Why I practice
photography
Nature photography is the bulk of what I do, it makes me feel connected to Mother Earth, the subject, myself, and the universe. I share my work to help others connect and to show the beauties of the natural, living, world.
Ethical practices
in my travels
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While I prep for my travel I do minimal research into what I’m inviting myself into because I want to limit expectations and instead enter with an open mind & heart. Of course, minimal research doesn’t mean none. It is crucial to me that I know the basics of the people, culture, nature & wildlife that I may encounter.
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I thank the universe; the earth beneath me, the sky above me, the body that holds me and all that welcome me in their home (whether literal of figuratively) for having me. I vouch to welcome all experiences and not to judge for I am merely a visitor. Lastly, I strive to leave no trace of the human-made world behind when out in nature.
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When my visit comes to an end I thank the country, the people, and the wildlife for having me and for welcoming me with an open arms, mind & heart in return of my own. I will remember & cherish the experiences that I’ve had.
Ethical practices
in my nature photography
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This isn’t so much about what I do, more so about what I don’t do. In my photography practice I don’t elaborately plan when and where I want to be for a photo, this way I limit my expectations and put less stress on Mother to live up to them. Rather, I wander through a wider area and capture the moments I stumble upon. Sometimes I may choose to wait a little longer for the light to hit just right but all is chosen in the moment.
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Before I hit the shutter and even before I go to grab my camera I thank the earth beneath me, the sky above me and the body that holds me for bringing me there and allowing me to see the what’s around me.
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(Or sometimes before in the case that I’ve decided to wait a while) I will linger to let it all seep into me; to really live the moment and appreciate it to the best of my capabilities. I practice this to show my respect & connect.
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For me, post-processing is the most creative phase in a photo’s journey. In this phase I interpret how I experienced the moment the photo was taken. I create what I saw in that moment and bring that to life. Though this creative process is important to me I do not let it overpower the photo as it is important to me that the photo is authentic as well.
Other ethical practices
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I do not participate in disrupting the wildlife for a visually better shot. I will not intentionally put the animal or myself in danger. I use long focal lengths and will remain far away enough that I can cover the wildlife with my thumb when my arm is extended. If the animal seems threatened or nervous by my presence I will put more distance between us. I will not follow an animal when it decides to put more distance between us and will not back up if the animal chooses to approach me unless it puts me in danger.
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I feel myself free to photograph people without consent when in public spaces & photographing outside of intimate conversation. If the person in front of my camera shows signs of discomfort by my (camera’s) presence I will lower my camera. In more private or intimate settings I will inform them of the purpose of the photos and ask for consent continuously.
I will not photograph children unless it advances a cause. A child can not give informed consent, and a parent’s or caregiver’s consent is not enough.
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It is important to keep portraits as close to reality as possible. I am not for setting impossible standards and do not edit out, what I call, ‘permanent flaws’. There’s a story behind those scars, and there’s immense beauty in all that’s part of you. I do allow myself to edit out little ‘temporary flaws’ that could have nearly disappeared within a week when this is requested. I do want the people I photograph to be able to look at the photo and feel beautiful in it.
All is relative though and it depends on the end goal of the photograph, in general I follow the same rule as ‘if they can’t correct it in five seconds, don’t comment on it’ when it comes to editing. A hair that is out of place, or lipstick that transferred to their teeth I will correct. I will not mess with their body shape, hair, tattoos or piercings because they are part of that person’s identity.
Remember that ethics are personal and fluid. Your ideas of ethics can be different from mine, there’s no right or wrong. My ideas of ethicality can change and evolve over time as I experience & learn from life. I will regularly revisit my statement of ethics to keep it authentic to me in that moment.
