Longtime, award-winning nature and conservation photographers and partners Nita Winter and Rob Badger have focused unwaveringly, for more than 20 years, on photographing wildflowers — both across the Western United States, and in particular, on California’s public lands.
Their book-in-progress, Beauty and The Beast: California Wildflowers and Climate Change, is the result of their passion. The purpose is to raise awareness of dire climate change dangers for native plants and local ecosystems in California.
At last, the couple is beginning to garner well-deserved recognition of their talent and tenacity. Nita and Rob are longtime BAIPA members, and former BAIPA Board members. Recently they’ve been attending BAIPA meetings from time to time, with mock-ups and copies of their book-in-progress to show us.
The book’s crowdfunding campaign starts this month, in April. Short essays by 16 authors will be included in the final version of the book, and a Behind the Scenes section. Plus, a beautifully illustrated companion coffee table book is due out this fall.
Over 40,000 Californians have seen the Winter/Badger traveling exhibit of photographs, through Exhibit Envoy. Now, the traveling exhibit is at the Bay Model Visitor Center, 2100 Bridgeway in Sausalito, from April 2 to June 1, 9 am to 4 pm, Tuesday through Sunday. The opening reception is on April 6 from 1 – 3 pm. Sponsored by the Marin Chapter of the California Native Plant Society. For more info: (415) 332-3871.
Congratulations, Nita and Rob, on your forthcoming book!
(Here’s some local coverage of the exhibit from the San Francisco Chronicle (California’s wildflower blooms: 27 years of photos track the changing climate) and the Marin Independent-Journal (A voice for wildflowers).)


One of my favorite things about BAIPA is its culture of generosity, the willingness — even eagerness — to share what we have each learned in the process of bringing stories to life. We provide educational programs, networking, marketing opportunities, encouragement, and information on industry vendors and services. And lots of one-on-one advice and mentoring.
We welcome all who have an interest in making connections within the world of independent publishing and learning more about how to publish and sell their work successfully. Together we are raising the standard of independent publishing and helping our members thrive.
Do join us!
—Becky Parker Geist, BAIPA Board of Directors, President
Quick Resources
Current BAIPA members do not need to register for our monthly meetings. The night before the meetings, they will receive the Zoom info. For workshop registration, members can buy a member ticket and will receive the Zoom info the night before the meetings, as well as in the confirmation email.

