Nature Photography Day

June 15

Each year, June 15 is designated by the North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) to promote the enjoyment of nature photography, and to explain how images are used to advance the cause of conservation and protect plants, wildlife, and landscapes both locally and globally.

Photo by Mark Larson

In 2006, NANPA celebrated the first Nature Photography Day and placed it in McGraw-Hill’s (now Rowman & Littlefield) reference work, Chase’s Calendar of Events. Many media and websites took notice. Since then, people throughout the North American continent, and overseas too, have discovered numerous ways to observe and enjoy the day. Enthusiasm for Nature Photography Day continues to grow—worldwide.
NANPA encourages people everywhere to enjoy the day by using a camera to explore the natural world. A backyard, park, or other place close by can be just right.

Help Promote Nature Photography Day

Nature Photography Day is promoted through local and national media, businesses, photography clubs, and word of mouth by sharing the media and PDF materials provided here.

Public Service Announcements (PSAs)

Public Service Announcements (PSAs) will be available for download and release to radio stations and websites. Check back in April!

Signage

We encourage business owners, camera stores, and other organizations to post a flyer announcing Nature Photography Day. We’ll have one you can download and use soon. Check back in April!

Stay connected to the natural world

Here are some ways to celebrate Nature Photography Day.

  • Learn even more about the natural history of your environment: plants, wildlife, and land.
  • Encourage the creative spirit among your family and friends. Tell them about books and online resources with suggestions on how to photograph flowers, birds, and more.
  • Know that your photos can be invaluable, telling vital stories about nature. Find something that detracts from the natural world, showing images about how human beings sometimes adversely affect the environment.
  • Remind your colleagues about Nature Photography Day and how images have been used to protect the natural world. If you have a website or blog, spread the news there, too.
  • Even before June 15, immerse yourself in the legacy of nature photography by reading about the work of naturalists as well as pioneers in the profession.
  • Take learning even further: Whether you teach online or in person, ask your students to also read about the experiences of nature photographers—legends of the past and today.
  • Build vibrant memories by picking something close to home that you’ve never photographed before. Then make plans to photograph that subject or scene every June 15. Enjoy the pilgrimage!
  • Create a scavenger hunt for birds, butterflies, insects, rocks, and other natural sights likely to be close to you. But don’t just list what you’ve found. Take photos!
  • Finally, ask yourself how your images can help to bring positive changes to the Earth. After all, it’s our common home.

How will you celebrate Nature Photography Day? Contact us or tag us in your social media posts #NaturePhotographyDay

We love nature photography

NANPA members share a passion for nature photography and a desire to shine light on what’s beautiful, threatened, and unique in the natural world. They believe in the power of storytelling to effect change.

Whether you’re a professional nature photographer, hobbyist, vendor, publisher, conservationist, or other nature photography enthusiast, you belong at NANPA.