VETPAW Explains Ethical Photography and Their Contribution to Wildlife.

 

Photography - the voice of wildlife

Even though the concept of photography has been around since the 5th century BCE, the first permanent recorded image was clicked in the late 1830s in France. Joseph Nicéphore Niépce used a portable camera obscura to expose a pewter plate coated with bitumen to light. 

Thanks to Niépce, this success paved the road for several other experiments, which led to swift progress in photography.

Two genres of photography have emerged in the 21st century that have championed conservation causes across the globe - wildlife and conservation photography. These have become two of the biggest mediums that have empowered the conservation efforts that organizations like VETPAW have been committed to for years. 

What is wildlife and conservation photography?

1. Wildlife photography: It is a genre of photography that documents wildlife diversity within its natural habitat. It began as a hobby of safari adventurers in the 1990s. 

Wildlife photographers play the dual role of digital artists and conservationists by bringing to light special places and species that most people are unaware of, and therefore wouldn’t even think about making an effort to save. This photographic

documentation has educated millions about the wildlife that exists on the planet and provided the platform to raise awareness about the threats that it faces.

2. Conservation photography: It emerged at the beginning of the 21st century in response to the undeniable degradation of the ecosystem caused by human-related activities. This photography actively uses photographic processes and its products, within the parameters of photojournalism, to advocate for conservation outcomes.

It fuses nature photography with documentary photography as a powerful medium for protecting nature and improving the biosphere and natural environment. Conservation photography not only expands public awareness of issues on environmental conservation, wildlife conservation, habitat conservation, or cultural conservation but also acts as a catalyst for remedial action.

The difference between a wildlife and conservation photographer is that serious conservation photographers work with greater empathy towards the natural world. Their intention is to use resulting images to bring about positive change in the conservation of wildlife.

What is ethical photography?

One element underlying both wildlife and conservation photography is ethics. Photography ethics are the principles that guide how photographs are clicked and shared. These ethics are subjective, contextual, and fluid, depending on an individual’s life experience and values. However, there is a standard code of conduct that photographers who capture wildlife must follow: 

1. Do not harm: While clicking, a wild animal’s habitat, daily routine, breeding season, and signs of stress must be observed and respected. Being educated on a particular animal enables a more empathetic approach and a respectful capturing of images and data.
2. Keep it natural: Feeding wildlife and habituating them to human presence must be avoided. Not only could it prove harmful for the animal but it may also lead to a dangerous association between humans and food. Honoring an animal’s wildness is the first step towards protecting it. 
3. Respect the laws: Laws vary as per the location and species. Before beginning a photography project, research must be conducted on the laws and regulations in a particular area or for a specific animal. These laws have simply been created to keep wildlife as well as human beings safe. 
4. Question legitimacy: The world of captive wildlife is a huge and lightly regulated industry. Captive wildlife photography is a popular pursuit, especially for people who are unable or unwilling to travel to far-flung places to see wildlife in its element. It is important to be aware of the legitimacy of a sanctuary or a zoo and avoid places where wild animals are being exploited for profits. There are organizations such as the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFSA) that accredit facilities that meet high standards of care and management.
5. Caption with honesty: Being transparent about how a photograph was clicked is crucial. Leveling with the viewer on how the picture was taken, the back story, any color correction, or any alteration that isn’t natural must be shared. Why? Because the photographer is responsible for representing the truth of an animal’s life.

The VETPAW Experience is an incredible opportunity for amateur as well as professional photographers to capture the wildlife of Africa in its natural habitat, and to share with the world the challenges that conservationists face. 

VETPAW - Veterans Empowered to Protect African Wildlife

Founded in 2013, VETPAW is a non-profit organization and a community of US war veterans dedicated to protecting African wildlife and training local African rangers in the war against poaching.

The VETPAW Experience is a 10-day experience that brings wildlife lovers and photographers in close touch with the treasure of Africa, gives them a first-hand understanding of conservation efforts and methods, and immerses them in a holiday that can transform lives.

