Fujifilm, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and the Friends of the National Zoo’s Photo Club are joining together to offer amateur photographers the chance to get advice from professional photographers on challenging photo topics throughout 2009. Amateur shutterbugs will also have the opportunity to submit their favorite photographs of the National Zoo’s giant pandas, who reside at the Fujifilm Giant Panda Habitat, for a chance to be featured on the Zoo’s Web site and to be eligible to win a Fujifilm FinePix digital camera.

Beginning January 1, 2009, a new, challenging photo topic will be posted every other month to the Zoo’s Web site. Aspiring photographers will be invited to post questions and comments on the subject and in turn professional photographers will post their answers and suggestions. Topics can range from basic camera operation to photographing animals in certain environments and specialized photography techniques.

Amateur photos of the National Zoo’s giant pandas must have been taken within six months of submission, and will be limited to three per participant, per session. Every other month 25 photos will be randomly selected to be featured on the Zoo’s Web site. Out of the 25 photos selected, one winner will also be randomly chosen to receive a Fujifilm FinePix digital camera, or other prizes provided by Fujifilm. A total of six cameras will be awarded throughout the year-long promotion.

The promotion ends December 2009. Please visit the Zoo’s Web site for complete details and contest rules.