Dear All



I thought many of your students may be interested in the environmentally focused photography awards/competition Por el Planeta as detailed below. One of my graduates from 2014 is working on the project and has asked me to forward details to anyone I think who may be interested. https://porelplanetaphoto.com/



Hope you are all well, and that  the festive break gave you enough energy to 'crack on' with the Spring Term!



Hope to see you all in the Summer at our AGM and conference in Trent



Happy New Year





Best





Conrad





Por el Planeta is not just a photography contest; it’s a movement seeking to transform our relationship with the planet and its wildlife. We believe photography is more than just light, beautiful pictures or perfect proportions – it is a vehicle for real change.



Por el Planeta was born out of a desire to reaffirm narrative photography as a powerful tool that encourages nature conservation and generates an appreciation for biodiversity. We will:



  *   Use photography to celebrate and promote the preservation of natural diversity.

  *   Use the power of story-telling to show the world the important role that Nature plays in people’s quality of life.

  *   We want to celebrate the natural and cultural treasures of the world along with Mexico’s tradition of photography.



We will reward photographers’ commitment to, and passion for, nature and art; recognizing them as leading figures in the discussion of conservation. Por el Planeta will award more resources than any other photography contest to encourage the development of new photography and conservation projects, to mobilize audiences and raise awareness of the daily threats faced by our biodiversity.







OUR PHILOSOPHY







Conservation Photography: Art Born to Protect our Planet



The concept of conservation photography was first proposed out of the need to make a distinction between the creation of images for the sake of photography, and the creation of images to serve the purpose of conserving nature.



Conservation photography showcases both the beauty of our planet and its vanishing spirit, and represents the “pictorial voice” used by many organizations and corporations to further their messages about sustainability. Nature photography, documentary photography, and photojournalism are all part of conservation photography.



The creation of images that inspire and move people to change behaviors and take action requires an understanding of the issues. Anyone can purchase the equipment, travel to interesting regions and learn the secrets of wildlife behavior. What may not be purchased is the empathy and sense of urgency necessary to create awe-inspiring images that move people to take the necessary actions that ensure that the wild world persists. Photographic talent, when combined with environmental concern and scientific understanding and the ability to tell a story, make a fine recipe for conservation photography.



With the exception of the most technical, peer-reviewed scientific journals, photographs are the most necessary and constant element of conservation communications. Be it to document, demonstrate, compare, or inspire, images are an indispensable element of the conservation toolbox. Beyond inspiration, the critical importance of photography lies in its ability to bear witness, to build constituencies of support or opposition to environmental challenges, and to create political pressure that encourages change. The job of the photographer is to shine a light on issues and matters that would otherwise remain invisible. Photography is essential in the crafting and delivery of messages, and high quality, ethically-produced imagery cannot be underestimated.



Por el Planeta wishes to recognize the dedication, skill, and talent of those photographers who strive to create images that infuse society with understanding and care for our shared natural heritage.







Conrad Tracy

Course Leader & Principal Lecturer - BA Commercial Photography



+44 1202 363276

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