arthur_morris_birds_as_art

Since I grew up ornitholigically and photographically at JBWR and spend much too much time at phjoto.net, I am surprised that I never came across this thread before. First of all, I'd like to thank James for defending my integrity--the photos of me laying in the mud were both made at the East Pond where you are pretty much free to crawl around in the mud, muck, PCBs, and jet fuel where-ever and whenever you'd like.

Secondly, JBWR can be pretty good for bird photography at certain times of the year. The last two weeks in August can be superb for photographing juvenile shorebirds at point blank range, and late fall and most winters can be pretty good for photographing waterfowl in flight, especially Brant and including Canada and Snow Geese and many species of ducks. A brisk west wind on a sunny afternoon in late November on the WEST Pond is best for geese and ducks in flight. For more INFO, see the JBWR listing in the Hotspots appendix of my book, "The Art of Bird Photography." If you'd like to order a signed copy, visit (birdsasart.com)

Any nature photographer--from full time pro to weekends only shooter--who was not in San Diego for the recent NANPA Summit should regret it. Jim Brandenberg's program offered all present the chance to get to know this supremely talented, gentle, legendary, almost mystical photographer. Dewitt Jones was--what else--inspiring. Chris Newbert's underwater photography left everyone in awe, as did Hans Stand's wild landscapes. And Franz--though I much prefer Franz the artist to Franz the photojournalist--was still Franz. Add in a host of informative break-out sessions (especially those given by Tom Blagden and Natalie Fobes), portfolio reviews by many of the country's top photo editors, a super trade show, a first ever field shoot, and tons and tons of cameraderie, friendship, sharing, career guidance, insight, and experience and you can imagine why you'll regret not having attended. Did I forget the moving, inspirational presentation by the Infinity Foundation scholarship students on Saturday night, a group that featured two disabled young photograpers in the talented group of ten?

As for what NANPA can do for all of us all year long, they have been active in many important arenas including permit requirements, photographer access, and airline carry-on baggage restrictions, and have secured a reasonably priced equipment insurance program for its member, amateur and pro alike. Have other important issues on your mind? Join, volunteer, make yourself heard, and take on some of the workload yourself.

Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART