Photographer seeks "complete picture" on wildfires, climate change

Why he matters: Tama, who's based in Los Angeles, has been photographing climate change and extreme weather for more than two decades.

• He recently spoke with Axios about his work capturing the devastation of Los Angeles from this year's wildfires, and the role that photojournalism plays in documenting climate change.

What he's saying: "In the case of the L.A. fires, we realized early on that it was difficult to illuminate the sheer scale of destruction, devastation and human toll of this disaster from the ground."

• With his editors' help, he was able to secure a helicopter to get aerial images and later was cleared to use a drone for photos.
• But he says, "To date, I'm not sure there is an image that fully captures the level of loss and destruction."

Zoom in: Climate photographers have to follow strict safety protocols when covering disasters — for their own safety as well as to prevent interfering with firefighters or evacuees.

• "It is essential to approach people with sensitivity, empathy and compassion, placing yourself in their shoes," he says.
• "You need to be cognizant that anyone you encounter in a disaster zone may be experiencing the worst day of their life."

While L.A. recovers from the fires and aid groups move on to other disaster areas, the community continues to rebuild. Tama says his work can serve a purpose in that regard.

• "Just because the big news crews have left doesn't mean the story is over ... Photographs can help remind people that the struggle is ongoing, and the need is still here." Tama says.
• "Thousands of people are still displaced and many are struggling, especially those who were uninsured or underinsured. At the same time, there is at least some hope in the air with debris removal happening more rapidly than predicted and greenery returning to the burn zones."

Go deeper (or links to add as details come in):

• LA's wildfires sparked by rare collision of climate factors
• L.A. County fires among most destructive ever recorded in California
• Channeling climate anxiety into action