Photojournalism Ethics

Media has evidently evolved throughout the years. Nowadays, people have seen so much, and are less conservative. Even so, there should still be some rules and boundaries laid. Rules are always created to keep everything under control. Therefore, rules and the code of ethics are necessary to avoid anyone from getting hurt or disrespected by the pictures that are taken. Every time someone takes a picture, it can be used to portray a certain message and as a reporter or journalist, it is their job to do so. However it is important how and when they do this. Respect for the subject should be taken into consideration when taking pictures of them, and how the public will react to the picture as well. Manipulation of images can be useful in making the picture look better and portraying the message more effectively, however manipulating the images can also be misused to alter the truth or mislead the public. It is also difficult to tell if you crossed the lines of intrusion and shocking images. Today, paparazzi are all over celebrities, following them wherever they go, and making big bucks off the pictures they take. But when is too much too much? I think that this is where respect and consideration come in place. Even though celebrities should be used to people following them, there is always a time and place for everything. These celebrities are also just normal people trying to live their lives. Which images are to graphic or shocking? Movies like Saw and Texas Chainsaw Massacre are well known for their goriness. So is it okay to show a picture of a man with his leg cut off because of war? As long as the message is reached and portrayed respectively, then the media should be allowed. All it comes down to is respect and consideration of the subject's feelings. Also, if the message has been effectively portrayed, then that is enough. There is no need to go over board with bloody or gory images.