Celebrate Nature Photography and NANPA's 20th Anniversary at NANPA's Nature Photography Summit

Story by Margaret Gaines – Come celebrate NANPA’s 18th Nature Photography Summit & Trade Show in Jacksonville, Florida, February 28 through March 3, 2013.

A wonderful event is planned that is sure to inspire your photography, whether you take pictures for the pure joy of it or work hard to make a living at it. A variety of fun events and outstanding speakers will surprise, instruct and motivate you.

Changes from previous Summits have been made to the Summit format for 2013, but not so many that it will be unfamiliar to past Summit attendees. Four days of keynotes and breakout sessions are being replaced with a two-day core of breakouts, flanked on either side by pre- and post-Summit events. Portfolio Reviews, the Expo and Trade Show and general sessions will continue to have an important place in the 18th Summit.

Each evening offers an exciting event. On Thursday, NANPA joins forces with the Jacksonville Symphony for an evening of music and photography. The symphony will perform a program of classical music inspired by nature, while images by Robert Glenn Ketchum, 2001 NANPA Nature Photographer of the Year, and recent Showcase finalists are projected onto a big screen above the orchestra. This event will be part of the core Summit registration, and tickets will also be available to the general public. Sit back, relax and enjoy the beauty of some of the best nature photography created by NANPA members.

On Friday evening, Clyde Butcher, 2005 recipient of NANPA’s Lifetime Achievement in Nature Photography Award, will give a keynote address, “Florida—Where Water, Earth and Heaven Meet.” Clyde will recount the adventures he has had during his 30-year career photographing Florida.

Saturday night’s event will celebrate NANPA’s first 20 years, and special programming is in the works.

The schedule is packed with esteemed speakers, including some of the top names in Nature Photography today.

The breakout sessions will be divided into two tracks: (1) improve your business and (2) improve your skills. Some sessions will be one hour long while others will be two hours long to encourage deeper discussion. See the sidebar for the list of breakout speakers and topics.

Of the optional days that flank the Summit, “Advance Your Skills Boot Camp” is scheduled for the pre-Summit day and it is geared to those looking to learn more about the technical aspects of photography. The boot camp features sessions led by George Lepp, Lewis Kemper, Mike Moats, Greg Downing and Tony Sweet. Each of these pros will address topics that include macro photography, depth of field, tips and tricks for bird and wildlife photography, plugins, light, color and composition.

Sunday’s “Advance Your Business Pro Day” is designed with the professional nature photographer in mind. Mary Virginia Swanson—a leader in the fields of licensing and marketing fine art photography—will speak on marketing your business, PhotoShelter cofounder Grover Sanschagrin will address what photo buyers want to see on your website and John Harrington will be giving a session on surviving and thriving as a working professional. And Ian Shive will provide an enlightening session, “State of the Industry: A Perspective on the Business of Nature Photography.”

Interested in new gear or software? On the new Demo Day you’ll have the chance to try out photography gear (including cameras, tripods, lenses and flash) at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, while the Expo and Trade Show vendors at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront in Jacksonville will showcase products and services that include paper, prints, software and bags. And don’t forget to bring your camera if you would like your sensor cleaned.

The Summit promises to be a great event. But it is you and other NANPA members who will make it an experience to remember. Please mark your calendar and plan to join the fun. Come learn something new, be inspired, meet with friends and colleagues, and enjoy the warmth of Florida in March.

Robert Glenn Ketchum says, “It will be exciting to join NANPA members for this auspicious 20th anniversary. I am especially looking forward to sharing the symphonic opening event with the always-remarkable Member Showcase of images. I also appreciate the opportunity to once again encourage so many excellent photographers to use their creativity on behalf of conservation advocacy. We are a witness to life, and our imagery connects people to the productive, diverse world-habitat in which we all live. Hear you/see you there!”

Visit NANPA’s website for more information or to register.