After traveling after about 20 years and taking out the picture – both as an enthusiastic and a professional – I have noticed a disappointing tendency: people leave behind their nonsense (both literal and rhetorical) and show very little relationship to the environment.
No one is denying that more of us are looking for time in nature, whether hiking, for photography, or simply to disconnect. And we can all agree – being out in any season, is amazing. But for the love of the love that is good in this world, please keep in mind what you bring with you.
Holiday no trace philosophy is simple: If you take something in nature, take it back home with you. Dublin, as someone from Ireland, with amazing Dublin Mountains and the landscape of Vikalo at my door, I feel incredibly lucky. But unfortunately, I also see how people sometimes fail to respect these beautiful places. And I am sure many of you can relate.
Environmental impact of photography
I am not here to indicate or promote the fingers about how anyone operates themselves while taking pictures in nature, and I hope this article does not come in that way. But I believe that it is important to highlight and discuss these issues as much as possible.
If you are like me, and landscape photography fuel your creativity, you probably find yourself out of the most. Keeping in mind a specific mark or location before exiting can help reduce environmental effects – especially when it comes to avoiding trampling of delicate flora. Whenever possible, sticking to designated trails is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect the environment.
He said, let’s be honest-all of us have offered off-tril at some point in search of the right composition. If you find yourself in this situation, try to walk as light as possible and keep in mind where you step. Slight additional awareness goes a long way to preserve beauty around us.
Wildlife awareness moral nature is another important part of photography. Personally, I hate the idea of harassing an animal’s habitat during shooting. Here in Ireland, we do not have to worry about bears or other big predators, but if you live in a place where the same swipe from a wild animal can spend you one hand, additional precautions are clearly necessary!
Even more importantly, wildlife protection is one thing that we all can agree, it is necessary – not only for the environment, but also for wildlife photographers who depend on these incredible creatures for their art.
And finally – Trash. This is a no-bravener: just take it home. This is the simplest way to respect nature, yet so many people fail to do it. Whether it should be a biodegradable items such as snack wrappers, water bottles, or even banana peels (which can still interrupt ecosystems), should not always be a priority to leave a trace.
Leave a trace principle for photographers
1. Make ahead plan and prepare
We have already touched it briefly on it, but it is worth expanding it – especially when this gear comes to pack. Whenever possible, it is best to use environmentally friendly goods. These may include reusable water bottles, biodegradable tissue paper (for, you know … number two), and environmentally friendly hand soaps. Being more thoughtful with your packing list can have a huge impact.
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces
If you are going to camping photography adventure throughout the night – perhaps for the moon or astronomy – it is important to pay full attention to your surroundings. By setting up camps in the dark, a delicate ecosystem can be trampled inadvertently.
Even your tripi placement should be considered – you don’t want to slant some unheard squirrel with your spikes!
3. Garbage disposal properly
It makes the most difficult hit in a house. It is always disappointing to overtake garbage and random debris. It is difficult to understand how people think, “Yes, just leave it there, it will be grand.”
As I have mentioned earlier – please, please take your waste with you and settle it properly. We are all out for the same reason: to catch the beautiful landscape. Protecting them is very important to leave behind things.
I have seen clear evidence of photographers unhappy. I would have to believe that it was mistaken – certainly no one will deliberately leave drone battery or lens clothes … one will expect one.
4. Leave what you find
“This shot would be so better if …” I will let you finish that sentence. But please, do not become one of the photographers who carry out a bunch of elements for a cleaner composition.
Nature is when you reach. Yes, the image can look better without some distractions, but thankfully, we can now remove a lot in post-production-which I am sure that is also pleased about nature.
5. Reduce camp fire and artificial lighting effects
On the safari, I saw people in a water hole after removing their brightness, expecting a better shot in low light. You can almost see animals again, as if a flash bomb has gone next to them.
Please do not do this. Instead, increase your ISO – you can always deal with the noise in the post.
It is also important to remember that there are other people around you, especially if you are shooting astrophotography. There is nothing worse than someone who ruins your 30 -second exposure.
With the campfire, keep in mind exceptionally – especially if you suffer from wildfire somewhere. We all know that they can have a huge impact on nature.
6. Honor wildlife
If you are not blinding wildlife with your flash or slanting them with your tripod, then another important aspect of respect is to maintain a safe distance.
A simple solution? Use a long focal length lens instead of being very close to an animal. Not only will it help to avoid potential organ loss, but it can also enhance your image by adding extra bokeh.
I have also heard the stories of photographers, which they want to cut wildlife to get shots. This is not good. Nature photography is a game of patience – you cannot force an arctic fox, where you want it, as you can’t control whether the fluffy pink clouds appear above the mountain that you are shooting.
If it works, then great! If not, at least you spend time out that you love.
7. Consider other visitors
Nature is for all of us, to share, share and enjoy. It is important to be aware of others outside and about it.
Personally, I like to raise myself and my gear quickly for the image that I want, and I am always happy to chat with people. I like a good selfie like the next person, but I never dream of taking steps in front of someone’s camera to take one.
Try to take as much space as possible when shooting at popular places. In this way, everyone has the same opportunity to catch magic – and perhaps even some new friends on the way.
He said, these are guidelines – not rules. If you are careless about treating nature respectfully during shooting, be prepared for some harsh dazzle on the way – or even a possible confrontation. Mindfulness is important.
Now, it will be remembered about me that social media did not mention the impact on nature in the world of photography. Some photographers, such as Nick Page, Geotag images to throw people out of the smell with “Maca Arc” – a clever photography catfish! But there is no denying that some places are being overseen, often for their inhibition.
I like a good “classic shot” and look forward to capturing them when I get a chance, but sometimes, when I arrive, it’s so busy that I do not take a single picture – and that is useless. The rise of Instagram Hotspot has completely eliminated some places, which often damage the environment in this process.
It is being said, I understand the feeling completely “I gave a lot of money to come here- I want a shot.” My advice? Get the shot, then leave. Explore alternative compositions in the same area – you can just find one that you like more than classic!
Permanent gear and practices
A small side note on gear: Investing in durable, environmentally friendly items is a great approach-you can tolerate it. Use as something simple rechargeable battery Can make a difference. A solar charger Another great tool is – especially if you are not in constant brown clouds like I am in Ireland.
A major way of creating a difference is to support brands that are committed to moral production and actively aid in the conservation of our natural world.
conclusion
I am sure you are thinking now, “Okay, Neil, I get it – I’ll be good!” I promise that we are almost working, but just to cover it: We all love photography, and what is the better way to show praise for what we love by protecting it? Sometimes, having a moral approach to nature photography means that you are missing the shot set – but at least you can go home knowing that you did not take nature for nature to get only one image.
Keep in mind, educate others, and, most importantly, leave a mark.
to encourage!
