A beautiful photo of a sunrise, a bird in flight or a flower covered in dew can capture the wonder of nature. Nature Photography Day, on June 15, encourages people to head outdoors with a camera or smartphone and photograph the natural world. It is also a reminder of how photography can inspire people to protect wild places and wildlife.
History of Nature Photography Day
Photographers have captured nature since the early days of photography in the 1800s. In the American West, photographers such as Carleton Watkins and William Henry Jackson took landscape photos that helped persuade Congress to protect Yosemite and create Yellowstone National Park in 1872.
In the 20th century, Ansel Adams became famous for his black-and-white photographs of national parks, and he was a strong advocate for conservation. Nature magazines and documentaries brought wildlife into people's homes.
The North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) created Nature Photography Day in 2006 to promote the enjoyment of nature photography and how images can be used to advance conservation.
Why Nature Photography Day Matters
Nature photography encourages people to slow down, observe and appreciate the natural world.
Photos have helped protect wild places by showing their beauty to people who may never visit them.
Photographing nature also improves observation skills and can be enjoyed with any camera, including a phone. Ethical photography, such as not disturbing wildlife, is an important part of the practice.
Nature photography is also a way to document change. Photos taken in the same place over many years can show how glaciers shrink, forests recover after fires or cities grow. Citizen scientists share wildlife photos with researchers through apps and projects, helping track species and migrations across the country.
How to Celebrate Nature Photography Day
- Go outside: take photos in a park, garden or trail.
- Try macro shots: photograph insects or flowers up close.
- Shoot at golden hour: take photos just after sunrise or before sunset.
- Follow ethics: keep a safe distance from wildlife and stay on trails.
- Share: post photos with friends or join a photography club.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, host a nature photo contest among employees and display the winning images in the office. In classrooms, students can take nature walks with cameras or tablets, photograph plants and insects for a science project, and learn basic composition rules like the rule of thirds. At home, families can visit a park and take turns photographing interesting things, create a nature photo album, or photograph the same tree through the seasons. Teach children to respect wildlife by observing from a distance.
Fun Facts About Nature Photography Day
- Photographs helped support the creation of Yellowstone National Park in 1872.
- Ansel Adams was a strong advocate for conservation.
- NANPA created Nature Photography Day in 2006.
Nature Photography Day FAQs
When is Nature Photography Day?
Nature Photography Day is June 15.
Who created Nature Photography Day?
The North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA), in 2006.
What is golden hour?
The time just after sunrise or before sunset, when light is soft and warm.
Can I take nature photos with a phone?
Yes; smartphones are great for nature photography.