New Photography Exhibit Showcases Award-Winning Images From the White House News Photographers Association

'The Eyes of History 2012' Opens Sept. 28 at the Newseum

WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- From the White House to war zones, from the campaign trail to Capitol Hill, the photographers of the White House News Photographers Association capture newsmaking moments across the nation and around the world.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120913/DC74131)

The Newseum showcases the best of these images in "The Eyes of History 2012," a new exhibit featuring award-winning photojournalism from the WHNPA's annual competition. The exhibit opens at the Newseum on Sept. 28, 2012.

"The Eyes of History 2012" highlights more than 70 prize-winning photographs, along with video and new media, from WHNPA photographers and videographers, including the winners of the competition's top awards — Photographer of the Year, Political Photo of the Year, Video Photographer of the Year and Video Editor of the Year. The exhibit features news photography of the people and events that shaped the world in 2011.

Charles Dharpak of the Associated Press was named Photographer of the Year for his portfolio that includes photos of President Barack Obama shaking the prosthetic hand of an Army Ranger wounded in Afghanistan and first lady Michelle Obama's surprise visit to a suburban Target store.

Andrew Harnik of The Washington Times won the Political Photo of the Year award for his image of presidential hopeful Ron Paul delivering a speech as a military veteran raises his fist in support. The photo is part of Harnik's award-winning portfolio tracking Republican candidates on the campaign trail.

Also featured in the exhibit is Washington Post photographer Nikki Kahn's portrait series of civil rights leaders who have carried on the legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. She made the photos to mark the 2011 opening of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial.

Two original Newseum-produced videos feature interviews with the still photographers as well as Video Photographer of the Year Louie Eroglu of the Australian Broadcasting Corp. and Video Editor of the Year Garrett Hubbard, formerly with USA Today.

"Photojournalists capture the moments that define our time," said Jim Duff, CEO of the Newseum. "The prize-winning photos in this exhibit remind us of the critical role journalists play in recording the people and events that make history."

Photographer of the Year Charles Dharapak will speak at the Newseum's Inside Media program on Saturday, Sept. 29, at 2:30 p.m. The Newseum will host Nikon Photo Day on Nov. 17, featuring Dharapak, Andrew Harnik and Nikki Khan discussing their photos, with activities throughout the day celebrating photojournalism.

The exhibit also traces the history of the WHNPA. Founded in 1921 — when the two things barred from the U.S. Capitol were dogs and photographers — the association has served as "the eyes of history" for 91 years. Members of the WHNPA cover the president, Congress and major news events in Washington and around the world. The awards were established in 1941. This year, more than 250 photographers competed for awards in 50 categories.

Nikon is the exclusive sponsor of "The Eyes of History 2012" exhibit.

"The White House News Photographers play a pivotal role in capturing historical moments as they happen," said Bo Kajiwara, Vice President of Marketing, Planning and Customer Experience, Nikon Inc. "We are proud to support photojournalism and partner with the Newseum to bring this exciting collection to the public."

This exhibit was created in cooperation with the White House News Photographers Association. The photographic prints in the exhibit have been generously provided by National Geographic.

"The Eyes of History 2012" will be on display through March 29, 2013.

About the Newseum
The Newseum — a 250,000-square-foot museum of news and history — offers visitors an experience that blends five centuries of news history with up-to-the-second technology and hands-on exhibits. Within its seven levels of galleries and theaters, the Newseum offers a unique environment that takes museum-goers behind the scenes to experience how and why news is made. The Newseum ranks as one of the top attractions in Washington, D.C., and more than 3 million people have visited since it opened in 2008. For more information visit newseum.org or follow us Facebook and Twitter.

About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR® optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics as well as the new Nikon 1 advanced camera with interchangeable lens system. In 2012, production of NIKKOR lenses surpassed 70 million, creating a new milestone in Nikon's heritage of superior optics. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities. Connect with Nikon and other photographers on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nikon and get the latest news and information from Twitter by following @NikonUSA.

SOURCE Newseum