Last week the Association of Partners for Public Lands, which includes each National Park, National Forest Service, Fish & Game and many Historic Societies, announced the winners of the 2011 Media and Partnership Awards in Dallas. The awards highlight the new ways these organizations incorporate multi-media technology, partnerships, sustainability and education to expand the outreach to public lands visitors and enthusiasts. As stated in the release for the awards, “This year’s products and programs reflect the diversity of these special places, as well as the variety of visitors who come to know and love them. These efforts to engage the public help enable visitors to understand appreciate and care for America’s public lands.”

My book Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Thirty Years of American Landscapes won in the category of Non-Partner Published works. This covers books from every national park released over the last two years. Here is what the judges had to say about the book, “What a great value for the price, a beautifully crafted book. This is a testament of dedication by those who saw the visions and made it happen.” 

In a recent article in the Chicago Suntimes, Steve Kemp, who wrote the Foreword and chapter introductions said of my work, “Richard has sensitivity for light that’s pretty rare. He can coax a richness out of landscapes and low light conditions that you don’t see other photographers experiment with. His photographs have an emotional depth that is superior to a lot of other work. It’s the best large format photography book we’ve ever been able to offer our visitors.”  

I also want to congratulate Steve, who is the Interpretive Products and Services Director Great Smoky Mountains Association, on the other five awards he and the Great Smoky Mountains Association won for their work! What an accomplishment. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Thirty Years of American Landscapes, ISBN# 9780975395424, can be purchased at your favorite book store, Great Smoky Mountains Association website or in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park stores, and of course directly at Quiet Light Publishing where all books are signed by me. 

Congratulations to all the winners at GSMA! 

You can preview the book on the Quiet Light Publishing website. www.quietlightpublishing.com

It is humbling to have been so recognized by such a large association which works for the benefit of our public lands! It is what any landscape photographer who works to bring the message about our need to protect the environment to the forefront for future generations strives for. 

Peace,
Richard