{"id":852,"date":"2024-03-22T16:14:33","date_gmt":"2024-03-22T17:14:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dimensionfx.net\/?p=852"},"modified":"2024-08-28T11:26:40","modified_gmt":"2024-08-28T11:26:40","slug":"5-steps-to-become-a-conservation-photographer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/dimensionfx.net\/index.php\/2024\/03\/22\/5-steps-to-become-a-conservation-photographer\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Steps to Become a Conservation Photographer"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ask people why they love photography and you\u2019ll hear a wide range of responses:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt gets me out exploring.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s an artistic outlet.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI can share my point of view on a subject.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cTo capture moments in time or memories.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

If you love nature or wildlife photography, you may hope your photos can move others to action\u2014to preserve landscapes, habitats or threatened species.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Nat Hab guest showing off her shots of bears catching salmon in wild Alaska \u00a9 Brad Josephs<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

What is Conservation Photography?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Conservation photography<\/span><\/a>\u00a0goes 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Conservation photography aims to bring attention, understanding, and positive action to important environmental issues.<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Imagine a photograph of a majestic tiger in its threatened habitat\u2014that image not only celebrates the tiger\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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How does Conservation Photography differ from Wildlife or Nature Photography?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

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\u2019s all from the point of view of the photographer and how it\u2019s used. Conservation photography tells a particular story to further conservation aims.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019s the goal of <\/span>conservation photography<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Is Conservation Photography photojournalism?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a9 Richard de Gouveia<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

How to Become a Conservation Photographer<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the\u00a0<\/span>Conservation Visual Storytellers Academy<\/span><\/a>, the three essential elements of conservation photography are Idea, Image and Impact.<\/span><\/p>\n

IDEA<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Idea stage represents the concept, issue or theme the conservation photographer focuses on\u2014whether it\u2019s deforestation, an endangered species, climate change or something else. Your first steps are to clarify your motivation and the ideas you want to convey.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a9 Alexis Campbell<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Step 1: Identify Your Conservation Priorities<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

What is most important to you? What\u2019s your unique point of view? Your purpose will shape all of your decisions as a conservation photographer.<\/span><\/p>\n

Step 2: What\u2019s the Conservation Story?<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

When most of us think of nature and wildlife photography, we think of breathtaking, memorable, individual images\u2014those 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\u2019s the context and story around the shot?<\/span><\/p>\n

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IMAGE<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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\u2019re beautiful, funny, gripping or important. Conservation photographers\u2019 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Step 3: Get Great Conservation Photos<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

When it comes to capturing your nature and wildlife images, patience may be your best tool, but if you\u2019re like us, you\u2019ll also want gear. Check out\u00a0<\/span>The Natural Photographer\u2019s<\/span><\/a>\u00a0Gear Guide from Nat Hab\u2019s Chief Sustainability Officer and Expedition Leader, Court Whelan.<\/span><\/p>\n

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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\u00a0<\/span>Nat Hab Photo Expeditions<\/span><\/a> from the Canadian Tundra to the Kalahari desert to the sprawling wetlands of Brazil\u2019s 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\u2019ve dreamed of\u2014and sometimes, we wait.<\/span><\/p>\n

Closer to home, you can walk and shoot. Embark on a local photo safari or street photography project of your own:<\/span><\/p>\n