Regarding the Ethics of Photojournalism
June 26, 2012
"Among other things, the visual journalism community should strive to "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; and intrude on private moments of grief only when the public has an overriding and justifiable need to see. ~Mickey H. Osterreicher
Indeed!
A good reminder for me and all of my street photographer friends...
Please have a read here: http://jpgmag.com/news/2012/06/photography-the-law-some-ethical-observations.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter20120625
Cheers,
Val :-))
Posted by charliebeck on June 27, 2012
I feel the same way. I am extremely careful about how I represent my subjects. I see beauty in everyone so I want people to see what I see. Well said!
Posted by lianne on June 26, 2012
How beautifully put Val and there is no question of the respect and dignity with which you treat all of your subjects.
Posted by ramonfernandez on June 26, 2012
Totally agree Val, thanks for sharing and thanks for always showing dignity and respect to your subjects
Posted by valerierosen on June 26, 2012
:-))
Posted by frederiqueroy70 on June 26, 2012
One can tell that you show great compassion and r3spect to those you photograph, Val. Often I find we learn a lot about the photographer by the expression the face of the photographed.
Posted by valerierosen on June 26, 2012
Thanks, Fred. It's a priority to me. Glad it shows. :-)
Posted by rodeorose on June 26, 2012
ESPECIALLY the part about dignity Val........XXX
Posted by valerierosen on June 26, 2012
EXACTLY! :-))
Posted by rodeorose on June 26, 2012
Hey that's an amazing exchange following the article!! Cool post Val...
Posted by valerierosen on June 26, 2012
Thanks to a kind friend I met while in that town. Some people are so thoughtful with their cameras... :-))
Posted by bernsgilnamurphy on June 26, 2012
Because i only do candids Val, its a little different than asking for a shot, but I too, would like to think I treat people with dignity..even the ones that snore on the train... ( em, maybe some of my titles aren't the best :9:) a sign of the times.. anyway for sure, social interaction, so important to document,without it Historys first rough draft of tomorrow would be a lie !
Posted by valerierosen on June 26, 2012
Your work is wonderful and hardly what is being referenced here, Berns. I think the last line of the quote I highlighted at the top of this post is what sums it up. Moments of grief/suffering must be respected...
Posted by rodeorose on June 26, 2012
Val you make a valid point... when handled respectfully, shots of the most extreme and painful emotions can however break through so many barriers, and touch on the universal emotions in a way that enriches our humanity too... this article explores that issue...http://www.mamamia.com.au/news/lets-get-over-the-grief-porn-and-give-people-some-privacy/
Posted by valerierosen on June 26, 2012
Rosie, thank you so much for leading me to that article. Very thought-provoking. Totally agree with Berns that documenting has its place of importance, and with you, regarding the respectful handling of the kind of photo opportunities we're referring to. I guess it's really down to individual circumstances and it's our responsibility, as photographers of this genre to show sensitivity on all levels as we decide how to represent our subjects with good intention...
Posted by rodeorose on June 26, 2012
Val, an Artist and Photographer will decide for themselves. To me the dignity is important for any creature... using photography and art to bring us closer to others around us, and our surroundings... and indeed, to ourselves....closer in terms of a consciousness, and integration, that is often these days , through the media,and the people behind the media...actually seemingly discouraged.
Posted by rodeorose on June 26, 2012
Val, thanks so much for starting this discussion xxx
Posted by valerierosen on June 26, 2012
Glad I did! Grateful for your insight, dear Rosie! :-))
Posted by bernsgilnamurphy on June 27, 2012
"using photography and art to bring us closer to others around us, and our surroundings... and indeed, to ourselves....closer in terms of a consciousness, and integration, that is often these days , through the media,and the people behind the media...actually seemingly discouraged."
Posted by bernsgilnamurphy on June 27, 2012
I agree so much with that Rose, for the life of me I cant think why, in an age of communication, there is so much exclusion and lonliness, I think its a way to help people feel connected, to themselves and others and look at life beyond their own view of it.
Posted by bernsgilnamurphy on June 27, 2012
I probably biased when it comes to street photography, but it records our times like nothing else can, from Nepal to Antartica, wherever, it captures moments, insignificant or otherwise which all contribute to the overall picture of humanity (Im definitely biased, my first college experience was qualifications in Radio and print journalism ! ) Thos seemingly insignificant moments are important to someone.
Posted by valerierosen on June 27, 2012
Cheers, Berns! muah! :-))
Posted by rodeorose on June 27, 2012
Hey Val and Berns...sure you would have seen this film... but here is one of my favorite cinema moments, and actually...it is about street photography, and what it means to two men, who have become friends....AUGGIE'S PHOTO ALBUM from SMOKE ...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGV_h36uZ5E
Posted by rodeorose on June 27, 2012
I apologise because that clip cuts the scene off prematurely... and after a scan of clips available online, I am unable to find one in English that offers the scene in its entirety... a shame and irony, given what the scene is getting at...
Posted by valerierosen on June 27, 2012
i can understand french and spanish well enough to watch a movie...can you find it in one of those? of course, berns does spanish, too. :-)