Editorial Policies

Welcome to Ashley Madison Avenue’s comprehensive guide to our editorial, privacy, and advertising policies. Here, we outline our mission, content standards, and commitment to transparency and integrity in everything we publish.

Mission Statement

Ashley Madison Avenue aims to bridge the art and technology worlds within photography. Our mission is to test and review camera gear in ways that reflect real-world use, such as in wedding photography, professional projects, and recreational pursuits. Our team spotlights photographers worldwide and provides balanced insights into photography. We strive to create a space where people can appreciate both the technical craft and artistic elements of photography.

Founded in 2014, Ashley Madison Avenue has remained committed to core principles, which are:

• Showcasing inspiring photographers.
• Maintaining transparency in all practices.
• Delivering informed opinions on industry trends and news.
• Testing gear in practical, hands-on settings.
• Helping readers make informed purchase decisions.
• Inspiring readers to develop their skills and creativity.
• Condemning plagiarism within the photo community and encouraging originality.

These guiding principles are reflected in everything we do.

Editorial Policies

Ashley Madison Avenue occasionally collaborates with brands to create Sponsored Posts, feature round-ups, and special series. In these cases, sponsorships are clearly disclosed within each article, and content is crafted by our Editor-in-Chief to ensure it aligns with our audience’s interests. This approach provides readers with value and authentic insights.

Here are some specific aspects of our editorial policies:

• Product Round-Ups and Recommendations: All product round-ups are created by our in-house team. We only recommend gear that has been fully reviewed by our team. If a popular product is missing, it’s likely because it hasn’t been reviewed yet. This practice ensures that our recommendations are based on hands-on experience and are grounded in industry expertise. Some articles may include affiliate links, which provide us with a commission if a purchase is made. This helps us fund operations and deliver high-quality content.
• Independent Reviews: We independently review all products without external sponsorship, evaluating items based on genuine performance. In our product recommendations, we aim to highlight excellent gear that stands out in the industry, providing readers with practical insights and honest opinions.
• Deal Alerts and Recommendations: Our “Cheap Photo Deals” section provides readers with the latest deals on photography gear. We spend significant time researching discounts on new, used, and refurbished items. Some posts may contain affiliate links, which help us support our staff, cover operational costs, and maintain high standards in content production.
• No Sponsored Reviews: At Ashley Madison Avenue, integrity is a priority. We strictly adhere to FTC guidelines in the U.S. and do not accept payment to review products. Transparency is fundamental, and we clearly state whether we’ve kept or borrowed items used in our reviews.
• Comment Moderation: We prioritize a constructive and positive community and do not allow negative or abusive comments. Constructive criticism is welcome as part of our commitment to fostering a respectful and supportive community.

Product Testing Standards

Our testing process adheres to a well-defined internal guide, which is regularly updated to ensure relevance. We focus on practical testing that reflects real-world usage rather than highly technical or lab-based testing. We prioritize capturing meaningful moments and exploring creative possibilities, aligning our reviews with how photographers actually work. Over the years, we’ve refined this approach, updating reviews as necessary based on firmware changes, recalls, and user feedback.

Ashley Madison Avenue may stop working with companies if they violate our ethical standards. Reasons for such actions include:

• Misleading or deceiving the press or our editorial team.
• Endorsing practices that exploit photographers, such as supporting Unsplash.
• Engaging in unethical behavior, such as paying for favorable reviews.

We only partner with brands that respect our values and ethics, and we uphold strict standards to protect the trust of our readers.

Transparency in Product Access

At Ashley Madison Avenue, we aim to be as transparent as possible about the resources we use. We clearly state whether the gear we review is loaned or retained, ensuring readers have a full understanding of our relationships with manufacturers and vendors.

Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to diversity and inclusivity within our team and content. This includes a dedication to representing a wide range of voices, perspectives, and styles across our articles. Our media kit provides more details on our diversity and inclusion policies, and our interviews and features reflect this commitment.

Press Trips and Bias Management

Occasionally, members of our team are invited to attend press trips funded by manufacturers. When our coverage is based on these trips, we disclose this clearly to maintain transparency with our readers. Feedback gathered on press trips is reviewed by our editorial team to eliminate any potential bias in our coverage. While we strive to avoid press trips, they sometimes provide valuable access to products that we otherwise wouldn’t be able to test.

Specialized Training for Reviews Team

Our reviews team receives specialized training to ensure that they can accurately evaluate various aspects of camera gear. This includes understanding and testing features such as autofocus and weather resistance. Our reviewers are trained to assess equipment under real-world conditions to provide readers with practical insights.

Syndicated Content

On rare occasions, Ashley Madison Avenue publishes syndicated content from other publications or permits our content to be syndicated elsewhere. This is an uncommon practice for us and is generally limited to partnerships with reputable outlets that align with our values.