Photos from 41 Countries Juxtapose Blocky Architecture and Verdant Gardens in ‘Brutalist Plants’

The Barbican Conservatory, London, United Kingdom. Architect: Chamberlin, Powell and Bon. Photo © Taran Wilkhu. All images courtesy of Olivia Broome and Hoxton Mini Press

In the mid-20th century, during reconstruction following World War II, an architectural style emerged in the U.K. and Europe that favored bare, industrial building materials, a monochrome palette, and angular geometry. Both iconic and divisive, the hulking, concrete facades can be seen in the likes of London’s Barbican Centre or the National Theatre. In the U.S., think of Boston City Hall or Met Breuer. These stalwart structures represented modernity, resilience, and strength, serving as civic hubs and governmental centers—the opposite of “soft around the edges.”

That’s where Olivia Broome’s project Brutalist Plants comes in, a repository of photographs featuring gardens and greenery around these iconic buildings, which she has collected on her Instagram since 2018. An eponymous forthcoming book, published by Hoxton Mini Press, showcases some of the most impressive examples that she has collected over time, focusing on incredible pairings and contrasts between architecture and foliage.

“I find it fascinating how much any space can be improved by some plants or greenery,” Broome tells Colossal. “There’s something so pleasing about grey and green, as anyone with some houseplants in their flat can agree with! For me, brutalism gives off such a strong presence when you’re near it, and nature softens that right down.”

Brutalist Plants emerged from a community-led collaboration, as Broome collects and showcases other photographers’ images. She enlisted her father, who is also a fan of photography, to help whittle down the more than 300 images in the project’s Instagram feed to create a selection for the book—ten of which made the final cut. “Something I’m proud of is that images from 41 different countries feature in the book,” she says. “I really wanted to make it as international as possible, so I hope there’s something for everyone.”

Brutalist Plants is out in the U.K. this month, and you can pre-order from Bookshop. The U.S. release is scheduled for September.

Reinforced hillside, Aogashima, Tokyo, Japan. Photo © Yasushi Okano

Artwork and photo by Karsten Födinger in La Vallée, Basse-Normandie, France

Left: Monument to the Revolution, Kozara National Park, Prijedor, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Architect: Dušan Džamonja. Photo © Alexey Bokov. Right: Casa de Vidro, São Paulo, Brazil. Architect: Lina Bo Bardi. Photo © Celeste Asfour

Jurong Bird Park, Jurong, Singapore. Architect: John Yealland and J. Toovey. Photo © James Wong

Evangelische Friedenskirche (Peace Church), Monheim-Baumberg, Germany. Architect: Walter Maria Förderer. Photo © Bildarchiv Monheim GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo

Left: Bucharest, Romania. Photo © Bogdan Anghel. Right: Casa Alférez, Cañada De Alferes, Mexico. Architect: Ludwig Godefroy. Photo © Rory Gardiner

Les Étoiles d’Ivry, Paris, France. Architect: Jean Renaudie. Photo © pp1 / Shutterstock

The abandoned Haludovo Palace Hotel, Krk Island, Croatia. Architect: Boris Magaš. Photo © Maciek Leszczelowski

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Photos from 41 Countries Juxtapose Blocky Architecture and Verdant Gardens in ‘Brutalist Plants’ appeared first on Colossal.

Verdant Landscapes and Burgeoning Plants Crawl Across Walls in ONIRO’s Vibrant Anatomical Murals

“Coltivazione del Sé” (2021), Cassino, Italy. All images © ONIRO, shared with permission

Greenery abounds in the large-scale murals of Italian artist ONIRO, who often focuses on themes of interconnectedness and balance, especially between humans and the natural world. In “Coltivazione del Sé,” or “self-cultivation,” a human form emerges from the leaves and shadows of a burgeoning plant, while an opening of sky between branches reveals a facial silhouette in an untitled mural on an olive oil processing workshop.

In 2022, ONIRO completed an ambitious series that links three neighboring communities along the Via Aurelia, an ancient Roman artery in Italy constructed around 241 B.C.E. that remains a busy commercial thoroughfare today. “Each mural is a necessary part for the others, like organs that form an organism, and which as a whole has a greater value than the sum of the individual parts,” the artist says.

The three pieces in Organismo, or “body,” are composed in a loose, painterly style to depict Gaia—the ancient Greek goddess who personified the earth—an island shaped like the human heart, and a peninsula shaped like lungs with flowing, bronchial inlets. Explore more on Behance and Instagram.

Untitled, La Marina oil mill, San Donato Val Comino, Italy (2021)

“Organismo – Cuore” (2022), Comune di Castagneto Carducci, Italy

“Coltivazione del Sé”

Detail of “Coltivazione del Sé”

“Organismo – Polmoni” (2022), Comune di San Vincenzo, Italy

Aerial view of “Organismo – Polmoni.” Photo by Francesco Luongo

“Organismo – Gaia” (2022), Comune di Venturina Terme, Italy

“Casa del Fiume”

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Verdant Landscapes and Burgeoning Plants Crawl Across Walls in ONIRO’s Vibrant Anatomical Murals appeared first on Colossal.

