Dan Cox
Questionnaire: Dan Cox
Membership #11212131
1) Give us a brief overview of your job, photographic, educational, volunteer, organizational board/committee skills, etc.
I’ve spent over four decades as a nature photographer specializing in conservation, wildlife, nature, and environmental topics. My work has been recognized and awarded in nature competitions, including BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Nature’s Best.
I’ve been featured in galleries such as Nikon House, NY and the Natural History Museum in London. I’m a regular contributor to natural history and conservation publications worldwide. I’ve worked with Hewlett-Packard as a photographic consultant for their fine art printers, I’ve been honored as a “Nikon Legend Behind the Lens,” and was a mentor for Popular Photography’s Mentor Series workshops.
Additional clients include the paper products industry, ad agencies, newspapers, and many others. My most personally satisfying accomplishments include two conservation-related cover stories for National Geographic Magazine and my current volunteer work as a photographer and advisory board member for Polar Bears International. I am the sole photographer for 20+ books.
2) How long have you been an active member of NANPA?
Since 2000
3) What Summits/Forums have you attended?
2025: Tucson, Arizona (May 15-17), 2021: Converted to a Virtual Summit due to pandemic restrictions, 2018: Jackson Hole, Wyoming (Nature Photography Celebration), 2017: Jacksonville, Florida – Summit, 2013: Jacksonville, Florida – Summit, 2000: “Creativity 2000” in San Diego, California (5th conference)
4) Have you served as a NANPA volunteer or worked on a NANPA committee? If so, please describe
Board member only.
5) What particular expertise and/or qualities would you bring to the NANPA Board?
Photography Consultant and Workshop Leader, Natural Exposures, Inc., Bozeman, Montana January 2002 — Present Invitational Photo Tours is a small, bespoke photography tour company. In 2002, my wife, Tanya, and I began guiding people to the many exotic wildlife and nature destinations that I had been documenting as a conservation photographer for over 20 years.
Photographer, Multimedia Artist, Public Speaker, Natural Exposures, Inc, Bozeman January 2002 — Present
Multimedia presentations feature stories and tales from a career spanning over four decades as a professional nature and conservation photographer. Currently, my work revolves around close ties with the conservation group Polar Bears International, mainly directing their Arctic Documentary Project. As the lead photographer, media specialist, and advisory board member for PBI, I travel to all parts of the Arctic to help create a visual and written record of the massive changes occurring throughout the North.
Media Advisor , Polar Bears International, Bozeman, Montana
January 1996 — Present
As Media Advisor for Polar Bears International, I help them obtain quality multimedia, including photos and videos,
to help spread the message of how climate change is affecting polar bears and the Arctic. My work for Polar Bears International is provided on a pro bono basis. Photographer, Nature Publishing Group, International December 2010 — January 2011
Cover of Nature: International Journal of Science, December 2010. This image highlighted a story written by Dr. Steven Amstrup, lead scientist for the conservation group Polar Bears International.
Photographer, Fine Art Print Consultant, Hewlett-Packard, San Diego, California January 2006 — January 2011
As a photographic consultant to HP, I provided insight and guidance on their efforts to reduce environmental impact and promote global sustainability. Through my use of the HP Designjet Z Series Photo Printers, I was able to share my passion for the environment, which tied in with HP’s own conservation and recycling efforts.
Photography Instructor, Mentor Series World Wide Photo Treks, New York, New York January 2006 — January 2011
My work as a nature and conservation photographer for over 40 years was instrumental in my selection by Nikon and Popular Photography to help lead the Mentors Series Worldwide Photography Treks. Commonly referred to as the “Mentor Series,” these photography workshops were an incredible hands-on learning experience designed to cater to all skill levels. Participants experience a variety of pre-arranged special photo opportunities. Nikon Mentor Series instructors provided invaluable photo tips and continuous instruction on a range of photographic topics, from travel to technical. Personal feedback provided in a one-on-one digital review session allowed trekkers to view their work in a new light, encouraging them to expand their creative vision and experiment with all they had learned.
Photographer, National Wildlife Federation, Vienna, Virginia
September 2008 — October 2008
Cover photography for Ranger Rick magazine
Photographer Great Gray Owl, National Geographic Magazine, Washington, DC
February 2003 — January 2005
My second cover story as exclusive photographer for National Geographic Magazine was a life history essay on the great gray owl. It appeared as a cover story for the February issue of National Geographic Magazine in 2005.
Photographer Snowy Owl, National Geographic Magazine, Washington, DC
January 1998 — January 2003
My first cover story was as the exclusive photographer for a 2002 article on Denver Holt’s snowy owl research in northern Alaska. Holt’s snowy owl research is the longest-running project on snowy owls ever undertaken.
Photographer, Sierra Club, San Francisco, California
March 2000 — April 2000
Cover photo of leaping salmon in Alaska for one of the greatest of all conservation groups, Sierra Club. The
photograph was used to highlight protecting the salmon runs of the Pacific Ocean.
Photographer, Lab Technician, Grandmaison Photographic Studios, Duluth, Minnesota January 1978 — November 1982
I spent four years working as a photographer and lab technician for Grandmaison Photographic Studios, a full-service photography house that produced commercial work, portraits, weddings, public relations, and other photographic services. Our commercial clients included Jeno’s Pizza, Amsoil, and many others. My early years working for Grandmaison Studios helped drive my success in the nature and conservation publishing industry, as well as with our current photo tours and workshops around the world.
Photographer, Eddie Bauer, Seattle, Washington
February 1982 — July 1982
Cover and Limited Edition print of 450 copies appeared on the Eddie Bauer’s catalog.
Photographer, Statesman Newspaper, Duluth, Minnesota
January 1979 — June 1981
I was a photographer for the University of Minnesota, Duluth newspaper. I often shot 5-8 stories a week, which included everything from the Harlem Globetrotters to the director of the Duluth Symphony, to conservation issues related to the Lake Superior area. It was a tremendous learning experience, and I apply many skills from this job to my current projects as a photographer specializing in nature and conservation issues.
Education Communications,
January 1978 — January 1981
Mass communications and newspaper journalism.
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?
Yes, not a problem.
7) How would you use your abilities to further the NANPA Mission?
I’ve been very fortunate to have had a long and prosperous career in nature photography. I’m hopeful my commitment and success are inspirational to others, giving them the confidence to follow my lead on projects I want to get done
8) How do you envision NANPA’s role in the future of nature photography? How would you further that role?
I would love to see NANPA have more outreach with our Federal and state governments to work together in providing blinds and public access to unique natural areas. I would also like to see NANPA initiate a national nature photography stamp, something similar to the Federal Duck stamp that collects a small fee that goes back into Conservation. We could hold an annual contest to select the best nature photo for the stamp.
9) Why do you want to serve on the NANPA Board of Directors?
I have two things I would like to accomplish on the board. 1) To bring attention to the issue of photographers no longer getting credit for their editorial publications. This used to be a substantial way for photographers to gain credibility with the public, but today, many publications only credit the agency. We need to change this! 2) I want to pressure PhotoShelter to start offering photographers the ability to upload and sell video clips on the PhotoShelter website.
