As a passionate landscape photographer, capturing the natural beauty of the world around me is not just a hobby but a way of life. However, with this passion comes a significant responsibility. I’ve come to understand that to truly appreciate and honour the landscapes I photograph, I must adhere to a personal code of ethics. Here, I’m sharing the unwritten rules I follow to ensure that I respect the environment, wildlife, and fellow photographers.
1. Respect Nature and Wildlife
First and foremost, I always strive to respect the natural environment and its inhabitants. This means:
- Leave No Trace: I make it a point to clean up after myself. Everything I bring in, I take out, ensuring I leave no rubbish or equipment behind. If there is rubbish in the general area where I am, I will also take it with me. This is something I’ve been teaching my 6-year-old son to do as well: lift rubbish and put it in the bin.
- Stay on Trails: To minimise my impact, I stick to designated paths and avoid trampling on vegetation or disturbing natural habitats.
- Respect Wildlife: Although I shoot next to no wildlife, if I were to do so, I would keep a safe distance from animals, never feed or disturb them, and use a telephoto lens to capture wildlife shots without encroaching on their space.
2. Minimise My Footprint
When visiting pristine and delicate environments, I understand the importance of minimising my footprint to preserve these locations for future generations.
- Camp Responsibly: Depending on where I am, I follow local regulations regarding camping. In places like Iceland, where it’s illegal to camp outside designated campsites, I strictly adhere to those rules. In countries like Norway, where camping is more lenient, I ensure to camp responsibly and respectfully, being mindful of my impact on the environment. Here at home in the UK, camping is generally illegal but often tolerated. I make it a point to avoid popular spots, camp out of sight, and ensure I disturb no one. Above all, I leave absolutely no trace.
- Be Mindful of Erosion: I’m the kind of person who will walk through the middle of a mucky path rather than walking around it and creating a new path. This helps to prevent the spread of erosion and protects the surrounding vegetation.
- Limit the Use of Drones: While I don’t currently use drones, I recognise their place in landscape photography and plan to get one. When it comes to using a drone, I will ensure there is next to no one about so that I am not annoying them. I will always follow all regulations and guidelines to avoid disrupting wildlife and other visitors.
- Small Group Tours and Workshops: This is why my photography tours and workshops are limited to only 5 people, so that we minimise our impact on the landscape too.
3. Respect Other Photographers and Visitors
Sharing popular spots with other photographers and visitors requires mutual respect and consideration.
- Be Courteous: If there are other photographers about, I will wait until they’re finished before walking into their spot. I’m always looking around to ensure I’m not walking into their shot, and I will communicate with them to ask if I’m in their way. It’s good to talk! I avoid setting up my gear in a way that blocks others’ shots, and I’m always aware of my surroundings and move if I’m in someone else’s frame.
- Share Popular Spots: I’m all for sharing at popular locations, but once I’ve got the shot I’ve envisioned, only then will I walk on. I’m not just going to take a photo for the sake of it then move on.
- Respect Privacy: Not everyone wants to be photographed. If someone doesn’t want to be photographed, I’ll ensure I’m not photographing their face, especially in remote or serene settings.
4. Follow Local Regulations and Guidelines
Every location has its own set of rules and guidelines, and I make it a priority to familiarise myself with these before heading out.
- Obtain Permits if Necessary: Some locations require permits for photography. I ensure I have all the necessary permissions before I start shooting.
- Respect Restricted Areas: I never trespass into restricted zones, as they are often protected to safeguard wildlife or natural features. If there is a rope or chain across an area, it’s obvious that I don’t cross it.
- Follow Park Rules: National parks and reserves have specific rules to ensure the safety of both visitors and the environment. I abide by these rules at all times.
5. Practise Honesty in My Work
Maintaining the integrity of my photography is crucial to me. I aim to represent the landscapes I capture truthfully. As a documentary landscape photographer, I generally present images as they were when I took them, with only a small bit of enhancement. Any images you see of mine on social media or my website are pretty much as they appeared in real life.
- Minimal Manipulation: While I use editing to enhance my photos, I avoid excessive manipulation that misrepresents the scene. I strive to present the landscape as I experienced it.
- Disclose Edits: If I make significant edits, I’m transparent about it. Honesty helps maintain trust with my audience.
Conclusion
For me, landscape photography is more than just capturing beautiful images; it’s about fostering a deep connection with nature and promoting its preservation. By adhering to this personal code of ethics, I can ensure that the stunning landscapes I photograph today will be around for generations to come. I am committed to being a mindful, respectful, and responsible photographer, dedicated to protecting the natural world I so deeply cherish.
