© Carter Frutiger
Jamie Konarski Davidson is a freelance outdoor and nature photographer with a passion for capturing intimate details of nature and landscapes. From tiny creatures and flowers to rural and grand landscapes, Jamie connects with simple beauty as well as all things old and fading. She embraces creative techniques that include color, infrared and black and white. Through New Life Photos, Jamie leads workshops in the Southeast, including North and South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee and Georgia. To learn more, visit www.newlifephotos.com.
What is your “day” job?
I have a blend of jobs that connect various aspects of photography. New Life Photos is my photography business in which I lead workshops, present programs, and market my work through exhibits and art shows. I am also part of the ASAP Photo & Camera team in Greenville, North Carolina, where I coordinate classes and special events, social media/marketing, purchasing and sales. The best part of what I’m doing now is that I am able to share my passion for photography and nature with teaching and encouraging others in their photography ventures.
What committees have you served on, when and what positions?
Over the years I have served on a number of committees, beginning with NANPA’s first SE Regional Forum in 2004, the editorial review team, and as a regional field event leader in 2012.
I’ve been a member of the Summit Committee since 2006 in different capacities, including trade show coordinator, Summit program chair (2012) and co-chair (several times) and, finally, as Summit coordinator for the 2013 Summit in Jacksonville, Florida. This last position involved thousands of intense volunteer hours, very little photography and a patient husband. However, the positive energy, excitement and rave reviews by attendees were very rewarding. I have been serving as a member of the NANPA Board since 2011, when I was invited to step in to complete the term of a resigning board member. It was and is an honor to serve the organization that has helped me on my path as a nature photographer.
What were your greatest accomplishments or the highlights thus far?
I bought my first camera in between two diagnoses of breast cancer in my early 30s. I had no idea where it would lead, and being a nature photographer was not even on my radar. After several years of shooting in auto-program mode, I decided it was time to learn how to control my camera to capture what I was seeing.
A week at Joe and MaryAnn McDonald’s Hoot Hollow facility in 1998 put me on the right path. It was intense, overwhelming and exciting. They introduced me to NANPA, and I attended my first Summit in San Diego in 1999. I knew no one and my nature photography knowledge was sparse. I only knew that I loved photography and nature.
And then there was Nancy Rotenberg—my inspiration, mentor and friend. She helped me find my vision. Nancy would say, “Leap, and the net will appear.” So, after many leaps and nets appearing, as she promised, I can say “I am a nature photographer.”
The highlights for me have been the people, like Nancy, who I’ve met along the way through NANPA. Jim Clark, Bill Campbell and many others believed in me, encouraged me and pushed me further than I thought I could go.
Looking back, my greatest accomplishment was becoming one who teaches. I am so happy to share my progressive growth as a photographer and be one who encourages others. Sixteen years after my first NANPA Summit, I am honored to be invited to present a breakout at the 2015 Nature Photography Summit in San Diego. I did not see this coming, but I am once again thankful.
How long have you been a NANPA member?
I have been a NANPA member since 1998.
How did you join the committee(s) you are on?
I have attended every Summit since 1999. I joined the Summit Committee because I wanted to be a part of the event that inspired, educated and encouraged me as a new member. Beyond the awesome events and programs, the best part of all the Summits has been connecting with others who share wide and varied visions and passions for nature and photography. Serving on the board of directors is an honor. I look to be part of the team that makes a difference in the world of nature photography and our precious natural environment in whatever way I can.
