Photography and SOCIAL MEDIA | Are WE ruining our WILDLANDS?

In this video, I continue my exploration of Carmanah Provincial Park on the west coast of Vancouver Island. I also discovered a new boardwalk that I'm not sure is good. I discuss my impact on these wild areas through social media. squarespace.com for a free trial and squarespace.com/adamgibbs for -10% off your first purchase.
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[@JohnPaul-ii]

For the vast majority of people, videos like this one are the only way they will ever get to these locations. And if unseen, how would anyone know that they were worth saving. It’s not just the photography you are showing Adam, it’s a whole lot more. Even if you don’t realise it at the time. Thanks for sharing again Adam.

[@jefftrapp5407]

Never enough discussion on the impact of social media on our natural areas. If you haven't read the recent Atlantic article on tourism to Antartica it's an eye opening read! Adam, I loved the high key shots what a cool idea!

[@montanaguy51]

Such a thought provoking question! In some ways it’s definitely negative on places that have become very popular. At the same time, perhaps it’s helped by creating more protected areas, because they’ve become so popular. Pluses and Minuses!

[@tjkrueger2655]

I don't tag any location anymore, every place that's special that used to be somewhat 'wild' now is much less so. Garbage, graffiti/carvings, rock cairns, and even crowds. It's good people are getting into nature, I just don't know why people fail to learn the lesson while out in it. We're so egotistic when we feel small and humbled in the face of something grand and timeless

[@martinoberstein8431]

Hallo,Adam, thank you for this one! The last two b/w-conversions look absolutely amazing, like a bewitched forest from another age… great!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Glad you like them!

[@Alister_Benn]

The two BW panos are wonderful, beautiful work

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Many thanks!

[@BillyVerden]

Great Video! This and the last video are the kinds of Adam Gibbs videos I have always loved. I love it when people seek out, find and show off the beautiful areas of where they live. Learning and showing the less traveled spaces that they know. I think that's way more interesting than travel videos. And you Sir live in a very Beautiful area! Thanks for the Video!

[@peterhostettler-vf5qg]

Adam, thank you for your thoughts and wonderful images/videos. It is unfortunately true that places very dear to me have recently become common places pushed by insta bloggers and influencers to an extent that I don't go there any more (Oeschinensee in Kandersteg for example). Still I have started to use Instagram myself to make my alpine paradise in Italy a bit to attention, the place was abandoned 70 years ago and we started to restore some of the old stone roof houses, mow the meadows etc. As you have to walk up 500 m of altitude on a small narrow path, I guess overtourism is not so much a danger. But you are right, it is about finding a balance between sharing some of the fragile beauty and avoiding mass invasion.

[@TRC_PNW]

As a Seattle native and lifelong resident, I’ve recently started shooting woodland in the PNW. Though I have been shooting since the mid-80’s, it’s a nice change from my usual and fun to get out and adventure. Thanks for the inspiration with similar subject matter. As for the impact of social media, I am doing my part by not seeking out the same locations that have been photographed ad nauseam already. Instead, I seek out new places and photograph them with more of an Eggleston “democratic forest” approach. I don’t see much point in showing up to crowds of people to take the same photograph. Look at that town in Japan so overrun by people taking the same photo of Mt. Fuji looming above a convenience store that they had to resort to putting up barriers that block the view to keep people out of the street. Then they started poking holes in the barrier to get a shot! Humans…I go out in nature to get away from them, not be in crowds of them. 😂

[@danevarkevisser4670]

Adam, the somewhat high key approach you have taken to processing your black and white conversions works admirably here. Absolutely love it. In terms of ruining beautiful places, I think the bigger problem is that we don't value and respect the natural world as much as we should. For too many it will be more about having easy access and getting the picture than any consideration for looking after what we have. Its the horrible downside of bringing attention to lovely places. I would say as a general rule we shouldn't tag environmentally sensitive locations and stuff those people who think they have right to know.

[@ChrisKoehn]

11:14 I kinda liked that tree with the boardwalk in the shot. The second shot of it looks like an octopus! I see what you mean by increased traffic to these sensitive areas because of videos about them, but don't forget about the impact that you are having on people who see these places and who might act to save them with their vote, money, or even volunteer effort.

