By Nathanael Asaro.

1. Nature comes first.

No matter the circumstances, the wildlife photographer should put animals and the natural environment first, and photography second. The wildlife photographer should not interrupt any natural phenomena that occur within the natural environment.

2. Wildlife conservation should be an aim of wildlife photography.

This means working to show animals faithfully in their natural habitats, leaving their routines and spaces undisturbed—not trying to manipulate the natural environment to get the perfect shot. It’s important to also be aware how your images are portraying the animals and environments you’re shooting, and whether you’re aiding or hindering wildlife conservation with your photography.

3. Be respectful of your subjects.

Wildlife should not be photographed if doing so might expose it to threat of physical harm, predation, anxiety, or impairment of reproduction. Wildlife should not be manipulated or handled in any way for the purposes of photography; if absolutely necessary, a trained expert should be enlisted for this.

4. Minimize disturbances.

Ensure that your photography process disturbs the wildlife and their environment as little as possible. The photographer should take every effort to minimize the disturbances that could occur before shooting, during shooting, or even after shooting is done. Avoiding direct flash is recommended, especially when shooting small mammals. If using an artificial light source, keep it as far away from the animal as possible—remember that some animals may be extra sensitive to light.

5. Do your research.

The wildlife photographer should be knowledgeable about flora and fauna, natural history, and related subjects such as geology and zoology. At the very least, the wildlife photographer needs a working knowledge of the animals they’re shooting. Going out to shoot without knowledge of the environment you’re in can be dangerous for both you and the wildlife you encounter.

6. Treat all wildlife with equal respect.

Common or rare, endemic or migratory, all wild animals and flora have equal rights. It is not acceptable to disturb the common species to shoot the rarer species.

7. Know the rules.

The wildlife photographer should understand the rules and regulations relating to the wildlife and nature of the country they are in before going out in the field. They should obey these rules accordingly, and should also obey any guidelines and advice offered by the relevant government authorities in the field (such as park rangers, for example).

8. Ask before shooting.

When preparing to shoot in a certain location, the photographer should check if permission is required to shoot there, and obtain permission from the relevant authority if needed. This applies especially if you are looking to shoot on private property.

9. Respect other professionals in the field.

Be careful not to disturb other people’s wildlife-focused work when in the field. If there are research studies or conservation activities happening in the area you are shooting in, be mindful of these projects.

10. Respect your fellow wildlife photographers.

If others photographers are also shooting in the area you’re in, be aware of their sight lines. When photographing in a group, minimize the disturbance you create by choosing your shots carefully and yielding space to your fellow photographers as needed.

11. Remember that you’re a visitor.

Always remember that the wildlife you are photographing was in their habitat before you got there, and will remain after you leave. Behave as respectfully as you would while visiting somebody else’s home.

12. Don’t interfere with your subjects.

It is not appropriate to manipulate wildlife or their surroundings for the sake of a photo. Following are some examples that are not acceptable:

Spraying water to create artificial rain.

Forcing subjects into unnatural poses, for example with strings or wires.

Gluing or restraining subjects in order to stop movement.

Trapping or confining subjects.

13. Leave the food at home.

Attracting animals by baiting is not recommended, and using live baits is not appropriate, nor is feeding animals. This can be a disruption to the natural diet and food chain of wildlife.

14. Blend in.

Camouflage outfits are recommended while in the field as a means of reducing the visual distraction caused by the presence of photographers.