History of Photojournalism: The Ethics of Photojournalism

There are many controversies with ethics and photojournalist. The article I had researched was 7 with VII : Ethics in Photojournalism. This article had asked 7 photojournalist about how they feel in certain situations and what their stance was on them. The questions that were very deep and meaningful to me had to do with boundaries. They had asked "If someone tells me I'm only allowed up to this point or I can't cross this line, should I listen?"," How do you navigate between creating the most compelling images and being sensitive and empathetic to the wants and needs of your vulnerable subjects?, " How do you negotiate consent and respect for your subjects in a moment of crisis?" and more.

The first question asked about if someone is only allowed up to a certain point or if they can't cross a line, should they listen was answered by Ron Haviv. Ron had said "Alongside all the photographic decisions, you must simultaneously be thinking about the scene, your presence and effect on it, as well as your interaction with your subjects and everyone else that is there. There are going to be times when you judge it’s one step too far to take an image, other times it might be too dangerous to take an image.There will be times when people in authority whether legitimately or not, will try to stop you from working. In all these situations you will need to understand what is the end goal. Is this photograph worth it?" The second question was about how you navigate between creating the most compelling images and being sensitive and empathetic to the wants and needs of your vulnerable subjects. Stefano De Luigi had said " I do not lose empathy because I’m a human sincerely and intensely interested in what I’m seeing, but I know where my place is, and in this particular context, my place is to be a witness." The last question was how do you negotiate consent and respect for your subject in a moment of crisis? Ashley Gilbertson answered this by saying "I often approach people, wearing a camera, and intentionally make eye contact. In this moment, I receive permission to make a photograph or am told I am not welcome. In many cases, especially those that are more open to interpretation, I will sit and chat with the person for a while, introduce myself and explain what I’m up to. After that, the person feels a lot more empowered, and clearer, to say if they’re comfortable being photographed." The common theme in all these responses are dealt with boundaries.

The photographers makes sure that they don't overstep their boundaries in each scenario. But each question was asked differently. Ron Haviv answered saying that he would make his decision on the spot. He mentioned his read of the moment would be his deciding factor. I believe that is the case for most photographers. Not every situation is the same. Stefano De Luigi mentioned in his answer that he knows his place. Sometimes, photographers may or may not realize when the overstep their boundaries. Stefano realizes that in order to empathize with his subject he needs to look at it from their point of view. The most personal of the three photographers however, was Ashley Gilbertson. Ashley would already have the camera around his neck and chat with the individual seeking approval and if they felt comfortable enough for a photo. I think when we photograph something, sometimes we forgot we are dealing with real people and that could be brought back to our moral checklist.

My ethics map points to four questions that a photojournalist may ask when photographing. The first question is whether or not if they are right to take the photo. The second question is if they do take that photo, will it hurt anyone. The third question is if the photo about to be captured is for a greater good. Lastly, my final question is whether not it was worth it. The photographers above in a way had answered each of these questions in all there responses. I believe these four questions are the most important when you're in the process of photography. It's tough sometimes to check our moral compass. But these questions I believe question the most important problems to any dilemma someone may be in. Each controversy dealt with the boundaries and whether or not it was okay to overstep them. Asking whether or not it was all worth it in the end. When checking back to our moral compass, the biggest question may be, was it worth it? , when you find yourself struggling with that answer, I think you know whether or not you made the right decision.

Ethics Map