MELVILLE, N.Y. (Aug. 6, 2009) - Nikon Corporation today announced the winners of the Nikon Photo Contest International (NPCI) 2008-2009, including two Americans, Peter Allinson and Danny Ghitis. One of the world's largest and most prestigious photo contests, the Nikon Photo Contest International, held since 1969 and staged every other year, provides an opportunity for photographers around the world to communicate and enrich photographic culture for professionals and amateurs alike. This year's theme was also Nikon's brand statement, "At the heart of the image."

Peter G. Allinson, M.D, of Kingsville, MD, received first place in the "My Planet" category, for his work, entitled "Friends." Entries in the "My Planet" category were judged by how well they expressed the photographer's feelings about their world, whether that involved the environment, scenes from their daily life, or people and other subjects that stirred their passions. Allinson's photograph raises environmental awareness not by elaborate explanations, but with its unstaged portrayal of nature. It exemplifies photography's power to convey important messages regardless of generation.

'Friends', by Peter Allinson - First Place winner in the My Planet category. Photo provided by Nikon Inc.

The Nikon Photo Contest International also recognized Danny Ghitis, of Brooklyn, N.Y., (http://dannyghitis.com) as one of four "Emerging Talents." This award is presented to photographers under the age of 30 whose photographs show a fresh perspective, demonstrate high-level expressive power and convey the energy of youth. The panel chose his work, "Ganges Bather," for conveying emotive power, fresh subject matter and a youthful perspective that indicates great future potential as a photographer.

The Nikon Photo Contest International 2008-2009 contest received more than 51,000 photographs from 18,000 entrants representing 153 countries and regions. A total of 54 prize winners were selected from among the large number of entries by a panel of 10 international photography professionals. The judges from Nikon's native Japan were: Mr. Yoshitaka Nakatani, Mr. Kazuyoshi Nomachi, Mr. Kazuyoshi Miyoshi, Ms. Masako Imaoka, Mr. Manabu Miyazaki, Mr. Takashi Yamaguchi, and Ms. Sayaka Ikemoto. An international panel of judges included: Ms. Ami Vitale from the U.S.A., Mr. Alptekin Baloglu from Turkey, and Ms. Claudia Hinterseer from the Netherlands. The full list of winners, along with their works, can be seen on the Nikon Photo Contest International website (http://www.nikon-npci.com/).

'Ganges Bather', by Danny Ghitis - Emerging Talent Award winner. Photo provided by Nikon Inc.

About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image?. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. For the second consecutive year, Nikon D Series digital SLR cameras are recognized as "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with digital SLR cameras, Two Years in a Row, Tied in 2008." According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 and 2008 Digital Camera Usage and Satisfaction StudiesSM. Nikon Corporation, the parent company of Nikon Inc., recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of its legendary F-mount lens-mounting system. Only Nikon has sustained an original lens mount for such an extraordinary period, ensuring that photographers can continue to leverage their previous investments while still taking advantage of new innovations. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-UX or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.