Ethical Wildlife Photography

As we spend most of our time glued to our screens, it’s important to spend time in nature.

Wildlife photography has the power to turn people on to the wonder of nature. It’s an essential tool to inspire the desire to protect wildlife and spark real change. Photos can go viral on social media in mere minutes, bringing much-needed attention to wildlife in the throes of crisis.

At the same time, social media throws together those who seek to visually capture nature in honest, careful ways with those who take shortcuts at the expense of the subject, intent only on more likes and followers. Viewers can’t tell the difference.

So what does it mean to be an ethical wildlife photographer?

“The ethics of photography are the same as the ethics of life, and all revolve around respect,” says Beverly Joubert (National Geographic photographer). What is ethical to one may be unethical to another. We must be guided by compassion and conservation and put the welfare of the subject first.

Although there are no guidelines, we leave you here a few points that we think are really important to respect wildlife and its habitat while photographing.

Do not disturb/ harm

When moving around an area, it is important to be quiet and discrete. Not only does this increase your chances of actually seeing anything, but it reduces disturbance to your subject
Do not seek their attention or interaction, this means no chasing, yelling, petting or calling

Keep your distance

Keep a safe and considerate distance at all times, for your safety and the wildlife
Animals have a right to privacy, and as wildlife photographers, it is our responsibility to respect that
Certain locations such as nests, dens and resting areas are always best to be left alone. An animal’s home is their refuge; a place of safety and escape, and it’s important that we never cross the line by invading their personal space

Do not feed/bait

It can cause animals to become aggressive, learn unnatural behaviours, wander into built-up areas in search of food, and can also harm their digestive systems
Animals can quickly associate humans with food, and if they start to become aggressive, wildlife organisations are often forced to put them down
Bird feeders may be appropriate if you take on the responsibilities of cleaning them regularly to avoid the spread of parasites and viruses, stock them only with approved food items, place them at the prescribed distance from windows to avoid strikes and keep cats indoors

Never alter vegetation/habitat

Never ever alter habitats or vegetation in order to get the desired shot
In many cases, habitats are selected/created by animals due to the flora and vegetation that surrounds. Whether it’s for camouflage from predators or protection from the elements, leave their home in peace

Do your research

Before you even go out to photograph wildlife, learn about the animal’s natural habits and history
You must continuously observe animal behaviour and realise when you need to back off or walk away. Reading up in advance and being educated about wildlife behaviour is the best means to recognize alarm or avoidance in a particular species

No flash photography

If you’re photographing at night, it’s important that you do not use flash photography. Nocturnal animals can be very sensitive to light, and a flash can cause them to be frightened into a panic, and in many cases, it can cause them to momentarily lose their vision which can last anywhere between 5 and 20 minutes
The best way to manoeuvre around night photography is to use a light to illuminate a large area (without pointing directly at the animal), using a night vision camera, or photographing with a longer exposure

Be aware of rules and regulations

It’s crucial to learn and heed laws and regulations in local, state, and national parks, such as how much distance to keep between you and particular species. These exist to keep you and the wildlife safe

Take extra care with endangered species

If you are lucky enough to capture an image of an endangered species, BE CAUTIOUS. Sharing an image of an animal that is heavily exploited or hunted can quickly put them in danger
Poachers are now using tourist’s social media posts to find the location of where their target was last seen
If sharing your images online, remove all geotags and locations so that the animal won’t be easy to find

Don’t portrait your subject as a monster

Photography is storytelling, and sometimes the story doesn’t match what you experienced in reality. The way you edit, crop and manipulate an image can affect the way your subject is portrayed, but it is your responsibility, as a photographer to display the animal in their fair and just way

Be transparent on how you got the photo

Ethical practice in wildlife photography doesn’t end when you return to the comforts of home. How you represent the truth of an animal’s life when you share your photos matters

“Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time.“

It’s up to each of us to use the power we have as wildlife photographers to act with great care for the animals that gift us with their presence. These are just about photos to us; but to a wild animal, every single moment is about survival.

Wildlife photography has the power to turn people on to the wonders of nature. It’s an essential tool to inspire the desire to protect wildlife and spark real change. When done right, wildlife photography can raise awareness about endangered species in need of conservation. Photos can go viral on social media in mere minutes, bringing much-needed attention to wildlife in the throes of crisis.

Source:

https://www.travelfordifference.com/ethical-wildlife-photography-tips/

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/ethical-wildlife-photography

https://www.naturettl.com/ethics-wildlife-photography/

https://www.nathab.com/blog/10-tips-for-ethical-wildlife-photography/