Our Responsibility
-
We get so much
For those of us who use a camera to photograph beautiful locations or wildlife, we get the first-hand benefits of Mother Nature.
Each new destination we visit has its own challenges for the environment and the wildlife it supports.
We benefit greatly from a healthy and vibrant natural world.
-
Giving Back
Aptura gives 5% of all proceeds to one of our listed charitable organizations that you choose for each purchase.
These foundations are near and dear to our hearts, and whichever you choose, you’re helping to conserve our natural places and the wildlife that call them home.
-
Our Actions in the Field
Conserving our natural environments isn’t just about donations (though we encourage those too).
We can put it into practice every time we’re in the field or abroad. We can support local businesses when we travel, choose operators that have shared values, practice Nature First and Leave No Trace principles, and even share posts from our favorite foundations on social media.
We support the conservation of nature and the wildlife that call it home.
Charitable Organizations
You get to choose during checkout.
Local
-
The St. Louis Audubon Society became the first local Audubon chapter in the United States in 1944. This non-profit organization has grown to nearly 3000 members and does important work in the St. Louis area to foster a community connection to nature through education and conservation initiatives.
-
The World Bird Sanctuary is an internationally renowned rehabilitation, education, and conservation organization based in St. Louis, Missouri. World Bird Sanctuary specializes in rehabilitating sick or injured raptors. Additionally, it is home to over 200 resident birds, spanning over 60 species from all over the world. World Bird Sanctuary has numerous education and outreach programs to encourage fostering a love for wildlife and inspiring conservation action.
-
Wild Bird Rehabilitation is the primary organization in the state of Missouri solely devoted to the care of songbirds. This non-profit organization provides professional medical care to native songbirds and also public education regarding the humane treatment of songbirds and conservation of their habitats.
-
Created in 1937, the Missouri Department of Conservation serves to restore, conserve and regulate Missouri’s natural resources. MDC is recognized as a national leader in conservation, administering nearly a million acres of land and providing numerous functions in the areas of research, education, other public services, and more.
National / International
-
World Wildlife Fund is a global conservation leader that works to help local communities conserve the natural resources they depend upon, transform markets and policies toward sustainability, and protect and restore species and their habitats. WWF connects cutting-edge conservation science with the collective power of millions of supporters and extensive partnerships with communities, companies and governments around the world.
-
The Nature Conservancy is tackling the dual threats of accelerated climate change and unprecedented biodiversity loss. Science determines their focus and equity guides how they achieve lasting results. Grounded by decades of local on-the-ground experience, they maximize their ability to affect change by bringing together real-world solutions, policy expertise, sustainable financing and collaborative partnerships.
-
With a national community of volunteers, advocates, and grassroots activists, Sierra Club is an organization that works to advance climate solutions and ensure everyone has access to clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment. They also help people enjoy the wild places of the Earth. Each year, Sierra Club volunteers lead over 15,000 trips annually, from extended trips across the world to afternoon hikes not far from home.
-
As the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, the National Park Foundation generates private support and builds strategic partnerships to protect and enhance America’s national parks for present and future generations. They focus on promoting programs and projects that protect precious landscapes and wilderness, historical sites, and places of cultural significance.
-
Light pollution disrupts wildlife, impacts human health, wastes money and energy, contributes to climate change, and blocks our view of the universe. DarkSky International works with communities, parks, municipalities, and the public to certify and protect dark places for humans and wildlife alike. They also certify lighting products, designs, and installations that reduce light pollution, as well as working with leaders to pass dark sky friendly legislation.
“Nature First is built on a set of core principles that help communicate how each of us can enjoy nature photography responsibly.
The Nature First Principles were developed to help educate and guide both professional and recreational photographers in sustainable, minimal impact practices that will help preserve nature’s beautiful locations.”
The Nature First Principles
Prioritize the well-being of nature over photography.
Educate yourself about the places you photograph.
Reflect on the possible impact of your actions.
Use discretion if sharing locations.
Know and follow rules and regulations.
Always follow Leave No Trace principles and strive to leave places better than you found them.
Actively promote and educate others about these principles.
