Albuquerque—The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science is showcasing the best in nature photography with the North American Nature Photography Association’s exhibit, “NANPA Award Winners: 1997-2009.”

Thirteen full-color photographs display spectacular images captured around the globe, from aspens in autumn to Northern Lights to a tiger cub nestled in the craggy cliffs of Bandhavgarh National Park.
 
The exhibit features the work of many photographers of distinction, including internationally acclaimed Frans Lanting. Lanting has been hailed as one of the great nature photographers of our time, and his influential work documenting environments from the Amazon to Antarctica has increased awareness of endangered ecological treasures in the far corners of the earth. National Geographic contributors Tim Laman, James Balog, and Michael Nichols; Ansel Adams Award-winner Gary Braasch; and the BBC’s 1994 “Wildlife Photographer of the Year” Tom Manglesen are also featured. In Manglesen’s words,  “May these images inspire you to experience and preserve the wonders of our natural world.

“NANPA Award Winners: 1997-2009” is on display through May 31, 2009, and is a must-see for all who revel in the beauty of our planet and its creatures.

About The Award
The NANPA Outstanding Nature Photographer Award has been presented annually since 1997 to the photographer whose body of work is considered of the highest quality, who shows a distinct personal vision, is well recognized, and who has made a significant positive impact on the nature photography industry.

The honor is open to all photographers worldwide. Past recipients have been from the United States, Mexico, and New Zealand. The NANPA Outstanding Nature Photographer Award is much sought after and cherished. It recognizes photographers for their skills and for their personal values. Each recipient serves as an inspiration to others inside and outside of the nature photography community—people from all walks of life who care about this beautiful planet.
The value of this award can best be illustrated by the words of Norbert Wu, the 2004 recipient who describes it as “the highest honor a nature photographer can be given by their peers.”

About NANPA
NANPA promotes the art and science of nature photography as a medium of
communication for nature appreciation, habitat improvement and environmental protection. NANPA fosters excellence and ethical conduct in all aspects of its endeavors.

NANPA represents the interests of all who cherish nature and nature photography and lobbies on behalf of its members in dealings with both local and national government legislation.

About the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science
The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, is a regional center of excellence in scientific research, exhibits, and science education.