Ethical photographyJour 203 Fall 2012

The NPPA code of ethics

Not immediately obvious

Someone noticed a difference between this

Not immediately obvious

Someone noticed a difference between this:

… and this

Jezebel did a good animation to show the differences between the two pictures:

Is that unethical?

“NPPA rule #1. “Be accurate and comprehensive in the representation of subjects.”

Making Faith Hill slimmer is neither accurate nor comprehensive.

Studio vs. Street

The Faith Hill photos were shot in a studio. Studio shoots are staged and don’t fall under NPPA rule #2:

“Resist being manipulated by staged photo opportunities.”

Resist staged photo ops

Watch this example of a staged photo op.

You’ll note that many of the photographers did NOT resist being manipulated and snapped away.

NPPA rule #3

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.

From a post by Divya Manian on Tiffinbox.org

Context in photos

“Photographers are guilty of taking photos out of context to create impact… We rarely see good examples of photos with any real context. The context has been handed over entirely to the writer.

Extreme close-up photos have extreme impact but, out of context, may lack any story-telling ability. Relating the subject to its surroundings can help tell the story of the subject, but impact is still needed.”

(From Stanley Leary's blog)

NPPA Rule #4

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.

At a glance, would you say this girl was treated with respect?

This is what the photo should have looked like.

Someone turned the girl around to face the photographers and put the stolen frame under her arm.

NPPA rules #5 and 6

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.

A long-time photographer for the Sacramento Bee took this picture…

… and this picture…

… and made this picture.

Don’t manipulate images. Ever.

He no longer works for the Sacramento Bee.

More egregious examples of photo manipulation: the technique was popular among the Soviets.

Time Magazine manipulated this shot of O.J. Simpson.

Last three rules

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.

More info:

Manipulated picture

More manipulated pictures