Community Guidelines

De-CONNECT is a place to learn, practise, ask questions and share photographs at your own pace.

Beginners are welcome. You do not need to impress anyone or get everything right. We ask everyone to help keep the community respectful and comfortable for learning.

These guidelines apply to all members, including those with complimentary access. They cover posts, photographs, comments, discussions, direct messages and De-CONNECT activities.

Treat others fairly and respectfully

Treat every member with courtesy, regardless of their background, experience or photographic ability.

Harassment, bullying, threats, personal attacks and discriminatory abuse are not acceptable. This includes offensive remarks or behaviour directed at someone’s race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability.

You may disagree with someone. Explain your view respectfully, without insulting or humiliating them.

Give feedback with care

Keep feedback focused on the photograph and the photographer’s question or intention.

Explain what you notice and offer suggestions in a helpful way. Different interpretations are welcome; your preference does not have to become someone else’s rule.

Avoid ridicule, dismissive remarks and repeated unwanted criticism. Respect a member’s decision if they do not want feedback.

Share photographs responsibly

Share photographs you made yourself, or material you have permission to share. Credit other photographers and sources clearly. Do not present someone else’s work as your own.

Consider the privacy and dignity of people shown in your photographs. Do not share images to embarrass, exploit, threaten or target someone.

If a photograph contains sensitive subject matter, provide context and a content warning where appropriate. De-CONNECT may ask you to remove or replace material that is unsuitable for the community.

Respect ownership and privacy

Members retain ownership of their photographs.

Do not download, copy, repost, publish or use another member’s photographs without their permission. Sharing work inside De-CONNECT does not give others permission to use it elsewhere.

Do not share screenshots of private discussions, direct messages, personal feedback or another member’s contact details without permission.

De-CONNECT will ask for permission before using a member’s photograph in public promotional material.

Keep participation relevant

Keep posts and conversations connected to photography, learning and community activities.

Do not use De-CONNECT for:

• Political campaigning or religious recruitment.
• Propaganda that targets groups or promotes hatred.
• Spam, scams or misleading claims.
• Unsolicited advertising, sales approaches or repeated promotion.
• Unwanted promotional direct messages to members.

Photographs may explore social, cultural, religious or political subjects. These subjects can be discussed respectfully in relation to photography. They must not become a means of attacking others or recruiting support for unrelated causes.

Ask De-CONNECT before promoting your business, services, events or fundraising activities.

Respect learning materials and member access

Lessons, worksheets, videos and other member-only resources are provided for your personal learning.

Do not redistribute, resell, publicly upload or give others access to these materials without permission. Do not share your account or login details.

Respect the access arrangements for each membership level.

Respect personal boundaries

Do not pressure members to reply, meet privately, buy something or share personal information.

Stop contacting someone if they ask you to stop. Sexual harassment, unwanted sexual attention and intimidating behaviour are not acceptable.

At field trips, meetups and other activities, follow the organiser’s instructions and respect the people and places around you.

Tell us when something is wrong

If a post, message or interaction makes you uncomfortable, contact [email protected].

Include the relevant link, date or screenshot if available. You do not need to confront the person publicly.

We will handle reports discreetly and share information only where needed to assess and respond to the concern. We cannot promise complete confidentiality in every situation.

Do not retaliate against someone for raising a concern or helping us review it.

How De-CONNECT responds

De-CONNECT may remove content, issue a warning, restrict participation, suspend access or terminate membership when these guidelines are breached.

Our response will consider the seriousness, impact and repetition of the behaviour. Serious harassment, threats, discriminatory abuse or conduct that puts others at risk may result in immediate suspension or termination without a prior warning.

Where appropriate, we will explain the concern and give the member an opportunity to respond. Members may request a review by emailing [email protected].

Any payment or refund consequences will be handled under the applicable Membership Terms.

Keeping the community welcoming

These guidelines may be updated as the community develops. We will notify members of significant changes and ask for renewed acceptance where appropriate.

Thank you for helping make De-CONNECT a place where people can learn, practise and share with confidence.

One photograph. One conversation. One step at a time.