The Field & Shutter Press - Code of Ethics
At The Field and Shutter Press, I uphold the highest ethical standards in reporting and storytelling. My mission is to inform, educate, and inspire while maintaining integrity, accuracy, and respect for nature. This Journalism Code of Ethics guides my work and ensures credibility in all my content.
Last Updated: June 15h, 2025
Table of Contents
1. Truth, Accuracy & Accountability
I strive for accuracy in all reporting, relying on verifiable facts and credible sources.
I fact-check all information before publication and correct errors transparently if they occur.
I clearly distinguish between opinion, analysis, and fact-based reporting.
I disclose any conflicts of interest that may affect my coverage.
2. Fairness, Balance & Objectivity
I seek to present multiple perspectives on issues, especially in conservation and wildlife reporting.
I provide individuals and organizations the opportunity to respond to criticism before publication.
I do not allow personal bias to influence factual reporting, though I acknowledge that storytelling and personal experiences shape some content.
3. Ethical Sourcing & Privacy
I prioritize primary sources, expert interviews, and peer-reviewed studies when covering conservation and wildlife news.
I respect the privacy of individuals and obtain consent before sharing personal stories involving others.
I am committed to protecting the identity and confidentiality of my sources in accordance with the Journalist Source Protection Act in Canada.
I take all necessary steps to safeguard confidential information provided by my sources, ensuring that their anonymity is preserved unless they have explicitly agreed otherwise.
I do not divulge the identity of confidential sources unless legally compelled to do so, and I will vigorously defend my sources’ rights through legal and ethical means.
4. Environmental Responsibility
I minimize my impact on nature and wildlife when reporting from the field.
I do not disturb wildlife for the sake of storytelling and will never bait, lure or call animals.
I disclose when locations are omitted to protect sensitive habitats and species from human interference.
5. Investigative Journalism
I adhere to rigorous investigative standards, employing a variety of established methods and techniques to uncover the truth and expose wrongdoing while minimizing harm and ensuring accountability. My approach to investigative journalism is grounded in the following methods and best practices:
5.1 Research and Document Analysis
I thoroughly research topics using primary sources, public records, and official documents. This includes employing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and consulting archives, court records, and other publicly available reports or documents.
I verify information by cross-checking documents from multiple credible sources to build a solid factual foundation. While official government institutions are generally considered reliable, I still critically examine their information when necessary to ensure accuracy and completeness.
5.2 Ethical Interview Practices
Informed Consent and Accuracy
All interviews, including in-depth discussions, are recorded with the explicit consent of the interviewee to ensure accuracy and accountability.
I clearly communicate the purpose of the interview and how the information will be used.
I utilize open-ended questions to avoid leading the interviewee to conclusions and to minimize bias. I follow up to clarify and probe deeper while maintaining ethical boundaries.
Handling Sensitive Topics and Interviewee Rights
I take extra care when reporting on sensitive topics, ensuring that interviewees fully understand how their statements may be represented.
Interviewees have the right to decline answering questions or to request anonymity in situations where disclosure could result in harm.
When appropriate, I provide interviewees the opportunity to review and clarify their statements, particularly in cases involving complex or sensitive subject matter.
5.3 Data Analysis and Digital Tools
I use data journalism techniques, including the analysis and visualization of large datasets, to identify patterns, trends, and anomalies that might reveal hidden aspects of a story.
I integrate digital tools and social media monitoring to track emerging leads and gauge public sentiment, ensuring that my evidence is robust and verifiable.
5.4 Undercover Reporting and Covert Methods
I reserve undercover or covert methods as a last resort, employing them only when open, transparent methods fail to yield critical information of clear public interest.
When such techniques are necessary, I strictly adhere to ethical guidelines to minimize deception and potential harm, ensuring that these methods are justified by the public benefit of the resulting information.
5.5 Verification
I implement rigorous fact-checking practices and source verification to ensure all information reported is accurate, evidence-based, and presented without sensationalism.
6. Sponsored Content, Advertising, Gifts & Transparency
I am committed to maintaining transparency and independence in my reporting. To ensure credibility and avoid undue influence, I adhere to the following principles:
Sponsorships & Affiliate Links: I disclose all sponsorships, partnerships, or affiliate links in content related to products, gear, or services. Sponsored content is clearly labeled, and my editorial judgment remains independent.
No Gifts for Coverage: I do not accept gifts, free products, paid trips, or other incentives in exchange for favorable coverage. My reporting is based solely on merit, accuracy, and honest assessment.
Product Reviews & Unsolicited Items: If I receive a product or service for potential review, I will clearly disclose this. My reviews remain objective, and receiving a product does not guarantee coverage.
Press Trips & Sponsored Travel: If I participate in a press trip or receive travel assistance from an organization, I will disclose this in my content. However, I maintain full editorial control over what I report.
Guest Contributions & External Content: Any guest contributions or external content are vetted for accuracy, ethical compliance, and transparency. I ensure that all published material meets my ethical standards.
Editorial Independence: I do not allow financial relationships to influence my editorial content. Sponsored material is kept separate from my independent reporting, and I always prioritize integrity in my storytelling.
7. Reader Engagement & Social Responsibility
I welcome reader feedback and provide a process for corrections or clarifications.
I moderate comments on my platforms to ensure respectful discussions.
I advocate for conservation and responsible outdoor ethics while maintaining journalistic integrity.
Likes or comments on social media are not endorsements or indications of agreement with the content.
8. Field Notes & Perspectives: Opinion and Personal Experience
This section of Random Photo Adventure Chronicles is dedicated to personal experiences, reflections, and perspectives.
Content in this section will include personal bias, opinions, and subjective storytelling.
While I strive for accuracy, these pieces are not held to the same standard of objectivity as investigative or factual reporting.
Readers should distinguish these stories as personal narratives rather than hard news.
9. Corrections & Retractions
I am committed to accuracy and transparency. If errors are identified, I correct them promptly.
Minor errors (e.g., typos or small inaccuracies) will be updated without formal notice, while significant errors affecting the substance of a story will be corrected with an acknowledgment.
In cases of major inaccuracies, a retraction or clarification will be issued.
Readers can report errors via email to randomphotoadventure@substack.com, and all corrections will be handled in a timely and responsible manner.
10. Conflict of Interest
I am committed to maintaining the highest level of integrity in my reporting and storytelling. To ensure objectivity and transparency, I adhere to the following conflict of interest guidelines:
Disclosure: I disclose any personal, financial, or professional relationships that may create a conflict of interest in my reporting. If I have a connection to a subject, organization, or individual featured in my content, I will clearly state this in my coverage.
Avoiding Bias: I do not allow personal relationships, sponsorships, or financial interests to influence my editorial decisions. If I cannot report on a topic impartially due to a conflict of interest, I will recuse myself from covering it.
Sponsorship & Partnerships: Any sponsorships, partnerships, or collaborations are disclosed transparently, and they do not influence my editorial content. My reporting remains independent, even when working with brands or organizations.
Freelance & External Work: If I engage in external writing, consulting, or speaking engagements, I ensure they do not interfere with my journalistic independence or create conflicts with my reporting.
This Journalism Code of Ethics serves as a foundation for Random Photo Adventure Chronicles, ensuring that my content remains trustworthy, responsible, and dedicated to the principles of ethical storytelling. By adhering to these standards, I continue to provide valuable, informative, and engaging content that respects both my readers and nature.