Message from the President

Message from the President

It is an honor to be the incoming President of GNPA. Over the last several years of being a member of GNPA and on the board for the last few, I have had a chance to work with some absolutely great people. A few of these great people who will no longer be serving on the board are Eric Bowles (Past President), Bill Hatherley (Treasurer), and Travis Rhoads (Member at Large). Bill White will take on the role of Past President. Both Bill White and Eric Bowles have committed to carrying on a tradition of meet with the new president on a regular basis to provide ongoing guidance. For that, I am, and will be, in their debt. They both know so many people and so much about the organization that they will be a great asset to helping me fulfill my duties.

Last Sunday, the GNPA Board met to cover several business items and to ratify the recent elections. As many of you remember, we had two persons who had been nominated for one position that was being vacated. Bill White and I had discussed shortly before the ballot was posted for everyone to vote that it might be a good idea to add another person to the Board. Chris Dekle has also been selected by the board to continue as Webmaster.

As such, when the Board met, Bill White brought forth a recommendation to add one more person to the board. The vote was unanimously in favor and so we were able to bring both Tammy Cash and Lisa Westberry onto the Board as Members at Large.

I am also looking forward to working with Anna DeStefano as Vice President. She has a good background in working with non-profits and boards. As such, her contribution and willingness to serve will be very helpful as we look into what we will be doing as an organization over the next year. We have already had a few meetings in preparation and are mapping out a strategic plan.

We also are welcoming a new Treasurer, Denise Duplinski, who has graciously agreed to serve. She comes to us with a good background in accounting and non-profit financial accounting.

Below is the new composition of the Board beginning on April 1, 2023. Please join me in welcoming the new and current standing members.

  • President: Doug Flor
  • Vice President: Anna DeStefano
  • Secretary: Ken Dunwoody
  • Treasurer: Denise Duplinski
  • Past President: Bill White
  • Board of Directors Member at Large: Marcia Brandes
  • Board of Directors Member at Large: Jenny Burdette
  • Board of Directors Member at Large: Tammy Cash
  • Board of Directors Member at Large: Lee Friedman
  • Board of Directors Member at Large: Trisha Lynch
  • Board of Directors Member at Large: Janet Newton
  • Board of Directors Member at Large: Ray Silva
  • Board of Directors Member at Large: Lisa Westberry
  • WebMaster: Chris Dekle

Best Always,

Doug

Leadership

Leadership

GNPA Officers, Board and Committee Chairs

 

NamePositionEmail
Doug FlorPresidentpresident@gnpa.org
Anna DeStefanoVice Presidentvicepresident@gnpa.org
Ken DunwoodySecretarysecretary@gnpa.org
TBDTreasurertreasurer@gnpa.org
Bill WhitePast Presidentpast_pres@gnpa.org
Marcia BrandesBoard of Directors Member at Largeboard@gnpa.org
Jenny BurdetteBoard of Directors Member at Largeboard@gnpa.org
Tammy CashBoard of Directors Member at Largeboard@gnpa.org
Janet NewtonBoard of Directors Member at Largeboard@gnpa.org
Ray SilvaBoard of Directors Member at Largeboard@gnpa.org
Lisa WestberryBoard of Directors Member at Largeboard@gnpa.org
Lee FriedmanMember Programsprograms@gnpa.org
Chris DekleWebMasterwebmaster@gnpa.org

Announcing “2024 Stand in Ansel Adams Footsteps Contest” Winners

Image “Arches, Window, and Juniper” by Martin Bozone

 

We thank all of the GNPA members who participated in the 8th Annual “Stand in Ansel Adams Footsteps.”  There were over 200 entries submitted with 135 photos from over 50 photographers on display.

 

We also wish to thank Greg Comstock for being the judge and selecting the following winners. It was a great show with many wonderful photographs.

 

The exhibit at the Hudgens Art Center will remain open here until April 27 and is available for viewing from 10:am-4:00pm Tuesday through Saturday. Head on to the Hudgens and enjoy the beautiful work.

