Where does the nature photographer fit into the picture when it comes to preserving the natural wonders we see every day. As we all know, several eco-systems are under tremendous stress and in many cases whole families are endangered of extinction. For many reasons, this is the situation we're living with today. For some species, the only way to see them is to visit zoos. Where only a few years ago, animals we used to routinely see in the field are now extremely rare and the only way to see them is to visit them in controlled conditions. If you try to embrace this entirely poor situation, it's enough to depress anyone and make you not want to come out from under the covers.

Where do we fit in?

That's a good question. There are many roles that photographers play in the conservation or endangerment of our wild nature. There's a recent infamous case of a well known photographer that literally caused physical damage to a national landmark for the purpose of getting a "natural, but dramatic" image. In many circles, we--the photographer--are not the most respected. Even some National Park, or environmental staff look at photographers as plagues on their attempts at conserving the eco-system. They see armies of well equipment, rich people trampling across the landscape trying to be artistic. For some it looks like loving nature to death. For others, it's definately about cultivating something from the field without regard to its effect. It's a poor situation. Now, I recognize not all photographers are bad. I understand most of us are very respectful of our true love, photographing nature. The point is there are many out there that simply don't know or care why our environment is so sensitive. They have specific images in mind and without thinking do what it takes to make the image. They may not follow Moose Peterson's mantra "no image is worth endangering your subject". I whole heartily agree. But, what's up with those inconsiderate others? What do they do?

Essentially, they kill our reputations. Years of work building bridges can be destroyed by one ill-intentioned individual and there's probably nothing that can be done about it. Sounds kind of hopeless doesn't it? Without good reputations, we get restricted from prime locations. We won't be allowed access to the choice locations. We may even be singled out because of our association with those others regardless of our previous good deeds. I know of some that get harassed simply for pulling out a long lens as if they were on their way to take advantage of nature. If the situation is so dire, why even try. Because the whole point is not improving our reputations but it's about doing our part at preserving our natural wilds. No matter what we do, our reputation will take a hit. There's someone out there that claims to be a nature photographer but may do something that's totally contrary to perserving nature. They may be totally engaged in the commercial aspects where the bottom line isn't about the nature but about the money that can be cultivated by shooting nature images. Commitment to long term enhancement of eco-systems isn't there. I'm not saying both can't co-exists--preservation and profits. I'm saying if your purpose is first and foremost about making money, there may always be a conflict of interest when getting a $1,000,000 dollar shot at the expense of some creature verses slowly backing away to preserve the eco-system. My point is in this situation is "what's driving the boat?" If money is driving the boat, we've got a problem. If the nature is most important, you'll always know what to do.

Here's the lesson: Improving our reputation doesn't make a difference for nature. It's the action of contribution that makes the difference.

What does this mean to you and me? On a philosophical scale, I believe the more you give away the more you recieve. The more you take, take, take the more that's taken from you. You always have to give back to the land. There's a certain harmony with this idea and I'm not the first to consider it. The point is to give back to what's given you so much. How do we do that? Shoot, it can be anything. It can mean doing Pro Bono work for a conservation organization. It may be donating money to a charity. It may mean volunteering your muscles to the local park. It may even be so simple as being engaged in educating others about nature and its wonderful mysteries. The point is give back. This is a solution that creates action and can be self generating. It's a "position of power" that can improve things beyond your horizons.

In the end, there's little anyone can do about the actions of others. Things will happen that will cause us to shake our heads and wonder where the world is going and how it'll affect us. The position of power is not dwelling on these inevitable events but disregarding their occurence and continue to give. What you give will make the difference.

Cheers

Tom