Program Booklet

2019 Annual Meeting ~ March 7-10, 2019

2020 Annual Meeting Marriott Hotel & Conference Center

Spartanburg, South Carolina

Educate * Inspire * Entertain

Program Booklet – Subject to Change

Carolinas’ Nature Photographers Association 2020 Annual Meeting ~ March 5-8, 2020

Marriott Hotel & Conference Center Spartanburg, South Carolina

Educate * Inspire * Entertain

How do you grow as a photographer? Is it learning a new technique or utilizing a new program to post-process your image? Is it spending time with like-minded individuals, gaining inspiration from seeing the images your fellow CNPA members have taken? No matter where you are in your photographic journey or where your interests lie, the CNPA Annual Meeting is sure to have something for you. We have a fabulous lineup of speakers who will educate, inspire and entertain you for four days in March. From our pre-meeting workshops that allow you to learn from our speakers in a hands-on environment to the main presentations, you are bound to find something to help you take your photography to the next level. As always, you will have plenty of opportunity to network and socialize with other CNPA members, meet up with old friends and make new ones. The vendor tradeshow is always popular if you are looking to add to

your collection of camera equipment, or want to learn more about travel destinations and workshops. Sell or exchange your unwanted equipment at the Swap Shop. Additionally, Used Photo Pro will be in attendance to buy used photo equipment. This year, we’re introducing a new event, “Sip and Click,” where members, their families, select local camera club and photographers, and vendors may interact and discuss their latest products, workshops, travel opportunities, etc. The event will be held on Friday evening, replacing the Vendor Showcases. Whatever your interests, there is something for you at the 2020 CNPA Annual Meeting. See you in Spartanburg! The 2020 Annual Meeting Volunteer Team

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Tony Sweet – Keynote Speaker

Tony Sweet is a Nikon Legend Behind the Lens. After successful careers as a jazz musician/educator and professional magician (touring with Harry Blackstone, Jr.), Tony settled on photography as his chosen means for personal expression. Beginning as a film photographer, Tony has become facile in image editing software and plugins and is an in-demand speaker throughout the United States and Canada. Tony, along with Susan Milestone, conducts Visual Artistry photography location workshops in the United States, Canada, and Iceland. Tony maintains an active speaking schedule to photography organizations, industry trade shows, and PPA schools across the continental United States and Canada. He also conducts day-long Visual Artistry Creativity Seminar series. Tony’s images are also used by Nikon, Singh Ray, Alien Skin, Topaz, Lensbaby, and others for national ad campaigns. Tony’s photography is published worldwide in every medium and is represented by Getty Images. His iPhone photography is represented by Aurora Photos. A 2011 interview with Tony on macro photography was published in The New York Times.

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Tony has authored five books on the art of photography: Fine Art Nature Photography (2002), Fine Art Flower Photography (2005) Fine Art Nature Photography: Water, Ice, Fog (2007), Fine Art Digital Photography (2009), and HDR Photography (2011). He and Master Photo Workshops have co-produced four photography DVDs: Visual Artistry, HDR Made Easy, Visual Literacy and Flower Photography Artistry, as well as an iPhone instructional video series. The first book in his Fine Art Nature Photography eBook series, Creative Techniques and the Art of Self Expression, was just released. Iceland, A Visual Tour was just released by Amherst Media.

Presentations by Tony Sweet

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Creative In-Camera Effects This presentation illustrates various creative techniques done in camera, including multiple exposures and swipes, focus stacking, long exposures, panos and more. Questions are encouraged throughout the presentation. Infrared Artistry Infrared is quickly gaining in popularity. IR images can appear to be from another world. We will show through many illustrative images the ethereal, moody nature of infrared imagery, the best light for infrared, different conversions, special Efex, the new CliR panel for color infrared, and more. Compelling Composition No matter what else you do, nothing is more important than simple, clear, and direct composition. This presentation illustrates numerous ways to organize material in your frame, including subject placement, framing, line, balance, and more.

