FULL STATEMENT OF EHTICS
Keep wild animals
WILD
Simply by being out in nature, I disturb animals. It is my duty to educate myself with knowledge that will help to minimize that disturbance as much as possible. This means knowing the animals and the environment I set out to photograph.
I aim to learn the behaviors of the animals I expect to encounter, including any behaviors that signify alarm or stress.
A Word of Acknowledgment
In the Field
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First and foremost: I forego photographic opportunities that may add extra stress to the experience of an animal reguardless of the situation.
I aim to blend into the environment, often using natural cover or my vehicle as a blind. When wildlife approaches on its own terms, I remain still and observant; if a careful approach is appropriate, I move slowly and continuously read the animal’s behavior to ensure its comfort and safety (as well as my own safety).
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Before approaching, I observe from a distance to establish an animal’s baseline behavior and ensure my presence causes no stress.
If I move closer, I continually monitor for any changes that suggest discomfort or disturbance. If an animal alters its natural behavior, retreats, or does not “return to normal” within a few minutes, I leave. My goal is always to document with as little disturbance as possible.
It is my responsiblity to remain a quiet witness, rather than a source of stress.
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Wild animals should NEVER have to perform for us, whether it’s in the wild or captivity.
I never purposely make noises to attract or alter an animal’s behavior. I do not ever feed wild animals. I will not photograph animals that have been habituated or fed by humans (with the exception that when doing so serves an educational purpose about the dangers of feeding wild animals).
While I do have a bird feeder at home, and photograph birds when they visit; I follow ethical practices for feeders as well (more below on this).
After Documenting
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In post-processing, I do not add elements that were not present in the original scene.
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I am transparent about the circumstances of my subjects. While most of my photos depict truly wild animals in non-captive settings, I do volunteer as a wildlife rehabilitator and may share images of animals under care; in these cases, I clearly convey the context and truth of their lives.
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Through my photography, social media, and captions, I aim to educate viewers about the animals and ecosystems I document, fostering appreciation for their beauty and their importance in healthy ecosystems.
On social media, I know the weight captions can carry with my images and I strive to accurately communicate by grounding my words in science whenever possible.
The ethics I follow in nature photography (both in the field and post-processing) are rooted in the teachings of the National Audubon Society, and Wildlife Conservationist and Photographer Melissa Groo, who co-created the National Audubon Society's "Guide to Ethical Bird Photography and Videography”.
