Whether they know it or not, people have a connection to wildlife and nature. From the rancher dozens of miles from a major road to the accountant who is perched on the 20th floor of a downtown high-rise building.
Most humans are visually driven beings. We use the sights we see for a lot of things, not the least of which is entertainment. However, we also use imagery for education, awareness, and even a livelihood.
Whether they know it or not, people have a connection to wildlife and nature. From the rancher dozens of miles from a major road to the accountant who is perched on the 20th floor of a downtown high-rise building. We’ve all heard the phrase, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” It’s true, and they serve many purposes for all sorts of genres.
There is no better example than the outdoors. Images certainly play a huge role when it comes to nature, wildlife, and outdoor pursuits. In fact, you could say, photography supports nature, wildlife, and the outdoors. Here are just a few of the ways imagery supports things in the outdoors, all driven by the power of photography.
Storytelling
Humans have always used pictures to tell stories. For example, ancient images have depicted the hunting of wild game for sustenance, battles, spiritual figures, and idols. Since the beginning of time, they’ve been displayed on all sorts of media, including cave walls, stones, wood, and textiles. Today, images tell stories through paintings, sketches, books, and magazines. Even more recently, they’re almost endlessly showing up on digital channels through websites and social media. They all tell stories, whether they were intended to or not; but they usually are.
This is profoundly and specifically true in outdoor space. Bloggers, authors, and influencers rely heavily on images to tell stories about the likes of birding, hunting, off-roading, and, well, outdoor photography. The stories can support a brand or simply celebrate one’s outdoor endeavors.
Words are important, but photos weave stories even more profoundly through a more immediate impact, one that ignites curiosity, and even action in an instant.
For example, an image of an elk is nice, but one of two majestic bull elk sparring brings thoughts of much more. It reminds us of the testosterone-rich mating season, huge antlers, echoing bugling, and newborn calves.
Thoughts like, “I wonder what makes elk fight?” or “I’ve got to plan a hike or hunting trip soon” often follow. All largely because a simple image has magically taken us to another place.
Supporting a Niche or Lifestyle
People are passionate about the outdoor hobbies and sports they enjoy. While this is true for casual hobbyists, it’s even more true for the truly passionate ones. Take a look at a catalog for an outdoor product company. They’re not only trying to show their wares; they’re also highlighting the activities associated with them.
Think about it: You open your Cabela’s catalog in hopes of finding the perfect hiking shoe for an upcoming trip. While a picture of the boots is nice, it’s the image of the guy climbing a ridge in them that moves the needle. The rocks, trees, and blue skies help to celebrate the hiking way of life.
And what about the aforementioned topic of social media and influencers? An Instagram post featuring a new hunting bow supports the product much more if it shows a hunter at full draw or traversing the woods. A simple picture of the bow, on its own, is far from adequate. Why? Because good outdoor images help to sell both the product and the lifestyle.
At the end of the day, photos go a long way toward describing, promoting, and celebrating our favorite outdoor undertakings.
Teaching an Outdoor Activity or Hobby
OK, written instructions are nice, even helpful. A good photo puts our learning and understanding over the top. Think about the arduous task of assembling a gas grill (the thought of this raises my blood pressure). While this is a dreaded activity, adding images is what keeps us from poking the proverbial stick in our eye. Not the best example, but you get the point.
A good photo or, even better, a video speaks volumes when teaching an outdoor tip, trick, or strategy associated with an outdoor activity. Imagery of a proper golf swing, surfing maneuver, or fly-fishing cast. Here, photography helps us to learn, improve, and, again, even celebrate a lifestyle pursuit.
Advocating Awareness and Demonstrating Differing Perspectives
Photography is a great way to create awareness and even support an initiative, argument, or cause. Photographic images are so easily within reach that their power is almost immeasurable.
They can, for example, display a perceived victim or villain. They can likewise reveal both negative and positive phenomena occurring in the outdoor space. Today, many controversial issues take place in nature. For example, migration corridors and seasonal habitats for various wildlife are currently hot-button initiatives. As such, there is an increased call for conservation-based studies to ensure proper planning for both understanding various wildlife migrations, as well as restoring the habitats involved. Planning and executing needed crossing infrastructure (such as underpasses) has proven to greatly reduce collisions between vehicles and wildlife.
A well-placed photo greatly enhances the idea.