Photography is a great way to record and share your experiences with nature, however, some photographers get overzealous in their quest for the “perfect shot”. Their zealousness takes them across the line and can ruin the same experiences for other photographers for decades.
All of us need to be good stewards of the natural world. When photographing nature, keep these eight items in mind and you'll shoot with a clear conscience:
Respect signs and fences - These usually indicate off-limit areas for various reasons. Whether the restrictions are to protect fragile habitat, or to keep you out of hazardous terrain, these signs pertain to everyone - you included.
Not only is it inconsiderate, selfish and not cool to break the rules, it could be hazardous to your health. I once saw a sign posted in a pasture"I hope you can cross this pasture in 7.6 seconds, because the bull can cross it in 7.7." If it is private property, ask permission; otherwise you are committing a punishable offense – trespassing on posted private property.
Know what not to walk on - In the desert, cryptobiotic soil is very fragile and takes
decades to regenerate after being walked on. Arctic tundra is similarly delicate, and may never recover from significant trauma. Motorized vehicles, such as ATVs and snow machines, cause major damage to such environments and should be avoided at all costs. Stay on boardwalks; they are there for a reason. It can be either for the protection of the habitat, you or both.
Minimize damage - When with a group, walk single file in the same set of tracks. I know this is un-natural, but it will minimize footprint damage. It can also reduce the disturbances in your shots, such as when walking on sand dunes. It will be easier to get great shots of dunes without footprints stretched all the way across them.
Leave only footprints – We have all heard this, but what does it really mean? In national parks, picking wildflowers, rocks, artifacts and basically taking anything from where it naturally lays is illegal and it degrades the area for future visitors. Use your camera to gather memories, walk on established paths and trails, and leave only footprints.
Take care if you need to clean up the scene - If you feel you need to move branches, leaves or other items out of a shot, either have someone gently hold them out of the way or use a flexible clamp made for this purpose being careful not to damage the plants. Remember to gently allow the items to return to their natural positions once your photo. Avoid moving rocks as it is disruptive to the soil and to organisms living under the rock. How would you like it if someone picked up your house and moved it!
Leave wildlife and their homes alone - Keep in mind you are a guest in their house---an un-invited one at that. Do not do things that distracts them, such as feeding, rock-throwi
ng, yelling or whistling to get their attention, or provoking birds to take flight. Some animals are legally protected from harassment. The Federal Marine Mammal Protection Act mandates keeping a minimum distance of 100 yards from whales, seals and other marine mammals. National Parks also mandate a stand-off distance from large mammals.
Animals will usually give you some sign when you are approaching too close; you just have to know enough about that species to recognize the sign. Every year people are gored by bison, mauled by bears and charged by moose and elk all because they got too close and did not recognize the signs. Stay the mandated distance away and you will be safe, and the animals won’t feel threatened.
Don't litter – Litter ruins it for everyone. Pack out all of your trash, including toilet paper and food wrappers. Even organic items like apple cores or other bio-degradable food trash disrupts delicate environments, and can alter an animal’s behavior. This usually ends up being bad for both the animal and people. Keep a bag in your camera pack and pick up trash you see - even if it isn't yours.
Going green - As photographers, we can help out the environment we love shooting by using rechargeable batteries instead of disposables. Not only do they last longer, but they reduce waste. With digital photography, it is easy to share photos online and print only essential photos. Doing this saves ink, paper, electricity and cuts down on packaging waste.
Summary – Adhering to these items the next time you are out shooting in the natural world, not only will you be doing your part in preserving the scene for others following you, but you will be doing your part helping keep our planet and her flora and fauna safe and healthy.
All of us need to be good stewards of the natural world. When photographing nature, keep these eight items in mind and you'll shoot with a clear conscience:
Respect signs and fences - These usually indicate off-limit areas for various reasons. Whether the restrictions are to protect fragile habitat, or to keep you out of hazardous terrain, these signs pertain to everyone - you included.
Not only is it inconsiderate, selfish and not cool to break the rules, it could be hazardous to your health. I once saw a sign posted in a pasture"I hope you can cross this pasture in 7.6 seconds, because the bull can cross it in 7.7." If it is private property, ask permission; otherwise you are committing a punishable offense – trespassing on posted private property.
Know what not to walk on - In the desert, cryptobiotic soil is very fragile and takes
decades to regenerate after being walked on. Arctic tundra is similarly delicate, and may never recover from significant trauma. Motorized vehicles, such as ATVs and snow machines, cause major damage to such environments and should be avoided at all costs. Stay on boardwalks; they are there for a reason. It can be either for the protection of the habitat, you or both.Minimize damage - When with a group, walk single file in the same set of tracks. I know this is un-natural, but it will minimize footprint damage. It can also reduce the disturbances in your shots, such as when walking on sand dunes. It will be easier to get great shots of dunes without footprints stretched all the way across them.
Leave only footprints – We have all heard this, but what does it really mean? In national parks, picking wildflowers, rocks, artifacts and basically taking anything from where it naturally lays is illegal and it degrades the area for future visitors. Use your camera to gather memories, walk on established paths and trails, and leave only footprints.
Take care if you need to clean up the scene - If you feel you need to move branches, leaves or other items out of a shot, either have someone gently hold them out of the way or use a flexible clamp made for this purpose being careful not to damage the plants. Remember to gently allow the items to return to their natural positions once your photo. Avoid moving rocks as it is disruptive to the soil and to organisms living under the rock. How would you like it if someone picked up your house and moved it!
Leave wildlife and their homes alone - Keep in mind you are a guest in their house---an un-invited one at that. Do not do things that distracts them, such as feeding, rock-throwi
ng, yelling or whistling to get their attention, or provoking birds to take flight. Some animals are legally protected from harassment. The Federal Marine Mammal Protection Act mandates keeping a minimum distance of 100 yards from whales, seals and other marine mammals. National Parks also mandate a stand-off distance from large mammals.Animals will usually give you some sign when you are approaching too close; you just have to know enough about that species to recognize the sign. Every year people are gored by bison, mauled by bears and charged by moose and elk all because they got too close and did not recognize the signs. Stay the mandated distance away and you will be safe, and the animals won’t feel threatened.
Don't litter – Litter ruins it for everyone. Pack out all of your trash, including toilet paper and food wrappers. Even organic items like apple cores or other bio-degradable food trash disrupts delicate environments, and can alter an animal’s behavior. This usually ends up being bad for both the animal and people. Keep a bag in your camera pack and pick up trash you see - even if it isn't yours.
Going green - As photographers, we can help out the environment we love shooting by using rechargeable batteries instead of disposables. Not only do they last longer, but they reduce waste. With digital photography, it is easy to share photos online and print only essential photos. Doing this saves ink, paper, electricity and cuts down on packaging waste.
Summary – Adhering to these items the next time you are out shooting in the natural world, not only will you be doing your part in preserving the scene for others following you, but you will be doing your part helping keep our planet and her flora and fauna safe and healthy.
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