Code of Conduct

Responsibility to Colleagues and the Profession:

Maintain a reputation for honesty, fairness, and professional integrity.
Foster mentorship and collaboration among artists, offering advice and guidance to peers.
Respect the intellectual property and moral rights of fellow artists and never misrepresent authorship.
Never engage in malicious or inaccurate criticism of the work of another artist.
Avoid unfair competitive practices such as price-fixing, boycotts, or other unethical behaviors.
Oppose any form of censorship and support artistic freedom.

Responsibility to Clients:

Conduct business in a professional manner, always acting in the best interest of the client within the scope of your professional responsibilities.
Respect the confidentiality of client information and honor agreements made regarding the usage of works.
Ensure all contracts, licenses, and agreements are clear and fair to all parties involved, including the provision for model or property releases when applicable.
Use contracts for all engagements, whether with a client, agency, or gallery.

Responsibility to the Community:

Create and maintain a respectful, inclusive, and supportive environment for all members of the AEA community.
While no issues have arisen thus far, AEA reserves the right to take disciplinary action, including revocation of membership, in cases of misconduct.

Professional Integrity and Accountability:

Artists are responsible for their own actions and professional behavior.
Misrepresentation of qualifications or malicious actions against others will result in appropriate consequences, up to and including termination of membership.
Fair and respectful treatment of assistants, collaborators, and all involved parties is expected at all times.

Responsibility to Assistants and Employees:

Ensure a safe and professional working environment, adhering to local, state, and federal employment laws.
Provide fair compensation for assistants and ensure timely payment, especially when dealing with independent contractors.
Respect the privacy, religious beliefs, dietary needs, and cultural differences of assistants and employees.
Use contracts when hiring assistants, outlining job expectations, safety concerns, and confidentiality obligations.
If the project involves travel, ensure that all necessary health precautions, vaccinations, or legal and cultural considerations are communicated clearly to the team.

Assistant’s Responsibility to Employer:

Assistants and employees should conduct themselves professionally and represent the employer’s best interests.
Maintain confidentiality and protect the proprietary information of the photographer or artist.
Always clarify the terms of employment and adhere to any contracts signed.
Respect the moral rights of colleagues and ensure the workspace is safe and free from harassment.