[font color=\'#000000\']Guys, it's been done! Are you familiar with Nature Photographers Network? (
www.naturephotographers.net) We're a very active worldwide group (most members in the US and Canada, however) with various discussion and photo critique forums, as well as a monthly online magazine.
In October 2001, I organized the first Regional chapter of the NPN, called Midwest Nature Photographers. Our area includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin. We hold informal gatherings on an irregular basis in various locations through the 5-state area. We try to vary the locations to suit everyone, i.e. giving emphasis to landscape, birds, etc. The main purpose of the meetings is for sake of photography, but of course we also enjoy meeting other NPN participants. The next scheduled meetings include a trip to Crane Creek (east of Toledo, Ohio) for migrant birds, the second weekend of May; also Michigan's Upper Peninsula for fall color, the entire second week of October; there will probably be at least one more summer meeting, and who knows what else? All types of formats and equipment are of course welcome. We generally have at least one "local expert" who lives near the meeting area, who is able to give tips on favorite locations, nature events, and even good restaurants in the area.
After organizing the Midwest group, others sprang up, including those for the East Coast, Long Island, Florida, and California areas. Many of these groups have their own webpage within NPN, and I'd like to invite you to check them out. If you'd like to be added to my Midwest mailing list for informational email, please contact me at
and I'll be glad to see that you receive future mailings; details for contacting the other regional groups are found at NPN.
Anyone is welcome to attend. There is no charge or cost of any kind other than your own transportation, lodging, etc.
I hope to hear from you!
Regards,
Danny Burk
www.dannyburk.com[/font]