Goethe-Institut Washington Press Release 29/03/04

Vampire Photo-Novel VLADRACUL Exhibition / Washington (USA) 2004
Goethe-Institut Washington
NW Washington, DC 20001-3718 / USA
May 19 - August 29, 2004

after the success in los angeles and hong kong johnny de brest brings his photo-novel “VLADRACUL” to washington.

johnny de brest’s photo-novel “vladracul”, a modern-day allegorical spin on the dracula tale, shot in berlin and poland. “vladracul” was culled from over 15.000 images, from brightly-lit contemporary clubs pulsating with under-currents of darkness to shots of auschwitz, that are simultaneously horrific and beautiful (LA WEEKLY).

Proud Galleries Press Release 26/03/04

1000@100@10
THE ULTIMATE PROUD GALLERIES SALE
MARCH 29TH - APRIL 18TH

A thousand original Gallery prints to be offered for £100…

Proud Galleries will be offering the original exhibition zero prints from some of its most popular shows at a fraction of the market price complete with a certificate of authenticity signed either by the photographer or the Gallery. The sale sees Proud Galleries opening up its store rooms in celebration of its 10th birthday and creating room in its vaults to make way for the next ten years.

With over 1000 prints to choose from - all priced at £100 or under - from the last 10 years at Proud Galleries, 1000@100@10 is guaranteed to have something to satisfy every taste - whether you are interested in music, sport, fashion or the celebrity. This one off sale will include work from such popular shows as The Rolling Stones by Gered Mankowitz and The Manic Street Preachers by Mitch Ikeda, The Smiths by Kevin Cummins - with more big names to be announced soon - as well as highlights from Hip Hop Odyssey, Underexposed, True Football, Clubbing, Century, Flag, F1, Elvis and Marilyn, Motherhood as well as many more?

The sale is also being extended to postcards, posters and books ? with postcards on offer for 10p and books available for £1.

Members of the Gallery?s sales team will be on hand throughout the two week sale to answer any questions and offer advice.

Entrance to the sale is free. Sales are on a strictly first come, first served basis so arrive early to avoid disappointment!

Microtek International, Inc. Press Release 11/03/04

Microtek International Takes Aggressive Measures

Corrects misinformation about new business relationship with Umax System GmbH

Hsinchu, Taiwan (March 11, 2004) - Microtek International, Inc. is quickly and decisively responding to a false and misleading news report recently posted on Macworld.co.uk that Umax is acquiring Microtek.  Microtek emphatically denies this report, and Umax System GmbH (USG) has provided to Macworld.co.uk additional, factual information about its newly formed business relationship with Microtek.  Macworld online in the United Kingdom has subsequently corrected its news report in its March 10, 2004 issue. 

The facts are that Microtek International, Inc. entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with USG in Europe.  This distribution agreement is specific and limited, applying to Europe only and to specific high-end scanners in Microtek?s ArtixScan and ScanMaker product lines. USG will discontinue its distribution of the PowerLook scanners in Europe as part of this agreement.  Microtek will continue to market and sell its other products including digital cameras.

UNIQUE NEW SOURCE BOOK FROM ASSOCIATION OF PHOTOGRAPHERS LAUNCHES FEB 23RD

The most comprehensive new annual photography source book for 20 years - AOP04 - is to be published by the Association of Photographers - the leading international professional photographic body.

AOP04 showcases work by 390 professional photographers from the UK and the rest of the world. However as all the photographers featured are members of the Association of Photographers, AOP04 guarantees an unparalleled base standard of photographic skill - reflecting the rigorous requirements of AOP membership.

Featuring a broad selection of images from advertising, design, fashion and editorial, AOP04 covers a larger range of categories and styles than conventional source books. This is combined with a clear, clean, uniform grid system which allows the user to navigate easily and logically from photographer to photographer. It is comprehensively indexed and searchable by name, speciality and location - making AOP04 the indispensable tool for sourcing and commissioning work from the world?s best photographers.

Epson Press Release 11/03/04

Want family from Newport set to feature as ‘The EPSON Family’

After an exhaustive, six month search covering the length and breadth of the country, EPSON, the world’s leading digital imaging company is set to announce the Want family from Newport as the country’s most typical family. Mr & Mrs Want and their two children will now become ‘The EPSON Family’ and will embark on a unique social experiment. Starting on 15th March this, until now, unknown family will be propelled into the public eye for a period of 100 days on their very own web site, www.the-epson-family.co.uk, that aims to prove that even typical family life can often be anything but.

