Photo Ethics: Privacy, taste,
news value and alterations
J3002 Journalism Ethics
NPPA Code of Ethics
 Visual journalists operate as trustees of the public.
Our primary role is to report visually on the significant
events and varied viewpoints in our common world.
Our primary goal is the faithful and comprehensive
depiction of the subject at hand. As visual journalists,
we have the responsibility to document society and to
preserve its history through images.
 Photographic and video images can
reveal great truths, expose wrongdoing
and neglect, inspire hope and
understanding and connect people
around the globe through the language
of visual understanding. Photographs
can also cause great harm if they are
callously intrusive or are manipulated.
• Be accurate and comprehensive in the
representation of subjects.
• Treat all subjects with respect and
dignity. Give special consideration to
vulnerable subjects and compassion to
victims of crime or tragedy. Intrude on
private moments of grief only when the
public has an overriding and justifiable
need to see.
• While photographing subjects do not
intentionally contribute to, alter, or seek
to alter or influence events.
• Strive to be unobtrusive and humble in
dealing with subjects.
• Respect the integrity of the
photographic moment.
• Editing should maintain the integrity of
the photographic images' content and
context.
• Do not manipulate images or add or
alter sound in any way that can mislead
viewers or misrepresent subjects.