Photograph Endangered Golden Snub-Nosed Monkeys in China’s Nature Reserves

By Expedition Leader Eddy Savage

One of the most rewarding experiences of my photo expeditions to China with Natural Habitat Adventures would have to be the time spent with golden snub-nosed monkeys. We spend a day of our adventure searching out these wild monkeys in a remote valley flanked on either side by tall, steep and gorgeous mountains. These unlikely primates are the most outstanding contrast of colors. These monkeys showcase brilliant golden-orange fur of varying intensities. Older male golden snub-nosed monkeys display long, brilliant golden guard hairs on their backs. The distinctive nose, where they get their name from, is unlike any primate nose I’ve seen. Sharply upturned, the nose and area around hint at a light blue skin coloration. It’s a spectacular contrast that surprisingly (or understandably) blends well into their natural habitat in the mountains around Sichuan Province, China. Please enjoy this collection of my photographs taken while on Nat Hab’s Wild Side of China Photo Expedition. 

Here, we see an adult male golden snub-nosed monkey. One of the distinguishing facial features of male monkeys is the wart-like growths on either side of their mouth. They appear once the monkey approaches sexual maturity. It is thought they likely have something to do with breeding and communication, but there is no conclusive evidence yet. 

© Eddy Savage

These tree-dwelling monkeys spend more than 90% of their time in the canopy. Their food source varies throughout the seasons. In the dead of winter, they’ll prefer lichens, and in the spring and summer, they’ll eat new growth, leaves and fruits.

© Eddy Savage

These primates survive in the coldest winter conditions of any primate on Earth, secondary to humans. One adaptation thought to be derived from their cold-weather lives is the snub-nose: flattened and tucked away under the forehead, it is likely an adaptation to protect them from frostbite during the -13°F winter temps.

© Eddy Savage

Their habitat is in the deciduous broad-leaved and coniferous forests that sit between 4,000 feet and 13,000 feet in elevation. Snow is often a contender for their winter lives, so having a healthy fur coat goes a long way. 

© Eddy Savage

During my observations of the troop, which can number between 40 and 70, it appeared as though demographics split up well. Family groups in one direction, sub-adults/juveniles in another, and males with females in another. Here, we see a group of juveniles playing in the trees.

© Eddy Savage

Here is a trio of young monkeys playing with each other. Highly distractable and chaotic, they climbed up and down each other while one or two held onto the tree branches.

© Eddy Savage

Breeding behavior can occur at any time of year; however, it will only be successful during the fall and winter months. October through January is the rough breeding window. Typically, most baby golden snub-nosed monkeys are born between April and August, and their gestation is approximately seven months. This photo is from April, so this is a super young golden snub-nosed monkey.

© Eddy Savage

When it comes to instigating breeding, the females are usually in control. When receptive to breeding, they will lounge upside-down and make faces toward the male monkey. If the male is interested, he’ll make a wide and toothy grin before journeying toward the female.

© Eddy Savage

Huddling among golden snub-nosed monkeys is also common. I’ve often observed them bundled together like this, sometimes grooming each other. It’s also hypothesized these monkeys huddle together more readily than others to stay warm, due to their colder habitat. It’s interesting that whenever a stressful event occurs within the troop, the monkeys scatter and join into small huddles like this. It may also provide comfort to each monkey.

© Eddy Savage

Baby golden snub-nosed monkeys are weaned at approximately one year. There is also evidence that females share in the nursing and care for the young, often seen in groups of several moms and offspring. 

© Eddy Savage

The post Photograph Endangered Golden Snub-Nosed Monkeys in China’s Nature Reserves first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.

What’s in My Camera Bag? Wild Side of China Photo Expedition 

By Nat Hab Expedition Leader Eddy Savage

Nat Hab’s Wild Side of China Photo Expedition is a spectacularly unique journey through renowned nature reserves and culturally significant sites. From an architectural and cultural perspective, we will spend time in large cities, small towns, ancient walled villages and remote high-altitude villages. From a nature and wildlife perspective, we will spend time in lush sub-tropical and higher altitude sub-alpine environments. The photographic subjects are incredibly interesting and varied throughout the trip. I’ve put together a few of my “must-haves” I take with me on every photo expedition I lead in China. Enjoy!

My Camera Gear for China’s Nature Reserves 

This is a longer expedition with lots of walking and short hikes, and we move every couple of nights for most of the journey. I have tried several camera lens combinations over the years and found that simple and versatile is the way to go. I don’t want to be weighed down as we tackle our next hike, and I also don’t want to feel overwhelmed by my lens choices. Here is my typical camera setup:

Camera Body 

• Nikon Z6 (full-frame mirrorless)

Lenses

• 24-70mm f4 – If you’re ever on an expedition with me, this lens will become known as my “go-to” lens for day-to-day shooting. At 24mm, it’s wide enough to accomplish 99% of landscape shots and 99% of people, city and architecture shots. It’s small as well, so walking through crowded streets or even wearing it all day long on my camera harness isn’t a huge burden. 
• 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 or similar – A telephoto lens with some flexibility goes a long way. When we are out searching for wildlife or birds, having the reach of a 400mm lens is wonderful. This range of lens is also typically a manageable size for travel. Another perk of a telephoto-zoom lens is using it to make some forced-perspective landscape photos, one of my favorites.

