As I search for more meaningful ways to apply my photography talents, I feel drawn to the field of conservation photography. Rather than just take beautiful pictures of landscapes and wildlife, conservation photography is a more intentional application. It transcends the mere artistry of photography to become a force for environmental advocacy and cultural preservation. This greatly appeals to my desire to not only capture the beauty of the natural world, but to do something to celebrate and protect it. Going even deeper, I find the idea of applying conservation photography to the preservation of indigenous cultures and their deep wisdom of nature an important, possibly even necessary part of where conservation photography should be focused.
In what ways can conservation photography be helpful in the preservation of our indigenous brothers and sisters and the immense natural wisdom that they can impart to us? Why is it even important?
Australia's Kata Tjuta. The Anangu people consider this a very important site and the cultural stories associated with it are not shared with visitors.
Shamanism and the Indigenous Wisdom Keepers
In the early 2000’s, I spent four years studying and practicing shamanism, a western name for the spiritual and healing practices of indigenous cultures all over the world. It’s really more than a spiritual practice or healing modality, rather, its a way of life that embraces the wisdom of nature and honors it’s teachings while striving to always live in harmony with the earth and all of its diverse forms of life. Even the rocks, wind and waters have a spirit and have lessons to teach us if we take the time to listen.
As I struggled with many personal challenges, such as anger issues, childhood abandonment wounds, and depression to name a few, I found the practice of shamanism not only incredibly comforting, but extremely practical in promoting my own mental, emotional, and spiritual growth.
Throughout my life’s journey, I’ve also practiced and studied ecopsychology, integrative psychology, meditation, along with many other modalities of mental and emotional healing and balancing. It has become apparent to me, that as science and psychology learns more about the importance of our connection to nature and each other in our overall wellbeing, their practices start to look more and more like shamanism which has been practiced for thousands of years.
For example, the shamanism practice of soul retrieval is very similar to the integrative psychology concept of identifying a wounded inner child and learning how to heal and reintegrate this wounded part into your conscious whole. The ecospsychology concept that denying our inherent interconnectedness with nature is the root cause of so many maladies individually and societally, goes almost without saying in shamanism as it’s understood that we are inseparable from nature itself.
This rock is called Uluru by the Anangu people and is inseparable from their traditional law called Tjukurpa. Tjukurpa stories are passed down through songs, ceremonies, dances, and art.
There are other similarities, but the point is that shamanism and more broadly, the ancient wisdom that indigenous cultures all over the world have accumulated are becoming validated in modern science. As further evidence, pharmaceutical companies are investigating the healing properties of many plants that have been known by indigenous people for hundreds or thousands of years despite not having all the sophisticated instruments of modern science.
With current environmental issues and mental health challenges along with the disolusionment many of us have with big business and government, now more than ever we need nature-connected worldviews and healing modallities to restore our balance with nature as well as healing us individually. Only then can we be fully present to the divine wisdom inside of us all that is at its source, a part of nature herself.
Indigenous people, such as the multitude of Native American tribes, or the Quechua People of the Peruvian Andes, are often referred to as the earth’s wisdom keepers for good reason. The elders retain thousands of years of acquired wisdom in the form of stories, rituals and traditions that western science and psychology are only now beginning to understand.
What is the role that conservation photography can play in telling the stories of these cultures and preserving their timeless wisdom for the future benefit of all mankind?
First of all, for those not familiar with it, what exactly is conservation photography?
Antelope Canyon, Page, AZ is located on land belonging to the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation and since 1997, has only been accessible by permit.
Defining Conservation Photography
Conservation photography is a specialized genre within photography that focuses on capturing images with the primary purpose of promoting environmental conservation, raising awareness about biodiversity, and advocating for the protection of natural ecosystems. Conservation photographers use their visual storytelling skills to document and communicate environmental issues, habitat degradation, endangered species, and the interconnected relationship between humans and the natural world. The aim is to inspire positive change, influence public perception, and contribute to the preservation of biodiversity and sustainable practices.
