Nikon Press Release 01/07/04

NikonNet and ‘Legends Behind the Lens’ Honor the Work of Veteran Photographer Doug Menuez

MELVILLE, N.Y., July 1 /PRNewswire/—For award-winning photojournalist Doug Menuez, there is a real connection between tequila and a camera, and it goes far beyond ‘great shots.’  In fact, with everything from tequila to technology, Doug Menuez has proven that, if you look closely, there is a story to tell.

This July, NikonNet’s inspiring monthly, “Legends Behind the Lens,” honors the work of esteemed photojournalist and commercial photographer Doug Menuez. Since 1981, Menuez has photographed major news stories from the famine in Ethiopia to South American drug wars for Time, Newsweek, Life, People and Fortune.  His eye for fine art has also made him one of the most sought-after commercial photographers in the country.

“NikonNet is pleased to honor the images and extraordinary career of Doug Menuez in this July’s ‘Legends Behind the Lens,’” said Tracy Mack-Jackson, senior manager of Internet Development and Programs at Nikon Inc. “For over 20 years, Doug has captured some of the most memorable images in news and advertising.  He has truly served his industry through his creativity, inventiveness and search for finding new stories to tell.”

Starting in 1987, Menuez spent ten years documenting the development of new technology with unprecedented access to almost every major technology company, covering digital pioneers and key players such as Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Andy Grove, John Warnock and Bill Joy.

The demands involved with covering world news, while capturing commercial images, has garnered Menuez a number of awards and acceptance into some of the most prestigious organizations for photographers.  He’s been a sports photographer and a fashion shooter. He’s photographed for corporate annual reports and upscale catalogs.  However, his passion still remains in story-telling.  In fact, it’s a profound curiosity that Menuez credits for his
success.  That curiosity led him to embark on Agave Amanacer, a book that examines the relationship between Mexican culture and tequila.

“Someone told me that the only thing all Mexicans have in common is tequila. Mexico is a mix of Indian, Spanish, German, French and American culture—there are so many influences. It’s a complex place, but tequila is one thing everyone has. Tequila is entwined in the family; in Mexico, if there’s a serious family discussion going on, you bring out the tequila, the way you would wine in Europe.”

His passion for photography has also helped sustain his passion for people. In 1989, Menuez co-published 15 Seconds: The Great San Francisco Earthquake of 1989, which sold 70,000 copies.  It was on the San Francisco Chronicle’s best-seller list, and generated over half a million dollars for earthquake victims.  He directed his first commercial to help support a camp
for children with AIDS.  The spot was named one of the best public service ads of the year by the US Advertising Review.

Menuez currently shoots advertising and fashion campaigns for major brands including Amazon.com, Hallmark, DuPont, Reebok, Champion, ITT, Chevrolet, Disney, Northwest Airlines, and Microsoft to name a few. He has recently won awards from the Cannes Festival, The One Show, The San Francisco Show, The Art Director’s Club of NY, Photo District News, an has been accepted into American Photography 18, Communication Arts and the prestigious European Association of Photographers.

To learn more about Doug Menuez, 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 photography.  Nikon 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 photographers.  “Legends Behind the Lens” also offers portfolio galleries, with a new photo 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.

About NikonNet:
Nikon…If the picture matters, the camera matters(TM).  Nikon Inc. is the world leader in precision optics, 35mm and digital imaging technology and is recognized worldwide for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment.  Nikon Inc. distributes the Nikon Total Imaging System of consumer and professional 35mm film and digital SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights
and System Accessories; 35mm compact cameras; Nikon Coolpix(R) compact digital cameras; Coolscan(R) digital film scanners; Nikonos(R) underwater photographic systems; and Nikon sports and recreational optics.  Through the Nikon Spirit Initiative(TM), the company, plays an active role in supporting aspiring and advanced photographers through a variety of philanthropic organizations, educational programs, events and workshops.  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.

SOURCE Nikon Inc.