Hector Astorga

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Hector D. Astorga is a professional nature photographer based in South Texas. His love of nature and the outdoors began as a child in his native country, Honduras. Hector’s journey as a nature photographer began in 2007. Photography is an extension of his love of nature and wildlife. His goal is to continue to photograph as many wild subjects as possible. He is the manager of the Santa Clara Ranch, a nature photography destination that hosts photographers from all over the globe. He also leads and conducts photography tours and workshops at multiple locations in North America, Central and South America, Europe, and Africa. Hector’s participation in the Valley Land Fund and Wildlife in Focus nature photography competitions was a catalyst to his photographic career. He has competed six times, taking First Grand Prize four times, Second Grand Prize once, and Third Grand Prize once. He won top honors in 2019 at the National Wildlife Federation photography competition and in the 2012 Rocky Mountain Outdoor Writers and Photographers competition. In 2016, one of his images was selected as a "Best of Show" in the North American Nature Photographers Association (NANPA) Showcase. His images have been in the top three awards in the NANPA Showcase for the last four years in a row. Hector’s work is featured in many national and regional publications, including Nature's Best

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Magazine, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Ranger Rick, National Wildlife Federation Magazine, National Geographic Guide Books, Audubon Magazine, Quail Unlimited, and the Chicago Tribune. Hector is a member of the North American Nature Photographers Association (NANPA), Rocky Mountain Outdoor Writers and Photographers (RMOWP), Texas Nature and Environmental Photographers (TexNEP), Texas Wildlife Association (TWA), and Nikon Professional Services (NPS). Presentations by Hector Astorga

Creating Better Nature Photographs – Compositional Guidelines for Nature Photographers Learn about the arrangement of subjects in photographs. It will include discussion of the five compositional guidelines that I follow when I create my images. Participants will learn about composing in camera and learn post processing techniques to improve their photographic composition. What Makes an Award-Winning Image – How to Approach Nature Photography Competitions Learn how I approach nature photography competitions. Having won many regional and national nature photography competitions (NANPA Showcase, National Wildlife Federation, Wildlife in Focus, Nature's Best), I will share my approach on how to select images for competitions. We will discuss do's and don’ts on selecting images and I will share my "recipe" on how I create images that do well in photo contests. From Passtime to Passion: A Nature Photographer’s Journey

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How in a short seven years I went from a complete amateur to a full-time working professional in nature photography. This program is great for any photographer interested in taking their photography to the next level. I will share my experiences and what I did to become a full-time professional nature photographer.

Ron Magill

Ron Magill has worked with wildlife for over 30 years and has had the privilege of having hands-on experience with a tremendous variety of animals ranging from crocodiles to eagles to cheetahs.

He is an internationally recognized zoological authority who has appeared on a wide variety of local, national, and international programs including National Geographic Explorer, the Today Show, Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News, The Late Show with David Letterman, CBS This Morning, Dateline, CNN, and the Discovery Networks. Ron is also a frequent wildlife analyst for

MSNBC and makes regular appearances on Spanish language television programs, including international hits Sabado Gigante and Despierta America.

His extensive experiences have taken him around the globe to explore the wonders of our natural world. From swimming with sea lions off of the Galapagos Islands to tracking tigers from the back of an elephant in India, his adventures have allowed him to live many of the dreams he had as a child. No place has made a greater impact on him than the magical continent of Africa to which he has traveled over 40 times. He considers traveling to the wilds of Africa a “safari of the soul” that will leave the visitor an indelible impression of indescribable beauty from a world lost in time.

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Ron is an award-winning photographer and documentary producer whose images have appeared in publications and galleries around the world including the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. He believes photography is his greatest tool when conveying his message regarding the importance of conservation and nature. He hopes his images will help inspire an appreciation for wildlife along with efforts to protect it for generations to come.

Presentations by Ron Magill Once Upon a Time – Storytelling with Images Whether it is the story of how millions of monarch butterflies travel thousands of miles to a place that their great-grandparents stayed but they have never been or how a lioness adopts an orphaned cub and protects it as her own, I will show how the art of storytelling with images can engage and inspire to help make a difference in the conservation of wildlife.

Conservation Speaker – Bill Stangler

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Bill moved to Columbia, South Carolina in 2005 to attend the University of South Carolina. His studies focused on ecology and river science, and in 2009 he earned his bachelors degree in geography. Bill was hired as the Congaree Riverkeeper in 2011 and has led the river advocacy organization more than eight years. He also serves on the board of directors of Friends of Congaree Swamp and Palmetto Paddlers, as well as the steering committee of the South Carolina Conservation Coalition.

Pre-Meeting Workshops The pre-meeting workshops are available for an additional charge. Seats are limited and sold on a first-come, first-served basis during registration.

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Tony Sweet: Infrared Artistry Hands-on Workshop This workshop will start in the classroom with a short orientation that will include some infrared basics, answering questions, and discussion of gear and other generalities. The workshop will then head outdoors for students to make infrared images. Tony will be working with all students in the field. Afterwards, everyone is encouraged to send two images (processed or RAW) to Tony for a video critique and infrared processing tips. Students should bring an infrared camera or color camera with the Singh Ray infrared filter, tripod, computer/iPad/paper and pen to take notes, and good hiking/walking shoes. You will learn what to look for, how to use light, what to avoid, and how to interpret the histogram.

