May 1, 2006 – Fujifilm teamed up with National Geographic Magazine to sponsor a photography field trip for the winner of its photo contest, the company announced today. The competition involves shooting pictures to describe “morning, noon and night.” The winner will receive a Fujifilm FinePix F30 digital camera and an all-expenses paid trip to the United Kingdom to shoot the breeze, and perhaps some photos, with pro photographer Bill Hatcher. The photos from the U.K. assignment will appear in a three-page Fujifilm advertisement that will be in a future issue of National Geographic Magazine.
“Shooting a feature for National Geographic Magazine is recognized by some professionals as the ultimate photographic achievement,” said Will Rolls, marketing manager for Fujifilm’s Digital Imaging group, in the press release. “The theme of ‘morning, noon and night’ is central to what Fujifilm is about – we are highlighting the fact that the next generation of digital cameras will have to have the sensitivity to perform in all lighting, not just bright sunlight.”
The competition’s entry form and full details will be available at http://www.morningnoonandnight.co.uk after May 15, when the site goes live. The contest is only open to amateur photographers who take three pictures describing the “morning, noon and night” theme and include an explanation no longer than 100 words. The top three finalists will all receive Fujifilm FinePix F30 digital cameras, but the grand prize winner will be the only one to travel to the U.K. for the photo shoot.
According to Bill Hatcher’s web site, he uses Nikon film cameras and lenses. He has been on assignment for National Geographic Magazine, Outside Magazine, and others. He has also shot photography that has appeared in ads for Reebok, Patagonia, and North Face. Despite the Nikon loyalty, Fujifilm and the magazine seem quite excited to work with him.
“This is a spectacular opportunity for an amateur photographer and highlights our commitment to be driven by the best content and the best photography,” said David Middis, British Isles Edition Sales Director, in the press release. “It is great to work with Fujifilm who are equally passionate about photography.”
Fujifilm is certainly excited about getting a three-page promotional spread in an upcoming issue. The spread will feature the new Fujifilm FinePix F30, which offers a wide sensitivity range from 100-3200 and a 6.3-megapixel image sensor that markets 25 percent less noise than the one on the FinePix F10 – which produced very clean shots itself. The Fujifilm FinePix F30 will retail for $399 in May.
