CHICAGO, April 17, 2001 -- The Premedia Technologies group of R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company (NYSE:DNY) has opened its new photography and premedia center -- Studio W26 -- in New York City's Chelsea District. Studio W26 joins the company's network of photography studios in Dallas, Chicago and Seattle. Managing the studio is Robert Friedel, who comes to the post with more than 20 years of photography expertise, most recently as director of photography operations at Popular Club Catalog, a unit of Federated Department Stores, Inc. "This is a terrific opportunity to link our customers' creative process with state-of-the-art digital imaging and asset management solutions," said Mary Lee Schneider, president of R.R. Donnelley's Premedia Technologies. "We're very excited about our New York City location, where we will work with the world's greatest creative talent to photograph, retouch, digitize, store and distribute their work for print or Internet-based communications." Focusing on creative approaches to fashion, catalog and retail photography, Studio W26 photographers are equally adept using film and digital photo technologies. Studio W26 also provides complete color retouching, image enhancement and proofing services for clients. Integrating both photography and color services helps clients reduce time to market through quicker turnaround of finished images. "Leading Premedia Technologies' new studio in New York City is a great opportunity," said Friedel. "New York is the one of the world's leading creative centers, and we have the ability to bring together a creative zest and technological edge that drives exciting imagery and new solutions for our fashion, catalog and retail clientele." A talented photographer and producer, Friedel has worked for many leading magazines, including Newsweek, House and Garden, Avenue and Harper's Bazaar. Schooled in fashion photography at the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, Friedel has shot and produced catalog and advertising work for such notable clients as Talbots, Giorgio Beverly Hills, American Airlines and Austin Reed.