 

To view the winning photos, you can go to: https://gnpa.org/2024/02/12/2024-stand-in-ansel-adams-footsteps-contest-winners/

 

Congratulations to the following winners of the 2024 “Stand In Ansel Adams Footsteps” juried competition!

 

 

Best in Show:

 Arches, Window, and Juniper – Martin Bozone

 

Georgia Landscape:

Novice:

1st Place – Fall Reflections, Lori Mitchum

2nd Place – Sunrise On Fort Yargo, John Gagliano

3rd Place – Adrift in Time, Annamarie Rewal

Enthusiast:

1st Place – Land of the Trembling Earth, Philip Hart

2nd Place – Cumberland Island, Bethany Plonski

3rd Place – Along the Okefenokee, Sara Ann Callaway

Advanced:

1st Place – Brasstown Evening, Gary Bowlick

2nd Place – Sun Rising Behind Driftwood Tree, Barry Vangrov

3rd Place – Cumberland Trail, Jamie Anderson

 

Landscape (Not in Georgia):

Novice:

1st Place – Light From Above Blue Ridge Mountains, Tina Stevens

2nd Place – Bitteroot, Leslie Ballard

3rd Place – Garden of the Gods, Tina Stevens

Enthusiast:

1st Place – Crater Lake, Bethany Plonski

2nd Place – Soda Butte Creek, Newl McEwen

3rd Place – Leadville, Steve Arnold

Advanced:

1st Place – Arches, Window, & Juniper, Martin Bozone

2nd Place – NC Waterfall, Jen Cardinell

3rd Place – Court of the Patriarchs, Martin Bozone

 

Macro/Close-up:

Novice:

1st Place – Rugged Terrain, Lori Mitchum

2nd Place – Gibbs Garden, Tina Stevens

3rd Place – Fern in the Mist, Annamarie Rewal

Enthusiast:

1st Place – Red Filter Treasure, Doug Flor

2nd Place – Lotus Cascade, Bethany Plonski

3rd Place – Cosmos, Brian Mitchell

Advanced:

1st Place – White Lilly, Paul Xuereb

2nd Place – Saguaro Abstract, Barry Vangrov

3rd Place – Hosta, Chris Dahl

Meet A Member

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Behind The Shot

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From the President

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GNPA in Yellowstone: May, 2024! Registration is Open!

Back by popular demand, GNPA is returning to Yellowstone for its first “club trip” in five years!

Come capture the wonder of one of America’s favorite national parks!

 

We’re taking TWO sessions this time.

 

May 9th – 13th
May 13th- 17th

 

Picture it…

You’ll be exploring (as conditions permit) Mammoth Hot Springs; Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley; the Yellowstone, Madison, and Gibbon rivers; upper, middle and lower Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Geyser; Grand Prismatic; geothermal areas such as Back Sand Basin and Fountain Paint Pots; the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone; and more! We will set our daily itinerary based on the conditions given to us each day.

You’ll encounter…

Majestic landscapes, wildlife (bison, grisly and black bear), wolves, coyote, pronghorn, big horn, fox, elk, and many bird species. PLUS, spring is when the babies come out, so be sure to keep a keen eye out mothers with babies!

Small groups…

From daylight to dusk, trip coordinators (Mary Jo Cox and Anna DeStefano) will lead a group of six GNPA members per session. Keeping our numbers small allows coordinators to offer attendees the best possible opportunity to capture Yellowstone’s magic.

Register Today!

This event is for GNPA Members Only. Sign in below to register and access more details.

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Credit: Mary Jo CoxCredit: Mary Jo CoxCredit: Mary Jo CoxCredit: Mary Jo Cox

Credit: Mary Jo CoxCredit: Mary Jo CoxCredit: Mary Jo CoxCredit: Mary Jo Cox

Images by Mary Jo Cox

 

Registration for the 15th Anniversary GNPA EXPO is NOW OPEN THROUGH MARCH 3rd!

