Has it Changed you?

[Loupey]

No images this time

Being a nature and wildlife photographer, have you noticed a change in your view of the natural world? If so, in what way? Do you behave differently (even if you don’t have your camera)? If it has changed you, then most likely it has sparked a change in your spouse/friend/family/children.

I’d love to hear what you, on the backside of the camera, have noticed/felt/experienced.

As you all are probably aware, I have been shooting nature/wildlife for over 20 years now. But I took a long hiatus and got back into it just prior to joining this site. Doing so has me more aware of my community and its development, more active with my local parks, and more worried about what this world will be like for our children. My shooting has accelerated ever increasingly in an attempt to show people the beauty in the even the smallest of things before they change or disappear.

Small steps. But a great many number of small steps can take us very far.

[AmberC]

I would say that no it hasn't changed me. I have been a huge nature lover since I was a little kid and I think that putting the camera in my hand just helps me to show others what I see all around me everyday. I always stop to smell the flowers. Its been my curse since I was a kid lol..

[mn shutterbug]

Same as Amber. I've been in love with nature much longer than I've owned a camera. It was because of my love for wildlife and nature that I purchased my first camera, a couple decades ago.

[Canon_Bob]

It has had a dramatic change on me. I cringe at the urban sprawl I now see, whereas before I called it "progress". I now hunt with a camera instead of a gun. Even though I'm not against hunting, I simply no longer have the desire to do so myself. I don't kill animals that I perceive as a "nuisance", I now understand their part in the world. I now pay attention to the political candidates views on the environment, and will not vote for candidates that do not show concern for the destruction of habitat. I could care less about TV or the news. I'd rather be out in some swamp with my camera. My wife has noticed the change as well.

[scott-devon]

In small ways it has changed me, I always enjoyed the outdoors but would spend hours travelling to "wilderness" to fish and camp. With the purchase of my first digital camera I became aware of the local areas where wild-life could be seen and now enjoy many more days outside appreciating the natural areas available nearby.

Oh..and one other change..My savings account seems to have transformed itself into a pile of camera and computer equipment.... ;)

[Loupey]

Thanks for responding!

Amber & Mike - I see your point - being a nature enthusiast first and nature photographer second.

Canon_Bob & scott-devon - I think I'm in the same boat as you. Including the magical transformation of money into equipment


I can say that bird photography has had the most profound effect on me. A year ago, I didn't have much appreciation for birds. A year later, we have transformed our entire backyard, built a new deck, and reworked the landscaping for the purpose of attracting local wildlife and maximizing our view of them. I have found birders to be an extremely friendly and environmentally conscious bunch. Whereas shooting macros tends to be a solo-solo (shoot solo, enjoy solo) afair, birding to me is quite different as it is a solo-group afair.

[quetzal]

I've always loved nature, especially birdwatching and reptiles, and have been wanting to get into bird photography for a long time now. Since I got my dSLR last year I've been taking pics of more than just birds, and I have more of an interest in creatures that before I just admired without learning much about them - such as butterflies, dragonflies and flowers.

And yes i also cringe every time I see land in my area being turned into yet another housing development or shopping center.

[payn817]

While I always loved critters, this hobby has helped me to appreciate them more. Also, it has made me more aware of conservation, helped to improve my health, and most importantly helped to combat substance abuse problems (behind me now). I have traveled more than ever and overcome many fears, all the while learning many things about not only what the camera is aimed at, but all things around us.

[mjs1973]

Bob took the words right out of my mouth. I too have noticed a major change in my view of the natural world. I have always had a huge love for nature, but photography has made me pay much closer attention to what's going on in the world, and in my own back yard.

[nusparkey]

Wow! My first time on this site and I pick this thread. I've always thought taking the pics was the easy part and telling the story was when it got interesting. I think photography is a great way of letting people know how we see the world thereby giving others an insight as to who we really are. I would think that maybe a better question would be...Have you noticed a difference in how people look at you after they've seen your efforts.
Sheesh, and I was just looking for some ideas!
Amber...those cute little bugs are obviously the Wingless Suicidal Ladybug...hence the name "Dismal". Sorry couldn't pass it up.
I'm really looking forward to reading more. (providing my password gets me in tomorrow)

[Yarrow]

Being the adoring tree hugger that I am , I have always had a love of wildlife and nature.
I think that now that I have started looking through the lens, it gives me more awareness of how much of it has been taken. Not that I wasnt aware before, but I would photograph in an areas yrs ago that are no longer there, only to be replaced by condos and complaining tenants about the coyotes eating their pets. It makes me sad.

[WesternGuy]

Loupey, I am with Amber and Minnesota. I have always been a nature person, photography is my way of sharing it with others. I often get the picture of the minute (for me anyway) and enjoy sharing it with others. I know, I know, I don't post often enough in the Nature forums here, but I have only been at digital photography for a while and have to get my workflow in order...getting there. This business of instant gratification (take a picture...see the image) takes a bit of getting used to. :blush2:

Cheers,

WesternGuy

[Alison]

I would say, yes, it has changed me, in the way that I would NEVER get within inches to a grasshopper, spider, beetle, hedgehog or Lemur before I had my camera.
I get behind my camera and I become a completely different person trying my hardest to get the best shot I can.

[Loupey]

Wow! Thanks for all the responses! I really appreciate the fact that you all gave us a glimpse of your life.

Photography is great in that we can each use it differently to reflect our own feelings, thoughts, and dreams.


I've been sitting on this image of a duckling that I find appealing but don't know exactly why. It's not the in-your-face explicit image that I normally shoot. Instead, I think it allows the viewer to project their own feelings toward nature. To me, it makes me feel sad.

Thanks again for all your responses.