marine Life Portraits, and Marine Life Behavior.

Winners from each category will be awarded a package at a fantastic resort or on a liveaboard. Winners will be able to rank the prizes they would like to receive, making it more likely for winners to receive a prize they want.

Judges include world-renowned underwater photographers Martin Edge, Marty Snyderman, Tony Wu, and Bonnie Pelnar. Martin Edge is the author of The Underwater Photographer, a top-selling book on underwater photography. Marty Snyderman has won an Emmy and has been published in dozens of top publications such as National Geographic. Tony Wu is a renowned underwater photographer and author of Silent Symphony. Bonnie Pelnar has been published in numerous diving and travel magazines, and conducts photography workshops at tropical destinations around the world

Photos must be submitted before the deadline on November 20, 2011.

We look forward to your participation. Information can be found on our Ocean Art Photo Competition page at http://www.uwphotographyguide.com/underwater-photo-contest. Looking for inspiration? Here are the winning photographs from the 2010 Ocean Art Photo Competition.

Underwater Photography Guide is a website and online magazine dedicated to helping underwater photographers and scuba divers learn and improve their underwater photography. For more information, please visit http://www.uwphotographyguide.com.

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PhotographyTalk.com Invites Digital Photographers to Become Online Writers

PhotographyTalk.com, a leading photography forum and social networking site, announced today that it is expanding its Web site, with a new, free service that allows digital photographers to submit articles and supporting photos.

Santa Ana, CA (PRWEB) August, 2011 - PhotographyTalk.com, a leading photography forum and social networking site, announced today that it is expanding its Web site, with a new, free service that allows digital photographers to submit articles and supporting photos.

All photographers are invited to write and submit articles focused on tips and techniques they’ve learned, and successfully put into practice. They may also upload photos and captions that will help PhotographyTalk.com members and visitors understand how to use those tips. Topics could include equipment techniques, camera, lenses, lighting, exposure, etc. and specific types of photography, such as nature, portraits, sports, travel, family, weddings, etc.

PhotographyTalk.com also welcomes articles and photos about photographers’ experiences and the challenges they faced when trying to capture a particular photo or satisfying a client’s requirements. Other categories of articles accepted are post-production techniques and photography business methods and best practices.

“Our visitors want exact information to help them with specific photography problems, or to learn the correct methods for various types of photography they haven’t tried yet,” said Alex Schult, president of PhotographyTalk.com. “Becoming a PhotographyTalk.com writer is simple, free and an easy way to bring more attention to a photographer’s work or his or her photography business.”

Schult added that a writer’s name, article, photos and know-how will be read and seen on one of the largest online photography sites, plus he or she will have the advantage of PhotographyTalk.com’s massive social media reach.

“Sharing your ideas, thoughts and photos on PhotographyTalk.com could lead to paying assignments and purchases of your photos. It’s also a great way to find photo buddies, mentors or mentoring opportunities in your locale,” said Schult.

Interested photographers can submit their articles and photos with an easy-to-use article submit form on the PhotographyTalk.com Web site or via the site’s Forum section on tips and taking photos.

About PhotographyTalk.com – PhotographyTalk.com has quickly grown to become a prime resource where all photographers—beginners, intermediates and seasoned professionals—are able to share their passion for and enjoyment of the art of photography. They communicate with fellow enthusiasts at the same ability level or with the same interest in a specific type of photography and help each other advance their skills and improve their photography.

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National Geographic Seeks Youth Photographers For 5th Annual International Photography Contest

Kids Can Enter to Win Trips to Costa Rica and Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON — Young photographers around the world are invited to take part in the 2011 National Geographic International Photography Contest for Kids. The competition is conducted in partnership with the U.S. edition of National Geographic Kids magazine (also available in Canada) and nine local-language editions of the magazine in Bulgaria, Egypt, Hungary, Indonesia, Lithuania, Slovenia, South Africa, Turkey and the United Kingdom. The overall international grand-prize winner will receive a trip to National Geographic headquarters in Washington, D.C., while the U.S./Canada grand-prize winner will receive a trip to Costa Rica.

U.S. and Canadian contestants ages 6-14 may enter now through Oct. 31, 2011, by submitting one photo in any or all of four categories: People, Animals, Scenery and Humor. Photos can be black-and-white or color, and shot with a digital camera or with conventional film. Entries can be submitted online at http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/activities/contests/kids-photo-contest/ or via regular mail. Entry forms and official contest rules are found at http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/contests/photo-contest-rules. Void where prohibited.

"National Geographic’s International Photography Contest for Kids encourages budding photographers from around the globe to capture their world and share it with others in a creative way" said Melina Bellows, International Photography Contest judge and executive vice president and chief creative officer for Books, Kids and Family at the National Geographic Society. "Kids have such a fun, unique point of view, and we hope this contest inspires future National Geographic photographers"

One grand-prize winner from the U.S./Canada regional contest will be selected from the four first-place category winners to receive a nine-day, eight-night trip for a family of four to Costa Rica, courtesy of The Adventure Company and the Adventure Center. The four first-place category winners in the U.S./Canada region will win digital camera kits, a selection of National Geographic books and will be entered into the global National Geographic International Photography Contest for Kids for a chance to win the International Grand Prize: a five-day, four-night trip to Washington, D.C., featuring a special tour of National Geographic headquarters.

