No snarkiness here, today*. I’d like to talk about a subject that means much to me and defines who I am and how I conduct my daily life and my business.
What, exactly, is a moral code? Well according to Thesaurus.com, some other words you might substitute for moral code are:
- value system
- code of conduct
- ethicalness
- good morals
- ideology
- moral philosophy
- morality
- morals
- principles
- standards
- values
Just go ahead and assume I’m not talking about religious morality, that would be inappropriate.
What I’m talking about is whether or not you treat your clients better than you expect to be treated. Do you follow all laws governing business? What do you do when faced with a legal dilemna?
I hope that you all conduct your business with as high as an ethical standard as you are able.
I hope that you claim all your income on your taxes and don’t play the “payments in cash don’t get reported” game.
I hope that you follow copyright law, not because you might get in trouble if you get caught, but because it’s the right thing to do.
I hope that you have a vendor’s/business license.
I hope that when faced with a situation that does not meet your ethical standards, you are strong enough to turn and walk away.
As photographers, I feel the PPA Code of Ethics says it best:
- Strive to present all photographic services in surroundings and in a manner which reflects the highest levels of professionalism.
- Use the highest levels of honesty, professionalism and integrity.
- Not use any marketing or competitive practice which violates any Federal Trade Commission, or other Federal or State regulatory agency rule or regulation, or Federal or State statute or any decision of any Federal or State Court; and
- In all dealing with fellow professional photographers, students and others who aspire to be professional photographers, I shall share the knowledge and skill of professional photography.
- Support efforts for and assist in the education of all interested persons the general public in the art and science of professional photography.
*Forgive the lack of snarkiness today, it’s Sept 11, it’s a Sunday, and this day has ethical meaning for me, personally.