New NPN Ownership

They say one year in a dog's life is equal to seven in a human's life.  If that is true, I have to think the ratio may be even greater in the life of an Internet community.  It's been over 18 years since NPN was launched, and back in 2000 it was a unique resource for nature photographers.  No one had heard of an iPhone back then, and Mark Zuckerberg was only 15 years old.  How times have changed...

Over the years I have to believe that NPN has had a positive impact on nature photography, and on those who have spent time here pursuing their hobby or profession.  The quality of participation to this day remains the overwhelming reason for NPN's success, and it has been the moderators and members who have made it as good as it is.  Our mission statement of dedicated to the art and technique of nature photography along with some simple ground rules of keeping all discussion focused 100% on that mission statement, and cultivating an atmosphere of respect and professionalism seemed a pretty logical approach 18 years ago and remains the foundation on which NPN has thrived.  Who ever thought that social discourse would have devolved to where it is today, making the way we interact here an exception instead of the simple rule of common courtesy?  How times have changed...

As the years passed it became increasing obvious to Donna and me that our level of enthusiasm for running NPN was dwindling.  Children who were in high school when we launched NPN are now grown adults with careers and children of their own.  Canine family members have come and gone, hair has grown gray and my employment has relocated us to a different state.  The simple HTML coding and bulletin board systems of 2000 have given way to far more advanced and efficient methods of building websites.  We soon found our simple home-brew website competing with sites that were created with hundreds-of-thousands of dollars in venture capital and a team of coding professionals. Times had changed, and it became obvious that without some fresh ideas and enthusiasm that NPN would remain in a long, gradual decline.  It would have been easy to just pull the plug but there was far too much invested by all of us to let that happen.

A few months ago David Kingham reached out to me to discuss the current state of NPN, and to ask if we might be interested in an offer of acquisition.  Through our conversations it became evident that David not only shared the core values of what has made NPN the success it has been, but also a vision of where NPN could go from here.  It was through these conversations that I realized this was the opportunity I was hoping for - finding someone who values NPN as much as I do and who would be willing to pour their heart, soul and energy into it.  It became clear to me that NPN would be given a new lease on life and be able to continue its mission of dedicated to the art and technique of nature photography with the core values of respect, professionalism and unbending focus on the craft we love - with none of the divisiveness that infests our society. Times have changed, and the time to make a change for the future of NPN was clear.

I have been honored and humbled to have been associated with such an outstanding group of people, with photography skills that have often left me awe. Your dedication to not only the craft, but your professionalism, decency, common courtesy, and most of all, your passion for sharing your images of our natural world with those of us lucky enough to witness them I consider the greatest opportunity of my life.  To all of you, my heartfelt thanks for allowing Donna and I to be a part of it!

It is with great excitement that we hand over the ownership of NPN responsibilities to David, knowing that NPN will live on and remain the great nature photography resource it has long been.  We also look forward to remaining participants on the new NPN website and continue enjoying the outstanding nature photography that we have been blessed with witnessing for all of these years.  

We are pleased and eternally grateful to know that the best days of NPN are still ahead - see you there!

Jim and Donna

Thank you for creating such a wonderful community, NPN has always been a go to place for me for inspiration and learning, even if I haven't posted much in recent years.   I started here so many years ago and have seen the site and the people evolve, it's been like a home for me.  I hope the new NPN is as open and friendly and thoughtful as the original has been. 

Thank you again and wishing you both the best

Hali

Thanks, Jim.  I will always be grateful that you and Donna created and ran this site for so long.  It has been of inestimable value in my development as a photographer and in that of so many others.  David has some very big shoes to fill.

Jim and Donna
This site has meant an awful lot to me and, I know, to many, many others over the past two decades.  Deepest thanks for all your work on it and for the example of your immense enthusiasm.  My best wishes for whatever you move on to !!!

A strong thank you to Jim and Donna for your long term dedication and hard work.  Keeping a web site with as much activity as NPN has going for 18 years is an astonishing feat of dedication.

The new site, looks good and offers some good improvements.  There are differences that will take all of us (especially the moderators) some time to get used to.  Based on my early introduction, these changes will be welcome.

A big thank you to Jim and Donna for their long term dedication and early vision to create NPN.  It has been a wonderful place to learn and share.  

A very warm welcome to David Kingham as the new owner of NPN.  Having spent a bit of time on the new site as a moderator, I'm really excited to see the new design, opportunities and renewed passion.  This will be a wonderful new place to share our passions and professions.  Looking forward to seeing all of you in the new site.

