History of NANPA

NANPA Founding Board toasting a successful first Forum (Summits were called Forums in the early years). January 15, 1995; Sheraton Hotel, Ft. Myers; Seated, clockwise from lower left: Jim Saba, Karen Hollingsworth, Rick Zuegel (Forum chair), Frans Lanting, Mark Lukes (President), Jerry Bowman (co-Executive Director), Francine Butler (co-Executive Director), Gil Twiest (Treasurer), Aileen Lotz, Karen Beshears, Helen Longest-Slaughter, Jane Kinne (President-elect). Standing, L to R: Gary Braasch, John Nuhn, Roger Archibald, Russ Kinne. Missing: George Lepp.

NANPA Founding Board toasting at first Forum (Summit) in 1995; From lower left: Jim Saba, Karen Hollingsworth, Rick Zuegel (Forum chair), Frans Lanting, Mark Lukes (President), Jerry Bowman (co-Executive Director), Francine Butler (co-Executive Director), Gil Twiest (Treasurer), Aileen Lotz, Karen Beshears, Helen Longest-Slaughter, Jane Kinne (President-elect). Standing, L to R: Gary Braasch, John Nuhn, Roger Archibald, Russ Kinne. Missing: George Lepp. © Shirley Nuhn and Roger Archibald

The North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) was officially incorporated in 1994, following a meeting of over 100 nature photographers at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute in Jamestown, New York. Roger Tory Peterson, the famous ornithologist, artist, and nature photographer, brought the group together to discuss the future of nature photography. At that meeting, two important tenants were established that have remained key tenants of the organization: that the new association would be for nature photography, not restricted to photographers, and that it would represent all of North America, not just the United States.

Since its founding, NANPA has been North America’s preeminent nature photography organization. NANPA is a critical advocate for the rights of nature photographers on a wide range of issues, from intellectual property to public land access for nature photographers. Its focus on environmental issues and nature photographer rights separates it from photo clubs.

NANPA has a diverse membership base, from amateur photographers to industry professionals to the world’s top professional nature photographers. NANPA brings together its diverse membership to learn from each other, network professionally, and share their photography and inspiration with multi-day Nature Photography Summits (19 and counting), Regional Events, one day seminars and local Meetups. And it celebrates nature photography and its member talent through various written and electronic publications and photo contests.

Want to learn more about NANPA’s History?

– Check out the History of NANPA Timeline.

– The history of the Board of Directors.

 

 

Some of the attendees at the Photography Forum, Jamestown Community College, Jamestown, NY. October 1-3, 1993. Visible in photo: Virginia Peterson, Carl Sams, George Lepp, Towny Dickinson, John Nuhn, Frans Lanting, Helen Gilks, Helen Longest-Slaughter (partially hidden behind railing), Tom Mangelsen, Phyllis Greenberg. Renowned photographer, artist and ornithologist Roger Tory Peterson and the Roger Tory Peterson Institute organized this meeting, the first time in the U.S. that nature and conservation photographers, editors, agents and enthusiasts had gathered to discuss the future of the nature photography industry. At the meeting's close, Frans Lanting passionately asked that the interest and enthusiasm not end here. There was a consensus that the field needed some type of organization to represent its interests and promote communication and education. A core of attendees interested in forming an association met informally in the college library to set up plans. Two important tenets were established at that afternoon meeting: that the new association would be for nature photography, not restricted to photographers, and that it would represent all of North America, not just the United States. Several names for the new association were considered. RTPI volunteers to handle donations to assist in the formation of the association and the

Some of the attendees at the Photography Forum, Jamestown Community College, Jamestown, NY. October 1-3, 1993. Visible in photo: Virginia Peterson, Carl Sams, George Lepp, Towny Dickinson, John Nuhn, Frans Lanting, Helen Gilks, Helen Longest-Slaughter (partially hidden behind railing), Tom Mangelsen, Phyllis Greenberg. © Mark Lukes