Code of Ethics
I am a member of the League of Landscape Photographers. I grew up on the prairies of Alberta and now live on the East Coast of Canada. I know both these areas to be fragile and bruised. As such, I follow a code of ethics in regard to my photography:
I inform myself about all rules and regulations relating to photography when visiting a natural area or public attraction.
I do not knowingly step onto private property without permission even if the property appears abandoned.
I stay on designated paths and trails. If there is no trail, I follow proper etiquette by educating myself on the principles of Leave No Trace.
I help to protect the environment by picking up trash I find when in the field.
I work to improve my photographic skills by using all my tools when making a composition. I do not move objects, pull plants or
otherwise ‘tidy’ a scene.
I treat wild animals living in an urban environment, such as songbirds, with the same respect that I accord to those living in the wild. I consider their safety and well being before putting out seed. If I do, I research the proper natural organic food and follow proper
procedures to ensure the cleanliness of the feeder to minimize the risk of disease. I locate the feeder to avoid cover for predators
as well as potential in-flight collisions with reflective house windows.
I keep rare species safe and intact by not broadcasting the location of a fragile area, plant or animal. I remove GPS data from my
images before sharing them with others.
I avoid stopping to photograph if it is likely to start a chain reaction resulting in other visitors crowding the area. I find another time or
place to continue photographing.
I ask permission before photographing an identifiable person.
I treat all people with respect.
I am patient and courteous with non-photographers visiting a scene. I am creative and can adjust my expectations of the images I
planned to make. I am open to new ideas as they present themselves to me.
I am aware of my position and how it may interfere with the ability of the photographers and non-photographers around me to enjoy
a scene.
If someone wanders into my scene, I am courteous and will wait for them to move. I will consider adjusting my own position, or
kindly asking them to move when they are ready.
I know and respect my physical limitations and keep myself out of harm’s way by avoiding situations where my health and safety or
the health and safety of others could be put at risk by my actions.
I educate myself about the weather, terrain, culture and potential hazards before visiting a new area.
I am always forthcoming about my post-processing and refrain from representing my photographs as something they are not.