The Want family will have their lives documented via a continuous stream of photographs and images that will constantly be uploaded and updated throughout the 100 days starting in mid-March. The Want family photos along with those captured by an array of established celebrity photographers including Lord Lichfield, Richard Young and Tim Flach will be exhibited in a top London gallery in June of this year as part of a high profile exhibition entitled “A 100 days in the life of a typical British family.”

Kodak Press Release 09/03/04

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Eastman Kodak Co., the No. 1 maker of photographic film, said on Tuesday it has filed suit against Japan’s Sony Corp. alleging that the consumer electronics company infringed 10 of Kodak’s patents related to digital photography.

In a suit filed in a New York Federal Court, Rochester, New York-based Kodak alleged that Sony’s products use technology invented by Kodak, including an “electronic camera utilizing image compression and digital storage.”

Kodak, which is undergoing a tough transition toward digital products amid the decline of its film business, and Sony are among the leaders in sales of digital cameras, which do not use film and record images on computer chips and built-in memory cards.

Kodak’s oldest patent in the matter was granted in 1991. The most recent, awarded in 2003, was for a device and method for capturing and selecting digital images to be printed.

Kodak spokesman Gerard Meuchner said the lawsuit follows the failure of talks between the companies that Kodak hoped would produce a licensing pact.

“We have attempted to resolve the matter with Sony for almost three years, and the discussion between us have not led to a suitable licensing agreement,” he said.

A Sony spokesman said he had just become aware of the suit and had no comment.

Artist David Hockney has publically denounced photography as a legitimate art form in the Guardian newspaper, claiming “that photographs can be so easily altered these days that they can no longer be seen as factual or true”. Hockney claims that art photography is “dulll” and that the validity of war photography has been cast into doubt by digital imaging techniques. Apparently “Hockney hopes there will be a positive side-effect for painting, which will gain in standing in reverse proportion.” Hmmmm.

Website: The Guardian- “The camera today? You can’t trust it.”

Nikon Press Release 26/02/04

The Picture Editors’ Awards, now in their 11th year, recognise the very best of photographic journalism throughout the UK and Ireland.

The awards are sponsored by BG Group, CETA Imaging, The Corporation of London, Diageo, Fujifilm, Getty Images and Nikon UK.

A jury of 30 picture editors from national and regional newspapers and agencies throughout the UK and Ireland met at the Foreign Press Association in London to nominate photographers for the 16 portfolio and single image categories.

Picture Editors across the UK and Ireland will now be invited to vote on the ultimate winners, which will be announced on Tuesday 18th May.

Please visit http://www.pictureawards.net to view the nominated images.

Association of Photographers Press Release

The Association of Photographers is proud to announce that the presentation of the Photography Awards 2004 will take place at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Rosebery Avenue, London EC1 from 6:30pm on Monday 22 March 2004. The Photography Awards 2004 will feature the 21st AOP Photographers’ Awards, the Fujifilm Assistants? Awards, and two new additions, the Zeitgeist and the AOP Bursary.

The evening will include complimentary drinks and a chance to view the images selected for the Photography Awards 2004, both in the exhibition and during the audio-visual presentation. Seating is theatre style and tickets will be numbered.

Tickets cost including VAT: ?40 (AOP members ?30). The book of the Awards will also be launched on the night and will be available at a special price of ?30 (normal price ?35).  Please note all AOP members will receive a copy of the Awards book free of charge.

Please note that your tickets will be sent out approximately 2 weeks before the events and no tickets will be issued until payment has been received.

Tickets may be purchased online using credit or debit cards ? if you experience any problems or wish to pay by cheque please contact Rachel Rogers on 020 7739 6669

http://www.the-aop.org/home.htm

Famous fashion photographer Helmut Newton has died in a car crash in Los Angeles. Aged 83, Newton apparently lost control of his car whilst leaving the car park of a hotel in Hollywood and crashed into a wall. Click below for the full story.

