Asheville Region |
About
Western North Carolina is a land of superlatives of Nature, containing many of the exemplary natural features in the eastern United States. The tallest mountains, the deepest canyons, the highest waterfalls, the sheerest cliffs, the tallest trees, and the most concentrated botanical diversity in the East are a few of its superlative features. The Appalachian Mountains are the oldest mountains in the world, and the eons and elements have sculpted grand visions in their stony ridgelines. Their weathered visage belies the rugged, dramatic canyons and gorges within them. The eroded soils enrich the myriad of plants that have taken seed and root, producing a variety of flora that is more exhaustive than all of Europe. Entire ecosystems have developed in the forests and glades, supporting a myriad of fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals.
The city of Asheville lies nestled in the midst of western North Carolina’s mountains. Both a population and geographic center, Asheville provides a base for the enjoyment and exploration of the area’s wonders.
It should, therefore, come as no surprise that the Asheville chapter of CNPA boasts its largest number of members. Photographers of all demographics and skill levels have joined the group to share their enjoyment of the surroundings and their photographic interpretation of the same.
The Blue Ridge Parkway passes through Asheville on its 470-mile journey from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, America’s most visited national park, to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.
Pisgah National Forest’s four districts surround Asheville, offering a wealth of features. Within proximity of Asheville lies mountains, rivers, lakes, canyons, waterfalls, and numerous other opportunities for natural observation, discovery, and photography.
If you're not a member, join us.
Our Regional Goal
To develop a community which will preserve, celebrate and create a sense of appreciation about the beauty of nature through photography. We achieve our goal by having regular sunset shoots, scheduling regular field trips and outings, sharing our ideas and images within the group and soliciting feedback.
- Monthly meetings for networking with fellow members, professional speakers, and others.
- Photo outings to fascinating places, familiar and unknown.
- Monthly sunset shoots.
- Seminars for photographic and technical education.
- Shows and exhibits on a continual basis.
- Critiques of members work by experts and fellow members.
- To promote nature photography in the Carolinas
- To create an awareness and appreciation for the area’s natural beauty
- To educate others interested in nature and wildlife photography.
Useful Regional Links
Regional Activities & Events
- Monthly Meetings – The club hosts a meeting every month featuring professional photographers who share their photographic knowledge and/or member “Show & Tell” presentations, both of which are packed with information. Our monthly meetings are held on the second Sunday, 5:30 – 8:00 pm, at the Reuter Center on the UNC Asheville campus. Click here for directions.
- Member Image Critique – Four times a year our meetings feature image critique sessions where members are invited to submit up to 3 images and have their work critiqued by peers. This year we will also have a couple of meetings devoted members’ photographic portfolios.
- Field Trips & Outings – Join our experienced field trip leaders & other member photographers with intimate knowledge of Asheville and its surrounding areas for a fun filled morning/afternoon or entire day of photography!! An excellent opportunity to make new friends, learn from the pros and just have plain FUN!! Check out the Calendar for details regarding the date/time/location for field trips.
- Sunset Photo Opportunities – Just show up at the location, point your cameras west and shoot those gorgeous sunsets! Engage in camaraderie with fellow photographers, make new friends, learn new techniques. Our sunset opportunities are usually scheduled for the first Sunday of every month. Be sure to check out the Calendar for details regarding location and sunset timing.
- Workshops – With a high concentration of accomplished photographers willing to share their knowledge and expertise with other members, workshops organized by the club are held from time to time and will be announced on the website and by email.
- Member Exhibits – If members were unable to showcase their talents in doing all the hard work to “just get the right shot” it would be doing injustice to their talent and effort. Our exhibit committee works hard to identify opportunities where members can showcase their talents. Check out the Events section of the website to participate in local juried and non-juried exhibits. For the most part, participation in these exhibits are restricted to members of our region.
- Service Project – As a photography club promoting nature photography exclusively, our group actively seeks projects to protect & preserve the natural treasures of this region. Some of our past projects have included cleaning up a section of the Blue Ridge Parkway, while capturing the beauty of the summer wildflowers. It's a fun experience and a way to give back to the community we live in!
Regional Coordinators
Susanna Euston and Ken Smith
To send an email to the coordinators, please use the corresponding form on the contact us page or you may find the email address here.