Rooftop of the World …Revisited

APRIL 28, 2003 - This month, NikonNet (www.nikonnet.com), Nikon's leading photo-sharing and education site, will present a special live production of its “On The Road Again” series featuring adventure and travel photographer Mark Kettenhofen's photo coverage of Jim Whittaker's return to Mount Everest to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the first American ascent of the peak on May 1, 1963.

Known as the highest point on earth, with a summit of 29,028 feet above sea level, Mount Everest is located on the crest of the Himalayas and lies on the border between Nepal and Tibet. For decades, attempting to reach the Rooftop of the World has been considered the ultimate challenge for mountain climbers. Taking up this challenge, Kettenhofen will be traveling up the mountain with Whittaker to document the historical trek to Everest Base Camp.

Over the next month, Kettenhofen will be shooting a digital portfolio using the Nikon D100 camera system. He will then upload his photos each day, directly to NikonNet, as they happen, and provide extended captions to give NikonNet users the overpowering experience of trekking up and back down Mount Everest - without the cold and camping gear. The result is sure to be an amazing live account of the event, as the past and present come together on this legendary mountain, as seen through the eyes of a seasoned and professional photographer.

“NikonNet is proud to capture this amazing journey up Mount Everest with Mark Kettenhofen,” said Tracy Mack-Jackson, Senior Manager of Internet Development and Programs at Nikon Inc. “With astonishing images from an experienced photographer and stories updated live daily throughout the trek, NikonNet will provide users with the unique opportunity to see Mount Everest from the perspective of someone not only making the journey, but reliving a historic moment.”

Mark Kettenhofen began his photography career when he was selected to attend the Military Photojournalism Program at Syracuse University. His love of photography, adventure and the outdoors has led him to travel to more than 27 countries, documenting The Gulf War, DEA operations in Key West, Seal Team operations in the invasion of Panama, and military operations in Iceland, as well as the Presidential Inauguration, the Winter Olympics and the World Cup. Kettenhofen was awarded The Military Photographer of the Year Award for combat photography in 1999. With such coverage as Mark Kettenhofen's “On the Road Again” documentation of the 40th Anniversary trek of Jim Whittaker, NikonNet remains the first online photo site to bring real-time photo coverage to its readers. Log on to NikonNet and experience this adventure up Mount Everest.

NikonNet leverages the resources of parent company Nikon to offer the most innovative and inspiring educational segments on the Internet. Nikon's suite of websites -- www.nikonusa.com, www.nikonnet.com, www.microscopyu.com, www.nikonmall.com and www.nikonschool.com -- connect consumers to the company's products and services and link users to the most complete photography education and information community available on the Web today.

SOURCE Nikon