EXPO 2024!  Let the Celebration of

Nature’s Wonders Begin!

 

April 11-14, 2024 Villas by the Sea – Jekyll Island, GA

 

REGISTRATION:

The registration fee for the 15th Anniversary GNPA EXPO is $195 and covers the following:

  • Two keynote addresses from two nationally renowned photographers.
    • Friday’s keynote will be given by Tony Sweet
    • Saturday’s keynote will be given by Lisa Langell
  • Lunch on both Friday and Saturday, just before the keynote addresses
  • Four Short-Session learning sessions on Friday afternoon from our field trip instructors
    • Anna DeStefano (Creative)
    • Horace Hamilton (Sunrise & Sunset)
    • Jerry Black (Birds/Topaz)
    • Larry Winslett (Water/Filters)
    • Jamie Anderson/Bill White (Milky Way/Night Sky)
  • Special Session by Bill White (Past President) on Saturday afternoon,
    • Legal Issues in Photography – Copyright, AI, and Metadata
  • Two sunset photography experiences
    • Friday evening with Doug Flor (President) – Horton House parking lot
    • Saturday evening with Anna DeStefano (Vice President) – Jekyll Island Fishing Pier

Sign in below to register and access more details.

The following content is accessible for members only, please sign in.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:

Tony Sweet – a multi-talented artist, who didn’t start his photography career until the age of 44.  He had a brief experience with a borrowed camera as a grade-school student.  He was definitely hooked, but his parents wouldn’t buy him a camera.  As he grew to adulthood, he expressed himself as a jazz musician.  It wasn’t until 30 years later when he made a chance decision to buy a camera for a vacation that Sweet was able to pursue his first art form, photography.

With the support and guidance of professional photographers and his peers and after reading many books, Sweet developed his passion for nature photography.  Sweet began being influenced by the authors of the first few photography books he read, mostly John Shaw.  Sweet began to be attracted to selective focus, camera movement and more abstract types of images.  Twenty years into his photography career, Sweet is internationally recognized, has been published in many major magazines and books and has authored 5 books.  He also offers a full complement of instruction:  online courses, lecturer, author software trainer, private programs and location workshops. Tony Sweet Photography  Tony lives in Acadia, Maine.

Lisa Langell – A nature photographer and birder from the age of eight, Lisa is the founder of Langell Photography, LLC.  She started her business in 2010 after long vibrant careers as a floral designer, educational psychologist, consultant and in helping launch and manage two startups that grew into leading companies in the Ed-Tech space.  Since then, she has earned numerous awards and has been published in Outdoor Photographer, Arizona Highways, Ranger Rick, Images Arizona, and more. She is an Image Master for Tamron Americas, an Ambassador for Fotopro Tripods, and is a judge for ViewBug.

Lisa loves creating nature photography and art that is inspired by her background in psychology and design. When Lisa isn’t having fun making photographs, she’s thriving on teaching photography—most often in Alaska!  Her humility and passion for both shines through in how she provides memorable, fun, and educational experiences that enrich, invigorate and expand photographers’ minds in wonderful ways.

 

The Georgia Nature Photographers Association (GNPA) is excited to announce the grand celebration of its 15th anniversary at the GNPA EXPO 2024!  Scheduled to take place from April 11 to April 14, 2024 at the Villas by the Sea in Jekyll Island, Georgia. Jekyll Island is known for its breathtaking coastal beauty, driftwood beach, Spanish moss covered trees, historical sites and serene ambiance serving as the perfect backdrop.  This event promises to be an unforgettable four days of inspiration, education, nature’s incredible beauty and most of all, gathering with old friends and making of new friends. 

