Photojournalism - the power of the photograph and ethical considerations

Photojournalism can be briefly defined as a form of journalism that uses pictures to tell a story (Wikipedia). Ideally, the picture itself, without the help of texts should be able to tell its audience the full story (Smith, 2001). The power of pictures to tell a story should not be underestimated as a still photograph is indeed, a very powerful medium and has the power to deeply affect its audience.

(Sample photojournalism shots)

An ABC National Radio’s ‘Media Report’ on the 4th of October 2007, discusses a photographic galley at the city of Dubrovnik in Croatia, its attempts to keep the memory of the city’s bitter past in the Balkan War and the effects of the photographs displayed. One can get a taste of what is on display at the gallery from the following quote: “Right at the entrance a large photograph of a middle-aged woman, her face distorted by pain, her mouth wide open, and her left hand pressed against her cheek in horror. The woman's hair glitters golden, so do her nails, and the ring on her terrified hand. She might have been wealthy once, but this is of no importance now.” The visitors to the gallery, who are mostly tourists, are described as silent as they moved from picture to picture. The full transcript can be viewed here: http://www.abc.net.au/rn/mediareport/stories/2007/2051819.htm#

When talking about war or other forms of human suffering, an important issue that still dogs the ethics of photojournalism arises. Simply put, what can and should be published? The National Press Photographers Association code of ethics clearly states that a photojournalist must “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.”

That statement however, raises a whole lot of other questions as what is acceptable to certain people or segments of society are not to others. The ethics of photojournalism is a very subjective field (Daniel, 2006). For a deeper perspective, watch the video below.

WARNING – THE FOLLOWING VIDEO CONTAINS IMAGES THAT MAY NT BE SUITABLE TO ALL AUDIENCES. VIEWER DISCRESSION IS ADVISED.

Personally, I firmly believe that photojournalism is one of the most effective forms of journalism and getting a message across. Photojournalism plays a essential part in documenting important issues and influencing change by raising awareness of such issues.

For more information, please look up the following websites:

The Atlanta Photojournalism Seminar
- http://www.photojournalism.org/

Photojournalism (Wikipedia)
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photojournalism

Sources

Wikipedia, Photojournalism. Viewed at <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photojournalism>

Smith, B. 2001, Designing a Photograph: Revised Edition, Amphoto Books, New York.

The power of the photograph, 2008, ABC National Radio’s ‘Media Report’. Viewed at <http://www.abc.net.au/rn/mediareport/stories/2007/2051819.htm>

Daniel R. Bersak ,D.R., 2006, Ethics In Photojournalism: Past, Present, and Future, Department of Comparative Media Studies, School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Other references

Ritchin, F. 1991. Photojournalism in the age of computers, The Critical Image: Essays on contemporary photography, Lawrence & Wishart, London. pp 215-224