This adventure includes:

1. Conservation activities that participants can contribute to as well as observe. From tracking and monitoring animals to learning about the anti-poaching activities and military-grade tactics used by the VETPAW team.
2. A dream vacation that showcases the wildlife of Africa and its landscapes.
3. A cultural and heritage immersion by visiting the local villages and coastal towns.
4. Understanding the importance of the sustainability projects being run by VETPAW and the local communities.

Visit VETPAW.org or call at (929) 269-5329 to make a reservation for the VETPAW Experience now.

VETPAW: 8 Ways Children Can Spread Awareness About Wildlife And Its Conservation

 

How can children create awareness about wildlife conservation? 

Children are the future of this planet. But the planet is struggling with the imminent exhaustion of natural resources, pollution, and a precariously balanced ecosystem. An aware generation can make a huge impact on the conservation efforts today and tomorrow.  

VETPAW understands the importance of children in the success of the wildlife conservation efforts by organizations across the planet. Here are a few ways through which children can create awareness about wildlife conservation: 

1. Be aware: The first step to creating awareness is to be aware and informed. Children can research and learn about:

• • Wildlife and its significance for the ecosystem
  • Various threats to endangered species
  • The conservation efforts across the globe
  • The latest news and trends about wildlife 

In-depth knowledge of these will enable children to share the right information confidently and make an impact upon the listeners.

2. Petition: Starting a petition for a cause that children feel strongly about not only helps the wildlife conservation cause but also helps children learn to develop and stand by their opinions and beliefs. They can investigate in-depth about a particular wildlife cause like protecting an endangered species, preserving habitats, or anti-poaching movements. Reaching out to local stores and communities, known personalities, influencers, and print media houses can give momentum to the cause.
3. Fundraising: All conservation efforts need money to function efficiently and continuously. There are resources such as human capital, technological and communication devices, and protection gears that are indispensable to the conservation process. Children can contribute by raising funds for their favorite wildlife conservation organizations through the following ways:

• • Bake sales and lemonade stands
  • Animal photo booths
  • Handmade calendars, cards, and other stationery
  • Wildlife-themed fundraising parties 
  • Online crowdfunding platforms

4. Reach out to the government: After the research, if there is an area of wildlife preservation the authorities may have been neglecting or an endangered species that is not receiving the funding or support needed, children can bring it to notice. Writing an email to the designated person or an influential authority may provide a much-needed boost to the conservation efforts. 
5. Start a wildlife newsletter at school: Children can reach out to their peers with newsletters that are all about wildlife - how it impacts humans, its conservation, endangered species, the conservation challenges, renowned organizations and conservationists and their activities, and so on. This will not only keep everyone updated but also keep wildlife in focus.
6. Go on a wildlife expedition: Witnessing first-hand the beautiful wildlife in its natural habitat, the efforts conservationists make to protect wildlife, and the local communities in these areas, will transform the way wildlife conservation is viewed.  

The VETPAW Experience is one such journey that is incredible not only for its fun factor but the immense knowledge that it grants. These expeditions could be organized via schools or communities and can lead to the making of future protectors of wildlife.

7. Create awareness about wildlife-related careers: Another amazing way to inspire or enhance the love for wildlife is to fuse talent with service. Spreading awareness about wildlife-related careers can help peers find their calling and earn the wildlife conservation movement a lot of support. Wildlife photographers, biologists, veterinarians, and animal nutritionists are some of the professions that children who aspire to be close to wildlife can take up. They can shadow these experts during internships or summer vacations to learn more and create realistic career goals. 
8. Start a volunteer club: Reaching out to organizations that work with wildlife and volunteering to help in kind or by raising funds is one way to create awareness and impact. Enrolling peers and adults to volunteer is a concrete way of keeping wildlife conservation at the forefront. 

VETPAW invites a lot of volunteers to help support them in conserving wildlife. Some of these volunteering activities can be performed remotely. 

VETPAW - Veterans Empowered to Protect African Wildlife

Founded in 2013, VETPAW is a non-profit organization and a community of US war veterans dedicated to protecting African wildlife and training local African rangers in the war against poaching.

Visit VETPAW.org or call at (929) 269-5329 to contribute, volunteer, or book the VETPAW Experience.