I have read a number of opinions by noted photographers about behavior in the field.  Some points I agree with, and some I don’t.  But regardless, I thought it was time that I weighed in.

When I think about this subject, my concerns fall into a number of categories.  I’ll talk about my main sore spots in the following paragraphs.

Noise

How many times have you cautiously approached a photo opportunity, waited patiently for the right moment to click your shutter, only to have people on an adjacent path scare your subject away because they were talking amongst themselves?  Or were waiting quietly for that perfect shot only to have someone approach you and start talking?

If you’re like me, it happens more times than I care to count.  Particularly, if I have an unusual piece of equipment in my hand (ie: 600mm f/4 lens).  Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the interaction.  But I think people forget that most wildlife hears significantly better than we do.  And being nervous to start with, it takes only the smallest of provocations to send them on their way.

People also forget that sound carries in forests, and particularly, over water.  The smallest sound can be heard much farther than you might think.

My advice … be quiet.  Save your conversations for the parking lot.  Nature lovers and photographers will appreciate your courtesy, and you will save the wildlife a lot of stress.

Being Too Close

I see this quite often in the field as well.  People approaching way to close, in order to get that perfect shot.  And a lot of times, at the expense of the wildlife.

I have even gone so far as to mention it to the offenders.  You know what I get as the most common response?  I haven’t touched them, so I’m not hurting them.

Come on, really?

Wildlife feels anxiety, just like we do.  So just because you haven’t touched them doesn’t mean you haven’t harmed them.  Think of that playground bully when you were a kid.  Do you remember how it felt when they were around?  Behavior in the field is important to wildlife too.

So, how can you tell when you are too close?

Play attention to their behavior.  Rapid, jittery movements, eyes constantly following you, moving away from you, are all signs that they are uncomfortable.  Do them a favor.  Take a couple of steps back.  I bet you’ll find that they stick around.

Baiting

This topic has received a lot of attention over the last few months.  I, myself, can remember a specific instance that made me grind my teeth.

A couple of winters ago, there was an influx of Great Gray Owls in my area.  This happens every few years.  A local professional photographer brought a group of amateurs by to get some shots.  In order to get that signature low flying shot, he used dead white mice as bait.  The bird would swoop down and collect its prize.  To add insult to injury, he baited the Owls on private property.

I don’t like this practice.  Beyond the trespassing on private property, it creates a dependency on that simple meal.  It can cause wildlife to starve because they expect your attention, and stop fending for themselves.

I know that here is that never ending desire to get that perfect shot.  But that’s no excuse.  You behavior in the field is very important.  So, please keep in mind the safety of the subject, and let the wild remain wild.

Litter

I have to be honest, this drives me nuts!  I’ve walked in some of the most beautiful nature settings you can possibly imagine, only find the paths and ponds spotted with garbage.  And this isn’t only in the urban locations.  I have found garbage in remote areas, such as the Everglades!

Please help keep our nature locations clean by observing a simple rule, carry out what you carry in!  We wouldn’t want water tables to become contaminated, or wildlife to eat wrappers and such.

As photographers, and nature lovers, you have an obligation to preserve and protect.  When you see something that you don’t agree with, point it out.  Do it politely, but point it out.  And keep pointing it out until they listen.  Protect those (wildlife) that can’t protect themselves.  If you do, you will be able to enjoy all the wonders that nature has to offer, for years to come.

I’ve pointed out some of the issues that I’ve come across over the years, and suggested some responses.  But there are no hard and fast rules.  Use common sense, consider the ramifications of your actions, and you’ll come to the right conclusion.

Conclusion

Ultimately, we want to preserve nature for generations to come.  And it is partly your responsibility, to see that it happens.