Olympus Press Release

CENTER VALLEY, Pa – Olympus Visionary Gary Crallé has been awarded two of the Society of American Travel Writers’ (SATW) coveted Bill Muster Photo Showcase Awards.  A Canadian travel photographer and journalist, Gary Crallé has had work published in newspapers, magazines and advertisements in more than 35 countries. “Capturing the spirit of the environment and excitement of travel have long been strengths in Gary’s photography,” said John Knaur, senior marketing manager DSLR, Olympus Imaging America Inc.  “Gary embodies the true idea of a visionary photographer, and Olympus is proud to be affiliated with such an energetic and passionate photographer, and congratulates him on this well deserved award.”

Crallé received a silver medal in the Natural Scenic category for his image of a desert landscape and an honorable mention in the same category for an image of Sequoia National Park.  Crallé‘s winning images are part of a series titled ‘American Ways,’ showcasing his 60 days of travel across America.  “I was looking for the real America: the people, values, traditions, details, architecture and landscape that have given the United States its unique character,” said Crallé.  “The instant feedback from winning the award is a confirmation of my instinct as a travel photographer, but it is the ability of the camera to capture what I see that amazes and frees me.”

Crallé has won numerous travel photography awards.  He has traveled to over 60 countries and markets stock photography through two international photo agencies, Getty Images and The Image Pro Shop.  These photos are used in all sorts of publications, including magazines, newspapers, textbooks and travel guides. His photographic career was nurtured on small newspapers, grew into portrait, commercial and corporate work, and finally settled into stock photography based largely on travel.

The Bill Muster Photo Showcase is an annual event of the SATW. This year’s awards were given out during the October convention in Santiago, Chile.  The Photo Showcase has been associated since its inception in 1981, with the name of Bill Muster, an SATW pioneer whose generosity has supported recognition of outstanding achievements in travel photography.  Honors are currently given in Natural Scenic, Cultural, People, Action, Animals, Humor and overall Portfolio categories.