Campaigns: Ethics and Consent

When creating campaigns, I work to a strict set of self-imposed ethical guidelines that are designed to protect the subjects, the clients/collaborators and myself.

In this brief article, I outline the process of informed consent and the ethical considerations that are forefront in any campaign that I make.

1. Consent

   
   

All subjects must be given a full explanation of the purpose and outputs of the project, in their own language. Each subject must either sign a consent form, or record a piece-to-camera giving their consent and explaining their full understanding of the project and outputs, in their own words and in their chosen language.

This is the standard consent form that I use:

2. Children

   
   

All subjects that are under 18 years of age must have written or recorded permission from their parent or guardian.

3. Persuasion

   
   

Under no circumstances should anyone be persuaded to be photographed, filmed or interviewed. All steps must be taken to allow an informed, autonomous decision to be made. Any concerns or questions on the part of the subject should be addressed and any refusal to participate should be respected.

No subjects will be paid or given incentives to participate.

4. Vulnerable Communities

All subjects that are deemed highly vulnerable, intoxicated or unable to make a rational decision at the time, must either be excluded from the project or shown in a way that does not reveal their identity.

When working in collaboration with organisations and institutions that are experienced with a vulnerable community, their ethical guidelines should take precedence.

5. Usage

Campaigns are intended to have a positive effect on the subject.

All campaigns are made with the understanding between the photographer, commissioning organisation and subject that the work will not demean, ridicule or intentionally harm the subject.

The content will be used for digital and print, non-commercial publication. This includes but is not limited to: social media, websites, blogs, exhibitions, reports, books, magazines and newspapers.

The content will not be used for advertising any product, person, service or company; or sold or licensed to stock image libraries.

6. Withdrawal of Consent & Removal of Content

All campaigns are made with the understanding between the photographer, commissioning organisation and subject that consent can be withdrawn at any time.

Any request for removal of images will be honoured by all parties, in as far as they have the ability to do so.

It is understood that once images are online, it may not be possible to remove them completely.