The Art of Wildlife Photography, get inspired! / Exciting Activities

Photography is about more than taking a pretty picture, it can be an important tool in engaging people with the natural world. They say a picture paints a thousand words, so it’s no wonder that conservation campaigns use clever photography to highlight the threats facing wildlife. Here we will explore the art of wildlife photography, its impact on conservation efforts, and get that perfect shot with our ‘Neighbourhood Nature’ photography challenge.

The lens view

Wildlife photography is all about telling stories. It's a way of connecting people to the world around them by providing a glimpse into incredible moments that otherwise would have gone unnoticed. Each photograph becomes a magnifying glass allowing its viewers to witness the wonders of the animal kingdom up close. The special viewpoint provided through a camera lens is clear, but how can it be used as a conservation tool?

Why photography matters

Raising Awareness

Seeing is believing, and sometimes human beings need that visual clue to make us feel connected to nature. Reflect on the images you have seen here so far. How do they make you feel and what do they make you think? Perhaps they have made you view an animal in a new way, or maybe they just made you feel connected to a certain environment. Regardless, habitat loss, climate change, and harmful human activity can all feel like a distant issue until we see the damage for ourselves. By sharing images, we can raise awareness and prompt conversations about conservation issues.

Emotional Connection

Photographs have the power to evoke emotions, and science can prove it. The human brain processes visual memory in the medial temporal lobe, which is the same brain section that deals with emotions. Our minds are designed to process visuals and emotional responses together to form memories. This little biological fact is why people can connect emotionally with wildlife through images. So, stunning pictures of the natural world inspire individuals to take an active role in supporting conservation efforts or making eco-friendly choices.

Education and Research

The role of wildlife photography goes beyond public engagement. Photos can be used in scientific wildlife studies too! A simple picture can provide valuable information to researchers, helping them to identify individual animals, species migration patterns, and the size of an animal population. Scientists even have a special name for this research method, it is called ‘camera trapping’.

There you have it; photos aren’t just nice to look at, but they have an important role in conservation. Feeling inspired and ready to put your photography skills to the test? Try our ‘Neighbourhood Nature’ challenge and uncover the hidden beauty of the natural world right outside your front door.

Photography Challenge! "Neighbourhood Nature"

Here's how to participate:

Choose Your Spot

Find a comfortable spot in your back garden, local park, or any green space near you.

Observe Quietly

Be patient and wait for that perfect image. Keep your movements slow to avoid scaring away any potential subjects!

Capture the Moment

Use your camera or smartphone to capture the wildlife around you. It could be birds, insects, a landscape, or any other creatures that call your area home!

Tell a Story

Try to capture a moment that tells a story. Is a bird building a nest? Are butterflies gathering nectar? Let your photograph reflect what you want people to see.

Share and Engage

Post your photo on social media using the hashtag #NeighborhoodNature