Assignment 1: Ethical Photojournalism

In this text the ethics of photojournalism are raised, with the main issue emphasising what is considered to be truthful within photo documentary. Images tell the viewer a story and are thought to be genuine, however this isn't always the fact. Photographs can easily be manipulated and staged to recreate a scene that is then published and sold off as the truth. It is exceptionally important in photojournalism to be truthful, as manipulation of a photograph can cause negative and doubtful responses. After all if viewers can't believe the media who's job it is to provide accurate information, then who can they believe?


An example of manipulation within photo documentary is Jacob Riis's photograph Members of the gang showing how they "did the trick". Riis took photographs in the 1890s documenting the extent of unfortunate life on the streets. This image is meant to show how poor children were forced to gang up on other children to get money and food; however he staged the photo and actually paid the children in cigarettes to act like they were fighting. This is just one example of how easy it is to manipulate a scene and remove the truth.


http://www.authentichistory.com/1865-1897/progressive/riis/177.html