The Nikon 1 "Small Moments are Huge" Program Joins Celebrities and Consumers in an Online Community to Share Photos of Life's Great Moments on Facebook for a Good Cause

MELVILLE, N.Y., June 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Nikon Inc. has launched the Small Moments are Huge online community photo gallery to encourage digital camera users to celebrate meaningful, everyday moments. The new community, which will be hosted on the Nikon USA page on Facebook, brings together an impressive roster of celebrity Guest Stars and their fans to inspire and promote the sharing of their small but memorable moments.

The Small Moments are Huge program kicked off with the help of some of today's most influential personalities in television, film, music and technology. Giving fans a unique opportunity to get an inside look into the small moments that create joy and inspiration in these otherwise private lives, Nikon has teamed up with actor, producer and social media influencer Ashton Kutcher; actress and recording artist Hilary Duff; Derek Hough from Dancing with the Stars; lifestyle expert and tech startup CEO Brit Morin; and documentarians Dave Lingwood, Ben Nemtin, and Duncan and Jonnie Penn of The Buried Life. Each Guest Star will have their own photo gallery with images captured exclusively by Nikon's revolutionary Nikon 1 J1 cameras. Combining versatility and creativity like never before, the Nikon 1 system offers amazing image quality with a balance of high speed performance, take-anywhere-portability and the freedom of a compact interchangeable lens system.  

"Nikon encourages people to capture and share memorable moments in their lives, big or small, and with the introduction of the Nikon 1 advanced camera with interchangeable lens system, we're making it easier for consumers to capture these moments through high quality images with confidence," said Lisa Baxt, senior communications manager for Nikon Inc. "Through the Small Moments are Huge program, people will get the chance to share the important moments in their lives in an online community where everyday inspiration and fun can be celebrated."

Fans can join the Guest Stars and upload their own "small moments" to the community gallery on Nikon's Facebook page at http://on.fb.me/NKIQiP which will be available for fans to upload and share their images throughout 2012. Additionally, for every photo uploaded, Nikon will donate $1 to The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island up to $50,000.

"We are so honored to partner with Nikon on this amazing program that celebrates life's small moments," said Matthew Campo, Executive Director at The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island. "The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island understands the importance of cherishing and preserving every moment, so we are thrilled to be a part of this initiative that is supporting our mission of providing a home-away-from-home for families with sick children."

Categories have been set up to make it easy for fans to tag and enjoy the images, including Exploration, Accomplishments & Challenges, Love, Humor, Peace & Comfort, Joy, Sweet & Savory, Luck, Mischief, and Strength & Power. There is no limit to the number of photos that can be shared in the community. The Nikon USA page on Facebook has a current community of more than 1.4 million passionate fans engaged in capturing and sharing their photography. Consumers are also encouraged to follow the program through Nikon's Twitter handle, @NikonUSA, and the celebrity Guest Stars' Twitter handles via the program tag #Nikon1Moment.

QUOTES FROM CELEBRITY GUEST STARS
"As a new mom, I know how important it is to cherish and preserve everyday moments," said Hilary Duff. "This program is a great way for me to personally share my moments, and I hope my fans participate by picking up a camera to capture and share the things that inspire them, make them laugh, or comfort them."

"I've always been a real fan of photography and have been shooting with a Nikon for years," said Derek Hough. "I own a D-SLR but using the Nikon 1 as part of this program has given me more flexibility and creativity to capture images on the go. With a hectic schedule, it's been great to be able to easily document those small moments you'd otherwise forget."

"I'm constantly looking for ways to discover and share, and the Nikon's Small Moments are Huge program has been a great way to look at everyday life a little differently," said Brit Morin. "I think small moments add up to make life more beautiful, and it's really so fun participate in a community that challenges people to think about their own personal experiences and share them with others."

"We have always believed that life is a gift and that we should take advantage of each day," said Duncan Penn of The Buried Life. "We are constantly looking for ways to connect and mobilize our fans and Nikon's Small Moments are Huge program not only gives us a way to share our experiences, but it also is a way for our fans to share and make a difference by supporting a great cause."

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 2011, production of NIKKOR lenses surpassed 65 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.

About The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island
The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island is the 100th House of over 300 Ronald McDonald House programs worldwide. Located in New Hyde Park, NY, the House accommodates families in a warm and supportive environment. For over 25 years, RMH-LI has been a home-away-from-home for over 17,000 families in the United States and more than 80 countries around the world who are dealing with the pain of having a child undergoing medical treatment at nearby hospitals. To learn more, visit www.rmhlongisland.org.

SOURCE Nikon Inc.