| The North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) is known by nature photographers of today as one of the most prestigious non-profit organizations. It gives photographers information on photography, environmental, and business resources, information on obtaining grants and scholarships, as well as environmental and communications committees. These resources will not only help you find the clientele you are looking to serve or attract, but give you news and educational insight, like tips for shooting in the field.
NANPA provides such information as the winners of the Best Books of 2005, given by USABookNews.com. College Student Scholarship Programs for 2006, announcements like the FujiFilm Nature Photography Awards, photographer showcases and many other contests and seminars are available for members and non-members.
You might be asking yourself, “but what can they do for me?” They offer more informational resources than any other nature photography association out there. They also offer an online calendar in which you can easily obtain the events and due dates for contests and seminars. Members can add events to the calendar and receive current newsletters, participation in discussion forums, obtain discounts, get information on regional resources and have access to the document library.
“How do I join,” you ask? It’s as easy as five minutes online or you can send in for paperwork and fill out the necessary documents. As a member of NANPA you have access to the Document Library, which contains public documents like advertising packages, equipment insurance brochures, guidelines for current article submission, and many other useful papers. Being a member will give you access to Advocacy Request Forms, FAA Carry-On Luggage Letter, online access to the NANPA Reference Handbook, National Park Service Photographer Access Policy, and many other documents.
In a nutshell, NANPA is something I would recommend to any nature photographer looking to gain useful information on the nature photography market. The website is made to be able to easily access any of the information readily and quickly. I feel this is a good thing, in case you need to find the deadline on a photo contest or to see when the next speaker is coming to your area. To top it off, NANPA has issued a “Principals of Ethical Field Practices Statement,” which includes valuable information on what you can do to make your impact on the environment a positive one. This also helps keep you aware of your subjects and their habitats around you while you photograph them.
Submitted by Bob Rollar |