Impact of Wildlife Photography on the Environment

[kmhphotography]

So you have noticed a problem that some have, what will you do about it?

Seriously. What?

Can you fix that problem in others? (Not really)

Can you fix that problem in yourself? (If you work really hard at it you might make some progress)

Once you have fixed those problems with yourself (because really, that is the one thing you actually do have some control of) will that eliminate the habitat destruction and pollution that are the real culprits of extirpation and extinction? (No, and WE are ALL complicit in both of those crimes against the planet)

I studied hazardous materials management in school because the world is a mess and things need to be done. What I discovered in the field later is that like most things we do, it's mostly a grift and the regulatory agencies are industry captured.

Now we may be capable of fixing things or we may not be - that is a difficult question to answer. But being who we are, all of my experiences tell me that we will not.

 

[Abinoone]

A few of Steve's rules regarding forum conduct:

"Our goal here is to create a community where people can talk photography and share photos without harassment, fanboism, or nasty arguments. Basically, this is a troll-free zone... please be polite in your posts and responses. When in doubt, picture yourself in a room with a couple hundred other photographers - if you wouldn't speak out loud to that group what you're about to post, it's probably best not to post it."

 

[Doug Herr]

... media reach raises environmental awareness widely. The international natural history photography competitions are a high profile example. These images get considerable coverage in mainstream media (eg BBC, Guardian etc).

Unfortunately as with any other high-profile competition (not just photography) the prestige and rewards that a winning photograph brings occasionally leads to temptation to cut corners either in the field or later when processing the image.

 

[Archibald]

Unfortunately as with any other high-profile competition (not just photography) the prestige and rewards that a winning photograph brings occasionally leads to temptation to cut corners either in the field or later when processing the image.

Yeah... many years ago I heard the adage that a photographer's job is to "get the image". I think it was intended for pros. Just get the shot, never mind how you do it.

In the field I rarely if ever see photographers doing harm to wildlife. On the other hand, I have seen other visitors (without cameras) harassing wildlife - for instance throwing rocks just for laughs.

Whether we like it or not, our activities (photographic or not) always affect the environment. Just try to be moderate. I think it's OK.

 

[RikWriter]

• Overconsumption: This is potentially the most controversial point. Many photographers I’ve met are obsessed with constantly upgrading their gear—cameras, lenses, computers, tripods, you name it. This leads to material waste and environmental harm. I’m not saying people should never buy anything, but I would expect them to be more conscious about their consumption. The same goes for travel; many photographers I’ve met take flights more than five times a year or choose flying over buses just for convenience. They often don’t refill their water bottles and instead bring new plastic ones. This behavior is unfortunately common among humans in general, but I would expect nature lovers to lead by example.

You're right it's the most controversial. The cameras and lenses are going to get made and the vast majority of the time when someone upgrades, they sell their older gear to another photographer, so it's not as if the gear is going into a landfill. I think that's a concern without merit.

 

[Larry S.]

I suggest that we move on from this topic and perhaps close it down. We’ve breached the need for tourism that supports species survival in various regions. And we are also cognizant of the behavior that degrades and is threatening to wildlife. We can lead by example and agree that aggressive behaviors toward wildlife, including plants and soils, for a photograph is not the way to achieve our goals…… my glass is empty…..