Whither nature?

The Nature Division has always had a strict definition of what nature photography is and should be. However, photography is going through a revolution today unlike any other. Digital photography, be it in the camera or in the computer, allows an unprecedented ability to manipulate and enhance our images. However our definition states "any form of manipulation that alters the truth of the photographic statement" is ineligible for our nature exhibitions.

Unquestionably some individuals will be tempted to "enhance" their images to enable them to win more awards. At this point it becomes an issue of one's individual ethics. The North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA), comprised of many professionals, is discussing the same concern. In NANPA's case, there is no question that many nature photographs will be digitally enhanced for publication. The conclusion is that it's an issue of labeling. That is, a digitally enhanced or manipulated photograph should clearly state that fact. Anything less is unethical.

The public wants to believe that what they are seeing in a nature photograph is real. If nature photography gets "enhanced" to the point where people no longer believe what they are seeing is real, we all become compromised. And our ability to use photography in motivating people to preserve the natural world becomes fodder for the cynics.

The accompanying photograph, "Midnight Sun," is just that, taken at midnight in the High Arctic. No filters, no enhancements. That light could just as easily have been captured digitally as it was on film. Nature in all her glory is still out there. We don't need to compromise our integrity by trying to improve on her.

The Nature Division of the Photographic Society of America (PSA) consists of many dedicated volunteers ready and willing to serve our members in many ways. Without them the division couldn't function. Among the services for individual members are Slide Study Circuits where fellow members critique your work in one of the best learning experiences available. There are Exhibition and Essay slide sets for viewing by your club or group of friends as well as Instructional Slide Sets covering specific photographic subjects. In addition, there are competitions for Individuals and for Slide Essays.

The excellent description of the services outlined on page 18 of the June 2002 issue of the Journal for the Color Slide Division apply equally to the Nature Division except, of course, our subject matter is restricted to nature.

The Directors for each of these services can provide the specifics. They are listed quarterly in the PSA Journal and can also be found on the Nature Division Web Page: www.psanature.org or www.psa-nature.org. By the time this special Nature issue is published, a new slate of officers will be installed. Sam Shaw, APSA, will move up to the Chairmanship, Dan Charbonnet, APSA, becomes 1st Vice-Chairman and Jean Harris, APSA, will be the new 2nd Vice-Chair.

John C. Fuller, FPSA
Nature Division Chairman
Norfolk, MA

COPYRIGHT 2002 Photographic Society of America, Inc.
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