As a testament to its decade-and-a-half journey in promoting the art and passion for nature, GNPA is pulling out all the stops for this special occasion.  GNPA has been at the forefront of fostering a community of nature enthusiasts, and the annual EXPO stands as a testament to the organization’s commitment to the art and craft of nature photography.  This 15th anniversary celebration promises to be an unforgettable event uniting nature lovers from across our 9 Chapters. GNPA EXPO 2024 will feature an array of captivating activities, including our “Welcome Aboard” opening gathering, meet your Instructors, workshops with the two keynote speakers, instructional field trips, a photo contest “Georgia On My Mind” with 15-1st Place, 15-2nd Place and 15-3rd Place Ribbons, “Best in Show” trophy, enlightening sessions by two esteemed keynote speakers and at the close of the Expo there will be an announcement of the rules and timeframe of the “Post Jekyll Photo Contest” with lots of awards.

Participants will have the incredible opportunity to enhance their skills and broaden their photographic horizons through diverse field-trips conducted by our GNPA instructors.  These sessions will cover various aspects of nature photography from sunrises, sunsets, night photography including the milky way, water in movement, inland & shore birds, creative images and an adventure through the Okefenokee Swamp for sunrise and sunset by tour guides.

One of the highlights of the event includes hearing from two renowned keynote speakers, Lisa Langell and Tony Sweet, acclaimed figures in the world of nature photography.  Tony and Lisa bring with them a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and inspiration that is sure to captivate and motivate attendees.  Special giveaways during their sessions from Lisa & Tony!

The GNPA Board, Committee Members, Chapter Coordinators, Instructors and the Keynote Speakers are excited to see you at the 15th Anniversary EXPO 2024!  It will be an opportunity to celebrate the beauty of nature through the lens and be a part of this remarkable milestone in GNPA’s journey. 

Mission

Georgia Nature Photographers Association is dedicated to helping nature photographers of all skill levels improve their photography, learn and grow, network with outdoor photographers and participate in exciting trips and events. Through our work, we share our appreciation for the natural world and spotlight the value of nature as a photography special interest.

Our goal is to become the Southeast’s premier nature photography club, and we welcome your help guiding and molding GNPA into the amazing future ahead.

CALL FOR ENTRIES – “For the Birds” Photo Competition – Entry Submission Opens January 25th!

Photo by Kathy Aspy

For the Birds

Twice a year, GNPA is given the privilege of populating the gallery at the Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC). The next gallery is titled ‘For the Birds’ and we need your best bird shots! There will be 24 photos selected by our judge from the online entries submitted.

There are 3 categories:

1 – Bird portrait

2 – Baby bird picture or nesting bird

3 – Bird behavior shot

 

The schedule:

Online submission opens Thursday, 1/25/2024 and closes at 11:00 p.m. on 2/10/2024.

Email notification will be sent by Wednesday, 2/14.

Gallery hanging is at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, 3/6.

Gallery comes down at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, 6/5.

 

You must be a GNPA member to participate. You do not have to be from the Roswell chapter.

You must be signed in to the GNPA website in order to enter the online entry contest.

The photo must be of a bird that is native to GA but the photo can be taken outside GA.

You can enter up to 3 photos in each category for a total of 9 entries. No more than 3 photos total will be selected from each photographer. Entry fee per image is $5.00.

There will be ribbons awarded for 1st place, 2nd place, 3rd place, as well as two Honorable Mentions. In addition, gift cards will be awarded to 1st place for $75, to 2nd place for $50, and to 3rd place for $25. Awards will be announced at the April 4th meeting of the Roswell Chapter of GNPA. That meeting will take place in the theater of the CNC Discovery Center, one floor below the gallery.

 

ENTER THE COMPETITION

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CALL FOR ENTRIES!

Announcing the 15th Anniversary of the GNPA with a “Georgia on My Mind” Photo Competition!

 

15 Grand Prize Opportunities!!!

All 1st Place winners (15) will be afforded the opportunity of a 4-hour Semi-Private Instructional Workshop with one of the 2024 GNPA EXPO Keynote Speakers, Lisa Langell or Tony Sweet!

A ‘Best in Show’ Trophy will also be awarded at the GNPA Expo, as well as 1st through 3rd Place Ribbons in each category and in each level.

 We want to see your best, amazing, fantastic, wonderful, glorious photo within the last 15 years… that has not won in any GNPA contest.