Hector Astorga: Understanding Exposure and Crazy Over Histograms - A Hands-On Study of Exposure and Understanding Histograms for the Digital Photographer. This hands-on workshop will have participants photograph objects in the field so they may understand how to expose subjects correctly. Participants will photograph front lit, back lit, over lit, and under lit subjects and learn the proper way to expose for them by using and reading their histograms. Afterwards, participants will learn about correctly processing their images in a classroom environment in front of their computers using Adobe Camera Raw and/or Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom.

2020 CNPA Annual Meeting - Host Hotel

Marriott Hotel & Conference Center 299 North Church Street, Spartanburg SC 29306

864-596-1211 http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/spamc-spartanburg-marriott/

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Hotel Room Reservations – Special Rate

Our host hotel is the Marriott Hotel & Conference Center in Spartanburg SC. Room Rate: $145 per night (taxes not

included) – Single or Double. Additional adults will be charged at $10.00 each per night.

The special group rate is in effect pre- and post- the dates of the annual meeting if you are interested in arriving early or staying over after the meeting.

Hotel reservations can be made any time after October 15, 2019 up until February 10, 2020 or until the group block is sold out, whichever comes first.

Group Code for reservations: CNP Group Name: Carolinas’ Nature

Photographers Association Use link below to make reservations or

call central reservations at 1-800-228-9290. All reservations must be accompanied by a first night room deposit or guaranteed with a major credit card. Be sure to use Group Code: CNP.

Use this link to reserve your room. Reservations may be canceled before 4

pm on the day prior to arrival without penalty.

NOTE: Registering at the hotel does not include your meeting registration. You must register separately for both the hotel and the meeting.

If you have any questions not addressed here or have special needs, please call the hotel directly to make your reservations at 1-864-596-1211. Be sure to use the group code: CNP. NOTE: If the hotel’s room block is sold out, CNPA members will be notified with a list of alternate hotels available in the area.

Included in Room Rate

Complimentary Hot Buffet Breakfast: Included in room rate for two (2) guests, per room/per night.

Rooms are standard one king bed or two queen beds.

Complimentary Wi-Fi in each room Non-Smoking Hotel

Check in: 4pm; check out: 11am

Hotel Dining Sparks Fire Inspired Grill Delight in small-bite sandwiches, salads and desserts at our American grille. We specialize in farm-fresh ingredients from the surrounding region in Spartanburg. Pair your meal with a glass of wine from our extensive menu. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner

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Watch the big game and hang out with friends as you enjoy a handcrafted concoction at our stylish bar and lounge. We have an impressive list of local craft beers, signature cocktails and a batch of bourbons. Open for dinner.

More Hotel Information

Pet Policy Pets are not allowed at the Spartanburg Marriott Hotel. Smoking Policy Smoking including vaping is not permitted in any part of the hotel including guest rooms and meeting spaces.

2020 CNPA Annual Meeting Useful Information

Who Can Attend the Meeting?

Admission to Presentations and Workshops is restricted to registered CNPA members only. Badges will be issued at Registration and must be displayed at all times.

Audio/Video Recording Audio or video recording of speaker presentations during the 2020 CNPA Annual Meeting is strictly prohibited. Audio or video recording of the CNPA Business Meeting is permitted, however lights may not be used during recording.

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Cell Phone Courtesy

Be sure to silence your cell phone prior to each presentation as a courtesy to the speakers and those around you. Do not place or answer calls during presentations.

Door Prize Extravaganza Door prize tickets will be distributed just prior to the doors opening for the CNPA Business Meeting. The Business Meeting will be held on Saturday, March 7 at 5 pm in the main auditorium. The drawing for door prizes will be held immediately following the business meeting.

First Time Attendees Are you a new CNPA member or is this your first time to attend the Annual Meeting? We want to make sure you have a good experience with plenty of opportunities to network with other CNPA members. Would you like to be contacted before the meeting by another CNPA member to get the FAQs? Maybe even get together for coffee at the meeting? If you would like more information about the Annual Meeting, just send an email to events@cnpa.org.

Lighted Tablet / iPad Use Please sit in the back 3 rows of the Auditorium if you must use these electronic devices, so as not to disrupt the speaker or fellow attendees. Please be courteous with your use of these devices and turn them off if requested. All sounds must be muted. The use of laptop computers is strongly discouraged.

