These guidelines exist to support thoughtful conversation, meaningful critique, and a respectful community centered on the art and technique of nature photography.
They govern how we interact on the platform.
Ethical behavior in the field is addressed separately in the Nature Photographers Network Code of Conduct, which all members are expected to follow.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact the moderators or email
editor@naturephotographers.network.
A Note on Ethics in the Field
Nature Photographers Network maintains a dedicated Code of Conduct that outlines our expectations for ethical behavior while photographing in natural environments.
All in-field ethics, environmental responsibility, wildlife treatment, and location sensitivity are covered in the Code of Conduct, not here.
Copyright & Image Use (Summary)
All images and text posted on NPN remain the copyright of their respective creators.
- Do not post images you do not own or have permission to share
- Copyright infringement is strictly prohibited
Limited Rights for Critique
By posting an image for critique, you grant limited permission for other members to download the image solely for the purpose of demonstrating post-processing techniques related to critique.
- Any other use is prohibited
- Reworked images remain the copyright of the original photographer
For full legal details, please review our
Terms & Conditions
If image theft is a concern, see:
Advice on Protecting Your Work
Purpose of Photo Critique
Photo critique is central to NPN.
The goal is not validation, competition, or popularity — it is growth through conversation.
Critique exists to:
- Help photographers improve their craft
- Encourage thoughtful visual analysis
- Build a shared vocabulary around aesthetics, intent, and execution
How to Offer Constructive Critique
Recommended practices:
- Begin with a friendly greeting
- Acknowledge something that works
- Offer suggestions using I-statements rather than directives
- End on a constructive or encouraging note
Remember:
- You are offering perspective, not authority
- Experience does not grant superiority
- Different responses to an image are valid
Everyone Is Encouraged to Participate
You do not need to be an expert to critique an image. Sharing what you notice, feel, or question is valuable.
Learn more here:
The Art of Image Critique
If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve put together a list of prompts and ideas to help guide your thinking:
These are not rules or a checklist—just a way to spark observations and help you engage more deeply with an image.
Authenticity in Critique (AI Use)
We value human, thoughtful feedback.
If you use AI tools to assist with ideas or wording:
- Be transparent about it
- Do not present AI-generated critique as purely personal insight
Avoid generic or overly polished responses that feel impersonal.
Critique should reflect your voice and perspective.
Reworking Images for Critique
By posting for critique, you allow limited reworks under these conditions:
- Download the image using the lightbox button
- Post your reworked version only in the same thread, with notes
- Delete the file from your system afterward
Only paying members can download critique images.
Posting Revised Versions of Your Own Images
When updating an image based on feedback:
- Edit your original post, rather than replying
- Upload the revised version at the top
- Add “(+repost)” to the title
This allows clean comparison between versions.
Posting Images for Critique
All images for critique are posted in the Image Critiques category.
Posting Limits
- One image per member per day
- The daily limit resets at midnight (your local time)
- Discussion participation elsewhere is not limited
Tags (How We Organize Critiques)
We use tags to describe the subject, style, and intent of your image.
- You must select at least one tag when posting
- You may select additional tags if they apply
- Choose tags that best represent the primary subject or intent of the image
Tags help others find your work and provide more relevant feedback.
Available Tags
abstract
Images where artistic elements like form, color, texture, or motion take priority over literal representation.
astro
Night sky imagery including stars, Milky Way, aurora, moon, and deep-sky subjects.
birds
Images where birds are the primary subject.
Disclose use of bait, recordings, or other influences.
Live-baiting and game-farm images are not allowed.
Captive birds must include facility information.
black-and-white
Images presented in monochrome where tonal relationships are a primary element.
grand
Large-scale scenes emphasizing expansive views and dramatic landscapes.
intimate
Smaller scenes focusing on subtle details, relationships, and quieter moments in nature.
landscape
Natural environments where the broader scene is the primary subject.
macro-close-up
Small-scale subjects (roughly 4 inches across or less).
Disclose staging or setup.
Frozen insects are not allowed.
non-nature
Subjects that fall outside of nature photography. Use sparingly and ensure relevance to the community.
plant-life
Plants, flowers, and botanical subjects.
Disclose if staged or studio-based.
wildlife
Non-bird animals.
Baiting and game-farm images are not allowed.
Captive wildlife must include facility information.
You may combine tags when appropriate (e.g., landscape + abstract or wildlife + black-and-white).
Special Submission Tags
These tags are only available in specific submission flows:
- project — for cohesive bodies of work
- weekly-challenge — for current challenge submissions
Photo Posting Guidelines
- You must hold the copyright
- For every image you post, provide feedback on at least two others
- Select at least one relevant tag
- Use a descriptive title
- Disclose:
- Captive animals
- Staged or studio setups
- Significant manipulation beyond basic adjustments
AI-Generated Images
Images shared for critique must originate from a photograph made by the member.
AI-assisted editing tools are allowed, including masking, noise reduction, sharpening, and content-aware cleanup.
Images created primarily through generative AI are not permitted.
When AI tools materially affect an image, transparency is encouraged.
Images that do not meet these criteria may be removed.
Posting Images in Replies
Posting photos in replies is restricted:
- You may repost your own image with revisions
- Critiquers may post reworked versions
- No unrelated photos are allowed
Moderators may remove replies that violate these rules.
Editors’ Picks
Editors’ Picks highlight engagement, growth, and thoughtful work, not popularity.
Selection considers:
- Participation in critique
- Willingness to apply feedback
- Technical and aesthetic quality
- Originality and intent
Likes, views, and replies are not considered.
Editors’ Picks are not a competition — they reflect growth.
Community Conduct & Moderation
This is a shared space for civil, thoughtful discussion.
Please:
- Criticize ideas, not people
- Avoid personal attacks or harassment
- Keep discussions relevant to nature photography
If you see problematic behavior:
- Do not engage
- Use the flagging tools
Moderators may remove content or accounts when necessary to maintain a healthy environment.
Commercial Activity
To keep NPN focused and free of excess promotion:
- You may link to your work in your profile
- Unauthorized advertising may be removed
Important Notice
These forums exist to support the art and technique of nature photography.
Content outside this scope may be edited, moved, or removed.
All images remain the property of their creators and are protected by copyright law.
Terms of Service
Use of this platform is governed by our
Terms & Conditions
By participating here, you agree to abide by them.