Caught in the Eyes of the Camera
I recently received an interesting question in a photography email group I subscribed to, and felt compelled to share it with my fellow Notebook readers.
Read basically like this:? I am interested in knowing what purpose all of you feel photography serves. In other words, what place in your heart fills photography?
A rather simple question at first glance – or so I thought.
When I started sorting through the reasons I enjoyed shooting outdoors, it occurred to me that the camera itself is one of the most powerful tools we have when it comes to preserving our country’s natural heritage.
The inspiration that photography gives people makes it a medium like no other.
Whether you decide to share your work with friends and family or broadcast it far and wide, the fact remains that our natural area is indeed being defended in one way or another.
In researching this article, I came across an interesting story about the Gordon River in Tasmania. A photographer by the name of Peter Dombrovskis captured the image of what is known as? Rock Island Bend? (Check out the? Online Conservation Corner? The forum in Heartland to catch a glimpse of this incredible photo, because it really is amazing!). As the story goes, it was decided that a dam had to be built to take advantage of the river’s power, and public outcry quickly ensued. This single frame is an important symbol of the fight to save the river, as it depicts the wild, untapped beauty of this ecologically significant water channel and people embrace it while coordinating their efforts.
Not everyone comes out with a camera to use it as a tool for conservation, obviously? But we sometimes overlook the importance of sharing these memories, and the often overlooked residual benefits.
Remember the old adage? Take only memories … Only leave footprints ?? Next time you’re out and about, the focus of this article will become a lot clearer while keeping those thoughts in mind.
For another reason to take a camera with you on your outdoor adventure, consider that it is one of the best things you can have when it comes to scouting for a future fishing hot spot? in our local rivers and streams.
Instead of feeling dissatisfied in the middle of major dry periods, take advantage of the fact that water levels are low.
By taking a photo of the current shoreline habitat, you can look back on during high water and you’ll know exactly where to throw the perfect throw for fish looking to get out of the tide. Brushes, weedbeds and boulders are more than likely still around and you will now have the knowledge to target them quickly and efficiently! Think about it.
Unfortunately, there is another obvious aspect of the outdoors that is unpleasant for us to cherish as memories of our experiences on any given day. The time may come when you happen to be in a situation that is likely to cause major damage to your favorite watershed, and your camera is now an even more critical tool in preserving it – albeit from a much different perspective than what we have discussed here. Pollution, poaching, illegal dumping and a myriad of other illegal acts are being carried out on our natural resources constantly, as much as we hate to recognize them or give them a second thought. In this case, you are the witness, while your camera produces evidence, and many times you are the only person around who will ever see certain events take place.
Let’s hope this incident is an exception rather than the norm on your journey, but keep in the back of your mind that an opportunity exists to help bring about a problem solving.
In return to the better spots for outdoor shooting, be sure to visit Heartland for your chance at some great prizes in the SEASON PHOTO CONTEST. Any photos posted among the various Photography Forums will be automatically submitted and rated.
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When Spring brings a new awakening to? All things wild? in our area, we look forward to seeing sending you, as there are more than likely some amazing shots on your camera as you read this!
Due to the limited space in articles of this kind, you can learn more about capturing the great outdoors on film or in digital format by reading the many articles on the website. Many Tips and Tricks have been submitted by amateurs and professionals alike, so feel free to share your own or just browse what others have written.
Until next time: