This podcast follows Harry Skeggs, a fine art wildlife photographer, to discuss the impact and importance of photography in preserving the world. He motivates listeners to take a tool in their hands to influence the world and bring awareness to issues near and far. He shares his story of not knowing the value of photography until he was forced to have time for himself due to an accident, and ended up winning runner-up in a Nat Geo Photography of the Year competition.
The Big Ideas with Timestamps
00:03:09 Learn art to take better photos.
00:11:43 Animals are family members.
00:13:39 Follow your passion.
00:22:52 Tell a story before taking photos.
00:27:00 Protect animals we love.
00:30:06 Wildlife conservation is essential.
00:39:03 Make mistakes to improve photography.
00:43:15 Be the change you want.
Resources:
Did you enjoy this episode? Check out more recent interviews with other great photographers!
Photography is an art form.
Photography is an art form that has been around for centuries, but has only recently been recognized as a legitimate form of expression. From the earliest days of the medium, photographers have used their cameras to capture the beauty of the world around them. However, it was not until the late 19th century that photography began to be seen as a legitimate form of artistic expression.
The invention of the camera was a major step forward in the development of photography as an art form. The ability to capture a moment in time and immortalize it in a photograph was something that had never been done before. This gave photographers the opportunity to tell stories and express emotions in ways that were previously impossible.
The development of photography as an art form has been greatly influenced by the work of some of the most iconic photographers in history. The most famous of these is Ansel Adams, who is widely recognized as the father of modern photography. Adams was a pioneer in the field of landscape photography, and his work has inspired generations of photographers. His iconic images of the American West have become iconic symbols of the beauty and power of nature.
Another influential photographer who helped to shape the art of photography was Harry Skeggs. Skeggs was a wildlife photographer who used his camera to bring awareness to voiceless wildlife creatures. He was also a proponent of the idea that narrative should predate image. This means that photographers should have a narrative in mind before they start taking pictures. This helps to ensure that the images they capture are meaningful and tell a story.
In conclusion, photography is an art form that has been around for centuries and continues to evolve with the times. It is a powerful way to capture the beauty of the world around us and tell stories that might otherwise go unheard. From the earliest days of the medium to today's digital age, photographers have used their cameras to capture the beauty of the world and express emotions in ways that were previously impossible.
Animals are family members.
One photographer who has embraced this art form is the wildlife photographer, who often captures stunning images of animals in their natural habitats. In the podcast, we hear from this photographer about the importance of animals in his life and how he views them as family members.
The photographer grew up in an animal-centric household, where dogs were treated as family members more than pets. This experience shaped his view of animals and his appreciation for their beauty and intelligence. He also realized that photography could be used to capture the unique and special moments he experienced in his travels, as well as to share with others the beauty of the world he saw.
The photographer found that photography was not as easy as he expected, but he was determined to continue because he wanted to capture and share the real experiences he had. He also found that the difference between holiday snaps and art in photography is that the photographer is in control of the camera and making artistic decisions. This requires a knowledge of the equipment and a willingness to learn, which the photographer did by teaching himself manual photography.
The photographer's love of animals and his appreciation for their beauty and intelligence shines through in his work. He believes that animals are family members and that they should be treated with respect and kindness. This is a sentiment that many of us can relate to, and it is one that should be embraced by all. Animals are part of our lives and we should be grateful for the joy and companionship they bring.
Follow your own voice.
The photographer also believes that we should all follow our own voice when it comes to photography. It is easy to get caught up in trying to please others and to follow trends, but this doesn’t always lead to the best results. We should all strive to create unique images that reflect our own tastes and interests. This is the only way to truly stand out and make a name for ourselves.
The photographer emphasizes the importance of finding our own voice and sticking to it. He understands that it can be difficult to break away from the norm and to take risks, but that is the only way to ensure that our work is unique and meaningful. We should also remember that everyone has access to some form of camera and that we are all photographers in our own right.
The photographer also encourages us to use photography to support ourselves, but to not let it take over our passion. We should try to find a balance between the two and make sure that our passion for photography does not fade away.
The photographer’s advice is invaluable and should be taken seriously. We should all strive to find our own voice and to create images that are unique and meaningful. We should also remember to take risks and to not be afraid to break away from the norm. Only then can we truly stand out and make a name for ourselves.
Research and planning are key.
For any photographer, research and planning are key. It is essential to be prepared and to know what you are looking for before you even set foot in the field. Having an idea of the kind of images you want to create, the type of light you are looking for, and the kind of environment you are shooting in is all important. It is also important to research the wildlife you are photographing. Knowing the behavior of the animals, the time of year they are active, and the best places to find them is essential for any photographer who wants to capture stunning images.
The photographer in this podcast spoke about his own experience in India. He had done extensive research and planning in order to ensure that his trip was a success. He knew the time of year he wanted to go, the type of light he wanted to capture, and the kind of environment he wanted to be in. He also knew the behavior of the tigers he was hoping to photograph and the best places to find them. His research and planning paid off, as he was able to capture stunning images despite the fact that the tigers were elusive.
