Community Guidelines
Nature Photographers Network
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, including wildlife, landscapes, and sensitive locations.
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 in a critique forum, 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 forums exist 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
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, experience, and perspective.
Reworking Images for Critique
By posting in critique forums, 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
Posting Limits
- One image per member per day across all critique categories.
- The daily limit resets at midnight, your local time.
- Discussion participation elsewhere on the site is not limited.
File Recommendations (Not Requirements)
Image size and quality are always a balance between display quality and personal security. The following are recommendations, not strict requirements.
- Recommended size: 1500–2000px on the long edge
- Recommended file size: under 3 MB for best quality
- Maximum upload size: 100 MB (files over 3 MB will be resized automatically and may appear softer than if optimized manually)
- Format: JPEG
- Recommended quality: 6 (Photoshop) or 60 (Lightroom)
- Color space: sRGB
Uploading a well-optimized file under 3 MB will generally produce better results than relying on automatic resizing.
Photo Posting Guidelines
- You must hold the copyright.
- For every image you post for critique, provide feedback on at least two other images.
- Choose the single most appropriate category.
- Use a descriptive title.
- Disclose:
- Captive animals
- Staged or studio setups
- Significant manipulation beyond basic adjustments
- Do not post the same image in multiple categories.
AI-Generated Images
Images shared for critique or evaluation on Nature Photographers Network must originate from a photograph made by the member.
AI-assisted editing tools are allowed, including masking, noise reduction, sharpening, and content-aware cleanup used to refine an existing photograph.
Images created primarily through generative AI are not permitted. This includes images without an underlying photograph or the creation of major scene elements that were never photographed.
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 in replies.
- Moderators may remove replies containing images that violate these rules.
Critique Categories
Abstract Nature
Images where artistic elements such as color, form, texture, or line take precedence over literal subject matter. Includes pure abstractions and creative interpretations (ICM, multiple exposure, creative focus).
Avian
Images where birds are the primary subject.
Disclose any use of seed, non-live bait, or recordings.
Live-baited birds and commercial game-farm images are prohibited.
Captive birds must be posted in Everything Else with facility information.
Flora
Plants and flowers.
Disclose if staged, set-up, or studio-based.
Landscape
Natural environments from grand vistas to intimate scenes.
Limited human elements are acceptable if they support the composition.
Choose this category for landscapes as the primary subject.
Macro / Close-Up
Nature images depicting areas roughly 4 inches across or less.
Disclose staging or studio setups.
Frozen insects are not allowed; chilling insects is acceptable but discouraged.
Nightscapes & Astro
Images of the night sky, including stars, the Milky Way, the Aurora Borealis, the moon, and deep-sky subjects.
Wildlife
Non-avian wildlife.
Baiting (including recorded sound) and commercial game-farm images are prohibited.
Captive wildlife must be posted in Everything Else with facility information.
Everything Else
Open category for subjects that do not fit elsewhere.
Includes captive animals, rural scenes with domesticated animals, and non-nature subjects.
G-rated only.
Weekly Challenge
Theme-based images that follow the rules of their applicable category.
Non-nature images are not permitted unless explicitly stated.
Projects
Cohesive bodies of work based on a theme.
Upload individual images, PDFs, website links, or videos.
Nature must be the primary subject.
New Members
A welcoming space for newer members to share work and receive feedback.
Note: An image may only be posted in one category.
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 against others — they reflect personal 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 to alert moderators
Moderators facilitate the community and may remove content or accounts when necessary to maintain a healthy environment.
Commercial Activity
To keep NPN free of excess commercialism:
- You may link to your work or services in your profile
- Unauthorized advertising elsewhere may be removed
Important Notice
These forums exist solely 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.