[@garykuiken6191]

A boardwalk which didn't become part of the image would have been an easy build. A boardwalk right up to the base of the, really. I won't even mention what will be next. It's a VERY large tree, enjoy it from afar. Love the B&W images the best. Stay safe.

[@hybboul7377]

I feel blessed to be able to see these beautiful photos of places that I will never experience in person. ❤️

[@TarrelScot]

Dynamic range of that camera is insane! (As illustrated at 15.15). Always inspired by your woodland photography. In answer to the question, yes, I think we are in danger of ruining our wildlands. The issue is perhaps not so much the overall number of visitors to locations, but the way they get funnelled and concentrated into specific "honeypot" spots/viewpoints by social media. I consider myself fortunate to live in the Scottish highlands and, as a result, I can seek out the lesser know areas. But when I do occasionally venture to the well-known spots, the level of damage and erosion is often terrible. (The Buachaille Etive Mor "waterfall" spot being a case in point). Another example is Luskentyre on Harris. Many KZbin photographers seem to head there by default, even though there are many similar beaches along the west coast of the Outer Hebrides. Maybe this is a vicious circle where the spot is popular, so the photographer feels they need to go there in order to gain attention / views on YT? A level of "herd mentality" is inherent with social media, but I do wonder if the funnelling and concentration that results could be mitigated if, say, YT photographers could take inspiration from a location they've become aware of, visit the general area but take the time to explore, find their own compositions and encourage others to do the same, rather than going to the same beach, the same viewpoint, etc.. The allows everyone to be inspired, visit if they wish, but for the load to be spread a bit more thinly. (Don't get me started on the NC500 by the way!)

[@edphoto]

The black and white almost has a film like feel to me. Really like it!

[@pattymattes7124]

I absolutely love the B&W treatment. Thank you for sharing with us!!!

[@Kederek-jd5ne]

I’ve been saying for a long time now Adam, “We are our own worst enemy”. This place like so many others is yet another play on the old fable, “The Goose that laid the Golden Egg”.

[@chrishall6364]

Really enjoyed the video, which was thought provoking. The high key black and white images have come out really well!

[@melvilib]

I have noticed that since Covid there are a lot more people out and about the countryside and wild areas of the UK. Not all with respect for nature. Pity, as I enjoyed the solitude in the wilderness and now seeking new, less visited areas. Everyone has the right to enjoy the outdoors, but what is the point in driving to a lay-by, having a picnic and a snooze in the sun before driving home😏

[@MLC48]

I like the bright black and white edit.

[@susannestockli]

Although the greens are so refreshing, I really loved the b/w editing. Simply amazing! I've been watching your channel for quite a while now and appreciate so much that you show the raw-file and the editing and croping you do with them. Thank you very much!

[@thomasphillips5850]

Adam outstanding. The black and white is just beautful. Sometimes you cant beat the monochrome. Beautiful, thanks Adam great video.

[@neilthacker2069]

I really liked the high key black and whites,they had the look of fine art pencil sketches.

[@davidwalker2402]

Everybody is entitled to get to see the beauty in this world, photographers are very lucky that the are allowed to view and shoot these locations, the more people come and see the beauty the world has to offer the better it will be for us all and those viewing will learn how to protect and how to educate others . Those in charge of protecting these areas need to be given the necessary to protect for future generations , “not just for photographers”

[@lynnecliffe3056]

See the beauty in aging, eh Adam. That Grand Tree displays it well.

[@williampetersen2899]

I read once where the Alpine Lakes Wilderness proposal was about to be axed by the U.S. Government. The governor of Washington State at that time made an immediate appointment with President Gerald Ford to show him a copy of the photo book "The Alpine Lakes" published by The Mountaineers. Upon viewing the photos in the book, President Ford said it was such a beautiful place that it must be saved, which it then was. A case where the power of photography saved a beautiful area. But your question is a valid one...one that I can't come up with an answer for. The worst aspects of human nature are hard to control. Perhaps a requirement in schools from the earliest grades through high school to incorporate an educational emphasis on the importance of the land ethic in the spirit of the likes of John Muir, Gifford Pinchot and Aldo Leopold? As photographers, the least we can do is show respect for the places we love, don't break the rules and set a good example for others.

[@denisesavage2382]

We have a similar story of a river here in the wilds of Tasmania. It was a photographer's image that contributed significantly to a river not being dammed. Thankfully inaccessible areas exist so there are some places that we can't easily stuff up!

