all about conservation photography.
From a general standpoint, digital photography is a form of art in which a digital camera is used to capture and produce photographs of various subjects and topics. These pictures are digitized, rather than created onto film, and can be uploaded onto other technology (e.g. computers) for further edits, printing, or sharing. The development of digital photography started in the mid-1950s; however, digital cameras have only been around for approximately 25 years, with evident and progressive advances in each new make and model (Brachmann, 2014). Over the past few years, it seems there has been an explosion in the use and preference for using smart phone cameras to document social events, nature, animals, food, architecture, weather occurrences, and each other, among many other things. But what about conservation, wildlife, or environmental issues?
Digital photography can be further utilized to promote change and tell a story beyond the subject in focus. One example is conservation photography. Farnsworth (2011) describes conservation photography as a combination of the arts, sciences, and the issue of saving species and nature. Drawing from personal knowledge, conservation photography is more than just capturing pictures of cute animals and the beautiful aspects of nature; it depicts nature and wildlife as being compromised, and does so in a compelling, disturbing, and eye-opening manner for the audience. Current conservation photographer, Cristina Mittermeier, brings life and reality to the audience of her empowering photographs. She mentions how good-quality photos and skills of the professional conservation photographer is required to inspire and encourage people to take action; "conservation photography is born out of purpose...it responds to the mission of protecting nature" (Mittermeier, 2005).