NANPA 2008 Board of Directors Candidate
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Susan McElhinney
Susan began her career as a photojournalist after earning a fine arts degree in 1971. While most of her time was spent as a freelancer, she was on staff with Newsweek Magazine in the Washington Bureau from 1975-1980. From 1994-2001, she worked for National Geographic World, initially as a part time photo editor, then later as part of the staff. Since 2001, she has worked as photo director of the National Wildlife Federation's three children's publication, Ranger Rick, Your Big Backyard and i. She is also an active environmentalist and says the leap from photojournalism to nature photography has been a natural evolution of her interests and concerns.
Candidate Questionnaire
Give us a brief overview of your job, photographic, educational, volunteer, organizational board/committee skills.
I have been the director of photography for the kids magazines of the National Wildlife Federation for six years. As such I manage all photo selections, usage and policies for the three kids magazines plus other needs for the education department.
I have a BFA in art, and have spent my career as a photographer until becoming an editor. (Photographer: Staff/Newsweek, Freelance/Time-Life-People, assorted editorial magazines, annual reports, kids books and stories for National Geographic Publications. 1996: Staff/photo editor, National Geographic "World." September 2001 to present: editor, Ranger Rick, (NWF)).
I am a current NANPA Board member, a member of the American Society of Picture Professionals (ASPP), and a lapsed member of the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) and the White House News Photographers Association (WHNPA). I have served on the board of an artists co-op in assorted capacities periodically for ten years. I am politically active.
How long have you been an active member of NANPA?
I have been a member of NANPA since 2001.
What Summits/Forums have you attended?
I regularly attend the Summits since 2002.
Have you served as a NANPA volunteer or served on any NANPA committees?
I have served on the NANPA board for the last three years. I suggested and participated in a breakout session on Publishing in the Children's Market at the 2003 Summit. In the critique breakouts I have been one of the commentators. I have done reviews and spoken with the student scholarship recipients at all the summits I have attended. I serve on the ethics, international, nominations and environment committees.
What particular expertise and/or qualities would you bring to the NANPA Board?
I spent the first 25 years of my career as a photojournalist in the national magazine market. I believe that background gives me a unique perspective on our mission and future. In particular I believe that nature and conservation photography are the last really important arena for photojournalism- on a par with war coverage.
How would you use your abilities to further the NANPA mission?
I believe that we need to place more emphasis on the journalistic responsibilities of NANPA members. This applies to all aspects of the work being generated by our members, from their choices of subject matter to how they handle the subject; to their marketing and digital management. Additionally I feel we need to diversify ourselves. The potential for insularity is great. In order to keep NANPA current, we need to encourage youth membership and participation and, in return, be willing to share our knowledge.
How do you envision NANPA's role in the future of nature photography? How would you further that role?
I see NANPA as a major partner with other environmental groups and creative entrepreneurs in the task of preserving the world's natural places and creatures. I believe we have clout that is under utilized, clout that can be used to protect the environment. I also believe that we have the resources to bring the next generation along and protect that which we hold dear.
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?
In order for the images made by members of this organization to have any true value, presently or in the future, we, as an organization, must work to maintain respect for the medium. This will need to happen through a combination of education within the membership, and promotion of work done by members and the organization, which further our goals. I believe we can establish ourselves as the standard bearers for environmental photography and create a legacy. We are at a crossroads with our medium and the environment where we must be sure the direction we are taking will secure the future of nature photography.
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