Saving The Planet with Pictures

Conservation photography is a topic which is close to my heart. I have seen many pristine areas suddenly become former shadows of themselves through the negligence of man and the ever spanning need to grow and make more demands on our fragile biosphere otherwise known as Earth.

This theme,style or technique is a proactive use of the photographic processes and the resulting products, within the parameters of photojournalism in order to advocate for solid and measurable conservation outcomes by bringing to the limelight the struggles facing many species as well as their environmental conditions.

The photographs should also show clear cut photographic evidence that denotes the harm that man has caused and how these actions are placing the wildlife and the environment in harm's way.

Conservation photography is a combination of two photographic disciplines; nature photography with the approach of documentary photography. Conservation photographers are in fact acting as agents for nature and the environment. They speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Words alone are not enough, thus the photographic efforts are aimed at protecting nature and improving the many ecosystems and nature as a whole.

Conservation Photography furthers environmental, wildlife and habitat conservation and in most cases it also furthers cultural awareness by expanding the public's knowledge of the issues while at the same time serving to stimulate a sense of urgency which in some cases leads to actions by those with the power to bring about change.

Let's not forget that the pressure that the general public can place on elected officials is often the pivot that brings about change.

Conservation and photography are often considered as two distinct and separable disciplines yet their combined impact can be profound. To put it into other words, conservation photography is photography that empowers or enables conservation through the use of images,often poignant, to bring about change.

Conservation photographers have a deep sense of pride for their work because it can actually bring about change and help the entire world by prompting positive changes that affect all who call Earth home.

These photographs produced by good conservation photographers who are truly dedicated to their mission can and often do have a strong impact in the minds of its audience. Most of this work takes on the appearance of storytelling as it carefully documents changes, effects, causes and suggest alternatives that can lead to the betterment of nature and ecosystems.

One aspect of this style of photography is that it works best when it is tasked with focusing and saving one system, species or region at a time. It works best when the photographic efforts are focused on a one on one systematic fashion and brings all of the combined efforts of the photographer, the marketing and media portions as well as the lobbyist to bear into one concerted effort.

Another use of conservationist photographs are that they can be used as evidence in the prosecution of people involved in acts of illegal activities which are contrary to the public welfare when these activities destroy or harm wildlife, nature or the environment.

Good examples would be to capture images that depict poachers,illegal logging, illegal use of natural resources, destruction of the environment, illegal pollution or wanton destruction of animals including illegal hunting and illegal baiting.

"According to the acclaimed photographer, Joel Sartore, “the typical nature photograph shows a butterfly on a pretty flower.

The conservation photograph shows the same thing, but with a bulldozer coming at it in the background.

This doesn't mean there’s no room for beautiful pictures, in fact we need beautiful images just as much as the issues.

It does mean that the images exist for a reason; to save the Earth while we still can.” Wikipedia