Photojournalism is the capture of images using a camera and the manipulation of the image honestly for clear presentation (Burley 2011). Photo and video images convey their news by visual images. It could be actual or manipulated. It can inspire hope, understanding and impact on the emotions of the public in a greater way than by other forms of media. It causes great harm if it is manipulated or callously used. The picture shown below is one such photo which has been manipulated. The irresponsibility of the photojournalists could even lead to diplomatic controversies.
(Source:http://www.metro.co.uk/news/841131-egypt-paper-under-fire-for-altering-obama-photo)
(Source: http://desertpeace.wordpress.com/2010/09/21/who-ever-said-the-camera-never-lies/)
Egpt’s biggest newspaper Al-Ahram was accused of being unprofessional in publishing a manipulated photo. The newspaper was forced to withdraw the fake and replace it with a different photo. The public confidence on the newspaper is bound to have decreased. Just like for other professions photojournalists are also expected to a code for ethical behavior. The Code of Ethics has been formulated by National Press Photographers Association USA. It consists of 9 main principles which are explained below.
1) Be Accurate and Comprehensive
Be honest in the representation of subjects to the public by visuals.
2) Resist opportunities of being manipulated for staged photo opportunities.
Photojournalists must such biased situations as it effects their integrity.
3) Be Complete and provide contexts every time photographing a subject.
This will be on record and will prevent conflicts.
4) Treat all subjects and people with respect and dignity in their work. .
Very photojournalists are found to be a nuisance to the public in their pursuit for photo.
5) While photographing do not intentionally seek to alter or influence the events.
6) Editing should maintain the integrity. Images should not be manipulated to mislead the viewers.
7) Do not pay or reward sources for participation in a photo for a questionable situation.
8) Do not accept rewards for a coverage as it will be photo news.
9) Do not intentionally sabotage the efforts of a colleague.
I think the photojournalists should be very careful in carrying out their daily work as they are often faced with controversial situations due to irresponsibility.
References
‘NPPA Code of Ethics’, no.d., National Press Photographers Association, Available at < http://www.nppa.org/professional_development/business_practices/ethics.html >
Burley, S, 2010, The Definition of Photojournalism: Looking at Ethics in Photojournalism, Available at< http://www.brighthub.com/multimedia/photography/articles/93311.aspx >
Nirmaladasan, 2009, Ethics In Photojournalism, Available at < http://www.angelfire.com/nd/nirmaladasan/journalismonline/eip.html >
Thornhill.T, 2010, "Egypt paper under fire for altering Obama photo" available at <http://www.metro.co.uk/news/841131-egypt-paper-under-fire-for-altering-obama-photo>
2010, "WHO EVER SAID THE CAMERA NEVER LIES" available at <http://desertpeace.wordpress.com/2010/09/21/who-ever-said-the-camera-never-lies/>
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