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NANPA 2011 Board of Directors CandidateBallot notifications will be sent via e-mail. Check your mailbox for a link to the ballot. You may also get a ballot by logging in to the Members' Area and clicking the "2011 Board of Directors Ballot" link.
In 2002, I started a quarterly magazine titled Whisper in the Woods Nature Journal. For six years I was the publisher and editor, and had all the other responsibilities as well. But my background is photography. I majored in photography in college and have worked in the field for twenty years. You name it, I've done it. I've been an assistant, a commercial studio photographer, a studio manager, a rep, a prop stylist. Most recently, I produced a photo competition for the State of Michigan. I've also served as an officer in the local chapter of Toastmasters International and have volunteered for several local environmental organizations. How long have you been an active member of NANPA? Since 2002. the year the summit was in Jacksonville, Florida. What Summits/Forums have you attended? Every one since except two (2005 & 2009) where I had work conflicts. Have you served as a NANPA volunteer or worked on a committee? Wendy Shattil and I created the Naturally Funny show. I host it. I also help Wendy with anything she needs for the Member's Show. I find that particularly enjoyable because I like to coach the participants. I help them prepare to speak in front of a large audience. I believe that sharing your work to a broader audience and the ability to talk about your photography can be very powerful and increase your influence. I also have been a reviewer for several years now. I presented a break-out session in Denver. I coordinated a regional field event near my home in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore last fall. What particular expertise and/or qualities would you bring to the NANPA Board? I have been on both sides of the table - photographer and editor. Therefore, I feel that I can be objective when evaluating issues. I generally can see both sides. In my life as an entrepreneur, I've worked with several non-profit organizations, State government, a church and multiple private companies. I've presented business proposals, written business plans and negotiated contracts. I have the experience to understand the value of productive discussions and be respectful of those whose opinions differ from my own. Diplomacy is key. The most important factor to working together and moving NANPA forward is to stay focused on the goals of the organization and use the mission statement as a guide. It would be my honor to serve the members this way. How would you use your abilities to further the NANPA mission? NANPA members are making extraordinary images. They represent an incredible source of talent and skill. I am always amazed at what I see at the Summits. I believe the key, for NANPA, is to focus on promotion. We can be a guiding force and provide leadership by helping photographers learn how to promote their work, whether professional or amateur, and how best to share their images through education and seeking to provide a bridge to publishers. Nature photographers are front line ambassadors for the natural world. NANPA should be the support team. I have extensive experience with marketing and public speaking. These are skills that every photographer needs to promote their own work. I'd like to see NANPA create more educational opportunities for members in this area, whether it be break-out sessions at the Summit or written materials. How do you envision NANPA's role in the future of nature photography? How would you further that role? This certainly is a unique time in history. With the introduction of digital technologies, the internet and microstock, our field has been turned upside down. The old adage is true: Evolve or die. We need to remember, the camera is only a tool. We are not just photographers. We are ambassadors of nature. We share a love and appreciation for nature, and through our photography, we influence others. We bring the message of habitat destruction and environmental issues to the forefront. Collectively, we are a powerful force for change and as the environmental movement continues to get a stronger foothold, I believe our mission will evolve as well. Not just to record, not just to report, but to engage the world, to share our passion for nature and encourage every citizen on the planet to discover and appreciate the incredible place we call Earth. I believe NANPA's mission to promote nature photography will expand not only to increase awareness of photography as an art form and medium of communication, but also to help connect members with conservation initiatives globally, nationally and locally. NANPA is in a unique position to facilitate relationships and lead the charge to promote the use of nature photography as a vital tool in influencing change. We have the power to help members connect with conservation organizations and provide guidance in how to pursue partnerships and get involved at any level. Why do you want to serve on the NANPA Board of Directors? If elected, what would you personally like to accomplish during your term on the NANPA Board? Being on the board is a big responsibility that I would not accept lightly. It is an honor to be nominated and to serve an organization that I so highly respect. While NANPA does so many things, all of value, I feel that the sense of community that is shared by the members is the most important aspect and the core of its value. I believe we need to focus on fostering that community, the greater NANPA family. While NANPA the organization is a great resource, the collective knowledge of the membership is the greatest resource of all. We all aspire to further conservation efforts and preserve our natural world by communicating through our imagery, but it can often be a daunting task to take on such projects alone. I would like to explore and pursue ways to help our members connect, not just through online social networking venues, but personal, face-to-face contact, such as new networking opportunities at the Summit and encourage them to share ideas and experiences. Recruiting new members is always important as well, not only to increase revenue, but to serve the entire nature photography community. An active group of like-minded members who value the fellowship of an organization make it stronger and attractive to potential new members. Making it easy for them to join and become immediately involved is the key. Therefore, I'd also like to explore ways we can personally welcome all new members and help them integrate into NANPA. After all, it is a basic human need to feel like you belong. |
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