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Policy: Principles of Ethical Field Practices

Posted: Nov 30 11:12 am
by BirdingBC
The goal of this Bird Photography community forum is to promote good bird photography practices with an emphasis on learning, education, creative expression, composition and mastery but not at the expense of the subject. We want to give members the opportunity to express and share their work and by providing this guide as the operating parameter, our intent is to include photographers as a necessary and positive, artistic and documentary group within the scope of birding.

It is the desire of this website to ask members to act responsibly and ethically in the pursue of bird viewing and photography activities. Although it has been unstated and assumed until now, the following guide will now come into effect as the criteria for member participation.

Principles of Ethical Field Practices
The following practices promotes the well-being of the location, subject and photographer. Every place, plant, and animal, whether above or below water, is unique, and cumulative impacts occur over time. Therefore, one must always exercise good individual judgment. It is this website's belief that 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--know when not to interfere with animals' life cycles.
  • Respect the routine needs of animals--remember that others will attempt to photograph them, too.
  • Use appropriate lenses to photograph wild animals--if an animal shows stress, move back and use a longer lens.
  • 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 judgement--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 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.
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The Principles of Ethical Field Practices has been adopted in whole from the original published resource located at: http://www.naturephotographers.net/ethics.html