Ethical Photography Practices: Yes, That’s Really a Thing.

With the ethical lapses abounding in AI, politics, and social order, it is good to remember that ethics can be important and necessary in our art.

Photo by Don Giannatti

Whether you’re a hard-working pro or a passionate hobbyist, you’re part of an incredible art form that weds creativity with commerce. But in this delicate balance, where does ethics come into play?

Let’s talk about that.

Photography, like any art, is a powerful tool.

A single shot can speak volumes, ignite emotions, and unveil realities.

It can also distort truth, exploit subjects, and, indeed, cause harm.

While we think it is all about capturing the perfect photo (or at least having the best and most expensive gear… heh), we find it is actually more than that.

It’s about responsibility. And yes, responsibility is still a thing as well.

To our subjects, to our viewers, to our fans, and to ourselves.

In this particular creative arena, ethics may be about staying true to your subject. Or at least the narrative the subject represents.

In photography, unlike AI or illustration, the subject actually exists. Or it did exist for a tiny fraction of time. It isn’t made up of whole cloth or invented in an algorithm. That’s illustrative art.

In “pure” photography, the subject is what was recorded on film or card.

NOTE:
This is a good time to mention that I am referring to what I refer to as ‘pure photography’. That means a photograph of something.

I am not referring to:
Composite photography.
Advertising photography.
Fantasy photography.
Any sort of manipulated photography.
Or whatever you may be doing as some sort of art project — so don’t come to me for an arguement.

Those groups have their own ethics, I am only discussing photographs that look like what they are representing. This is NOT a value judgment, it is an explanation of this discussion.

Nor am I discussing SOOC silliness, or putting restraints on devices.

In pure, possibly referred to as ‘straight’ photography, there are no over-the-top manipulations.

NOTE: I am very aware that a lot of people will disagree on how much manipulation a photograph ‘should’ have. Should is an interesting word that really has no meaning at all. Go somewhere and ‘should’ something. Go ahead; I’ll wait.

Photo by Don Giannatti

Yeah… nothin’. It is a most strange and possibly invaluable word.

So, of course, this is subjective, and you may have a line that is shorter or longer than mine. I suppose that is fine. I will maintain what I believe, and you will obviously maintain yours.

In pure, possibly referred to as “straight” photography, there are no over-the-top manipulations.

There is no stealing of other’s work.

A good ethic is about authenticity and honesty. They are still positive traits, you know. They are.

Your photograph must respect your subject and your audience.

Simple.

Moving on to ad work, we deal with a set of ethics again.

Think fair pricing, honoring agreements, and respecting intellectual property rights.

Beyond that, consider how your images might be used.

Could they misrepresent a person or situation?

Could they cause harm?

We need to consider these things.

I have a few ethical boundaries that will not be crossed.

1. No politics, or political candidates. I don’t like them.
2. No real fur. No exceptions. Ever.
3. No destructive representations of women. I quit fashion because of “heroin chic” and the highly destructive practices that governed young women’s weight. Criminal.

I turned down a lucrative catalog that featured women in lingerie with guns. I have no problem with either on their own, but putting them together was far more cheese than I wanted to be associated with.

Why do we bother with all these ethical considerations, you ask?

Well, if not us, the photographic creators, then who?

We’ve seen the lack of interest by the tech bros and internet moguls in anything remotely ethical, so depending on them for leadership is a fool’s folly.

(I like that word, folly. It sounds capricious and silly… like tech bros.)

And besides being the right thing to do, it also boosts your professional reputation. And that’s a win.

It encourages a healthier, more respectful photography industry.

Another win-win situation, right?

So, keep your vision clear and beware of possible ethical lapses.

Show respect, be responsible, and practice true fairness.

Uphold the integrity of our craft, and let your work shine with honesty, integrity, and responsibility.

Here’s a list of 12 ethical dilemmas in photography, and potential approaches to navigating them:

1. Photographing Vulnerable Populations: It’s important to respect the dignity and privacy of your subjects, especially when they’re vulnerable. The best approach is to gain informed consent before photographing.
2. Manipulating Images: Extreme manipulation can lead to distortions of the truth. Stick to minimal post-processing and remain transparent about any changes made.
3. Invasion of Privacy: Respecting personal space and privacy is crucial. Always ask for consent when photographing individuals, especially in private settings.
4. Copyright Infringement: Using others’ works without permission is unethical. Always ask for permission and give credit where it’s due.
   (A special shout out to the Techbros…)
5. Misrepresentation: Images can be used out of context or edited to convey a misleading message. Always strive for accurate representation in your work.
6. Plagiarism: Taking ideas or compositions from other photographers is not ethical. Be original, and give credit when you draw inspiration from others. (Andy Warhol, everyone. Everyone, Andy “The Thief” Warhol.)
7. Exploitation: Some images may exploit a person or a situation for monetary gain. Ensure that your work respects the dignity of its subjects.
8. Dishonesty in Photojournalism: In journalism, doctoring images or staging scenes is unethical. Maintain integrity by presenting images as they were shot.
9. Environmental Impact: Photographers should respect nature and cause minimal disturbance. Leave no trace and respect local regulations when shooting in nature.
10. Unfair Business Practices: Overcharging, underdelivering, or deceptive advertising hurt the industry. Stick to fair pricing and be transparent about your services.
11. Violation of Cultural Norms: Ignoring local customs and norms when photographing can be offensive. Always do your research and respect local customs when photographing in unfamiliar cultures.
12. Non-disclosure of Sponsored or Commissioned Content: If your work is sponsored or part of an advertisement, it’s important to disclose this. Be transparent about any affiliations or sponsorships.

Navigating these ethical dilemmas is not always easy, but a strong commitment to respect, transparency, and fairness can go a long way toward maintaining the integrity of your work and the profession.

Thank you for reading.

Photo of the author by Carol Rioux, Calgary, CA

Hi, I’m Don Giannatti, a photographer and mentor for up-and-coming photographers. You can find me on my own site, Don Giannatti, and at my Substack site, where I also publish for creative people. All subscribers to my Substack have access to a free long-form workshop on the business of commercial and professional photography.

The photo of me is by Carol Rioux, light-painted in Calgary.

If you are interested in environmental portraiture, I am doing a workshop about it starting in mid-July. Here is a link with more information.