![\"behavior](\"https:\/\/www.dwgloag.ca\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/DSC9985_DxO-jpg.webp\")
I have read a number of opinions by noted photographers about behavior in the field.\u00a0 Some points I agree with, and some I don\u2019t.\u00a0 But regardless, I thought it was time that I weighed in.<\/p>\nI have read a number of opinions by noted photographers about behavior in the field.\u00a0 Some points I agree with, and some I don\u2019t.\u00a0 But regardless, I thought it was time that I weighed in.<\/p>\n
When I think about this subject, my concerns fall into a number of categories.\u00a0 I\u2019ll talk about my main sore spots in the following paragraphs.<\/p>\n
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?\u00a0 Or were waiting quietly for that perfect shot only to have someone approach you and start talking?<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re like me, it happens more times than I care to count.\u00a0 Particularly, if I have an unusual piece of equipment in my hand (ie: 600mm f\/4 lens).\u00a0 Don\u2019t get me wrong, I enjoy the interaction.\u00a0 But I think people forget that most wildlife hears significantly better than we do.\u00a0 And being nervous to start with, it takes only the smallest of provocations to send them on their way.<\/p>\n
People also forget that sound carries in forests, and particularly, over water.\u00a0 The smallest sound can be heard much farther than you might think.<\/p>\n
My advice \u2026 be quiet.\u00a0 Save your conversations for the parking lot.\u00a0 Nature lovers and photographers will appreciate your courtesy, and you will save the wildlife a lot of stress.<\/p>\n
I see this quite often in the field as well.\u00a0 People approaching way to close, in order to get that perfect shot.\u00a0 And a lot of times, at the expense of the wildlife.<\/p>\n
I have even gone so far as to mention it to the offenders.\u00a0 You know what I get as the most common response?\u00a0 I haven\u2019t touched them, so I\u2019m not hurting them.<\/p>\n
Come on, really?<\/p>\n
Wildlife feels anxiety, just like we do.\u00a0 So just because you haven\u2019t touched them doesn\u2019t mean you haven\u2019t harmed them.\u00a0 Think of that playground bully when you were a kid.\u00a0 Do you remember how it felt when they were around?\u00a0 Behavior in the field is important to wildlife too.<\/p>\n
So, how can you tell when you are too close?<\/p>\n
Play attention to their behavior.\u00a0 Rapid, jittery movements, eyes constantly following you, moving away from you, are all signs that they are uncomfortable.\u00a0 Do them a favor.\u00a0 Take a couple of steps back.\u00a0 I bet you\u2019ll find that they stick around.<\/p>\n
This topic has received a lot of attention over the last few months.\u00a0 I, myself, can remember a specific instance that made me grind my teeth.<\/p>\n
A couple of winters ago, there was an influx of Great Gray Owls in my area.\u00a0 This happens every few years.\u00a0 A local professional photographer brought a group of amateurs by to get some shots. \u00a0In order to get that signature low flying shot, he used dead white mice as bait.\u00a0 The bird would swoop down and collect its prize.\u00a0 To add insult to injury, he baited the Owls on private property.<\/p>\n
I don\u2019t like this practice.\u00a0 Beyond the trespassing on private property, it creates a dependency on that simple meal. \u00a0It can cause wildlife to starve because they expect your attention, and stop fending for themselves.<\/p>\n
I know that here is that never ending desire to get that perfect shot.\u00a0 But that\u2019s no excuse.\u00a0 You behavior in the field is very important.\u00a0 So, please keep in mind the safety of the subject, and let the wild remain wild.<\/p>\n
I have to be honest, this drives me nuts!\u00a0 I\u2019ve walked in some of the most beautiful nature settings you can possibly imagine, only find the paths and ponds spotted with garbage. \u00a0And this isn\u2019t only in the urban locations.\u00a0 I have found garbage in remote areas, such as the Everglades!<\/p>\n
Please help keep our nature locations clean by observing a simple rule, carry out what you carry in!\u00a0 We wouldn\u2019t want water tables to become contaminated, or wildlife to eat wrappers and such.<\/p>\n
As photographers, and nature lovers, you have an obligation to preserve and protect.\u00a0 When you see something that you don\u2019t agree with, point it out.\u00a0 Do it politely, but point it out.\u00a0 And keep pointing it out until they listen.\u00a0 Protect those (wildlife) that can\u2019t protect themselves.\u00a0 If you do, you will be able to enjoy all the wonders that nature has to offer, for years to come.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve pointed out some of the issues that I\u2019ve come across over the years, and suggested some responses.\u00a0 But there are no hard and fast rules.\u00a0 Use common sense, consider the ramifications of your actions, and you\u2019ll come to the right conclusion.<\/p>\n
Ultimately, we want to preserve nature for generations to come.\u00a0 And it is partly your responsibility, to see that it happens.<\/p>\n
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I have read a number of opinions by noted photographers […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2779,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[244],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-900","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-images-from-the-natural-world"],"yoast_head":"\n