Photographer Code of Conduct

Whippersnappers (WS) goal is to create a fun, calm and safe photography experience for every child. We work closely with each Centre team to make sure the visit runs smoothly; following clear safety, privacy and professionalism standards at all times. This Code of Conduct explains how Whippersnappers' Photographers work while they are in an early learning environment, and consists of 8 core principles.

1. Children's safety and wellbeing come first

During every Session:

• Photographers are never left alone with children;
• children are always supervised by Centre educator Kaiako. Kaiako will decide if a child is unwell or not feeling up to participating;
• Photographers will not physically move, lift or position children against their will — if a child becomes upset, they are given space or the choice to stop altogether. We work with Kaiako to ensure children's natural rhythms, naps and meals are minimally disrupted;
• Photographers will not discipline or redirect children's behaviour — behaviour guidance will remain with Kaiako;
• Photographers are prohibited from accessing any photography of the Centre or its children outside of the terms and conditions of WS policies and documentation, and to complete their role as described in their Job Description and to complete the Service; and
• photos may not be shared between WS staff except for the purposes of quality assurance and administration, in which case photos may occasionally be shared with other WS staff before being deleted.

Each Centre's judgement always comes first.

2. Only children with consent will be photographed

We take consent seriously.

• Only children with confirmed permission from a parent or legal Guardian are photographed;
• children without consent are not brought to the photography area;
• if there is any uncertainty, we do not take the photo;
• we respect cultural requirements and practices that may affect photography consent;
• parents can change their consent preferences at any time before the photoshoot through the WS website permissions dashboard;
• consent for marketing use is always collected separately and in writing — it is always optional; and
• portraits of unconsented children taken in error, including those where the child appears in the background, are immediately deleted on site, or when we are made aware of it.

We respect each family's choices.

3. We work safely in your environment

To keep children and staff safe:

• equipment is set up safely, and out of reach whenever possible;
• trip hazards are minimised or taped down;
• walkways, accessways and exits are kept clear;
• the workspace is contained and tidy;
• we follow all Centre safety and emergency procedures;
• any incidents involving equipment damage or injury will be immediately reported to Centre management; and
• if we need a safer or quieter space, we'll work with you to find one.
• Activities comply with the WS Health and Safety policy and procedures.

We work with each Centre to ensure the photography space is safe.

4. Respect for routines and your space

We understand how busy early learning environments are. We:

• work around sleep times, meals, group times and outdoor play;
• follow the pace of rooms and transitions;
• communicate clearly with the Centre and Kaiako;
• adapt to meet the needs of each child, group and classroom;
• respect tikanga Māori and cultural practices within your Centre; and
• uphold the Centre's culture, values and expectations.

Our aim is to fit into your day — not disrupt it.

5. We protect children's privacy and data

We treat all images with the highest level of care.

• Children's photos are securely stored for a limited time on our digital platform;
• no images are kept on personal devices;
• photos are never shared in group folders or shared galleries;
• marketing use only happens with clear, written permission from the specific family;
• Whippersnappers retains ownership of photographs, with families receiving usage rights for personal use; and
• we follow the NZ Privacy Act 2020 and ECE media guidelines.

Your families' privacy matters to us.

6. We act professionally at all times

Whippersnappers' Photographers will:

• hold current Police vetting;
• arrive on time and sign in;
• wear visible Whippersnappers identification;
• use kind, calm and positive language — inappropriate language, adult conversation, or swearing is not tolerated within the ECE environment;
• keep phones away during Sessions;
• follow proper hygiene practices;
• not attend if they are unwell;
• dress appropriately for an early childhood environment;
• communicate respectfully with educators, children and whānau; and
• maintain a professional distance from Centre staff — do not request or accept social media connections (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) with staff members you meet onsite.

We pride ourselves on being warm, reliable and down-to-earth.

7. In an emergency, we follow your lead

If an evacuation or emergency occurs, we will:

• immediately follow the Centre's instructions;
• turn off equipment (if safe to do so);
• upon instruction, leave the building with staff and children; and
• only re-enter when the Centre says it's safe to do so.

Safety comes before everything else.

8. When the Session is finished

Before leaving, we will:

• pack down safely;
• remove all equipment and tape;
• leave the space clean and tidy;
• thank your team; and
• sign out.

Our commitment to you

We work hard to ensure every Centre feels fully supported and every child feels safe, respected and celebrated. If you have feedback or need adjustments to suit your Centre's routines or policies, we're happy to work with you.