Animals used in commercial photography for advertising, stock images, and social media face welfare risks.
Commercial photography using animals — from advertising shoots to stock image libraries — creates welfare risks that are largely invisible to consumers. Captive animals staged to look wild are common in commercial wildlife photography but rarely disclosed. Exotic animals in studio shoots may be trained through methods that cause pain and fear. Behind-the-scenes conditions — holding areas, transport, and extended shooting sessions — are rarely monitored by welfare authorities. Greater transparency about animal sourcing and treatment in commercial photography, combined with creative industry welfare standards, could improve outcomes significantly.