The Photographic Oath

I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this covenant;

I will respect the hard-won gains of those photographers in whose steps I walk, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow.

I will promote photography, for the benefit of all those who enjoy a beautiful image, without prejudice to the method used to capture or display the image.

I will remember that there is art to photography as well as science, and that, in the end, the viewer’s subjective reaction to the image outweighs the technique used.

I will be proud of my images and will do the utmost to promote these as art. I will start in my home by displaying my images as works of
art, with as much prominence as any painting or other form of art.

I will not be ashamed to say, “I don’t know”, nor will I fail to call in my colleagues when the skills of another are needed to help me grow as a photographer.

I will respect the taste and subjectivity of those who view my photographs. 

I will remember that I remain a member of the photographic community, with special obligations to all my fellow photographers, to build this exciting hobby and not to bring it into disrepute. If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, respected while I live and remembered with affection thereafter.

May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my hobby and may I long experience the joy of viewing a beautiful photograph.