AP Images to exclusively distribute NBA star Tyson Chandler’s personal photo catalog

Sept. 29, 2012

Tyson ChandlerChandler photographed children at play during a summer trip to Tanzania (Photo by Tyson Chandler)

NEW YORK – NBA Champion and New York Knicks starting center Tyson Chandler has teamed up with AP Images, the unrivaled image provider, to showcase his impressive photo collection. While Chandler, the 2012 NBA Defensive Player of the Year and gold medalist, has earned great acclaim for his basketball prowess and charitable efforts, the 7-footer also is an avid and talented photographer. As part of the new partnership, AP Images is now the exclusive distributor of Chandler’s extensive photo catalog, and will feature his works on www.APImages.com. In addition, a portion of the photo licensing proceeds will benefit UNICEF, a charity close to his heart. 

“This past year has been a particularly exciting one for me, and I’m so glad I’ve captured so much of it on my camera,” said Chandler. “Photography has become a real passion of mine, and I am grateful to AP Images for providing me with the unique opportunity to share my photographs and experiences with the world, all while giving back at the same time.” 

After a monumental year, including his first season as a Knick, earning Defensive Player of the Year honors, and helping to lead Team USA to a gold medal in London, Chandler’s journey took him to Tanzania to see the impact UNICEF’s programs have had on communities in the area. From watching special performances, to visiting schools, shelters and health centers to playing basketball with local kids, and observing the nation’s vibrant wildlife, he documented the experiences with his camera. 

Chandler hosted a gallery opening featuring the images he captured throughout the past year at Canoe Studios in New York City last night (Sept. 26) that celebrated this partnership. The images also will be displayed on APImages.com’s digital archive. 

“AP Images is thrilled that Tyson Chandler will share his photographic impressions and memories with us and our worldwide customers,” said Fernando Ferre, vice president for AP Images. “He’s sure to give us all a rare, inside view of his rich experiences and encounters, on and off the court.” 

Chandler’s behind-the-scenes access and rapport with high-profile athletes and celebrities offers him a unique perspective, and the photographs he captures during these events will be featured prominently onwww.apimages.com. 


About Tyson Chandler
One of the most highly touted defensive centers in the league, NBA Champion and gold medalist Tyson Chandler is an exceptionally rare 7-footer who possesses both an inside and outside game. He’s a hybrid player who can run the floor, dominate the paint and knock down jumpers. In his second year with the New York Knicks, the 2012 NBA Defensive Player of the Year was the second overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft, and quickly emerged as the starting center for the Chicago Bulls. After four seasons in the “Windy City,” he went on to the New Orleans Hornets, Charlotte Bobcats and Dallas Mavericks. His defensive presence and leadership were lauded not only during the 2011 NBA Playoffs, wherein his Mavericks team won the NBA Championship, but also as a member of Team USA, which brought home the gold medal from London in 2012. Spending much of his upbringing in Compton, Calif., Chandler, who led Dominguez High School to a state championship his senior year, was twice named California’s Mr. Basketball. For more information, visit www.tysonchandler.com and follow Chandler on Twitter _@tysonchandler. 

About AP Images
AP Images, a division of The Associated Press, is the essential source of editorial and creative photographs, videos, graphics and interactives for professional image buyers. The unrivaled heritage of AP's groundbreaking photography is celebrated by winning 30 Pulitzer Prizes over the past 90 years. The mission of AP Images is to meet the needs of today's global customer by offering a premier online visual resource and providing superior quality, selection and service. AP Images collaborates with content and global image partners, offering immediate access to more than 6 million entertainment, sports, news and lifestyle photographs. Media outlets from around the world have relied on AP Images for high-quality photos. 

Contact
For Tyson Chandler:
Jessica Holtz, 646-454-5915/ Jessica@excelsm.com
Jennifer Harrison, 646-454-5904/ Jennifer@excelsm.com

For AP Images:
Paul Colford, Director of AP Media Relations 
212-621-1895 
pcolford@ap.org