Meeting Cancellation Policy If you have to cancel your registration, full refunds may be requested by February 5, 2020. To cancel, go to the CNPA website, www.cnpa.org. If you run into problems doing so, email events@cnpa.org.

There will be no registration refunds (partial or full) after February 5, 2020.

Members Choice Contest The Members Choice Contest will be announced in late September with all the details you need to submit your images. ALL CNPA members are encouraged to enter. You do not have to attend the Annual Meeting in order to enter.

Members Choice Winning Images Prints MUST stay in the Member’s Choice Gallery until 8:45 am, Sunday, March 8. Please DO NOT REMOVE them before 8:45 am, Sunday. If you have a winning image and are not able to pick up the print by 8:45 am on Sunday, you MUST make other arrangements, either with a Regional Coordinator or another member.

Meeting Registration What’s included – Meals, Breaks and More

Online registration will open October 15, 2019

at www.cnpa.org. Meeting registration is $165 and is open to

current CNPA members only. After February 5th, only walk-in registrations

will be available at the door for $200.00. Registration includes buffet lunch on Friday

and Saturday, and catered breaks throughout the meeting.

Registration also includes all speaker presentations, admission to the Vendor Tradeshow and the “Swap Shop,” plus a chance to win fabulous door prizes from our many Vendors.

When registration is completed, you will receive a confirmation via return email. Be sure to keep this for your records.

Name Badges – Welcome Information

Be sure to stop by the Registration Desk located in the hotel lobby to pick up your name badge, Schedule of Events and last minute meeting information.

Speaker Presentations

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Doors will open 30 minutes prior to each presentation. Please be courteous of the AV technicians and the speakers as they prepare for their presentations and do not try to access the room earlier. We ask that you do not approach the speakers while they are on the podium. Speakers will be available in the Pre-Function area or the Trade Show between sessions for questions.

Sponsors Thank you to our Sponsors for supporting CNPA and the 2020 Annual Meeting. *Subject to change

Assistive Listening Having trouble hearing the presentations? CNPA is proud to offer state of the art Assistive Listening technology consisting of a pocket-sized amplifier and an earpiece or an inductive loop for certain types of hearing aid. You can reserve one of these units when you register for the

meeting. Some extra units will be available at the meeting, but quantities are limited.

Event Photographers Event Photographers will be capturing images of attendees and activities for use by CNPA for advertising and promotional purposes. By attending the meeting, you give permission for your image to be used.

Swap Shop

Once again, the “Swap Shop” is back, so get busy and clean out the cobwebs from your “slightly used” camera equipment and bring to the ”Swap Shop.” Where is the Swap Shop? • The Swap Shop will be set up in Wadsworth

(see map in this booklet.) What time is Set Up? • Swap Shop set-up is Thursday, March 5 from

6:30 – 7 p.m. No sales are allowed until Friday morning.

• Items should be placed on the tables provided. Be sure that every piece of equipment is labeled and tagged with your name and cell phone number in order for interested parties to call for more information.

Large Ticket Items • Large ticket items should not be placed in the

room. A bulletin board will be provided in the room where members can place a flyer about their large ticket items but they must include their name and cell phone number. An empty box can also be placed on a table with the same contact information.

How are Sales Handled? • Members are not allowed to stand at a table

to encourage sales. If this does happen, the member will be required to purchase a vendor table. The Swap Shop is intended for the sale or exchange of individual, used items only. Members selling new items or multiple quantities of the same item may be required to purchase a table in the Trade Show.

• CNPA is not responsible for collecting monies for any sales. All transactions are to be made between seller and buyer. All sellers should label each piece with their name and contact information before placing in the Swap and Shop.

What are the Open and Closed Hours? • The Swap Shop will be open on Friday and

Saturday from 7:30AM to 6:30PM • The room is under video surveillance. CNPA

and the Spartanburg Marriott hotel will not be held responsible for any losses.

When to remove unsold items? • All unsold items must be removed no later

than 8:45 AM on Sunday, March 8.

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Vendors Thank you to our Vendors for supporting CNPA and the 2020 Annual Meeting. Be sure to check the CNPA website often for a current list of vendors. The list will be updated as more vendors are confirmed.

Volunteers Volunteers are the back-bone of this annual meeting. You will see them as you check in at the registration desk, assisting our speakers at the book signing table, and running things behind the scenes. We could not have a successful meeting without them. Thank you to all volunteers.

Questions? If you have any questions regarding the 2020 CNPA Annual Meeting, please send an email to events@cnpa.org.

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