I was this close to titling this post “Nature Photographers Deserving Of A Can of Whoop-Ass”, but I refrained.
Click to Enlarge
Original photo after the jump
Photographers Behaving Badly at Mono Lake (Dramatization by Jim M. Goldstein)
This week much debate has ensued regarding a photograph posted on Facebook of a photographer behaving badly climbing on fragile tufa formations at Mono Lake. G. Dan Mitchell took the lead in the comments of this post regarding the law surrounding these formations, but honestly wouldn’t you think common sense would be enough for most people… and especially a nature photographer?!
The photograph in question was taken by Deryk Baumgärtner. He just observed this and documented it by his account. I believe him, he’s always been a stand-up guy from what I can tell of viewing years of his work posted on various photo forums. What baffles me is this is just one case of photographers behaving badly. Nature photographers of all people should be less caught up on getting the shot and more focused on enjoying nature. If someone is not following proper etiquette while in the field we owe it to them and to others to point out how their behavior is inappropriate. I’ve experienced my share of people behaving badly including: people vomiting on NPS signs, photographers walking dangerously close to wild animals that could easily kill them in a matter of seconds, kids in plain view of their parents ignoring signs and walking on thermal crust at Yellowstone, etc. I’ve even heard of other photographers (Gary Crabbe if I recall correctly) commenting on finding used diapers in the middle of Yosemite’s Cook meadow.
I put it to you what stories do you have of people behaving badly in protected areas? Did you say anything? Did you photograph it?
As promised my original photo after the jump
Click to Enlarge
Photographers at Mono Lake Photographing Sunset
[tags]photography, Mono Lake, ethics, nature[/tags]
So what is the deal with the flame thrower?!
This past fall I stressed myself out to the point of not wanting to go photograph bears, my favorite animal, simply because of the photographers that were there disrespecting them. A hoard of photographers would run after a bear, stand way too close with 500mm lenses, not let bears cross the road, etc. I did my best to instruct people when rangers weren’t around and it wasn’t always a challenge, but there were some times when people wouldn’t listen and put themselves and the bears at risk.
I’ve also seen people running onto federally protected land in the National Elk Refuge, just outside of Jackson, Wyoming. There are signs all along the road that no one is allowed to leave the road, yet I’ve seen kids running right past signs with their parents not caring at all, until I told them about the fine they could get. I also watched someone climb up Miller Butte (on the Refuge) wanting to get a better shot of bighorn sheep and elk, but in the process scaring both away, ruining it for the crowd that was watching.
It’s events like that that make it extremely difficult to live in Jackson Hole sometimes.
In southern Ontario most of the bad behavior I’ve seen involves owls. Things like groups of photographers who chase Short-ears from their day roost in order to get flight shots.
I saw one photographer who was already too close to a Great Gray, walk over to try and touch it. I yelled “Be careful,he’ll go for your face” and he got far away quick. Very satisfying.
I received a private message reminding me of the most talked about incident of a photographer behaving badly:
Photographer Fatali Pleads Guilty in Fires Saturday, December 8, 2001 in Arches National Park
(Link back to news article posted on Photo.net)
Living in Moab, I’m at Delicate Arch for sunset at least a few dozen times each year. Every time, the same scene plays out and I find it seriously disturbing. Anyone who has ever been to DA for sunset knows that it isn’t uncommon to see 2 dozen or more serious photographers, tripods and all. You’re also guaranteed to see a steady stream of tourists posing under the arch for the classic “tourist under Delicate Arch” photo. There always seems to be at least one photographer who thinks he or she has the authority to shoo the tourists away from the arch so all the photographers don’t have to clone them out. Often, they do this loudly by yelling to the tourists, some times cussing at them, motioning aggressively for them to move. Occasionally several others will join in until the arch is finally clear. What gives us (photographers) the authority to deprive other park visitors of their right to enjoy Delicate Arch? Yes, it’s mildly annoying but seriously, are we that full of ourselves?
I’ve seen photographers walk across the crytobiotic crust in Arches, Canyonlands, the Needles District and many other places around Moab to photograph a flower.
It really infuriates me to see photographers who want to help preserve the environment trash it for a photo.
That story still cracks me up. You have to think what moron would light a fire under a rock formation called “Delicate” Arch?
My attempt at humor Erik along with the Dynamite and explosive box.
I nearly forgot. Photographing Sea Turtles in Maui people would try to ride the turtles. As if they’re not under enough stress. So sad.
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I have seen photographers climb on the tufa’s several times. I ALWAYS say something to them. I think that is part of our duty as someone serious about protecting our natural heritage by documenting it.
Also, great job with Photoshopping the image of the photographers.
My only comment is about the title of that photo. There appears to be some disagreement among all the photographers pictured here as to where, exactly, the sun is planning to rise, doesn’t there? Just wondering…
Photographer Fatali Pleads Guilty in Fires Saturday, December 8, 2001 in Arches National Park – What was he drinking or smoking to make him that stupid?
The pictures of you above is just fantastic. Just wondering what’s with the flame thrower?
Wow, nice photos, where is mono lake found?
Wow the first photo is crazy. It’s amazing how some people have little regard for others and the environment around them. The second photo is a cool shot.