Rajeev Jain : Since a picture or visual presentation of news creates a stronger and more lasting impression on the readers and viewers than mere words, photojournalists and other visual news producers have to be a lot more responsible and careful in the discharge of their duties. They must,therefore, ensure that in keeping with the high standards of journalism,their presentations are always in public interest, fair, accurate,unbiased, sober and decent.Adherence to the following do’s and don’ts will surely help them
self-regulate their conduct and maintain their professional integrity and high standards:
DO’S
1. Images should be accurate and comprehensive and the subjects be
presented in proper context.
2. All subjects should be treated with respect and dignity. Special
consideration be given to vulnerable subjects and victims of crime or
tragedy be treated compassionately. Private grief be intruded only when
the public has an overriding and justifiable interest in sharing or viewing
it.
3. While editing a visual, the maintenance of the integrity of the content
and context of the photographic images should be ensured. Images
should not be manipulated neither should there be addition or alteration
in sound in any way that can mislead viewers or misrepresent subjects.
4. Strive to be unobtrusive and humble in dealing with subjects.
5. The integrity of the photographic moment should be respected.
6 Pictures should not reflect anything that is obscene, vulgar or offensive to good public taste.
7. Strive to ensure that the public’s business is conducted in public. Defend the rights of access for all journalists.
8. Strive for total and unrestricted access to subjects and recommend
alternatives to shallow or rushed opportunities.
9. Seek a diversity of viewpoints and work to show unpopular or unnoticed points of view.
10. Strive by example and influence to maintain the spirit and high standards expressed in this code. When confronted with situations in which proper action is not clear, seek the counsel of those who exhibit the highest standards of the profession.
DON’TS
1. While photographing subjects do not intentionally contribute to, alter,
or seek to alter or influence events.
2. The privacy of an individual should not be intruded or invaded unless
it is outweighed by genuine overriding public interest, not by a prurient
or morbid curiosity.
3. While covering terrorist attacks, communal riots or other acts of
violence, do not show mangled corpses or such other images as cause
revulsion or terror or rouse communal or sectarian passions.
4. Do not get manipulated by staged photo opportunities.
5. Do not accept gifts, favours or compensation from those who might
seek to influence the coverage.
6. Avoid political, civic or business involvements or employment that
could compromise or appear to compromise their professional
independence.
7. No payment or material reward should be made to the sources or
subject for information or participation.
8. The work should not reflect any kind of biases.
9. Do not intentionally sabotage the efforts of other journalists.