[@wimscheenen3535]

Great black and white renders of your photographs. They bring out the intricate patterns in the bark really beautiful 😍

[@mere_mort4l]

If managed well, increased interest could translate into better guardianship and maybe future proofing against indiscriminate logging

[@ChristineWilsonPhotography]

Really like what you did there with black and white , very nice 😊

[@thanko1]

Loved the black and white of the old tree you made a point of coming to.

[@lisatalley296]

I really like how you used black and white. I find that when the idea I had is not going to work, I’m up to experimenting. Never waste a trip and be discouraged, just improvise. I live in Oregon in the northern coastal mountains, and it gets a bit overwhelming at times with all the trees. I always enjoy seeing your ideas while working in basically a rain forest situation.

[@banditalley9592]

11:20 Brilliant! I am going to steal this technique. So often the light here is similar to that, harsh and bright from early in the day, so this technique will open up new opportunites. Thanks for sharing!

[@pmc7105]

I quite liked that last photo (15:08) in colour actually, more than the b&w.

[@davidhuth5659]

Really beautiful images Adam! Love the black and white!

[@NicolasAlexanderOtto]

9:23 I think such a board walk is a good way to kill around 70% of foot traffic. Not everyone needs to go and find the best perspective for a picture and thus go off trail. Most are content with just taking a quick IG snap and thus dont have to tread next to it. But seeing what has happened in Iceland the past 15 years I know what you mean.

[@sweetwoodart640]

Love your “experiment”! That first result would make a beautiful platinum and palladium print.

[@Ed-davies]

Beautiful location. You are bang on the money about many of these areas and the increase of footfall. Ive seen similar things happen here in Wales over the years.

[@edwardnelson2728]

Love the black & White..I will definitely try your approach

[@brianmckeever5280]

The B&W are _very_ interesting, almost look infrared. The wood-plank paths remind me of _Myst_ the game from the deep dark past. The time-lapse at the beginning was stunning. Were those trees old enough to be smoking like that? I'd be interested to know what came first, the "grunts" in "Grunts Grove" or the "grunts" from the throne? The Internet and social media made these things known. I'm sure it is a blessing -- tourism $$$ -- and a curse for many places. There are 8 billion of us and we tend to make messes; lamentable but unavoidable it seems. Happy trails!

[@wismokey]

I am very selective who I tell my locations of little-known locations. As for public, wildlands, they are often overrun by people who don't realize their impact. We have several parks here that have completely closed off sections of very good spots because of abuse. My recommendation to them has been to go to a limited pass to those areas so they could control the numbers and try to inform them of the situation. No luck with that so far.

[@ronboe6325]

Stunning and fascinating opening scene. yah, progress - double edge thing.....

[@wildbillgreen]

I make up fake places when I tag photos. Mostly locations from the Jeremiah Johnson movie.

[@joao.s.cardoso]

Nice video Adam. It’s quite difficult to decide to publish or not your work identifying the place. We all have those special places that we like and want to share but at the same time we do feel that sharing it will make it more appealing for more people to explore it and with that possibly damage it. Love the BW images that almost seem like you used an IR filter. Would love to see a PP of it.

[@gregs2466]

I really like the over exposed shots!

[@warrenlloyd7532]

B&W works great for some of those shots

[@blivieriphoto]

Gorgeous visuals in the intro. Too bad about the loo. The age old question "does a photographer 💩 in the woods?" is more easily answered. Lol Too bad about that boardwalk. Looks pretty sketchy, but what's the alternative? Social media has definitely taken it's toll. Thanks Adam!!

[@jormahevonkoski2613]

No problem, because in five years I have only seen another photographer three times. These were my friends too. Maybe it's also because no one be intrested my KZbin channel

[@blivieriphoto]

I've been thinking a lot about what you said about the popularization of areas because of social media. I believe that was the impetus for the "Nature First" group, that photographers accept responsibility (in part) for the extra traffic, and in turn try to mitigate that with their principles. If you're listing a location in a post or video thats sensitive, state that fact. Encourage responsible viewing, visitation, etc. But you certainly can't take the blame for this boardwalk. Many others have videos and blog posts on how to find it. Even conservation groups promote certain areas. The more people who visit and see this beauty may translate into more people wanting to conserve it. I think a short disclaimer reminding folks that no matter how majestic these forests may look, they are vulnerable to being over-loved. Look at the Harris Creek Spruce! Huge picket fence around it. 😫 Its a slippery slope for sure, and at Nature First, it was the most debated of the principles - tagging or tellling folks a location where something was photographed. Great food for thought.

