Conservation Photography

Starting fall 2013, the Visual and Communication Arts Department at Eastern Mennonite University will be offering a course in Conservation Photography.

Conservation Photography explores the intersection of photography and environmental preservation. Topics include aesthetic responses to the natural world, visual documentation of ecosystems, conservation advocacy and the relationship between human communities and the natural world. Partnering with local environmental organizations and EMU environmental science classes, students will explore regional environmental issues through photo essays.

Eastern Mennonite University is located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Allegheny Mountains, this region hosts a wealth of flora and fauna. The amphibian population is particularly diverse with several salamander species (such as the Cow Knob Salamander and the Shenandoah Salamander) found only in this area.

Techniques

Underwater Photography: Using a Digital SLR in an underwater housing, students will have the opportunity to explore the aquatic life of the Shenandoah River watershed.

Common Shiner, Shenandoah River, North Fork

Macro Photography: Using 1:1 macro lenses and flashes, students will explore the richly textured world of insects and amphibians.

Cow Knob Salamander, Reddish Knob on Shenandoah Mountain

Telephoto Photography: Using a 100-400mm lens (640mm on cropped frame camera) lens, students will have the opportunity to document birds and mammals that are difficult to approach.

Cooper’s Hawk, Shenandoah River, North Fork
(stevendavidjohnson.com)

Other Topics of discussion:

Camera Traps: An automated camera trap allows for extended field research using HD video or still images. A special infrared night mode creates opportunities to observe nocturnal species.

GPS: Global Positioning Devices and mapping software allow for customized mapping of sensitive environments.