In this episode of The Wild Photographer, I welcomed Dana Cama, a powerhouse in wildlife, travel, and nature photography with a knack for mastering social media. Dana shares her unique photographic journey, from childhood darkrooms to photographing hurricanes and bighorn sheep, all while using her skills to amplify conservation efforts. If you’re looking for ways to make your photography impactful or understand social media's true potential for storytelling, this episode is a must-listen.
From Punk Kids to Conservation Stories: Dana’s Photographic Journey
Dana’s story begins at 12, when her father gifted her a Canon AE-1 film camera. Her love for photography grew in high school darkrooms, where she dodged and burned her way through punk music scenes and bike rides. Over time, Dana’s talent took her on tour as a music photographer, landing gigs with major magazines like Spin and Alternative Press.
The pivotal shift came during Hurricane Sandy, which devastated her hometown. Witnessing the environmental destruction firsthand ignited a passion for environmental photojournalism. “Why is nobody talking about this?” she asked herself. This question became a cornerstone of her career, driving her to major in photojournalism with a minor in environmental science.
From there, Dana photographed humanitarian work in Haiti and joined wildlife veterinarians in documenting global training initiatives. Her nonprofit photography taught her that powerful imagery can drive action—a theme that runs through her work to this day.
Photography with Purpose: “How Can My Images Be of Best Use?”
Dana’s ethos revolves around the idea of useful photography. Whether documenting doctors in Haiti or polar bears in the Arctic, her question remains: What impact can this image make For Dana, the answer lies in conservation storytelling. Her work supports nonprofits, creates awareness, and gives voice to efforts that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Her journey has also taught her the importance of being scrappy. She encourages aspiring photographers to start locally: “Find the wildlife in your backyard, whether it’s deer, foxes, or squirrels, and build from there.” Not everyone starts in Churchill photographing polar bears—but the path to impactful work begins wherever you are.
Social Media as a Conservation Tool
While it's easy to bemoan social media, Dana sees it as a democratizing tool. Platforms like Instagram allow anyone to share images that can spark movements, build empathy, and inspire action. She reflects on how iconic images—like Paul Nicklen’s starving polar bear—have reached millions thanks to social media’s vast reach.
“Social media is where we consume images today,” Dana says, emphasizing its role as a storytelling platform for conservation and awareness.
Her advice for photographers seeking to make their work impactful? Be authentic and intentional. “Focus on your connection to the place or subject,” she says, noting that authenticity resonates far more than chasing followers or trends.
Pro Tip: Dana recommends using audio recordings as a modern-day journal. After significant encounters, she records her thoughts and experiences, later weaving them into captions and stories—a method that adds depth and authenticity to her posts.
Gear That Gets the Job Done
While Dana admits she’s not a gearhead, she swears by her Sony lineup: the A7R V for stills and the FX3 for video. Her go-to lenses include the 200-600mm for distant wildlife and the 100-400mm for hiking adventures. She also highlights the importance of waterproof gear—a necessity for shooting in places like Alaska or the Great Bear Rainforest.
Her surprise must-have? A well-fitting backpack. “Equipment needs to fit you,” Dana stresses, especially for smaller-framed photographers. Her current favorite? Ortlieb’s waterproof backpacks, which balance comfort and protection in the wettest environments.
A Final Lesson for Aspiring Photographers
Dana’s key advice: Start where you are, be scrappy, and let your work evolve. “Build your portfolio with the wildlife accessible to you,” she says. “And if you want to contribute to conservation, nonprofits always need visuals—reach out and offer your skills.” For Dana, photography is not just about creating beautiful images; it’s about making them useful.
Why You Need to Listen
This episode is brimming with wisdom, from cultivating authenticity in your photography to leveraging social media for conservation. Dana’s journey—from punk bands to polar bears—reminds us that impactful storytelling starts with passion, resourcefulness, and a genuine desire to connect.
Find Dana Cama:
Instagram: @danacama
Website: danacama.com
Tune in to hear the full conversation and gain invaluable tips for making your photography count—for yourself and for the planet.
Comments