From (c) 1999
We believe that no report can be complete if it is not possible to
enhance and clarify the meaning of words. We believe that pictures,
whether used to depict news events as they actually happen, illustrate
news that has happened or to help explain anything of public interest, are
an indispensable means of keeping people accurately informed; that they
help all people, young and old, to better understand any subject in the
public domain.
Believing the foregoing we recognize and acknowledge that
photojournalists should at all times maintain the highest standards of
ethical conduct in serving the public interest. To that end the National
Press Photographers Association sets forth the following Code of Ethics
which is subscribed to by all of its members:
I . The practice of photojournalism, both as a science and art, is
worthy of the very best thought and effort of those who enter into it as a
profession.
2. Photojournalism affords an opportunity to serve the public that is
equaled by few other vocations and all members of the profession should
strive by example and influence to maintain high standards of ethical
conduct free of mercenary considerations of any kind.
3. It is the individual responsibility of every photojournalist at all
times to strive for pictures that report truthfully, honestly and
objectively.
4. Business promotion in its many forms is essential, but untrue
statements of any nature are not worthy of a professional photojournalist
and we severely condemn any such practice.
5. It is our duty to encourage and assist all members of our
profession, individually and collectively, so that the quality of
photojournalism may constantly be raised to higher standards.
6. It is the duty of every photojournalist to work to preserve all
freedom-of-the-press rights recognized by law and to work to protect and
expand freedom-of-access to all sources of news and visual information.
7. Our standards of business dealings, ambitions and relations shall
have in them a note of sympathy for our common humanity and shall always
require us to take into consideration our highest duties as members of
society. In every situation in our business life, in every responsibility
that comes before us, our chief thought shall be to fulfill that
responsibility and discharge that duty so that when each of us is finished
we shall have endeavored to lift the level of human ideals and achievement
higher than we found it.
8. No Code of Ethics can prejudge every situation, thus common sense
and good judgment are required in applying ethical principles.
Photojournalism An Ethical Approach
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The National Press
Photographers Association, a professional society dedicated to the
advancement of photojournalism, acknowledges concern and respect for the
public's natural-law right to freedom in searching for the truth and the
right to be informed truthfully and completely about public events and the
world in which we live.