Larry Perry

Chester A. Massey Distinguished Service Award

January 21, 2023

Larry Perry has been a contributing member of SANP since the beginning of the club 30 years ago, and he has made SANP a better club.  At the September 2022 meeting commemorating SANP’s history, Ken Jenkins recognized Larry as one of the club’s founders and early contributors.  Larry’s prominence in the field of nature photography has been the glue that caused many photographers to network between camera clubs. He often said, “Joining a camera club is the best and cheapest investment that you can make. Join several.” But he always highlighted SANP as the premier club to join in east Tennessee. His weekly Larry’s Notes and monthly Digital Lunch Bunch gatherings have spread the news of SANP activities to photographers and other camera clubs in Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina.  His widely circulated newsletters frequently featured images taken by SANP members.   Also, SANP members have learned the technology, techniques, and art of photography through his classes at the University of Tennessee, presentations at Wilderness Wildlife Week and other conferences, and programs at SANP and other camera clubs.  

Larry is a model for sharing with others and a mentor to members in how to effectively share the wonders and beauty of nature.  He has been a great encourager to SANP members for taking their images of nature and wildlife to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, veteran’s homes, senior living homes and prisons.  Prior to establishment of SANP’s Community Outreach group in 2017, he mentored SANP members during 2014 – 2016 in organizing their photographs into slideshows and pictures.  Larry said that sharing your photographs with others has a win-win-win outcome.  You win when you focus on the wonders of nature in taking the picture; you win when you review and organize the pictures that you take; and you win when you share with others.

We should never underestimate the value of Larry’s smile and handshake as he went the extra mile in welcoming visitors and new members at SANP meetings and events.  He would say “I don’t recognize you.  I am Larry Perry.  Welcome to SANP.  Tell me about yourself.”  On many occasions, Larry invited SANP members to travel with him to out of town photography conferences and workshops to broaden their contacts with the photography community.