The Annual 2008 Share the Experience Photo Contest Challenges Photo Enthusiasts to Explore, Experience and Capture America’s Federal Lands

WASHINGTON, D.C., August 18, 2008…The National Park Foundation and Olympus Imaging America Inc. challenge everyone who can point and click to grab their camera, head to a federal land, and enter the 2008 Share the Experience Photo Contest. This year’s official contest is sponsored by the National Park Foundation and Olympus in partnership with the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Forest Service.
The 2008 Share the Experience Photo Contest will run from August 18, 2008 through December 31, 2008 and showcases the more than 500 million acres of Federal Lands, drawing entries from all across the United States.

All 2008 entrants will have the opportunity to win one of five exciting prize packages with a total of 14 winners. The Grand Prize winner will earn the international honor of having the winning image grace all the 2010 "Federal Recreation Lands Pass,” an annual admission that provides access to all participating Federal Land Management Agency sites where an entrance fee is charged. Additionally, the grand prize winner will receive an Olympus E-3 DSLR digital camera kit and a five-day, four-night trip to a Federal Recreation Land of his/her choice.

“The National Park Foundation is grateful to Olympus for supporting the 8th annual federal lands photo contest, providing park goers with the opportunity to discover the beauty and diversity of our nation’s protected lands and share that experience with all of America,” said Vin Cipolla, President and CEO of the National Park Foundation. “By entering in the 2008 Share the Experience Photo Contest, individuals can take part in a truly American pastime: helping others see the beauty and value of our national parks.  The National Park Foundation is delighted to sponsor this year’s contest with Olympus to get people out to the parks to capture great photo memories.”

“Olympus is proud to be the official sponsor of the National Parks photo contest,” said F. Mark Gumz, President, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “We offer shockproof, waterproof, freezeproof and highly portable cameras, which are perfect for capturing the parks’ elements in any season. We are committed to respecting nature and promoting healthy, active lifestyles. We encourage everyone to capture our nation’s parks through photography while leaving these majestic lands untouched for future generations to appreciate.”

Citizens and legal residents of the United States who are at least 18 years of age can enter by submitting up to three photo entries online at www.sharetheexperience.org; or via mail in a hand-written, stamped envelope to:

Share the Experience Official Federal Recreation Lands Photo Contest
c/o ePrize, LLC
PO Box 8070
Royal Oak, MI 48068

All photographs entered must be taken in one of the Federal Recreation Agency Lands between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008, must be original creations, and must be submitted by the original photographer.  PLEASE SEE OFFICIAL RULES AT www.sharetheexperience.org.

Mail-in entries must be postmarked by December 31, 2008 and received by the close of business on January 8, 2009. Each envelope must include only one entry.  All photos will be judged on creativity; photographic quality; visual appeal; appropriateness; ability to show diversity and the richness of the Federal Recreation Lands.

Additionally, the public will be able to view an online photo gallery of 2008 submissions from January 9, 2009 – January 16, 2009 and vote on their favorites from January 17, 2009 - January 31, 2009.

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About the National Park Foundation The National Park Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization chartered by Congress in 1967 to continue a century-long tradition of private philanthropy ensuring funding to preserve and enhance the legacy of our National Parks. As the official non-profit partner of America’s National Parks, the National Park Foundation does not receive federal appropriations for their support. The National Park Foundation serves to strengthen the connection between the American people and their national parks by raising private funds, making strategic grants, creating innovative partnerships and increasing public awareness. Support of the National Park Foundation ensures that the evolving history and rich heritage of our Nation remains vital and relevant.    

About Olympus Imaging America Inc. Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets. Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its ultimate parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhances peoples’ lives every day.  These include:

• Digital and Film Cameras as well as related Underwater Products and Accessories
• Professional Digital SLR Imaging Systems as well as related Underwater Products and Accessories
• Digital and Microcassette Recorders
• Digital Media
• Binoculars

Olympus Imaging America Inc. is responsible for sales in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. For more information, visit: www.olympusamerica.com.