Readers know that there are many reasons I photograph birds and then blog about them. They include teaching folks about the wonders of bird behaviors and natural history (and learning myself during the process), supporting conservation causes and promoting ethical and responsible practices in the environment and in photography. There are others.
But some may not know about all the ways those goals are met. They don’t all happen directly and almost immediately through my blog – some of them are more indirect and delayed long after I publish a post.
Case in point:
1/6400, f/6.3, ISO 640, Canon 7D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
I published this image of a Loggerhead Shrike in flight back in 2014. I was pretty happy with it because the shrike is in full flight rather than having just taken off and that’s a tough shot to get. And in this flight pose many of the field marks of the species are on full display.
Several days ago I received a request to use this photo from the Marketing and Communications Director of The Wildlands Conservancy. They had found the image on that 2014 blog post and wanted to use it on an interpretive panel at their Wind Wolves Preserve in California. We negotiated an agreement and I sent the high-resolution image to her yesterday. She sent me a graphic of the mockup of that panel and I’m quite impressed – it includes three shrike photos (including mine), professional-looking graphics and interesting and accurate natural history information about Loggerhead Shrike habitat and behavior. I wish I could include the graphic she sent me in this post but I didn’t think to ask for permission so I won’t.
Many of my images are being used in applications similar to this in dioramas, interpretive panels and actual prints by various state parks, refuges, reserves and museums across the U.S. and Canada.
And that gives me a great deal of satisfaction because most of them are being used to educate the public about the wonders of birds and the importance of habitat conservation. Even after I’m gone some of them may still be in use fulfilling their purpose and that thought gives this bird photographer with teaching instincts a serious case of the warm fuzzies.
Ron
Note: Not all of my motives are altruistic and not all of my images are donated so full disclosure on that topic is in order.
I often donate use of my images without a required licensing fee to educational and conservation organizations on a shoestring budget and living hand to mouth. But for those who have a budget for image and/or art acquisition (and particularly for those that try to hide the fact that they have such a budget and ask for images to be donated anyway – folks can be sneaky…) I typically require a licensing fee for image use. And I always require a licensing fee for any commercial applications.
I see no logical reason why every professional working on a project should be paid except for the photographer! For me it’s a matter of principle and not diminishing the value of quality bird photography and the hard work of bird photographers.
The Wildlands Conservancy paid a licensing fee for the use of this image.
This photo is a beauty, but, in looking back to other images you have posted of Loggerhead Shrikes (of which there are many), I’m not sure which I would pick as a favorite. The one of August 15, 2017 showing the Shrike in launch mode is very cool although perhaps not showing it in “pure” flight as does this one. Congratulations for having this photo included in the Wind Wolves exhibit.
Thanks, Lyle. I probably have other favorites too but I’m sure the Wildlands Conservancy had specific goals in mind when they chose the image. Neither of the other two photos in the panel are of a shrike in full flight so maybe that had something to do with it.
Satisfaction and pride I hope.
Teaching is yet another of the significantly underestimated (and underpaid) professions. It is important and valuable work.
Agree with both of your points about teaching, EC. But then I have, or at least had, a vested interest. Thank you.
I also agree EC, but then again, I still have a vested interest teaching adults. And, I would say, from my point of view – Ron is also still teaching!
Of course Ron is still teaching. And this lifelong learner is very, very grateful to both Ron, and the knowledgable people who comment here.
A bit cold for nudist colonies this year, I am glad they paid the fees!
Ha, me too, April.
Around here there is a newspaper that poormouths all the time and never pays for photos. If I’d known that one of mine was going to be used I would have required payment – as matters stood, I wasn’t aware that the charity for which I did the shoot, gratis, sent the photo to the newspaper – and the paper credited me but never had the professional courtesy to ask me for permission. Sets my jaw grinding, as I would have donated the fee to the charity…
I don’t blame you for feeling that way, Martha.
Congratulations!
Suffice it to say, and to my way of thinking, Teaching is a service (not a free service) to people in general, especially to their children both young and old. Having your photographs used in informing/teaching the public is rewarding to a teachers soul. I applaud you and your expertise! Well done!
Many thanks, Dick. Interesting perspective on teaching and I agree.
Beautiful shot❗️ Remembering a post from a while back and it taking a long time to be paid. Glad this one worked out😁
I met a wildlife photographer a couple years ago and got to know him quite well. Once and a while he sent me a picture asking my opinion saying his wife and I sometimes saw something he missed. Brave guy wanting two women’s opinions 😆
He had the most beautiful shot of our local Bald eagle , my fav. I finally had to ask him for print. He gladly agreed.
