By reporting visually on events, photojournalists not only have the power to surpass language barriers, but also to reveal truths, to expose wrongdoing, and to connect individuals around the world. However, with that power comes great responsibility, as photographs can also cause harm if they are intrusive, manipulated, or dishonest.
In This Lesson
Photography Ethics
- What are ethics?
- Why should photojournalists adhere to ethical guidelines?
- What is the National Press Photographers Association?
- NPPA Code of Ethics breakdown
[Click here to view and use the Google Slide Presentation “Photography Ethics”]
Activities
Solve the Photojournalism Scenario
Using the NPPA Code of Ethics, students will read through five ethical scenarios and determine how they would act under the described circumstances. Students will reference specific principles from the NPPA Code in their answers, familiarizing themselves with its content in the process.
[Click here to view and print the Google Doc handout “Solve the Photojournalism Scenario”]
[Click here to view or print the NPPA Code of Ethics for student use]
Put Together a Photojournalism Ethics Code
As today’s photojournalism landscape continues to evolve, the temptation for dishonest shooting and digital manipulation has become much higher, raising many new ethical standards for photojournalists to consider. In this activity, students will evaluate over 20 ethical standards that they may wish to abide by, compiling a comprehensive photojournalism ethics code upon completion.
[Click here to view and print the Google Doc handout “Put Together a Photojournalism Ethics Code”]