Photojournalism

Photojournalism is a branch of journalism that tells a story through the form of images. It is different from its other branches in the sense that the stories from the images photojournalists offer are news related.

They are informative, and relevant to society, as well as informing us of what is happening

around the world. These images also possess the quality of being objective. The context of the

images, and its relevance are directly connected to the story it's telling.

Photojournalism is an essential part of the news media

To most people who watch the news or read newspapers, pictures are what give them a visual

representation of what the printed words are summarizing.

This makes reading the newspaper

more effective because it gives the readers an idea of what it must be like to witness these

events as they are unfolding. This is especially true of those who seldom watch the news, or

read the newspaper. These images become their key to understanding the stories that are

being reported in the news.

There are certain rules that photojournalists need to follow in order to document society and preserve its true meaning. Photographs can cause great harm if they are manipulated to exagerrate truths that may lead to false statements. These code of ethics are implemented to ensure highest quality in all forms of visual journalism and to strengthen public confidence in the profession. Here are the codes:

• Be accurate and comprehensive in the representation of subjects.
• Resist being manipulated by staged photo opportunities.
• 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.
• 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.
• While photographing subjects do not intentionally contribute to, alter, or seek to alter or influence events.
• 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.
• Do not pay sources or subjects or reward them materially for information or participation.
• Do not accept gifts, favors, or compensation from those who might seek to influence coverage.
• Do not intentionally sabotage the efforts of other journalists.

The ethics being followed in taking journalistic photos and writing a news story are the same. They should be truthful, unbiased and accurate. These traits should be practiced in order to gain integrity and achieve reality of the news. The impact of altering photographs can alter its credibility. The only purpose of enhancing photo is to make it presentable for the viewers. They should not be edited in a way that changes the context of the photo. If they changed the context of the photo it can lead to false representation of the news. Overall, any photographs accounting society should not be edited so that it won't mislead the viewers.

Works Cited:



"NPPA: Code of Ethics." National Press Photographers Association. 07 Nov. 2010. <http://www.nppa.org/professional_development/business_practices/ethics.html>.

 

"Photojournalism." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 30 Oct. 2010. 07 Nov. 2010 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photojournalism>.