Submission Open Date:  NOW OPEN!

Deadline:  Sunday, March 3, 2024 (midnight, EST)

 Participants can only submit one (1) photo to the contest

Five Categories:

  • GA State Park Nature Landscape – man-made structures less than 10% of the photo
  • GA Wildlife (large/small/close-up/macro) – No zoo (or captive) photos
  • GA Wild Bird(s) – No zoo (or captive) photos
  • GA Native Wildflower(s) – No botanical garden photos
  • GA Creative Nature Photo Taking [In Camera/Cellphone]

Three Levels of Photographers:

  • Beginner – Has never been awarded a 1st place in a GNPA sponsored photo contest (i.e., minimal post-processing skills or equipment) – access link is on the website
  • Intermediate – Has been awarded a 1st place in any GNPA sponsored photo contest (regardless of level) – access link is on the website
  • Advanced – Has been awarded a Best in Show or more than one 1st place in more than one GNPA sponsored photo contest (regardless of level) – access link is on the website

NOTE: If you wish to compete in a higher level of experience, you may.
But no competing in a lower category than your experience level.

Cost of entry is: $15 to enter for your ONE magnificent photo.

 Login to Download the Complete Rules and Guidelines and to Enter the Contest!

*** The following content is accessible for GNPA Members Only, please log in:

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Thank you for participating in the GNPA’s 15th Anniversary State Wide Expo and “Georgia on My Mind” Photo Competition!!! Looking forward to seeing you at Jekyll Island in April!!!

The GNPA is a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization

Chapter Coordinators

Announcing “2024 Stand in Ansel Adams Footsteps Contest” Winners

Image “Arches, Window, and Juniper” by Martin Bozone

 

We thank all of the GNPA members who participated in the 8th Annual “Stand in Ansel Adams Footsteps.”  There were over 200 entries submitted with 135 photos from over 50 photographers on display.

 

We also wish to thank Greg Comstock for being the judge and selecting the following winners. It was a great show with many wonderful photographs.

 

The exhibit at the Hudgens Art Center will remain open here until April 27 and is available for viewing from 10:am-4:00pm Tuesday through Saturday. Head on to the Hudgens and enjoy the beautiful work.

 

To view the winning photos, you can go to: https://gnpa.org/2024/02/12/2024-stand-in-ansel-adams-footsteps-contest-winners/

 

Congratulations to the following winners of the 2024 “Stand In Ansel Adams Footsteps” juried competition!

 

 

Best in Show:

 Arches, Window, and Juniper – Martin Bozone

 

Georgia Landscape:

Novice:

1st Place – Fall Reflections, Lori Mitchum

2nd Place – Sunrise On Fort Yargo, John Gagliano

3rd Place – Adrift in Time, Annamarie Rewal

Enthusiast:

1st Place – Land of the Trembling Earth, Philip Hart

2nd Place – Cumberland Island, Bethany Plonski

3rd Place – Along the Okefenokee, Sara Ann Callaway

Advanced:

1st Place – Brasstown Evening, Gary Bowlick

2nd Place – Sun Rising Behind Driftwood Tree, Barry Vangrov

3rd Place – Cumberland Trail, Jamie Anderson

 

Landscape (Not in Georgia):

Novice:

1st Place – Light From Above Blue Ridge Mountains, Tina Stevens

2nd Place – Bitteroot, Leslie Ballard

3rd Place – Garden of the Gods, Tina Stevens

Enthusiast:

1st Place – Crater Lake, Bethany Plonski

2nd Place – Soda Butte Creek, Newl McEwen

3rd Place – Leadville, Steve Arnold

Advanced:

1st Place – Arches, Window, & Juniper, Martin Bozone

2nd Place – NC Waterfall, Jen Cardinell

3rd Place – Court of the Patriarchs, Martin Bozone

 

Macro/Close-up:

Novice:

1st Place – Rugged Terrain, Lori Mitchum

2nd Place – Gibbs Garden, Tina Stevens

3rd Place – Fern in the Mist, Annamarie Rewal

Enthusiast:

1st Place – Red Filter Treasure, Doug Flor

2nd Place – Lotus Cascade, Bethany Plonski

3rd Place – Cosmos, Brian Mitchell

Advanced:

1st Place – White Lilly, Paul Xuereb

2nd Place – Saguaro Abstract, Barry Vangrov

3rd Place – Hosta, Chris Dahl

Meet A Member

You must be a current member of the GNPA to view this content. Sign In or Join the GNPA.

