The Ethics of Wildlife Photography

The world of wildlife photography is often romanticized as a harmonious blend of nature and art. However, an unethical side to this passion has emerged. Species fetishism, where certain species, like owls, become objects of obsessive pursuit, often leading to disturbing behavior.

Owls, with their enigmatic beauty and silent flight, have become a particular focus of this obsession. Unethical wildlife photographers are often seen throwing stones, and harassing the bird by playing calls just to provoke it into action for their next best shot for social media. By giving priority to the perfect shot over the well-being of the animal, photographers undermine the very purpose of their pursuit. Wildlife photography should be a means of appreciating nature, not exploiting it.

The negative consequences of such actions are not only significant but also profound. It disrupts the natural behavior of the owls, causing stress and potential harm, it leads to habitat disturbance, as photographers may venture into sensitive areas, disturbing the delicate balance of the ecosystem. 

To address this issue, it is crucial to promote ethical wildlife photography practices and spread awareness about the ill effects of unethical wildlife photography. Clear guidelines help well-meaning individuals respect nature as they appreciate it and inspire others to do the same.

Here's what to always keep in mind to ensure that wildlife photography remains a tool for conservation rather than exploitation

1. Do not get too close to wildlife. Why? Birds may abandon their nest or nesting site if they sense danger or changes in their preferred nesting site.

2. Do not chase wildlife. If you find a rare bird, it could be that it is migrating across a long distance and is weakened by the travel. Allow the wildlife to rest and recover.

3. Do not feed the wildlife. This one seems difficult, especially because feeding animals is often seen as a "good thing" to do. However, wildlife is fully sufficient in getting their own food and when we feed them we are teaching them to rely on us for food. In the long term, this could even affect their migration if they are a species that migrate.

4. Do not forget basic manners. Basic manners like not littering and not causing changes to the natural environment or others must go hand and hand with wildlife photography. Always keep in mind not to aim your camera at private, residential properties, or set up on a pedestrian pathway that may block the path for others.

5. Do not announce. In the case of vulnerable or sensitive species, sharing the location, even in a closed group, may lead to lots of people gathering at the location because of the nature of network of groups, causing disturbance, traffic, etc.

Following these 5 easy steps will make sure you're always an ethical wildlife photographer and don't forget what they say manners maketh man.