Picture this: you’re crouched in a damp New Zealand forest, trying to avoid stepping on anything squishy, while holding your camera in what can only be described as the "kiwi squat." Your subject? A kererū, the New Zealand wood pigeon, looking as majestic as a bird that regularly crashes into trees can possibly look. As you line up your shot, you realize something—this is more than just a great addition to your Instagram feed. This is photography for good. Or at least, that’s what you’ll tell yourself if you find yourself on your butt in the mud
Photography is more than just pressing a button and hoping the bird stays still long enough to get a shot that isn’t just a blur of feathers. When used right, photography can raise awareness, evoke emotions, and even prompt action. Not the kind of action which sees you scrambling to catch another glimpse of an elusive bird, but the kind that leads to real-world change. Take the kākāpō, for example—a bird so rare it probably gets paparazzi’d more than Hollywood celebrities. The kākāpō’s survival has been aided by photos that shine a spotlight (literally and figuratively) on their plight. It’s hard to scroll past a picture of a fluffy, green, owl-faced parrot and not immediately want to donate to conservation efforts or at least watch an educational video about them while pretending to work. The kākāpō is so well protected that you require special permission to access areas where it may be found, but it is a good case in point.
Birds as Nature’s Ambassadors: New Zealand’s birdlife, from the nocturnal kiwi to the cheeky kea (a bird that will steal your camera lens cap and then give you a look like it’s doing you a favor), is some of the most unique in the world. By capturing these birds in their natural habitats, photographers—both professionals and amateurs alike —become accidental ambassadors for conservation. We show the world what’s at stake. Plus, nothing says “please save the planet” like a piwakawaka staring deeply into your soul through a high-res photo. It’s easy to laugh at a kererū’s clumsy flight (and wonder about how something so chonky could get airborne) or a kea’s mischievous antics, but behind these humorous moments is a serious message: these birds and their habitats are worth protecting. And the more people who see them, whether through a photography exhibit, an online gallery, or even just a shared post, the more likely we are to preserve their world—and by extension, ours.
Photos of birds, especially ones that make them look slightly ridiculous, are a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a kiwi looking like it’s late for an important meeting, or a ruru (morepork) giving off intense "judging you" vibes, these images capture people's attention. Once they’re hooked by the humor or cuteness, it’s easier to slip in the conservation message, like a parent hiding vegetables in a smoothie. But humor aside, there’s something deeply meaningful about using photography as a tool for good. When you’re out there with your camera, you’re not just collecting pictures for personal enjoyment—you’re contributing to a larger movement. Every shot of a kākāriki or a falcon in flight tells a story about New Zealand’s rich biodiversity and the need to protect it. You might not think your photos could make a difference, but you’d be surprised how powerful a single image can be in changing perspectives and driving action.
So, How Can You Use Your Camera for Good?
1. Know Your Birds: It’s important to learn about the species you’re photographing. Not only will this help you get the best shots, but it will also enable you to educate others about their significance.
2. Share with a Purpose: Social media is a powerful tool, and when used right, it can raise awareness about conservation issues. Instead of just posting that stunning photo of a tui with a simple “#blessed,” try including a fact about their role in New Zealand’s ecosystem or the threats they face. Importantly if you are fortunate enough to spot a rare or endangered bird think carefully about sharing the exact location. Do no harm.
3. Support Conservation Efforts: Donate your photos to conservation organizations or join local wildlife photography competitions that raise funds for endangered species. Your work could be the image that gets someone to open their wallet or volunteer time to save these creatures.
4. Respect the Birds: Always remember to keep a respectful distance from wildlife, no matter how much you want that close-up shot. There’s nothing good about stressing out the very birds you’re trying to protect.
5. Record and Report: If you see a rare or banded bird report it through the Department of Conservation website and that way you are making a real contribution to the science of conservation.
In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with information, it’s easy for important messages to get lost. But a single photo has the power to cut through the noise. Whether you’re capturing the beauty of a tūī singing in the morning mist or the hilarity of a kererū attempting a not-so-graceful landing, you’re doing more than creating art—you’re using photography for good. So next time you’re out there, knee-deep in a swamp, waiting for the perfect shot of a kingfisher, remember this: your photography might just be the thing that helps save the day. And if it doesn't, at least you got a laugh and some muddy boots out of the deal.
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