Presentation for JOUR203 Introduction to Multimedia course at University of Maryland.

1. Ethical photography
Jour 203 Fall 2012

2. The NPPA code of ethics

3. Not immediately
obvious
 Someone noticed
a difference
between this

4. … and this
Not immediately
obvious
 Someone noticed
a difference
between this:

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

6.  “NPPA rule #1. “Be accurate and
comprehensive in the representation of
subjects.”
 Making Faith Hill slimmer is neither
accurate nor comprehensive.
Is that unethical?

7.  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.”
Studio vs. Street

8. Watch this example of a staged photo op.
You’ll note that many of the photographers
did NOT resist being manipulated and
snapped away.
Resist staged photo ops

9.  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.
NPPA rule #3

10. From a post by DivyaManian on Tiffinbox.org

11.  “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)
Context in photos

12. 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.
NPPA Rule #4

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

14. This is what the photo should have
looked like.

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

16.  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.
NPPA rules #5 and 6

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

18. … and this picture…

19. … and made this picture.

20.  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.
Don’t manipulate images. Ever.

21.  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.
Last three rules

22.  More info:
 Manipulated picture
 More manipulated pictures