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Nature, Wildlife and Cultural Photography

While on your travels to the far reaches of the planet you may feel the need to capture your experiences on your camera. It is probably one of the only ways besides your memory to get a true picture in years to come of your memorable trip.

"Responsible photography is very much like responsible travel. With a thorough knowledge of the place you’re visiting, a genuine interest in sharing and not just taking, an alert intuition, an open mind, enough time, and a little luck, photography abroad—just like travel itself—can be a vehicle to build bridges."(Jim Kane - culturexplorers.com)

Here are some recommended tips that you should follow when on an eco tour with your camera:

• No means no. When someone objects to your taking a photograph you must respect them, even if you don’t agree with or understand their reasons. You are a guest and you must respect their decision.
• Determine what the main attractions are in the local area and then decide how you can best capture them and when. Invest time before traveling to research the customs and photography mores of the place you will visit. Customs vary not only by country but by region and religion as well.
• Research the local area and what if any events are going on, you may be in luck with a local festival or even a local wedding taking place which may provide photo opportunities that rival that of professional photographers.
• It’s always a good idea to check if it is ok to take pictures where you are. There are certain countries where the police or local authorities do not allow photos to be taken, there may be problems trying to take photos of local markets, local government buildings or even churches. Always ask if in doubt.
• One of the most controversial situations while abroad is the question of giving money to people you photograph. We’ve all been in situations where a once un-touched indigenous community becomes popular with camera-toting tourists. Soon, there is a bustling business in “authentic” photos for a dollar each and mobs of children running up to visitors shouting, “photo, Mister?” On the other hand, isn’t a person you’ve photographed entitled to some form of compensation? After all, you’re benefiting from their presence, personality, customs, clothing, etc.
  
  Engaging people openly and sharing time, a story, or a drink together is often the greatest gift for both sides. However, if it is made clear that someone expects money for a photograph, the decision becomes not whether to pay, but whether to take the photo. That must remain a judgment call that each of us needs to make on a case-by-case basis.
• Practice with your camera before you leave for your holiday; know all of the features and limitations of the digital camera before you arrive at your destination.
• Instantly showing people the photos you’ve taken of them can be a wonderful ice-breaker. The photography becomes less intimidating and more fun for kids and adults alike. They may even want to turn the tables and photograph you!
• Vary perspective and view points as much as possible. Take close up images, long views, wide angle and telephoto (zoom) shots. Wildlife photography is always best when you take your photos from afar, this way the animals do not get disturbed and will act more naturally.
• Remember the story telling power of photography, when travelling to the nature park for example; take one or two shots of the roads and surrounding scenery as well as the vehicle you travelled in before you get to the park. It will help to add to the overall picture of your trip.
• You should treat people abroad with the same respect and courtesy as you would at home. If you find yourself questioning the appropriateness of a certain shot, ask yourself if you’d take the same picture in your home country without feeling awkward.
• Take plenty of batteries and memory cards with you. When taking photos in the heat of the action the last thing you want is to run out of power and then find the memory card is full. Always be prepared.
• If your digital camera has video capture, then do not forget to make use of that as well as sound and moving images will bring the memories back more so in years to come.
• Look after your digital camera, keep it safe and free from dust and sand or you could find that your camera is not in good working condition when it comes to taking any pictures.
• Taking a digital camera may not be possible when on your travels. A disposable camera can be just as capable when taking pictures. With modern technology disposable digital cameras can now be bought for a fairly small sum of money.

Wildlife Photography

These guidelines are designed to ensure no harm is done to wildlife or their natural habitats. This is accomplished by following the points given below and by inquiring into and abiding by the rules and regulations of the area (national park, wilderness area, etc.) you are visiting. Be aware that the ecosystem you visit may be fragile, so tread gently and practice “leave no trace” principles.

• First and foremost, view wildlife from a safe distance for both you and them. Respect their spatial needs. If the animal interrupts its behavior (resting, feeding, etc.), then you are too close and must distance yourself.
• Never force an action. Be patient! The most beautiful photographs result from natural action.
• Never come between a parent and its offspring. I’ve seen tiny bear cubs distressed, treed then separated from their mother by a throng of tourists eager for a closer look. This is unacceptable behavior.
• Never crowd, pursue, prevent escape, make deliberate noises to distract, startle or harass wildlife. This is stressful and wastes valuable energy in needless flight. The impact is cumulative. Consider that you may be the 65th person to yell “hey moose” at that animal that day while it’s attempting to tend to its young.
• Never feed or leave food (bait) for wildlife. Habituation due to handouts can result in disease or even death of that animal and injury to you.
• Never encroach on nests or dens as certain species will abandon their young.
• Never interfere with animals engaged in breeding, nesting, or caring for young.
• Learn to recognize wildlife alarm signals and never forget that these animals are NOT tame no matter how docile or cuddly they appear. No one would argue that you should not try to pet a bull yet there have been numerous instances where a tourist attempted to have his/her photo taken next to a bison with disastrous consequences.
• Do not damage or remove any plant, lifeform or natural object. Do pack out any trash.
• Acquaint yourself with and respect the behaviors and ecosystems of the wildlife you may encounter. By doing so, you will enrich your experience tremendously.
• Finally, and most significant, remember that the welfare of the subject and habitat are irrefutably more important than the photograph.

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