Website: BBC News

Website: About.com - Directory of Notable Photographers: Helmut Newton

PTN Announces Top Photo and Imaging Products of the Year; Leading Imaging Products Help to Determine Photographic Technology Future
[Business Wire]
Business Wire via NewsEdge Corporation : MELVILLE, N.Y.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Dec. 11, 2003—If you haven’t yet purchased that digital camera, camcorder, home printer, cell phone or even a single-use camera for someone special for the holidays, don’t take another step until you look at what the experts have chosen as their top products of 2003. Photo Trade News (PTN), the number one business journal in the photo imaging industry, recently unveiled its Top Photo and Imaging Products of the Year as voted on by its thousands of photo trade retailers who are asked to rate the products that created the most consumer excitement throughout the year and impacted their bottom line.

Not surprisingly, the Top Product Overall for five years in a row was a digital camera. The Canon EOS Digital Rebel not only took top honors, but it also claimed the top spot for the Digital SLR category. With details like a highly responsive autofocus and Continuous Shooting Mode which allows users to capture split-second action sequences at 2.5 fps with a 4-shot burst, it’s easy to see what draws buyers.

The Pentax Optio S4 and Olympus Stylus Digital 300/400 tied in the Consumer Digicam category, both offering similar opportunities to capture great photographs.

“Because the winners are chosen by the photo trade industry, honorees are acknowledged by the group responsible for selling their product,” says Cygnus Imaging Group Publisher Kathy Schneider. “Being selected essentially lets the manufacturer know that they are succeeding and their retailers are happy.”

Canon’s entire line of camcorders was selected as a Top Product and it was Fuji’s line of one-time-use-cameras that retailers found to be the best seller. Epson claimed first and second spots for home printers with their Stylus Photo 925 a close second to their Stylus Photo 2200. If you’re searching for the top cell phone, look no further than Motorola’s product line.

“We’re seeing more technology-based imaging solutions and products scoring fairly high,” says PTN Publisher Liz Vickers. “The photo industry is being revolutionized with items like this year’s Overall Technology winner Graphx Photogize which gives consumers a fast and easy way to send digital photos from their home PC to the local photo retailer, for same day print fulfillment. Only a decade ago, we couldn’t even imagine such innovations.”

For a complete list of PTN’s Top Photo and Imaging Product winners and runners-up, log onto Imaging-info.com. Photo Trade News (PTN) magazine reaches 12,500 imaging industry retailers primarily through the photo specialty, minilab, consumer electronic drugstore and computer channels. The magazine is published 12 times per year and is currently in its 67th year of successfully covering the photo trade industry.

Olympus Press Release 04/12/03
RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2003
28 Talented Youngsters Shortlisted!

Twenty-eight budding young photographers from all over the UK have been shortlisted for a prize in the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2003, sponsored by Olympus Cameras and Truprint.

From household pets, creepy crawlies and farm animals, to hippos and swooping seagulls ? the variety of pictures entered this year has never been more diverse. For the first time the awards ceremony will be held at the prestigious Spencer Gallery at the Natural History Museum in London on Thursday, 11th December, where all 34 stunning photographs will be unveiled and the names of the winners announced.     

This year 8,000 entries were received, making the competition the most hotly contested yet. The judging was extremely difficult as the quality and standard of photos entered was particularly high in both age groups.

Entries were divided into two different age groups - under 12s and 12 to 18s. The overall winner will receive an Olympus Mju 300 digital camera and a ?250 cash prize from Truprint. Winners from each age group will be given an Olympus Mju V compact camera and ?100 from Truprint. In addition, eight runners-up will each get an Olympus Mju III 100 compact camera and ?50 from Truprint. The winning photos will then be displayed at Tootsies, Old Brompton Road, London until the end of January 2004.

Television presenter and wildlife photographer Chris Packham is a long-serving supporter of the awards and joined the judging panel again this year: ?It remains a peculiarity of this competition that the final set of photos are always very strong and make a powerful exhibition.  I think this is because the competition gives the kids a lot of scope. The subject can be any animal and they respond very well to this with a wide range of farm animals, wild animals and pets.?

RE:CREATION, the UK?s biggest creativity awards programme has finally finished its UK tour and is now welcoming applications for its awards programme.

RE:CREATION?s 6 award categories are: Photography, Music, Fashion Design, Illustration/Design, Creative Writing and Film. Applications are welcome from anyone in the UK aged 26 or under and must be received by 12.1.04. Entries will be judged by a celebrated panel of experts including Rankin, Mary Anne Hobs, David Bailey and Julie Verhoeven. Category prizes have been specifically designed to give an enormous boost to each winner, giving them an amazing platform from which to launch their career!

