NANPA Summit 2023 Was Inspiring! Don’t Miss 2025
NANPA Summit 2023 was inspiring! Don’t miss NANPA Summit 2025
Many people might think that wildlife and nature photographers are a lonely group. And I often believe that is the case. One could argue that sitting in a blind for days or weeks wouldn’t qualify as a social event.
But thankfully, every two years, natural history photographers have a wonderful opportunity to come together. A chance to get out of the blind and talk shop, visit camera and other vendors, and get inspired by fellow photographers. That event is the North American Nature Photography Association, also known as the NANPA Summit.
The Westin La Paloma Resort, Tucson, Arizona
This year’s Summit was held in Tucson, Arizona, at the Westin La Paloma Resort. The Westin was remarkable for its wildlife on the property, literally outside our room door. We were told the Westin worked with the Nature Conservancy when they originally built the resort, and it shows.
There were so many birds in nesting situations, including a Great Horned Owl, Vermilion flycatchers, and Costa’s hummingbird. I missed more than one program I wanted to see because I could not pull myself away from a nesting hummingbird that had no issues with people being very close but staying on the sidewalk.
Photography Field Trips
Like years past, there were many interesting field trips with accomplished photographers, including National Parks at Night co-founder Gabriel Biderman and B&H National Park Maven Michael Hollender, for a hands-on night photography experience at Saguaro National Park.
The Sweetwaters Wetland for waterbirds is in Arizona of all places. Hummingbird Photography Stations, Birds at Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, and many more exciting hands-on experiences.
Inspirational Keynote Presentations
Along with the many field trips, there were numerous inspiring keynote presentations. I especially liked Dave Showalter’s Living River: The Promise of the Mighty Colorado. Equally inspiring was Gabby Salazar’s Finding Creativity in Collaboration, and the amazing work of Adam Schallau, who presented From Rim to River: A Photographic Exploration of the Grand Canyon.
Portfolio Reviews
There were also portfolio reviews where a professional photographer or agent would critique your work. You could choose the professional who best fit your personal and professional photography goals.
One of those professionals was Thomas Kennedy, former Director of Photography at National Geographic. Along with his portfolio reviews, Mr. Kennedy spent a couple of hours in a question-and-answer session discussing the projects he worked on at National Geographic.
What really matters is camaraderie and friendship.
NANPA is a great place to learn, but it’s even better for making long-lasting friendships with like-minded people. Tanya and I were fortunate to have a small group of Natural Exposures Explorers that came from all over the US and one from Germany. Meeting at NANPA was a great opportunity to get together and celebrate seeing long-time Explorer Freddy Kurtz, who’s traveled with us at least 25 times. Thank you Gary Woods, for lighting the fire to make this all happen.
Explorers Jim and Mimi Heywood, local residents of Tucson, invited all over to their new home for an exceptional cookout and a chance for a group photo. Lots of memories with these people in the past and adding this special event was icing on the cake.
The guy who ignited the spark to come see Freddy
Finally, we end the fun with a birthday celebration for Gary Woods. Gary’s been on a lot of trips with us and a couple were more exciting than any of us want to remember. He was the one that inspired the idea for this reunion of sorts in Tucson. It was certainly a trip to remember. Thanks, everybody!
Fred KurtzOn May. 13th, 2023 (2 weeks ago)
Wow Dan – I just saw this blog and what a nice surprise to see it. I am still stunned that everyone came. It was such a great time with my NE family. I love you all to pieces.
Thanks Gary for the idea and for Tanya executing the logistics. I cannot thank you enough.
P.S., Jim mad Mimi’s house is spectacular.