Our declaration of Principles of Responsible Photography
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Our declaration of Principles of Responsible Photography
Table of Contents
Respect for People and Cultures
- Seek Consent: Always ask for permission before photographing people, particularly in close or personal settings. Avoid Exploitation: Do not photograph individuals in vulnerable or distressing situations without their consent or context. Cultural Sensitivity: Research and respect local customs and traditions. Avoid images that could misrepresent or stereotype communities. Compensation: If appropriate, offer fair compensation or a small gift to subjects, especially in communities where photography is seen as intrusive.
Environmental Responsibility
- Leave No Trace: Avoid damaging ecosystems or disturbing wildlife for a photograph. Follow Regulations: Adhere to local rules and restrictions in protected areas, such as wildlife sanctuaries or heritage sites. Use Eco-Friendly Practices: Limit the use of plastic or non-recyclable materials during your travels and support sustainable tourism initiatives.
Ethical Storytelling
- Be Honest: Do not misrepresent or manipulate the story of the photograph in ways that could harm or deceive. Avoid Staging Misery: Refrain from staging or sensationalizing scenes to evoke pity or provoke an emotional reaction. Credibility: If editing your photos, maintain the integrity of the subject, avoiding excessive alterations that change the context.
Wildlife Ethics
- Respect Animal Behavior: Never interfere with animals, their habitats, or natural behaviors for a better shot. No Baiting: Avoid using food or other means to lure wildlife into view. Keep Distance: Use proper equipment, like telephoto lenses, to photograph animals without disturbing them.
Privacy and Safety
- Protect Privacy: Avoid sharing sensitive information about individuals, such as their location, if it could put them at risk. Be Mindful of Children: Exercise additional caution and obtain explicit consent when photographing minors.
Fair Representation
- Avoid Bias: Strive to portray people and places authentically, avoiding overly exoticized or stereotyped representations. Diverse Perspectives: Showcase a range of viewpoints and voices, particularly those of local communities, when telling stories through photography.
Community Involvement
- Collaborate Locally: Work with local guides or photographers to support the local economy and gain deeper insights into the culture and environment. Give Back: Share your work with the community when possible or contribute to local initiatives.
Education and Awareness
- Promote Understanding: Use your photography to raise awareness about important social, cultural, or environmental issues responsibly. Challenge Injustice: When documenting sensitive topics, ensure your work uplifts and empowers those affected rather than exploiting them.
Self-Reflection
- Question Your Intentions: Before taking a photograph, ask yourself why you want to capture the moment and whether it aligns with ethical principles. Learn Continuously: Stay informed about evolving ethical standards in photography and adjust your practices accordingly.
Born in an Aymara family, Enrique calls the Arica and Parinacota region (the Chilean Altiplano) his home. He has over 27 years of experience in adventure tourism, working as a mountain and trekking guide with extensive knowledge of the Altiplano environment. He has completed training with NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School), the Patagonia Guide School, and the Peruvian Guide School, holds a WAFA (Wilderness Advanced First Aid) certification. Enrique is also a Chef graduated in International Gastronomy.
After years working as a designer, Andel decided to merge her greatest passions: nature, photography, and art. Since 2011, she has dedicated herself fully to nature photography, specializing in landscapes. She guides photographic expeditions and workshops, delivers lectures, serves as a juror in various photography competitions, and teaches photography courses. Between 2014 and 2019, Andel worked with Natphoto, and in the summer of 2015, she served as a photographer and guide in Antarctica. Her photographic work has been showcased in several individual exhibitions, and she has participated in numerous group exhibits. She founded the Facebook group “Bosques Nativos de Chile” (Native Forests of Chile) to raise awareness of the importance and beauty of Chilean native forests, and her photographs have contributed to books dedicated to nature and conservation. Andel represented Chile along with fellow photographers in the World Photographic Cup, participated in a photography Biennale in China, and won third place in photography at the International Art Biennale in Argentina.
María Jesús Toledo brings to Southern Light a unique blend of human sensitivity, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to creating meaningful experiences.