Are the Photos of Cubs in the "Snow Leopard Special Exhibition" of the China Wildlife Photography Exhibition Ethical? | CBCGDF BASE

Recently, a friend of mine saw some photos at the "Snow Leopard Special Exhibition" of the Second China Wildlife Photography Exhibition, which made him shudder! The photos of snow leopard cubs in the exhibition obviously showed fear and tension, which was completely different from our impression of the majesty of snow leopards.

 

It can be told that the cubs exposed to the flash and the photos were photographed at close range, which becomes the "evidence" showing human infringement on nature.

 


 

My friend remembers a photo very clearly: a snow leopard cub curled up in a rock crevice, shivering. Its mother was watching vigilantly beside it, obviously experiencing a tense escape. The photographer's approach obviously had a huge impact on the snow leopard at this moment, which is why it is in such an unnatural state.

 

According to the investigation, some photographers even bribed local herders to obtain the location of snow leopards' dens in order to take more shocking photos. What's more infuriating is that in order to take so-called "actions", some photographers actually used watermelon peels and other items to tease snow leopards.

 



 

What's worse, however, is that this phenomenon is not an isolated incident, but is common in many wildlife photography competitions. Some photographers are willing to sacrifice the safety of wild animals for fame and fortune. The true meaning of photography should be to show the beauty of harmony between man and nature, and to arouse the public's awareness of nature protection through the lens. However, when photography becomes a tool to harm wild animals, its essence is distorted.

 

A truly excellent wildlife photographer will spend a lot of time patiently observing the natural behavior of animals and waiting for the best time to shoot. A true photographer should have a deep knowledge of ecology, understand the habits and behavioral characteristics of different species, and how to keep a safe distance from wild animals.

 

We suggest that relevant exhibitions such as the China Wildlife Photography Exhibition should set up an ethical review process to allow experts to identify whether the subjects in the photographs are in a state of panic. If so, such works should never win awards!

 

Original Chinese Article: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/7Lb20rIBK3zBe_Dgw05PRA

Translator: Sara

Checked by: Richard

Editor: Sara    

Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776





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