Nature First - Wildlife

Photos and story by: Jennifer Leigh Warner

Wildlife

As a Nature First Ambassador it is my mission to spread the message about responsible nature photography and help create resources for photographers to use to lessen their impacts on the nature world. Today I want to talk about Wildlife Photography.

Is there anything more trilling than photographing your first Grizzly Bear? Or how about checking off a new species on your life list? What about capturing a newborn animal open its eyes and take its first steps?

A newborn harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) touches noses with its mother for the first time. Seals do this to learn to recognize each other. This image was created in La Jolla, CA with a 500 mm lens from a sidewalk away from the beach, so as not to disturb the marine mammal.

As wildlife photographers these are the moments we live for. But what happens when the animals we care so deeply for are hurt by the actions that we take?

I’m sure very few photographers intentionally harm wildlife, however when we are careless with our actions we can create situations that can be the difference of life or death to the animals we encounter.

If photographers follow these simple Nature First Principles we can provide a safe and enjoyable experience for both the photographer and the wildlife that we encounter.

A photographer in Wyoming ignores a bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) licking he car while he photographs. Many ungulates species lick salt off of vehicles, which can cause disease transmission.

Prioritize the well-being of nature over photography.

A whooping crane (Grus americana) fishes for blue crabs along the Gulf of Mexico. This photograph was made from a private boat so as not to approach the bird too closely.

What is the best way to photograph your subject without changing their behavior? Should you be using a photo blind? How about a boat or from inside your car? If the animal appears to be altering its behavior because of your presence either back up or move on.

Educate yourself about the places you photograph.

A burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) sits at a artificial burrow in San Diego County which was constructed by the Burrowing Owl Recovery Program team from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and the CDFW. Burrowing Owls in San Diego County are nearly regionally extinct and the team has translocated these owls to help establish a wild population in the county.

Get to know the species and locations you are about to photograph. Are they listed as endangered or threatened? Do you need to take special precautions when photographing in this area? Are the animals breeding or mating during this time of year?

Finding out this information ahead of time will allow you to tread more delicately when necessary.

Use discretion if sharing locations.

A white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) and calf photographed in Zambia. Photographed with special permission by National Park rangers.

For sensitive subjects, such as rare or endangered species, giving vague location information can help protect them from poachers or from being swarmed by photographers. Provide only the State, Country or Region or wait until the animal has moved on from an area before sharing any specific location data.

Know and follow rules and regulations.

A crowd of wildlife enthusiasts view a colony of California sea lions (Zalophus) from a sidewalk in La Jolla, California. This rookery is closed for the season to allow new pups to rest with their mothers.

Before heading off into wildlife areas such as National Parks, State Parks or Wildlife Refuges look up what the rules and regulations are. Are there areas closed during certain times of year to give wildlife some space from people? Are there safe distance requirements you should know about? Find out this information ahead of time to avoid being surprised.