TELEGRAM

Code of Conduct

Last updated: April 2, 2026

1. Introduction and Mission

Welcome to Shutterpaws. Our mission is to bridge the gap between talented photographers and expressive fursuiters, fostering a collaborative, safe, and creative environment. This Code of Conduct outlines the expectations for all members, volunteers, and participants within the Shutterpaws network. By participating in our community, events, and partnered events, you agree to abide by these guidelines.

By attending a Shutterpaws event, you grant consent for your photograph to be taken, uploaded to digital platforms, and shared across the internet with proper attribution. Please note that explicit permission is strictly required for any physical contact. While attendance grants consent for photography, Shutterpaws respects individual privacy and will review and honor reasonable, written takedown requests for specific images on our platforms.

3. Core Values

  • Safety: The physical and mental well-being of all participants, especially concerning the physical limitations of fursuiting, comes first.
  • Respect: We celebrate diversity and treat everyone with dignity, regardless of race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, or nationality.
  • Compassion: We prioritize understanding, empathy, and providing support for all participants, recognizing that shared passion thrives on kindness, and show grace when others make mistakes.

4. General Anti-Harassment and Public Conduct Policy

Shutterpaws is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone. We do not tolerate harassment in any form. Unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to:

  • Offensive verbal or written comments, hate speech, or bigotry related to gender, gender identity and expression (including transphobia), sexual orientation (including homophobia), race, disability, or physical appearance.
  • Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following.
  • Unwelcome physical contact or sexual attention. A costume does not imply consent.
  • Non-consensual photography or recording (including creeping or shooting from hidden angles).
  • Sustained disruption of photoshoots or events.

Any violation of this anti-harassment and public conduct policy may result in disciplinary actions leading up to and including a permanent ban from attending future Shutterpaws hosted and Shutterpaws affiliated events, at the sole discretion of Shutterpaws.

Outside Behavior and Public Conduct: This Code of Conduct applies not only to Shutterpaws events and digital platforms but also to public conduct, social media, and other community gatherings. Shutterpaws reserves the right to deny entry, revoke membership, or preemptively ban individuals who have a documented history of harassment, hate speech, bigotry, or any other harassing conduct as defined by this Code of Conduct, regardless of where or when that behavior occurred, if their presence fundamentally conflicts with our mission to provide a safe and inclusive space.

5. Guidelines for Photographers

  • Respect the Magic: Do not photograph fursuiters while they are unsuiting, resting in headless lounges, or carrying their heads, unless you have explicit, prior permission.
  • Mind the Blind Spots: Fursuits have severe visibility limitations. Never jump out in front of a suiter, block their path, or touch them from behind to get their attention. Speak clearly to them or their handler.
  • Look But Do Not Touch: Fursuits are expensive, custom works of art. Do not touch, pull, or adjust a fursuit without the suiter’s explicit permission.
  • Prioritize Safety: If a suiter shows signs of heat exhaustion or distress, stop the shoot immediately and assist them or their handler in getting to a safe, cool space.
  • Clear Usage Rights: Be transparent about where and how the photos will be used, posted, or sold.

6. Guidelines for Fursuiters and Handlers

  • Credit the Artist: When posting photos taken by a Shutterpaws photographer, you must provide proper credit to that photographer.
  • Do Not Alter Photos: Never crop out watermarks, apply heavy filters, or edit a photographer’s work without their permission. If you need a different crop, ask the photographer.
  • Communicate Your Needs: Be upfront about your physical limits. If you need a break, water, or to stop the shoot, communicate this immediately.
  • Respect the Gear: Photography equipment is fragile and expensive. Be mindful of your spatial awareness around cameras, lights, and stands.
  • Bring a Handler: For dedicated or off-site photoshoots, it is highly recommended to bring a handler to assist with posing, communication, and safety.
  • Look Out For Each Other: If you see someone struggling or in distress, please help if you are safely able to, or inform an event staff member so they may assist.