[@mauricebawden9561]

sorry Adam but I prefer colour to monochrome but still love the content

[@trishfre2]

Sometimes these beauties should be kept under wraps. Can‘t see the sense in a boardwalk that goes right up to a tree where people can vandalise it. They‘ll still hop off and make tracks around it. Keep the tracks rough, then less people will take them.

[@Alastair6]

I notice you are using a King Joy tripod like Paul Thompson. Which model is it? I'm a big fan of yours, I have been enjoying "Quiet Light" for quite a while now.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

It's the C86XT but as nice as it is it is too heavy to lugg around. I'd probably go for something a bit lighter

[@mattadamsphotography]

Adam - as a photographer myself who also cares about our wild lands and shares my work on social media, you can make the same content you do now without sharing locations, or at least specific locations. I think that would go a long way in minimizing your impact my friend

[@seth.graham]

It's definitely much better to have improvements protecting a spot, I've got a handful of "discovered" locations I get to visit every year or so that have little to no protections in place so I've been witness to them getting devastated by that fraction of a percent of people that do something crappy. I assume every outdoor enthusiast has a long list of them. It's easy to blame social media for it but humans are getting more connected and mobile all the time so it can't be stopped, it can only be mitigated. Wish I'd thought of your overexpose-the-background a couple weeks ago when I was at the california redwoods, I try to avoid bright backgrounds but you've shown how well it can work in a b&w conversion. Next time!

[@jessejayphotography]

Anything is better than nothing. I would have had the board walk go around the tree in some fashion. Big oversight there in my opinion. Even if the foot traffic is reduced by 30% it can be enough. These kinds of works can disrupt the purity of a spot but we are well beyond that now with internet and social media. The next 50 years and beyond it will be about how we best protect park lands, in keeping with their character the best we can, from being trampled to death by the ever growing human population sent to hotspots by social media. I'm against gatekeeping special places. I think the true, long term answer is increased funding for protection and management, education, education, and education. A young boy/girl could walk that board walk one day and be instilled with such wonderment and awe in that magnificent tree that they are inspired to dedicate their life energies for good and betterment of our wonderful planet. That's worth it.

[@GreenhornPhototaker]

I always get a bit peeved when someone posts a picture on social media and then complains we are ruining wild areas by giving them so much attention.

[@marcelowilson-barnett3768]

Are not professional landscape photographers partly to blame. They promote the places via social media and even take their workshops to these place (promoting it even more) and then make money of and give little back to conservation. Even the gear is not environmentally friendly. i. e backpacks. Is it all about making images that are popular wall hangers? At least you raise the point.

[@wildbillgreen]

They are also responsible for me being broke all the time 😂😂😂😂😢

[@beatfarmerfan]

How is a backpack not environmentally friendly?

[@marcelowilson-barnett3768]

