Ethical Evaluation of Manipulated Photos in News

Abstract or Introduction

Historically, photographs are considered to deliver an accurate description of a shown event
as a ‘snapshot of time’. 1 With digital technology and image alteration programs like
Photoshop, this natural assumption has changed. Nowadays, every amateur is able to
manipulate pictures and a lot of publications use the technology to enhance their photos.
The question if photo manipulation is ethical in general is very broad and depends on the
situation. The ethical evaluation in this essay focuses on the problematic application in news
rooms. Even the slightest alterations can be considered as a violation of the truthful reportage
of an event that has taken place. News organisations act by self-regulating policies and are
not restricted by law regarding photo manipulation, including those in Australia. The industry
standard is to allow the enhancement of photographs for clarity and definition, but altering
the composition is to be frowned upon.2 Journalists have to be cautious about their actions,
because faked pictures jeopardize their own reputation as well as the credibility of the
publication. Cropping out irrelevant details is a legitimate and well-known practise not only
in news, but also in fashion, advertisement or even personal photography. The challenge is to
evaluate the shift in the perception of the viewer.