Photographer Erin Manning Joins Canon U.S.A. to Promote Scrapbooking

TV Personality Manning to Serve as Spokesperson and Share Scrapbooking, Entertaining and Decorating Tips at Canon-Sponsored Events and On Canon U.S.A. Web Sites

As America’s fascination with crafts and scrapbooking grows, imaging industry leader Canon U.S.A., Inc. has aligned with a new spokesperson; photographer and Do It Yourself (DIY) Network personality, Erin Manning. Together, Canon and Erin will help crafters of all skill levels take full advantage of their personal technology products, resulting in creative ideas for decorating, DIY gifts, clever projects and unique scrapbooks.

As the use of digital photography grows by leaps and bounds, the number of digital images stored on personal computers has soared. According to a recent study conducted by the Craft & Hobby Association, scrapbooking grew to a $2.6 billion industry in 2006, becoming the most popular craft segment. A large number of people are now looking for resources to learn how easy and fun it can be to transform their cherished memories and photographs into unique and tangible crafts.

“Erin offers a wealth of ideas to assist people who love the convenience of digital photography turn their pictures into artful prints,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “Canon is committed to helping people get the most out of digital photography with our series of affordable, easy-to-use photo printers that work perfectly with our fine art papers and inks, to produce results that impress the most discerning eye.”

A life long professional photographer, Erin Manning is best known as the host of “The Whole Picture,” HGTV-HD’s and DIY Network’s Telly Award-winning digital photography show. “I have taught classes all over the world and have always used Canon’s digital imaging equipment and accessories because Canon is the leader in innovation and quality,” states Manning. “I am looking forward to working with Canon to share ideas and help people make the most of their digital images.”

Using Better Technology to Capture and Craft Memories

Everyone from experienced photographers and crafters to those just getting started in digital photography will be able to connect with Erin for some quick and clever tips through the following venues:

• Canon Scrapbook Microsite – Canon’s fall 2007 launch of its special site for crafters will feature seasonal tips for photos and crafts, as well as creative gift ideas for family, friends and special occasions. The site is a great resource for scrapbook page templates, 3D paper craft templates and more.
• “Ask Erin” – Erin will offer monthly insights on Canon’s E-Store about the best ways to use technology to maximize use of photos, images and all sorts of creative crafts.
• Craft Conventions – Erin and Canon will showcase favorite crafting projects, images and ideas at two of the largest annual crafting events: the 2007 Creating Keepsakes Scrapbook Conventions in Phoenix (September 14 - 15, 2007) and Seattle (November 2 - 3, 2007).

For more information about Canon’s products and craft ideas, please visit www.usa.canon.com/scrapbooking (Web site slated to go live Fall 2007).

About Erin Manning
Erin fell in love with photography at age seven when she received an instamatic camera in her Christmas stocking. She has since worked as a commercial, portrait, and stock photographer and completed a degree in studio art/graphic design from Loyola Marymount University. Erin has worked for Getty Images and clients including AT&T, Bank of America and Disney.

She is currently the host of The Whole Picture and has appeared as the gadget gal on DIY’s “Enable Your Home,” the popular workshop show that features ideas, projects and tips for making home more convenient, accessible and livable. Erin is also active in a number of professional organizations including the Advertising Photographers of America, Women in Photography International, the National Association of Photoshop Professionals, and the Los Angeles Digital Imaging Group.

SOURCE: BusinessWire.com and Canon.USA.com