MELVILLE, NY: Olympus America is helping give 1,000 photographers a glimpse of what the country looks like.
The camera company provided digital cameras to 1,000 professional photojournalists for America 24/7, the first in a series of all-digital photography books chronicling a week in the life of the US and its citizens, from Orthodox Jewish families to coal miners. The book was the top seller on Amazon.com during its first week of release in early November.
Similar books focusing on each of the 50 states, as well as New York City and Washington, DC, will follow the book.
"Last year, we worked with the creators [of America 24/7] when they did A Day in the Life of Africa," said Olympus America PR manager Chris Sluka. "We provided all photographers with the equipment for that book. We were happy to participate again in this project."
Working with its PR agency, Mullen PR, Olympus America is participating in the media tour along with the book's creators, where images taken with Olympus' cameras are projected behind the speakers, including Olympus America CEO Mark Gumz, who has also answered questions about digital photography.
The kickoff event was held at the New York Public Library, with an outdoor exhibit of the photography at the neighboring Bryant Park.
Not only was Olympus able to leverage national attention, but it also captured local media by highlighting images from specific parts of the country.
"We wanted to promote the digital experience," said Sluka of Olympus' involvement with the book. "We wanted to get as many cameras into the hands of professionals as possible. It's right in line with our whole philosophy of ushering in the digital experience and revolution."
