At one point or another, most photographers will embark on a personal project. These projects are ways to more deeply explore a personal passion using photography, whether that be documenting how a single location changes throughout a year, looking for variations on a theme, or recording the health and vitality of a species or habitat. Personal projects can be global or local, big or small, and most assuredly will provide a satisfying and challenging addition to your photography arsenal.
At NANPA’s Nature Photography Summit, February 21 – 23, in Las Vegas, you can take a deep dive into all aspects of personal projects. That’s one more reason to register and get yourself (and your gear) to Vegas this month. Sign up before preregistration closes at midnight, Eastern Time, on Monday, February 4th and take advantage of NANPA’s 25th birthday discount! Use promo code “Happy25” for $75 off a member, non-member, or student full Summit registration.
Listen
Want inspiration? In Las Vegas, you’ll have the opportunity to hear from world-class photographers talking about some of their projects. Florian Schulz, winner of this year’s Outstanding Photographer of the Year Award, is using his photography to advocate for wildlife corridors, in the Freedom to Roam project, and for conserving the Arctic wilderness. He’ll be speaking Saturday morning, February 23.
Joel Sartore, winner of a Lifetime Achievement Award, will be speaking on Thursday evening, February 21, about his National Geographic Photo Ark project. This ambitious project aims to document every living species, before they go extinct, over a 25-year time span. He’s already photographed more than 9,000 species.
And that’s just two examples. The rooms at the Westgate will be full of passionate photographers with great ideas, both large and small, and lots of experience to share. You should be there!
Learn
Not sure how to start your own photography project? Sit yourself down for Mary Virginia Swanson’s Super Session, “Planning Now To Market Your Project: From Concept Through Execution, Exhibition And Publication,” on Sunday morning, February 24. Swanson will outline all the steps that every photographic project should take as it heads from idea to planning, through production, and on to publication or exhibition. (Super Sessions require separate registration, which can be done during your initial registration or added later by updating your registration.)
It promises to be a great session. NANPA past president Sean Fitzgerald says “I never miss a presentation by Mary Virginia Swanson. She is an industry legend who delivers ‘no-nonsense’ facts, figures and real-world advice that photographers can actually use in their business. I usually walk away from her presentations with an excited ‘hop in my step’ as I contemplate her advice and the doors they would open for me. I will be there again in Las Vegas, too.” Conference chair Kathy Adams Clark tells us “Swanson’s programs open the doors on the fine art market. She’s the leading consultant on entering the fine art marketing, positioning your work, and growing your brand. I marvel every time I hear her programs at the depth of her experience and her willingness to share her knowledge. She always gives me more than I expected.”
Summit Promo #2 Portfolio Reviews from NANPA Video on Vimeo.
Listen & Learn
Already doing a personal project? Now’s a great time to get a personal portfolio review. More than 20 top-notch professionals are available to give you a one-on-one portfolio review. They can critique your images, give tips about how well you are telling a story, and give you insights into the market and audience you are targeting. You’ll leave with a better sense of how your work stacks up and lots of new ideas for taking it to the next level. Not convinced yet? Click here for five reasons to get a portfolio review.
Don’t waste another minute. Whether you’re doing a personal project, looking to improve your nature photography, learn more about the market, or just meet a bunch of friendly, like-minded souls, register now for the Nature Photography Summit and take advantage of NANPA’s 25th birthday discount! As Hamlet might have said to Ophelia, had they been photographers, “Get thee to the Summit! Go!”