*** Run by Topshop and Dazed & Confused, re:creation have been holding special seminars and parties throughout the UK. They have provided a fantastic opportunity for up-and-coming film makers, musicians, photographers, journalists and other aspiring ?creatives? to get insider tips from top professionals.***

Entry forms can be found online attopshop.co.uk / confused.co.uk & @ all Topshop, Borders & Fopp Stores?

Thanks to Ed Weiner for emailing me this news which will affect all US-based photographers…

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

Thanks to the efforts of the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) and the cooperation and understanding of the Transportation Security Administration, working photographers and other members of the traveling public may now take on board an additional piece of carry-on baggage containing photographic equipment.  This means that you are allowed to carry on two bags - when at least one is photographic equipment - along with a personal item. This accommodation will make it easier to travel for working photographers with sensitive and valuable equipment.  Document Checkers are being informed at this time of the change in Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations.  The TSA has said to go ahead at this time and take advantage of the new policy.

Be advised that some Document Checkers may not be aware of the change in policy and this will require your speaking to the airline’s customer service personnel.  Also, the additional bag must conform to the carry-on regulations for size and weight.  There will still be occasions when there simply is no space available on board for additional carry-on and this will require checking a bag.

ASMP Information:
For almost sixty years, the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) has been the premier trade association for promoting and protecting the interests of working publication photographers. Membership in ASMP continues to be recognized worldwide as a commitment to professionalism, quality, good ethics, and as a sign of proven experience. Founded in 1944 by a handful of the world’s leading photojournalists, ASMP has grown to over 5000 members in 40 chapters in the United States and in many foreign countries. ASMP is built on the cornerstones of education, information, and advocacy. ASMP members are drawn from every photographic specialty - advertising, annual reports, corporate/industrial, architecture, underwater, editorial, fashion, medical, sports, special effects, and more - but are held together by their common problems and concerns. ASMP calls upon the wealth of information available from within its experienced membership and from industry leaders to develop solutions that work. ASMP has the determination and clout to make its voice heard. ASMP is photographers helping photographers through community, culture, commerce, and publications.

Eugene Mopsik
Executive Director, ASMP
November 21, 2003

US department of Homeland Security

DP-Now editor Ian Burley has posted his report of the Photo-Optix Digital Imaging Expo, held this wekend at Windsor Race Course in the UK. The Sony F-828, Olympus E1, Nikon D2H and the Sigma SD-9 were all being displayed. Ian has posted pictures of these cameras and more. I totally forgot that the show was on…damn!

Website: Digital Imaging Expo Report

Olympus Press Release 06/11/03

Photos taken by the rich and famous raised over ?40,000 for the fashion industry?s leading AIDS charity - Fashion Acts -  last night. The auction, supported by Olympus for the fifth year, saw a host of famous faces including Mariella Frostrup, Jimmy Choo, Graeme Le Saux and Peter Gabriel turn up and bid for the celebrity snaps. The event took place at Bonhams in Knightsbridge, where 40 photographs were auctioned for as much as ?2,000 each! Further photographs are still available for silent bid.

Over forty stars including Dannii Minogue, David Bailey, Mario Testino, Nigella Lawson, Peter Gabriel, Manolo Blahnik, Bryan Adams, Matthew Williamson and Julien MacDonald took on the role of paparazzi with their personally engraved, stylish Olympus Mju 300 digital camera. The two best snapshots from each then went up for sale - one for auction last night, and one for the silent bid.

The silent bid photographs will be exhibited at two locations where the general public will be able to bid for them:

- 6th -11th November - InsideSpace gallery on the lower ground floor of Selfridge?s Oxford Street store
- 12th November ? 10th December at Westover Hall, Milford-on-Sea, Hampshire.

To place a silent bid, please send details of the photo and the amount you wish to [email protected] or by post to: Kathy Davies, Fashion Acts, 30 Elgin Crescent, London, W11 2JR. Bidding closes on 15th December 2003, and no money is due unless your bid is accepted by Fashion Acts*.

Fashion Acts is the UK fashion industry’s principle charity for raising awareness and funds for HIV and AIDS. 

Note:
* If bidding for more than one photograph all bids accepted will be due for payment. The highest bid entered for each photograph will be accepted and the lucky bids will be notified by Fashion Acts by 15th December 2003 and delivered on receipt of payment. We regret that we cannot notify unsuccessful bids.