Behind The Shot

You must be a current member of the GNPA to view this content. Sign In or Join the GNPA.

From the President

You must be a current member of the GNPA to view this content. Sign In or Join the GNPA.

GNPA in Yellowstone: May, 2024! Registration is Open!

Back by popular demand, GNPA is returning to Yellowstone for its first “club trip” in five years!

Come capture the wonder of one of America’s favorite national parks!

 

We’re taking TWO sessions this time.

 

May 9th – 13th
May 13th- 17th

 

Picture it…

You’ll be exploring (as conditions permit) Mammoth Hot Springs; Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley; the Yellowstone, Madison, and Gibbon rivers; upper, middle and lower Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Geyser; Grand Prismatic; geothermal areas such as Back Sand Basin and Fountain Paint Pots; the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone; and more! We will set our daily itinerary based on the conditions given to us each day.

You’ll encounter…

Majestic landscapes, wildlife (bison, grisly and black bear), wolves, coyote, pronghorn, big horn, fox, elk, and many bird species. PLUS, spring is when the babies come out, so be sure to keep a keen eye out mothers with babies!

Small groups…

From daylight to dusk, trip coordinators (Mary Jo Cox and Anna DeStefano) will lead a group of six GNPA members per session. Keeping our numbers small allows coordinators to offer attendees the best possible opportunity to capture Yellowstone’s magic.

Register Today!

This event is for GNPA Members Only. Sign in below to register and access more details.

The following content is accessible for members only, please sign in.

Credit: Mary Jo CoxCredit: Mary Jo CoxCredit: Mary Jo CoxCredit: Mary Jo Cox

Credit: Mary Jo CoxCredit: Mary Jo CoxCredit: Mary Jo CoxCredit: Mary Jo Cox

Images by Mary Jo Cox

 

Registration for the 15th Anniversary GNPA EXPO is NOW OPEN THROUGH MARCH 3rd!

EXPO 2024!  Let the Celebration of

Nature’s Wonders Begin!

 

April 11-14, 2024 Villas by the Sea – Jekyll Island, GA

 

REGISTRATION:

The registration fee for the 15th Anniversary GNPA EXPO is $195 and covers the following:

  • Two keynote addresses from two nationally renowned photographers.
    • Friday’s keynote will be given by Tony Sweet
    • Saturday’s keynote will be given by Lisa Langell
  • Lunch on both Friday and Saturday, just before the keynote addresses
  • Four Short-Session learning sessions on Friday afternoon from our field trip instructors
    • Anna DeStefano (Creative)
    • Horace Hamilton (Sunrise & Sunset)
    • Jerry Black (Birds/Topaz)
    • Larry Winslett (Water/Filters)
    • Jamie Anderson/Bill White (Milky Way/Night Sky)
  • Special Session by Bill White (Past President) on Saturday afternoon,
    • Legal Issues in Photography – Copyright, AI, and Metadata
  • Two sunset photography experiences
    • Friday evening with Doug Flor (President) – Horton House parking lot
    • Saturday evening with Anna DeStefano (Vice President) – Jekyll Island Fishing Pier

Sign in below to register and access more details.

The following content is accessible for members only, please sign in.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:

Tony Sweet – a multi-talented artist, who didn’t start his photography career until the age of 44.  He had a brief experience with a borrowed camera as a grade-school student.  He was definitely hooked, but his parents wouldn’t buy him a camera.  As he grew to adulthood, he expressed himself as a jazz musician.  It wasn’t until 30 years later when he made a chance decision to buy a camera for a vacation that Sweet was able to pursue his first art form, photography.

