The Power of Environmental Photography环境摄影的影响力

作者: 亚力山大斯·卡列夫斯/文 魏雨萱/译

The magnificence of nature has always wowed humans. Just imagine the picturesque landscapes of dense forests or the subtle beauty of a single droplet on a leaf. I think we can all agree that nature offers an array of visuals that no other subject can.

自然之美总是令人惊叹。想象一下茂密森林中如诗如画的风景,或是树叶上一滴露珠的精妙之美,我想我们都会认同,大自然所提供的无数视觉效果是其他任何题材都无法比拟的。

But beyond aesthetics, environmental photography has a role in shaping our perceptions about the environment and the issues it faces. Through photography, many have come to understand, appreciate, and act upon the dire challenges our world encounters today.

除了给予我们美的享受,环境摄影也在影响着我们对环境以及环境问题的看法。许多人正是通过摄影逐渐理解和领会了当今世界所面临的严峻挑战,并开始采取行动。

But it is no easy feat: environmental photographers also have to dabble in1 portrait, landscape, and wildlife photography, so exploring different photography niches is crucial. They have to really master their craft to catch the moment authentically and, subsequently, spark dialogue!

但这绝非易事:环境摄影师还须涉足人像、风景和野生动物摄影,因此对他们来说探索不同的摄影领域是至关重要的。他们必须真正熟练掌握捕捉真实瞬间的技艺,之后,还得引发讨论!

The importance of environmental photography

环境摄影的重要性

Preserving the authenticity of your photos in an AI-ridden world is more important than ever—and that’s where environmental photography comes in, showcasing the realities of this rock we inhabit.

在被人工智能充斥的世界里,保持照片的真实性比以往任何时候都重要——这便是环境摄影的意义所在:它展现了我们所栖居的星球的真实面貌。

The past century has witnessed rapid environmental degradation, from disappearing forests to melting ice caps. Pictures from NASA Earth Observatory have shown us real-time changes in our environment, demonstrating the impact of global warming on polar ice, for instance. These images challenge our conscience, igniting debates and discussions.

从森林消失到冰盖消融,上个世纪环境急剧恶化。美国航空航天局地球观测站的图像向我们展示了环境的实时变化,例如全球变暖对极地冰层的影响。这些图像直击我们的良知,引发了争论和讨论。

Environmental photographers have the challenging task of capturing these nuances in a frame, telling a story that words often cannot convey. Through their lens, they provide a visual testament to the changes our environment undergoes, driving home the urgency of the matter.

在画面里捕捉细微差异,讲述文字往往无法表达的故事,这是环境摄影师须承担的艰巨任务。通过镜头,他们为环境变化提供了直观的见证,将问题的紧迫性展露无遗。

A single photo can change the world by sparking movements2 or even shaping policies.

仅仅一张照片就能引发各种社会运动甚至影响政府政策,从而改变世界。

How do photographers use environmental photography?

摄影师如何利用环境摄影?

Environmental photography not only captures nature in its raw form but also showcases the interplay between human civilization and the natural world.

环境摄影不仅能够捕捉自然的原始状态,还能展现人类文明和自然世界之间的相互作用。

For example, it can highlight the contrast—the untouched beauty of landscapes against the glaring scars of deforestation, a pristine3 river against the backdrop of an industrial setup, or the sad eyes of an animal trapped in a zoo against its brethren4 running freely in the wild.

比如,环境摄影可以突出对比——未经雕琢的自然美景与滥伐森林的满目疮痍,前景的洁净河流与背景的工业设施,或是圈养之兽悲伤的双眼与旷野之兽自由奔跑的身影。

For photographers, teaming up with environmental protection programs can also be a chance to play a part in critical environmental research. For example:

对摄影师来说,与环境保护项目合作也是在重要的环境研究中发挥作用的好机会。比如:

——Documenting5 the migratory patterns of monarch butterflies using successive photos

——用连续的图像记录帝王蝶的迁徙模式。

——Witnessing the recovery of a coral reef after a bleaching event through periodic imaging.

——通过定期成像,见证珊瑚礁白化后的恢复情况。

Environmental photography as a means to showcase natural beauty

环境摄影:展现自然之美

Through their iconic images, some photographers have showcased the breathtaking beauty of our planet while also underscoring the importance of preserving these scenes for future generations.

一些摄影师通过他们拍摄的标志性图片展现出地球摄人心魄的美,同时也强调了为子孙后代保护这些美景的重要性。

These images compel viewers to appreciate and hopefully protect the world around them. Examples:

这些图片促使观众珍惜并很有可能采取行动去保护他们身处的世界。例如:

Frans Lanting

弗兰斯·兰亭

Eye to Eye: This collection of intimate wildlife portraits is a reflection of Lanting’s deep respect and connection with animals. The images are taken in such a way that they appear as if the animals are looking directly at the viewer.

《四目相对》: 这组近距离拍摄的野生动物肖像,反映了兰亭对拍摄对象的莫大尊重及与动物的亲密关系。照片拍摄的方式让观众觉得动物们仿佛正直视着自己。

Paul Nicklen

保罗·尼克伦

Born to Ice: This coffee-table collection presents visual tales from the polar regions, highlighting both the beauty and the plight of animals in these regions due to climate change.

《生于冰上》:这套精装画册是极地故事的视觉呈现,既展现了极地风景之美,又凸显了极地动物因气候变化而陷入的困境。

Iconic environmental photographs that changed the world

改变世界的标志性环境摄影

Environmental photography has been at the forefront of advocacy for nature and environmental conservation. Photographs like these do more than capture a moment; they encapsulate6 stories and ask for urgent calls for action.

环境摄影一直是倡导自然和环境保护的前沿力量。这类摄影图片不仅仅是捕捉瞬间,还述说了瞬间背后的故事,呼吁人们采取紧急行动。

Here are a few iconic images that have stirred global consciousness:

以下是一些激发全球环保意识的标志性作品:

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