North American Nature Photography Association
The North American Nature Photography Association or NANPA is an organization dedicated to photography of nature. Established in 1994, the association has 3,000 members. Several categories of membership are available, including discounts for students. It annually sponsors many events and conferences, such as NANPA Regional Field Events and Road Show Seminars, in the United States. The NANPA Foundation, initially established in 1997, awards scholarships, operates blinds for wildlife photography, and organizes funds in memory of deceased photographers and others. NANPA also markets books of interest to members, including those by members, through Amazon.com.
In 2006, NANPA initiated June 15 as Nature Photography Day--and in 2015 observes its 10th anniversary. This designated day was spearheaded by the association’s History Committee. Its purpose is to promote the art and science of nature photography. NANPA looks to esthetic elements and practical ones, too. Photography has been used to rescue animals, plants, and habitats locally and worldwide. Participation in Nature Photography Day has since extended worldwide. June 15 is a day that encourages exploring, with a camera, the natural world within walking, biking, or rowing distance (that is, not leaving a carbon footprint). Among the numerous ways to celebrate the day is to experiment with taking photographs of a familiar subject--turning the ordinary into something extraordinary.
NANPA's Summit brings together nature photography professionals from throughout the continent and the world. Recent Summits have been in Albuquerque, New Mexico (2009); Reno, Nevada (2010); McAllen, Texas (2011); and Jacksonville, Florida (2013). The next occasion is in San Diego, California (2015). Each Summit includes major presentations, a trade show, portfolio reviews, workshops (breakout sessions), vendor sessions, and an awards celebration.