Exposure, lens focal length, perspective, shutter speed, f-stop, camera type, camera format, digital, film, film type, film speed! There are just so many elements to be considered before taking a photograph. Then of course there has been the logistical planning to get you where you need to be, your time, money, research or that of your client. Even if all of this amounts to no more than you getting out of bed early on a Saturday morning, throwing the camera bag into the car and driving to the local wetland, you’ve earned the right to get that shot haven’t you. Well haven’t you? END OF TEASER.

 
 
Possibly the element to be considered before you even release the shutter is whether you should be taking the photograph at all. Generally speaking in twenty years I have found that photographers, professional or amateur, rarely if ever pause to think of the ethics of what they are doing. Creative juices are running through our veins, our photographer’s eye is well and truly in control and the potential for ‘that’ frame is there and we have earnt it, damn we’ve earnt it.
 
But what of our subject? Are they comfortable with what we are doing or are they showing signs of duress? Do you have the necessary skills to tell if the subject is stressed or do you even care? In natural history photography knowledge of ones intended subject is as important as your ability to capture it. When photographing people it boils down to empathy, you are the same species you should just know.
 
Snakes and other reptiles don’t sweat and may not flee even if they are very stressed, would you know when to stop? Due to the arduous nature of wildlife photography by the time the opportunity arises to capture the critter you’re more likely to be thinking about those afore mentioned technical hurdles. But a moment’s pause would be best right about now. 
 
Is the animal comfortable with your presence, are they behaving normally or exhibiting signs of aggression or duress, are they trying to flee, and are you drawing unnecessary attention to their presence by alerting predators? What was the animal doing when you discovered it, feeding, mating, battling for territory, sleeping in it’s burrow and is it still doing that now? Keep in mind these activities are crucial to their survival and disrupting them could result in their death even after you’ve walked away.
 
There are many practices employed by photographers I disagree with. Baiting with either foods or scents, actively fencing in to prevent escape, ‘fridging’ of reptiles and insects to slow their metabolism, restraining and continued re-positioning of specimens for extended periods, destruction of homes to obtain specimens, re-releasing of individuals at inappropriate times. If you believe few photographers would resort to these measures then think again! Maybe in the future look more closely at images and consider just how they were taken.
 
Having said as much there are very talented photographers that document species that require trapping. These people are skilled in techniques honed over many years and often work in conjunction with wildlife conservation officials. Their impact on their subjects is minimal to non-existent and they produce work that contributes greatly to our scientific knowledge. Likewise there are people that document the human condition with such eloquent subtlety I wonder what it is about them that makes them invisible to their subjects. 
 
I have been fortunate in gaining hands-on experience with wildlife. I grew-up in what constituted a halfway house for injured wildlife, my studies were in the animal sciences and I spent almost twelve years working with everything from Gorillas to koalas. And at times I get to work with very gifted researchers that guide my behaviour when dealing with species I may not be familiar with. But more often than not I am alone in the middle of no-where and it is up to me to decide when or if I should be doing what I am doing. As the photographer the buck stops with you. Whether you are being paid to deliver or doing it for fun you should always be asking yourself if you are impacting negatively on your subject. 
 
Many photographers trying to find a position in the marketplace will do almost anything to get that one frame. God only knows, some of the things I’ve done should be included in the annals of stupidity. However risking personal life and limb is a choice one makes for oneself, don’t make that decision for your subject. 
 
Always keep in mind that a potential client, if they are worth their merit, will want to know how you achieved such an amazing image. If they don’t care or show no interest in ethical issues then I would consider how your association with them would reflect on you in the future. 
 
Jason Edwards