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Artspan Portal: Nature Photography
Introduction to Nature Photography
Nature photography is an umbrella term incorporating landscape, wildlife, and plant photography. Most nature photography is taken outdoors and can focus on macro views, such as in Ansel Adams' "The Grand Tetons" down to the most detailed micro views of textures and patterns hidden in the natural world.The standard-bearers of this field value aesthetics over content more than in the documentary or photojournalistic arts. However, the definition of what constitutes "nature" can be strictly defined. According to the PSA Definition of Nature Photography from the Consolidate Exhibition Standards, "photographs of artificially produced hybrid plants or animals, mounted specimens, or obviously set arrangements, are ineligible, as is any form of manipulation that alters the truth of the of the photographic statement." With the advent of the digital camera, a good photographer no longer needs be a good technician in the dark room. However, advanced photographic equipment often set the professional nature photographer apart from the beginner. Wildlife photography is widely considered one of the most challenging forms of photography, as the photographer should have enough knowledge of the animal to be able to find the animal, predict its behavior, and hide adequately when necessary.Nature photographers tend to be a wily bunch, traversing mountain tops and stalking dangerous animals to get that inimitable shot. Magazines like National Geographic have served to glamorize and energize the profession while reinforcing in the Public mind the wonders of the natural world. Nature photographs have been used in campaigns to save the environment and to conserve wildlife.Featured Members
Newest Work
Resources: Nature Photography
Associations (see all)
- North American Nature Photography Association
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Wheat Ridge, CO
The first and only association in North America committed solely to serving... - British Professional Photographers Associates
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Rhyl, UK
For full-time or enthusiast nature or wildlife photographers. - National Center for Nature Photography
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Berkey, OH
Americas first and only Center totally devoted to nature photography.
Books (see all)
- Creative Nature and Outdoor Photography
- Digital Nature Photography: The Art and the Science
- Over 50,000 photographers cant be wrong! John and Barbara Gerlach finally write the book their...
- Essential Skills for Nature Photography
Education (see all)
- International Center Of Photography
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New York, NY
Certificate in Photojournalism - Academy of Art University
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San Francisco, Ca
MFA in Fine Arts - Columbia University, School of the Arts
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305 Dodge Hall, Mail Code 1808
2960 Broadway
New York, NY 10027
(212)...
Education (see all)
- Parsons: The New School For Design
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New York, NY
MFA in Photography - Pratt Institute of Art
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Brooklyn, NY
Since 1887, Pratt has been committed to educating creative professional... - San Francisco Art Institute
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San Francisco, CA
MFA in Photography
Museums (see all)
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
- Raleigh, NC
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
- Washington, D.C.
- American Museum of Photography
- A virtual museum.
Publications (see all)
- American Photo Magazine
- A hard magazine containing Columns and How-to Guides about photography in the US.
- Audubon Magazine
- National Geographic Magazine