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Ethical Field Practices
by Kenton Krueger
BCJ Photo Guide Russell Graves on-location in Katmai National Park, Alaska. See his work at www.russellgraves.com
We are the guests.
As nature photographers we are all desirous of the “best” shot. We envy it, perhaps even placing it upon a proverbial pedestal. We work hard, travel distances, awaking at pre-dawn hours to head out into more often than not less than pleasant elements.
All just for the chance to get that best shot.
In this pursuit, however, we should constantly remind ourselves that we do all of this in someone else’s home. We set up shop in the natural world, amongst the creatures and critters that reside within it. Sometimes in National Parks and other protected areas where conservation and protection are not only good practices, but also law.
We are the guests.
As we subscribe to a set of ethics in our day to day lives, we must also do so while shooting photography in the wild. We accept this responsibility in order to help protect the environments in which we are operating, and the animals we photograph. And to respect ourselves as well as others around us.
But, what do we mean when we say “ethics?” We can define the word, but what does it truly mean as it applies to nature photographers? Perhaps it depends on what we are doing with our work.
Today we’ll discuss aspects of ethics and how they relate to a nature photographer’s behavior in the field. We’ll address additional topics in a future blog post.
So, say that we’re heading out together on a Backcountry Journeys tour to Yellowstone National Park. Let’s take a moment to look at what should we know before we go.
The following information is taken from a memo posted on The North American Nature Photography Association’s (NANPA) website. NANPA is North America’s preeminent nature photography organization, and is a critical advocate for the rights of nature photographers on a wide range of issues, from intellectual property to public land access for nature photographers:
“…these principles will encourage all who participate in the enjoyment of nature to do so in a way that best promotes good stewardship of the resource.”
ENVIRONMENTAL: KNOWLEDGE OF SUBJECT AND PLACE
-Learn patterns of animal behavior so as not to interfere with animal life cycles.
-Do not distress wildlife or their habitat.
-Respect the routine needs of animals.
-Use appropriate lenses to photograph wild animals.
-If an animal shows stress, move back and use a longer
-Acquaint yourself with the fragility of the ecosystem.
-Stay on trails that are intended to lessen impact.
SOCIAL: KNOWLEDGE OF RULES AND LAWS
-When appropriate, inform managers or other authorities of your presence and purpose.
-Help minimize cumulative impacts and maintain safety.
-Learn the rules and laws of the location.
-If minimum distances exist for approaching wildlife, follow them.
-In the absence of management authority, use good judgment.
-Treat the wildlife, plants and places as if you were their guest.
-Prepare yourself and your equipment for unexpected events.
-Avoid exposing yourself and others to preventable mishaps.
INDIVIDUAL: EXPERTISE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Treat others courteously.
Ask before joining others already shooting in an area.
Tactfully inform others if you observe them in engaging in inappropriate or harmful behavior.
Many people unknowingly endanger themselves and animals.
Report inappropriate behavior to proper authorities.
Don’t argue with those who don’t care; report them.
Be a good role model, both as a photographer and a citizen.
Educate others by your actions; enhance their understanding.
It’s certainly a laundry list. However, these principles should be considered important, and followed as we strive to be unnoticed by the animals we are photographing. We want to leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photographs and kill only time.
We want to see and record what is going on out there, yet never influence it.
As you set out on your next photographic adventure, we ask that you remember to have all of the pieces of the puzzle come together. Don’t catch yourself sacrificing ethics in order to create an image. Get the best shot, but do it ethically, using the above list as a guide.
Remember, we are the guests.
As nature photographers we are all desirous of the “best” shot. We envy it, perhaps even placing it upon a proverbial pedestal. We work hard, travel distances, awaking at pre-dawn hours to head out into more often than not less than pleasant elements.
All just for the chance to get that best shot.
In this pursuit, however, we should constantly remind ourselves that we do all of this in someone else’s home. We set up shop in the natural world, amongst the creatures and critters that reside within it. Sometimes in National Parks and other protected areas where conservation and protection are not only good practices, but also law.
We are the guests.
As we subscribe to a set of ethics in our day to day lives, we must also do so while shooting photography in the wild. We accept this responsibility in order to help protect the environments in which we are operating, and the animals we photograph. And to respect ourselves as well as others around us.
But, what do we mean when we say “ethics?” We can define the word, but what does it truly mean as it applies to nature photographers? Perhaps it depends on what we are doing with our work.
Today we’ll discuss aspects of ethics and how they relate to a nature photographer’s behavior in the field. We’ll address additional topics in a future blog post.
So, say that we’re heading out together on a Backcountry Journeys tour to Yellowstone National Park. Let’s take a moment to look at what should we know before we go.
The following information is taken from a memo posted on The North American Nature Photography Association’s (NANPA) website. NANPA is North America’s preeminent nature photography organization, and is a critical advocate for the rights of nature photographers on a wide range of issues, from intellectual property to public land access for nature photographers:
“…these principles will encourage all who participate in the enjoyment of nature to do so in a way that best promotes good stewardship of the resource.”
ENVIRONMENTAL: KNOWLEDGE OF SUBJECT AND PLACE
-Learn patterns of animal behavior so as not to interfere with animal life cycles.
-Do not distress wildlife or their habitat.
-Respect the routine needs of animals.
-Use appropriate lenses to photograph wild animals.
-If an animal shows stress, move back and use a longer
-Acquaint yourself with the fragility of the ecosystem.
-Stay on trails that are intended to lessen impact.
SOCIAL: KNOWLEDGE OF RULES AND LAWS
-When appropriate, inform managers or other authorities of your presence and purpose.
-Help minimize cumulative impacts and maintain safety.
-Learn the rules and laws of the location.
-If minimum distances exist for approaching wildlife, follow them.
-In the absence of management authority, use good judgment.
-Treat the wildlife, plants and places as if you were their guest.
-Prepare yourself and your equipment for unexpected events.
-Avoid exposing yourself and others to preventable mishaps.
INDIVIDUAL: EXPERTISE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Treat others courteously.
Ask before joining others already shooting in an area.
Tactfully inform others if you observe them in engaging in inappropriate or harmful behavior.
Many people unknowingly endanger themselves and animals.
Report inappropriate behavior to proper authorities.
Don’t argue with those who don’t care; report them.
Be a good role model, both as a photographer and a citizen.
Educate others by your actions; enhance their understanding.
It’s certainly a laundry list. However, these principles should be considered important, and followed as we strive to be unnoticed by the animals we are photographing. We want to leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photographs and kill only time.
We want to see and record what is going on out there, yet never influence it.
As you set out on your next photographic adventure, we ask that you remember to have all of the pieces of the puzzle come together. Don’t catch yourself sacrificing ethics in order to create an image. Get the best shot, but do it ethically, using the above list as a guide.
Remember, we are the guests.
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BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations include Yosemite, Alaska, Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Hawaii, Utah as well as Botswana & Costa Rica."
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.