Each participating international local-language edition will submit its winning entries in each category to National Geographic headquarters to be judged alongside the winning U.S./Canada entries by a panel of three National Geographic experts: Melina Bellows; Annie Griffiths, National Geographic photographer; and Jay Sumner, National Geographic Children’s Publishing photo director.

The judges will announce the overall grand-prize winner of a trip to National Geographic headquarters in January 2012. Winning entries from each country will be featured in that country’s edition of National Geographic Kids magazine.

National Geographic Kids, geared toward children ages 6-14, is an interactive, multitopic magazine covering animals, entertainment, science, technology, cultures and current events. The magazine has 19 international editions, including the U.S. edition that is also available in Canada.

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National Geographic Kids, a multitopic, photo-driven magazine for 6- to 14-year-olds, empowers its readers by making it fun to learn about the world. Its numerous industry awards include Periodical of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from the Association of Educational Publishers. Published 10 times a year, National Geographic Kids has a circulation of 1.1 million and is available by subscription for $19.95 a year and on newsstands for $4.99 a copy. Its website is at kids.nationalgeographic.com.

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Education And Inspiration Is Focus of Seminars, Special Events, And Keynote Presentation At PDN Outdoor Photo Expo

More Than 25 World-Class Pros Including Frans Lanting, Art Wolfe, Moose Peterson and Corey Rich, Inspire, Teach, and Share Secrets to Success During Two-Day Event

 

Salt Lake City, UT – July, 2011 – Nielsen Expositions released official details and the schedule for seminars, special events, and the keynote presentation for its first annual
Outdoor Photo Expo (OPE) in Salt Lake City August 4-5, 2011.  During the two-day event, seminar attendees will receive an inspiring and well-rounded education in a variety of topics including the latest shooting techniques, self-promotion and marketing, copyright protection, lighting, multimedia, and shooting HD video with a DSLR, from some of the most respected and successful outdoor and adventure photographers in the world.

Adding inspiration to education, Frans Lanting and Art Wolfe will share their work and experiences during a special keynote presentation on Friday evening, August 5th.  Additional activities include Outdoor Photo Expo's ArtFair and cocktail reception, and access to the Outdoor Retailer trade show, the largest outdoor recreation lifestyle expo, with your OPE badge, on Saturday, August 6th.  For a complete schedule and description http://www.outdoorphotoexpo.com/ope/expo-events/conference-schedule of seminars and special events visit Outdoor Photo Expo's website http://www.outdoorphotoexpo.com/ope/.

"Education has always been the underlying theme of our trade shows and we are proud to offer a learning experience at the Outdoor Photo Expo featuring a list of presenters who are the best at their respective crafts," explains Lauren Wendle, vice president, Nielsen Expositions.  "Education and inspiration are two elements we incorporate into all our events, and we fully expect our lineup of seminars and speakers to provide both experiences to those who attend the show.”

Admission to the expo is free for those who register in advance online and special discount prices on seminars are available for members of photo associations and clubs and for students too. Members may use promo code VR2EGAD and students* may use promo code UR2EGAD to register online. To register in advance online visit Outdoor Photo Expo’s website https://www.xpressreg.net/eReg/?ShowCode=OPEX081.

Seminars will be presented during two time slots each day: 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on August 4th and 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on August 5th.  Following is brief summary of seminars, special events, and the keynote presentation. For additional details, visit OutdoorPhotoExpo.com http://www.outdoorphotoexpo.com/ope/expo-events/conference-schedule
 

Keynote Presentation -- Friday, August 5thFrans Lanting and Art Wolfe: Photo Power for Planet EarthSponsored by EpsonFor the first time, two of the world’s most acclaimed nature and outdoor photographers come together on stage to share images and insights about the power of photography to shape ideas about our natural world.  This unique event featuring presentations by Frans Lanting and Art Wolfe, will be followed by a live discussion moderated by photo industry expert Patrick Donehue. Become part of the conversation and submit your questions to Art and Frans at patrick@patrickdonehue.com.

Special EventsPDN HDSLR Video Workshop -- August 3-4If you're a photographer looking to expand into HD video then attending the HDSLR Video Workshop http://www.pdnvideo.nielsencontests.com/ is a must. Attendees of this 2-day workshop will learn how to get the most from their camera’s HD video capability by gaining a comprehensive understanding of camera settings, technical training in HD video formats, an understanding of composition for motion pictures, and much more to get you on your way to producing great videos. Workshop fee is $450 per person.

