Conservation and Wildlife Photography: Is there a Difference?
Updated: Aug 19
I was taking a moment for myself away from working and began to scroll through Instagram. A beautiful sharp portrait of a bird stopped me from scrolling. It was well-composed, the bird perfectly positioned within the negative space and framed by surrounding leaves. The description below the image described it as conservation, yet, when I looked back at the image I found myself questioning whether it could be considered a conservation image. There was nothing convincing me of this other than it was a beautiful image.
The complexity of these ideas didn't fully reveal themselves until my passion for conservation photography deepened and fully consumed my consciousness. I never once considered images in the way that I do now and I find myself not only admiring the image but what the photographer, or any other artist is saying. Perhaps then, this photographer's intention was only to present a pleasing composition and a striking image of a bird, which in itself is enough.
Something was missing, there seemed to be a disconnect between the image and the message. This thought ignited a curiosity within me regarding wildlife and conservation photography, and to what extent do current social media algorithms dictate how images are to look. Conservation photography is a genre that I have naturally transitioned towards from my interest in wildlife photography. My journey so far has adapted the way I photograph wildlife and the broader aspects of conservation. By this I mean that I take time to tell the story, what to include in the image and what to leave out. I also consider what is the best way to foreground the central point. There is more to consider when shooting images for conservation projects.
Many of the wildlife images I notice on social media lean towards the hero perspective, having the animal large in the frame with the background blurred out. Hero images often have a significant impact because they generate immediate emotion, especially compared with images where wildlife is embedded within its environment. Nevertheless, a definition of conservation photography by the International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP) can provide more insight.
What is Conservation Photography?
Conservation photography is defined less by the style of photography and more by how you use it. In short, conservation photography uses compelling images to tell a story, spark empathy, and drive action to protect our planet.
(ILCP, 2025)
The obvious key point here is the use of the image to generate emotion rather than how it looks. These key points in some way mirror the social media algorithms but perhaps the intention here may differ. The former promotes likes and interactions which is becoming problematic for some photographers posting their images on this platform, whereas the latter is to raise awareness. The algorithmic process seems to be contentious and for some, it can distort their creative process and for conservation images, the algorithm can become an ally. Simply generating interest and generating a connection for the viewer can ignite a conscious connection with wildlife and an educational process. For some people, this curiosity may translate into becoming more observant on their walks, hoping to glimpse similar wildlife.
This is the story: the intention, the mood, and the flow of the image. Ultimately, it is how the photographer wants the eye to move around the image and pique curiosity. In my experience, education is embedded in our everyday interactions with the world and these images are no exception. Whether or not we are conscious of this, there is always something to learn and expand our awareness and knowledge. It is this story that drives conservation photography and it is a doorway into another world that one may not have realised existed.
Conservation photography can also become a gateway into deeper learning and ignite that curiosity-driven desire to understand. Therefore, my approach similarly aligns with ILCP's (2025) notion of conservation photography. Returning again to the image I came across on Instagram, although interpretation is subjective, my perception of this image remains the same: it lacks intention and story.
Although I have often mentioned the idea of the story in images and attempted to clarify it in some way, I want to return to this because of its importance and because the story concept remains abstract. The story I am referring to can be the intention you want to convey. Essentially, the story encompasses that intention, generating an emotional response, and to generate curiosity and for the viewer to interact with the image by compiling the story further and generate understanding.
To explore this further I have included two images that I have taken below. Both of these images are hero images:
1: Exmoor Pony Grazing 2: Hebridean Sheep being sheared
Image 1 looks to be a peaceful and perhaps an eye-catching grazing image, but image 2 on the other hand has more of a story, this image sits within a body of images that showcases the process of shearing and the broader rewilding efforts. However, I could re-frame image 1 showcasing grazing habits by cultivating a story around the process of conservation grazing among Exmoor Ponies. This centralises the subjectivity within images, and more importantly, demonstrates the responsibility of the photographer to clearly portray the story for the client and the audience. With most forms of art, interpretation ultimately belongs to the viewer, but it can be guided through thoughtful commentary. Even here, the photographer bears the responsibility surrounding the intentional direction of the narrative and ensuring the authenticity and clarity of the impact.
The way in which my conservation photography differs from wildlife is central in the creativity that is involved, and this is something that has not yet been addressed. The setting must be natural and organic but it is how the scene is interpreted. To draw out the main focus within the image composition is an important factor. This encompasses the decision of whether an image is more impactful through the hero image format, or whether a wider perspective is necessary. This is an important consideration to maximise impact and continually question whether the environment is necessary or whether this can cause a distraction to the story. The main conservation concerns can further direct how the story should be portrayed, these include environment impact, the destruction of rainforests, and the illegal hunting of animals. However more importantly, I ensure my safety in the field and that of the wildlife of which I am focusing on through action and reflection. By this, I mean the constant review of my actions - ensuring I am not too close, not disrupting natural behaviour and not damaging habitats. Therefore, upholding ethical standards and actively reflecting on whether I am engaging ethically and non-destructively.
Conclusion
It has been established that a conservation image is not merited on the format of the image, but the intent and story generating an emotional response. This is achieved by the creativity and inspiration of the photographer. If I return to the Instagram image for the final time, it was not the fact that it was a hero image and it had the potential of being a conservation image had it contained a clear story and message. However, I was left wondering what the message this image contained. Interestingly, Instagram has been criticised for the limitations of its algorithms by reducing audience impact. However, it can also be used positively through relaying conservation messages to a broad audience, and consequently grow awareness.
If you have ever wondered what the difference between wildlife and conservation images are, or have ever been inspired by any form of wildlife images? post a comment below.
References
Bergman JN, Buxton RT, Lin H-Y, Lenda M, Attinello K, et al. 2022. Evaluating the benefits and risks of social media for wildlife conservation. FACETS 7:360–97
Briot, A. (2010). Mastering photographic composition, creativity, and personal style. " O'Reilly Media, Inc.". https://www.beautiful-landscape.com/New%20Site.data/book%202/Briot-Mastering%20Composition-Sampler.pdf
International League of Conservation Photographers. (2025). What is Conservation Photography?. International League of Conservation Photographers. https://www.ilcp.com/conservation-photography
Shaw, M. N., Tirlea, L., Borrie, W. T., McLeod, E. M., & Miller, K. K. (2026). The influence of wildlife images on conservation intentions: Investigating the mediating role of emotion. People and Nature, 8, 1880–1900. https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.70328
Seppänen, J., & Väliverronen, E. (2003). Visualizing biodiversity: The role of photographs in environmental discourse. Science as Culture, 12(1), 59-85.
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