With the support and guidance of professional photographers and his peers and after reading many books, Sweet developed his passion for nature photography.  Sweet began being influenced by the authors of the first few photography books he read, mostly John Shaw.  Sweet began to be attracted to selective focus, camera movement and more abstract types of images.  Twenty years into his photography career, Sweet is internationally recognized, has been published in many major magazines and books and has authored 5 books.  He also offers a full complement of instruction:  online courses, lecturer, author software trainer, private programs and location workshops. Tony Sweet Photography  Tony lives in Acadia, Maine.

Lisa Langell – A nature photographer and birder from the age of eight, Lisa is the founder of Langell Photography, LLC.  She started her business in 2010 after long vibrant careers as a floral designer, educational psychologist, consultant and in helping launch and manage two startups that grew into leading companies in the Ed-Tech space.  Since then, she has earned numerous awards and has been published in Outdoor Photographer, Arizona Highways, Ranger Rick, Images Arizona, and more. She is an Image Master for Tamron Americas, an Ambassador for Fotopro Tripods, and is a judge for ViewBug.

Lisa loves creating nature photography and art that is inspired by her background in psychology and design. When Lisa isn’t having fun making photographs, she’s thriving on teaching photography—most often in Alaska!  Her humility and passion for both shines through in how she provides memorable, fun, and educational experiences that enrich, invigorate and expand photographers’ minds in wonderful ways.

 

The Georgia Nature Photographers Association (GNPA) is excited to announce the grand celebration of its 15th anniversary at the GNPA EXPO 2024!  Scheduled to take place from April 11 to April 14, 2024 at the Villas by the Sea in Jekyll Island, Georgia. Jekyll Island is known for its breathtaking coastal beauty, driftwood beach, Spanish moss covered trees, historical sites and serene ambiance serving as the perfect backdrop.  This event promises to be an unforgettable four days of inspiration, education, nature’s incredible beauty and most of all, gathering with old friends and making of new friends. 

As a testament to its decade-and-a-half journey in promoting the art and passion for nature, GNPA is pulling out all the stops for this special occasion.  GNPA has been at the forefront of fostering a community of nature enthusiasts, and the annual EXPO stands as a testament to the organization’s commitment to the art and craft of nature photography.  This 15th anniversary celebration promises to be an unforgettable event uniting nature lovers from across our 9 Chapters. GNPA EXPO 2024 will feature an array of captivating activities, including our “Welcome Aboard” opening gathering, meet your Instructors, workshops with the two keynote speakers, instructional field trips, a photo contest “Georgia On My Mind” with 15-1st Place, 15-2nd Place and 15-3rd Place Ribbons, “Best in Show” trophy, enlightening sessions by two esteemed keynote speakers and at the close of the Expo there will be an announcement of the rules and timeframe of the “Post Jekyll Photo Contest” with lots of awards.

Participants will have the incredible opportunity to enhance their skills and broaden their photographic horizons through diverse field-trips conducted by our GNPA instructors.  These sessions will cover various aspects of nature photography from sunrises, sunsets, night photography including the milky way, water in movement, inland & shore birds, creative images and an adventure through the Okefenokee Swamp for sunrise and sunset by tour guides.

One of the highlights of the event includes hearing from two renowned keynote speakers, Lisa Langell and Tony Sweet, acclaimed figures in the world of nature photography.  Tony and Lisa bring with them a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and inspiration that is sure to captivate and motivate attendees.  Special giveaways during their sessions from Lisa & Tony!

The GNPA Board, Committee Members, Chapter Coordinators, Instructors and the Keynote Speakers are excited to see you at the 15th Anniversary EXPO 2024!  It will be an opportunity to celebrate the beauty of nature through the lens and be a part of this remarkable milestone in GNPA’s journey. 