@@beatfarmerfan Backpacks, including photography backpacks, can have several environmental impacts throughout their lifecycle. These impacts arise from the materials used, the manufacturing process, transportation, and disposal. Here’s a detailed look at how backpacks, particularly photography backpacks, can be environmentally unfriendly: 1. Material Sourcing and Production Synthetic Materials: Polyester and Nylon: Most backpacks are made from synthetic materials like polyester and nylon, which are derived from petroleum. The extraction and processing of petroleum have significant environmental impacts, including habitat destruction, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. These materials are not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to decompose, contributing to long-term environmental pollution. Polyurethane (PU) Coating: Photography backpacks often use PU coatings to provide water resistance. The production of PU involves toxic chemicals and releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the environment, contributing to air and water pollution. Metal Components: Zippers and Buckles: The production of metal components like zippers and buckles involves mining and refining metals, which can lead to habitat destruction, water pollution, and high energy consumption. 2. Manufacturing Process Energy Consumption: The manufacturing process of backpacks, particularly those with complex designs like photography backpacks, requires significant energy. This energy is often sourced from fossil fuels, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Chemical Use: Manufacturing processes can involve harmful chemicals, including dyes and treatments for waterproofing or durability. These chemicals can pollute water sources if not properly managed. 3. Transportation Carbon Footprint: Backpacks are often manufactured in countries far from their end markets, necessitating long-distance transportation by ships, planes, and trucks. This transportation contributes to the carbon footprint of the product due to fuel consumption and emissions. 4. Use and Maintenance Durability and Replacement: While photography backpacks are designed for durability, cheaper or lower-quality options may wear out quickly, necessitating frequent replacements. This increases the environmental impact over time as more resources are used to produce additional backpacks. Cleaning and Maintenance: Cleaning backpacks can sometimes involve the use of detergents and other cleaning agents that may have environmental impacts if they contain harmful chemicals. 5. End of Life Disposal: When backpacks are discarded, they often end up in landfills where synthetic materials do not biodegrade. This leads to long-term environmental pollution. Incineration of synthetic materials can release toxic chemicals into the atmosphere. Recycling Challenges: Backpacks are made from a mix of materials (fabric, metal, plastic), making them difficult to recycle. The recycling process requires separating these components, which is not always feasible or cost-effective. Reducing Environmental Impact Material Innovation: Using recycled materials: Some companies are now making backpacks from recycled polyester or nylon, which helps reduce the demand for new raw materials and reduces waste. Sustainable fabrics: Alternatives like organic cotton, hemp, or other natural fibers can be more environmentally friendly if sourced and processed sustainably. Eco-friendly Manufacturing: Manufacturers can adopt eco-friendly processes, such as reducing energy consumption, using renewable energy, and managing chemical use responsibly. Longevity and Repairability: Designing backpacks to be durable and easy to repair can reduce the need for frequent replacements, minimizing the overall environmental impact. Recycling Programs: Implementing take-back or recycling programs can help manage end-of-life backpacks more sustainably. In summary, the environmental impact of photography backpacks is significant due to material sourcing, manufacturing processes, transportation, and disposal challenges. However, adopting sustainable practices and materials can help mitigate these impacts.

[@c141charlie]

Two weeks in a row folks!

[@nevillewatkins4997]

Seems a bit counter intuitive really, but those black and white shots worked really well, I thought. Social media is a bit of a dilemma. On the one hand it hopefully inspires us, but as you say, there is that downside. I don't know what the answer is.

[@PrinceJvstin]

The phrase "Are WE the baddies?" comes to mind.

[@gordonbrunner9429]

...i do think a general reference to a location is perhaps an idea to hold the masses back..dont be too specific..of course you can share the actual locations to me and i wont tell anyone

[@stevemarson9665]

I'm afraid some areas won't survive even very intermittent light traffic without significant degradation of both the scenery and the ecology. These days I will only post images with a very vague indication of the location and never where the image makes it possible to identify the spot. As photographers we do tend to dwell for longish periods in roughly the same spot where often there is only one composition, so that area gets hammered even by fairly infrequent photography, let alone workshop groups or herds of instagrammers. I go back to my favourite, relatively remote location 2-3x a year and never see a soul, let alone another photographer. I'd like to keep it that way. Only a handful of others know about it and we are all of the same mind. It is a precious unspoilt spot in a crowded land. Yes I'm being selfish .... but it took a lot of legwork and exploration to find and I won't begrudge anyone finding it through their own hard work.

[@MrGavin29]

I've placed an order, but sadly it's not possible to pay with iDEAL (and i don't have a creditcard or PayPal)... Is there any other option? Best regards from the Netherlands.

[@MrGavin29]

My brother tried it with his creditcard, but when i tried to apply the free shipping code, i got the message "this discount cannot be applied to your order." What am i doing wrong? Or is it not possible to the Netherlands?

[@QuietLightPhoto]

The discount code only works on my website adamgibbs.com my apologies

[@MrGavin29]

@@QuietLightPhoto I tried it on your website. I ordered the book "Quiet Light" and two prints.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Hmm and you used the code LAND&LIGHT25? all upper case. The button on my website for european orders will take you the Beyond Words who do not accept the code. Failing that Im not sure what to suggest.

[@danmaynard120]

Getting in on that first comment glory 🙌

[@alpinejonny]

I love your channel, but even this channel is to blame. Anyone drawing attention to a place is to blame.

[@peterslagmolen]

noooo not black and white!! And don't pull down the greens in the color photo's!