Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) today announced it is now accepting submissions for the inaugural Future Pro Photographer photo contest. Students that are over 18 years old and enrolled at a two- or four-year degree-granting college or university are invited to enter this competition and to compete for a grand prize package valued at over $25,000 (U.S.) and three first-prize packages, one for each category, each valued at over $10,000.

Submissions in the three categories Nature & Landscape, People & Portraits and Fine Art will be judged by a panel including well-known industry insiders from Corbis Corp. (Patrick Donehue, vice president of Photographer Services), Digital Photo Pro Magazine (Christopher Robinson, editor) and the Lepp Institute of Digital Imaging (George Lepp, photographer and founder).

"Microsoft has a long-standing commitment to professional photographers to deliver technology and services on the Microsoft® Windows® platform that help them succeed in their business and enable their passion," said Kostas Mallios, senior director, Rich Media Group. "We are especially proud that through this contest we can help talented student photographers realize their potential and make the jump from student to pro."

"I'm excited that Microsoft and the contest sponsors are celebrating the hard work of the aspiring professional photographers with this competition," said Douglas Ford Rea, professor and chairman of the photojournalism department at the Rochester Institute of Technology. "Professional photography is in a fast-paced period of evolution, and serious students want to be part of it."

"This is a very exciting time to be a photographer and to be involved in this art form," said celebrated professional photographer Matthew Jordan Smith. "Today's young and emerging photographers have an excellent opportunity with this competition to showcase their work and receive worldwide exposure. I'm excited that Microsoft and the contest sponsors are encouraging these students to take their art to the next level, and I personally look forward to seeing the winners of this amazing competition."

Interested student photographers can view the complete contest rules and submit their entries by going to http://www.microsoft.com/ProPhoto. Contestants may submit their entries until May 31, 2006.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.