WA3 Code of Ethics

I am working with photographers because they have a large variety of art styles. In conducting my research I want to find if different factors influence photographic styles. In guidance of the American Anthropological Association, I will be basing my Code of Ethics. In my research because most photographers are freelance, there is no “guidance” from someone else. Availability to confer with the photographers is solely based on their schedules. I will attempt to conduct my research in all different types of weather and conditions to observe thoroughly the process’ that are taken during photography. Accessing different photographers and their processes shall be conducted respectfully and only with the permission of there said photographers. Permissions are identified by each participant signing a consent form. I plan on observing photographers passively and undisturbed to make sure none of the processes are hindered. I will be observing as an “insider” but because of the passive observation, my position will not have any influence on my studies. To fairly observe, one of every factor of person and type of photography will be observed. Interviewers could possibly learn from the research or even notice something they do different compared to others. To ethically mind others privacy and work, all work, names, and information will be properly mined to the observed. No data will be stored other than the information that is collected in interview and also what is observed.

The goals of my research is to find the different techniques of photography and evaluate how they are used and by who. Photographers can work in any environment given at any specific time because anything can recorded. The research that is bound is to reflect the different contexts that photography can be used in. In the end, what is to be presented is a reflection of the core principals, techniques and values of photography shared across the different subtypes of photography and their subjects, techniques and contexts of practice.

            Because of the nature of photography, working in the field can require working with others as they are usually the subjects but also does not exclude non-human animals and nature. Photographers must be aware that different cultures may not allow photographs or see it as a sign of disrespect, or that the flash of the camera and different materials may harm living organism in a sort of way. Therefore photographers must be sensitive to the cultures and environments that they are attempting to document to remain ethical in whichever sense. Working In a field of such involvement with many different rights and responsibilities, it may be inevitable for a misunderstanding, conflicts, and the need to make arduous choices will occur. Photographers are responsible for having the proper professionalism and permissions although sometimes those boundaries may be pushed to document candidly. However they are still expected to confine to a compatible form of the principles to minimize ethical hardships. These principles provide photographers with tools to engage in developing and maintaining an ethical framework for all stages of the photographic process – when making decisions prior to beginning projects, when shooting, and when reviewing and exhibiting their photographs and preserving those records.