NANPA's Annual Showcase 2020

Every year, the North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) hosts a photography competition for its members. Thousands of entries are submitted with 250 images selected by an esteemed panel of judges for publication.

Winning images tend to be those that are not only well executed both visually and technically, but contain scenes or subject matter not commonly photographed or submitted. As with any photo competition, it helps to view previous winning entries. This will guide you as far as what it is judges are looking for and how you can potentially submit images they may not have seen before.
Bears and eagles tend to be highly popular, so if you are planning on submitting images of either subject, they had better be extra special in order to grab the judge's attention.

This black oystercatcher was a top 100 selection and I was so thrilled to share this beautiful bird, which I rarely see either submitted or winning nature photography competitions. As with much of our wildlife these days, it is facing challenges primarily due to coastal development and human disturbance. You can learn more HERE.

Art in Nature Photography Festival

I am thrilled to be one of the eight judges in this year's "Art in Photography Festival" at the renowned Ward Museum, Salisbury University, Maryland.  As with many events and activities around the globe, this year's competition will be a little different in that it will be virtual.

With twelve categories, there is something for everyone, wherever your interest in nature photography lies. The competition is now open for entries up to July 8th with the exhibit taking place from July 10th - 12th.

You can learn more HERE

Helping Ourselves by Helping Nature

I know this is a difficult time for many and priorities have changed in various aspects of our lives. But if like me, you now have some extra time on your hands, there are ways to put that time to good use and where social distancing is possible. Nature heals and this is a wonderful way to feed our spirits when it is easy to feel low.

If you are able to get out in nature, many organizations are in need of volunteers, as crucial funds diminish and programs come to a halt. This in turn will have a drastic impact on the wildlife, the communities and the environments they support. Wherever your interest lies, whether that is nature related or something else entirely, there is something for everyone.

This year I officially became a volunteer with the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History with an interest in their Black Oystercatcher Monitoring Program. This involves observing nesting birds in various locations in the Monterey Bay area, gathering and documenting data as part of an ongoing research study.

It is a win, win situation for me and the birds, as it not only makes me feel good and useful, but I also get to see and photograph these beautiful birds. I was also recently highlighted in the "Volunteer Spotlight "section of the museum's newsletter.

New Nature Blog!

Announcing my new nature blog, "All Things Wild", where I will share short stories from my experiences in the natural world.

Wildlife photography requires a great deal of time watching and waiting. It is during these times of observation that I have discovered some remarkable things about my subjects and the environments they call home.

I created the blog with the sole purpose of sharing some of the things I have learned along the way and I hope you will subscribe and follow along!