Turning passion photography into conservation photography, a guide to begin


The two-day exhibition of photographs of birds of Indore concluded on Sunday with a talk by UK based Kaustubh Rishi on ‘How can photographers contribute to environmental and wildlife conservation?’
“Conservation photography is the active use of the photographic process and its products, within the parameters of photojournalism, to advocate for conservation outcomes,” Rishi explained. The concept combines nature photography with the proactive, issue-oriented approach of documentary photography as an agent for protecting nature and improving the biosphere and natural environment.
The group of photographers including Padma Shri Bhalu Mondhe, Kaustubh Rishi, Ajay Gadikar, Ritesh Khabia, Vipul Saxena, Neel Gadikar and others exhibited about 72 photographs of birds of Indore in the exhibition organised by The Nature Volunteers.
//To begin conservation photography…
Start work near your home: You are likely to have the biggest impact nearer home, and often it's local issues that are overlooked by other photographers and in need of attention.
Research and make connections: Begin by reading anything you can get your hands on about a subject. Learn and read about your subject that is birds, their habitat, actions and nature.
Find your vision: There are many ways to approach the same topic. Conservation photography can involve fine art photography, portraits of birds or humans, photojournalism, or traditional nature and wildlife photography. Study and decide your style.
Give context and share your images to reach maximum people.
Urban birding areas in Indore specially for our readers
Ornithologist Ajay Gadikar shared some urban birding areas in Indore, where photographers can begin their adventure and conservation photography exclusively with us:
Regal Square: a host to variety of birds including hornbills and parakeets.
Railway Station: a great place to click flocks of birds.
Residency area: this is a great place to witness diversity of birds in the city.
Forest area nursery: with many old trees, this is one place, where one can capture nesting also during particular season.
Horticultural college: a variety of birds can been seen picking up food from the ground.
Holkar college, IIM (Indian Institute of Management), Indore, IIT (Indian Institute of Technology), Indore, SGSITS (Shri Govindram Seksaria Institute of Technology and Science) and other areas with trees.