The Ethics of Wildlife Photography with Melissa Groo & Bobby Stormer

The Ethics of Wildlife Photography with Melissa Groo & Bobby Stormer

From B&H Photography Podcast by B&H Photo & Video

February 26, 2026 · 1h 38m

About this episode

This episode discusses ethical practices in wildlife photography with guests Melissa Groo and Bobby Stormer.

While its origin is murky, the adage "Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time," is at the heart of this wide-ranging discussion about ethical practices in wildlife photography. From exotic safaris to local birding expeditions, interest in this subject matter has grown tremendously in recent years. Ever advancing camera technologies and increasing ease of use make stunning pictures more accessible than ever, but when these advantages combine with an unbridled enthusiasm for getting the shot, it can often put wildlife at risk. After defining conservation photography as an act that extends beyond image capture to effect a change in the world, we delve into questionable practices that can threaten animal safety and compromise natural behaviors. From avoiding obvious red flags of baiting an animal with food or using audio lures to trigger photogenic results, to more subtle actions of approaching too quickly, getting too close, or staying too long—our guests shed light on alternative methods for ethical behavior in the field. As Melissa states, "You just have to become a part of the landscape and feel yourself within this community of other…

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Guests: Melissa Groo, Bobby Stormer

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Organizations: B&H Photo & Video

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