Now, with that said, this is by no means what you need for this expedition. I find this is what works for me. The age-old saying, “The best camera is the one you have with you,” goes a long way! Whatever system you end up bringing, my general recommendation is that you have the capability to shoot landscape (wide) and wildlife (telephoto).

© Eddy Savage

Camera Accessory Recommendations for a China Nature Photo Expedition

Polarizing Filter

• I will bring the polarizing filter for my 24-70mm lens. A good quality polarizing filter can be a wonderful addition to your kit. If used correctly, they can remove reflections from any non-metallic surfaces, such as the reflections of wet leaves or harsh sunlight reflecting off the surface of a lake. This allows for more vibrance and deeper/richer colors to prevail in your photography. It also reduces the amount of light reaching your image sensor and can help with blurring moving water when used with a tripod.

Neutral Density Filter (or Kit)

• I started regularly using a Neutral Density Filter (ND-8 filter is my most versatile, but kits often come with several options) a couple of years ago because I was trying to achieve specific blurred water effects in some of my landscape photography. Essentially, all they will do is reduce the amount of light reaching your image sensor so you can lower your shutter speed to achieve these effects. I will only use these in conjunction with a tripod.

Travel Tripod

• Having a tripod in the field can help you achieve some specific shots. I use mine most for capturing specific shots where I want to blur moving water, capture moving clouds or film a timelapse. Some of the mountain streams in the national nature reserves are perfect for this. Adding this effect to your images can add an entirely new element to your photo. Pair the tripod with a Neutral Density Filter or Polarizing Filter, and you can ensure your camera is still enough to get a sharp image while the water blurs. Anyhow, I only bring my tripod if I intend to try these more advanced types of photography, and I want to make sure it’s small enough to pack and carry easily.

© Eddy Savage

Camera Harness / Strap

• I don’t think my camera has had a “stock” neck strap on it for some 10 years or so. I find that these straps can become quite cumbersome and don’t secure the camera well enough for my liking. All the in-and-out of vehicles, walking up and down varying terrain, clothing layers, etc. I find I get tangled in the stock camera straps often. I also carry the camera for over 10 hours a day, so having something that takes the camera weight off my neck is ideal. I currently use a camera harness that secures my camera to my chest and straps it down so that even when bending over, it doesn’t move at all. Find what works best for you, and go with that!

Microfibre Towel (3ft x 2ft)

• On a rainy day in the Great Bear Rainforest, I saw a colleague pull out this 3ft x 2ft microfibre towel and, in one swift motion, dried off all parts of their drenched camera and stowed it away in their bag. Since then, a medium-sized microfibre towel has lived in one of my pockets whenever I’m in the field. Whether it’s rain, snow, mist or a spill, having a solid absorbent cloth makes drying your precious camera gear a breeze. There’s always a chance of rain in the mountains of China, and a microfibre cloth is a great tool to carry with you!

These are the items I carry in my personal camera kit while on a photo expedition in China with Natural Habitat Adventures. It works for me, but it might not work for you! Whatever gear you bring on this expedition, make sure you’ve tried it out at home and are somewhat familiar with its workings. And don’t forget to take lots of pictures! 

© Eddy Savage

The post What’s in My Camera Bag? Wild Side of China Photo Expedition  first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.

Photographic Wonders of China’s Four Sisters Mountain & Siguniangshan National Park

By Nat Hab Expedition Leader Eddy Savage 

One of the most striking aspects of the mountains leading up to the Tibetan Plateau is just how huge they are. On our Wild Side of China Photo Expedition, we journey through the Qionglai Mountain range, west of Chengdu, and find ourselves in the foothills of the Himalayas. We pass through the Wolong National Nature Reserve, climb several thousand feet, and drive through a series of tunnels to find our view of the mighty Mount Siguniang, which translates to Four Sisters Mountain. Standing at 20,510 feet, Four Sisters Mountain is taller than any mountain in North America (Mount Denali stands at 20,310 feet). We spend the night in nearby Rilong where we are poised to arrive at Siguniangshan National Park as soon as they open the gates. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts sub-alpine coniferous forests, Tibetan villages, herds of domesticated yak, rare sub-alpine birds and tranquil mountain streams that delight my inner photographer. I’ve compiled some of my favorites for your enjoyment.

Our first stop on the way to Siguniangshan National Park is this stunning vista of Four Sisters Mountain. On a clear day, the four peaks can be prominently seen in the distance. 

