The Power of Wildlife Photography: Art, Journalism, and Conservation
The Power of Wildlife Photography: Art, Journalism, and Conservation
Wildlife photography is more than just capturing an image of an animal in its natural habitat—it is a profession that blends art, journalism, and conservation. Whether it is evoking emotion through a beautifully composed photograph, documenting wildlife stories, or advocating for the preservation of species, wildlife photographers play a role in framing our view of the natural world.
Wildlife Photography as Art
Photography as an art form requires an eye for composition, light, color, and storytelling. The goal is to create a visually striking image that resonates with viewers, drawing them into the beauty and emotion of the scene.
Tree Hugger (Black Bear)A tiny black bear hides behind a tree. Adorable!
"Tree Hugger" (Black Bear) A great example of an image that evokes emotion in the viewer.
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Some wildlife photographers aim to present nature exactly as it is, using minimal editing to highlight the raw beauty of their subjects. Others take a more artistic approach, enhancing colors, textures, effects and moods to create an eye stimulating effect. Digital tools like Lightroom presets and Photoshop can significantly alter an image’s ambiance, transforming a simple shot into a work of art. Now days one can even use artificial intelligence (AI) to fabricate a photo of a wild animal and claim it to be real, much to the dismay of hard working professional photographers.
My preference is for the natural feel to my photos. Most of my images are minimally edited allowing the beauty and flaws of our wild animals to shine. The most common editing I do is cropping for composition, a touch of background blur as needed to remove distractions and adjustments for exposure when mother nature does offer up the desired light conditions.
"Looking Fine" (Grizzly Bear) - An example of an image with only the basic edits for a raw photo in lightroom.
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At times I will have a heavier hand in the editing to generate the desired effect. Below is an example of a bighorn sheep with a "Before & After" picture. The desired effect was to focus on the head of the ram to highlight his his handsome face and the curl of his horns. I added some additional blur in the background to remove the distraction of the snow and the faint line of wire fence.
Ram's Head (Bighorn Sheep)One of the Anaconda regulars often seen near town.
"Ram's Head" (Bighorn Sheep) - Before edits and after edits example.
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Note: Background blur is often done using the manual settings on a camera with a low f stop lens. How? Apply a low f-stop to decrease the depth of field and when possible shoot your subject in a position where there is a large distance between the subject and the background. However, background blur can also be applied during editing.
Fine art wildlife photography often finds its place on gallery walls, in homes, or as collectible prints. It serves as a visual escape, a way for people to connect with nature even if they live in urban environments. The artistic approach to wildlife photography is all about capturing the subject in a way that moves the viewer emotionally, whether through the subject’s gaze, the interplay of light, the capture of motion or the incorporation of a dramatic landscape.
Small and Fierce (Northern Pygmy Owl)Image Description: Perched high a Northern Pygmy Owl glances my direction briefly before returning to its focused search for prey.
Back Story: Owls are always a favorite subject for me. During my latest venture to Glacier National Park, My husband spotted this Northern pygmy owl right next to a parking area for a trail. Since Northern pygmy owls are diurnal they can be found hunting during the day. This little one picked a great spot as on several occasions when we drove by I noticed a small flock of pine siskins in the trees. Small song birds are always on the menu for the pygmy.
Species: Northern Pygmy Owl ( Glaucidium gnoma )
Golden Bear (Grizzly Bear)Whne the light is just perfect to highlight the subject.
"Small and Fierce" (Northern Pygmy Owl) - Left photo which is an example of drawing you in with the eyes.
"Golden Bear" (Grizzly Bear) - Right photo which is a good example of light creating a special mood.
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Wildlife Photography as Journalism
While fine art images seeks to evoke feeling, journalism seeks to inform. Wildlife photographers who take on the role of visual storytellers document important moments in nature, from conservation efforts to rare animal behaviors. These images are often used in books, magazines, and online publications to support stories about wildlife and environmental issues.
Colorado Life (M/A 2021) - Pages 62-63
Elk jumping a fence near Nathrop, Colorado. Upon request from a member of the Central Colorado Conservancy, I spent time capturing images of deer and elk utilizing ranch lands. Photos like this one were used by the conservancy to demonstrate the need to preserve ranch lands as a safe haven for our local wildlife. This photo was also chosen as a feature in the Colorado Life Magazine - March/April 2021 edition.
Unlike fine art photography, journalistic wildlife photography is typically more scientific, aiming to capture the story not to make an artsy feel. A photographer may carefully plan out shots that complement a written piece, ensuring that every image supports the narrative. Some photographers may even stage scenes using trained animals to illustrate a concept, while others spend countless hours in the field, waiting patiently to capture a candid moment that fits their vision.
I have done both staged scenes for outdoor recreation pictures and the wait patiently game when capturing my wildlife pictures. With wildlife I prefer to capture their natural behaviors with minimal impact. A great example of this, is my nesting birds pictures. The work starts with finding a suitable nest to photograph. Close enough to capture quality images but not too close to disturb the behaviors. This could takes days , weeks, months or even years. Many a time, I would use a blind to ensure my impact was minimal. Then the real work comes when I would return time and time again, spending hours at a time waiting and watching in hopes of capturing special moments and behaviors.
