Ethics in Photography
Ethics in photography is an important topic that covers a wide range of issues related to photography, such as the rights of the subject, the responsibilities of the photographer, and the impact of images on society.
“Ethics describes a system of principles that informs concepts of right and wrong, as well as individual and communal rights and responsibilities. As much as we’d like to believe that there is a common set of ethics that universally informs behavior and norms, the truth is that there is a high degree of subjectivity that can also vary by locale. Further, ethics are fluid and constantly evolving…”
New York City has been instrumental in shaping ethical standards for photographers, and it remains a major center for photography. Here are some contributions that New York has made to the field of ethics in photography:
The National Press Photographers Association (NPPA), one of the leading organizations in the field of photojournalism, is based in Durham, North Carolina, but has a strong presence in New York City. The NPPA has developed a Code of Ethics that provides guidelines for ethical behavior in photojournalism, and it has been adopted by many news organizations in the United States and around the world.
The New York Times, one of the world's leading newspapers, has a long history of ethical journalism and has developed its own set of guidelines for photojournalists. The newspaper's Lens blog provides a platform for photographers to discuss ethical issues in photography, and its coverage of topics such as the use of graphic images and the representation of marginalized communities has been influential in shaping ethical standards for photographers.
The American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP), a professional organization for photographers, has a New York chapter that provides resources and support for photographers in the city. The ASMP has developed a Code of Ethics that emphasizes the importance of honesty, respect, and fairness in photography.
Certain ethical factors need to be taken into account in photography, such as:
1. Informed consent: Photographers should obtain informed consent from their subjects before taking their picture, especially in cases where the subject's identity could be disclosed or where the subject is in a vulnerable position. Consent should be obtained from minors, individuals with limited capacity to consent, and individuals in public places where a reasonable expectation of privacy exists.
2. Respect for privacy: Photographers should respect the privacy of their subjects and avoid photographing them in situations where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as in their homes or in a hospital.
3. Accuracy: Photographers should strive to be accurate in their representations of their subjects and avoid misrepresenting or distorting their images for the sake of sensationalism.
4. Responsibility: Photographers have a responsibility to consider the impact of their images on society and to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes or causing harm to their subjects.
5. Copyright: Photographers should respect the copyright of others and obtain the necessary permissions or licenses for any images they use in their work.
6. Professionalism: Photographers should maintain a high level of professionalism in their interactions with their subjects and the public, and should be transparent about their methods and intentions.
These are just a few of the key ethical considerations in photography. It's important for photographers to be aware of these issues and to approach their work with sensitivity and respect for their subjects
References:
https://petapixel.com/2019/05/11/are-you-an-ethical-photographer/
National Press Photographers Association Code of Ethics: https://nppa.org/code-of-
https://www.photographerswithoutborders.org/code-of-ethics
https://archive.nytimes.com/lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/02/17/world-press-photo-manipulation-ethics-of-digital-photojournalism/
https://www.photographerswithoutborders.org/code-of-ethics