serving the north georgia region

Photography Ethics & Standards

Photography in Public & Events

We frequently photograph public events such as sporting competitions, school activities, and community gatherings.

Photography in public spaces is legally permitted, including capturing people, events, and surroundings visible in those spaces
These images may be used to document events and showcase our work

Our goal in these environments is to capture real moments in a respectful and professional way.

At GrandLake Photography, we take pride in capturing authentic moments while operating with professionalism, integrity, and respect for every individual we photograph. This page outlines how we approach photography—from both a legal and ethical standpoint—so our clients, athletes, families, and event partners know exactly what to expect.

How we use images

We use photographs in two primary ways:

Portfolio & Storytelling (No Special Permission Required) - Images may be used to:

Showcase our photography on our website
Share highlights from games or events
Post on social media to reflect real moments and experiences

This type of use is intended to display our work—not to imply endorsement by any individual.

Promotional & Advertising Use (Permission-Based) - If an image is used in a way that promotes our business—such as:

Advertisements
Marketing campaigns
Paid promotions
Materials implying endorsement

We require appropriate permission through a model release, especially when individuals are clearly identifiable.

Photography of minors

We regularly photograph youth athletes and school events and we take this responsibility seriously:

We handle all images with care and respect
We are mindful of how and where images are shared
We do not use identifiable images of minors for commercial promotion without appropriate parent or guardian consent

Privacy & Respect

While photography in public is generally permitted, we go beyond legal requirements to prioritize respect and comfort:

We avoid photographing individuals in situations where privacy is expected
We do not capture or share images intended to embarrass or harm
If someone expresses discomfort, we take that seriously

Legal Compliance

We operate in full alignment with applicable laws, including:

Respecting privacy in non-public environments where consent is required
Understanding the difference between taking a photo and using it commercially
Adhering to copyright law, where images are protected as original creative work from the moment they are created

Our Commitment

We believe great photography is built on trust. That means:

Clear communication about how images may be used
Professional conduct at all events
Respect for athletes, families, coaches, and organizers
Responsible handling and sharing of images

Inspired by Industry Standards

Our approach is shaped by widely respected professional guidelines in the photography industry. Organizations like the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) and Professional Photographers of America (PPA) emphasize honesty, respect, and integrity in how images are captured, edited, and shared.

NPPA Code of Ethics: https://nppa.org/resources/code-ethics
PPA Code of Ethics: https://www.ppa.com/about/ppa-code-of-ethics

While every photographer develops their own approach, these standards reinforce values we strongly believe in—accurate storytelling, respect for subjects, and professional conduct in every interaction.