Ethics in Photojournalism

The compelling nature of photographs make them both valuable and dangerous in journalism. A picture can convey the intensity and reality of a story in a way that words cannot; however, photos can also be an invasion of an individual's privacy and a temptation for a newspaper to descend into sensationalism.

The question becomes, when is it appropriate to print an explicit photograph of violence or death? Should editors shield the public from disturbing pictures, or should they try to educate?

I will warn you that the following photographs are often shocking. You have to ask yourself several questions. Do you find these photographs compelling? Do they have news value? Are they an invasion of individual privacy that is not justified by the newsworthiness of the event? Is the news value sufficient to override the potential negative reaction of an audience? Are the photos manipulative? Are they good journalism?  What is your ethical justification for your decision to print or not to print these photographs?

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