© Eddy Savage

Peaks of Four Sisters Mountain from left to right:

Yaomei Peak – 20,510 ft

Sanguniang Peak – 16,486 ft

Erguniang Peak – 17,310 ft

Daguniang Peak – 17,569 ft

It’s an extraordinary experience getting closer to the park. We drive through Wolong National Nature Reserve, which has broad-leaf deciduous forests at the valley bottom. By the time we climb out of that valley, we are in a mixed coniferous forest—from sub-tropical to sub-alpine in just a couple of hours.

© Eddy Savage

There are three large glacially carved valleys within the park. We spend our day in the Shuangqiao Valley and explore over 20 miles of roads and trails at 11,000 to 13,000 feet elevation. Whether you’re on a spring or fall departure, there is always a chance of snowfall. However, the mid-day sun usually melts most of it away by the afternoon. It always makes for some dramatic scenery.

© Eddy Savage

Heading west in Sichuan Province brings you closer to the Tibetan Plateau. As soon as you cross the mountain pass from the Wolong National Nature Reserve, more evidence of Tibetan culture is present.

© Eddy Savage

As a photographer, the vibrance of these Tibetan prayer flags allows for some unique images. I love the contrast between the harsh and rugged mountain and the colorful flags.

© Eddy Savage

The Tibetan prayer flags all have writings meant to promote peace, compassion, strength and wisdom. They blow in the wind, spreading those words to the surrounding land and people for the benefit of all.

© Eddy Savage

Tibetan prayer wheels have prayers and mantras written on them, so spinning them effectively sends the prayer into the surrounding area. They were initially designed for people who were illiterate or could not speak. Some prayer wheels are powered by wind, fire or water. We see lots of these around on our photo expedition, and we spend a lot of time looking for ways to capture their deep meaning in an image.

© Eddy Savage

Lots of rivers and creeks flow down from adjacent hanging valleys. You can see evidence of the harshness of winter everywhere—rockfalls, landslides, floodplains, etc. The main river, however, has found the valley bottom and meanders gently adjacent to the trails and roads we use. Finding that perfect shot is a goal of ours.

© Eddy Savage

This sub-alpine park also offers opportunities for new wildlife. While rare and unlikely to be seen, red pandas inhabit surrounding forests. Also, altitude-specific birds like the grandala pictured (a member of the Thrush family) may make an appearance.

© Eddy Savage

This tranquil scene is where the valley levels out, and the river widens. The stream is shallow and very slow-moving, and over time, different water levels have occupied the valley bottom. This has allowed clusters of trees to grow in some of the previously exposed land. This is the place to be if you’re looking for epic reflections and foreground.

© Eddy Savage

This area is nicknamed “The Chinese Alps.” The valley is surrounded by numerous 14,000-17,000-foot-high mountains. There is a new dramatic scene around every bend in the road.

© Eddy Savage

As we climb higher into the park, the trees become sparse. Several belts of trees have clung to the mountainsides around the main river tributaries, beautiful and dramatic in contrast to the mountains behind.

© Eddy Savage

The valley is about 20 miles long, and we spend the day finding new ways to photograph the scenery on drives and hikes.

© Eddy Savage

And finally, being at a higher elevation, we start to see domesticated yak around every corner. The mountain valleys have been the preferred grazing spot of domesticated yak for hundreds of years, and this is likely the only place we’ll regularly see them on our photo expedition.

© Eddy Savage

Domesticated yak of all ages greet us along the roadsides and in meadows. I really enjoy being able to photograph them with their habitat so prominently displayed behind them.

© Eddy Savage

The post Photographic Wonders of China’s Four Sisters Mountain & Siguniangshan National Park first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.

How to Get a Picture of a Wild Himalayan Snow Leopard

In the autumn of 1973, wilderness writer and naturalist Peter Matthiessen joined preeminent field biologist George Schaller high in Nepal’s Himalayan Mountains on a journey that would soon become legendary. While Schaller was there to study the mating habits of the bharal, or Himalayan blue sheep, Matthieseen was on a quest for spiritual enlightenment. That is, a quest coupled with the hope of glimpsing one of the region’s most elusive animals: the snow leopard.

This strenuous two-month expedition resulted in one of Matthiessen’s best-known and award-winning books, The Snow Leopard—a work that still enlightens and inspires readers today.

It’s no secret that big cats stir imaginations, from the majestic lions of Kenya’s Maasai Mara to the jaguar, a large and spotted feline that holds court over South America’s Pantanal. And snow leopards are no exception. For a long time, so little was known about these shy and solitary creatures that inhabit Earth’s uppermost reaches that they took on an almost mythical status. Local residents call them the “gray ghost” or the “ghost of the mountains” because they’re so rarely seen.

© Surya Ramachandran

In fact, when Matthiessen embarked on his expedition, only two Westerners had reported seeing a snow leopard over the previous 25 years. One of those Westerners was Schaller, who was also the first to capture a snow leopard on film. In 1971, his photos appeared in the pages of National Geographic, giving the world its first opportunity to view this fabled being in its natural habitat.

