2.28 Olympus Second Annual Photographers of Tomorrow Contest

Olympus hosts its second annual Photographers of Tomorrow contest, designed to inspire students enrolled in top photography programs. Under this year’s theme “YOUR WORLD: The Art of Technology Through Your Eyes,” students are encouraged to identify the innovation or technology that has had the greatest impact in their life and capture its beauty.

Before the deadline on February 28, 2009, students at participating universities can submit images at http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/oima_slr_photocontest.asp. Participating schools include: Academy of Art University San Francisco, Art Institute of Colorado, Brooks Institute, Hallmark Institute of Photography, Maine Media College, Pellissippi State Technical Community College, Rochester Institute of Technology, Texas A&M University at Commerce, The University of the Arts, Philadelphia, University of Missouri, and University of Texas at Austin.

“The Photographers of Tomorrow contest is a way for the next generation of pro photographers to showcase their work nationally, build their portfolios, and be recognized by their peers and critiqued by some of the world’s most accomplished photographers,” said John Knaur, senior marketing manager, Digital SLR, Olympus Imaging America Inc.

Images will be judged by a panel of three award-winning Olympus Visionary photographers: Larry Price, Maki Kawakita and Nick Kelsh. Submissions will be judged on four criteria: originality, photographic quality, composition and appropriateness (each valued at 25 percent). Students may submit up to four images. Images must be taken with an Olympus E-System digital SLR (single lens reflex) camera. Complete rules and regulations are available at http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/oima_slr_photocontest.asp.

A grand prize winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship and an Olympus E-3 camera, ED 12-60mm f2.8/4.0 SWD Zoom lens, ED 50-200mm f2.8/3.5 SWD Zoom lens and gadget bag. The student’s professor will also receive a matching Olympus E-3 outfit. Finalist images will be posted online for “public voting” from March 31 through April 30, 2009. The winner of the public vote will receive an Olympus E-520 kit. The grand prize and public vote winners will be announced in May 2009.

For more information about the “Photographers of Tomorrow” contest, Olympus Visionaries or Olympus products, contact Charles Leone, Mullen Public Relations, 212-885-3803 or Charles.leone@mullen.com, or Jennifer Lyons, public relations manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc., 3500 Corporate Parkway, Center Valley, PA 18034, ph: (484) 896-5350 / (800) 622-6372 or the Olympus Web site: http://www.olympusamerica.com