Wednesday 29 April 2015

[Today] Curb photographer crowds to prevent stress on nature

I refer to the report “Nature under stress from photography boom” (April 27).
Some photographers go to great lengths to get the best possible shots, and some of these photos are featured on wide-reaching media, which, to be frank, help to showcase Singapore’s unique nature.
The Nature Photographic Society Singapore president was quoted as saying: “The question we should always be asking ourselves is ‘What’s your motive for capturing the photo? Is it for your own glory and fame or do you really want to share and protect the species?’”
However, does it mean that people, even young children wanting to learn nature photography, must represent the media or an entity to take such photos? Some photographers are hobbyists, not commercial photographers.
I am a freelance photographer and I sometimes do nature photography. The best solution, I feel, is to curb the crowding together of photographers.
However, I disagree that park users should be asked to sign an undertaking before entry or that permits be issued to restrict the number of visitors to certain areas. Visitors include non-photographers; are they to sign such forms, or what if they are denied entry?
The National Parks Board should consider setting up a community of registered avid nature photographers. They could share tips and good practices. With such a database, it would be easier for members to get a permit before shooting photos.
To allow the authority to track photographers, those with professional gear should sign an undertaking. As the report mentioned, this group of photographers would spend hours in a park, waiting for the right moment. These are the photographers who should have to register before doing so.