Anyone looking for standards / ethics in their wildlife photography: do your research and use that to make a decision. The most important is to realize that an activity that is not deemed illegal is not necessarily appropriate.
First and foremost, as photographers we are considered wildlife watchers. If you take photos of birds, you are some sort of birder. As a result, if you really need to find a set of standards to apply to your photography, there is nothing wrong in beginning with what a birder would follow. Furthermore, just “google” wildlife photography ethics and I can assure you that you will find what you need. From there you can work out what is appropriate and what is not. Any wildlife photographer (either professional, hobbyist or beginner) should think about ethics before even going out with a camera: most do. This is common sense and whatever some may say, respect is high on the list every time.
As far as being a free for all attitude for a growing number of photographers because it is not illegal, the idea is totally inappropriate. Masturbating is not illegal, but doing in public or posting images on line in the public arena (in this forum for example) will only get one in trouble: if not by the law at least from the people seeing it. The use of common sense is definitely on the decline in this instant gratification world, people do not think. The shoot first and ask questions later seems to be the norm for some.
Yes, if there is something I do not want to see here, I can certainly ignore it, which I do regularly. My decision is based on several factors: one of them being subject matter. Sites like this one are used for people to show their work. Most people with a history here (very regular posters) consider themselves photographers. I am sorry to say that for some (maybe the “silent majority”) ethics are at least equally important as technical skills. The more skill one possess the more thought is given to the activity of photography. At least that should be the natural evolution to make any photographer a more mature photographer. The post count is irrelevant as most of those posts can be summed up to posts such as “great shot/s” whether such comment is warranted or not. There is very little education happening. Egos are developed here (among many other forums) from friendships and “high school” type reasons. The post count does not make one a better photographer. It does not improve one’s skills. It may in certain circumstances elevate one’s ego and popularity among certain sub-support groups of “friends”. Human behavior? Yes. Immature behavior? Yes
There is enough documentation that says that baiting is not right / not recommended as opposed to no documentation saying that is right or recommended. Most people may say that baiting has been used for science and re-establishment / conservation for some species, which can surely be debated as well. Again this argument in favor of baiting is not relevant. Autopsies are legally practiced by professionals for a specific purpose. Try doing one as a regular citizen and for pleasure. It may just well be a “bucket list item” but it certainly does not give one the right to do it. Again, we should not and do not need laws for everything. Most activities can and should be regulated by common sense. If photographing an owl is something that you really want to do but do not have the resources to do, are you going to rob a band to achieve your goal? Are you going to jeopardize another being to satisfy your wish? Totally ridiculous. Common sense will prevail (hopefully) and more over, you will certainly not advertise it.
The argument is getting old but not pointless although it may end up being tiresome. Mature, educated decision should prevail.
Gilles
Anyone looking for standards / ethics in their wildlife photography: do your research and use that to make a decision. The most important is to realize that an activity that is not deemed illegal is not necessarily appropriate.
First and foremost, as photographers we are considered wildlife watchers. If you take photos of birds, you are some sort of birder. As a result, if you really need to find a set of standards to apply to your photography, there is nothing wrong in beginning with what a birder would follow. Furthermore, just “google” wildlife photography ethics and I can assure you that you will find what you need. From there you can work out what is appropriate and what is not. Any wildlife photographer (either professional, hobbyist or beginner) should think about ethics before even going out with a camera: most do. This is common sense and whatever some may say, respect is high on the list every time.
As far as being a free for all attitude for a growing number of photographers because it is not illegal, the idea is totally inappropriate. Masturbating is not illegal, but doing in public or posting images on line in the public arena (in this forum for example) will only get one in trouble: if not by the law at least from the people seeing it. The use of common sense is definitely on the decline in this instant gratification world, people do not think. The shoot first and ask questions later seems to be the norm for some.
Yes, if there is something I do not want to see here, I can certainly ignore it, which I do regularly. My decision is based on several factors: one of them being subject matter. Sites like this one are used for people to show their work. Most people with a history here (very regular posters) consider themselves photographers. I am sorry to say that for some (maybe the “silent majority”) ethics are at least equally important as technical skills. The more skill one possess the more thought is given to the activity of photography. At least that should be the natural evolution to make any photographer a more mature photographer. The post count is irrelevant as most of those posts can be summed up to posts such as “great shot/s” whether such comment is warranted or not. There is very little education happening. Egos are developed here (among many other forums) from friendships and “high school” type reasons. The post count does not make one a better photographer. It does not improve one’s skills. It may in certain circumstances elevate one’s ego and popularity among certain sub-support groups of “friends”. Human behavior? Yes. Immature behavior? Yes
There is enough documentation that says that baiting is not right / not recommended as opposed to no documentation saying that is right or recommended. Most people may say that baiting has been used for science and re-establishment / conservation for some species, which can surely be debated as well. Again this argument in favor of baiting is not relevant. Autopsies are legally practiced by professionals for a specific purpose. Try doing one as a regular citizen and for pleasure. It may just well be a “bucket list item” but it certainly does not give one the right to do it. Again, we should not and do not need laws for everything. Most activities can and should be regulated by common sense. If photographing an owl is something that you really want to do but do not have the resources to do, are you going to rob a band to achieve your goal? Are you going to jeopardize another being to satisfy your wish? Totally ridiculous. Common sense will prevail (hopefully) and more over, you will certainly not advertise it.
The argument is getting old by not pointless although it may end up being tiresome. Mature, educated decision should prevail.
Gilles
Feb 10, 2013 at 11:59 AM
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