Emotional images: Portraying and conveying emotion in wildlife photography

"I am captivated by images of wildlife that evoke powerful responses in the viewer, from empathy to delight and wonder or even horrified fascination. My reactions embody the power of images: above all, good photographs make us feel—and strong feelings create appreciation, compassion and urgency, which mold the choices we make as individuals and as a society. “We cannot win this battle to save species and environments,” writes biologist Stephen Jay Gould, “without forging an emotional bond between ourselves and nature as well—for we will not fight to save what we do not love.” This talk explores the emotional impact of pictures and examines how strong feelings can be transmitted both by the subject and through photographic technique. Although the focus is on wildlife photography, the messages apply more globally to a wide range of subjects and styles."

Susan McConnell, PhD