How Can I Tell If a Photo is From a Game Farm?
Too Good to Believe? Possibly.
Nature is messy. Wild animals are elusive and cautious.
A photo may be from a game farm if:
- A spectacular shot of an elusive predator has little to no explanation. It may be leaping between rocks, running right at the camera, or posed perfectly between tree trunks.
- Super Market! It can be “one-stop shopping” for photographers “bagging” several species in a day’s shoot. Typical species include wolves, cougars, bears, lynxes, tigers, snow leopards, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, badgers, skunks, and raccoons.
- Does it look like a movie set with pretty flowers or pristine snow? Baby animals are in the open in perfect clean conditions frequently without mom.
- Animal makeup artist? The animal actor is pristine, lacking scars, nicks, wounds, or dirt in a perfect, well-lit location.
- Sometimes location and conditions will be stated, but don’t depend on it. Keywords for the photo may include “Captive” or”Controlled Conditions.” Snow leopards in Montana—I don’t think so! The location given is often Montana, Rocky Mountains, Minnesota, or Utah.