ArtFair Cocktail Party -- Friday, August 5thAttendees can enjoy their favorite adult beverage while networking and viewing portfolios and photographs taken by several outdoor, nature, and adventure photos from around the country.

Seminar Summary and Schedule
MORNING SEMINARS
Thursday, August 4, 2011
8:00 to 10:00 a.m.

The Creative Adventure -- Chris Noble http://www.outdoorphotoexpo.com/ope/seminars/speaker-bios
Inspired by a career spanning 40 years, The Creative Adventure is a multi-media presentation that combines stories, imagery and music to explore the excitement, challenges and potential of outdoor photography today.  The seminar focuses on how to use creativity to gain a better understanding of ourselves and contribute to nature and the world.



From Gigascapes to Snowflakes -- George Lepp http://www.outdoorphotoexpo.com/ope/seminars/speaker-bios
Sponsored by Canon
The versatility of today’s DSLR has literally revolutionized outdoor photography and George Lepp offers a survey of the latest and greatest techniques.  Attendees will learn capture techniques for unlimited depth of field in landscape and macro photography, high dynamic range capture and processing techniques to achieve expanded tonal range and so much more!



Strategies for the Emerging Outdoor & Adventure PhotographerModerator: Amber Terranova
Panelists: Trevor Clark http://www.outdoorphotoexpo.com/ope/seminars/speaker-bios, Mark Fischer http://www.outdoorphotoexpo.com/ope/seminars/speaker-bios, Blake Gordon http://www.outdoorphotoexpo.com/ope/seminars/speaker-bios & Yassine Ouhilal http://www.outdoorphotoexpo.com/ope/seminars/speaker-bios
Sponsored by PDNFor many outdoor/adventure photographers, shooting what you love is the ultimate goal but turning that into a career with steady clients can be a challenge.  In this seminar, four noted outdoor photographers share their career trajectories and explore the business essentials of striking out on your own, including how to negotiate fees, write contracts, and how to maximize the use of social media marketing tools to help build a brand.

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Workflow Secrets for Achieving the Most Realistic HDR Results for Creative and Commercial Work
John Omvik http://www.outdoorphotoexpo.com/ope/seminars/speaker-bios

Sponsored by Unified Color Technologies
HDR imaging continues to evoke sharp criticism from outdoor photographers, who associate the technique with over-saturated and over-contrasted images.  John Omvik, VP of Marketing for Unified Color Technologies, will discuss when to use HDR techniques and demonstrate the latest tools for creating and editing true color HDR images.



EVENING SEMINARS
Thursday, August 4, 2011
4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Lighting for Action -- Scott Markewitz http://www.outdoorphotoexpo.com/ope/seminars/speaker-bios
Sponsored by Bron Imaging Group
When used well, the addition of strobes and artificial light sources to outdoor sports and lifestyle activities can create stunning, dramatic and powerful action images.  In this seminar, Scott Markewitz will discuss the basics of lighting the outdoors and the evolution of using strobes and artificial lighting in outdoor photography.


From Camera Click to Computer Click, Producing Gorgeous Landscape Prints
Moose Peterson http://www.outdoorphotoexpo.com/ope/seminars/speaker-bios

Sponsored by Epson
Every time Moose Peterson take a photograph, he looks to accomplish two things: produce an emotional response from the viewer of his landscapes; and ensure he has the quality required to output a print in large format.  Spend some time with Moose Peterson learn all the steps in this process.


A Career in Photography in Today’s Diverse Marketplace
Mary Virginia Swanson http://www.outdoorphotoexpo.com/ope/seminars/speaker-bios & Patrick Donehue http://www.outdoorphotoexpo.com/ope/seminars/speaker-bios



As photography is widely regarded as our common visual language, the marketplace for contemporary imagery is rapidly evolving. Who is hiring photographers and for what skills? What markets are interested in your existing work for licensing, fine art print sales or decor usage? Industry veterans Mary Virginia Swanson and Patrick Donehue provide participants with answers to these, and many other questions.



The Future of Stock: Photography + Video
Corey Rich http://www.outdoorphotoexpo.com/ope/seminars/speaker-bios /Aurora Photos


How do you monetize your adventures and passions. Corey Rich will present and lead a candid discussion on the business of stock photography and the role video will play in the lives of outdoor/adventure content creators.  Topics include capturing unique content, editorial and commercial outlets, model releases, licensing fees, stock agencies, and much more.

MORNING SEMINARS
Friday, August 5, 2011
8:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Big light, Small light, No light: Understanding Light, Telling Better Stories
Kevin Winzeler http://www.outdoorphotoexpo.com/ope/seminars/speaker-bios



This seminar will dive into a variety of simple and complex lighting techniques for today's commercial photographer.  Kevin will discuss the nuances of lighting a scene with reflectors, soft boxes, scrims and other modifiers, as well as when to leave it all in the car and use natural light.


