Code of Conduct

The natural world around us is strong and resilient, bouncing back against even the most impossible odds, but it lives in a different time frame than we do. While we trample on it and beat it down, we often fail to realize that it may take decades or centuries to heal the damage done, if it can be healed. The question then becomes, how do we minimize our impact, both on the natural world - the earth and its natural inhabitants - and our fellow man. Fortunately, I'm not the only photographer who has pondered this.

In order to minimize the impact, I've developed a set of personal guidelines that guide me in my travels and in my photography.

Environment

• I inform myself about all rules and regulations relating to photography when visiting a natural area or public attraction.
• I do not knowingly step onto private property without permission even if the property appears abandoned.
• I stay on designated paths and trails. If there is no trail, I follow proper etiquette by educating myself on the principles of Leave No Trace.
• I aim for authenticity by photographing plants and animals in their natural habitat engaging in their normal behaviors.
• I inform myself about the plants and animals I intend to photograph. I avoid photographing them if they exhibit distress signals, and during times of physical strain or breeding seasons. If my presence is causing stress, I leave the area immediately.
• I help to protect the environment by picking up trash I find when in the field.
• I work to improve my photographic skills by using all my tools when making a composition. I do not move objects, pull plants or otherwise ‘tidy’ a scene. I move my position or wait patiently rather than attempt to influence an animal’s behavior or posture.
• I refrain from baiting (including sound baiting), or placing attractants to entice wildlife or influence their behavior. Also, I remove all artificial attractants I find in wild places that were placed there by others.
• I treat wild animals living in an urban environment, such as songbirds, with the same respect that I accord to those living in the wild. I consider their safety and well being before putting out seed. If I do, I research the proper natural organic food and follow proper procedures to ensure the cleanliness of the feeder to minimize the risk of disease. I locate the feeder to avoid cover for predators as well as potential in-flight collisions with reflective house windows.
• I keep rare species safe and intact by not broadcasting the location of a fragile area, plant or animal. I remove GPS data from my images before sharing them with others.
• I avoid stopping to photograph if it is likely to start a chain reaction resulting in other visitors crowding the area. I will find another time or place to continue photographing.

Social

• I ask permission before photographing an identifiable person.
• I treat all people with respect.
• I treat models with courtesy, repaying professionals with prints or fees for their work.
• I do not reimburse people where to do so would take advantage of their social or economic position or unduly influence them to pose for my picture.
• I am patient and courteous with non-photographers visiting a scene. I am creative and can adjust my expectations of the images I planned to make. I am open to new ideas as they present themselves to me.
• I am aware of my position and how it may interfere with the ability of the photographers and non-photographers around me to enjoy a scene.
• If someone wanders into my scene, I am courteous and will wait for them to move. I will consider adjusting my own position, or kindly asking them to move when they are ready.
• If I see someone desecrating the environment, I will consider talking with them about the possible effects of their behaviour. I will only do so if I do not perceive any threat to my personal safety. As an alternative, and if their behaviour is particularly egregious, I will consider documenting the situation and reporting them to the appropriate authorities.

Self

• I adopt this Code of Conduct and strive to adhere to these important principles.
• I am an ambassador of ethical conduct in the industry through my own behaviour and by sharing these principles with other photographers and the public.
• I know and respect my physical limitations and keep myself out of harm’s way by avoiding situations where my health and safety or the health and safety of others could be put at risk by my actions.
• I educate myself about the weather, terrain, culture and potential hazards before visiting a new area.
• I am always forthcoming about my post-processing and refrain from representing my photographs as something it is not.

Walking the footpath in Bad Neuenarh-Ahrweiler, Germany one fall morning I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the colors of leaves surrounding me. It's these little experiences that color my view of the world around me.