Ethics Committee

Should photographers disclose the locations of little-known photographic sites?

Introduction
By Michael Frye, Chair, Ethics Committee

Revealing where a photograph was taken may help develop support for preserving that area. On the other hand, it may also draw hordes of photographers and nature lovers whose collective impact could destroy the original beauty or disturb sensitive plants and animals. If the location is imminently threatened by logging, mining, or other forms of development, then the choice seems simple. But in other situations the answer is not as clear. This month we are pleased to have Jim Erhardt and Bill Silliker present their views on whether nature photographers should disclose the locations of little-known photographic sites.

We invite readers to comment on this topic. We may publish (with permission) some of these responses in Ripples or on the NANPA web site. Please send your comments to Please send your comments to arogers@resourcenter.com.

To disclose...
by Jim Erhardt

...or not to disclose.
by Bill Silliker

Member Responses to the Articles

Back to Ethics Committee home

Go to Committees Overview