Wednesday, March 4, 2009

The Ethical Line: Photography Part II

After yet an insightful journalism lecture, I felt the need to readdress the photographic decisions of my previous post.  While I do stand by my personal choices regarding the publication of each photos, I think that there are some other key elements to these editing decisions that I didn't think of.  

The background information of each picture and involvement of those photographed in the editing decision can definitely offer some insight into the ethics of publishing each more sensitive photo.  How the photo was taken, if initial permission to take the photo was granted and ultimately whether or not those photographed give their blessing for it's publication are all great ways to make such difficult decisions.

One background story that particularly struck me as memorable was the photo of the young boy whose dog was killed by a car.  Knowing that the photographer actually took the time to call and report the incident to authorities first to make sure the dog was taken care of exemplifies how one can still have a heart, no matter how eager for a good story and amazing photograph that person is.  The newspaper then called to check if the dog had survived or not, and when he was informed of his death, pulled the photo.  It was then the boy who asked that it be published because despite his grief, he wanted the picture to have a message to the community.  He wanted drivers to be more careful on the road.

A good portion of the other photos did go through thorough decision processes, often consulting legal advice, organizations and professionals who could offer their opinion, and when possible, the opinion of those in the photographs.  I think that this kind of careful consideration shows that good, responsible reporting is still possible and that even taking an extra minute to think about the consequences of every editing decision should be upheld today.

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