Saving Animals Through Photography

Joel Sartore has recently become one of my top favorite photographers.  We share a common passion -- save the animals.

Sartore has been using an interesting technique to give his photographs more power.  This technique consists of placing these captive animals against black or white backgrounds.  And what an impact that technique has had.

By placing his subjects against a solid white or black background, he can capture the personality of each animal outside of its habitat.  He wants people to be able to relate to these animals and see them for who they are.  And like me, he wants people to want to save these animals.  Also, by using animals in captivity, he can showcase the stark reality that many of these animals face possible extinction within the next 100 years.

People have destroyed this earth and caused an unthinkable number of species to go extinct, but we are also the only ones who can save and replenish what remains.  I have such extreme respect for photographers like Sartore who want to help save these animals.  Sartore has discovered a great way to photograph these animals so that people feel differently about what they're seeing and are urged to help prevent these animals' extinction.

Using blank backgrounds forces the audience to look the subject in the eye and connect with it.  A stark white or black background helps colors pop and personalities shine through.  When there isn't a background to distract the audience, all of their attention can be focused on to just that one subject.  It's a brilliant technique for animal photography, especially when it's being used to help save lives.

Link: http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/ng-live/151208-sartore-photo-ark-lecture-nglive