Semi-pro photographer asks: How can I get sponsored by a camera company?

I am a semiprofessional photojournalist and published author. I have a new photo book coming out early next year and it is expected to be a hit in the Orient, where I currently reside. For my next project, I want to target greater Asia, however for the time being I have limited funds and desperately need new camera gear. Despite my accomplishments, I have few contacts nor networks within the photography community. I am seeking an official sponsorship from either Olympus, Nikon or Canon but have no idea how to approach the appropriate personnel (of course, customer service is of no help). Thank you in advance for your help and referrals.

Sadly I wouldn't bank in it - this is such a competitive area. I've had photos published by several major camera manufacturers and won an international photography competition for one of them and not got sponsorship... generally the camera companies prefer to sponsor well established names, so it's up to you whether you like to keep things low profile as I do, or get your name around and aim for sponsorship.

Drop me a line and I'll send some feelers out around my network - I have some good connections and even if I can't get you through the door, there may be other things we can do do heop you get your profile raised... I'd be happy to help if I can.

Best wishes and good luck with your project!
PS I fully agree with the other guys comments above too.

First of all to get sponsored by any camera company you have to shoot on just their equipment and nobody else's. Plus it is hard in the first place to get it from one of the big guys unless you have a name that they know. Your next best bet is to go to a Pro camera shop and see them and come up with some type of deal that in your new book that you will mention the camera store etc.. etc.

Other than that you may have to find another way to get some help besides the photo community.

Hope that helps,
Kevin

Unless you have the talent and status of, say, one of the photographers for VII (http://www.viiphoto.com/), don't count on getting a sponsorship from one of the major camera companies.

The first step, though, would be to join one company's professional service organization:
http://www.nikonpro.com/
http://www.canon.com.au/CPS/home.aspx