Focused on capturing the beauty of nature and the interconnectedness of all life, conservation photographers often turn their lenses toward the preservation of indigenous cultures, recognizing their integral role in biodiversity conservation. In this context, conservation photography strives to document and celebrate their unique traditions, lifestyles, and relationships with the environment.
In what ways can conservation photography promote the celebration, understanding and preservation of indigenous cultures and their deep wisdom?
The Navajo Tribe considers Antelope Canyon to be spiritual and sacred to the Navajo culture and way of life — they even stop and frame their minds in the correct, respectful manner before entering.
Cultural Documentation and Recognition
Conservation photographers document the daily lives, rituals, and traditions of indigenous communities, providing a visual narrative that highlights the richness and diversity of these cultures. By showcasing these images, there's an opportunity to foster recognition and appreciation for indigenous cultures, both locally and globally.
Of course no amount of photographs or video can fully document all the nuanced meaning and richness of these traditions. We are by no means trying to preserve them on screen or print, but rather to bring the beauty and diversity of these cultures to the greater public's awareness so we never have to rely on photographs alone to experience it.
The goal is to help these cultures remain and thrive as well as spread their wisdom throughout the world; to foster greater harmony with nature in how we live and how we choose governmental policy and business practices.
Port Campbell NP, Australia. The traditional owners of this land, the Eastern Maar are a group of Aboriginal Australian peoples whose name means "the people" and includes multiple aboriginal groups.
Raising Awareness and Advocacy
Conservation photography serves as a powerful advocacy tool. Visuals such as photographs and videos can significantly enhance public awareness and understanding of cultural heritage issues such as the protection of sacred land from business development, the return of culturally importan relics from museums, or appropriate representation in governing agencies responsible for setting policies.
Fighting Stereotypes and Misconceptions
Cultural stereotypes and misconceptions can contribute to the marginalization of indigenous cultures. Conservation photography has the potential to challenge and dispel these stereotypes by presenting authentic and diverse portrayals of indigenous communities.
Photographs that showcase the vibrancy and complexity of indigenous cultures contribute to a more nuanced and accurate understanding.
Empowering Indigenous Voices
Conservation photographers often collaborate with indigenous communities, empowering them to tell their own stories through photography. This participatory approach, ensures that the narratives are genuine and reflective of indigenous perspectives.
And while it’s important to support and promote the work of indigenous photographers themselves, I believe it’s just as important to invite outsiders to photograph and describe their traditions. With the right amount of respect and curiosity, nuances may be described and analogies may be made by the outsider that can increase trust, communication and collaboration between the members of the indigenous community and outside entities such as businesses and governments that may have opposing viewpoints on issues affecting the communities.
That said, it is also very important to guard against any form of exploitation of native communities. Whenever engaging with a indigenous advocacy group, I believe it’s important to engage only with grass-roots organizations started and governed by members of the community themselves, so that there is never a mediator between the outside photographer and the indigenous people whose story is being told.
Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell NP, Australia. In March 2023, the Eastern Maar people were formally recognized as the traditional owners of this land.
Conclusion
In summary, conservation photography has the opportunity to play a vital role in preserving indigenous cultures, celebrating their diversity and highlighting their common wisdom by documenting, advocating, and challenging misconceptions. Image-driven storytelling can be the bridge that shows to the world that our ancient wisdom keepers not only deserve our protection and respect, but that their knowledge is vitally important for us to understand and to help bring about a greater level of harmony with each other, mother earth, and the divine love within our own hearts.
Kyle H Post is a professional wildlife photographer, conservation photographer and biographical storyteller, using world class imagery to inspire others to care for our environment and each other, through heart-based action. Shamanism is also very close to his heart, having participated in an amalgam of Native North and South American shamanistic practices a such as the Munay-Ki Rites and the Pachakuti Mesa tradition, a combination of Peruvian shamanic coastal traditions and southeastern Andean Paqokuna practices.