Photographing the West & Using Natural Light for Western Portraiture
David Stoecklein http://www.outdoorphotoexpo.com/ope/seminars/speaker-bios


Sponsored by Canon
David Stoecklein has photographed thousands of cowboys all over the United States through environmental portraits done in very realistic and natural settings with only natural light.  In this seminar, Stoecklein presents his images and shares the knowledge gained from his career of more than 40 years, documenting the West in commercial advertising.



Copyright: Know It or Blow It! Stop Giving Your Money Away!
Debra Weiss http://www.outdoorphotoexpo.com/ope/seminars/speaker-bios & Patrick Donehue http://www.outdoorphotoexpo.com/ope/seminars/speaker-bios
Sponsored by APA NationalUnderstanding how to put copyright to work for you is crucial to your success as a photographer.  Predatory image rights demands and widespread image theft can leave a photographer’s business in jeopardy.  Don’t let this happen to you.  Learn what you need to succeed.

Documenting an Expedition with Video
Jimmy Chin http://www.outdoorphotoexpo.com/ope/seminars/speaker-bios,
Tim Kemple http://www.outdoorphotoexpo.com/ope/seminars/speaker-bios & Renan Ozturk http://www.outdoorphotoexpo.com/ope/seminars/speaker-bios



During this engaging session, Chin, Kemple and Ozturk will share their knowledge about how they incorporate video into nearly every aspect of their work including the use of DSLRs on location in extreme environments, editing and uploading real time dispatches from the field, basic support/audio/monitor kits that can be used in the 'real world', and advantages and disadvantages of RED/AF100 and other 'video' cameras.



EVENING SEMINARS
Friday, August 5, 2011
3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Environmental Action Shots
Adam Barker http://www.outdoorphotoexpo.com/ope/seminars/speaker-bios



Barker discusses how he uses the fundamentals learned from fine-art scenic photography to create stunning, active lifestyle images that connect with viewers.  Topics will include understanding and utilizing natural light, engaging the viewer with three-dimensional composition, proper lens selection and how to choose and use landscape filters.

The Agile Photographer: A Multimedia Partner for Business
Jay Kinghorn http://www.outdoorphotoexpo.com/ope/seminars/speaker-bios


Sponsored by ASMP
From blogs to tablets, an explosion of new media are opening up a world of opportunity for photographers willing to learn, adapt and reorganize their business to provide new services to current and future clients.  In this valuable seminar, media trainer and consultant Jay Kinghorn will offer a thorough overview of the new publishing and advertising landscape with an emphasis on channels opening up on mobile devices. Kinghorn will provide valuable insight into new business and pricing models along with sample business opportunities for you to pursue.



Marketing & Publicity for the Outdoor Photographer
Genny Fullerton, Jon-Paul Harrison http://www.outdoorphotoexpo.com/ope/seminars/speaker-bios & Ian Shive http://www.outdoorphotoexpo.com/ope/seminars/speaker-bios

Sponsored by Tandem Stills + Motion
Dive into cutting-edge techniques used by leading corporations to expand your brand and visibility in one of the most desired and competitive photography markets -- the outdoor industry.  This dynamic duo will discuss guerilla marketing techniques and affordable ways to leverage the power of social media to sell images and gain new clients.



Storytelling for a New Era – 2.0
Corey Rich http://www.outdoorphotoexpo.com/ope/seminars/speaker-bios



Corey Rich follows up on last year’s popular PhotoPlus Expo presentation “Storytelling for a New Era – 2.0” with more valuable insight on all of the details surrounding a shoot.  Rich will dissect the entire process including pricing (estimating and building proposals), pre-production (concept development, storyboarding and technical considerations), scheduling, logistics and post-production (editing, color grading, animations/effects, scoring, and sound mix,  all utilizing Adobe Creative Suite Production Premium).


About PDN Outdoor Photo Expo PDN’S OUTDOOR PHOTO EXPO (OPE) will consist of two days of exposition and educational seminars. Currently there is no equivalent live event that is dedicated to the outdoor photography market: adventure, landscape, nature, outdoor sports, travel and wildlife.



OPE is being held in conjunction with Outdoor Retailer which attracts thousands of buyers and senior level decision makers looking for outdoor specific products, services, brands, fresh ideas and outdoor innovation. OPE will focus on bringing together the latest and greatest technologies in the photography and imaging industries with thousands of end users from professional photographers and high-end prosumers to educators, studio managers, photo editors and more looking to take their craft to the next level.

* Students will be required to show a valid student ID.

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Website:          http://www.outdoorphotoexpo.com 
Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/OutdoorPhotoExpo
Twitter:          @outdoorphotoexpo http://twitter.com/outdoorphotoXpo
 

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Get Closer To Clarity: The New Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G Brings Fast Macro Ability To DX-Format Shooters

Images Packed with Stunning Detail and Amazing Sharpness Have Never Been So Near

MELVILLE, N.Y. (July 12, 2011) – Nikon Inc. today introduced the new lightweight and versatile AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G lens to provide Nikon DX-format shooters macro capabilities at an affordable price point. Ideal for intimate details or general portraiture, the new AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G lens has a minimum focusing distance of just 0.53 feet (6.4 inches) to allow users to capture extreme close-up photographs and High Definition (HD) video with a life-size 1:1 reproduction ratio.