Dear Jim & Donna,

Your vision and ideals have spawned more nature photographers than you will ever know.  When I joined NPN in 2005 I was somewhat adept in photography but totally clueless with the new technology of posting to websites, converting images digitally for posting, new to digital photography in general, and on and on...  Without the friendly and inviting membership & staff of NPN, I would have never figured it out by myself.  Everyone put up with my endless questions, smothered my ignorance with polite, helpful answers, tips, and patient instruction, and encouraged my participation.  Under the mentorship of Guy Tal, Michael Gordon, Ian Plant, and so many others my photographic skills and vision grew and grew.  The reason I mention this is that you and Donna set the stage for all of that by insuring NPN was that safe, friendly, encouraging "family" for all of us.  As you mentioned, times have indeed changed and the world, both actual and virtual, seems to be more rushed, more complex, less friendly and, at times, downright nasty.  Even though many names have changed over the years here at NPN, the friendly, eager to help, and always welcoming nature has never changed, and that was because of both of you and the standards you set and required.  THAT will be your legacy - that you birthed a wonderful site with noble ideals, and then successfully maintained those same ideals and standards while so many others lowered themselves into the ugly fray of today's world.  That is a beautiful legacy to own, and you both richly deserve it.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you have done and given, and I wish you only the best in the future. 

Sincerely,
Bill

Jim & Donna, it has totally been my pleasure to have been a part of this photographic community for so many years now. You both have stood the test of time in the not so easy world of running a website for numerous years now. Congratulations to you both on that success and overall honor. Thank you for being so supportive in this endeavor.

For me, I was really just starting to learn how to use Photoshop when I joined NPN. I moved here with 3 other outstanding photographers who I knew from a stock sale site we worked through at that time. All 3 of those photographers, John Benway, Marc Adamus, and Mike Dawson, advanced in their skills as well while participating here at NPN.

Although I felt good about my field work and camera usage at the time I could never seem to get the entire package of what I saw in the field to look the same on my PC monitor. WOW, what a huge learning curve for me and many years later through the support of so many strong moderators and other photographers here at NPN I've truly learned a ton.

Again,  Jim & Donna thank you so much for sharing this site with so many outstanding photographers all these years.....

I cut my photographic teeth at NPN and for that opportunity I'll be forever grateful. Thank you Jim and Donna.

Donna and Jim,

Thank you for creating NPN and als the hard work you both have put in all these years. It has always been an honour to be part of such a great community.

Donna and Jm:

Its been an honor to have been involved with NPN.  My best wishes to you and Donna in your new endeavor and a big thank you for your efforts on  behalf of the NPN community.  I check in each morning to see the new images and have been inspired by so many..  I sincerely hope that the new site will continue to inspire and help us learn new techniques.

Thanks again.

 Pat

  

NPN is a truly wonderful site. So many things were done right when NPN was created. The process of photo displaying, critiquing, moderator reviewing, recognition through critic choices, and finally storing in personal galleries was well conceived and, I think, responsible for NPN's long duration. I am grateful to both you, Jim, and Donna for building it and making it available to use viewers. Anyone who put any effort into participating here was sure to improve their photography. As many have said in the past, critiquing other peoples images is often the best way to improve your own. Thank you, once again, for providing us this forum to become better photographers rather than just admirers of other people's work.

Since 2002 I have enjoyed being a member of NPN. Jim and Donna, and Dave the Programmer have done a yeoman's job maintaining and updating NPN from a technical standpoint since it's inception. My thanks for that, but really, I offer my thanks to Jim and Donna for creating and nurturing a site that promotes art, creativity, technical expertise, and above all a warm and inviting place to gather and discuss our passion for nature photography! You can be justifiably proud of all that you have done.

It has been an honor to be a staff member at NPN, and I will continue in that roll under Dave's leadership. It will be my pleasure to continue to serve our community.

The members here who have given me so many comments on my images, I heartily express my thanks. I am certain my development as a photographer would have progressed more slowly without your help and insight.

I now have a request: If you have contact with any previous NPN members who are no longer here, please extend an invitation to them to peruse the new site and become a member once again. Thank you!

Enjoy the 'new' NPN, everyone!
--P

Ron Dudley said: 
"I cut my photographic teeth at NPN and for that opportunity I'll be forever grateful. Thank you Jim and Donna."

