Photojournalism usually makes such a strong impact on people because the picture stirs up the viewers emotions in some sort of way. Sometimes photographers manipulate the scene in order to cause a more dramatic affect in the image being captured. Other times photographers wait and capture that perfect moment that seems to last forever. Some people may criticize photographers for certain techniques used in order to capture those powerful image even if it means invading someone's privacy, breaking their own code of ethics or even breaking laws. Many photographers are willing to do whatever it takes to capture certain photographs.
Photo by: Liu Tao
Image capture on May 9,2005
The image above was taken by a photojournalist by the name of Liu Tao in Xiamin, China on a rainy day. The roads were all flooded with water and this bicyclist could not see the giant hole that was in the road. The photographer was tipped off by a local about another victim falling into the same hole a little while earlier. So he waited patiently in the wind and rain for about an hour for the perfect moment to take a picture. Along came this man on a bicycle holding an umbrella and his tire hit the hole in the ground and he fell face first.
Photo by: Liu Tao
A huge controversy aroused after the photos were published in the Nanfang Daily. People verbally attacked this photographer for not warning the man about the whole. Liu Tao defended himself claiming he was only trying to document images to makes a news report of the ongoing issue. Liu later stated, "If I did not get this, I could not use a photograph to claim that there was a hole there. If I could not photograph the hole, the government departments will not pay any attention, and the hole won't get filled. That would mean even more people falling when it rains. After I took the photos, I went to a nearby construction site and got the material to post a sign there to warn people." Reference
Photo by: Liu Tao
At first I was appalled to think that someone could actually stand their and knowingly wait for someone to fall face first into a hidden hole in the road. I could never wait and watch for someone to hurt themselves and not say or do anything to prevent it if at all possible. Especially because I hope to become a nurse and I want to help people in everyway that I can. After reading the photographers statement I actually saw his point of view and took his side. He needed to capture these images in order to make an impact that will further make changes. He also went back to the site of the scene and posted a sign to warn people.
Sometimes images are hard to view and those are the same images that make you want to get up and do something about it. Personally I don't think I could be a professional photojournalist in certain situations, for example I would have warned this man but that is me. I believe that there is a person for every job, just like nursing isn't for everyone. Someone has to do this type of job even when ethical situations come about. That is usually when your own morals and values take over and you follow your heart and do what you feel is right at that time. Some ethical issues also go along with other professions besides photography, including medical and law enforcement professions. My personal codes of ethics include being caring, loyal, having dignity and respect for both myself and others. I always try and follow the golden rule to treat others the way I would want to be treated. If I am going to fall flat on my face and it can be prevented, someone please warn me!
Photo by: Taylor Yergeau
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