This is my third year
doing a photo project and I have enjoyed it so much. I find myself getting out more and exploring or just going
bird watching and taking photos while I am out and about.
Snowy Owl (photo by Cathy Spahn)
However, since I spend so
much time outdoors photographing wildlife I get a chance to see a lot of other
photographers doing the same. And
by photographer, I mean anyone holding a camera—not just professionals or
hobbyists. Most professional
wildlife photographers are very aware of the “rules of the road” when it comes
to outdoor ethics.
Unfortunately, sometimes I
see the things these would-be photographers do and I realize that unlike
birders, most of whom have a pretty strict code of ethics while practicing their hobby, some
wildlife photographers do not. In
this particular blog I am going to talk about a few things that as a
photographer you may not realize you need to think about.
As many people realize,
photographing birds and other wildlife can be very difficult and challenging
because the subject moves about and is not always cooperative.
The first thing to always
consider is the safety of you and your subject. Do not put yourself or the subject in harm’s way.
Short-eared Owl (photo by Cathy Spahn)
You should also think
about how comfortable the subject is with your presence. Every animal has it’s own comfort zone. Another way to put this is….do not keep
pushing to get closer just because you want to get that better picture. If you see the animal’s behavior
starting to change, such as going from very relaxed to suddenly starting to
look around faster and getting that nervous jumpy look, chances are the animal
is looking for an escape route—which means you are too close. Your best bet is to slowly back away
and let the animal relax.
Another thing to think
about is habitat and the effect you have on it. First and foremost stay on trails, paths, pavement,
etc. You always want to have as
much of a minimum impact on the environment as possible. I have personally witnessed
photographers-- more so than other groups of people--breaking branches to get
that perfect shot, or stepping on rare plants to get that perfect angle. I am not saying that birders and hikers
are perfect and always do the right thing. I just know I see these transgressions
more often with photographers.
Also remember to respect
private property signs and get permission to enter the land. At the same time remember
that even with a long lens you may make a landowner nervous if he sees you
photographing his/her property, even if you aren’t on it. Always explain what you are doing if
they ask and with the digital age you can show them. Many times offering to send them a copy of a photo taken on
their property can go a long way in creating a good relationship with a
landowner. Also, always follow
their wishes--even if that means they do not want you photographing their land.
Short-eared Owl (photo by Cathy Spahn)
The last thing I would
like to touch on is to always follow the rules of the road and be courteous to
others. Being courteous to others
that are taking photos or just enjoying wildlife is important. One of the most common things I see
while out shooting photos is a lack of respect for others. An example of this is if you have a
small parking lot or roadside pull-out, make every effort to pull all the way into parking spots so other people
can use the lot, too. Remember, you are not the only one taking photos.
I meet many photographers
on a regular basis who follow all of these rules. It’s just that sometimes when
people are behind the camera they become oblivious to what is going on around
them.
These are just a few
things that many times are overlooked by people, and they do not just apply to
photographers, but birders, eagle watchers, etc.
For some excellent
practice photographing animals, plan to bring your camera and come out and
spend the day at the World Bird Sanctuary. You will have the opportunity to photograph and observe not
only our resident animals, but also the wild birds that visit our feeders. This will give you some hands on
practice in reading the body language of our feathered friends, and will give
you the opportunity to bring home fewer of those photos of where a bird used to
be. (Fess up now—we all have
them!)
Chances are you may even
bring home some outstanding wildlife photos.
Submitted by Cathy Spahn,
World Bird Sanctuary Naturalist
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