The Ethics of Photojournalism

In the article by Poynter, “Instagram breaks records during Hurricane Sandy,” Sam Biddle argues that “it’s unethical for people to use tragic events as fodder for their Instagram photos.” Time magazine sent five photojournalists to cover the storm and its aftermath by means of Instagram.  More than 800,000 photos were posted in the middle of the storm and its aftermath.

Photo by: Benjamin Lowny

Photo source: http://www.poynter.org/latest-news/mediawire/194323/instagram-breaks-records-during-hurricane-sandy/

 



Poynter recently wrote an article about Intagram and whether or not photojournalists should be allowed to filter their images. Some people may think that Instagram and other filtered-photography services are controversial. Professor Richard Koci Hernandez states, “Photographic truth doesn’t reside in the camera, or in an app, but in the heart and mind of the image-maker.” I agree with Richard, it is all in the eye in the person behind the lens that captures the photo.

Photo by: Benjamin Lowny

Photo source: http://petercarney.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Screen-Shot-2012-11-04-at-17.05.56.png

 

 

I do not think it is unethical when people post images, specifically images of natural disasters on Instagram, Facebook, etc. I feel that these social networks are a great way to upload and view photos instantaneously. In the case of a natural disaster this allows many people to view what is happening. I think it is the same as images later being posted in a Newspaper or magazine. I think that many people would agree with me that these social networks are a great source to show images of many different occasions.

http://www.poynter.org/latest-news/mediawire/194323/instagram-breaks-records-during-hurricane-sandy/

 

Sometimes it can be hard  to determine if something is wrong or right. Reading several article opened my eyes to the many sides of different situations. When I came across this picture on the Internet I thought I had to add it to my blog!





Photo by: Unknown
Photo source: http://lateralustrackeleven.wordpress.com/2013/03/01/ethics-vs-morals-and-their-relationship-with-copyright-procedures/

 

Photo created by: Melissa Gorneault