On ethics

My photography and writing are rooted in a simple goal: to encourage appreciation for birds and the ecosystems they depend on. As a wildlife photographer, I believe that understanding the species and knowing when to stop is more important than making an image. Every photograph is guided by one priority above all: the welfare of the animal and the protection of its habitat come first.

When you view my work, you can do so with confidence that the following principles guide it:

  • No disturbance. I avoid actions that change a bird’s natural behaviour

  • Respect. I only get close when an animal is comfortable, and rely on long lenses, patience, and observation rather than proximity.

  • Seasonal sensitivity. I take extra care to minimise pressure during breeding season, migration, and other vulnerable periods.

  • Habitat protection. I stay on paths where possible and avoid damaging vegetation, nests, feeding sites, or other sensitive areas.

  • No manipulation. I do not use calls or playback to influence behaviour, and I do not alter nature for a photograph.

  • Responsible sharing. I do not share photographs that show distress, and I don’t share sensitive locations that could put nature at risk.

A small number of photographs on my site were taken from hides or locations with feeding stations. You can find these frames below.

Ethics are not static. As I continue to learn from bird behaviour, conservation science, and responsible field practice, I update my approach, my website, and this statement to reflect that growth.

I welcome questions about how my images are made as I believe transparency builds trust. However, I won’t share locations.

I took this photo of a long-tailed duck drake on a commercially hired boat. At times, the boat got so close to the feeding, preening, and displaying ducks that they took off. Yes, I got some photos I would generally be happy with, but the aftertaste was sour. I should have spoken up about the clear disturbance.

The following photos on my website were taken from commercial hides. In short, this means I paid (directly or indirectly) to spend time in an enclosed building waiting for birds and other animals to show up. The animals are generally lured with water or food, but never with sounds. The animals did not know I was there.

Additionally, I took several images from a feeding station in Finland where the birds were lured with food. I was visible to the birds there.

I will add the names of the hides where I took the photos so you can look into booking them yourself.

A black-and-white photo of a cat with a dark background, showing the cat's profile with its head down and glowing edge details.

Mountain hare hide | Norway

A black and white image of a cat lying down with its paws stretched upward, illuminated by a soft light, with a dark background.
A black and white photo of a rabbit in profile, sitting, with its face turned to the right, against a dark background.
A white and black fox standing on a ledge in a dark environment with light illuminating part of its face and body.

Fotohut Utrechtse Heuvelrug | Netherlands

A small bird with black and white feathers standing on the snow, with a plain light gray background.
Close-up of a pigeon with a light gray head, dark eye, pinkish beak, and iridescent green and purple feathers on its neck, against a plain white background.
Close-up of a small bird with brown and blue feathers, perched on a thin branch against a blurred neutral background.

Kaamanen bird feeder | Finland

A bird perched on a snow-covered branch in a winter landscape.
A colorful bird with red, black, and white feathers perched on a snowy surface.
A bird with a red patch on its head, brown streaked feathers, and a yellow beak, standing on snow.
A small bird with brown and yellow feathers perched on a gray, weathered tree branch.
A colorful bird with red, black, and white feathers standing on white snow.
A close-up of a bird's head and upper body against a white background.