New Delhi, October 5, 2005; Nokia, the global leader in mobile communications, today announced that it has selected acclaimed Indian photographer, Mr. Raghu Rai, as its imaging ambassador for the Asia Pacific region in the Nokia Nseries ‘See New’ Competition.

The competition is a Nokia Nseries global initiative aimed at increasing awareness for mobile photography. Along with Raghu Rai, Nokia has selected four high profile photographers including Juergen Teller from Germany, Jian Cheng Dong from China, American photographer Philip-Lorca DiCorcia and UK-based Nick Waplington, to spearhead this international photography competition across the globe. This program will be open to anyone above the age of 18 with a megapixel camera phone across the Asia Pacific.  The winner will be selected based on the spontaneous creativity and sharpness of images captured by the participants and will get to spend a day with one of the photographers assisting on a commercial photoshoot.
 

The Nokia Nseries ‘See New’ Competition is the first global initiative of its kind undertaken by Nokia where in addition to building awareness for mobile photography, Nokia aims to encourage and uncover new photography talent, and provide a launch pad for aspiring photographers who are seeking a career in photography. Nokia is also showcasing its latest range of Nseries devices which are best-in-class, high performance pocketable computers with the most comprehensive set of multimedia features that combine the functions of computers, cameras, music players, internet and email services. To enhance the consumer imaging experience when using Nseries devices, Nokia has partnered with leading technology players including Carl Zeiss for superior optics and HP for printing.  Elaborating on the rationale for creating the Nokia Nseries ‘See New’ Competition, Mr. Juha Putkiranta, SVP, Imaging, Nokia said “As the market leader in mobile imaging Nokia has always endeavored to enrich the mobile imaging experience for its customers through its high quality camera phones with multiple benefits. The ‘See New’ competition is a unique international photography initiative spearheaded by some of the most talented photographers in the world. It demonstrates our commitment to continue driving this rapidly developing market.”

Highlighting Nokia’s role in expanding the market for mobile imaging in India, Mr. Gautam Advani, Director, Multimedia, Nokia India said “Nokia has been leading the mobile imaging revolution in India and the Nokia Nseries ‘See New’ Competition  is yet another example of Nokia’s endeavor to promote the responsible usage of mobile photography. We are committed towards enhancing the mobile experience for Indian consumers by driving mobile multimedia and I am confident that this initiative will help popularize mobile photography in the country.”

Expressing delight at this unique initiative, Mr. Raghu Rai said “It gives me great pleasure to partner with a global brand such as Nokia to indulge my passion for photography. As the world around us evolves it is technology that helps us harness our creativity and I have been truly impressed with the superior imaging capability of the Nokia N90.”

Highlighting some of the superior functions of the N90 he added “The Nokia N90 has become a constant companion that never leaves my side. The Nokia N90 is a true delight, especially the sequence mode that allows me to capture multiple images of an event as it evolves.”
 

The Nokia Nseries ‘See New’ Competition will be open till December 16, 2005. To participate, enthusiasts can either send in their entries to www.seenew.com.  Raghu Rai’s Nokia N90 Photography Tips 1. Preparation is key - pre-program your preferred settings on the Nokia N90 before going out and about. 2. Ensure you have a steady grip of your handset before you shoot.  3. Prepare your subject for the short time delay that occurs between your screen view and resultant image. 4. Use the flash to add more detail to your image. It can change the atmosphere of your entire image and liven it up. 5. Use natural light where possible - it will help you to capture true images. 6. Autofocus on the Nokia N90’s Carl Zeiss optics creates very high standard images. But if your subject matter is extremely    detailed, use the focusing screen to get a close up shot.  7. Carry spare batteries and MMC cards on long shoots.

About Raghu Rai, Nokia’s imaging ambassador
Raghu Rai is one of India’s leading documentary photographers. His award winning photographs capture his native country including the work carried out by Mother Theresa in Calcutta along with exposing political and environmental damage suffered by his country men. His works are permanently exhibited at the National Gallery of Modern Art, Delhi Bibliotheque Nationale in Paris and Philadelphia Museum of Art.

About Nokia Nseries
Nokia Nseries is a range of high performance multimedia devices that delivers unparalleled mobile multimedia experiences by combining the latest technologies with stylish design and ease of use. With Nokia Nseries products, consumers can use a single device to enjoy entertainment, access information and to capture and share pictures and videos, whenever and wherever they want.

About Nokia
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations. www.nokia.com.