I was looking for what to say, and that was it. I went from horrid snapshooter to AZ Highways Contest winner and some books on Amazon with my photo work thanks to NPN. We made friends here. We sold equipment to each other and would ship the item the same day that the NPN buyer mailed the check, KNOWING there would be no issues. Honesty prevailed especially in critiques which sometimes stung but it was the best education on earth, and everyone respected each other regardless of nationality, faith, etc. At the time there was NO other site like this... Flickr was full of snapshots by drunken college students on spring break in Cancun. Jim & Donna, you created something special that will stay with us in memory that was like no other, and you committed thousands of hours of your life to do it. How do we thank you for that.

Like Ron said, forever grateful.
Paul

I would like to express my heartfelt thank you to Jim & Donna as well. The people I met and learned from on NPN accelerated my photography massively. I can't imagine where I would be today without NPN, I met so many amazing supportive people who I now call dear friends as well. I certainly do have big shoes to fill, I am humbled and honored that Jim saw something in me to carry on the legacy. I am incredibly excited for the future of NPN!

Thank you, I am not sure what else to say.  NPN has been very good for me, and I appreciate all the work that has gone into this site being the one I have enjoyed and used over the years.  Good luck and thank you both.

Donna and Jim,

Thank you for creating NPN and als the hard work you both have put in all these years. It has always been an honour to be part of such a great community.

- Betty-Lou Luyken

Exactly.

My first image post at NPN was on March 2, 2001, and since then I've posted around 1,300 images. So I must have viewed over 100,000 photos by others over that time! I've learned a lot from sharing and viewing so much, and I've made many friends in the process. I think NPN has been a unique phenomena and I cannot imagine anything like it coming along in the foreseeable future.

Well done!

Jim/Donna
I have been at this on NPN since 2006. Twelve years! I started off as a suspicious watcher only at first. I saw and read so much of what was posted in images, critiques and advice. I remember the first Image I posted of the cliffs from Dungeness Spit. I was proud of the image and Stan Rose tore it apart in a critique. Thank goodness it went uphill from there! I was brash, argumentative, and suspicious. It took a while, but I slowly began to listen and make improvements. The "attaboys" made me feel good, but the critiques were the real value to me. I can look back with hindsight on the improvements I have made as a photographer; in large part, NPN and its members and staff are responsible. I thank you, Jim and Donna, and all the good people in this creative and nurturing place. 

I look forward to what will hopefully turn out to be a refreshment and new start With David Kingman and his group. What I have seen thus far is impressive. But I also know, Jim, Donna, that if you hadn't started this in the first place and grown it well, the opportunity for growth would never have occurred in the first place!

And so, I thank you!

Phil Hodgkins
 

Hi Jim and Donna,

I thank you for all the work that both of you undertook to make NPN a functional tutorial website.  I started off with some very primitive attempts at nature photography and have improved my techniques via the constructive critiques of the other members.of NPN. Who would have figured that I can now take reasonable multi-flash photographs of hummingbirds (LOL).  It would not be possible without those critiques. As a photographer I have grown by studying the critiques and the work of other photographers. Even when I take pictures of my dogs, I think about the composition, lighting, and poses. The power of the critique is that it is an incredible learning tool.  It works very well!

Another important feature of NPN is that I made many new friends and this is something special and unique to NPN.  I hope that you and Donna continue with photography and hope to hear from both of you in the future. There's always dog stories to share.

And to David: Welcome and I'll be glad to contribute and help with whatever you need to make NPN continue as a valuable resource for the nature photographer.

As Always,

Jim

I would like to also thank you Jim and Donna.  I’m not sure I would even be taking photo’s without NPN.  I came to this site like a child, both in skills and in the confidence to even post an image.  I have yet to post images anywhere else.  I have joined different communities, but the format and feedback really seemed to be lacking.  I really don’t care about likes and atta boys.  I came to NPN to learn, to develop a craft, and to engage in a community of like minded people. I have made lifelong friends who have taken me under their wing and helped me to develop as a photographer and artist.  I don’t do it for money, I do it for fun.  To engage with people all across the country and the world.  All of the thousands of images viewed and critiqued form the background of every scene I take in.  Every time I snap the shutter, it is with the lessons learned here.  For that I cannot thank you enough.

I’m looking forward to what Dave and Jennifer put together.  I can’t  wait to see what the next chapter looks like.

Thanks you so much for all you have done, Jim and Donna. I echo everybody who have commented here so far. Whatever skills I have developed as a photographer have been mainly from participating at this site both as a contributor and critiquing other images. I am humbled by how many great photographers you have managed to attract to this site and provide a platform for people like me to learn from them. Even now, I often go back to see many of the images posted here years ago and learn from them. More importantly this site has taught me to appreciate nature and enjoy it with minimal impact.

