Our Statement On Ethics In Nature Photography and Eco Tourism

Ethics: moral principles that govern a person’s behavior or the conduct of an activity.

I believe that today, more than ever, ethical behavior in our outdoor pursuits is incumbent upon each and every one of us, whatever we do in the out-of-doors.  It’s getting crowded out there! Our favorite photography locations (and local parks, beaches, vacation spots, etc) are under more stress than ever before due to overcrowding, habitat destruction, global warming, and so many other factors. 

Our response personally and here at Brian Creek Photography is to hold ourselves and our guests to a higher standard of ethical behavior in the field in order to do no harm to wildlife or their habitat, public parks and reserves, private lands we have been granted permission to visit, and all the other places we visit and work. We are committed to making honest, authentic, photographs and in representing them accurately.

The Land

Whether we are visiting public or private lands we will remember that we are visitors and act accordingly. We strongly believe practicing and modeling appropriate ethical behavior is key to the way we operate as a business and individuals.

1. We will learn and follow the rules and regulations for the areas we visit, and require that our participants/guests do the same.
2. We will stay on marked paths, boardwalks and trails. We will close any gates that we open and report any hazards we notice to the appropriate people.
3. If required, we will notify the appropriate people when we visit and when we leave protected areas.
4. We will not break or cut away vegetation to improve access to our subjects.
5. We will not create “photographer wallows” or otherwise trample vegetation excessively.
6. When photographing plants we will not disturb or move them.
7. We will never post the coordinates of a locations or geotag our photos beyond such broad areas as, “Yellowstone Lake.”
   

Wildlife

The wild creatures we encounter are in their homes going about their business of earning a living and raising children. They are already under considerable stress for the reasons noted above and we don’t want to make things worse.  Before we head out to photograph any animals we will learn as much as we can about our subjects behavior and life histories so we can avoid adding to their stress.

1. We will maintain any specified distances required between us and wildlife (i.e. using long lenses), and we will not approach them or behave in a way that causes them to alter their behavior, even if we could legally do so.
2. If there is a large crowd already viewing/photographing animals at a location we will either wait for the crowds to thin or move along to the next location. We will only park in permitted parking areas, and will not block vehicle or pedestrian traffic.
3. We will not use recorded calls or make noises to try to attract animals or cause them to change their behavior.
4. We will not use bait attractants.
5. We will be observant so we avoid creating a conflict with wildlife, such as approaching too close to nests or dens, or getting between parents and their young.
6. Where appropriate we will carry bear spray and instruct our guests in it’s use.
   

Other People

1. We will treat others with respect and courtesy. 
2. We will not move between a viewer or photographer and a subject when they were there first without their permission.
3. We will not monopolize subjects needlessly when in a group of photographers.
4. We will ask for consent before taking a photo that includes a person or their domestic animals.

*This isn’t exhaustive, and it may be amended from time to time.