Conservation Photography

Conservation Photography

All genres of photography are a blend of art and craft. The technology has changed and evolved over the decades but the goal of photographers, everywhere, remains the same: to make compelling images.

All photographers, when confident in using their selection of equipment,and have mastery of their selected image processing software, continually search for new sources of  knowledge, and places of artistic inspiration.

The development of a distinctive photographic signature, like all artistic endeavour, is a private and inner journey.

I continually study the work of some of the best wildlife/nature/landscape photographers I know (e.g. Arthur Morris, Andy Rouse, Andy Biggs, Art Wolfe, Frans Lanting, Yann Arthus-Bertrand, Andris Apse, Jim Brandenburg and others).

I experiment best and push the boundaries further, when I photograph alone.

Every photographer that leaves a legacy, does so because of an underpinning purpose to their photography.

For me, this purpose is conservation, and my special focus, is, conservation photography.

Such photography, with its singular focus on conservation is different to ‘nature’ and ‘tourist shot’ photography. It showcases the beauty of the natural world and the sacredness of its vanishing spirit. It protrays a  ‘pictorial voice’ to engender a greater understanding of  nature. Its intrinsic empathy with nature creates images that inspire and move people to change behaviour, care more for, and better understand the delicate relationships that exist between conservation and development. This focused photography is born out of purpose and a desire to sustain the diversity and intrinsic value of the natural world, whilst informing that it is possible to be a welcome guest in this world, without destroying its special and sometimes very fragile values.

 When images are born out of concern for the protection, or tragic loss, of the natural world, they convey an intrinsic emotional and even spiritual weight that is frequently projected into those who view them. Such focused photography maximizes the chances of putting such image ‘to work’. It is the result of photographic endeavour combined with the objectives of environmental thoughtfulness and sustainability.

 For communities to understand and support sustainability, the gap between scientific knowledge and behaviour, needs to be bridged and strengthened. Raw scientific data and accompanying technical text in isolation, no longer command sufficient attention. Today, photographs that engage hearts as well as minds provide the best hope for connecting concerned citizens, corporate resources, and governments, to a respectful usage of our natural wonders.

 Locking these wonders away is not sufficient for their longevity and engendering commitment to their ongoing preservation and enjoyment by future generations.

 Conservation photography is an increasingly prevailing force for awakening our conscientiousness of nature, especially when it is paired with the collaboration of creative thinkers, committed individuals, corporations, scientists and policy makers.

I share what I know, with other photographers, and others in my world, in a private, lesurely and focused way.

I enjoy travelling and photographing with good company, good cheer, good food and wines; all in the joyful pursuit of making evocative images, with an unapologetic focus on conservation photography.

This approach is about being exploratory, uplifting of spirit, balming of soul, being in a greater connectedness to nature, but with a purpose.

During the last thirty years, I spent a great deal of time on the ocean off the coast of Australia, from my home port Fremantle, Western Australia.

Being one of a handful of Australians holding AYF Yachtmaster Ocean certification, for the last twenty years I have sailed my beloved fifty foot ketch, Calypso V  to many destinations.

She is now increasingly used to combine my love of ocean sailing, humpback whale research and conservation photography.

When not sailing, and photographing in Western Australia, I travel afar to photograph the best I can find in wildlife, nature and new places.

If the idea of an edifying photo shoot, on one of the islands off our magnificent West Australian coast, or getting up close to some of our awesome ospreys, or learning how to capture memorable ‘action’ images, etc, appeals to you, please contact me for more details, using the form below.