Images hold a powerful sway over people. Whether painting or photography, pictures tend to elicit emotional responses. A picture of an old friend may take you back to a memory of carefree days. In other instances, an image can remind us of the devastation wrought by war, famine, or natural disaster. It is along these lines that the International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP) work was founded. The ILCP has a specific mission aimed at furthering “environmental and cultural conservation through ethical photography. We believe that awe-inspiring photography is a powerful force for the environment, especially when paired with the collaboration of committed scientists, politicians, religious leaders and policy makers. We plan to replace environmental indifference with a new culture of stewardship and passion for our beautiful plan.”
There are 102 photographers as part of the collaborative. To find a photographer, search their online directory. ICLP maintains a high ethical code, which derives from their mission and objectives:
• To use the power of photography to help educate the world community and to further conservation goals.
• To create compelling and informed images and to develop visually based campaigns to promote conservation issues.
• To facilitate the connection of photography with environmental, scientific, cultural media, governmental, religious and educational resources.
• To be a virtual clearinghouse of information for members.
• To develop a code of conduct for photographers.
• To promote business practices that demand truth in and high ethical standards in captioning and manipulation.
• To encourage conservation education
• To encourage an ethnically and geographically diverse membership.
• To attract fellowships and grants to support photographers with innovative ideas to promote conservation.
Currently, ILCP has four projects types: Rapid Assessment Visual Expedition (RAVE), Tripods in the Mud, Tripods in the Sky, and Alliances. RAVE represents locations that are not traditionally covered by reporters, but yield critical insight into the health of the planet. Tripods in the Mud connects conservation programs with photographers that can provide visually stimulating images of the efforts being made by these groups. Perhaps the most significant project is the Tripods in the Sky. This effort aims to create a “high-impact record of our planet’s most serious threats” through aerial photography. Lastly, “Alliances” moves beyond the static image and into partnerships and collaborations that “address the communications challenges of the conservation community at large” through social networking opportunities.
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