Reading forums, I realized I had no page about my ethics. And I'm convinced it's important to make people aware of the consequences of our outdoors activities. I think it's essential to behave in a responsible way and treat wildlife as if we were guests. The welfare of the subject matters more.

My aim is not to show off at the price of a stress on animals but to bring back a souvenir of a harmonious moment with nature. When I'm out, I must become inaudible, invisible and odorless. I prepare my outings collecting information about species behaviors and about the law (protected areas...).

Arriving-leaving: I arrive at least one hour before animals and wait they're gone before leaving. I walk slowly and bent: if I'm noticed, I don't look like a human being and I'm less frightening. I freezes immediately and resume my walk only when the animal watches somewhere else. Even butterflies can be disturbed !

Invisibility: I wear garments with neutral colors. I use a hiding net, natural cover or dedicated hiding places in nature reserves. For insects, birds and mammals, I always use natural light, the flash is too stressing. I only use it for vegetals and with a sheet of paper to soften it and make it look more natural.

Noise: I wear clothes that don't make noise when I walk. I leave jewels at home, the sound of a ring on the tripod is enough to frighten animals.

Odors: I use a wet potassium alun stone instead of a deo, it neutralizes human odors and smells nothing. And of course, no perfume, after-shave, etc. I leave sandwiches in the car or even at home.

Personal censure:
- Instead of picking-up plants, I take photos, notes and I identify them with books once back home.
- Instead of cutting weeds, I jam them cautiously with others or with pegs, without breaking them and I put them back afterwards.
- I watch where I walk not to smash insects or sprouts of plants and trees.
- I stay on trails to respect the biotope.
- I take my waste back home, even the peelings, that I keep for the garden.
- I'm against photos of nesting birds, chicks or young mammals at short distance. The stress it causes has a negative impact on reproduction. I use dedicated hiding places and a very long lens plus a home-made anti-noise device.
- If an animal comes near me, I enjoy the meeting instead of shooting.
- I am against methods to attract animals. I get shots of what nature offers, these are presents from life.

So, it is possible to practise wildlife photography without disturbing. And if everyone does the same, there will be less disturbance and a greater enjoyment of nature for more people.