The way we look at animals

How people look at animals is very important, especially when the loss of wildlife habitats around the world has brought people closer to animals, and other human activities, from poaching to foreign pet trade, are pushing many species to extinction. Animals are threatened by humans, not humans. Before pangolin became a possible source of coronavirus in Wuhan wildlife market, photojournalist Brent Stirton once regarded this little-known animal as the largest trafficked mammal in the world, and used its scales (although it had no medicinal value) to attract global attention. In China's traditional "medicine". His series "Pangolin in Crisis" has just won the first prize in the natural world and wildlife category in sony world photography awards.

Photography is one of the ways in which we can see real, complex and often unbelievable animal behaviors and characteristics. Here, we can also learn about our destruction of nature. The last male northern white rhinoceros photographed by Vitale is one of the most representative images in recent ten years. "It woke people up," Vitale explained. "You realize that this is not just the death of this ancient, gentle and heavy creature. There is only one animal moment, which symbolizes what we have done to this planet and every life on earth, including human beings. "

We are bombarded with pictures from advertisements to Instagram every day. But a powerful photo can still be broken. Vitale added: "It is wonderful to see beautiful images, but it must be meaningful." ? "I hope people can feel sympathy and understanding after seeing the photos. Photography is the greatest communicator. It transcends countries, cultures, religions, backgrounds and languages. "

Different realities

Nick Brandt's often depressing photos also changed people's view of the natural world. His latest big project? This empty world? "It shows the wild animals (including elephants, hyenas and rhinos) in the annoying human environment. Each photo was taken at two moments several weeks apart in southern Kenya. Firstly, a local set is established, and the animals entering the picture are located and captured by the camera. Then, with each camera in the same position, build a bigger camera, introduce local people, and create scenes of bus stops, construction sites and gas stations. " Obviously, this is not real life, but its symbolic meaning has already happened, that is,' progress' has quickly invaded the remaining natural wildlife habitats. "Brandt is also the founder of the Great Life Foundation, a wildlife charity dedicated to protecting elephants and other wildlife in Kenya from threats, including conflicts between people and wildlife." The biggest challenge facing nature in Africa today is the disappearance of wildlife habitats. "

Although his method is completely different, Brandt also hopes that his works can cut into the modern chaos. He said, "I really don't know how my photography is different." ? "You just farm, I hope you can make a difference. This empty world depicts a very dark vision. However, if I think there is no hope, I will not do it. "

In the past 15 years, as a photographer and journalist, I have also seen our harm to wildlife. My latest five projects are to get people from all over the world to vote for five animals that they want to be included in the new five wildlife photography, instead of hunting-shooting with cameras instead of guns. Again, this is about changing people's views on our relationship with wildlife. The original "Big Five" was designed according to the five most tenacious animals in Africa, which were used by colonial trophy hunters to shoot (lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards and buffaloes). This concept should be pinned on the past. New Big 5 is not only about death and suffering, but also about life, creativity and celebrating the natural world-highlighting the threats facing the world's wildlife, including illegal wildlife trade, habitat loss and climate change.

Photography plays an important role in shaping people's feelings about animals that share this planet with us. Daisy Girardini said, "I firmly believe that beautiful images can touch people's hearts. ? His work focuses on polar bears, penguins and other wild animals in the Arctic. "Science can provide data and propose solutions. If you like, science is the "brain" and photography is the "heart". Only the knowledge of photography science can make people act. "

Many wildlife photographers, such as Jilatini, Marina Cano, Marcel Van Austen or Thomas D Mann Gehlsen, usually create images that reveal the "human" characteristics of animals: family ties, frolicking, humorous or tender moments. Gorillas account for 98.4% of our genetic makeup, more like photographing "someone" than "something"? How does Nelis Wolmarans Lance describe his work with great apes?

Although some people are against humanizing animals, others think it is an effective way for people to take care of them. Steve Winter, a National Geographic photographer, said: "One of the things that scientists fear most is saying' Don't anthropomorphize animals'." ? "Then I said,' Do it.' ? The closer we get to animals, the more we know that they have personalities and feelings. "

Throughout history and culture, lions have been portrayed as noble warriors, kings and even gods. Aslan the lion in CS Lewis's works is essentially Jesus in the form of a big cat: holy, pure, immortal and invincible. Lions are the gatekeepers of palaces and cities. The Babylonian goddess rode a chariot and was pulled by a lion. Today, lions are symbols of cars and nfl jerseys.

Perhaps because they are enduring symbols of strength and courage, many people think that lions do a good job. But in the past 25 years, we have lost half of the lions in Africa, and this decline is mainly caused by the loss of habitat, the conflict between humans and wildlife, and the jungle meat trade. One of my photos, Lion Brothers, shows the moment when two adult lions fall in love. Lions are powerful hunters and top predators, but I also like taking pictures to show family time for interaction, grooming and cleaning, feeding or relaxing. Lions should not only be regarded as a symbol.

Photography can show people the danger. We are in danger of failure. I want people to look at animals in the most glorious way? Clement Girag said. "I hope that by showing people the beauty of the natural world, I may change people's views and start convincing some people,' Do you know? These creatures are worth protecting. These are creatures that we share with the earth, and they should be here like us. "

But people also need to understand the harsh reality, and photos can help convey urgent information. "? Jamie Joseph, the founder of Save the World, said: "Now the world is changing rapidly, and we need powerful photography to stop us from moving forward. " ? He is committed to eliminating groups that poach rhinos. "I am a writer and wildlife activist. If I really want to be heard online, then I will give you a perceptual impression ... visual narration is the difference between hearing and forgetting. "

A dim picture

According to the data of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), in the next few decades, more than/kloc-0.0 million species of animals, insects and plants are in danger of extinction. The urgency of wildlife crisis has promoted dark photography like Brand, and reported on Breta Jasinsky, co-founder of wildlife crime photographer. His disturbing black-and-white images show "decorations" on elephants' feet, performances by tigers and orangutans, and the work of nature photographer Paul Hilton on pressing issues, from shark fin trade to palm oil destruction.

The photos taken by Stirton on the front line include the dead rhinoceros slaughtered in South Africa, the winner of the 20 17 wildlife photographer competition, and the gorilla killed by paramilitary groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Stilton explained: "I am greatly influenced by james nachtwey. I think he is the godfather of news photography." ? "He managed to shoot a horrible scene and shot it in a subtle way. I have been looking for an image that has both aesthetic qualities and can impress you. "

Stiehl's "Pangolin in Crisis" series focuses on little-known animals. He said: "Smaller species are disappearing at an incredible rate because we don't pay special attention to them because many people have never actually heard of them."

This situation began to change with the efforts of conservation photographers to expand the species regarded as "worthy of attention". People usually use camera traps, remote control cameras and other technologies, unfamiliar species or open "secret life" pictures to capture more things. "As human beings, we usually prefer feathers and fur," said Christian Ziegler, a photographer with a tropical ecological background. I also like to write stories about plants and invertebrates. I'm more interested in less well-known species, rare species on the verge of extinction. I want to emphasize the life and habits of these species, how they interact with the environment, and how they reproduce ... We are driving our companions away from the brink of extinction. That's why I take pictures: to create stories full of hope. "

Many neglected, little known or unheard of species are fascinating. I also like shooting little-known animals like lions and gorillas, from frogs and lizards to roller skating and hummingbirds. Taking pictures of animals that are not often hung on calendars or posters can remind us that every species is valuable, from iconic ambassadors to "unsung heroes".