Site Launch Complemented By On-The-Go iPhone App and Travel Photo Contest

March 31, 2011, Commack, NY — Tamron USA, Inc., has announced the launch of MyPhotoExhibits (MPE), an innovative way for photographers looking to showcase their favorite images in a unique, free online venue. Unlike traditional static online galleries, Tamron's SoHo-like MyPhotoExhibits interface, available at http://tamron.myphotoexhibits.com/, allows users to create customizable 3D exhibits with a vibrant interactive experience.

MyPhotoExhibits offers a creative way to transform the way images are viewed and shared: Photographers simply set up a user avatar and bio, upload their favorite high-resolution images, and create a personalized exhibit space. After organizing the exhibit and captioning the photographs, users can put the finishing touches on their exhibit space, choosing from a variety of gallery spaces (wall and floor textures and colors), photo frames, furniture, and lighting options. It’s easy to go back into the MPE interface at any time to add more photos, tweak presentation specs, or create an unlimited number of new exhibits that feature travel pictorials, special events, projects, and more.

Spreading the word about these custom 3D exhibits is another way in which MyPhotoExhibits stands out from other online galleries. Once an exhibit is ready to “open,” it’s easy to share it with friends: Users simply send out an invitation from the website or iPhone app to Facebook or other social media platforms, or by email, to direct friends to their exhibit, which can be viewed by “invitation only” or remain open to the public. Viewers are able to sign the photographer's guestbook, choose “favorite” exhibits and “follow” exhibiting photographers.

Visitors can check out all available public exhibits on the site or browse by category. Tamron will also suggest favorite exhibits for further photographic inspiration — users can even submit their own exhibits for consideration in this coveted “Featured by Tamron” category. To maximize photographers’ MyPhotoExhibits experience, Tamron-created exhibits will also be prominently featured on the site to instruct users on how to take better photos.

Companion iPhone App for On-The-Go Viewing and Sharing
To enhance the convenience and user-friendliness of the MyPhotoExhibits site, a companion iPhone application for photography enthusiasts on the go accompanies the site launch. The convenient app, found at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tamron-mpe/id420404201?mt=8, offers easy access to MyPhotoExhibits wherever users may be. Through their iPhone, users can browse through all available MPE exhibits; view their own 3D exhibits; check out exhibits of other photographers that they may “follow”; and share their exhibits by sending out an e-mail or Facebook invite to friends.

My Travel Exhibit Photo Contest Winner Gets a Spread in American Photo Magazine and Tamron Zoom Lens
To kick off the launch of MyPhotoExhibits, Tamron is sponsoring the “My Travel Exhibit” photo contest. Photographers will create a 3D virtual exhibit on MyPhotoExhibits featuring 8 to 14 of their best travel images shot with Tamron lenses. The winning exhibit chosen by American Photo and Tamron, selected based on the overall image quality and originality of the collection, will be featured in a two-page spread in the September/October 2011 issue of American Photo magazine. The winner will also receive a Tamron 18-270mm Di II VC PZD 15X all-in-one zoom lens (valued at $649) in the winner's choice of Canon, Nikon or Sony mount. Entrants without computer or Internet access may send in entries by mail. The deadline for submissions is May 30, 2011; complete contest information and rules are available at http://tamron.myphotoexhibits.com/contest.

About Tamron
Tamron is a leading manufacturer of photographic lenses. Among its many optical and mechanical innovations since the founding of the company in 1950, Tamron's development of mass-produced hybrid Aspherical elements paved the way for today’s compact high power all-in-one lenses when, in 1992, this technology was incorporated into the groundbreaking 28-200mm. Tamron continues to lead in this category of lenses with the new 18-270mm Di II VC PZD — the world's smallest and lightest 15X zoom lens featuring Tamron's proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) system for blur-free hand-held shooting of photos in low light and at telephoto settings and PZD (Piezo Drive) autofocus system for fast and quiet AF operation. Tamron has garnered international acclaim for its extensive line-up of professional and consumer lenses.

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