Whilst it may not seem that miraculous to many, Michelle Valberg has been waiting to get a shot of the loon family on her cottage’s lake for 17 years. But for her, wildlife photography is all about that connection you feel with nature.

“It’s that expression, it’s an emotion – an intimacy,” she said.

That connection with nature is all the more important, considering the huge surge in amateur wildlife photographers. Armed with cell phones and with minds on their social media feeds, enthusiasts such as these, whilst ideally sharing a common love of wildlife, amateurs may not have the knowledge or awareness needed to ensure they don’t cause any harm.

“All of us, us wildlife photographers, have to be guardians,” said John E. Marriott, who runs courses catering to the amateur photographers, teaching them techniques but also how to minimize your impact on wildlife. “Because we are the ones who are out there all the time.”

“All of us, us wildlife photographers, have to be guardians. Because we are the ones who are out there all the time.” – John E. Marriot, photographer

Crowds of amateur photographers, which Merriot said have become increasingly common, can present a danger to the wildlife and the natural habitats they inhabit. According to B.C. photographer Isabelle Groc, who was recently on assignment for CWF photographing the right whales for Canadian Wildlife magazine, this is so important to ensure the longevity of the work wildlife photographers do.

 “It’s sort of taught me a lesson. It showed me that this is our reality, especially if we want to conserve the species that we love to photograph,” she said.

Read more about the key tips and tricks to improve your wildlife photography in Canadian Wildlife magazine, Jan + Feb 2018 edition.

Feature image by Julia McIlvride, a CWF Photo contest submission.

Laisser un commentaire