Photojournalism ethics

Week 12- Photojournalism

Photojournalism is the hybrid of photograph and journalism and it has been accorded with the power of truth. According to Alan (2005), images help journalists do a better job of being journalists, and journalists readily rely on images to help substantiate the stories they are responsible for telling (p. 171). In this modern era, seeing is not believing anymore. We always think that photograph is a proof and therefore we always assume that the news is always true. But the point is how many percent of the news are true? How true is the news? Who is the major player behind all the news cooperation? So now ask yourself, is the news not bias?

Photojournalism ethics is important because photojournalism should represent the factual narrative to the readers. A journalist should also not manipulate the event and this is the professionalism in the photojournalism.

This week, I will be talking about Chirs Jordan again, world-renowned photographer and environmental activist, showcases his stunning eye-opening presentation on the American Mass Consumption. Below is video of him presenting about his photos.

So here is the question, can Chris Jordan’s work be considered ethical journalism?

Code of Ethics for photojournalism taken from National Press Photographers Association.

1.Be accurate and comprehensive in the representation of subjects.

2.Resist being manipulated by staged photo opportunities.

3.Be complete and provide context when photographing or recording subjects. Avoid stereotyping individuals and groups. Recognize and work to avoid presenting one's own biases in the work.

4.Treat all subjects with respect and dignity. Give special consideration to vulnerable subjects and compassion to victims of crime or tragedy. Intrude on private moments of grief only when the public has an overriding and justifiable need to see.

5.While photographing subjects do not intentionally contribute to, alter, or seek to alter or influence events.

6.Editing should maintain the integrity of the photographic images' content and context. Do not manipulate images or add or alter sound in any way that can mislead viewers or misrepresent subjects.

7.Do not pay sources or subjects or reward them materially for information or participation.

8.Do not accept gifts, favors, or compensation from those who might seek to influence coverage.

9.Do not intentionally sabotage the efforts of other journalists.

So now back to Chris Jordan’s photography, it is very obvious that the photos that he took are being manipulated. Without the captions or the anchorage, his photo would just be a very visually stimulating photo with no context at all. The presence of a context is very important for factuality in photojournalism. Although, these photographs are the visual representations of his point of view, it does not fulfilled the code of ethics for photojournalism so his work cannot be considered ethical journalism.

Reference:
Allan, S. (2005). Journalism: Critical Issues. Berkshire, GBR: McGraw-Hill Education.
National Press Photographers Association (2010)http://www.nppa.org/professional_development/business_practices/ethics.html