Photography is one of the best ways to raise awareness about endangered wildlife. Conservation photography may be something you have never heard of. It has been around for a long time, but just recently got an official name. Using images to make people aware of, and respond to, environmental issues works great to get these issues noticed. Almost all photographers will agree that nature and natural areas are vital to not only the environment, but also to those of us who love photography.
Where to Go
If you are trying to decide how to become a conservation photographer, there are many ways you can help. Whether you wish to stay in your own area, or to go to other countries, photographs are important to get the point across to people and make them aware of how vital the Earth’s natural areas are to all of us. Conservation photography can include photographing natural parks, lakes, oceans, and other areas, or photographing wildlife in their own habitat. It is nice to go to the zoo and take pictures of the bears and monkeys, but it does not depict the “real” wildlife and conservation situations. This does not mean that you should buy a camera, jump in your car, and take a plane to South America. You have to do some research and be realistic about your choices and what you are capable of doing.
What to Do
Popular wildlife photographers have taken a stand for conservation in the past. But photographers now have taken the task to new heights by changing how they create their images and by raising awareness to the politicians in Washington and other places around the world. Anyone can petition the legislators for what they believe in, but it gets the point across so much better when you can show them what you are talking about. Sometimes it just takes a special photograph for one of the officials to join your cause.
It can be one of the most exciting things you have ever experienced, following herds of elephants or searching for the elusive endangered fishing cats. Or it can be as boring as watching ice melt. You never know what the day has in store for you when you get out there and search for the animal or place that you are looking for, but the rush you feel when you snap that perfect shot is unforgettable. Sometimes it can take weeks of searching and thousands of shots to get one good image, but in the end you will know it is worth the work.
In conclusion, the thing you need to remember is to have fun, because if you do not enjoy what you are doing, you probably aren’t going to be very successful. For example, you may be tired, hot, and hungry, but if you enjoy what you are doing you will keep on going until you get that awesome photograph. So, before you run out and buy that expensive camera and get a plane ticket to some far-away place, try photographing some local lakes, parks, birds, dogs, and cats. Decide whether you enjoy it before you make that big decision.