The Truth of the final Image
I aim to convey the essential truth of what I observed at the time of capture. Post-production is kept to a minimum. I do not radically alter or composite images, nor do I misrepresent scenes through digital enhancement. I invest in technical and fieldcraft skills to create honest imagery in-camera, not through manipulation.
If a subject is captive, photographed under controlled conditions, or digitally altered in any significant way, this is clearly stated. Transparency maintains trust with the viewer, with editors, and within the conservation photography community.
Welfare Of Subject Comes First
Respect for the subject and its environment is fundamental. I take time to research species behaviour and habitat before entering the field, and I am vigilant about avoiding disturbance, stress, or harm. Whether photographing insects or large mammals, I strive to create imagery that honours the trust of the subject and reflects their dignity.
Compassionate Creativity
My creative intention is to evoke curiosity, compassion, and a call to protect our natural world. I do not create images that sensationalise or exploit wildlife. I avoid tropes that cheapen or trivialise living beings for entertainment or spectacle.
Birds At The Nest
I keep photography of nesting birds to a minimum and only proceed when I am confident it will not cause disturbance. I rely on my training and experience, including conducting breeding bird surveys for the RSPB, to assess risk and read behavioural cues.
I do not use playback calls, baiting, or any techniques that provoke distress or alter natural behaviours during the breeding season.
No Baiting or Lures
I do not use baiting of any kind. This includes live or dead prey, food, or scents to attract subjects. These practices can alter animal behaviour, increase vulnerability to predators or humans, and foster dangerous habituation. I made a conscious decision early in my career to work without luring or manipulating wildlife.
Field Photography Only
I prefer to photograph cold-blooded animals and invertebrates in situ. I do not remove wild animals or plants from their habitat for studio photography. Rearranging or artificially staging natural subjects is not part of my practice.
Habitat and Legal Responsibility
I comply with all wildlife protection legislation, including the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and respect all permissions relating to land access. I take care to leave no trace, avoiding damage to habitat, vegetation, or microhabitats. Sites are left as I found them – undisturbed and wild.
Honesty and Transparency
As a contributor to Nature Picture Library, I uphold their high standards for ethical documentation. This includes declaring when:
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- Subjects are captive or under controlled conditions
- Any element of a scene has been rearranged or manipulated
- Digital editing significantly alters the reality of the scene
If an image would surprise a viewer when compared with the RAW file, I declare it.