Nature First Elopements and Engagements

Scrolling through my website, you may have noticed the Nature First Proud Member badge in the footer. If you haven’t, feel free to scroll down and check it out… but be sure to come right back cause we’re talking about it today! Becoming a Nature First photographer was not a decision I came to lightly. It’s a huge responsibility for all of us to be putting nature before our photos! Especially because it can mean seeing other people do things that put nature at risk, and choosing not to do those same things, no matter how epic the shot. 

The Seven Basic Nature First Principles

#1 Prioritize the well being of nature over photography

We must be sure to stick to already established paths, preferably the main ones and not disturb the natural wildlife in an area. This may mean watching people break off branches from trees, or treading over areas without paths for the “perfect shot”. But it isn’t so perfect when you’re destroying the natural habitat of plants and animals now is it? 

#2 Educate yourself about the places you photograph

While some actions are ok in specific areas (ex. Exploring paths that have been created over the years in a well maintained park) those same actions in other areas (an un-maintained forest location) can do major damage to small ecosystems. It’s important to study and learn the area where we’ll be having your session, and I’ve made this a priority for my business. 

#3 Reflect on the possible impact of your actions

This goes back to the issue I mentioned above: photographer see, photographer do. While this isn’t usually such a big deal, if photographers and clients go tromping through a field to get the “perfect shot” and others see it, they want to do it too. (It’s the train track photos all over again). When people repeatedly take this same route, eventually their actions will destroy that area of the field. If a special ecosystem lives there (like a slow growing moss) and the area becomes damaged, the ecosystem in turn becomes damaged. There isn’t an epic shot worth destroying nature. We can always find another way to get the epic photos. 

#4 Use discretion if sharing locations

You’ve likely noticed that all the locations on my blog are maintained state parks. One of those reasons is the areas are already protected. When we share locations, they become a magnet for other people and photographers, creating a significant increase in visitation. If we head to a secret location, there’s more reason to protect it! 

#5 Know and follow rules and regulations

Ok. Soap box here. If there’s a fence: DON’T HOP IT. One of my biggest pet peeves is hearing from clients they want to hop the fence at Snoqualmie Falls and take photos on the rocks below. That’s a BIG NO NO. Areas that are cordoned off like that, are done so for good reason. Don’t break the rules just because you’re physically able. No only is it dangerous, but it goes back to others thinking they can do it too and destruction of sacred natural areas. Put nature first and follow the rules. 

#6 Always follow the Leave No Trace principles and strive to leave places better than you found them 

I love making it look like I was never there. From Girl Scouts to camping, it’s always been a leave no trace priority when you head into nature. Sticking to the 7 LNT principles is important to keeping nature first principles intact. 

• Plan Ahead & Prepare
• Travel & Camp on durable surfaces
• Dispose of waste properly
• Leave what you find
• Minimize Campfire Impacts
• Respect wildlife
• Be considerate of other visitors

#7 Actively promote and educate others about these principles 

And this is why I wrote this. Wink wink. 

No matter what, we can find a beautiful place to celebrate your engagement or elopement while still putting nature first. Let’s plan your incredible, nature loving, celebration over coffee.