NikonNet Press Release 01/09/04

NikonNet and ‘Legends Behind The Lens’ Honor The Work Of Award-Winning Photographer Reed Hoffmann

MELVILLE, N.Y., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/—Whether he’s shooting extreme athletes in Borneo or teaching the many facets of digital photography, Reed Hoffmann is a photographer of impact.  Known for his dynamic abilities in journalistic and commercial photography, Hoffmann is also widely considered a pioneer in bringing the digital revolution to newspapers by becoming the
leading American digital consultant in analog-to-digital transition.

This September, NikonNet’s inspiring monthly, “Legends Behind the Lens,” honors the work of esteemed photographer Reed Hoffmann.  For almost 30 years, Hoffmann, whose work has appeared in a variety of publications such as The New York Times, USA Today, Sports Illustrated, and Outside Magazine, has combined vast newspaper experience with a thirst for world travel and adventure.  For more than 20 years, Hoffmann worked for newspapers in Indiana, Alabama and New York, twice winning NPPA Photographer of the Year honors for Region 2 (Northeast).

“NikonNet is pleased to honor the images and extraordinary career of Reed Hoffmann in this September’s ‘Legends Behind the Lens,’” said Tracy Mack-Jackson, senior manager of Internet Development and Programs at Nikon Inc. “His career is one that runs the gamut of excellence in photography, and even extends into the classroom where his methods and recommendations have impacted thousands of other photographers.”

Like many photographers, Hoffmann got his training working for newspapers, where his work would take him through a variety of situations and environments.  That training would prove beneficial when The Discovery Channel asked him to help cover six of the grueling Eco-Challenge endurance races-in Australia, Morocco, Argentina, Borneo, New Zealand and Fiji.  “I’ve done winter mountaineering, ice and rock climbing, white water kayaking and
rafting,” says Hoffmann.  “A photographer, for the Challenge, has to be an independent spirit who can manage on his own.  You may not be assigned a specific activity or shot, but if you’re in a position where something happens, you have to get it.  And you’ve got to be fit and comfortable in the outdoors.”

Today Reed is a freelancer and a partner in the company, Blue Pixel.  He is also a photography teacher and a digital photography consultant.  One of the venues where Reed showcases his experience and expertise is the Nikon School (http://www.nikonschoool.com), where he teaches the Digital 101 and 201 courses.  The former is intended for enthusiasts who are just getting into digital.  The latter is aimed at more advanced digital users.  He also teaches
at photo workshops and participates in photo tours in the United States and overseas.

His impact upon the industry is far-reaching.  “When I went freelance in 2000,” says Hoffmann, “I started getting calls from a lot of newspapers asking me to help them make the conversion to digital.  To date I’ve worked with over 30 newspapers around the country.”  Hoffmann is regularly called upon by newspapers to help photojournalists capture the best quality digital images and improve workflow.  “Working on a newspaper definitely paved the way for everything I do now,” says Hoffmann who got his start when a local newspaper
saw his work in his college paper and yearbook.

Hoffmann worked at the paper, the Evansville (Indiana) Sunday Courier & Press, throughout his college years, and he got a full-time job at the paper when he graduated.  The Indiana native soon left Evansville, and took a job in Birmingham, Alabama, at the Post-Herald.  Then his work and reputation led to an offer from the Gannett newspapers in Rochester, New York.

Photography was a hobby for him when he was in high school, but it was his evening and weekend job working for a commercial photographer that taught him the basics of the craft.  “I did a lot of lugging equipment around, changing and loading film, assisting at weddings, portrait sittings and commercial shoots.  I learned a lot, but the most important thing I learned was that I didn’t want to do studio work.” Hoffmann preferred the outdoors.  “On Sundays,
we’d get in the photographer’s old van and drive all over the tri-state area-I grew up in southern Indiana, where it borders Illinois and Kentucky.  We’d literally spend the whole day driving around looking for pictures.  That had a huge impact on my photography; you can see it in the work I do today.”

To learn more about Reed Hoffmann, 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.

SOURCE Nikon Inc.