My wildlife photography standards evolved through volunteer work at a wildlife hospital and countless field hours. I’m grateful to mentors who helped me become a more thoughtful and careful photographer.

Certified  Community Active Wildlife Steward (Oct 2022) – in recognition of ethical practices

Member NANPA Ethics Committee (2016 – 2020)

I regularly donate my work and time for conservation and scientific projects, including volunteer hours with wildlife organizations.

I have a particular interest in urban-wildlife intersections — the ways wild animals manage to exist or thrive alongside us in our structured environments.

One of my favorite themes is reclamation and resilience — how nature can restore itself when given the opportunity.

• As a former member of the NANPA Ethics Committee, I use the NANPA Ethics Guidelines and the Audubon Guide to Ethical Photography as models.

• I photograph with long lenses and a teleconverter (m.zuiko: 150-600mm, 100-400mm, 300mm f/4)

• I don’t bait or lure wild animals like owls or foxes (Note: these practices are not legal in many areas)

• I don’t use calls or decoys

• I’m extra cautious about nesting/denning areas (see below)

• In macro photography, I don’t stage or move animals or use artificial elements

• I photograph in natural light only (no flash)

• I protect locations of vulnerable wildlife (see below)

I’m hyper cautious about nesting/denning areas. Some sites like urban heron rookeries or other protected areas can be safely photographed, depending on the settinI’m hyper cautious about nesting/denning areas. Some sites like urban heron rookeries or other protected areas can be safely photographed, depending on the setting.

But, importantly …

Human presence near nests or dens can be harmful by interrupting feeding and protective behavior. And, in worst-case scenarios, it can lead to endangerment or death of babies. Humans presence can create scent trails for predators or alert predators to the presence of a nest. Even pointing a lens can draw unwanted attention from observant predators.

I’m protective of the wildlife I photograph. I post general locations unless it’s safe to be specific. I don’t reveal locations of uncommon animals or charismatic birds like owls which are relentlessly pursued once locations are known. I refrain from posting animal locations during hunting season if they’re considered targets or hunter trophy animals.

Wild animals have unique entitlement to their own lived experience, intelligence, and emotions which I can only observe and interpret, imperfectly.

If you’re on California’s Central Coast or where sea otters are present, please do not disturb them (from water or shore). Southern sea otters are threatened, and human disruption causes significant problems.

Observation guidelines: Be Sea Otter Savvy