“This new NIKKOR lens is an ideal accessory lens for those who are ready to explore a totally new perspective, whether it’s extreme close-up detail or general still images and movies with flattering out of focus elements,” said Lisa Osorio, general manager of marketing at Nikon Inc. The new Micro NIKKOR lens delivers new and added versatility to the Nikon DX-format digital SLR system and provides DX-format shooters with compact optics that deliver excellent color reproduction and stunning sharpness.”

Weighing in at approximately nine ounces, the extremely compact and lightweight lens is an ideal “next” lens to complement any DX-format shooter’s growing D-SLR kit. The natural focal length (60mm, FX equivalent) and large f/2.8 aperture are ideal for a wide variety of applications, whether capturing close-up details in flowers and insects or shooting flattering portraiture with a pleasing bokeh.

For fast and whisper quiet autofocus operation, the new Nikon 40mm Micro lens also features Nikon’s exclusive Silent Wave Motor technology, which allows photographers to get even closer without disturbing a subject. For complete control, the AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 40mm offers users both manual-priority autofocus (M/A) and manual focus (M) modes to quickly and easily switch focus modes on the fly. To help ensure amazing lens performance at close distances, this new lens employs Nikon’s Close-Range Correction System. With this system, the lens elements are configured in a "floating” design wherein each lens group moves independently to help achieve critical focus. Additionally, Nikon’s Super Integrated Coatings are applied to help reduce instances of lens flare and ghosting. The seven blade diaphragm also helps to create a more natural out of focus component.

The versatile and compact nature of the AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G lens combined with its affordability make it a great travel companion for any DX-format D-SLR, including the new Nikon D5100 and popular D3100.

Price and Availability
The versatile AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G will be available in August for an estimated selling price* of $279.95. For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

*Estimated selling price listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time

Press Contacts: MWW Group
Geoff Coalter | gcoalter@mww.com | 201-507-9500
Matt Kopacz | mkopacz@mww.com | 201-507-9500

About the NIKKOR brand
With a comprehensive assortment of FX and DX-format lenses and focal lengths, from the ultra-wide 10-24mm to the super telephoto 600mm VR, Nikon photographers have come to rely upon the NIKKOR core technologies that contribute to their optical superiority. NIKKOR is the brand name for Nikon’s photographic lenses, which are precision crafted to the most exacting standards in Nikon’s own glassworks. In 1933, Nikon marketed its first camera lens under the NIKKOR brand name, the "Aero-NIKKOR” for aerial photography applications. Since then, NIKKOR has been used as a brand name for Nikon’s lenses that symbolizes durability, high image quality and optical excellence.

About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. In 2011, production of NIKKOR lenses surpassed 60 million, creating a new milestone in Nikon’s heritage of superior optics. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities. Connect with Nikon and other photographers on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nikon and get the latest news and information from Twitter by following @Nikon_USA.

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Alamy - 'London is the world's most photographed city'

   © Pawel Libera Images / Alamy
 

World’s largest independent stock photo site highlights the top 10 most photographed cities.

As London continues to welcome this year’s influx of summer holidaymakers, the city has come top in a list of the world’s most photographed. So, if you are one of the 27 million [1] people planning to visit London in 2011, then don’t forget to pack your camera – it seems you’ll be in good company.

Independent stock photo agency, Alamy (www.alamy.com), has the largest collection of stock images online. Here, the company provides its list of the world’s most photographed cities.

1. London – currently 804,468 images on the Alamy website. The world’s most photographed city has almost double the amount of images of New York. London has everything to offer, from historical monuments to beautiful parks, museums, restaurants and clubs. And, we can’t ignore the hype that now surrounds the city in the run up to the 2012 Olympic Games.

2. New York – currently 416,048 images on the Alamy website. The city that never sleeps is the most popular place to be photographed in the United States. We’d expect to see this at the top of the list, with famous monuments including: The Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building and Brooklyn Bridge (all of which featured in Alamy’s top 10 list of the world’s most photographed monuments).

3. Los Angeles – currently 302,732 images on the Alamy website. With a population of over three million – it is the most populous city in California, and the second biggest in the United States. Over 46 million overnight visitors [2] go to LA and the Orange Counties each year, visiting attractions including: Disney Land, Venice Beach and Universal Studios.

4. Paris – currently 207,558 images on the Alamy website. The Eiffel Tower recently came top of the list as the world’s most photographed monument, yet Paris only appears fourth on the list here. It seems tourists are fixated with the Eiffel Tower, but are perhaps not as ‘wowed’ by the city.

5. Berlin – currently 116,531 images on the Alamy website. The capital of Germany and the country’s most populated city. Famous monuments to snap include: The Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Checkpoint Charlie and The Berlin Wall. East meets West in Berlin, making it a visually diverse city.

