We’re proud to celebrate Sony Artisan of Imagery Peter McBride on receiving the prestigious Ansel Adams Award – an honor given by the Sierra Club that recognizes his enduring commitment to conservation through storytelling. Peter’s work stands squarely in the Ansel tradition: images that are beautiful, urgent and impossible to ignore.
“While it is always nice to receive recognition for something, this one was special because Ansel Adams influenced me greatly and still does and many of the award recipients before me, were mentors and inspirations,” says Peter. “While I’ll never claim to be on the level of Ansel Adams, I am humbled and honored that people in the field of conservation find my work impactful.”
"Dry Colorado River Delta" Photo by Peter McBride.
Conservation Photography That Drives Awareness
Peter’s photography brings critical environmental stories into focus – from the Colorado River no longer reaching the sea to development pressures at the Grand Canyon. He documents risk with respect, clarity and purpose, reminding us that the outdoor world so many of us love needs active protection. "To be honest, I believe in storytelling," he explains, "and many of the stories I have told and tell involve the risk and loss of our natural world either from humans asking too much, or a changing climate, or apathy. For example, I have documented, and continue to do so, rivers running dry, species on the brink of extinction, or iconic landscapes like the Grand Canyon being pressured by developments that want to turn its beauty into cash."
"An elephant relocation in Malawi, Africa" Photo by Peter McBride. Alpha 9. 16-35mm f/4. 1/160-sec., f/13, ISO 125
He continues, "In telling these stories, the ethos of conserving landscapes, natural resources and giving voices to those within them, wildlife and human, are inherent in the work. So I just tell and document stories with my cameras about places that have changed or are at risk of changing. Some, like the famous Colorado River, which flowed to the sea for six million years, have stopped flowing to the sea in my lifetime. Over-allocation, drought and climate are all to blame but few understand or know this, so stories about it are critical. Other places or species, risk similar threats and I want to make people aware of those risks before some of the gems of our natural world vanish forever."
"The Confluence inside the Grand Canyon. A site considered sacred by many Native American Tribes, but over the years, many proposals have come forward to change transform it. A billion dollar tram proposal was fought back years ago, only to be followed by two dam proposals." Photo by Peter McBride.
"The outdoor world, which so many photographers beautifully capture, needs protection if the next generation of photographers, adventurers, nature lovers and those new to it all, want to see some of the wonder I’ve been privileged to witness through the lenses of my cameras. That is why I do it."
A visual reminder of drying times, Lake Mead. The now defunct water intake for Las Vegas can be seen in the back right. Las Vegas has embraced water conservation measures as their risk is in plain site, but many more across the American Southwest need to learn to use less. Photo by Peter McBride.
The Role of Community In Peter’s Work
Though much of the craft is solitary, Peter credits the conservation and photo communities for the support he needs to continue. “Community is critical for inspiration, support, ideas and camaraderie,” he says. “Photography can be a very lonely venture as we are often alone. So finding friends and colleagues that you can lean on and learn from, is critical in continuing in this very challenging field that is ever changing in the face of technology transitions and media evolutions. Finding good stories that you believe in, no matter the changes at hand, continue to be a common and important through line in my photography journey.”
"South Georgia, off the coast of Antarctica. This was once a famous whaling region but conservation efforts have helped wildlife return, whales and penguins. New threats to wildlife continue, especially with unregulated industrial krill fishing which is the foundational food for scores of species. " Photo by Peter McBride.
See more of Peter McBride’s work on his Alpha Universe Profile, Instagram @pedromcbride and at petemcbride.com.
Learn more about the Ansel Adams Award at sierraclub.org/awards.
