“This is Still their Lives”: Photojournalists’ Ethical Approach to Capturing and Publishing Graphic or Shocking Images

ABSTRACT

Graphic and gut-wrenching images of death, violence, and pain fill our news media, despite debate about their effect on audiences and their potential to harm their subjects. This research uses in-depth interviews with photojournalists to explore the decision-making process and ethical considerations involved in capturing and publishing such images. Research found participants justify taking and publishing graphic images as a way to empower subjects, while also informing audiences. Research also found participants emphasize an ethic of care and focus on subjects when taking pictures – demonstrating less concern with upsetting audiences, and more concern with caring for subjects and informing the public. Ultimately, researchers uncovered a three-tier ethic of care approach to capturing and publishing graphic images.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.