6. Rome – currently 107,078 images on the Alamy website. Italy’s capital and most populated city. Rome’s famous historical monuments include: The Colosseum and The Vatican.

7. Miami - currently 72,831 images on the Alamy website. This is perhaps a bit of a surprise, but those who have visited with a camera will tell you there's something to shoot on every street corner, from the beach to diverse architecture, everyday life to a spot of ‘how the other half live’.

8. Barcelona – currently 69,581 images on the Alamy website. Spain’s second largest city, and well known in recent times for hosting the 1992 Olympic Games. Its distinctive Gaudi architecture also remains popular with photographers because it’s so unique.

9. Tokyo - currently 66,477 images on the Alamy website. As the world’s most populous metropolis, and Japan’s capital, it is hardly surprising this city appears in the top

10. Hong Kong - currently 62,441 images on the Alamy website. The city’s striking contemporary architecture and extraordinary skyline are sure to be the main reasons why this city makes it onto the list.
Commenting on the top ten most photographed cities, Alan Capel, head of content at Alamy, said: “I suspect the order of the first five cities is heavily influenced by a strong mix of both tourism and business. The latter five provide a strong mix of cultural, historical and visual intrigue. For example shooting Tokyo and Hong Kong at night can give stimulating and powerful results.

“London clearly has universal appeal with the largest number of photographs by far. And, I would anticipate its lead to increase further in the run up to and during 2012 with an influx of tourists and sports fans and new infrastructure and buildings to photograph.

“Cities offer a rich mix of cultures, colours and styles – and a good photograph can provide real insight into their life and soul.”

[1] http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_many_tourists_visit_London_per_year
[2] http://golosangeles.about.com/od/thingstodoinlosangeles/tp/Top-Things-to...

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Cvent Kicks Off $10,000 Great Event Photo Contest

Company Invites Meeting and Event Planners, Attendees and Venues to Submit a Photo of Their Favorite Event for a Chance to Win up to $10,000

MCLEAN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Cvent (http://www.cvent.com/), the world’s largest provider of online event management, meeting site selection and web survey solutions, today launched a Facebook photo contest offering event planners, attendees and venues the opportunity to submit a photo of the best event they’ve ever planned or attended for the chance to win up to $10,000.

Open for submissions from July 7 through August 8, Cvent’s “The $10,000 Great Event Photo Contest” invites participants to submit a photo of their favorite event, along with a brief description of what made the event extraordinary, to earn votes from the public and ultimately win over a Cvent panel of judges.

“We’re looking for the best that the events industry has to offer—whether that be amazing food, a creative display, cool décor, unique audio/visual effects or a fabulous venue setting,” said Eric Eden, Vice President of Marketing at Cvent. “Through this contest, we’re not only shining a spotlight on the unmatched creativity of the events industry and the venues that help bring great events to life, but also building a community on Facebook that event and hospitality industry professionals can look to for inspiration and to share ideas.”

Starting on August 9, 2011, visitors to the Cvent Facebook page will be able to vote once per day on their favorite photo, and the 25 photos with the greatest number of fan votes by August 22 will be named semi-finalists. From these semi-finalists, a panel of Cvent judges will select ten runners-up to receive a cash prize of $1,000 each, and one Grand Prize Winner who will be awarded a $10,000 cash prize.

What’s more, the venue that hosted the Grand Prize-winning event will receive $8,000 worth of complimentary advertising in Cvent’s e-mail newsletter and also on the Cvent Supplier Network and/or Cvent Destination Guide. The Cvent Supplier Network, which features detailed profiles of more than 150,000 venues worldwide, and the Cvent Destination Guide, with meetings-specific information on over 500 global destinations, are used by more than 125,000 meeting and event planners each month to research meeting destinations and source event venues.

Winners will be announced on August 25. For more details and to make a submission, visit www.facebook.com/cvent.

About Cvent
Founded in 1999, Cvent is the world’s largest meetings management technology company and has over 800 employees worldwide. Cvent offers web-based software for meeting site selection, online event registration, event management, e-mail marketing, and web surveys, and helps over 90,000 users in 40 countries manage hundreds of thousands of events, surveys and e-mail campaigns. The company has processed over $2 billion in online payments and has managed over 30 million event registrations and survey responses for its clients. A leading authority on Strategic Meetings Management (SMM), Cvent has implemented SMM programs for more than 40 corporations over the past year. For more information, please visit www.cvent.com.

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BIFB’11 Proudly Supports Emerging Australian and International Photographers

As the largest photographic festival in Australia, the Ballarat International Foto Biennale is proud to support and host a number of exhibitions by emerging Australian and international photographers.

Alongside many established Australian and international photographers, BIFB will be exhibiting photographs from such up-coming artists as Judith Crispin and Colin Page.

