Ethical Guidelines in the Field

Respect nature first,
perfect the shot later.


PREAMBLE

Singapore is no stranger to human-driven extinction of wildlife as large areas of once lush forests and its inhabitants were cleared to make way for people, plantations and rapid urbanisation.

Yet even in Singapore, poachers exist and go after a wide spectrum of wildlife from insects to large reptiles.  The same platforms/tools you use to publicise and/or log sightings are available to poachers as well.

Always exercise discretion before publicising the presence of subjects (especially mating, nesting or even rare); evaluate the potential disturbance and impact to the subject and its environment. 

 

1. HABITATS & NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS

Damaging and inadvertently destroying the habitat or natural environments threatens wildlife subjects.  As such, minimise habitat disturbances by:
  • Observing boundaries of nature and green spaces and follow park guidelines.
  • Where possible, stay on existing roads, marked trails and paths.
  • Never enter restricted zones and comply with the existing signages.
  • Avoid moving or removing natural objects like branches, leaves, or stones.
  • Do not litter in the field.

2. SUBJECT WELFARE

Understanding your subject’s behaviour will significantly improve your ability to spot, time and craft your shots.

Learning signs of distress will help you stay mindful and backing off to not interfere with natural life cycles.

  • Take time to figure out the capabilities of your equipment
    • E.g. What is the minimum focusing distance?
      • This prevents unnecessary close approaches to subjects.
      • You do not need to close in on the last few centimetres when you are using longer macro lens.
  • Maintain a respectful distance from wildlife subjects.
    • The subject's wellbeing always takes precedence over photography.
    • Upon displaying signs of stress,
      • Switch over to a longer lens to get further away.
      • Or leave the area immediately.

Interventions that force subjects to take on unnatural states or unnatural environments are not ok.

  • Never use food/bait to lure wildlife from their hiding places or promote better poses.
  • Avoid deliberate actions like taunting or spooking to elicit flight shots, eye contact or desirable behaviours.
  • Be mindful of resting animals, especially daytime encounters with nocturnal species like owls.

3. NESTING BIRDS

Birds are extremely sensitive and vulnerable in this reproductive phase.

  • Maintain an appropriate distance from nests, nesting colonies, roosts, display areas, weaning dens and feeding sites.
  • For such sensitive site, the use of blinds and remote trigger is encouraged to minimise disturbances
  • Do not use birdcall playback devices at nests as this can disrupt natural breeding behaviour and cause unnecessary stress to nesting birds.
  • Never handle or touch nests, eggs, chicks or their immediate surroundings.
  • Do not remove some branches/foliage for a better photography angle, as doing so may expose the subject to predators.

Delay the sharing and publication of nesting bird photographs until after the chicks have successfully fledged.  

4. PHOTOGRAPHY AIDS & ACCESSORIES

Flashes and other artificial light sources:

  • Use sparingly, particularly when the subject is at a close range or in a dark environment.
  • Use only diffused light for close-up images whenever possible

Clamps and other positioning fixtures:

  • Clamping accessories such as Wimberley's Plamp system may damage some plants.
  • Assess the strength and fragility of plant stems before applying any equipment.
  • If there is risk of damage to vegetation, seek out alternative support methods. .

Drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles

  • Drones are prohibited in many parks and nature reserves.
  • Follow all local aviation and park guidelines.
  • Obtain necessary permits if required.

5. INDIVIDUAL BEHAVIOUR & RESPONSIBILITY

Being considerate and courteous goes a long way towards having safe and enjoyable sessions out in the field when engaging the same subject.

  • Avoid positioning yourself/equipment in the way to interfere with existing setups.
  • Keep your voice low to not disturb the subjects and others around you.

Exercise individual responsibility:

  • Respectfully stop others engaging in inappropriate, harmful or dangerous behaviour. 
  • Report inappropriate behaviour to the relevant authorities when necessary.
  • Comply with NParks officers and the Police maintaining order on-site.
  • Do not obstruct the public and always give way to emergency or maintenance services.
  • Do not trespass private property.

If you come across a wild animal that is sick, injured, trapped, in distress or is unable to move due to fatigue or illness:


6. POST-PROCESSING

Avoid manipulation and ensure honest representation of the environment and subject in post processing.


A version of the above guidelines was published in The Straits Times on 22 Dec 2025 following a panel discussion on 17 Dec 2025 between Makoto Ando, Photographic Society of Singapore, National Parks Board, Mandai Nature & Nature Photographic Society Singapore to address concerns about the ethics of wildlife photography as more people photograph wildlife in Singapore’s nature parks.