TECHNICAL AND ETHICS OF ANIMAL BEHAVIOR PHOTOGRAPHY: FROM PIONEER TO THE DIGITAL AGE.

Abstract

Photography is of extraordinary value to the study of animal behavior, as it enables capturing images of the animals in their natural habitat conditions with their behaviors. Since the earliest ethological studies, the pioneers of behavioral science made use of photographic tools with expertise, and their finds were invaluable both to research and in public education ends. Photographic evidence helps interpreting behavioral finds, and is greatly appreciated in result presentations and  publications. The technological developments in cameras and lenses such as microchips, automatic focusing, auto-exposure, motor drive, highspeed
flash, TTL flash, and --more recently -- digital capture of images --
created opportunities for photographers to record new aspects of the natural world. In the present article, I discuss over how to choose between the range of different equipments when photographing natural events, while presenting practical tips on the use of cameras, lenses, tripods, and Internet tools to meet the continuously developing market. However, although some technological innovations made nature photographers' tasks easier, they must bear in mind that animal
behavior and respect for nature should come in first place. Humans are markedly connected with the natural world, and especially with wildlife. Photography in this context stands from other work tools as a resource to capture and expose the natural world and animal behavior to the general society, illustrating the awareness and deep engagement that are due towards nature. The final part of the present review focuses on the ethical and philosophical aspects of the registration and dissemination of wildlife images.