Wildlife photography can disturb and harm the animals being photographed. Ethical photography practices minimize welfare impacts while respecting the wild subjects being captured.
Wildlife photography ethics is increasingly important as the number of wildlife photographers grows and social media creates pressure for ever-more-intimate or dramatic images. The photographer's desire for an exceptional image can conflict with the animal's welfare interest in being undisturbed. The welfare-conscious photographer treats the animal's wellbeing as a constraint on photographic pursuit: if getting the shot requires approaching too close, flushing repeatedly, disturbing a nest, or baiting with food or live prey, the shot should not be taken. The best wildlife photography often comes from patient waiting at appropriate distances rather than aggressive pursuit. Nature photography organizations that publish and promote ethical guidelines are performing an important welfare function in normalizing responsible practice.