Photo Ethics

STEP 1 - LEARN Today, you will learn how to act ethically when taking and modifying photos.

NATIONAL PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS ASSOCIATION CODE OF ETHICS This is an incomplete list. Go to nppa.org/code_of_ethics to learn more. Be accurate and comprehensive in the representation of subjects. Resist being manipulated by staged photo opportunities. Avoid stereotyping and avoid presenting your own biases in work. Treat all subjects with respect and dignity. Do not intentionally contribute to, alter, or seek to alter or influence events. Do not manipulate image in anyway that can mislead viewers or misrepresent subjects.

IN OTHER WORDS, WHEN AT EVENTS… Your goal as a photographer is to tell the story of an event while acting respectfully and purposefully. While at an event: Get in on the action, but respect the rights of coaches, directors, and participants to ask you to stop, not use flash, get out of their line of site, etc. Do not interfere with or stage action. Communicate with coaches, directors and participants so they know who you are and what you are doing. If possible, wear a Yearbook Staff or Official Photographer t-shirt so your purpose is obvious.

IN OTHER WORDS, WHEN EDITING… When you are touching up photos using an editing software later, remember: You may not alter the image to misrepresent the individual or action of a photo. Minimal edits are okay as long as the integrity of the original photo stays intact – it is still the same photo, just minimally enhanced.

ILLUSTRATION Illustrative photo editing/manipulation is ethical unless intended to harm. This photo is clearly manipulated using Photoshop (unless the gentleman photographed is part of a group of triplets!), but it is used for illustrative purposes. Whitney Butler, Bryant High School [AR]

BE RESPECTFUL Celeste Fowler, Ola Middle School [GA] This awesome photo shows a lot personality and a behind-the-scenes look at what appears to be girls in the bathroom at a beauty pageant. The photographer is to be commended for thinking outside the box. However, it is extremely important that the photographer asked permission to take photos of the girls in the bathroom, and that the background of the photo was checked carefully. A yearbook photo should NEVER embarrass a person, especially when the photo is taken in an area that is typically considered private. Lawsuits could, and have, resulted from situations that did not work out as well as this photo, so BE CAREFUL! Celeste Fowler, Ola Middle School [GA]

Minor adjustments for lights and darks or color correcting are ok. ENHANCEMENTS This photo is clearly manipulated using Photoshop (unless the gentleman photographed is part of a group of triplets!), but it is used for illustrative purposes. Minor adjustments for lights and darks or color correcting are ok. Sara Benson, Shawnee Mission East High School [KS]

Cut Out Backgrounds (COBs) are acceptable. ENHANCEMENTS This photo is clearly manipulated using Photoshop (unless the gentleman photographed is part of a group of triplets!), but it is used for illustrative purposes. Cut Out Backgrounds (COBs) are acceptable. Highland Park High School [TX]

STEP 2 - PRACTICE On the internet, search for National Press Photographer’s Association’s code of ethics. On the Exit Ticket, list at least three ethical codes that you think are important for high school publications photographers.

STEP 3 - DO Put your code of ethics into action.