Nikon Announces 2006 Nikon COOLPIX Pride and Joy Baby

MELVILLE, N.Y. —

The votes have been tallied and it's official! Kate Okerstrom of California was named the 2006 Nikon COOLPIX Pride and Joy Baby Photo Contest winner. This announcement marks the exciting culmination of Nikon's 3rd annual national search to find the country's Pride and Joy Baby.

Kate Okerstrom was one of 12 adorable finalists chosen by judges from the thousands of photos received. Since naming finalists, the decision was turned over to the public who could cast their votes for their favorite baby by visiting prideandjoybaby.com. By becoming Nikon's Pride and Joy Baby, Kate wins a $25,000 US Savings Bond and a featured appearance in an upcoming Nikon advertorial in LIFE magazine. In addition, all the finalists received great digital camera prize packages, courtesy of Nikon and a 5x7 print from Best Buy Imagelab.

The contest, which ran for three months, was open to all babies up to 36-months-old with a portion of each entry fee donated to the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation, a nonprofit organization that creates products and programs to help brighten the lives of children living with serious illness.

Families interested in learning more about the Nikon COOLPIX Pride and Joy Baby Photo Contest can keep their eyes on upcoming issues of LIFE magazine for the advertorial featuring the 2006 winner and visit us online at http://www.prideandjoybaby.com.

About Nikon

Nikon ... If the picture matters, the camera matters(TM). Nikon Inc. is the world leader in precision optics, 35mm and digital imaging technology and is recognized worldwide for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes the Nikon Total Imaging System of consumer and professional digital and 35mm film SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Nikon Coolpix(R) compact digital cameras; Coolscan(R) digital film scanners; 35mm compact cameras; Nikonos(R) underwater photographic systems; and Nikon sports and recreational optics. Through the Nikon Spirit Initiative(TM) the company, plays an active role in supporting aspiring and advanced photographers through a variety of philanthropic
organizations, educational programs, events and workshops. 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.