I admire it everyday in my living room ❤️
Happy Day
I learned a lesson from that post and a few others, Diana. Now I have a very specific list of requirements about how and when I’m being paid. I may be a slow learner but eventually I get it. Thank you.
As a psychic, Ive been asked to do hugs for exposure. I think I’m borrowing your line about the nudist colony!
Help yourself, Arwen. I actually borrowed that line from someone who commented on my blog several years ago. Can’t remember who it was or I’d give credit where credit’s due (for some reason I do remember that he was male…).
Yikes. GIGS, not hugs. That comes across really really wrong. 😀 Especially with the nudist colony comment. 😀
“If I wanted exposure I’d join a nudist colony.” Now, I’d PAY to see that! 😉 (Sorry, Ron, couldn’t resist.) 😛
I totally get the sentiment, though. When I was in a string quartet, I can’t even begin to tell you the number of times we were asked to play somewhere very ritzy for “exposure” and the right to leave business cards (which we didn’t have). Same goes for getting far less than scale for playing in a backup orchestra for a big-name concert tour. And don’t get me started on what teachers are expected to do for free or out of our own pockets because “it’s for the kids.”
Wow! That got feisty fast — just like the adorable Shrike in your shot. 🙂 It really is a fabulous one. I’m glad your teaching will go on far into the future and will reach so many people. This may be the impetus I need to go visit Bakersfield.
Ha, believe me, you’d best save your money, Marty!
To be honest I’d never even heard of Wind Wolves Preserve until I got this request. From the description it sounds like a marvelous area.
I have to reiterate what JO ANN Donnelly stated… today’s blog sums up what you’re all about..and that is exactly why I tune in every day..superlative photos and you have principles that I admire. So thank you again and great shot of the shrike….
Your comment means a lot, Steve. Thank you.
Cool Photo! 🙂 VERY happy you included the follow up and are up front about how these transactions “work” with you. I agree that, if others are being compensated, the photographer also should. Too many folks think “it’s just a photo – no big deal” and certainly not involving work/time/$$$/talent on the part of the photographer……….
Thanks, Judy – you said it well. “It’s just a photo” so why do they want to be paid for it. That attitude drives me and other photographers nuts. If it’s “just a photo” they should go out there and try to get one like it themselves.
“And that gives me a great deal of satisfaction…” as well it should, Ron! Wonderful photo. I agree wholeheartedly with your position on payment. I’m an amateur, but recently refused to give bird photos to a homeowners association that asked to use them for a permanent display in a community center in their development/town. I offered them the names of several professional nature photographers who would have photos they could use for a reasonable price, but said I would not undermine these professionals by giving them photos free. I explained how the professionals try to eke out a living doing what they love in a very difficult, competitive field. Many of the houses in the area are on the market for between $1 and $2 million. The volunteer I spoke with said they had no budget for the photos. They admittedly had a small budget, but they could have raised funds if they wanted. Undoubtedly some very good but less aware amateur will give them photos and be proud to have their credit on photos in the display.
“but said I would not undermine these professionals by giving them photos free”
Good for you, Nancy!!! I wish more photographers would do that for the same reason you mention. And my experience is similar to yours – the more financially well off many folks are the stingier they are. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had image requests that offer only “credit” and “exposure” for compensation as if they’re doing you a big favor.
If I wanted exposure I’d join a nudist colony.
Your blog today is exactly why I admire you so much, Ron!! I wish you had thought to get permission to share the mockup of the panel!! It must be stunning!! I love your capture of the Loggerhead Shrike – they are such an interesting bird!! Wish I saw more of them in the wild. I’m also missing seeing any of your Belted Kingfishers captures too. Another captivating bird!!(Hint, hint!!)
Thanks very much Jo Ann. I wish I’d asked for permission too – it’s really a nice-looking and well designed panel. Having real professionals working on things like that panel pays dividends.
I’m missing the kingfishers too but the pond where they sometimes hang out is frozen solid so they’re not fishing there.
Beautiful photo Ron and interesting post. Nice to see your photos being used for educational and environmental purposes. Thanks for posting. Off to participate in the eagle count.
Everett Sanborn, Prescott AZ
Thanks, Everett. Have fun.