The Elusive Snow Leopard

Getting a photo of a wild snow leopard is no easy task, although it’s been made much easier in recent years. Spotters and master trackers know exactly where to look and what to look for, such as fresh scat, snow-embedded tracks and even marking patterns.

Since Matthiessen’s The Snow Leopard was first published in 1978, a lot has been learned about these shy and solitary creatures. They can reach up to seven feet in length and weigh anywhere from 60 to 120 pounds. They roam mostly at dawn in the pre-morning hours, then again in the afternoons and evenings.

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Due to a difference in their anatomical structure, snow leopards can’t actually roar, though they do chuff, purr and growl. They move about quietly, preferring steep, snow-covered mountainsides high above the treelines, in places where the air is thin and the weather often relentless. Their thick fur—colored whitish to gray with black spots and rosettes along the neck, head, and back—easily camouflages them within the landscape, making them extremely difficult for the average eye to see.

Where to See Snow Leopards in the Wild 

According to the Snow Leopard Trust, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the snow leopard, there are believed to be between 3,900 and 6,400 wild snow leopards left around the world, though the actual number remains unknown. They inhabit a large swath of alpine and subalpine terrain that traverses 12 countries in northern and central Asia, including Mongolia, Afghanistan and Bhutan.

Schaller captured his now-famous photos in Pakistan’s Chitral Valley—another place snow leopards are known to frequent—and dozens of them roam freely in Russia’s Altai Mountains, at the convergence of China, Mongolia and Kazakhstan. However, one of the best places for spotting them is in India’s Ladakh territory, part of the larger Himalayan mountain range, where approximately 200 or so reside. 

© Surya Ramachandran

India’s Ladakh Region Awaits 

For the perfect opportunity to explore this storied region and capture images of the rare snow leopard, embark on Nat Hab’s 11-day Snow Leopard Quest Photo Expedition. Tucked away in the remote Himalayas of northern India, Ladakh itself is framed by dramatic peaks and dotted with Buddha-filled monasteries, meditation caves and secluded villages. It’s a region heavily influenced by Tibetan culture and home to India’s largest national park, Hemis National Park, where you’ll find one of the highest population densities of snow leopards in a protected area on the planet.

Nat Hab’s small group size of eight and a flexible daily schedule offers participants the best chance of catching a snow leopard undisturbed. Perhaps we’ll see one who has descended to a lower altitude to feed on bharal, ibex and smaller marmots and hares that inhabit the sides of steep rock walls and graze along valley streams. Or we may spy a cat perched inconspicuously along a high ridge line. Be sure and keep your camera at the ready!

Getting a Good Photograph 

The odds of capturing snow leopard pics increase once you immerse yourself in the territory of these magnificent creatures. Nat Hab’s adept spotting scouts and master trackers work tirelessly to follow the cats’ every move. The terrain may be rugged and difficult, but the rewards of seeing a snow leopard in the wild are indescribable. If you’re especially lucky, you might even spot a snow leopard cub (or two!). 

Ladakh’s additional wildlife is as equally as incredible. Look for long-legged wild sheep known as urial, golden eagles and bearded vultures soaring overhead. And stay alert for a sighting of the Himalayan wolf, known for its wooly fur and ability to adapt to cold and high altitudes.

There are also the natural and cultural beauties of Ladakh itself, such as narrow valleys and colorful roadside prayer flags, winding rivers and unoccupied palaces, all of which are ripe for discovery…and for photographing. 

Although Matthiessen never did spot a snow leopard during his 1973 expedition, seeing one wasn’t his sole purpose. As a 2018 New Yorker article points out, “If Matthiessen had merely wanted to set eyes on a snow leopard, he could have driven from his home on Long Island to the Bronx Zoo, where snow leopards have been bred in captivity since 1966.”

Matthiessen knew that the possibility of glimpsing a snow leopard in its natural habitat, rather than in a zoo or menagerie, would be something else entirely. However, even not seeing one would be a tremendous feat, especially when you’ve scoured the world’s tallest peaks and loftiest landscapes in your quest. That’s because it’s in the ‘seeking,’ Matthiessen realized, that the real magic occurs.

Ready to see and photograph snow leopards in the wild? Learn more about our Land of the Snow Leopard adventure and our photo-focused Snow Leopard Quest Photo Expedition. Or, explore our photo expeditions around the globe!

The post How to Get a Picture of a Wild Himalayan Snow Leopard first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.

5 Steps to Become a Conservation Photographer

Ask people why they love photography and you’ll hear a wide range of responses:

“It gets me out exploring.”

“It’s an artistic outlet.”

“I can share my point of view on a subject.”

“To capture moments in time or memories.”

If you love nature or wildlife photography, you may hope your photos can move others to action—to preserve landscapes, habitats or threatened species.

Would you like to move beyond capturing individual, artistic shots of nature or wildlife to craft narratives that raise awareness to protect places you hold dear? Then read on for five steps to become a conservation photographer.

Nat Hab guest showing off her shots of bears catching salmon in wild Alaska © Brad Josephs

What is Conservation Photography?

