Nature Photography Day

Would anybody be interested in an NPN Nature Photography Day?

After seeing several of the regional groups doing get togethers and then the World Wide Photo Walk recently, I wondered if we could do an NPN Nature Photo Day. We have a large number of photographers and we have folks all over the world. Seems like a combo that could produce a great body of work and be a noteworthy event.

We pick a day, publish it, and have the regional groups (or subgroups)offering up outings, walks, campouts, etc all on the same day with the goal of getting people out making images and bringing back a day in nature.

It would be a lot of fun, a great way to meet fellow NPN'rs, could probably draw in some new members, and generate some great images.

My first thought was just a generic "Nature Photo Day", but we could even consider going beyond some of the other groups and having a day for landscape and another day at another time for wildlife.

Anyone interested in doing this?

I've had similar thoughts Darren but never put them forth. I'm glad you posted this thread and I'm interested to hear what others think of the idea. I for one would be willing to participate.

Thanks Wayne.

I think it could have some great potential. I know I'd be willing to take part and organize an event here in Texas.

I hope we get some interest.

I would be delighted to organize a group shoot here in SW Montana. Sounds like a fun and worthwhile event.
Grace

I like the idea and am open to suggestions on how we orchastrate it.

Jim-

Always good when management is willing to sign on to an idea!

I would think we could get a fair amount of involvement if we get the regional groups involved and pick a date that has enough notice to allow planning. A good lead time would also allow word of it to spread through some other forums, groups, clubs that might be interested in taking part.

I think the toughest thing might be picking a date everyone could all agree on. I think we would want a time of year that is potentially great photographic conditions but maybe not a true peak time somewhere (if it causes conflict). Example, I think early October is a great time but I wonder if the Colorado folks are too busy with their peak color season for an event like this. Then again, maybe that would be the best time. So that would be a good thing to get input on.

From a Texas perspective, any month works, but August would be my 12th choice.

From a logisitical/tech perspective-would we want to have a signup page (and likely a waiver of liability) for something like this? I believe that the Worldwide Photo Walk did. Would it be members only or open to all? Would we consider a press release/publicity? How about a special gallery for images from that day?

This is where the true heavy lifting would take place and probably where Jim and cohorts would have to spend most of their efforts. Still interested?

What kind of lead time does all that require? Three months? Six months? A year? We would want to give it plenty without being too far away. Could we shoot for a possibility late this fall like October or November?

I think early to mid Fall or late Spring would be best for all areas of the country, Darren.

Yes, I'd be interested. I would like to go on photo shoots with other photographers. I'm in Philadelphia, PA and I'm sure I would get out and shoot more if I could meet people with the same interests.

BTW, am I allowed to post a link to my website in a thread, or is that against the rules?

Jim Kernicky

I'd love to do this too. I'm in RI so I'd either be able to host something here (being small has it's advantages) or travel to join others.

Great idea if I can help let me know.

Ok, it looks like we have some interest.

Toni- I agree fall and spring are probably the best time nature photography-wise. Lets try to aim for one this fall.

Jim K- I would expect there to be several folks in the Philly area, maybe we can help you meet up with a few of them. Having a good local group is a plus to help you get out on a regular basis.

Hali, Kendall, Grace, Wayne- with that type of diverse regional interest we could have several really neat options for folks. Thanks!

So lets talk good dates? What about something like October 3rd or 24th?

I like this idea of an NPN Photography day!

As far as picking a date is concerned, how about htis...

Each Regional Group moderator posts a 'featured' topic on their respective forum seeking input for a date in early October. After receiving consenus from the group, the moderator would then send the result to Jim. The moderators and Jim would identify the date of the event.

Jim would then create a 'Featured' thread at the top of the NP Discussion forum (this one) and post the date of the event along with other info abut the "Day".

The Regional Group moderators, or someone from each group, would coordinate the "Day" for their group. For a large states such as Texas or California, there woud likely be several smaller gatherings.

-P

October 24th would be good for me, I won't be around on the 3rd

Preston-

I think that is a good idea about getting the regional mods involved.

I will be happy to promote this event on the CSNP forum. I would recommend that a single message be drafted for placement on each of the regional discussion forums. That way we can minimize any confusion about the event which might result from individually crafted messages being put forth by the moderators.

Encouraging NPN members to attend an organized outing for the express purpose of this event is a good idea but we should also stress that participation in one of the organized events is not a requirement for submitting an image by any individual who can not travel on the designated date of the event. Let's don't exclude anyone if at all possible.

