Wildlife photography is essential for capturing endangered species, conserving habitats, and taking pictures of places and things that people may not see. The best wildlife photographers capture photographs of animals up close while maintaining their distance and respecting the environment. But how does one do this while not damaging habitats or putting animals in danger? What is the wildlife photography etiquette you should follow while getting the perfect shot?
When getting pictures in the wild, it’s important to remember that you share the space with many animals and organisms. It is crucial to be respectful and remember it is not our home; we are just visiting. While most photographers may know the basic rules and etiquette for capturing photos in the wild, there are many blurry lines of how to conduct oneself.
There is an etiquette when it comes to anything in life; however, it isn’t always clear when it comes to the ethics of wildlife photography. There is a lot to keep in mind when being a wildlife photographer. It involves thinking about how our actions affect the animals we photograph and how those actions can affect us. It is all too easy to disturb habitats or frighten wildlife, even unintentionally.
Ontario Parks has a list of things you should avoid so you can practice wildlife photography etiquette:
- Don’t bait or feed animals
- Off-trail trampling
- Damaging habitat
- Introducing non-native species
- Following wildlife
- Using recordings of animal sounds
Aliyyah Eniath has the perfect rule to live by while taking photos “Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time.” Simply put, nature comes first. All wildlife photographers should put animals and the natural environment first and photography second, never mind the circumstances. A wildlife photographer should not interrupt any natural wonders within the natural environment.
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