Conservation photography goes beyond capturing beautiful images of the natural world; it combines the artistry and experience of nature and wildlife photography with storytelling to become a powerful tool for environmental advocacy.

Conservation photography aims to bring attention, understanding, and positive action to important environmental issues.

Imagine a photograph of a majestic tiger in its threatened habitat—that image not only celebrates the tiger’s beauty but could also compel viewers to consider the urgent need for conservation efforts if paired with the right stories and data. Conservation photographers leverage art to share compelling stories and essential information, evoke emotion and inspire positive change.

The artistry of conservation photography might involve surprising subjects, too. Images of ocean plastics and pollution have raised awareness, funding, and action regarding ocean cleanup and environmental regulations. Images of drought, flooding and wildfires are raising awareness around climate change.

How does Conservation Photography differ from Wildlife or Nature Photography?

Conservation photography is wildlife and nature photography with a distinct purpose: to increase awareness and compel action. A beautiful landscape or wildlife photo can also become a prime example of conservation photography; it’s all from the point of view of the photographer and how it’s used. Conservation photography tells a particular story to further conservation aims.

We often say people care for and take care of what they care about. Travel and firsthand experience create that connection, and photography can, too. Photography can create that emotional connection in people who have not seen polar bears in the Arctic firsthand, for example, prompting action to protect them. That’s the goal of conservation photography.

Is Conservation Photography photojournalism?

In many ways, yes! Just as photojournalists expose and bear witness to events, conservation photographers seek to convey information, evoke emotion and raise awareness through images of the environment. Both photojournalists and conservation photographers should document reality without excessive manipulation.

Conservation photographers may have a more explicit agenda than photojournalists. Conservation photography is a form of advocacy that raises awareness of the threats to our environment and its inhabitants and offers opportunities to preserve them.

© Richard de Gouveia

How to Become a Conservation Photographer

You do not need press credentials or formal training to become a conservation photographer. All it takes is commitment and creativity to begin to develop your craft. 

According to the Conservation Visual Storytellers Academy, the three essential elements of conservation photography are Idea, Image and Impact.

IDEA

The Idea stage represents the concept, issue or theme the conservation photographer focuses on—whether it’s deforestation, an endangered species, climate change or something else. Your first steps are to clarify your motivation and the ideas you want to convey.

© Alexis Campbell

Step 1: Identify Your Conservation Priorities

What is most important to you? What’s your unique point of view? Your purpose will shape all of your decisions as a conservation photographer.

Step 2: What’s the Conservation Story?

When most of us think of nature and wildlife photography, we think of breathtaking, memorable, individual images—those once-in-a-lifetime shots. What do you want those images to convey? What change would you like them to make? What information would you like to impart both with and through your photography? What’s the context and story around the shot?

IMAGE

Your images, of course, play a crucial role. They should grab and hold attention. They should be memorable. They should be images people will want to share because they’re beautiful, funny, gripping or important. Conservation photographers’ images illustrate circumstances or situations for viewers, evoke empathy, and convey urgency to promote action. They tell a story that requires intervention. The quality of those images can make them more memorable and impactful.

Step 3: Get Great Conservation Photos

When it comes to capturing your nature and wildlife images, patience may be your best tool, but if you’re like us, you’ll also want gear. Check out The Natural Photographer’s Gear Guide from Nat Hab’s Chief Sustainability Officer and Expedition Leader, Court Whelan.

Again, keep in mind: unlike posed photography, nature and wildlife move at a pace entirely their own. Being respectful and flexible will help you capture and create truthful and impactful images. On Nat Hab Photo Expeditions from the Canadian Tundra to the Kalahari desert to the sprawling wetlands of Brazil’s Pantanal and unparalleled access to brown bears in Katmai and Lake Clark national parks, we work with small groups and make choices that put you in the best positions to get shots you’ve dreamed of—and sometimes, we wait.

Closer to home, you can walk and shoot. Embark on a local photo safari or street photography project of your own:

• Observe and catalog local species
• Capture and share stories of climate change in your local community
• Focus on local nature, wildlife, and conservation organizations and initiatives

What environmental issues are most important in your own backyard? Whether it’s supporting political initiatives to protect natural habitats or supporting wildlife rescue organizations, there are countless local opportunities to practice conservation photography close to home.

© Court Whelan

IMPACT

Once you have captured compelling images, impact arises from how conservation photography. Whether through exhibitions, educational programs, or collaborations with conservation organizations, the goal is to raise awareness and drive action. Who needs to hear the story?

Step 4: Make an Impact Close to Home

If you started with shots closer to home, consider making an impact in your own community.

© Courtney Kent

Here are some ideas for how to share the conservation story:

• Raise awareness: deliver slide shows and talks in senior homes, schools, professional organizations, libraries or community centers.
• Show your photos in art galleries or coffeehouses.
• Partner with local conservation organizations: provide images to support their preservation and conservation efforts.
• Impact local issues and initiatives by partnering with policymakers or environmental scientists.

