Alyce Bender
Questionnaire: Alyce Bender
Membership #55965047
1) Give us a brief overview of your job, photographic, educational, volunteer, organizational board/committee skills, etc.
I am a U.S. Air Force veteran, professional nature photographer, educator, and owner of A. Bender Photography LLC. My work centers on conservation-minded nature photography, fieldcraft, and ethical practices, with a strong emphasis on helping photographers become better naturalists as well as better image-makers. As a Tamron Americas Ambassador, workshop instructor, tour leader, and writer, I regularly teach in the field, lead domestic and international photo programs, and create educational content that blends technical instruction with ethics, observation, and natural history.
My background includes extensive experience in photography education, public speaking, small business leadership, and client experience management. I design and lead workshops and tours, develop curriculum and participant materials, manage logistics and risk considerations, and work closely with photographers of varied skill levels. I am a certified NOLS Wilderness First Responder, which supports both safety awareness and practical field leadership.
In volunteer and service roles, I currently serve on the NANPA Ethics Committee, where I contribute to conversations around responsible nature photography and stewardship. My professional work consistently reflects a commitment to conservation, ethical storytelling, and community building. I also bring organizational skills developed through military service, business ownership, partnership management, program planning, communication, and long-range project coordination
2) How long have you been an active member of NANPA?
Since 2018
3) What Summits/Forums have you attended?
The 2018 Summit – Las Vegas, 2022 Virtual Summit, 2023 Summit – Tucson
4) Have you served as a NANPA volunteer or worked on a NANPA committee? If so, please describe
My volunteer service with NANPA has centered on both ethics and education. Through the Ethics Committee, I have helped support conversations around responsible nature photography and the importance of stewardship in our field. I also volunteered with the college program at the 2023 NANPA Summit, where I helped support students and foster a welcoming, educational experience for the next generation of nature photographers.
5) What particular expertise and/or qualities would you bring to the NANPA Board?
I would bring a strong combination of field experience, educational leadership, ethical perspective, and practical organizational skill to the NANPA Board. As a professional nature photographer, instructor, tour leader, and small business owner, I understand both the creative and operational sides of this work, as well as the needs of photographers across different stages of growth. My service on the NANPA Ethics Committee reflects a deep commitment to stewardship, responsible nature photography, and the belief that the better naturalist you are, the better nature photographer you become.
I also believe I would bring valuable perspective as someone who is newer to NANPA than some long-established members and leaders. That gives me the ability to both respect the organization’s mission and history while also offering fresh ideas and an outside viewpoint. I would bring thoughtful leadership, clear communication, and a collaborative approach, along with a genuine investment in helping NANPA remain relevant, credible, welcoming, and impactful for the future of the nature photography community.
6) Serving on the NANPA board does involve a time commitment. Do you feel that at this time in your life/career, you can dedicate the time to ensure NANPA’s continued growth and success?
While there are naturally times of year that are busier than others in my professional schedule, I do feel that I can dedicate the time needed to serve effectively. I believe NANPA plays an important role in the nature photography community, and I believe that role is well worth the time, energy, and commitment expected of its Board members. If selected, I would take that responsibility seriously and ensure that Board service remains a clear priority in my calendar.
7) How would you use your abilities to further the NANPA Mission?
I would use my abilities to help further the NANPA mission by supporting ethical education in nature photography, encouraging growth and professionalism within the industry, and helping build stronger connections across the communities that support what we do. Nature photography does not exist in a vacuum. The relationships between photographers, educators, industry partners, conservation organizations, and the public all matter, and when those connections are strong, the field is stronger as a whole. Through my background in education, leadership, and business ownership, I would work to help NANPA continue advancing stewardship, supporting photographers, and fostering the kind of community where, truly, a rising tide raises all ships.
8) How do you envision NANPA’s role in the future of nature photography? How would you further that role?
I envision NANPA playing a larger and more visible role in the future of nature photography as a leading source of education, connection, and support for photographers at all stages. As nature photography has grown in recent years, especially since COVID, I believe there is real opportunity for NANPA to grow with it and become a more recognized and trusted name not only within the industry, but among hobbyist and emerging photographers as well.
I would like to help further that role by supporting efforts that expand NANPA’s reach, strengthen its value to members, and reinforce its position as a place photographers turn to for ethical guidance, meaningful education, professional development, and community. I believe NANPA can continue to grow into an organization that serves both new and advanced nature photographers in ways that are relevant, welcoming, and lasting.
9) Why do you want to serve on the NANPA Board of Directors?
I want to serve on the NANPA Board because I believe this organization matters, and I believe it has the potential to matter even more in the future of nature photography. We need spaces that support photographers not just with inspiration, but with education, ethics, community, and professional encouragement. NANPA is well positioned to be that kind of organization, and I would value the opportunity to help strengthen and shape that role.
For me, this is also about service. I have built my own work around education, stewardship, and helping photographers grow not only as image-makers, but as observers and naturalists. Serving on the Board feels like a natural extension of that work. I would be glad to bring my experience, my perspective, and my energy to helping NANPA continue to grow in meaningful ways.
