NightLife's Darkroom

Neil Osborne is a member of the International League of Conservation Photographers (iLCP) and a biologist with a dedication to the natural world. He uses his photographic skills to tell stories and effect conservation through visual media. As the director of Witness he interviewed some of the best environmental communicators working today.  Notable anthropologist Jane Goodall, National Geographic Editor-at-Large Michael Nichols, and iLCP president Cristina Mittermeier, among many others, share candid thoughts on the power of photography and its value as an effective conservation tool. Join us for a talk and screening of this short but powerful documentary.

Presentation at 7:30 pm.  Capacity is limited, show passes will be available on a first-come, first-served basis the night of the event.

LoveLife Photo Contest

Between January 1st and February 14th, the Academy invited photographers to submit their loveliest photos of Academy life for a contest we have dubbed LoveLife. The response was outstanding! We received nearly 3000 submissions and the photos are currently being judged by a panel of top photo editors and experts. We'll be revealing the winners on the 2/24 NightLife in a stunning award ceremony. The Grand Prize winner gets the exclusive opportunity to access the Academy behind-the-scenes to photograph the living or scientific collections.

We'll also have "The People's Choice Awards" where NightLife guests get to vote on your favorite photographs submitted using digital technology.

12 Shots

Stories are powerful because they become experiences shared. Images, though motionless, move; though silent, speak, and we are all gifted with a larger vision of the world. Storytelling is an art and an ever more important part of conservation photography.  Being able to introduce an issue, set the scene, bring ideas to light and inspire people to effect change in 12 shots is not an easy feat.  Storytelling is one of the main aspirations of iLCP photographers. Tonight, iLCP presents a '12 shots' slideshow in African Hall entitled the "Great Bear Rainforest RAVE".

The Art and Science of Photography

----Award-winning photographer Sharon Beals will share some of the professional techniques she uses to photograph Academy specimens in stunningly beautiful detail.

----Cooliris, the leading producer of innovative photography-sharing applications, will be here to demonstrate their latest and greatest iPhone and Android applications.

----Kathi Koontz, from the Academy web team, will demonstrate the Golden Gate Park Field Guide iPhone, developed by the Academy. It leverages technology to help users explore the flora, fauna, and hidden gems of the 1,017-acre urban oasis. served basis.

....and much more.