Remembering Our Commitment

By Erik Stensland

As winter fades and the mountains come alive again, photographers across the country are reaching for their gear, eager to capture the renewal of the natural world. Trails are reopening, meadows are greening, wildflowers are emerging, and wildlife is stirring. But as we return to the outdoors, it’s vital to pause and reflect on our responsibility to the places we photograph.

Nature photography has grown enormously in popularity—and with that comes increased pressure on fragile ecosystems. A single careless step can crush a nesting bird’s eggs, startle a newborn elk calf, or destroy delicate wildflowers. That’s why the Nature First Principles are more important than ever. They offer a practical, respectful framework for photographers to minimize their impact while still telling the stories of the land. Before your next outing, take a moment to recommit to these principles—and help ensure the places we love remain wild and thriving for generations to come.

Nesting Birds: A Season of Vulnerability

Spring is nesting season for birds—a time when they are particularly sensitive to disturbance. Many species, especially in mountain environments like here in Colorado, nest directly on the ground, under shrubs, beside rocks, or tucked into tree roots and outcroppings. These nests are often nearly invisible, making them especially vulnerable to being accidentally trampled or disturbed.

Before heading out to photograph, take time to learn about the nesting habits of birds in your area. Knowing where sensitive nesting zones might be can help you choose routes that minimize disruption. And if you’re unsure, ask a local park ranger, land manager, or naturalist—they’re usually more than happy to help you tread lightly.

Mammals and New Life in the Mountains

Spring also marks the beginning of new life for many mammals. In the Colorado high country, elk, deer, marmots, coyotes, foxes, and even black bears are giving birth or caring for newborns during May and June. It’s a special time for wildlife—and for photographers hoping to witness these moments—but it’s also a time to exercise caution and care.

Getting too close, using drones, or startling animals with noise or sudden movements can cause parents to flee or abandon their young. It can cause them to make their presence known to predators or cause them to flee their dens or feeding areas. Observing from afar and using long lenses can help you capture intimate moments without causing harm.

Flowers in Bloom: Beauty with a Purpose

Wildflower season is one of the visual highlights of the year, but it’s also an essential phase in the life cycle of plants. A blooming flower isn’t just beautiful—it’s actively reproducing. Damaging a flower can prevent it from producing seeds for the future. And the impact doesn’t stop there: wildflowers support entire communities of pollinators including bees, butterflies, birds, and bats.

Photographing wildflowers requires the same care and mindfulness as photographing wildlife. Stay on established trails or hard surfaces, avoid stepping into sensitive meadows, and take your time to find creative compositions without causing harm. Our images can inspire awe and wonder—but they should never come at the cost of the subject itself.

Photography as a Stewardship Tool

As nature photographers, we’re uniquely positioned to witness the rhythms of the natural world and to share them with others. Through our work, we have the power to inform, inspire, and foster a deeper connection between people and place. With that power comes a responsibility—to tread lightly, to lead by example, and to protect the wild subjects that give our work its meaning.

In a world where so many are disconnected from nature, our images—and our ethic—can be a bridge. Let’s make our photography not only an act of creation, but an act of conservation.