Conservation photography is about documenting environmental change, but it should represent in some meaningful way the feelings we can have when experiencing the natural world. Although most current discussion about the natural world is focused on pragmatic issues surrounding physical conservation and resource management, there should also be present an internal, affective and spiritual dialogue between us as individuals and our ancient environment. The Royal BC Museum on the west coast of Canada has a teaching pack for teachers that suggests: "A general feeling of well-being is experienced by many people in a natural setting. Reconnection with natural surroundings can be calming, energizing and/or inspirational. Old Cedar-Hemlock forests, because of the size of the trees and quiet, cathedral-like surroundings, bring out spiritual feelings in many people."
Conservation is not only about material value, it is also directly concerned with our being-in-the-world, the way we are grounded by the forests, oceans, deserts and mountains that surround and enclose us.