Let me know what's next.

I like the idea and concept being discussed thus far and have some thoughts (perhaps even useful ones for a change) -

1. Every day is a nature photography day on NPN. We need something else to make the day being discussed different.

2. I am thinking publicity and a theme - how does society benefit from nature photography? I would draft a short press release about the day, who we are and why we enjoy nature photography. This press release would be submitted by our participating members to local newspapers and magazines before the event. We would include contact info for those interested to visit this site and learn more.

3. I would construct a special, permanent gallery for these photos to be posted in. It would be open to posting for a week or so and then closed, but would remain open for viewing permanently. The gallery should also include plenty of photos of our members enjoying the 2009 Nature Photography Day.

4. We would need at least three months to prepare and get the press release submitted, so an October date works.

Also, I think we should emphasize that this is not an orchastrated/sponsored group event, rather just a day that individuals, on their own accord, got out to enjoy nature photography.

As part of the gallery, I would ask for submissions from our members on why they enjoy nature photography and how it benefits them. These would be published as part of the gallery presentation.

Please chime in on this ASAP. Once we are on the same page and establish a date, I will draft the press release for distribution. I would recommend a weekend so as many members can participate as possible.

Jim-

All sounds good to me. What do you think of Preston's idea of getting date input from the regional group mods?

October is a fine month. Like many folks I am planning on taking a few get aways for fall color. If the date we pick falls on one of those I'll just be out there by myself, but if we end up with one of my at home weekends, I'll be glad to organize something for north Texas.

I think it's a good idea to nail down a date! Any and all input on setting one is welcome.

My votes would be any of:

October 24th, 31st, or 3rd

Many of the California folks head to the Sierra East Side for fall color in early October. The 3rd would be the best of the dates under consideration, because, by late October the trees are bare and the higher country and high passes may be closed due to snow.

Having said that--I still think we need a more broad consensus through the regional groups. I will craft an e-mail to Jim with a draft "We're Looking for a Good Date for NPN Photography Day" message that could be posted on the regional forums and here in NPN Discussion.

In my draft, I will indicate the three dates already put forward, along with a couple of other 'weekend' dates. I will get this done this evening and send it off to Jim for review and posting.

Edit at 5 PM PDT 7/24/09: The draft has been sent to Jim.

This sounds like a great time!

-P

I would concur that October 3rd or thereabouts would be best in terms of color remaining for the mountain state members.

I think we need to nail down a date - otherwise this could turn into a task. Let's roll with Sunday, Oct. 4. Any photo taken that weekend qualifies. We will construct a special gallery that will remain open for posting from Oct. 4 through Oct. 10, at which point it will be closed to posting new photos. The gallery will be permanent and remain open for viewing and commenting.

I have drafted the PR and will supply a link to it in the official NPD announcement in this forum tomorrow. Once I have done so, feel free to copy and paste the announcement in the regional forums.

Thanks again to all for making this happen!

This sounds like a great idea and I'd be happy to work with Preston and the other CANP'rs to make this happen.

As far as themes or titles, I know this has been done plenty of times, but how about something around the "Day in the Life of..." type theme?

Plea for us film users: I know NPN still has consideration for dial-up... so how about film? I would be hard pressed to have film back, then scanned and processed by the 10th. How about 2 weeks? Also, there may be those who extend their trip in to the next week, shortening their time to post as well.

Couple other ideas. How about some challenges or contests? The "mid-day" challenge?
The golden hour, wide-angle, chaos, abstract, etc. etc.

Lastly, how about a Blurb book documenting the day? Images and stories.

Just some thoughts.

Lon

October 4 sounds good, Jim.

Can we extend the image posting period? The reason I ask is that those of us who use film, and in particular medium and/or large format, may not be able to get our work fully processed in a six day time frame. Another fator to consider is some may be on the road and not be able to post by the deadline. So, could we extend the date to, say, October 18? That would give folks plenty of time, I think.

I'll be looking forward to your announcements so that I can get the CANPers on a roll.

Thanks, as always,
-P

Oct. 18 as the close for posting works for me. Thanks for mentioning the film dilemma!

May I suggest this as a theme - What Nature Photography Means to Me. When posting the photo, explain why you enjoy nature photography and how focusing on the beauty of nature through the camera's viewfinder provides an escape from the stress of daily living.

This would tie in nicely with the theme of our press release - does this work for you?

I think it all sounds good and we have the making of what I hope is a neat event.