Super Mom (Broad-tailed Hummingbird)Did you know that the female of the species is the sole provider for the young from nest sitting to feeding? They often nest in the same spot year after year.
Special Delivery (Osprey) - SquareDad with a tasty brown trout for his newly hatched young.
Left to Right: "Super Mom" (Broad-tailed Hummingbird) and "Special Delivery" (Osprey)
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When it comes to other outdoor activities like fly-fishing, hiking or backpacking, I do a more staged approach at times. As you may know, my husband Scot is a fly-fishing guru and we collaborated on a book that was published last year called “Most Tout Don't read” Lessons from Time on the Water. (Link to Book on Website). Here we used a combined approach of using pictures I already had captured from our outings to illustrate in addition to doing some staged pictures to demonstrate a particular skill or point.
StoneflyStonefly I found while Scot was fishing.
An example of a stonefly, a photo I took while Scot was fishing just because I thought the bug was cool and this made it into the book.
An obviously staged set of photos used to illustrate the correct way to make a slip-strike indicator.
Collaboration between photographers and writers is common in wildlife journalism. A strong photo can reinforce the message of an article or book, making it more interesting and better understood by readers. I’ve experienced this firsthand through my work with the talented writer and naturalist, Shane Sater. Not only have we enjoyed several outings together to immerse ourselves in the wonders of nature, but we also worked directly on an article that was published in Big Sky Journal. This involved an overnight outing with Matt Seidensticker, the executive director of the Montana Moth Project, to document the collection and study of Montana’s diverse moth species and their benefits. Shane did the writing, and I took pictures during the outing to support the article. You can read the article on the Big Journal Website using this link.
An evening on the Montana Moth Project.
Whether highlighting the dangers faced by endangered species or uncovering the hidden roles they may play in ecosystems, wildlife journalism plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between people and the natural world.
Wildlife Photography as Conservation
Photography has long been a powerful tool for conservation. Images of majestic animals, pristine landscapes, and the effects of climate change can inspire action and drive public awareness. Conservation photography intersects with both fine art and journalism, as it can be both an emotional appeal and a documentary tool. Probably the best known voice around the world for conservation over the decades is National Geographic magazine. First published in 1888, the magazine has launched many wildlife photographers careers and has delivered many powerful messages about conservation. ( https://www.nationalgeographic.com/)
Note: Still waiting for them to call, but not going to hold my breath on that one! Ha Ha!!
Some wildlife photographers use their platform to actively advocate for the protection of species and habitats. By capturing the beauty of an animal or the fragility of an ecosystem, they foster a connection between their audience and the natural world. Others take a more subtle approach, simply instilling a love of nature through their work, hoping that admiration will translate into action.
My journey into conservation began with a more subtle approach. As I continue my career as a professional photographer, my focus has turned to a more direct approach by adding in more conservation messages in my written works. The goal is to continue to find ways to highlight conservation in hopes of sparking something in others to contribute toward saving our natural habitats and wildlife one step at a time. From being more conscience of where we tread to contributing time and or money to local conservation efforts.When it comes to conservation, there is a standard medical concept that I think applies to photography as well, which is first, do no harm. There are unfortunately to many examples of photographers going so far to get “the shot” that they create problems for the animals, and sometimes put themselves at risk as well. I suggest the following: The distance guidelines used by the national parks (Link to Yellowstone Safety Recommendations) are worth following, but this is just a minimum. If an animal is changing its behavior because of you, you are too close. The use of food or other attractants to bring animals in can be unhealthy for the animals, and lead to harmful behavior changes, so don’t use bait. Ethical wildlife photography is about capturing wild animals in their natural environment, behaving as they would if you were not there. Sometimes the right thing to do is walk away without the picture.
"Say Cheese" (Bighorn Sheep) - Pneumonia among bighorn sheep has had an impact on health and population across the Rockies. The disease was introduced through contact with domestic animals.
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Even small parts like trash clean up days can play a role in conservation. The addition of a stunning wildlife print hanging in your home can spark conversations about the importance of preserving wild places. A well-placed photograph in a magazine can open readers’ eyes to issues they never considered. Every image has the potential to make an impact, whether it’s a breathtaking artistic composition, a thought-provoking journalistic shot, or a compelling conservation message.
The Intersection of Art, Journalism, and Conservation
These three elements—art, journalism, and conservation—are not mutually exclusive. Many wildlife photographers dabble in all these disciplines, using their images to both inspire and educate. Whether through selling fine art prints, publishing images in environmental articles, or actively participating in conservation efforts, photographers help shape the way we see and understand the natural world.
Today it is even more important as our wild spaces and wild animals face increasing threats. The power of wildlife photography has never been more vital to bring these issues to the forefront. Every image tells a story. Every photograph has a purpose. And through the lens of a wildlife photographer, we can all gain a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the world around us.
Before I go... I wanted to highlight that if you have an interest in nature and/or conservation, be sure to check out Shane Sater's website. Shane has many stories highlighting different ecosystems across Montana and beyond where he discusses different species and their vital roles in nature. (https://wildwithnature.com/) You may find some great tips on how you too can help save a little piece of nature.
Lea Frye - Wildlife photographer
www.leaf-images.com | Lea Frye, Wildlife Photographer | Helena, MT
Wild Animals / Wild Landscapes