CONSERVATION PHOTOGRAPHY

Conservation photography has recently become a buzzword. In my case it seems I was already a conservation photographer long before I knew it myself. Inspired by my father as a naturalist and as a trained biologist I have always felt a deep connection with nature and recognized the importance of conserving it. Photography began as a hobby for me but after realizing how effective it could be as a tool for conservation I began to pursue it feverishly and dedicate my life to it. I did not appreciate at the time that one day this would be coined ‘conservation photography’, only that it could make a positive impact on the world I loved and that I personally was capable of initiating such change.

PLACES DEAR TO ME

Endemic Galapagos penguins swim underwater. Photo by conservation photographer Pete Oxford

GALAPAGOS

In 1987 I came to live and work in the Galapagos as a Naturalist Guide, licensed by the Galapagos National Park, I was a co-founder of AGIPA, the naturalist guide’s association, and have published 4 books on the islands (including one with a foreword by HRH Prince Philip). I have been involved with the islands since my arrival and have been fortunate to participate in many Galapagos National Park Service and Charles Darwin Research Station sponsored expeditions throughout the archipelago including; cormorant and penguin censusing, Galapagos hawk capture and tagging, camping at a waved albatross colony to band and measure the birds, camping in the Alcedo Volcano crater, satellite tagging of whale sharks and hammerhead sharks and capturing giant tortoises on Wolf Volcano to collect blood samples in the search for the closest living relatives of Lonesome George. There are two sides to the Galapagos and, although the islands are in pretty good shape, the threats today are greater and more menacing than they have ever been. Tourists per se are not a problem, however the massive support system, coupled with avarice, behind the industry is causing problems. I feel a deep sense of responsibility to make the threats and issues known. 

An extremely rare wild black panther looks out from the jungle. Photograph by conservation photographer Pete Oxford.

YASUNÍ

I have been enamoured with the Yasuni National Park since my first visit in 1987. I have published 5 books on the region, continue to live in Ecuador (since 1985), speak Spanish and am an ex naturalist guide in the Ecuadorian Amazon. I love the rainforest, it is ALWAYS full of surprises. Rainforests, however, have to be one of the most challenging photographic environments on earth, especially with regard to the way humidity destroys expensive camera gear. Usually everything is either cryptic or very backlit which is a problem. In pursuit of my passion I have spent many hours dangling from ropes in the canopy, atop makeshift platforms and scaffolding towers and days on end in remote blinds deep in the forest. My rewards have been many. I am, for example, probably the first photographer to photograph directly a black panther in the rainforest – it was an incredible experience to be with the cat for about one hour at 6-8 meters distance! The Amazon rainforest is a hugely important ecosystem with regard to the planet’s balance and stability, not to mention the free eco-system services it provides, yet, it is being torn down at an alarming rate. We HAVE to protect the Amazon in general and Yasuni in particular! My rainforest images continue to be published widely with awareness and conservation in mind

I invite you to browse through my image portfolios.

 Click below to visit the following portfolios: Aerial, Conservation, Human Impact, Indigenous People, Landscape, Travel, Underwater and Wildlife.

A black rhinoceros is slung from a helicopter for relocation. Photo by conservation photographer Pete Oxford.
Tungurahua Volcano releases a large plume of ask and steam into the sky. Photo by conservation photographer and landscape photographer Pete Oxford.
A researcher examines several glass frogs in a museum collection. Photograph by conservation photographer Pete Oxford.
A group of tourists take in the the sights around them including a rhinoceros while riding on elephant back. Photograph by conservation and travel photographer Pete Oxford.
The imprint of a human hand can be seen in the pattern made in the sand from a rhinoceros laying down. Photo by conservation photographer Pete Oxford.
An upside down jellyfish floats underwater surrounded by 'God rays'. Photography by conservation and underwater photographer Pete Oxford.
An indigenous man from the Chang Naga headhunting Tribe displays his headdress and traditional attire. Photograph by conservation photographer and cultural photographer Pete Oxford.
A lion sits with his head resting on his crossed paws while looking into the camera. Photo by conservation and wildlife photographer Pete Oxford.