landscape photograph can be both fun and rewarding. It’s not hard to understand why landscape photography is so popular. From planning and researching a trip to capturing a finished image of a breathtaking vista, the whole process can be so rewarding.
This popularity comes at a price. Even though most landscape photographers are environmentally conscious, the sheer volume of visitors can have adverse effects on some places – despite their best intentions.
There are some things that you can do to minimize or eliminate the negative impact of your landscape photography trip. Here are some guidelines that will help you get started.
1. Watch your step
You’ve probably heard that saying, “Take only photos, leave only footprints.” This means you shouldn’t intentionally harm your environment and you shouldn’t leave litter. While it is a good starting point, this doesn’t go very far.
Many ecosystems are fragile, and even a single step can be catastrophic. Iceland’s mossy lava fields are a good example. It can take decades for moss to grow. But it can only withstand being stepped on twice or three times without it being permanently destroyed.
Other examples of fragility can be found around the globe, including California’s Mono Lake with its Tufa Formations.
Preventing this damage, however, is simple. It’s easy to avoid this damage by doing a little extra research on the location before you go.
Ask locals or officials for information if you find it difficult to obtain relevant information while abroad. A warden in Iceland once gave a passionate rant against a tourist driving a 4×4 to destroy a quarter-mile of moss to stand on the edge of a small lake for 5 minutes. Ask around. They will likely be grateful for you concern and can even direct you to less-known opportunities.
2. Respect local regulations
One of the most common regulations that is ignored is people not staying within designated areas on marked trails. Even though a few extra steps may seem harmless, these rules are usually in place for safety. Visitors can be in danger from things like steep drops, unstable terrain and wildlife.
You can rationalize that common sense will negate the majority of dangers, but you should also consider that many of these regulations are the result of insurance policies. It is not difficult to imagine that, if these regulations were to be ignored for the sake or taking photos, future access would be restricted.
Note: In some cases, trails marked with a tack are meant to protect the environment. (See the previous section!) It is important to follow these regulations.
The law relating to photography is another concern when it comes local regulations. In most places, you have the right to take pictures of anything you like. However, this is not always true.
Belgium and France both have some restrictions on Freedom of Panorama. When the Eiffel tower is illuminated at night, for example, this is considered to be a copyrighted image and cannot be used without express consent.
A quick search of Flickr shows that there are many images of the Eiffel tower at night. Further research indicates that this regulation primarily concerns commercial use. This regulation is not extreme, and it will probably not be a problem for you while traveling. However, you should research the laws of the area you plan to photograph in order to avoid any potential conflicts with local authorities.
3. Consider others.
It is also important to think about the people who are around you. The use of tact and courtesy can go a long ways in preventing conflict. You can ensure that others are able to enjoy a place by being considerate. For example, moving out of the best viewing position in a crowded area as quickly as you can and not blocking their passage. When in doubt, ask yourself whether you’re imposing. If you answered “Yes,” then consider changing your behavior.
This point should be reinforced by an incident that I saw at the popular Svartifoss water fall in Iceland. The waterfall is located at the end a half-kilometer moderately steep trail. The area is very crowded because the distance is short, and the falls are so spectacular. You can only get as close to the waterfall by standing on a large rocky outcrop that is big enough for three or four people. On the left side, you can stand in the stream.
A woman and her daughter took a place in the stream while a large group waited for their turn to get the best view. While her mother was taking photos with her phone, the girl in a leotard was directed to dance while her mother was taking pictures. During the 45 minutes that they spent doing this, the girl’s discomfort was evident, but her mother seemed to be only concerned by her daughter’s anxiety. The tension between the two and the young girl in the leotard blocking the view of the waterfall was palpable amongst the tourists.
I do not believe that there was anything wrong with the mother’s intentions, but a little bit of planning could have made a huge difference. They could have achieved the desired results if they had planned ahead and gotten everything done without any conflict.
