• About Us
  • Calendar
  • Board of Directors
  • Ethics
  • Site Map

About ASONP

The Alaska Society of Outdoor and Nature Photographers is an educational non-profit organization dedicated to promoting public education, self-improvement, and ethics in outdoor and nature photography. ASONP members participate in group photography trips, photo contests, lectures, slide shows, and discussions.

Additionally, ASONP publishes a monthly newsletter: ASONP's The Viewfinder. Meetings are held at 7PM, on the second Tuesday of the month at the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, 121 West 7th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska. (Oct through May only) The public is welcome to attend.

Not a member? Click here for a membership application.

Calendar of Events

As a general rule, ASONP meets the second Tuesday of each month, at 7:00 pm, October - May at the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, 121 West 7th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska.

All general meetings are free and open to the general public.

Related topics:

Board of Directors

Chuck President
Editor of the Viewfinder Newsletter
Chuck Maas
(907) 349-1260
contact_info
Julie Vice President
Julie Jessen
907) 644-2075
contact_info
Robin Secretary
Robin Brandt
(907) 907-677-6007
contact_info
John Treasurer
John DeLapp
Ph: (907) 345-0802
contact_info
Ken alaskaWILD
Ken Baehr
(907) 344-1865
contact_info
Cathy Workshops and Club Trips
Cathy Hart
(907) 337-1669
contact_info
Alan Webmaster
Alan Musy
(907) 244-4079
contact_info
Amber Board Member
Amber Johnson
(907) 244-2688
contact_info
Jules Board Member
Jules Tileston
(907) 561-0540
contact_info
Ron Board Member
Ron Phillips
(907) 344-0604
contact_info
Lynn Board Member
Lynn Wegener
(907) 344-3962
contact_info

The ASONP board consists of 11 volunteer positions. Board meetings are generally held once a month October - May and are open to the public.
Please contact the President for details.

Principles of Ethical Photographic Practices

The Alaska Society of Outdoor and Nature Photographers (“ASONP”) believes that following these practices promotes the well being of the location, subject and photographer. Every place, natural formation, plant, animal, whether above or below water, is unique, and cumulative impacts occur over time. Therefore, one must always exercise good individual judgment. ASONP believes that these principles will encourage all who enjoy nature to do so in a way that best promotes good stewardship of the resource. These principles are modeled after those adopted by the North American Nature Photography Association (“NANPA”).

Environmental: Knowledge of Subject And Place

  • Learn patterns of animal behavior. Know when not to interfere with the animal’s life cycles.
  • Respect the routine needs of animals. Remember that others will attempt to photograph them too.
  • Use appropriate lenses to photograph wild animals. If an animal shows stress, move back and use a longer lens.
  • Acquaint yourself with and respect the fragility of the ecosystem. Stay on trails that are intended to lessen impact.

Social: Knowledge of Rules And Laws

  • When appropriate, inform managers or other authorities of your presence and purpose. Help minimize cumulative impacts and maintain safety.
  • Learn and follow the rules and laws of the location, whether public or private. Ignorance is never an excuse, nor are you exempt from the rules.
  • In the absence of management authority, use good judgment. Treat the wildlife, plants and places as if you were their guest.
  • Prepare yourself and your equipment for unexpected events. Avoid exposing yourself and others to preventable mishaps.

Individual: Expertise and Responsibilities

  • Treat others with consideration. Be sensitive to others already shooting in the area.
  • Tactfully inform others if you observe them engaging in inappropriate or harmful behavior. Many people unknowingly endanger themselves, animals or ecosystems.
  • Report inappropriate behavior to the proper authorities. Don’t argue with those who don’t care, just report them.
  • Be a good role model, both as a photographer and a citizen. Educate others by your actions; enhance their understanding.
  • Follow the NANPA Truth in Captioning guidelines. The principles of honesty and courtesy should extend to your business as well.