Step 5: Share your Experiences to Amplify Conservation Impact

Social media can be a great way to share your conservation images and stories in your local community and further afield. Reach out to local publications to publish conservation stories and share your stories on social media to raise awareness about important local issues.

© Courtney Kent

University of Michigan researchers recently conducted a series of studies using Instagram images from a nonprofit environmental organization. They combined experimental and deep neural network modeling techniques to help explain the effectiveness of nature images. Among their findings: 

• The aesthetics of beautiful nature photos increase engagement with the images on social media.
• This aesthetic value of the images encourages a moral responsibility to protect nature and wildlife.
• Feelings of awe and inspiration created by the images are the specific drivers of these effects.

This makes conservation photography an incredibly powerful tool for raising awareness and inspiring an emotional response among your audience.

Photos are also more shareable on social, which spreads the word. Research from HubSpot on the Facebook algorithm has shown that photo posts receive 53% more engagement than text alone. And, of course, photo-centric platforms, like Instagram and Pinterest, require an accompanying image to make a post. With these social platforms, you can build awareness and generate traction for your conservation stories more quickly.

© Andrew Ackerman

Some Tips for Sharing on Social Media

Posting conservation photography on your social media accounts requires careful consideration. Social media is a great place to curate your professional portfolio and share important conservation stories with an audience.

Post with a delay and avoid geotagging your photos. Geotagging specific locations on Instagram can inadvertently contribute to habitat destruction and wildlife displacement. As more people are directed to these areas, the demand for infrastructure (trails, parking lots, facilities) may increase and disrupt existing wildlife patterns and behaviors. The construction of these amenities can lead to the clearing of natural habitats, fragmentation of ecosystems, and disruption of wildlife corridors. This loss and fragmentation of habitat can have severe consequences for biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.

© Kendra Olson

Court Whelan advises:

“Avoid geotagging things as much as possible. We want to keep things wild; we want to keep things pristine. I absolutely love sharing information and intel from my scouting trips from little gems that I’ve found. But the problem is…how easy it is for other people to see where you’ve been and try to repeat it on their own…thousands and thousands of times.”

Consider substituting specific geotagging to join powerful conservation campaigns, like World Wildlife Fund’s campaign to reduce the demand among Chinese tourists for ivory, or #TooLatergram campaign to grow awareness of environmental destruction.

For WWF Pakistan, Hammad Anwar shared, “Social media management is a lot more than just posting on different forums; it is an art of creating and communicating messages that have a lasting and powerful impact.”

Conservation photography is a great way to use your passion for photography to make a positive difference in your local community, wildlife and our natural world. Use these five steps to get started on your own conservation photography journey.

© Richard de Gouveia

The post 5 Steps to Become a Conservation Photographer first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.

Explore Nat Hab’s Photo Expeditions & Conservation Photography: Q & A with Our Photo Expedition Co-Directors

At Natural Habitat Adventures, we endeavor to offer the most inspiring and enriching nature photography adventures available. Want to learn more about our Photo Expeditions? I recently sat down with  Mike Hillman and Jim Beissel, Nat Hab’s Photo Expedition Co-Directors, to hear directly from them what you can expect from these trips.

How do Photo Expeditions differ from other Nat Hab itineraries?

Since 1985, Natural Habitat Adventures has delivered life-enhancing nature and wildlife experiences to small groups of passionate explorers. On Photo Expeditions, we build upon that tradition and maximize travelers’ photography opportunities. As Photo Expedition Co-Directors, our commitment is to provide exclusive access to remote locations, private inclusions and unique itineraries to the farthest corners of our planet.

This commitment to exclusive nature photography experiences can take many forms: private camps within national parks, our Aurora Pod® in Churchill, Nat Hab’s Tortoise Camp in the Galapagos or even our new pop-top, 4WD North American Safari Trucks that get travelers further afield. It also means unmatched itineraries such as Nat Hab’s circumnavigation of Iceland or heading into the remote backcountry on our Ultimate Alaska Wildlife Photo Expedition.

Photographed by Nat Hab traveler © Ron Todd on our Alaska Bear Quest Photo Expedition

“On these nature journeys, we’re always thinking about photography, first and foremost, and the photo opportunities we can give our guests in the field. That focus on photography dictates the locations, activities, trip duration and daily choices Expedition Leaders make so that you get the best photography opportunities and instruction possible.

For example, being out in the field during the right lighting conditions is key. So, changing when meals happen—if sunset’s at dinner, we try to move things around to get that beautiful golden hour light and a beautiful sunset, then have dinner a little earlier. Those are the kinds of choices we make on these kinds of trips.”

In addition, Photo Expeditions have smaller groups to allow for personalized photo instruction and increased baggage allowances for carrying camera gear.

Nat Hab traveler on our Galapagos Wildlife Photo Expedition © Mark Hickey

Who are Photo Expeditions for? Do I need special photography skills or gear? 

