Statement of Ethics

Statement of Ethics

My photographic practice is grounded in critical and ethical storytelling that explores how people resist, navigate, and reimagine systems. Through both my fine art and commercial work, I aim to collaborate with others in questioning how our communities, institutions, and ways of living might become more just for everyone. I am committed to using photography to highlight the people, relationships, and acts of resistance that contribute to this possibility.

The following principles guide my practice as both a commercial photographer and photographic artist:

Dignity

I am committed to portraying the people I photograph in ways that feel respectful, collaborative, and true to how they wish to be represented. I aim to create a process in which participants feel agency and control over their image. During shoots, I regularly share photographs with participants, invite feedback, and make time for discussion and re-shooting where needed. If someone is uncomfortable or dissatisfied with how they are represented, I listen carefully and adjust the process accordingly.

Respect

I am committed to avoiding imagery that reinforces harmful stereotypes or exploitative representations, particularly in communities and identities outside my own lived experience. I continually reflect on whether I am the most appropriate person to undertake a project and, where I am not, I will recommend or refer photographers who are better positioned to do so. While this may sometimes mean declining opportunities that could benefit my career, I believe ethical practice must take precedence over professional advancement.

Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP)

I am committed to respecting Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property rights and cultural protocols in all areas of my practice. This includes incorporating ICIP considerations into contractual agreements and incorporating the removal or non-publication of images of deceased Indigenous people into my contractual agreements.

Working in Central Australia, on Arrernte Country, I recognise that some projects are more appropriately led by Indigenous photographers. In these situations, I endeavour to refer Indigenous practitioners wherever possible.

I am committed to contributing to accurate, nuanced, and respectful representations of Indigenous people and cultures, and I refuse work that is exploitative, derogatory, romanticised, or that contributes to harmful stereotypes.

Transparency

I am committed to being transparent with those featured in my images about who I am working for, the purpose of a project, and where photographs may be published or exhibited. I believe informed participation is essential to ethical image-making.

Consent

I view consent as an ongoing and collaborative process rather than a one-time formality. Alongside written consent, I seek verbal consent throughout the photographic process, particularly when working with people whose first language is not English. I aim to give people a real option to decline participation or withdraw consent at any stage.

I value enthusiastic and informed consent because I believe trust, comfort, and mutual respect create stronger relationships and more meaningful images.

Quality and Accountability

I am committed to continually refining my photographic practice, technical skills, and ethical understanding in order to provide thoughtful, high-quality technical work for clients, collaborators, and communities. I recognise that ethical practice requires ongoing professional development, learning, reflection, accountability, and responsiveness to feedback.