DOCUMENTING NATURE Polar bears in colder and warmer temperatures. Today, you need to use cinematography to tell stories. " In tandem with the demand, there is a growing body of talented - and gradually diversifying - wildlife cinematographers around the world. Their knowledge of animals, their camera and lighting skills, their ability to shoot sequences that can tell stories are showcasing nature on a cinematic scale, and audiences cannot get enough of it. " There is more work than before - more work than there are camera operators to do it! " says San Diego-based Jeff Hester (The Mating Game, Ultimate Rush), whose specialties include underwater cinematography. Historically the industry has been slow to embrace diversity - however, with mentorship programs for diverse voices from around the world now being promoted by nature-film enterprises such as the Wildscreen Festival and Jackson Wild, the hiring of women and people from less privileged backgrounds is starting to improve. (See " Career Path " profiles on pages 34 and 37). The expansion of the industry is being powered by an increase in 24 / SEPTEMBER 2022 IMAGES COURTESY OF SILVERBACK FILMS.