Primum non Nocere

Wildlife photography has experienced a boom in the last decade or so as the tools needed for it – particularly cameras with telephoto lenses with longer reach – have become much more common and financially available to those with even a passing interest. And while that is great, it unfortunately has also led to growing numbers of cases where, either purposefully or simply by lack of awareness, people are doing anything to “get the shot” ranging from trespassing & disrespecting the wishes of property owners to, at worst, baiting & harassing their subjects. The most common instances of harassment that I see on social media are of people either “pushing the boundaries” to see how close they can get to their subject, or by being part of (even if just for a short time) what becomes a continuous crowd that sets-up in front of a nest of a bird, a den of a mammal, or similar situation. It is also unfortunate that there are members of the community who really ought to know & behave better, but instead are regular culprits themselves and seem to convey by their own mis-behavior that it is ok.

Preferring to be a good example, and to set myself apart from those that put their own selfish interests above the well-being of the wildlife they are photographing, I felt the need to share that I personally subscribe to the Ethical Field Practices as published by:
NANPA (North American Nature Photography Association)
ABA (American Birding Association)
National Audubon Society

In short, when I go about photographing any wild animal or am in any wild location, the welfare of my subject and the location are of the highest concern – and more important than any photo.

The medical community is familiar with the phrase “primum non nocere” or “first, do no harm.” I feel like this is the perfect motto for my approach to wildlife photography.