Six companies, seven industry leading sessions highlight each show day

Cologne, Germany, 23 July 2010.  The Creative Alliance, an alliance of six high-profile companies focused on the professional photography market, is partnering with photokina and Koelnmesse to present educational sessions daily during photokina 2010.  The world's leading fair for photography and imaging is being held in Cologne, Germany, from 21^st to 26^th September 2010.  The Creative Alliance Theater is located in Hall 4.1, stand I-010. Visitors can take advantage of seven educational sessions beginning hourly during the show from 11 AM. The schedule of sessions will be posted at The Creative Alliance Theater and is also available online in English and German. Speaker bios and more information about The Creative Alliance can also be found online.

"We are delighted to have the sponsorship of The Creative Alliance member companies in bringing together well-known photo professionals and experts for these inspirational and informative sessions at photokina," said Robin Preston,   "The support of Adobe, Hewlett-Packard, Nikon, Nik Software, Wacom and X-Rite has made this first-class program possible, along with support from photokina show organizers and Koelnmesse.  Topics range from image capture to print and marketing, all of which are important aspects of the professional photography business.  In these sessions, professional photographers will learn about important technical trends, how to achieve stunning results using advanced techniques, and how to market their businesses in today's fast-paced world." Preston is acting as the Creative Director for The Creative Alliance at photokina and will also be Master of Ceremonies (MC) for the event.

Working professional photographers will not want to miss the opportunity to be inspired by some of the most recognized experts in the industry. In addition, experts will be available for evening discussion groups in a more intimate setting that will allow one-on-one interaction and better address the informational and technology questions of individual attendees.

-          "The new partnership with the Creative Alliance will be a terrific asset to photokina and its visitors," said Oliver P. Kuhrt, Executive Vice President of the Koelnmesse GmbH. "Together we can offer visitors a comprehensive and high-class program on all six days of the show that addresses important technical trends affecting the profession. Users can learn new techniques from the experts that will help them achieve extraordinary results. We are very happy about this cooperation with The Creative Alliance and the extra value it will bring to the show."

Registration and program
Speakers include:

• Robin Preston, Photographer and Creative Director of the Creative Alliance at photokina
• Calvin Hollywood, Photographer and Digital Artist
• Rufus Deuchler, Adobe Expert and Influencer
• Thomas Hoepker, Magnum Photographer
• Vincent Versace, Natural Light Fine Art Photographer
• Ralph Man, Beauty and Fashion Photographer
• Jürgen Müller, Photography & Concepts

For complete program information online, visit:

•  English: http://www.photokina-cologne.com/thefair/meet_the_professionals.php#10;
• German: http://www.photokina.de/diemesse/meet_the_professionals.php#10

About HP
HP, the world's largest technology company, simplifies the technology experience for consumers and businesses with a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT
infrastructure. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at www.hp.com/.

About Nikon
Nikon Corporation, a world leader in cameras, imaging and optics, was founded on July 25th, 1917, in Tokyo, Japan. Beginning as an optical firm, Nikon manufactured microscopes, telescopes,
surveying equipment and optical measuring devices. NIKKOR was adopted as the brand name for the company's line of photographic lenses in the 1930s. In 1946, the company began producing a 35mm rangefinder camera with an interchangeable lens, the first Nikon camera. The success of the Nikon Rangefinder was followed by the introduction of the classic Nikon F single-lens-reflex (SLR) camera in 1959, built with the technology leadership and precision that characterizes Nikon products. Nikon has continued its leadership into the 21st century with its popular and critically acclaimed film and digital cameras, from the COOLPIX consumer line to advanced professional digital SLRs. As a milestone, production figures for the NIKKOR interchangeable lenses surpassed the 45 million in September 2008.
From its industry-leading cameras to lenses, optics, accessories and software, Nikon is the choice of professional and amateur photographers alike. http://www.nikon.com/

About NIK Software
Nik Software, Inc. develops software solutions for digital-imaging and photography. Established in
1995, Nik Software has become the recognized leader in digital photographic filter development and produces award-winning technology and plug-in products for digital photography and imaging
professionals including U Point® technology, Dfine®, Viveza®, Silver Efex Pro^TM, Color Efex Pro^TM, and Nik Sharpener Pro^TM software. The company's products use a range of innovative technologies that make digital imaging and photography easier and more powerful. www.niksoftware.com

About Wacom
Wacom Europe GmbH is a subsidiary of Wacom Company, Ltd. (Tokyo Stock Exchange 6727). Founded in 1983, Wacom is a global company based in Japan with subsidiaries and affiliate offices around the world to support marketing and distribution in over 150 countries. Wacom's vision to bring people and technology closer together through natural interface technologies has made it the world's leading manufacturer of pen tablets, interactive pen displays, and digital interface solutions. The advanced technology of Wacom's intuitive input devices has been used to create some of the most exciting digital art, films, special effects, fashion and designs around the world and provides business and home users with their leading interface technology to express their personality. Millions of customers are using its cordless, battery-free, pressure-sensitive pen technology. The company also offers its products as OEM solutions to leading manufacturers serving incremental markets. Wacom's interface technology, called Wacom Feel IT Technologies, is also offered as an integrated solution to strategic partners. Most Tablet PC manufacturers count on the advanced features and reliability of the brand to deliver a superior user interface experience. http://www.wacom.com/

About X-Rite

X-Rite is the global leader in color science and technology. The Company, which now includes color industry leader Pantone, Inc., develops, manufactures, markets and supports innovative color solutions through measurement systems, software, color standards and services. X-Rite's expertise in inspiring, selecting, measuring, formulating, communicating and matching color helps users get color right the first time and every time, which translates to better quality and reduced costs. X-Rite serves a range of industries, including printing, packaging, photography, graphic design, video, automotive, paints, plastics, textiles, dental and medical. For further information, please visit www.XritePhoto.com