Conservation Photography Saving Nature with Photography By Liz Masoner, About.com Guide to Photography Published February 6, 2012 © Contact About.com for reprint requests




What is Conservation Photography

Conservation photography is more than nature photography. Conservation photography refers to using photography to attempt to save some part of nature. It is not simply belonging to a specific photographers group or working for an environmental group or a nature magazine. For example, the photographs in this article are of Mangles Bay in Australia, an area now protected because of the efforts of a dedicated group of individuals and photographers.

Subjects of Conservation Photography

Forests, beaches, rivers, plants, animals, any part of nature can be the focus of conservation photography. You do not have to travel to far away exotic locales to be part of conservation photography. In many cases some of the most imperiled parts of nature are part of areas very close to human habitation. Often, these endangered areas, flora, and fauna are not the most glamorous or exciting parts of nature but that doesn't make them any less deserving of attention.

While photographs of starving polar bears might easily get lots of media attention, it doesn't mean that an endangered snail in a creek being polluted by a factory isn't just as valid as a subject for conservation photography.

How to Use Your Photography for Conservation

The main avenue for photography to work for conservation is through awareness. Being told there is pollution in a river is not the same as seeing a fish gasping for breath because the water is too polluted for its gills to work. Being told there is a pretty hidden cove is not the same as seeing the pristine sand and abundant wildlife that would be gone were a shopping development to proceed. Photographs of current dangers to nature or the current state of a natural area that could be lost is a powerful way to bring home your point to others.

You can work with established groups to publicize what you have photographed or you can spread the information on your own. Often an established group will ask for volunteer photographers as they can rarely afford to keep photographers on staff.

Sharing photos online can be a powerful way to get the word out on your own, as can sending a story with accompanying photographs to a local paper or television station. Now that news agencies have a strong presence online, getting these stories to interested reporters is easier than ever.

When compiling your photographs for conservation, remember to show more than just a pretty scene. If there is a pollution problem you need to show the unpolluted area, where the pollution is intruding, and the effects of the pollution. If you are trying to preserve a natural area show as much diversity as possible. Your photography is serving as the eyes for those not at the scene, give them a good look at what is going on, not just a brief glance.

Safety Concerns

Remember to be careful when working with conservation photography. Don't trespass and be aware that companies or individuals harming an area/polluting will not want you recording these events. Pollution is dangerous to you as well as the environment and even pristine natural areas may hold dangerous cliffs, poisonous snakes, or other dangers. Even a relatively safe area doesn't mean you can relax completely. Sunstroke, frostbite, dehydration, getting lost, and so many other possibilities for injury exist. Take your time and prepare before heading out on a photo trek and keep your eyes open while taking photographs. You must pay attention to your surroundings. Whenever possible, take a friend with you as well.