Photography group forums

[Gord]

Hi all.

Im wondering if anyone is aware of photography forums, preferably local ones.

I think it would be worthwhile to voice a concern in a positive and friendly manner in regards to wildlife safety and getting a nice picture. I hope that photography groups would have a mandate of remaining on the trail, not scaring wildlife or putting their well-being at risk. I hope this is stressed and frequently mentioned in their forums if they do exist. It is in their best interest to have this as 'bad apples' running around with cameras stressing owls at Boundary Bay gives wildlife photographers a bad name, even though most would never consider doing that.

Id like to pop by and do my part in making people aware, if they're not already, of the issues. While almost negative to say it, Im also not scared to suggset that disturbing and stressing wildlife just for a picture something that is 'socially unacceptable' to the point that the comfort level is removed or reduced. Maybe then some people wont feel as comfortable to run wild doing this if they feel people are watching with knowledge and disapproval. Maybe after a while frequent stern looks and comments in regard to their actions will get tiresome and they will lay off or have to be sneaky (which also becomes tiresome as well).

Kathy, I read on a Vancouver birding site about the same two people with the walkie talkies. Apparently the gentleman with the big camera is "a conservationist", yet no reply was given to follwing comments that he should know better (and be the first to set the example).

[fouram]

Gord, at the risk of becoming "overexposed" as well as not having much knowledge about what goes on in the photography (evidenced in my amateur attempts) field, I find that regarding some of the comments and explanation of the incidents re: intrusive behaviour, that I am NOT surprised, indeed, I have felt that I was in a minority of people that finds this kind of behaviour offensive. I find that I can pursue most of my interests in a solitary fashion even though I enjoy sharing. I appreciate your insights regarding this problem, and I think that public awareness is a very necessary step in this issue. I believe that there are some people who will "wear whatever hat is necessary to accomplish their goal" (usually of a monetary nature). I do not know what I can do as an individual to curb this nonsense, but am willing to do whatever is necessary--perhaps a public forum? --as a start?---Al-Don't know of any local "clubs"--individuals

[Gord]

haha, "overexposed"

I hope that it isnt the minority who maintain some sort of common sense when it comes to this issue. I guess the only thing to do is to set an example and to be be willing, when safe/appropriate, to speak up about it as well.

It can be quite uncomfortable to take a stance that's not popular with other people. Like you say, when it involves money, as well as shortcuts or 'easier', sadly some of human nature's weakness, people will be quite defensive when someone suggests what they are doing is not very good.

I guess the best we can do is to promote appropriate behaviour in a factual and respectful manner and hope for the best. Pushing too hard often makes people retaliate and get even more stubborn. I get the feeling that people who say they are 'conservationists', for example, do know what they're doing deep down but have fallen prey to the allure of a beautiful creature who's just not quite close enough. They are very possibly justifying it to themselves and thus, are very sensitive to anyone who shatters their self created reality when it comes to their actions.