Nature Code of Conduct

When photographing nature subjects, there is always a certain amount of stress put on the subjects by the photographer. The Photographic Society of New Zealand (PSNZ) therefore has put together a series of principles for all members when they are photographing or even observing nature subjects, so that any stress is minimised.

The welfare of the subject is more important than the photograph. This applies to geological as well as biological subjects.

Any local or national conservation requirements must be obeyed. This includes getting appropriate permits and observing restricted areas. Permission should be sought from private landholders before venturing on to their land.

There should be minimal disturbance to the surroundings.

It is most important that the photographer has a reasonable knowledge of the subject before attempting to take any pictures. For uncommon subjects this knowledge needs to be extensive.  It is important that the photographer has a general knowledge of other associated subjects so that the process of photographing causes no risk or stress to them.  This in particular refers to small life forms.

Any nature picture should record the truth of what the photographer saw at the time the picture was taken and reflect the competence of the image as captured by the photographer.  Digital techniques that extend the capability of the camera may be used providing that they honestly and accurately represent the original nature story or event at the time of capture.

There may be shades of grey between acceptable and unacceptable practice. The Society asks members to reflect on, and represent, the values of the Society when making any such decisions. Remember the old adage: integrity is doing the right thing, even when nobody is watching or will know.

Compliance with the Code of Conduct

The aim of this code of conduct is to prevent any damage to the environment and subjects being photographed; members of the PSNZ are expected to comply with it.  Compliance will be assisted by taking time to study the subject to be photographed so as to ensure that it is not inadvertently placed at risk.  Where evidence of a serious and deliberate violation of this code by a PSNZ member is drawn to the attention of a PSNZ Affiliated Club or PSNZ member, it or they will refer the matter to the PSNZ Council for consideration.

The Final Image

Any nature picture should record the truth of what the photographer saw at the time the picture was taken and reflect the competence of the image as captured by the photographer.  Digital techniques that extend the capability of the camera may be used providing that they honestly and accurately represent the original nature story or event at the time of capture.

Competition Ethics

PSNZ expects its members and those eligible for entering PSNZ exhibitions, competitions or salons to work ethically at all times and comply with the rules relating to the exhibitions, competitions and salons.

Photographs or images submitted for exhibitions, competitions or salons organised by or associated with PSNZ must be taken or made by the entrant. For composites, this includes all elements making up the final work.

Where such photographs or images are selected for exhibitions, competitions or salons, they shall not be re-entered in the same or different format in any section of that exhibition in any subsequent year, either under the same title or using a different title.

A reproduction of a photograph or image selected in one year, that is so similar as to be confused with the original work, is likewise not to be entered in the same PSNZ exhibition, competition or salon in subsequent years.

Photographs or images submitted for potential publication in NZ Camera, CameraTalk or on the PSNZ website must be taken by the photographer. They must hold copyright for the photographs or image along with any written material.

The values we aspire to cannot be described by written rules alone, but depend on the understanding and judgment of individuals and the collective.

Discipline

Where it is judged that this Code of Conduct has been breached, the Council or a subcommittee may, on taking account of representations from parties and having regard to the best interests of the Society, take appropriate action, including but not restricted to:

  • Providing a formal censure;
  • Requesting an image be withdrawn from a competition or publication
  • Refuse to accept an image for inclusion in a PSNZ competition, exhibition, or publication
  • Withdraw an image from a competition or publication or nullify a competition result
  • In matters of significant concern, it may be appropriate for the Council to consider suspending or cancelling membership or to take other disciplinary action as it deems appropriate.

Acting with integrity at all times will protect the good standing of the society and enhance the overall enjoyment of photography and membership of the Society.

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