Does nature love you back??

Do you spend time outdoors? Do you hike or backpack, climb or camp? Do you own a camera or a smartphone that you bring along?? How do you interact with nature when you’re out in it??

I find myself spending more time outdoors lately with and without my camera. Sometimes with only my phone in hand. Before I get too deep into my journey, I would be remiss if I didn’t do a post about my pledge to put nature first and not photography when I’m outdoors enjoying myself.

While listening to an episode of a podcast I enjoy (https://www.mattpaynephotography.com/page/f-stop-collaborate-and-listen/), the host, Matt Payne, talked about our responsibility to the nature that we love so much. He, along with some other nature photographers, started an alliance to promote responsible nature photography. Here are the 7 Nature First Principles:

THE NATURE FIRST PRINCIPLES

1. Prioritize the well-being of nature over photography.
2. Educate yourself about the places you photograph.
3. Reflect on the possible impact of your actions.
4. Use discretion if sharing locations.
5. Know and follow rules and regulations.
6. Always follow Leave No Trace principles and strive to leave places better than you found them.
7. Actively promote and educate others about these principles

I love the feeling I get when I watch the sun rise over a local creek, or take in the view from a beautiful vista or admire a field of multicolored wildflowers. I would hate for their beauty to be diminished or disappear altogether. I have pledged to abide by these 7 principles as I photograph and be a good steward over the nature I enjoy. For those of you that spend time outdoors with any type of camera and that love these things too, I invite you to read about this movement and take the pledge if you feel so inclined. Read more about it here: https://www.naturefirstphotography.org.

So, you love nature but are you caring for it in a way that it loves you back?? Thanks in advance for making it awesome for my next visit!

More to come on the above-mentioned podcast……

Brie