Along with other users of the outdoors, photographers can be responsible for damage to our natural world. We sometimes joke about tripod holes in the ground when we visit a well-known location, but we can be part of the problem. But as photographers we can also do a lot to protect the environment.
I’ve always been an outdoor enthusiast and try to leave no trace when I’m out in the wild. So I was really pleased to come across Nature First, The Alliance for Responsible Nature Photography. It is an organisation dedicated to conserving the places we love and photograph through wise use, education, outreach, community, and research.
Nature First has 7 principles for photographers to follow to help protect the environment we love to photograph:
1. Prioritize the well-being of nature over photography.
2. Educate yourself about the places you photograph.
3. Reflect on the possible impact of your actions.
4. Use discretion if sharing locations.
5. Know and follow rules and regulations.
6. Always follow Leave No Trace principles and strive to leave places better than you found them.
7. Actively promote and educate others about these principles
Please take a look at the Nature First website for more information and consider signing up to the principles.
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