Karen-Jane Dudley

To spend time living close to nature is a reward in its self, its experience allows time to absorb the rich diversity of natural wealth and beauty this planet holds, more importantly it brings closer an understanding of our own existence and our role to help protect and preserve the fine balance of nature to which we belong.

What rights were we given to dominate, destroy, intimidate or disrespect nature? Our insistent push towards global domination will be our eventual downfall.

Our demands on the natural world are taking their toll,for which we are now sadly all too aware of. Extinction levels are critical, each day we see the tragic loss of yet another specie its finale fate to become yet another sad statistic on the lengthening list.

As a wildlife photographer my role within the realms of nature is to visually demonstrate its beauty through the power of imagery, but how far do we force this role before we become intrusive?

Our quest for knowledge and understanding into the lives of many stunning species that will grace this earth will continue to grow in intensity with demands for photographic images that may inevitably become our only sad preservation of their existence, we can easily sit and do nothing or we can make a commitment to ensure that our future generations will not have to witness the natural richness of this planet and animal kingdom preserved only in the pages of a book.

How do we justify and abide by the laws of nature to ensure that no matter what the demands of the cutting edge image required to depict the drama of the daily life and death struggle of the animal kingdom? We have a responsibility, always remembering our impact on the environment whenever out into the field to capture nature on camera.

The answer is simple; it will come down to our individual conscience, what we take from nature we also need to give back. To earn a living from nature holds a magnitude of rewards and should never be influenced material gain alone, the greater reward is priceless -the wealth of pride at being granted to become of that world, it is vital we now address and correct our policy of regarding wildlife as a prized commodity for personal gain.

Copyright laws protect our ownership of photographic images and privacy laws to stop personal intrusion. Why do we choose not to implement these laws for nature’s protection and privacy? If animal chooses to distance herself from the camera, who are we to demand she poses for the perfect image, it is her given right to privacy, we need to respect this fact, we do not own her.

Our patience and understanding of wild life should never be forgotten, allowing time for them to accept our presence in a gentle and sensitive approach, never crossing natural boundaries or creating and using artificial means to entice for our own benefit, wildlife will never be dominated or respond to demands, we have to learn to work alongside nature, not against it.

In a world seemingly spurned on by greed we need to evaluate our role with the camera and look at the broader picture, just how far should we pursue or invade to gain that ultimate “money image” at nature expense? We need to address the balance correctly. My role as a photographer has never been influenced by material gain, with many images published and freely donated for the provision of educational material to demonstrate the beauty of nature or given back in any way of royalties to vital conservation causes, my gain is far greater as a conservationist, custodian, protector and guardian of nature.

How do we reward nature?

In a world dominated by technology our insight into the natural world has taken on another dimension in our ability to explore deeper and examine more closely the complex world of the animal kingdom, but how can we utilize this advancement to also reward it? -By giving nature her “voice”. By allowing wildlife to use camera and lens to act as their voice will allow us greater and deeper understanding into their language, to share in their pain, anxiety, and fears and also joy. The responsibility as a photographer is to relay these messages through our images, by listening, observing and giving them the opportunity to “speak” and the ability to connect and communicate in their language. They will reward, respect you in return.

Our ability to capture the dramatic scenes of the final moments of a lion pride on a hunt is an image of aggression that continually shrouds the lion, but what is the real truth behind this drama? It is the truth of existence, by offering its life to the lion prey will also sustain life, the important message lost through our own interpretation of the language. This instilled perception of the predatory species is one of brutal and ruthless existence but the privileged experience of spending time in close company of lions reveals a gentle, caring and strong family bond that we sadly choose to overlook, to share in their word is a humbling experience,
The power of a lion looking directly into your eyes to speak his message, never once threatening but full of gentleness and warmth will instil a spirit that can never be erased or washed away.

From the coliseum games to the circus shows, humans have always had a curiosity to witness just how powerful and aggressive a predator can be. It’s time to change our vision; to start to see their tender and loving nature, with a gentle approach their magnificent animals will graciously accept our close presence.

Look into the eyes of a lioness and see her pure soul, her messages are clear to see.

“Do not see me as a predator only,
I am a mother, I will defend my children and family as you will defend yours
This planet we live on, the air we breath, we share these common bonds
We do not destroy your lives, yet you choose to destroy ours,
You invade our homelands, we do not invade yours,
Your laws protect you, who protect us
You hunt for pleasure, we hunt to survive
You rage wars; we choose to live in harmony
My existence is vulnerable, as is yours”
Grant me your respect, I will never disrespect you
All I ask of you is please listen”

Remember the camera will record massages, how we choose to decipher or interpret their messages only time will tell. It is never wise to look through the lens and take it all for granted, what you see today maybe gone tomorrow it is down to us to take notice, listen and take positive action.

With the world of digital photography, booming and opening up opportunities for everyone to enjoy and explore the world photography, more and more pressure will be placed upon the natural world, having witnessed myself groups surrounding a terrified animal in order to gain an image. Think before you act, if you are in their domain act responsibly, never harass, corner or intimidate. Give them time, space and respect. An aggressive approach or act of intimidation to gain a photograph is not acceptable in our daily lives, why should wildlife be subject to this act, we do not own nature we are part of it.

No matter how expensive the equipment, the camera is only the tool that records what we see, it is down to the individual photographers knowledge, patience and understanding of nature that will produce results that will cause little or no impact to our natural world.

I have been asked on many occasions as to the most dangerous animal I have ever worked with, my answer is simple ————— MANKIND.