Whilst developing and resolving my project ‘What Lies Beneath’ I have been aware at all times of ethics in photography and my ethical code. See my previous post:

Ethical code – Niki South

Principle: My photography maintains my freedom of thought and expression, whilst not harming others.

Enacting: I will be aware of the possible impact of my images and accompanying text and recognise other’s perspectives. I will be honest in my representations. If I wish to publish or exhibit my work I will seek permissions from any individuals represented.  If my work does not represent individuals but does points to generic groups/sets, it will retain anonymity to any particular locations or groups of people.

Principle: I support the protection of sensitive environmental locations.

Enacting: I will be cognizant of whether there is a need to protect a habitat or location, if so I may choose to keep it anonymous, by not sharing with others where my work was photographed.

Principle: Whilst working I do not spoil enjoyment of others in the same location or setting.

Enacting: When photographing I am conscious of others around me. I am careful not to impede their access, and don’t act in any way that would impair their experience of the place. I will be discrete and respect others privacy.

Principle: I am considerate of the environment.

Enacting: When working in the landscape I will leave no trace behind. I will be aware of how the landscape is when I enter, then tread carefully and leave everything as I find it.

Principle: My photography represents subjects with integrity.

Enacting: When photographing, editing and presenting my images, I try to give as much context as is necessary, and do not change or manipulate the context of a subject if it misrepresents or harms another.

How this relates to my SYP project

As I choose what I photograph and how I present it, I know I am responsible for being critically, situationally and culturally aware. I self-reflected throughout the process asking:

Who am I in relation to the story I am telling? I am both an incomer and a local resident, but not a born and bred ‘local’. I have spoken with a broad range of community members and researched economic, social and political facts.

What assumptions do I carry? What biases do I carry? I can appreciate the position of incomers who suffer disadvantages locally as well as the benefits of enjoying the area. I can also understand the viewpoints of locals who sometimes embrace the benefits of incomers and visitors and sometimes bemoan them. I can see the benefits and the economic need for seasonal tourism but share the discomfort of ‘locals’ in season when the population swells.

What are my motivations, reasons for documenting the story? Though I can understand the various perspectives, I am saddened by the behaviours and the lack of understanding that this diversity provokes.

Is the language that I’m using honest? I believe so.

Consider the impact the work may have make careful decisions about where work is shared – how to share my work without upsetting others – minimising harm – recognising other’s perspectives. I am mindful that my representation should not cause harm to others. This is why I have reservations about sharing my work widely locally. I have learnt that to be accepted in the community it is best to keep your opinions and feelings hidden. This particularly when you are not a ‘local’ here. Most are quite gentle here apart from their tongues; however there have been times when ‘outsiders’ property has been damaged as well as their reputations in response to locals feeling threatened in some way.

This is why I am not exhibiting locally, I have not named the Town I live in, or the location of the woodland.

I have also protected the location of the woodland, a rare temperate rainforest, and acted environmentally responsibly when photographing.