Colin Page
Colin Page was born on the tiny island of Samara i in Papua New Guinea. He spent his early childhood living on Kiriwina Island and describes memories of this time as an inseparable blend of treasured moments and the Kodachrome view of the islands seen in his family's slide shows. His first camera was a Diana, which he used for years, blissfully unaware that there was no film recording his compositions. He put film in the camera while studying at RMIT, where he graduated with a BA in Photography in 1990.

Colin travelled Australia as a portrait photographer then moved back to Melbourne to pursue commercial, advertising and personal work. Colin will be exhibiting the series The Gods which utilizes ultraviolet light to expose his subjects, the result being haunting, powerful images, highlighting both the vulnerability and determination of individuals.

Judith Crispin
Whilst Judith is renowned for her poetic photography, this is only one aspect of her varied skill. She is also an accomplished composer and poet currently living in Berlin as a post doctorial fellow at Humboldt University. After studying musk at Melbourne Conservatorium of Musk and the Canberra School of Musk, Judith gained her PhD in composition and musicology from the Australian National University in 2004. Following on from her doctoral studies, Judith continued her composition studies in Paris during 2005.

Her multifaceted talent in musk and poetry shines through in her photography and is evident in her series The Cartogrophers Illusion which aims to represent memory as record and simulacrum, without abstraction or objectivity, the emotional spaces where memory becomes signifier and symbol- a representational territory transformed by light to function as a mirror of being.

Ballarat International Foto Biennale
BIFB aims to promote photography in all its forms, to educate, inspire and question by presenting photography from the world to Australia and from Australia to the world.

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Exhibitions of Elders of Australian Photography, Alfred ‘Greg’ Gregory and Maggie Diaz at the Ballarat International Foto Biennale

Eminent photographers, Alfred ‘Greg’ Gregory and Maggie Diaz, documented many of the most important events and themes of the twentieth century, both in starkly distinctive and inimitable styles. The Ballarat International Foto Biennale is proud to present solo exhibitions on Gregory and Diaz as part of the BIFB’11 Core Program.

Maggie Diaz- Maggie Diaz arrived in Melbourne from the US in 1961 with a one-way ticket given to her by her ex-husband as a divorce gift. As an award-winning photographer in Chicago, it did not take Maggie long to establish herself as one of the city’s leading commercial photographers. Diaz used her flair for night photography and skill in utilising the available light to capture the essence of Melbourne’s arts and wider community over four decades. Her work has always been marked by the contrast between the glamorous commercial world and those outside of society, with whom she felt a connection. “Photography was something I found that I could earn an income from and it has been my life… Photography kept me from being lazy. It gave me a reason to go out; my imagination was wonderful and even though I made a mess out of a lot of things, photography made me feel that I could be sensitive and intelligent.”

Alfred Gregory- A member of the successful British team that made the ascent to Mount Everest in 1953, Alfred Gregory was in charge of photographing the ascent and the surrounds. His iconic images were promptly syndicated around the world, feeding the public's fascination with the assault on Everest. However, in 1953 ‘promptly’ meant that Gregory packed everything up into a canvas envelope, sealed it up and then sent the package back to Kathmandu with a runner, which took seven days (rather then the average month after Gregory specified that the runner had to be quick). Aside from photographing the expedition, which Gregory felt transformed him from an amateur to a professional photographer, his photographs take us from the English seaside town of Blackpool to the Cordillera ranges in Peru. Gregory’s exhibition at the Ballarat International Foto Biennale (BIFB) will take us on a journey through his photographs and his vision. As Gregory himself mused, “Pictures are often objets trouves, things found when I have not been looking for
them. They represent particular moments in time that inspired me to look beyond the ordinary to seek an inner meaning”.

This year BIFB is proud to present a dynamic Core Program of 21 Australian and International photographers, along with a further 70 artists who will exhibit as part of the Fringe program. BIFB is becoming one of the major events in the regional Victoria calendar, as Australia’s largest photography festival.

Ballarat International Foto Biennale
BIFB aims to promote photography in all its forms, to educate, inspire and question by presenting photography from the world to Australia and from Australia to the world.

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Lytro Redefines Photography with Light Field Cameras

Lytro Redefines Photography with Light Field Cameras

Introduces Biggest Innovation Since Digital Cameras

Including The Ability to Focus a Picture After It’s Taken

Mountain View, CA – June 2011- Lytro, Inc. (www.lytro.com) announced today that it is developing a “light field” camera for consumers that will forever change the way people take and experience pictures. Later this year, Lytro will start selling light field cameras that can capture all of the light rays in a scene to offer photographic capabilities never before possible, such as focusing a picture after it’s taken. Lytro cameras will also create interactive, living pictures that can be endlessly focused and refocused by both the photographer and the viewer, bringing new creative possibilities to photography. In 2010, consumers worldwide spent more than $38 billion on cameras.

Introducing Camera 3.0

Lytro’s light field camera represents the most significant shift in photography since the transition from film to digital in 1988. The light field fully defines how a scene appears, from the foreground to the background and everything in between. Unlike conventional cameras, which can only record a scene in two dimensions, light field cameras can capture all of the light traveling in every direction through a scene in four dimensions. A light field picture taken with a Lytro camera can be manipulated after the fact in ways not possible with editing software.

