Teton Photography Group Encourages Responsible Behavior
Launches Local Ethical Photography Principles Education Campaign
Composing a better photo by composing ourselves.
Jackson, WY based Teton Photography Group (TPG) is joining forces with local and national partners to encourage visitors and residents to act responsibly when taking wildlife photography. Through an active outreach program called “Shoot to Care” the TPG asks photographers and onlookers alike to take a step back and consider the impact on the ecosystem when photographing wildlife.
‘Getting the killer shot’ can be a lifelong dream for wildlife photographers, and the Jackson Hole area including Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) offers unparalleled opportunities within a short drive or hike. What goes unnoticed is the effect on the animals being photographed. “Shoot to Care” was developed in response to a growing problem.
In response to increased photographer–wildlife conflict, staff at Bridger-Teton National Forest contacted TPG to educate photographers to ensure the safety of both humans and animals and assure continued access to top scenic and wildlife areas. Conflicts have included traffic jams, stressed or frightened animals, injury to both humans and animals, and damage to flora.
Working in conjunction with GTNP, Bridger-Teton National Forest, National Elk Refuge, JH Conservation Alliance, JH Wildlife Foundation, and JH Bird and Nature Club, TPG created the “Shoot to Care” campaign, comprised of a working group of volunteer ambassadors, printed collateral, advertising and media outreach that encourages responsible behavior through education, outreach and incentives, while working to maintain access to the amazing photographic opportunities that surround us.
Dale Deiter, Jackson District Ranger with the US Forest Service stated, “I am thrilled that TPG is helping define behaviors for photographers that promote protection of the wildlife and landscapes that are the subjects of their photos. The “Shoot to Care” program can reduce the potential for wildlife and resource impacts as well as avoid highway safety issues that could otherwise lead to intervention by land management agencies and law enforcement in order to reduce conflicts. We do not want to be in the business of regulating recreational photography and want the public to be able to freely enjoy their National Forests and Parks. Having photographers abide by a set of ethics of their own creation offers the best chance of success in this regards.”
“Our work will be directed at educating the public visiting GTNP and the Jackson WY area about ethical photography principles. As photographers and residents ourselves, we hope to be able to share some of our first hand experience to protect the resource and visitors,” said Loren Nelson, of TPG. “We’ll be enlisting ambassadors to assist in high-traffic areas, as well as distributing information and even rewards for those who embrace the principles to become de-facto ambassadors from and for their hometowns.
Links:
GTNP: http://www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm
Bridger-Teton National Forest:http://www.fs.usda.gov/btnf
National Elk Refuge: http://www.fws.gov/refuge/national_elk_refuge/
JH Conservation Alliance: http://www.jhalliance.org/
JH Wildlife Foundation: http://www.jhwildlife.org/
JH Bird and Nature Club