I look forward to participating here under David's ownership and have the opportunity to interact with you and others in the future.

<div>Jim and Donna,
 </div> <div>Thank you so much for giving so much, and for making our world a better place. 

When I read the title of this post, the world around me seemed to go silent as a flood of mixed feeling overwhelmed me.  My gratitude for you and for so many supportive NPN members was mixed with a sense of impending loss.  What is to become of NPN?  Was it "acquired" by some business that would simply absorb certain assets and discard the essence of NPN?  But as I read on, that sense of loss was replaced by optimism.  Now my gratitude to you for creating and nurturing NPN is increased by the way you "passed the torch."
 </div> <div>Congratulations on passing the NPN torch to one of our own, who shares your commitment to the principles of the community which you founded.   Unlike other innovators, you did not drop the torch, or sell it to some business organization that would merely absorb it, making it disappear into some nebulous enterprise.  You passed the torch to a team member who shares your commitment to keep going on the path that you charted.
 </div> <div>NPN has certainly fostered the development of many nature photographers, and for some of us, NPN has gone far beyond simply a means to learn skills.  NPN has been an example of encouragement, sharing, civility, and a much deeper form of friendship than can be fostered by a mouse click, even though the vehicle is electronic.  The inspiration to be found in the NPN community goes deeper than providing a showcase for beautiful images and a forum for honest, detailed, encouraging critiques.  It is a shining example of how people can treat each other with respect and friendship.  During a time in my life when physical survival was a constant uphill battle, the encouragement of my NPN friends including you provided more than emotional comfort and an escape from hospital confinement and pain; it was truly inspiring.  I am eternally grateful to you for providing the vehicle and the atmosphere for that inspiration, as well as the best way to enable people to learn from each other.
 </div> <div>Like many people, other things compete for the time I can spend on photography and NPN, so I my online presence has become sporadic.  But I always return to NPN for the many benefits that it offers, including inspiration.  I strongly encourage all NPN members -- past and present -- to join the next version of NPN, and to bring in new members, so your shining example of encouragement, sharing, civility, and friendship can continue.  Please keep the torch lit. </div>

Thank you, Jim and Donna for creating and maintaining a Nature Photography learning site with a positive and inclusive culture that allowed so many of us to learn from more experienced peers in an environment that felt safe and supportive. While there were many sites around the world that provided slick interfaces and fast technology I have yet to find another photography site that maintains such an atmosphere of professionalism and friendship where the intent of the members is to help others learn and to share images and experiences.  It has truly felt like an extended family.  I am glad to hear that you both are finally able to get a break from the hard work of maintaining the site and yet still be able to enjoy the benefits of it. A job well done and an excellent handoff!

 David Kingham;

Congratulation on your acquisition!  I am very happy to hear that you intend to maintain the culture of the old organization while bringing the site itself up to modern standards and current technology.  If you can fulfill that goal I will be most happy to maintain my membership and support you in any way that I am able!  

This truly appears to be a win-win event!

Thank you JIm and Donna. NPN is a great community and although I don't participate much at all anymore I do stop in to view the photos of the talented photographers here.

Jim and Donna, thank you for all the years of hard work on this site. As a former moderator and regional coordinator, I know how much of yourselves you put into it. I thank you for your support of me during my time here. Like Mia, I don't participate much anymore--actually on any site--but I regularly drop in here and look at the fine work being posted. 

I wish you both all the best in your next adventures, whatever they are and wherever they take you. I hope to see you on the new site in the near future. I know I will be watching to see what plans David has. 

Best regards,
David
 

To Jim & Donna-
Please add me to the list of NPN fans and like-minded members here. Although my photography began almost fifty years ago when I worked at the camera store, it wasn't until my membership in 2004 that I was able to really hone my skills. This art form has become my main focus since retiring. I have always been in favor of a community that actually gives constructive critique, which are the best comments, much more than just a casual complimentary pat on the back. I extend a huge compliment to you guys for keeping this site alive. I will certainly continue with my active membership, and look forward to the new look of NPN. Thank you both so much for your invaluable efforts.
Kind Regards - Bill

Jim and Donna, it is with mixed emotions I read your post and email.  I believe it was in 2003 when I joined NPN with my brand new Canon 10D.  I knew nothing about digital photography.  However, I have learned much over the past 15 years from you and all those who participate on this wonderful forum. A large part of my learning curve has come from here.  I thank you and all my fellow NPN'ers  for this.  My wife and I totally understand the need for change in our lives.  It was shortly prior to my joining NPN that we sold our private practice of 25 years to a large medical group. Times had changed back then for us and times are changing now for you.  We wish you and Donna much happiness and relaxation as you enjoy your family and, hopefully, more free time.  We trust that as you browse NPN over the coming years you can look with pride at your creation, knowing that you were among the first to venture into this arena.  You can also look with pride at the tremendous advancement many of us have achieved due to the dialogue and learning fostered on this site.

