The Ethics of Digital Photo Manipulation
Doctoring photographs has been around almost as long as photography itself, but as digital imaging hardware and software has both advanced and come down in price, the practice of digital image manipulation has become much more commonplace and faked photos are becoming harder to detect. In fact, digital photo manipulation -- commonly referred to as 'photoshopping' -- has recently become a popular pastime, and many consider this photographic fakery to be a new art form. But when it works its way into photojournalism and the media, the issue of ethics comes to the forefront. How far can we take digital image manipulation and still maintain photographic integrity?
Digital Manipulation Code of Ethics
The National Press Photographer's Code of Ethics Statement of Principle.
The National Press Photographer's Code of Ethics Statement of Principle.
Digital Photography: A Question of Ethics
"As teachers we need to help our students be aware of the issues of imaging... Why are photographs edited, anyway? Does it make a difference if you can tell that a photo has been edited?" By Bonnie Meltzer. Originally published in the December 1995/January 1996 issue of Leading and Learning with Technology.
"As teachers we need to help our students be aware of the issues of imaging... Why are photographs edited, anyway? Does it make a difference if you can tell that a photo has been edited?" By Bonnie Meltzer. Originally published in the December 1995/January 1996 issue of Leading and Learning with Technology.
Ethical Use of Photographs
From the Webster University Journal. Their policies on what is generally allowed, never allowed and how digitally manipulated images should be labeled and identified.
From the Webster University Journal. Their policies on what is generally allowed, never allowed and how digitally manipulated images should be labeled and identified.
Ethics in the Age of Digital Photography
"One of the major problems we face as photojournalists is the fact that the public is losing faith in us. Our readers and viewers no longer believe everything they see. All images are called into question because the computer has proved that images are malleable, changeable, fluid."By John Long, Ethics Co-Chair and Past President National Press Photographer's Association, September 1999.
"One of the major problems we face as photojournalists is the fact that the public is losing faith in us. Our readers and viewers no longer believe everything they see. All images are called into question because the computer has proved that images are malleable, changeable, fluid."By John Long, Ethics Co-Chair and Past President National Press Photographer's Association, September 1999.
Ethics of Digital Image Manipulation
Is it real, or is it Photoshop? A commentary by Jerry Lodriguss.
Is it real, or is it Photoshop? A commentary by Jerry Lodriguss.
Ethics of Divulging Digital Manipulation
After discovering a magazine cover image was created in Photoshop, members of photo.net answer the question, "Should the digital aspect be placed right with the image (on the cover) rather than in a box 5 pages into the magazine?"
After discovering a magazine cover image was created in Photoshop, members of photo.net answer the question, "Should the digital aspect be placed right with the image (on the cover) rather than in a box 5 pages into the magazine?"
Every Picture Can Tell a Lie
"Programs such as Photoshop may be the single best emblem of the immense new - and eminently abusable - power conferred on humanity by the digital revolution: With a little will and some patience, virtually anyone can do virtually anything to a photograph." By David Shenk for Wired News, 1997.
"Programs such as Photoshop may be the single best emblem of the immense new - and eminently abusable - power conferred on humanity by the digital revolution: With a little will and some patience, virtually anyone can do virtually anything to a photograph." By David Shenk for Wired News, 1997.
Image manipulation, ethics and all
Another discussion from photo.net on the ethics of digital manipulation.
Another discussion from photo.net on the ethics of digital manipulation.
Kate doesn't like Photoshop - Digital Ethics
"In a recent article, Kate Winslet is described as “not a fan of Photoshop, preferring to remain as natural and real as she is in the flesh”... While Kate's experience of being retouched poorly or excessively in Photoshop is not of earth shattering proportions, the subject of the ethics of digial imaging certainly is."
"In a recent article, Kate Winslet is described as “not a fan of Photoshop, preferring to remain as natural and real as she is in the flesh”... While Kate's experience of being retouched poorly or excessively in Photoshop is not of earth shattering proportions, the subject of the ethics of digial imaging certainly is."
I Was There. Just Ask Photoshop. - NYTimes.com
"As people fiddle with the photos in their scrapbooks, the tug of emotion and vanity can win out over the objective truth. And in some cases, it can even alter memories -- Cousin Andy was at the wedding, right?"
"As people fiddle with the photos in their scrapbooks, the tug of emotion and vanity can win out over the objective truth. And in some cases, it can even alter memories -- Cousin Andy was at the wedding, right?"
Photography in the Age of Falsification
"The wildlife photography we see in films, books, and periodicals is often stunning in its design, import, and aesthetics. It may also be fake, enhanced, or manufactured by emerging digital technologies that have transformed -- some say contaminated -- the photography landscape." By Kenneth Brower for The Atlantic Monthly, May 1998.
"The wildlife photography we see in films, books, and periodicals is often stunning in its design, import, and aesthetics. It may also be fake, enhanced, or manufactured by emerging digital technologies that have transformed -- some say contaminated -- the photography landscape." By Kenneth Brower for The Atlantic Monthly, May 1998.
The 'Ethics' of Using Filters
"Anything which is (seemingly) faked takes away any perceived value in the work and the viewer feels deceived in subtle way. This will always be the strength and weakness of photography and that is why the use of 'filters' can be seen by the public as in some way 'cheating'." Photographer Nick Rains discusses the use of filters in his photography.
"Anything which is (seemingly) faked takes away any perceived value in the work and the viewer feels deceived in subtle way. This will always be the strength and weakness of photography and that is why the use of 'filters' can be seen by the public as in some way 'cheating'." Photographer Nick Rains discusses the use of filters in his photography.
Too Dark for Photojournalism
From PhotoDude's Web Log: Commentary on the "overmanipulation" that resulted in three awards being revoked from Observer photographer Patrick Schneider aftering using dodging and burning techniques in Photoshop.
From PhotoDude's Web Log: Commentary on the "overmanipulation" that resulted in three awards being revoked from Observer photographer Patrick Schneider aftering using dodging and burning techniques in Photoshop.
Veracity of Digital Images
Does digital image processing produce 'untrustworthy' images?
Does digital image processing produce 'untrustworthy' images?