It’s springtime in the forest and there is romance in the air. The sky is wild with avian activity as the males have donned their most attractive feathers in hopes of gaining the favor of the beautiful maiden. You want to capture the elegant courtship displays, yet you are just out of reach with the gear you have brought. Do I go off trail, just for a little bit, or try to figure out a better, less intrusive option, while also keeping the subjects safe and their habitat in place?

The choice will always be to consider the welfare of the animals first and foremost, as there will always be another option if you are patient and forward thinking. In these modern times with the rise of social media, sharing pictures wherever we go has become an obsession to some, and can put increased pressure on the fragile ecosystems of our friends living in the wild world. Our primary job as photographers is to be stewards of the environment first, and artists second.

Wildlife Welfare

Wildlife welfare focuses deeply on the quality of life for all animals. As a nature photographer you learn to “read the space” and its occupants by default at first. If you get too close to a particular species, they end up moving to a safer space, sending you a subtle yet clear message, you have crossed the line from being an observer to becoming an annoyer. Reading animal cues may take a while to pick up on, so here are some tips to help you become a better observer and more ethical wildlife photographer.

If an animal changes its behavior as you approach it, stop and stay still. This can happen often as you may be unaware of a species to your right as you may have been looking to your left. My head is on a swivel when photographing nature, scanning my surroundings well ahead of where I am, as I analyze the area and possible subjects I want to explore.

I have a mantra I repeat inside my mind while exploring, setting the tone and energy for the journey.

“My intentions are pure and uplifting as I am honoring your natural beauty for the purpose of creating an image solely to share with those who are not able to be here with me to enjoy! This is my way of showing gratitude to you for allowing me this opportunity and experience. Peace to you and your fellow creatures.”

I find the thoughts and intentions we carry with us have a direct impact on the outcomes we experience.

Leaving no trace of ever being there, is another good way towards approaching and leaving our natural wild world. If your goal is to get up close and personal in the wild, it would be prudent to acquire a telephoto lens of some sort, allowing you to get closer to your subject, without disturbing its daily life.

Planning ahead is another way to limit your footprint in the wild. Research an area beforehand to familiarize yourself through the experience of others, allowing time for discovery while giving yourself an outline of background information to guide you. And always, give animals access to a free escape route.

In Closing

1. We are stewards of the land first and foremost.
2. Make a vow to respect the inhabitants rights to their freedom.
3. Be mindful of your thoughts by reciting in your mind, “My intentions are pure and uplifting as I am honoring your natural beauty for the purpose of creating an image solely to share with those who are not able to be here with me to enjoy! This is my way of showing gratitude to you for allowing me this opportunity and experience. Peace to you and your fellow creatures.”
4. Have a plan and allow for the animals to leave if they deem it necessary.
5. Give thanks to your subject for allowing you to share in this experience.
6. Leave no trace and share your joy without specific locations of images, leaving others to create their own personalized experiences without negatively impacting the ecosystems visited.