This is a perfect example of the importance of research and planning. Without proper preparation, it is impossible to capture the kind of images we want. We must also remember that wildlife photography is unpredictable and that sometimes we can be unlucky and not get the shots we want. This is why it is important to be flexible and to not be too hard on ourselves if we don’t get the shots we want.
In conclusion, research and planning are essential for any photographer. We must be prepared and know what we are looking for before we even set foot in the field. We must also be flexible and be prepared for the unexpected. Only then can we truly stand out and make a name for ourselves.
Protect animals we love.
When it comes to photography, it is essential to remember that the purpose of our photos is to help, not harm. We should strive to capture images that will evoke emotion and inspire people to take action. We should use our photos to tell stories that will educate and inform viewers and help them understand the importance of protecting animals.
We must also remember that animals are as important as humans and that we have an obligation to protect them. We can do this by teaching people how to care and love them. We can also help by donating a portion of our profits to charity and by protecting primary rainforest trees.
When we take photos of animals, we should always strive to capture images that will help, not hurt. We should use our photos to shine a spotlight on animals that don't get the same protection as other animals. We should also use our photos to show people why animals are so important and why we should protect them.
By following these guidelines, we can ensure that our photos will help protect the animals we love.
Wildlife conservation is essential.
Wildlife conservation is essential in order to protect the many species of animals that inhabit our planet. Without it, many animals could become extinct, leaving us with a world without the beauty and diversity that they bring. Unfortunately, many populations of animals, such as giraffes, are declining due to a variety of factors, such as habitat encroachment, hunting, and lack of protection. It is up to us to take action and ensure that these animals are able to survive and thrive.
One way we can help is by using photography to shine a spotlight on conservation efforts. By taking photographs of animals in their natural habitat, we can show the world the beauty and importance of these animals and inspire people to take action. Additionally, sharing these images on social media can help spread awareness and create a larger impact.
We can also use our photography to help raise funds for conservation efforts. By donating prints of our photographs, we can help support organizations that are dedicated to preserving and protecting wildlife. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as donating prints to charities or selling prints to raise money for conservation efforts.
Finally, we can use our photography to create emotional connections between people and animals. By creating powerful and meaningful images, we can help people to understand the importance of wildlife conservation and the need to protect these animals. By creating a connection between people and animals, we can help create a lasting impact that will help ensure that these animals are able to survive and thrive for generations to come.
Wildlife conservation is essential for the future of our planet and the countless species of animals that inhabit it. By using our photography to spread awareness and raise funds, we can help ensure that these animals are able to survive and thrive for generations to come. We must take action now to help protect these animals and ensure that they are able to live in a safe and healthy environment.
Make mistakes to grow as photographer.
As photographers, it is important to remember that making mistakes is a part of the learning process. We must be willing to take risks and push ourselves to create the best images possible. By making mistakes, we can grow as photographers and learn how to better capture the beauty of the natural world.
When it comes to capturing photographs of wildlife, it is important to remember that patience and observation are key. We must take the time to observe our subjects and wait for the perfect moment to take a photograph. We must also be willing to experiment and try new techniques in order to capture the best possible images.
In addition to being patient and observant, it is also important to have a good understanding of the technical aspects of photography. We must learn how to use our camera settings, lighting, and composition to create the best possible images. We must also learn how to edit and post-process our images in order to create the most captivating images.
Finally, it is important to remember that our photography can be used to help make a difference. By using our photography to spread awareness and raise funds, we can help ensure that the animals we photograph are able to live in a safe and healthy environment. We must take action now to help protect these animals and ensure that they are able to live in a safe and healthy environment.
In conclusion, making mistakes is an important part of the learning process. We must be willing to take risks, experiment, and push ourselves to create the best possible images. By understanding the technical aspects of photography, being patient and observant, and using our photography to help make a difference, we can become better photographers and help protect the animals we photograph.
Be the change you want.
The phrase “Be the change you want to see in the world” is an inspiring reminder that we can all make a difference in our own way. Whether it’s through photography, activism, or other forms of art, we can use our talents to create positive change. Harry Skeggs, a professional wildlife photographer, is a great example of someone who is using his passion to make a difference. He has used his photography to help raise awareness of endangered species, as well as to give a voice to voiceless wildlife creatures.
Harry’s advice to us was to find ourselves, listen to ourselves, and make an impact. To find ourselves, we must be willing to take risks and experiment with our photography. We must also be patient and observant in order to capture the best possible images. To listen to ourselves, we must be confident in our own creative decisions and not be afraid to break the rules. Finally, to make an impact, we must use our photography to help make a difference in the world. Whether it’s through raising awareness of endangered species or donating prints of wildlife creatures to those in need, we can use our photography to make a difference.
We all have the power to make a positive impact on the world. By following Harry Skeggs’ advice, we can use our photography to help make a difference. We can be the change we want to see in the world.