Light field cameras capture fundamentally more powerful data than possible in regular photographs. To record this additional data, Lytro cameras will feature an innovative new light field sensor that captures the color, intensity and direction of every light ray. Powerful software within the camera then processes the picture into a light field picture file that anyone can interact with, without needing special software.

“This is the next big evolution of the camera,” said CEO and Founder Dr. Ren Ng. “The move from film to digital was extraordinary and opened up picture taking to a much larger audience. Lytro is introducing Camera 3.0, a breakthrough that lets you nail your shot every time and never miss a moment. Now you can snap once and focus later to get the perfect picture.”

Turning Light into Living Pictures

Lytro camera capabilities will include:

Shoot now, focus later. People will no longer be disappointed by a picture that turns out focused on the wrong subject, such as the wall instead of a child’s smile. Lytro pictures can be flawlessly focused to one’s liking – days, weeks, even years after they’re taken.
Unparalleled speed: Since the camera doesn’t focus before a photo is taken, people will no longer miss important moments due to the conventional delay of the lens autofocusing as you press the shutter button.
Living pictures. Lytro creates interactive, living pictures that will engage and delight those who experience them online via social media networks, mobile phones, blogs, etc. Viewers can immerse themselves in a living picture to discover and focus in on new details by simply clicking on different parts of a picture. No software download is required.
Low-light sensitivity. By using all of the available light in a scene, light field cameras can capture better pictures in remarkably low light environments without use of a flash.
Immersive 3D. Using the full light field, Lytro cameras provide an immersive 3D picture that goes beyond the conventional stereo 3D by, for example, controlling the perspective view of a scene.

“Lytro’s breakthrough technology will make conventional digital cameras obsolete. It has to be seen to be believed,” said investor Marc Andreessen, general partner at Andreessen Horowitz.

“Humans have a deep desire to capture the experience of their lives and share it visually with others,” said Emmy-award winning multimedia journalist Richard Koci Hernandez. “From early man’s cave paintings more than 30,000 years ago to the first people posing for daguerreotype photos wearing iron collars to stay still in the 1800s, humans have gone to great lengths to tell visual stories. Light field cameras are the next step in that picture revolution.”

Out of the Lab, Into Your Pocket

Light field science and computational photography have been extensively researched for more than a century in academic environments. Light field science was the subject of Dr. Ng’s PhD dissertation in computer science at Stanford, which was awarded the internationally-recognized ACM Dissertation Award in 2007. Dr. Ng’s research focused on miniaturizing a roomful of a hundred cameras plugged in to a supercomputer in a lab. In 2011, the Lytro team will complete the job of taking light fields out of the lab and making them available in the form of a consumer light field camera.

The digital still camera market is large and growing with $38.3 billion in worldwide revenue in 2010 and expectations to increase to $43.5 billion worldwide by 2015.* Visual storytelling is universal, with 60 billion photos shared on Facebook in 2010, projected to reach 100 billion photos by this summer.

Lytro has raised approximately $50 million to date from Andreessen Horowitz, Greylock Partners, NEA and K9 Ventures, along with individual investors. K9 Ventures provided initial money to Dr. Ng and Greylock Partners seeded Lytro. NEA led the Series B round in 2010 and Andreessen Horowitz recently led its Series C, which raised $37.6 million for Lytro’s push into consumer markets this year. Board members include Mike Ramsay, consumer products pioneer and TiVo co-founder; Ben Horowitz, general partner at Andreessen Horowitz; and Patrick Chung, partner at NEA. Advisors to the company include two Nobel laureates, Stanford physics professor Douglas Osheroff and physicist Arno Penzias, as well as Intuit cofounder Scott Cook, VMware cofounder Diane Greene, Dolby Labs Chairman Peter Gotcher, and Sling Media cofounder Blake Krikorian. Lytro has assembled a world-class team of experts in areas that include engineering, design, computational photography, computer graphics, high volume manufacturing, high volume distribution, and consumer marketing.

The first Lytro camera will be available for purchase online later this year. For a demonstration of living pictures, visit the Lytro Picture Gallery www.lytro.com/picture_gallery. To reserve a camera, visit Lytro.com.

For additional commentary on Lytro’s innovations, visit Ben Horowitz’s blog: http://bhorowitz.com/2011/06/21/lytro-and-the-magic-camera/

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About Lytro:
Lytro is transforming the camera into a powerful computational photography platform and making conventional cameras a thing of the past. The company was founded in 2006 by CEO Ren Ng, whose PhD research on light field photography won Stanford’s prize for best thesis in computer science in 2006 as well as the internationally recognized ACM Dissertation award. For additional information, visit Lytro.com.

* “Digital Still Cameras: Devices, Features, Lenses, Sensors, and Semiconductors,” In-Stat (2011)

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