Disappointed - more on honesty in nature photography

[NicolaB]

I've just got back from the opening of a local photography exhibition in Swansea with very mixed feelings indeed

I went along because one of my Red Kite shots had been shortlisted and was on display (yay!), there was some amazing photography on display as well, but I was disappointed to notice that the highly commended and best wildlife awards had gone to some admittedly nice shots of cougar and snow leopard, but both had pretty obviously been taken at a game farm in Montana, which I'd heard about from other photographers.

At these game farms you basically rent a couple of captive animals for the day and can choose from a range of anything from big cats to bears. As long as you've got the money, the animals will perform, jump between rocks, climb trees etc. It's pretty obvious with these captive animals because they're invariably quite fat, and look almost like they've had a shampoo and blow dry beforehand! The shots of both species were in pretty much the same environment which was also quite suspicious, plus getting even a half decent shot of these animals in the wild is one hell of a challenge!

I dunno...it's one thing passing it off as a nice photo, but winning a "best wildlife" category kind of seems a bit dishonest to say the least, especially when other photographers are going out of their way to capture these animals where they are supposed to be, in the wild. There were other amazing shots which were obviously of wild birds and animals, and I expect like me the other photographers feel a little cheated

Here was my shortlisted shot anyway of a very wild Welsh Red Kite last January!

[Ollie]

I can understand your feelings Nicola, but although your photo didn't win you have at least the satisfaction of knowing that your photo is the real thing if you see what I mean.

Anyway although I haven't seen the other photographs that yours was up against I still think your photo is a brilliant natural shot of a bird in the wild.

[momji1971]

On your side Nicola! (great shot by the way! )

Just wish comps would employ at least one wildlife photog on the judging panels.At least they would have more of an insight as to what goes on.

Maybe you should have coughed loudlly (GAME FARM!) Or maybe they'll start allowing images of stuffed animals we've placed in a suitable background! or photoshopped one in! (oops! on my soap box again!)

Well done anyways.

regards.
Stu.

[NicolaB]

Thanks guys, I think I just needed a rant!

I feel better now I've let off steam

[glsammy]

You'd think competition judges would have learnt from the fiasco with the "wild" wolf shot which won wildlife photographer of the year, only for it to be proven to be a fake later.
Your shot is excellent, well done.

[pitre]

Could'nt agree with you more Nicola Your shot was fantastic

[nigel_b]

Your photo is fantastic Nicola and I know how difficult those shots are to get and also how rewarding they are.

I think any photograph of a captive animal should either be entitled or clearly commented somewhere "Captive".

I believe the honesty of the image is paramount.

What's more important than some competition results though, is what the image means to you. My walls here are filled with images of Sally's, mine or my sons. Not technically brilliant competition winners maybe, but reminders of times and places we've enjoyed.

[eenymac]

That is a superb Kite photo, very nicely done indeed!

I am in full agreement with the sentiments here about photographing captive animals, rather than the wild ones, especially for competition purposes.
Half the fun - and frustration - comes from all the work identifying the best area / surroundings and the time spent to trudge there carrying all the equipment and time spent just waiting for the right moment to come along.

Photographing exotic animals in controlled environments and submitting as "wildlife" images just doesn't cut it as far as I am concerned. What next, zoo shots?

[BillyPilgrim]

Totally agree Nicola.

If it isn't wild then it shouldn't be in a wildlife competition - simple as. I can't understand what people get out of taking these shots either? It must be about as exciting as buying a printed poster of the animal.

Brilliant shot by the way!

[Ukwildlifeo]

Great Red Kite photo.

The problem with no captive animals is where is the line drawn? A gorilla in London zoo is clearly captive but as Dave (pressld) has brought up many times where do the deer in Richmond Park get classified? They are trapped in the park but live in a wild type state, even if they are quite tame. And what about the deer at the feeding station in New forest or even the Red Kites at Grigin. Now clearly they aren't on the same level as a fat captive big cat in an special photography enclosure but one could argue that they aren't 100% wild as they are habituated and fed by humans.

Personally I cant find a consensus on whether a pond invertebrate I have just caught placed in a tank in order to photograph it is classified as wild or not in competitions.

So I think captive animals should be ok in competitions so long as:
A) its situation is declared as in it is captive or in one of the hard to define situations
B) the above is considered in judging