Ethics in Wildlife Photography: Why Distance Matters

Combining Ethics, Safety, and Technique in Photo Safaris

Text and images by Alan Hewitt

As wildlife photographers, we strive for intimacy in our images—eye contact, unguarded moments that speak of connection and raw, natural behaviour. But how close is too close? At what point does the pursuit of the perfect shot begin to intrude on the welfare of our subject? And how do we recognise and avoid crossing that line? These questions lie at the very heart of ethical wildlife photography. The answers aren’t found in camera settings or on a lens barrel. They lie in fieldcraft.

At its core, responsible wildlife photography is built on ethics, and one of the most critical aspects of that is maintaining a respectful and appropriate distance from our subjects. Our goal is to create powerful, compelling images, without disturbing the animals, endangering ourselves or others. Achieving this means understanding species-specific behavioural ecology, respecting natural responses to human presence, and making thoughtful decisions about lens choice, vehicle positioning, and environmental conditions. When used well, these tools and insights allow us to meet our creative goals while staying firmly within the bounds of ethical practice.

Knowing When to Leave

No photography is worth causing distress. If you’re photographing a feeding leopard but notice it keeps pausing and spends more time looking towards you and your vehicle than eating, it may be nervous of your presence. If vultures are circling but don’t land while you’re close to a carcass, then you’re in the way.

Sometimes it’s not just about you being there. It may be your vehicle’s position in the landscape and often, the way you approached. The animal decides the boundary, not us. You could consider leaving the immediate area then come back and try a different approach. Maybe slower or by creating a greater distance. The trust you build by keeping your distance may even reward you with better photographic opportunities next time.

Key Species Basis

Every species has its own language of discomfort, and learning to read those cues is as vital as knowing your apertures from your shutter speed. Ears pinned back, raised tails, mock charges, displacement behaviour, repeated glances; these are just some of the warning signs. If an animal changes its behaviour because of your presence, you’re probably too close.

Different species exhibit varying sensitivities to human presence, influenced by their evolutionary adaptations, social structures, and threat perception. Understanding these factors is crucial for ethical safari photography. Threat perception is particularly relevant here, as individual animals of the same species may respond differently based on past experiences. For example, elephants in areas where hunting or poaching have shaped their reactions to close human presence.

• Big Cats: As apex predators, big cats exhibit a high level of situational awareness and strategic positioning within their environment. While they may tolerate vehicles, being too close can disrupt their natural behaviours, particularly in hunting scenarios. Photographers should avoid positioning themselves in a way that alters the trajectory of a stalking predator or impedes the escape routes of prey species, as this can induce unnatural behavioural shifts and energy loss. Maintaining a distance during hunts allows for ethical observation while utilizing telephoto lenses (e.g., 400mm+) to document natural behaviour.
• Elephants: These keystone herbivores exhibit complex social dynamics and a heightened sensitivity to environmental cues. Bulls in musth and matriarch-led herds require cautious observation, especially if a calf is present. In close proximity, sudden movements or intrusive approaches can provoke defensive displays. Behavioural indicators such as ear spreading, head shaking, or mock charges signal are just some examples of increasing stress levels. The sensory impact of wind, storms, and thunder can heighten an elephant’s alertness, making them more nervous or easily startled. These conditions should be carefully considered when approaching, as they can increase the risk of causing stress or triggering defensive behaviour.
• Rhinos: With poor eyesight but acute olfactory and auditory senses, rhinos react strongly to unfamiliar disturbances. Avoiding upwind approaches while maintaining a buffer zone minimizes stress-induced flight responses. Due to poaching, many rhino populations are incredibly sensitive to human presence, making it essential to observe from a distance with long lenses.
• Cape Buffalo: Lone males, or groups of males, often known as “dagga boys” can be very grumpy, unpredictable and aggressive. Even when appearing calm, their mood can escalate quickly. It’s best to keep a respectful distance and look for the head being held high, ears flicking and horns tilted. This may mean it is time to go! Mixed herds are usually more placid but care is still required, especially around calves.
• Plains Game (Zebra, Antelope, Giraffe): As prey species with an elevated flight response threshold, plains game tend to react as much, if not more so to movement than proximity. A slow and methodical approach encourages natural behaviour and interactions.

Lens Choice for Diversity of Subjects

A well-curated lens selection enables photographers to capture diverse perspectives while adhering to ethical and safety distance guidelines. Modern telephoto lenses allow us to bring the viewer into the animal’s world without stepping into it ourselves. A 400mm or 600mm lens gives you the intimacy you crave while keeping you, and your subject at a safe distance. Use the tools available to you, depth of field, smart composition, cropping to create that sense of connection without compromising the animal’s well-being.

• Super-Telephoto Lenses (400mm-600mm+): Good for minimizing intrusion on smaller and sensitive species. These lenses enable tight framing from a distance while preserving natural behaviour.
• Mid-Range Zooms (100-400mm, 70-200mm): Versatile for documenting behavioural interactions and habitat within safe limits.
• Wide-Angle Lenses (16-35mm, 24-70mm): Ideal for capturing environmental context or for well habituated.

Angles and Perspective: How Longer Lenses Reduce Acute Angles

Excessive proximity often forces photographers into taking shots at more acute angles, which may diminish the natural aesthetic of an image by including too much in-focus terrain or bright sky, particularly through trees and leaves. Using Longer Focal Lengths enables a less acute angle and perspective while helping to maintain subject isolation. However…

Managing Heat Haze

Heat haze is a significant challenge in African environments, particularly when photographing over long distances in open plains with longer focal lengths.

• Early Morning and Late Afternoon Shooting: These times provide optimal atmospheric conditions for clarity.
• Shorter Shooting Distances: Heat distortion increases exponentially over distance; repositioning can mitigate its effects.
• Utilizing Higher Elevations: Shooting from a slight incline reduces the effect of ground radiated heat waves.
• Wide Aperture Selection: Using f/4 or wider softens heat haze artifacts while preserving subject sharpness.
• Polarizing Filters: In some cases, these can reduce atmospheric glare and enhance contrast in haze-prone conditions.

Good Guides

Experienced guides and photographers are your best allies! They know the animals and the terrain and understand the art of vehicle positioning. A good guide won’t just get you close, they’ll get you close right, this means safely, ethically while maximising photographic opportunities.

Conclusion

Ethical wildlife photography begins with respect. Not just for the subject, but for the ecosystem, the guides, the other people sharing the space. We’re guests in their world, not the other way around. Our role as observers and storytellers must always be secondary to the needs and safety of the animals we photograph.

Ethical distances in African safari photography require a balance of scientific fieldcraft and technical precision. By incorporating ecological knowledge, behavioral cues, and photographic best practices, photographers can achieve impactful imagery without compromising wildlife welfare. The most compelling wildlife images are a result of patience, ethical decision-making, and a deep respect for the natural world.

Find out more about Alan Hewitt on his website