VHS Student awarded national scholarship from NANPA

Sophie Harrison a 10th grader at Vashon High School, was recently awarded a national scholarship from the North American Nature Photography Association and will be traveling to Jacksonville, Florida to participate in their program on February 24th. This program is designed to help young photographers learn to document nature and assist in nature preservation efforts at the same time.
 
Since its founding nearly twenty years ago, the North American Nature Photography Association promotes the art and science of nature photography as a medium of communication, appreciation, and environmental protection. NANPA unites the most talented advocates of natural history photography to provide information, education, inspiration, and opportunity for all persons. From national geographic photographers to the editors of major magazines, NANPA provides an essential network for its members.
 
For the last fourteen years, a major component to NANPA’s annual summit, which is held in different locations each year, has been the High School Scholarship Program. Applications are sent from all around the world to participate in this prestigious program. Ten students, from freshmen to seniors, are selected to represent their schools and cities as the next generation of nature photographers. Throughout the week, the high school students will receive personal instruction from industry leaders and attend workshops and keynote addresses from some of the top shooters in nature photography. This year’s winners have submitted impressive portfolios and essays and they come from all over the country, from Alaska to Florida.
 
This year, their program is sponsored by Canon, Bogen/ Delkin, Wimberley, and Hunts Photo and Video. These major sponsorships will allow the students to use professional equipment while they are out in the field to learn what it’s like to be on assignment. At the end of the conference the students’ photographs are displayed in a presentation to the hundreds of members who attend.
 
The 2013 annual NANPA summit will be held in Jacksonville, Florida from February 23rd through March 3rd at the Hyatt Regency Riverfront Hotel. For three days the students will be camping on a nearby national park and photographing the stunning wildlife and landscapes of Florida’s wilderness. This is truly a unique experience and one that the students will never forget.