Guide To Responsible Photography

Photograph with honesty and integrity. Always provide accurate captions, and never alter the content or meaning of a documentary or editorial photograph. 

Do not intentionally contribute to, alter, or seek to influence events. 

Treat all subjects with respect and dignity. Photos of people who are vulnerable are to be taken with particular care, compassion and protection of privacy. Give special consideration to vulnerable subjects and compassion to victims of crime or tragedy. Consider not releasing images that intrude on private moments of grief unless the public has an overriding and justifiable need to know.

Follow this link to read the NPPA’s Code of Ethics

These can be complicated.

Factors that may require a release include location, commercial image use, age and privacy.

Protect yourself and make sure you know and understand the requirements, which vary widely from country to country. 

Never use deceit in obtaining model or property releases.

Visit the Improve Photography website to read more details about when you need to obtain a model release.

Use of another’s image or artwork without permission or payment, whether whole or in part, is a form of theft and a copyright violation.

Disclosure of collaborative efforts should be made when applicable.

Like any artist who paints a picture, writes a song or carves a statue, a photographer owns the rights to his or her artistic creations.

These rights are protected by law, and violation of those rights are subject to penalties. 

Please respect these rights as you would want yours to be honored.

Images that are deliberately controversial to gain recognition may be the first to meet objections. As responsible photographers and members of the community, we should take it upon ourselves to monitor our work for suitability. 

Fine art photography is highly subjective and open to wide interpretation. 

What some people perceive as creative may be thought of as offensive by others. A fine art nude photo will be appreciated as an art form by some; others will find it objectionable or pornographic. 

Please consider how and where your images will be displayed in judging suitability so as to protect your reputation and the good character of LPS. 

It means not causing wildlife to stop hunting, eating, and resting, or to threaten or charge you.

View wildlife from a safe distance for both you and them; often park regulations will specify this, and those must be observed.

Learn patterns of animal behavior and know when not to interfere with animals’ life cycles. Never interfere with animals engaged in breeding, nesting, or caring for young. 

Learn to recognize wildlife alarm signals and never forget that these animals are NOT tame no matter how docile they appear.

If the animal interrupts its behavior (resting, feeding, etc.), then you are too close and must distance yourself.

Learn and watch for signs of distress; if you see them, pull back.

Failure to comply with these regulations could not only create a dangerous situation for you, but also potentially lead to your arrest and prosecution.

Avoid actions that might result in driving parents away from the young, which leaves them open to predators and the elements.

Never alter vegetation around nests or dens, as it provides critical camouflage as well as protection from sun, wind, and rain.

Consider using blinds to conceal yourself and your camera gear. Learn and use good field techniques when capturing images of wildlife in their habitat. 

Never crowd, pursue, prevent escape, or make deliberate noises to distract, startle or harass wildlife. 

This too is stressful and wastes valuable energy in needless flight.

But if you use them, do so responsibly.

Refer to guidelines posted by wildlife and conservation organizations such as Audubon, Sibley’s and the National Wildlife Federation.

Habituation due to handouts can result in disease or even death of that animal and injury to you.

Never encroach on nests or dens as certain species will abandon their young. 

Abide by best practices for sanitation and cleanliness when feeding birds and wildlife at your residence.

Feeders and birdbaths should be maintained daily as often as needed with fresh food and water. 

Consider the captive animal and scrutinize opportunities to photograph wild animals in captivity. 

Know what makes a legitimate sanctuary or zoo, and avoid places where wild animals are exploited for profit.

Captive wildlife photography is a popular pursuit, especially for people who may not be able or willing to travel to far-flung places to see wildlife in its element. 

A wide range of facilities offer opportunities to photograph exotic animals, including zoos, sanctuaries, rescues, reserves, game farms, wildlife centers, refuges, adventure parks, and safari parks.

Living conditions for captive wildlife range from sordid to exemplary, just as the reasons for their captivity run the gamut from greed to compassion.

No selfies or photographs with wildlife, please.

The harm has outweighed the benefits of encouraging close contact with animals, whether they are wild or in a sanctuary. 

Be mindful of the impact that too many photographers can have on wildlife and the landscape by their presence alone.

Too many animals have been greatly disturbed and harassed and landscapes destroyed by too much human interaction.

Sharing images on social media and the location data that might be embedded in your image’s metadata might be all it takes to have a very negative impact. 

All of your “friends” might not share your respect for the outdoors.