1. Purpose & Guiding Principles
NPN Regional Chapters exist to foster local connections, share regional knowledge, and enable informal meetups related to the art and technique of nature photography. They are an extension of the main NPN community, and all participants are expected to follow these guiding principles:
- Community & Respect: All interactions, both online and in-person, must be respectful, inclusive, and adhere to the main NPN Code of Conduct.
- Strictly Non-Commercial: Chapters and their activities must be free. No fees may be charged, and chapters may not be used for commercial promotion, workshops, or tours.
- Focus on Local Connection: Discussions and activities must remain focused on nature photography within the chapter’s region.
2. The “No Critique” Rule
This is the most important distinction between Regional Chapters and the main NPN forums.
- Critiques Belong in the Main NPN Galleries: Regional Chapters are strictly not for image critiques. This includes asking for or providing detailed feedback on composition, processing, or technical execution.
- Casual Sharing is Welcome: You are encouraged to share photos from the region to illustrate conditions, show a location’s beauty, or share results from a meetup.
- Keep Comments General: Comments on casually shared photos should be appreciative or informational (e.g., “Great light!”, “Thanks for the conditions update!”), not critical.
- Why? This policy protects the high quality of NPN’s dedicated critique forums and keeps chapters focused on local community and logistics. Coordinators will redirect any critique-focused posts to the appropriate main NPN galleries.
3. Online Chapter Discussions
- Good Topics: Location tips, current conditions (wildflowers, fall color), planning meetups, and gear talk relevant to the region.
- Be Mindful: Do not post about general politics. Conservation topics are welcome if they directly relate to local nature photography and are discussed respectfully. Avoid sharing precise locations of sensitive subjects like nests or dens.
- Follow NPN Rules: All general NPN forum rules regarding civility and tidiness apply.
4. Informal Member Meetups
- Disclaimer & Liability: NPN provides the platform for members to connect, but does not organize, sponsor, or assume liability for any meetups. Participation is entirely at your own risk.
- Personal Responsibility: You are solely responsible for your own safety, preparedness, and for complying with all laws, park regulations, and ethical field practices outlined in the Nature Photographers Code of Conduct.
- Representation: Meetups are informal gatherings of NPN members, not “official NPN events.”
5. Role of the Volunteer Coordinator
Coordinators are facilitators, not guides. Their role is to welcome members, encourage on-topic discussion, and act as a point of contact with NPN administration. They are volunteers and may not benefit commercially from their role.
6. Overarching NPN Governance
All general NPN Guidelines, Terms of Service, and policies apply to Regional Chapters. NPN administration retains ultimate authority over all content and member conduct.