The history of conservation photography did not begin with the creation of the iLCP.  Although it is true that as a collective of concerned photographers we coined the term and gave the concept new impetus, the idea has been around almost since the advent of the camera.

There is a long legacy in conservation photography that has blazed the trail for the way we currently use photography for environmental advocacy – William Henry Jackson, Ansel Adams and Eliot Porter are among earlier photographers whose advocacy work, in one way or another, translated into the protection of special landscapes. Jackson’s 1871 photographs of Yellowstone, for example, provided the visual argument that convinced legislators to create America’s first national park, and since then, photographers all around the world have used images for advocacy.

How we use conservation photography today demands a higher degree of urgency, as the issues challenging our planet are ever more complex, pressing and devastating.  Addressing these issues by simply making pictures and hoping they reach the right audiences is not enough.  Photographers today must take on a very active role in finding ways for their images to impact the right people. Sometimes the audience consists of legislators and other decision-makers, others it is made up of influential people whose opinions and recommendations move attitudes; more often than not, we are trying to educate end users, corporations and extractive industries on the impacts of their activities and how to mitigate them. Rarely is the image made by a conservation photographer used as mere entertainment.

Today’s conservation photographers must strive to be visual activists – activism here defined as  ”the use of strong actions in opposition to or in support of a cause” – because if we fail to be activists, we will inevitably be merely “inactive”.  The difference between making great images and making great images that work hard to protect our planet is what really defines conservation photography.

Cristina Mittermeier
President
International League of Conservation Photographers

To read the whole newsletter head to the iLCP’s website.

Dan “Dano” Steinhardt was at the gallery today discussing the new line of EPSON signature worthy papers (velvet fine art paper, hot & cold press papers) with Art.

He and his crew filmed Art with the RED ONE video camera with BUILD 21 & Redcine-X software.

The resulting several minute video will be posted on the EPSON web site and used at trade shows around the country.

Epson Video Shoot – Images by Art Wolfe

Nearly 300 of Art’s most amazing landscape images are showcased in this high-definition Digital Art Show™, accompanied by beautiful music from renowned new age musician Scott Cossu.

The images are displayed in a continual slide show showcasing the stunning beauty of distinct environmental landscapes & regions of the world. From the Great Bahamas Bank to the icebound Arctic, you’ll witness the sheer wonder and drama of our earth captured in these amazing< photographs. Use this DVD as the perfect backdrop for entertaining or creating a relaxing environment in your home or office.