Best wishes,
Ed & Gail Cordes

I learned so much about photography here with the thoughtful critiques and excellent photography from so many of the original members (Marc Adamus, Guy Tal, Tony Kuyper, Ian Plant, etc., etc.). I made a lot of friends here from the RMNP forums, as well. I'm especially nostalgic for the quality of work that was in abundance here, especially in this age of Instagram 'fauxtography'.
Thank you Jim & Donna from the bottom of my heart.

Now here's a great opportunity for me to get myself motivated to participate again.  But first I must join the chorus of thank you's to Jim and Donna for the very fine community of NPN you created, maintained and executed so many improvements.  You all made one heck of a run with this community and honestly it stands above all other communities (photography or not) that I've been involved with ever since joining in 2006.

I have learned much and most certainly my processing skills wouldn't be where they are now if it weren't for this community.  But of course it's the people; the ones I've met in person and that I now call very good friends - and even those who I've never met in person, but have developed relationships with, this community of caring nature photographers is really what keeps folks here.  I too wish someone could have figured out the decline - certainly it's been kicked around, questioned, discussed for a number of years now.  I suspect this is the perfect moment in time for the switch and I'll hold out good hope that NPN gets resurrected.  I know for myself, I will be posting again in the new galleries soon!  Thank you David Jennifer for taking the reigns.

I wish the best for you and your family and I'm guessing and hoping you won't be far away and hope to see some image posts from you on the new site. 

Lon

Thank you, Jim and Donna! I haven't been active here for quite a while, but I've maintained my membership and my appreciation for the community here. I learned so much here from so many people who were so amazingly generous with their knowledge and skill. I've found incredible inspiration here as well as a number of good friends. Thank you!

Thanks for creating NPN in the first place Jim & Donna - and thanks for your help and support over the years. It's been a fun (& sometimes bumpy!) ride with moderating the UKNP regional forum.

Don't be a stranger - keep in touch 



 

Hello, Jim & Donna, thanks so much for all the years and effort you spent in creating and maintaining a wonderful community ! Look forward continuing on the 'new' NPN :-) ! Thanks and wishing you all the best for now, cheers, Hans Overduin - The Netherlands

A Big Thank You Jim & Donna !!!

I seem to agree with all the comments made above.

Just hoping that new NPN will continue to teach us, inspire us and support us in  our photographic journey.



Jagdeep Rajput

Jim and Donna,
Just wanted to say thank you for starting NPN and creating this place that I have so much enjoyed over many years now. I have learned so much and have been totally inspired time after time by the photography that is posted here. I so appreciate the motivation the site you created has given me all these years. Thank You!
Looking forward to the new site now and being part of that for many years to come.

Wishing both of you all the best!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI.
 

Thank you and congratulations to Jim & Donna. I have been a member for only a few years, I was so glad to bump into the NPN site when I tried my first DSLR. The site has been my go to for inspiration and learning the craft. Looking forward to the next chapter.

Jim an Donna,
thank you for the ten years that I have enjoyed in the community that you have so well organized and leaded; thank you for the choice of moderators that have helped us a lot to become better photographers; thank you for the same importance that you have always given to all the sectors of photography without privileging landscape and avian; at last thank you for bearing ten years of my poor English.
Thank you.
 

Ditto to the above sentiments.  Just realised it's been 10 years since I registered on NPN and while I'm not a professional , or even a consistently good photographer , I have learned many valuable lessons from the site and am so grateful for wonderful tips from people so much more proficient than myself. People I normally wouldn't have come any where near being in contact with, such as Lon Overaker , Guy Tal ,  Marc Adamus, Paolo DeFaveri, KAh Kit Yoong, Ian Cameron and of  course Tony Kuyper and his wonderful bag of tricks!
So thanks to Jim and Donna for all your work and here's hoping the site goes onward and upward.