These are trips for everyone interested in photography, from basic to expert level skills, first timer to lifetime. All interested photographers are welcome to join, no matter your skill level.

Our Expedition Leaders meet you at your level and help you explore the world with a camera. They provide an enriching experience that leaves you inspired about the planet and conservation.

Interested to learn more about the gear we use? Check out Nat Hab’s Chief Sustainability Officer and Expedition Leader Court Whelan, doing a deep dive into his camera bag for an upcoming African safari:

Who leads Photo Expeditions?

A Nat Hab Expedition Leader guides each Photo Expedition. Along with a strong naturalist background, they are also expert photographers and instructors. Their naturalist knowledge is key from a photography perspective—they know when wildlife is most active, how to position you for ideal lighting and composition, and which photo-worthy animal behaviors to look out for. 

Our Expedition Leaders are outstanding photographers and superb naturalists who intimately understand the animals and the environment, dramatically increasing your chances of capturing the images and stories you are hoping for.

“We’ve got excellent Expedition Leaders that meet the criteria of being great naturalists and photographers. On top of that, they can translate those skills and knowledge into providing excellent educational experiences.”

Photo Expedition Co-Director Jim Beissel guiding in Yellowstone National Park © Megan Brief

What kind of photography instruction is available on a Photo Expedition?

Photography instruction on a trip can vary depending on the itinerary and guests. Mike shared that Photo Expedition instruction can include the following:

• Field Instruction, getting inspiration and ideas from your Expedition Leader when you’re taking photos out in nature. From camera tips to how to get the right shot, your Expedition Leader is a go-to resource to answer any and all questions you may have and to set you up for success.
• Formal Photography Instruction, when Expedition Leaders present at mealtimes or during workshop sessions to talk through composition and other elements of photography, so guests can learn as much as possible before heading into the field again to use those skills.
• Photo Editing Instruction, another big part of what we do. How should you edit a photo to get closer to your creative vision? Our Expedition Leaders demonstrate different editing techniques and have lots of helpful tips to get you started.

Photo Expedition Co-Director Mike Hillman and Nat Hab traveler © Jim Beissel

Photography with a Direct Connection to Conservation

When I asked Jim and Mike what hopes they had for their work as Co-Directors of Nat Hab’s Photo Expeditions, Jim said right away:

“Photography can inspire a lot of things: it can inspire you to explore, to be more creative, to connect to nature, to change the world and to make the world a better place.”

There is power in these kinds of experiences and sharing these images. As the conservation travel partner of WWF and a supporter of conservation initiatives around the globe, Nat Hab offers Photo Expeditions that highlight the power of photography in our destinations. We want to motivate our travelers to share their nature experiences and inspire others to protect the planet by becoming conservation photographers.

Nat Hab travelers photograph a black-and-white ruffed lemur in Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar © Greg Courter

Inspiring nature photos have long helped protect wild places; the history of Yellowstone National Park is a great example. It might have never become a national park if photography hadn’t existed. William Henry Jackson, a pioneering photographer, and Thomas Moran, a landscape artist, joined Ferdinand Hayden’s 1871 expedition to survey the Yellowstone region for the federal government. Their images provided the first visual proof of Yellowstone’s wonders and helped persuade Congress to preserve the area. On March 1, 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant signed the bill to make Yellowstone the first U.S. national park.

“Today, we are traveling to places that not a lot of people are privileged enough to visit; we are seeing things that not a lot of people are able to witness because they’re remote and vanishing in some cases. Our documentation of these species, places and conservation issues is valuable in getting the attention necessary to protect them.”

At Nat Hab, we want to drive home the positive impact of photography and support our travelers in capturing photos in the name of nature, wildlife and conservation. 

Nat Hab travelers experience the natural wonders of North America on our Canyons of the American Southwest Photo Expedition © Courtney Kent

Jim: “The impact we hope to have is not always about taking a photo that changes the world. Participating in this activity, even if it’s just a hobby, is a way of exploring and a valuable way of connecting with nature. It’s a change in values: We’re valuing wildlife and wild places from a utilitarian standpoint and not only as a shift away from hunting for trophies. You can take a photo many times over. And that can support a community for many years versus harvesting an animal once. So you’ve got this recurring source of revenue for local communities, too, and you’re part of something bigger, exploring the world with a camera and feeling inspired by that process and the people around you.”

 Mike: “We hope to create the kind of experience that nature photographers want to be on, that will inspire them, that will take them to places they have been dreaming about to see wildlife that they’ve been dreaming of taking photos of. We hope their experience comes back not just as images they were hoping for but as a more holistic appreciation of that place and the journey. We want to be in—and take others into—nature on its own terms.”

Are you inspired? If you’re looking for a nature adventure that offers exceptional photography opportunities and personalized instruction to take your skills to the next level, choose a Photo Expedition! Check out all of Nat Hab’s Photo Expeditions here.

The post Explore Nat Hab’s Photo Expeditions & Conservation Photography: Q & A with Our Photo Expedition Co-Directors first appeared on Good Nature Travel Blog.