Canon "Explorer of Light" Photographer Arthur Morris to Share Images and Ideas At Smithsonian National Zoo Lecture

Business Wire, April 25, 2001

    Business Editors/Science Writers
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      WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 25, 2001--

      Premier Bird Photographer Presents Highlights of New Photo
                       Exhibit Opening Tomorrow

      Canon U.S.A., Inc. today announced that noted nature photographer
and Canon "Explorer of Light" Arthur Morris will deliver a
slide-illustrated lecture on Thursday, April 26 at the Smithsonian
National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C. Mr. Morris's program
takes place on the day the National Zoological Park opens his exhibit,
"On A Wing And A Prayer - Migratory Birds of the Americas."
      Mr. Morris's presentation "The Art of Bird Photography" is part of
Canon's ongoing "Explorers of Light" lecture series by award-winning,
internationally known photographers.
      Mr. Morris will discuss the photographic techniques he has used
and developed to create artistic images of birds, and will show
highlights of the exhibit. "On A Wing And A Prayer," which features 64
photographs of migratory birds of the Americas, was created to raise
awareness of the four-year-old Nature Conservancy bird habitat
conservation program, Wings of the Americas. This program, made
possible by Canon U.S.A., protects critical habitats for many bird
species throughout the western hemisphere which are at risk because
native habitats in their breeding and non-breeding ranges are
disappearing.
      The lecture begins at 8:00 p.m. in the Visitor's Center Auditorium
at the National Zoo, to be preceded by a reception and book signing at
7:00 p.m. The Visitor's Center entrance is on Connecticut Avenue.
Admission to the lecture and reception is free, but reservations must
be made by calling (202) 673-4801.
      "Canon's 'Explorers of Light' lecture series and this program at
the National Zoo offer a wonderful opportunity for me to meet other
photographers and natural history enthusiasts," said Morris. "It's a
pleasure for me to share my knowledge, techniques and passion with
others in hopes of inspiring them to get afield and create some
spectacular images."
      Arthur Morris began watching birds in 1977 and spent the next six
years getting to know his subjects before taking his first photos in
1983. More than 10,000 of his images have been published in National
Geographic, Natural History, Audubon, Ranger Rick, Bird Watcher's
Digest, Wildbird, Nature Photographer, Outdoor Photographer and
countless other magazines, as well as in hundreds of books and
calendars. A former New York City teacher for 23 years, Mr. Morris's
work is known for its artistry and technical perfection. Two of his
images - out of 19,000 entries - received awards at the 1997 BG
Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition and another was so
honored in the 2000 contest. Mr. Morris last exhibited his work at the
prestigious Roger Tory Peterson Institute in Jamestown, New York
during the summer of 1999.
      "Art Morris's genuine love of birds and teaching make him a real
asset to the Canon "Explorers of Light" lecture series," said Michael
Newler, product marketing specialist for Canon's Camera Division and
creator of the "Explorers of Light" program. "While he produces
extraordinary photographs, his real gift is being able to create the
same passion in others that he feels for nature photography."

      About the Exhibition

      "On A Wing and A Prayer-Migratory Birds of the Americas" is an
exhibition of 64 stunning photographs which celebrates the diversity,
adaptations, and the sheer wonder of migratory birds of the Americas.
Each photograph, whether it captures a quiet moment or a flash of
action, serves as a reminder of our responsibility to see conservation
from a bird's eye perspective, as well as our own, and to protect the
habitats on which we all ultimately depend. The exhibition also serves
to highlight the work of conservation and research organizations, such
as the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, which foster a greater
understanding and appreciation of migratory birds through research,
conservation, education, and training.

      About the "Explorers of Light" Lecture Series

      Canon's "Explorers of Light" lecture series was established in
1995 and has featured the world's best-known and respected
photographers, including Harry Benson, Mary Ellen Mark, Douglas
Kirkland, Arnold Newman and Joyce Tenneson. As part of its continued
support of photographers and the photographic industry, all costs
associated with the lecture series are underwritten by Canon U.S.A.
The opportunity to host "Explorers of Light" lectures are offered to
industry organizations such as the American Society of Media
Photographers (ASMP), Advertising Photographers of America (APA),
Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and others.

      About the Smithsonian's National Zoo

      The Smithsonian's National Zoo was founded in 1889. Approximately
3,500 animals of 475 different species currently comprise the animal
collection. About one-quarter of the animals are endangered and many
are part of research and conservation efforts to preserve disappearing
species. The 163-acre park is located in the 3001 block of Connecticut
Ave., N.W., 20 minutes from the National Mall by subway. Arthur
Morris's lecture is part of a regular series and is free and open to
the public. RSVPs are requested. To reserve a seat, call (202)
673-4801 or e-mail rsvp@nzp.si.edu

      About Canon U.S.A.

  [pilcrow (paragraph sign)]   Canon is an industry leader in professional and
consumer imaging
systems and solutions and, through its parent company, Canon Inc. of
Japan (NYSE:CAJ), is a top patent holder of imaging technologies.
Canon works to protect the environment through its award-winning Clean
Earth Campaign, which encompasses development of energy-efficient
products, equipment remanufacturing and refurbishment, workplace
conservation and the protection of endangered species and their
habitats through donations and employee volunteerism. Canon's
environmental accomplishments include:

      --  Collecting more than 40 million Canon-manufactured toner
        cartridges used in copiers, laser printers and facsimile
        machines

      --  Providing three-year, $75,000 scholarships to doctoral
        students whose innovative research addresses scientific
        problems critical to U.S. National Parks.

      --  Underwriting since 1990 the award-winning PBS series NATURE,
        the leading public television program on nature and wildlife

      The company's comprehensive product line includes networked
multifunction devices, digital and analog copiers (color and black and
white) printers, scanners, facsimile machines, camcorders, cameras and
lenses; semiconductor, broadcast and medical equipment. Canon Americas
employs 12,000 people at more than 30 facilities throughout North,
Central, South America and the Caribbean.

      All referenced product names are trademarks of their respective
owners.

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    --30--srd/ny*

    CONTACT: Canon U.S.A. Web site:
             http://www.usa.canon.com
                or
             Art Morris Exhibit
             Web site:
             http://www.si.edu/artbirds
                or
             Editorial Contact:
             Canon U.S.A.
             Judy Raichek, 516/328-5186
             888/878-6518 - pager
             jraichek@cusa.canon.com

    KEYWORD: DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
    INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ENVIRONMENT HARDWARE PHOTO PHOTOWIRE
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