Defying Ocean's End - Conservation Photography
Pen and camera are weapons against oblivion, they can raise awareness for that which
may soon be lost forever." George Schaller
I don’t ever enjoy photographing gory scenes of conservation carnage and environmental destruction and I much prefer documenting pristine habitats and naïve animals still trusting of us humans. However the reality is that the destructive ways of our species have become integral parts in the ecology of most animals. As a photographer severely concerned with the future wellfare of our planets natural world I see it as my duty to spend as much times as I can documenting the often darker side of our relationship with nature.
In tandem my images of natural beauty and the disturbing ones form important cornerstones in conservation campaigns that tackle issues as diverse as the the reduction of bycatch in various fisheries, the sustainable use of seafood and educating the public in the great value of marine reserves. Beautiful images inspire and sad images shock and together I hope that they move people at to to take stock of their surroundings and become active role players in the solutions to our many environmental problems. Since 1999 I have effectively used my photographs in campaigns to combat the illegal poaching of abalone by organized crime syndicates, raise awareness of the importance of marine reserves, highlight the effects of the use of wildlife in traditional african medicines and lobby public opinion to rely only on non-lethal measures to mitiagte the interaction between great white sharks and ocean users.