7. Age and Minors Policy

Shutterpaws events are primarily curated for adult hobbyists, and environments are considered unrated. Shutterpaws does not assume the role of guardianship for any attendees. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times while attending Shutterpaws events. Parents and guardians who consent for minors to attend do so under their own judgment and take full responsibility for the minor’s actions and conduct.

8. Alcohol and Substance Abuse Policy

The sale, distribution, or illegal use of any controlled substances is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate removal and reporting to local authorities. Any permitted alcoholic consumption must be kept within moderation and is strictly limited to individuals 21 and older. Providing alcohol to minors is a zero-tolerance offense.

9. Health, Hygiene, and Attire

Attendees must maintain reasonable hygiene. Anyone showing significant signs of contagious illness must wear a CDC-approved mask or leave the event space to prevent the spread of illness. Furthermore, because Shutterpaws operates in public and third-party venues, and unless a different rating is stated prior to the event, a PG-rated atmosphere is assumed. Attendees may not wear clothing or accessories that are overly revealing, sexual, or otherwise inappropriate for a public, PG-rated atmosphere.

10. Props and Weapons Policy

No actual weapons, or any items that can be easily mistaken for weapons, may be carried either openly or concealed at any time during Shutterpaws events. Weapon replicas and costume props are only permitted if they are easily identifiable as toys or replicas and have been peace-bonded if necessary and are permitted by the hosting venue. Shutterpaws reserves the right to inspect any prop and holds the final say on whether an item is safe for carrying.

11. Technology and Privacy Policy

The malicious use of technology—including but not limited to disrupting digital signals, Wi-Fi sniffing, or hacking any device or service belonging to attendees, organizers, or venues—is strictly forbidden and will be reported to the appropriate authorities.

12. Venue Respect and Damages

Attendees are expected to respect the property of our host locations. There is a zero-tolerance policy for vandalism, climbing on unauthorized structures, littering, or causing deliberate damage to any venue property. Any attendee who causes damage will be held entirely financially responsible for the cost of repairs and any applicable fines, and will face immediate expulsion and possible legal action.

13. Release of Liability and Indemnification

  • Personal Property: All event attendees take full responsibility for their own belongings. Shutterpaws and the event venues are not responsible or assumed to be responsible for missing, stolen, or damaged items, including, but not limited to, camera equipment and fursuits.
  • Personal Injury: Attendees relieve Shutterpaws and the host venues of any responsibility for personal injury due to event activities, equipment usage, or injuries relating to the wearing of costumes and masks.
  • Indemnification: Anyone who enters or participates in a Shutterpaws event agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Shutterpaws, its Board of Directors, and its affiliates from any claim for personal injuries or other damages arising out of their activities, even if such injury or damage is caused by negligence by or on the part of Shutterpaws.

14. Reporting Procedures

If you experience or witness a violation of this Code of Conduct or see any perceived threat to the safety and wellbeing at any Shutterpaws event, please report it immediately.

  • How to Report: Reach out to a Shutterpaws event coordinator on-site, or email our safety team at safety@shutterpaws.pics. All reports will be handled confidentially and taken seriously.
  • Please include: Identifying information of the individuals involved, the time, location, and nature of the incident, and any witnesses or evidence.

15. Enforcement and Consequences

Violations of this Code of Conduct will not be tolerated. The Shutterpaws Board of Directors, or designated event staff, reserves the right to take any action they deem appropriate, including:

  • Issuing a formal verbal or written warning.
  • Immediate expulsion from a Shutterpaws event or photoshoot without a refund.
  • A temporary or permanent ban from the Shutterpaws, its events, or online outlets.
  • A temporary or permanent ban from the organization.
  • Reporting severe incidents to local authorities.

Catch-All Provision: Any action or behavior that causes significant interference with Shutterpaws operations, causes excessive discomfort to other attendees, or adversely affects the organization’s relationship with its host venues or the public is strictly forbidden and will result in any disciplinary action the Board of Directors deems fit.