The Ethics of Photojournalism

    How important is it to follow the code of ethics established by the National Press Photographers Association? This standard is constructed to provide framework for all the professional photojournalist or photographers to aiding them for the right decision. Unfortunately, sometimes, it is hard to fully adhere to these rules. Photojournalist have an obligation to capture a candid moment at which occasionally can be overwhelming. From the article of, Moral Dilemmas Encountered in Photojournalism, it is stated that "a common moral problem in photojournalism is deciding whether it is appropriate to shoot a photo or not. If not taken into consideration, this can often lead to criticism and backlash". Imagine a photographer in the middle of the war, where bullets are firing, explosions, wounded soldiers and civilians screaming in misery. With adrenaline rushing, it is fully guaranteed that the photographer will capture the image of a wounded soldiers unintentionally because of tunnel vision and failing to remember that rules and and regulations exist. It might be easy to think that it could be absolutely avoided but remember photojournalist has a job to accomplish. The dilemma of taking a photo involving conflict to humanity also depends to the perception of the public. Whether people think that the image is used to exploiting the subject or use to deliver an important message to the world. However, at the end of the day it is still the photojournalist responsibility to treat their subject with dignity and respect to their reputation. And it is part of their job description to follow the code of ethics laid out by the professional organization.

Photo by: Eddie Adams

Photo by: Eddie Adams

    My view on this controversy is that many of the photographs are taken unconsciously. Without doing a time-out determining whether it is a conflict against the code of ethics or not before capturing the image. In my own opinion, assessing the situation where the subject is in, is extremely important prior to clicking the shutter release button. This gives the photographer a short time to critically think if it is appropriate or not to get the image. Photojournalist must not neglect the importance of humanity. If I am in the position where I have to choose to help a person escape from the violence or do my job as photojournalist, then I will do the most important role to the world as a human- showing humanity. On my personal ethics map, it is all clearly related to the role of a photojournalist and as an ordinary citizen. Respect, responsibility, fairness, integrity, conscience are all the values that can illustrate a professional photojournalist. These are just some values that can help a photojournalist overcome a dilemma.

Photo by: Luigi Zebrowski