NikonNet Press Release 01/10/04

NikonNet and ‘Legends Behind the Lens’ Honor the Work of Veteran Photographer Jim Richardson

MELVILLE, N.Y., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/—Call him a photographer for the common man. To award-winning photojournalist Jim Richardson, there is something exciting about small-town America. While many photographers revel in the adrenaline of capturing wars or shooting sports scenes, Richardson’s drive comes from discovering what everyday people do to fill their everyday lives.

This October, NikonNet’s inspiring monthly, “Legends Behind the Lens,” honors the work of esteemed photographer Jim Richardson.  For three decades, Richardson, whose work appears regularly in National Geographic, has combined an uncanny ability to capture beautiful images out of what are often-ignored subjects.  As a freelance photographer and contributing editor for National Geographic Traveler, Richardson has also published several critically acclaimed books.

“NikonNet is pleased to honor the images and extraordinary career of Jim Richardson in this October’s ‘Legends Behind the Lens,’” said Tracy Mack-Jackson, senior manager of Internet Development and Programs at Nikon Inc. “His career is a great example of a photographer who is well-prepared, curious and creative, which allow him to produce captivating images that capture the full range of human emotion.”

Richardson has photographed in communities all over the world, mostly for National Geographic magazine.  What sets his photography apart is his desire to truly understand his subjects. “If I’m going to produce something of real value,” he says, “I have to bring something more than just being really good at twisting knobs on a camera.”  Renowned for his in-depth preparation before any project, Richardson has established himself through a careful balance of creativity and research.

For 30 years, Richardson has been documenting Cuba, Kansas, a small town some 15 miles from his boyhood home.  While, to some, it may seem irrelevant to document the same town of 300 people, to Richardson it is more than a passion.  “I don’t care if it’s the middle of Kansas or the middle of China, find any community and you’ll find people who are creative in their own way,” says Richardson.  “My job as a photographer is to find out what they do to make their lives interesting.”

When Richardson began photographing Cuba in the late 1970s, he thought he was going to document the decline and eventual disappearance of a small town in America.  However, his photographs soon taught him that this little town was going to endure.  As Richardson began to understand that Cuba was more about community and less about town, more about the relationships of its people than about its streets and sidewalks, he was drawn to the people through whom his photographs would reveal the town’s sense of community.

Thirty years later, Cuba continues to thrive, and Richardson continues to capture it.

His photographic essays have been featured in Life, American Photographer, and Popular Photography. His books include The Colorado: A River at Risk, The Air Force Academy, and Virginia Military Institute.  His documentary photography includes High School, USA and his audio-visual production Reflections from a Wide Spot in the Road received the Crystal AMI and the Photokina Gold Medal. He has been featured on CBS News Sunday Morning, and has given four Masters of Photography lectures for National Geographic.

He was chosen as a photographer for the Day in the Life of series where he helped tell the story of people in the US, China, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and the Soviet Union. He has received three Special Recognition Awards for World Understanding, and was named Honored Citizen by the people of Cuba, Kansas.

To learn more about Jim Richardson, 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 Nikon: 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.