Assignment #2 - "Ethical Photojournalism"

For Assignment 2 we read 'Ethical Photojournalism: Its Authenticity and Impact'. What I found interesting in this reading was writer John Kaplan's belief that photographers should not "self censor" images of a situation. By picking and choosing what to publish you are taking complete control over what the viewer will perceive as truth. Kaplan believes that it should be up to the viewer to make up their own mind about the proprietary of the situation.

Though it is easy to say a photographer should not sensor what they release to the public, i believe they're are many variables and underlying factors to consider such as emotional attachment to the subject or debates of who is the "bad guy" and who is being wronged in a particular situation.

It made me think about how I feel about exposing less fortunate people in an unavoidably undignified way, even if was ultimately the truth. Also, how can i truly judge who was at fault if i was documenting a conflict in another country as a third party observer.





I could not find the photographer of this image but i believe although it is informative to the world, i would think a photographer would have to be very emotionally detached to publish such a shot without remorse for the deceased. Also on the site, this was the only photograph. Who is to say the photographer didn't get less dignified images but omit them from publication?


http://info-wars.org/2010/09/06/obamas-secret-war-death-squads/