Bonnie Halsell Loc: Ocala, Florida USA

This Wednesday, April 22nd, marks the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day. What can we, as photographers, do to contribute to saving the natural beauty of our planet? Have you ever returned to a favorite spot, only to find it trampled and trashed by instagramers? Waited for the desert bloom only to find it picked cleaned by careless, selfish persons? I invite you check out Nature First, The Alliance for Responsible Nature Photography. The Nature First Alliance only just began its work in April of 2019. It’s a ‘grassroots’ effort to promote responsible photography practices, and to show by example the principles of being a responsible photographer. The Nature First Principles are as follows:

1. Prioritize the well-being of nature over photography.
2. Educate yourself about the places you photograph.
3. Reflect on the possible impact of your actions.
4. Use discretion if sharing locations.
5. Know and follow rules and regulations.
6. Always follow Leave No Trace and strive to leave places better than you found them.
7. Actively promote and educate others about these principles.

You can make a difference. Take the pledge. Join the movement. There is no cost and your only obligation is to practice, educate and share the 7 principles with your fellow photographers. The more people we can introduce to our principles, the more responsible photographers we will make. Check it out at www.naturefirstphotography.org.