How has photography shaped ornithology and bird conservation?

Aesthetic — visual beauty

Archive — a collection of historical documents or materials

Avian — relating to birds

Conservation — the act of protecting and preserving natural environments

Ornithology — the scientific study of birds

Bird photography has long been more than just an artistic pursuit – it has also played a crucial role in shaping our scientific understanding of nature. From the early days of photography, when capturing a clear image of a moving bird was a technical challenge, photos offered something remarkable – a way to observe and document birds in their natural environments without harming them. As technology advanced, so did the role of bird photography, evolving into a key tool for ornithologists, conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts. But what impact has photography had on the way we study and protect birds today?

Dr Karla McManus, an art history researcher and Associate Professor at the University of Regina, explores how art and science are both active components in bird photography. Her research focuses on how photos of birds have shaped ecological knowledge, from the beginnings of ornithology through to modern wildlife conservation. By examining archival images, she hopes to understand how bird photography has changed through time and helped both scientists and the public better appreciate and protect the natural world.

How does Karla study bird photography?

Karla visits archives to look for historical photos of birds, along with books, newspapers and magazines that contain bird images, and letters written by or to bird photographers. “I spend a lot of time looking at the images and asking questions,” she explains. “What is depicted? Why was it photographed in this way? What was the goal of the photographer? What did they plan to do with the image? These questions inform my understanding of the photos and how they helped, and continue to help, express ideas about birds and their role in our environment.”

However, it is not always easy to find such materials. “Many early photos of birds have not been considered of historical value because they were taken by photographers who weren’t famous,” Karla explains. “The history of photography has, until recently, been dominated by photographers who were either artists (whose photos were collected by galleries) or photojournalists (who documented important historical moments and gained notoriety for their daring in the field). Bird photographers fall outside these categories and their work wasn’t widely known except by other people interested in birds.”

How has bird photography changed over time?

“Photographic technology has been the major driver of change in the practice of bird photography,” says Karla. In the early days of cameras, photographers faced numerous challenges, including poorly light-sensitive films and chemicals, slow shutter speeds and a lack of ability to zoom in on a distant subject. These restrictions made it hard to capture images of living birds, resulting in many early photos appearing grainy or blurry.

Understanding these challenges is essential for appreciating historical photos of birds, as it required great skill and patience to capture an image of an animal that rarely sits still or tolerates human presence. “As photographic technology improved, so did our ability to photograph birds,” says Karla. “Today, with the amazing sensitivity of digital cameras and the incredible lenses available, photographers are capturing birds in such detail they look almost too real!”

How has photography shaped our knowledge of birds?

Photography significantly contributed to the field of ornithology by providing insights into the lives and behaviours of birds in their natural habitats. “Early photos of birds were taken at a time when many birds had yet to be studied in the wild,” explains Karla. “Before then, ornithology relied on studying dead specimens.” Photography allowed scientists to observe and document living birds without disturbing or harming them, offering a new dimension to studying avian behaviour. Through these images, researchers could gather essential information about a bird’s habitat, feeding patterns and social interactions.

Photography also played a vital role in cultivating public interest in avian life by making the beauty and diversity of birds accessible to a wide audience. “It’s important to note that photos of birds were not only exhibited in galleries, but were also published in books and magazines,” says Karla. This brought the aesthetic joy of birds to the public eye.

What role has photography played in conservation?

Many early ornithologists promoted photography as a humane way to study birds and ‘collect’ specimens, rather than the harmful practice of killing them for scientific observation. In this way, bird photography not only educated scientists and the public about bird behaviour, but also prevented bird deaths and helped create a sense of appreciation and conservation. Over the years, bird photography has been used to visually track changes in bird populations and their environments over time, thereby contributing to conservation efforts.

“It’s very hard to say exactly how bird photography has impacted conservation efforts,” says Karla. “But, as a historian, I can clearly document a pattern of thinking and behaviour that was being promoted through conservation-minded individuals and groups, who included photos of birds in their books, talks and magazines aimed at a general audience. These photographically illustrated publications argued directly for bird protection and promoted the spiritual value of wildlife on society.” In essence, bird photography captures the ‘soul’ of avian life, serving as a reminder of what we stand to lose if we do not conserve bird populations. By bridging the worlds of art and science, bird photography creates a sense of responsibility in all of us to protect our planet and its incredible inhabitants.

Dr Karla McManus
Associate Professor, Department of Visual Arts, University of Regina, Canada

Fields of research: Visual arts, art history, photography, eco-art

Research project: Investigating the history of bird photography

Funder: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)

Website: www.karlamcmanus.com

About visual arts

From painting and sculpture to photography and filmmaking, visual arts are a form of creative expression. Through the lens of art history, researchers can trace the evolution of visual arts and their ability to influence public perception.

Why are visual arts powerful?

Visual arts not only serve aesthetic purposes but also play a crucial role in communication and inspiring people to take action on environmental and social issues. The power of visual arts lies in their ability to convey issues in a deeply engaging way. “I think most people would agree that looking at an artwork, whether a drawing, photograph or animation, helps us to understand an idea on a whole new level,” says Karla. “This is partly because we feel something visceral and intimate when we see an image – it connects to our brain in a different way than when we read text.” Photography, in particular, has transformed how we perceive the world as it invites us to be ‘armchair travellers’, allowing us to explore and appreciate distant places and experiences from the comfort of our own homes.

How have visual arts changed through time?

Throughout history, visual arts have evolved in response to technological advancements. For example, the inventions of the printing press, cameras and digital photography have all expanded our ability to create and disseminate visual information. “Before there was widespread literacy, images were the main way to spread messages, from religious doctrine to identifying what a shop sold,” says Karla. “Visual arts and artists have always responded to their times. Today, with the emergence of generative artificial intelligence, visual arts are at a critical moment as we are faced with questions about artistic authorship and creative ethics.”

Pathway from school to visual arts

“Visual arts are a form of culture,” explains Karla. “You can learn so much about culture from engaging in artmaking. Art has so much to teach us, so learn to make things and use the many tools of visual arts. You won’t regret it!”

At school, art and design classes will teach you about different forms of visual artistic expression, while history will introduce you to changes in culture through time.

To become a visual arts researcher, study a university degree in art or art history. To become a visual artist, develop your skills in your chosen artform by taking courses in drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, etc.

Why not take an art class at your local community centre or teach yourself a new craft from online tutorials? Look for apprenticeships with local artists, internships at art galleries and museums, and outreach programmes run by university art departments. “Find out as much as you can about the world of visual arts so that you can find where you fit!” advises Karla.