By Shutterbug Staff

June 28, 2005 — HP has announced its first annual “On Assignment with HP” contest for advanced amateur and professional photographers. Running May 18 through August 31, 2005, the program is designed to help promote HP’s high quality photo printing solutions and capture a special new collection of original photography. The winning images will be evaluated and selected based on composition, sharpness, lightning, creativity and originality by a panel of judges that includes world-renowned photographer Douglas Kirkland.

“HP’s commitment to the photography market runs deep and we believe this contest will help support and recognize the efforts of this talented community,“ said Enrique Lores, Vice President & General Manager, HP Inkjet Commercial Division (ICD). “From the advanced amateur photo to fine arts reproduction, HP’s professional photography products incorporate the latest advancements in HP color sciences with unparalleled output.”

Contest participants will have a chance to showcase their imagination and skill in three categories, designed to allow maximum freedom to explore original creative ideas. The categories are as follows:
· Color: This category will explore the wide range of brilliant colors taken through the lens as well as capturing clear, well-defined images.

· Black and White: The best photos in this category will include a wide range of gray shades, yet will also take into account sharp imagery.

· Portrait/Social: Featuring people in still or social settings, photos submitted in this category will be judged on both the use of color and well-defined images.

By demonstrating imagination through the creation of images, a grand prize and runner-up prize will be awarded in each category. Grand prize winners will be awarded $5,000 in cash, an HP Designjet 90 series printer, as well as 30 professional-quality prints from their portfolio. The runner-up prizes include an HP Photosmart 8750 printer and supplies kits including HP Vivera inks and photo paper.

The judging panel will include photographer Douglas Kirkland, a team of creative professionals from Publicis in the West, and HP representatives. Winners will be notified on September 30th. Participants may enter the program by uploading their photo(s) electronically at the program website (www.hp.com/go/onassignment) from May 18 through August 31, 2005. Only original photographs will be accepted. Graphic designs or illustrations will not be accepted. For full terms and conditions, please visit the program website.

www.hp.com.