America Chooses 'Ultimate Photographer'

Picture of El Capitan at sunset earns photographer a dream trip and the opportunity of a lifetime - having his picture appear in an Energizer ad in National Geographic 


WASHINGTON, Oct. 27  /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- What happens when someone takes a picture of Yosemite's El Capitan and the Merced River, with a dusting of snow, breaking clouds and great light at sunset?  Well if you are Carmel Valley, Calif., resident Doug Steakley, 64, you win the grand prize in the "Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest."  More than 3,600 votes were cast across eight categories, with Steakley's travel photo receiving the most votes.

As the grand prize winner, Steakley's winning photo will appear in an ad for Energizer(R) Ultimate Lithium batteries that will run in the December issue of National Geographic, and he will receive a trip for two to Tanzania and Zanzibar with a National Geographic expert.

"I realized when I was taking the picture that I was seeing something special," said Steakley, a resident of Carmel Valley, Calif.  "And when I heard about the 'Energizer Ultimate Photography Contest,' I immediately knew I wanted to enter this picture."

That click of the shutter earned Steakley the respect of Jim Richardson, a National Geographic photographer and one of the judges of the contest.  "Being in the right place at the right time is so important to getting great pictures and his photo is simply magical," said Richardson.  "His image of the clouds breaking just at sunset with the air crisp and cold propelled him to the top of the travel category."

Steakley's entry was one of 8,110 photographs entered in the "Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest" which began in May.  At that time, photographers nationwide were asked to submit a photo online in one of the following thematic categories: adventure and exploration, travel, weather, science, people and cultures, festivals and celebrations, wildlife and nature, and space.  Richardson helped select the category winners, and then it was up to America to vote online and choose the "Ultimate" photographer.

Energizer sponsored the photo contest to draw attention to and celebrate a new name for Energizer(R) Ultimate Lithium batteries, which last up to 8X times longer* in digital cameras (versus Energizer(R) MAX(R).  Results vary by camera.).  Energizer(R) Ultimate Lithium batteries not only meet the power demands of digital cameras and flash units, but also those of other high-tech devices like GPS systems and wireless headsets.

In addition to the extreme long life, the batteries are 33 percent lighter than ordinary alkaline batteries and perform in extreme temperatures from -40° to 140° degrees Fahrenheit (-40° to 60° degrees C), making them ideal for professional and amateur photographers.

"Because they are the world's longest-lasting AA and AAA batteries in high-tech devices, Energizer(R) Ultimate Lithium batteries are ideally suited for on-the-go photographers like Doug Steakley," said Betsy Laakko, Director of Household Battery Marketing for Energizer.  "In addition to being long-lasting, they are lightweight and can stand extreme temperatures, meaning that photographers and other high-tech device users have the portability and power that they need for their high-tech tools."

  *Vs. Energizer(R) MAX(R).  Results vary by camera.

  About Energizer



Energizer Holdings, Inc. [NYSE: ENR], http://www.energizer.com/, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is one of the world's largest manufacturers of primary batteries, battery-powered devices and flashlights. Energizer, a global leader in the dynamic business of providing portable power geared toward the new digital age, offers a full portfolio of products including the Energizer(R) MAX(R) premium alkaline brand; Energizer(R) Ultimate Lithium; Energizer(R) Advanced Lithium; and Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) Rechargeable batteries and chargers.

The Energizer product line also includes specialty batteries for hearing aids and medical devices, health and fitness devices, as well as for keyless remote entry systems, watches and other uses.  Through its flashlight and lighting products unit, Energizer helps bring consumer insight and innovation to these important household devices.  Energizer continues its role as a technology leader for on-the-go lifestyles with its Energizer(R)  Energi To Go(R) line of portable battery-driven power packs for cell phones and for use with iPod(R) devices. 

DATASOURCE: National Geographic Society



CONTACT:  CTONACT: Margaret Welch, [phone] ext. 106,

; or Jeff Bachmann, [phone] ext. 102,

, both for Energizer; or Jacqueline Burwitz,

[phone], , of Energizer



Web Site:  http://www.energizer.com/

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ 

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