Mission

Georgia Nature Photographers Association is dedicated to helping nature photographers of all skill levels improve their photography, learn and grow, network with outdoor photographers and participate in exciting trips and events. Through our work, we share our appreciation for the natural world and spotlight the value of nature as a photography special interest.

Our goal is to become the Southeast’s premier nature photography club, and we welcome your help guiding and molding GNPA into the amazing future ahead.

CALL FOR ENTRIES – “For the Birds” Photo Competition – Entry Submission Opens January 25th!

Photo by Kathy Aspy

For the Birds

Twice a year, GNPA is given the privilege of populating the gallery at the Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC). The next gallery is titled ‘For the Birds’ and we need your best bird shots! There will be 24 photos selected by our judge from the online entries submitted.

There are 3 categories:

1 – Bird portrait

2 – Baby bird picture or nesting bird

3 – Bird behavior shot

 

The schedule:

Online submission opens Thursday, 1/25/2024 and closes at 11:00 p.m. on 2/10/2024.

Email notification will be sent by Wednesday, 2/14.

Gallery hanging is at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, 3/6.

Gallery comes down at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, 6/5.

 

You must be a GNPA member to participate. You do not have to be from the Roswell chapter.

You must be signed in to the GNPA website in order to enter the online entry contest.

The photo must be of a bird that is native to GA but the photo can be taken outside GA.

You can enter up to 3 photos in each category for a total of 9 entries. No more than 3 photos total will be selected from each photographer. Entry fee per image is $5.00.

There will be ribbons awarded for 1st place, 2nd place, 3rd place, as well as two Honorable Mentions. In addition, gift cards will be awarded to 1st place for $75, to 2nd place for $50, and to 3rd place for $25. Awards will be announced at the April 4th meeting of the Roswell Chapter of GNPA. That meeting will take place in the theater of the CNC Discovery Center, one floor below the gallery.

 

ENTER THE COMPETITION

The following content is accessible for members only, please sign in.

CALL FOR ENTRIES!

Announcing the 15th Anniversary of the GNPA with a “Georgia on My Mind” Photo Competition!

 

15 Grand Prize Opportunities!!!

All 1st Place winners (15) will be afforded the opportunity of a 4-hour Semi-Private Instructional Workshop with one of the 2024 GNPA EXPO Keynote Speakers, Lisa Langell or Tony Sweet!

A ‘Best in Show’ Trophy will also be awarded at the GNPA Expo, as well as 1st through 3rd Place Ribbons in each category and in each level.

 We want to see your best, amazing, fantastic, wonderful, glorious photo within the last 15 years… that has not won in any GNPA contest.

Submission Open Date:  NOW OPEN!

Deadline:  Sunday, March 3, 2024 (midnight, EST)

 Participants can only submit one (1) photo to the contest

Five Categories:

  • GA State Park Nature Landscape – man-made structures less than 10% of the photo
  • GA Wildlife (large/small/close-up/macro) – No zoo (or captive) photos
  • GA Wild Bird(s) – No zoo (or captive) photos
  • GA Native Wildflower(s) – No botanical garden photos
  • GA Creative Nature Photo Taking [In Camera/Cellphone]

Three Levels of Photographers:

  • Beginner – Has never been awarded a 1st place in a GNPA sponsored photo contest (i.e., minimal post-processing skills or equipment) – access link is on the website
  • Intermediate – Has been awarded a 1st place in any GNPA sponsored photo contest (regardless of level) – access link is on the website
  • Advanced – Has been awarded a Best in Show or more than one 1st place in more than one GNPA sponsored photo contest (regardless of level) – access link is on the website

NOTE: If you wish to compete in a higher level of experience, you may.
But no competing in a lower category than your experience level.

Cost of entry is: $15 to enter for your ONE magnificent photo.

 Login to Download the Complete Rules and Guidelines and to Enter the Contest!

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Thank you for participating in the GNPA’s 15th Anniversary State Wide Expo and “Georgia on My Mind” Photo Competition!!! Looking forward to seeing you at Jekyll Island in April!!!