Despite the fact that I have been managing trade and consumer shows for over a decade, the North American Nature Photography Association’s (NANPA) 2009 summit in Albuquerque, New Mexico hold the distinction of being the first one in which I have participated solely as an attendee. As a working writer, I am increasingly encouraged to submit images to support my written work; thus I have been increasing my efforts to improve my photographic skills. Joining and participating in NANPA is an excellent course of action for anyone seeking to do precisely this, hence my presence in Albuquerque.
The summit, four days exhibits, break-out sessions, workshops, networking, and just about anything else related to the art and craft of nature-related photography, is quite a production. While I don’t have any firm numbers to quote, I’d estimate that there are well over 500 in attendance. As a new member as well as a first time attendee to a NANPA summit, the organizers have done a very good job of ensuring that I am not “lost in the shuffle.” I was even contacted prior to my trip by a member to whom I had been assigned so that I would have someone to whom I could ask questions and seek guidance about how everything worked at the summit.
The break-out sessions have so far been the greatest value to be derived from attending the summit. On the first day I attended a very informative presentation on the procedures and importance of copyright registration of photographic work; a bit dry, to be sure, but exceptionally important from a commercial perspective and something too often forgotten by too many until infringement of rights has occurred. This was followed by a superb session on macro photography conducted by Les Saucier. I truly think that I learned more in that hour and a half with Les than I have learned in all my previous practice of macro photography. More importantly, the experience of Les’ presentation has given me a much stronger understanding of the craft of macro photography so that my practice of it in the future will be far more productive than it has previously been. For those curious about the material Les covered in his presentation, I encourage visitation of his website where some of what he presented can be referenced.
Of course, as with any gathering of professionals, there is a trade show as well. Representatives from many of the major photographic-related equipment suppliers, as well as a few guide and education providing firms, are in attendance. However, save Stephen Ingraham of Zeiss, these are not the same exhibitors I have come to know from my years on the “bird circuit.” I was particularly pleased to meet with a very professional representative of the firm Lensbaby, providers of some very intriguing selective focus lenses. I had seen them widely advertised in magazines but this was the first opportunity I have had to try one on a camera first hand – very impressive, and well as downright enjoyable, indeed.
