The document discusses ethical considerations in photography, particularly regarding the representation of vulnerable subjects and the rights to privacy. It emphasizes the importance of accuracy, respect, and the avoidance of stereotypes in photographic storytelling, while also highlighting various ethical dilemmas faced by photographers in different contexts, such as media coverage of violence and tragedy. Additionally, it critiques the manipulation of images and the impact of editorial choices on public perception.

1. Photography Ethical PerspectivePhotography Ethical Perspective
StereotypingStereotyping
Victims of ViolenceVictims of Violence
Rights to PrivacyRights to Privacy
Editorial ChoicesEditorial Choices

2. National Press Photographers Association Code of Ethics
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.

3. Minority groups portrayed as Criminals? 3
Stereotypes: Media View?Stereotypes: Media View?

4. Katrina Aftermath: “Two residents wade
through chest-deep water after finding
bread and soda from a local grocery store.”
4
Stereotyping: “Finding food”Stereotyping: “Finding food”
2005 Photo by Dave Martin for the Associated Press
Caption for white people:

5. Caption Katrina Aftermath: “A young man walks through chest deep flood water after looting a
grocery store in New Orleans.” 5
Stereotyping: “Looting”Stereotyping: “Looting”
2005 Photo by Dave Martin for the Associated Press

6. FRED CHARTRAND / THE CANADIAN PRESS file photo
Lack of Coverage in Media: Missing Aboriginal Women in Canada
An RCMP study determined “there were 1,181 murdered or missing women in this
country over a 33-year period through 2012.”

7. 7
Ethical Perspective Victims of Violence Rights to Privacy
Eddie Adams: Vietnam Atrocity
Vietnam war
the first war to
be televised

8. 8
Ethical Perspective
Victims of Violence - Rights to Privacy
Vietnam war
the first war to
be televised

9. 9
Ethical Issues: Violence and Privacy Often MeshEthical Issues: Violence and Privacy Often Mesh
Kent State Tragedy 1970 by John Filo

10. 10
Ethical Perspective
Rights to PrivacyRights to Privacy
Dorothea Lange Photo
Florence Thompson
complained about her
privacy violation
Many profited from the
photograph
but Florence made
nothing

11. 11
Ethical PerspectiveEthical Perspective
Victims of ViolenceVictims of Violence
Rights to PrivacyRights to Privacy
9/11 falling Man
Many Newspaper Did Not Publish
Because of Privacy Concerns

12. 12
Ethical PerspectiveEthical Perspective
Victims of ViolenceVictims of Violence
Rights to PrivacyRights to Privacy
Oklahoma City Bombing
1995 Photo by Charles Porter

13. 13
Ethical Issues: Censored photo under George Bush Administration

14. 14
Government may try to
suppress, but
2003 Abu Ghraib
Rights to Privacy for Victims?
Digital Trophies Were Used Against Soldiers

15. 15
Ethical Perspective: Double StandardsEthical Perspective: Double Standards
US did not want to show their war dead but did show pictures of
Saddam’s dead sons. However, Obama administration did not release
images of Bin Ladan dead.
Soldier’s identities covered by
Government

16. 16
Decisions about what images are shown in mainstream media?
This photograph of Israeli children writing messages to children of Lebanon
on artillery shells bound for targets in Lebanon caused outrage and but was not seen
in regular media

18. What does future hold?What does future hold?