Ethical Travel and Outdoor Photography

Ethical Travel and Outdoor Photography - lecture and discussion event

As residents of the Peak District we are familiar with some of the consequences of tourism, particularly on environmentally sensitive sites. During and since the COVID lockdowns visitor numbers to Britain's mountains have placed increased pressure on our volunteer Mountain Rescue Teams. This increase in visitor numbers has also had an effect on the natural environment, including increased footpath erosion. In addition to these environmental consequences of tourism there are often unanticipated effects on societies and economies worldwide. This workshop will explore an ethical framework for photography in such places, taking some local sites as case studies.

We are pleased to welcome Dr Lauren Seigel, from the University of Greenwich, who has been working with the Royal Photographic Society to develop a Code of Ethics for Travel Photography. She will describe the often unrecognised issues inherent in visiting sensitive environments and cultures. Local examples will be described by representatives of environmental organisations and members of the Glossop Mountain Rescue Team. They will describe their experiences at sites popular with photographers and influencers, including the frequently visited superfortress wreck on Bleaklow. They will also be able to provide practical advice for planning photography in such places.

This event has been made possible from the support of University of Grenwich

and Derbyshire Makes - www.derbyshiremakes.co.uk