National Geographic Photographer Gerd Ludwig Offers Tips for Photographing Life’s Expeditions at Kingston.com

Confidence in Equipment and Knowledge of Surroundings is the Key for Taking Great Photographs

Fountain Valley, CA – July 14, 2006 – - Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, will feature photography advice from world renowned National Geographic photographer Gerd Ludwig on its Icons of Photography Web site beginning today. Each month, Kingston® spotlights a world-class photographer who provides helpful tips and interesting anecdotes for taking better pictures. Photographers previously featured at Kingston.com include Colin Finlay, Douglas Kirkland, Barbara Bordnick, Chris Rainier, Peter Read Miller and Harry Benson. These accomplished Icons of Photography deliver useful suggestions that photo enthusiasts at all levels can apply to their own photography as they learn to make digital imaging a natural part of their workflow, or learn a unique process or trick the Icon has provided to give them a competitive edge.

Peter has been shooting for Sports Illustrated for more than 20 years and has more than 90 covers to his credit. He has spent many hours at the world’s greatest sporting events, capturing fast-moving action on the field. For this month’s technique, Miller talks about how slowing down to take a portrait on the sidelines or in the studio can reveal a lot about an athlete — whether it’s the MVP in the Super Bowl or the MVP in your family.

Born in Alsfeld, Germany, Gerd Ludwig signed on as a contract photographer for National Geographic Magazine in the early 1990s, focusing on the social and economic changes of Germany and Eastern Europe. His work resulted in the publication of a ten-year retrospective book, Broken Empire: After the Fall of the USSR. Now based in Los Angeles, California, Gerd frequently lectures at universities and conducts workshops around the world when he’s not on assignment for National Geographic.

This month, Gerd provides an inside look at his life as a documentary photographer and the techniques he uses to gain trust among his subjects. These techniques allow him to capture an image at a moment’s notice. Whether you’re photographing a family member, friend or local natives encountered while on vacation, Gerd’s tips for getting closer to your subject will provide greater opportunities and skills toward producing photographs that express as much about yourself as they do about your subject.

“Like most documentary photographers, I am driven by a relentless curiosity about the world we live in,” says Gerd Ludwig. “By eliminating the need to frequently change rolls of film, digital photography has given me the freedom to explore my curiosity. I trust my Kingston 4-GB CompactFlash Ultimate cards to let me move fast and fluidly through close knit, intimate situations without distractions,” Ludwig added.

“Trusting your equipment seems to be a common theme among photographers today,” says Wendy Lecot, Flash memory marketing manager, Kingston. “Kingston has built a strong reputation for reliability which allows photographers to concentrate on the world around them and not on their tools. The world doesn’t stop while you make adjustments to your gear. Gerd Ludwig knows this better than most, which is why he puts his trust in Kingston memory cards.”

Gerd Ludwig initially studied German literature, political science, and physical education, but decided to embark on travel adventures in Scandinavia and North America supporting himself with various odd jobs such as a sailor and a dishwasher. After returning to Germany he studied photography with Professor Otto Steinert, graduating from the University of Essen. The following year he co-founded VISUM, Germany’s first photographer-owned photo agency, and began shooting for major international publications and advertising campaigns.

Kingston will introduce a new photographer with their featured photographic tip, gallery of images, calendar of events and biography around the 15th of each month. Photographers and consumers can read the latest tips and view images by visiting http://www.kingston.com/flash/iop/default.asp

About Kingston Technology Company, Inc.

Kingston Technology Company, Inc. is the world’s largest independent manufacturer of memory products. Kingston designs, manufactures and distributes memory products for desktops, laptops, servers, printers, and Flash memory products for PDAs, mobile phones, digital cameras, and MP3 players. Kingston has manufacturing facilities in California, Malaysia, Taiwan, China and sales offices in the United Sates, United Kingdom, Europe, Russia, Australia, Taiwan, China, and Latin America. For more information, please call (800) 337-8410 or visit www.kingston.com.

# # #

Editor’s Note: For additional information, evaluation units or executive interviews, please contact Heather Skinner, Kingston Technology Company, Inc. 17600 Newhope Street, Fountain Valley, CA USA 92708, (714) 438-1817 (Voice). Press images can be found in Kingston’s press room at kingston.com/press/default.asp

Kingston and the Kingston logo are registered trademarks of Kingston Technology Corporation. All rights reserved. All other marks may be the property of their respective titleholders.

Contact Information

Heather Skinner

Public Relations Manager

Kingston Technology Company, Inc.

Contact via E-mail