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DISASTER PHOTOGRAPHY
CS301, Spring 2010
Constance Jiang
OVERVIEW
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Disaster Photography – Photojournalism during times of
natural or social disaster
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Examples: Earthquakes (natural), war (social)
Is it wrong to photograph a disaster when you could be
helping instead?
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“…at what point do you put your camera down and help? At
what point does your humanity become greater than your
journalism?” – National Press Photographers Association
“But everyone cannot be there, and that is why
photographers go there - to show them ... The worst thing is
to feel that as a photographer I am benefiting from someone
else's tragedy. ” – James Nachtwey
EXAMPLE: KEVIN CARTER
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South African
photojournalist, member of
the“Bang-Bang Club”
Won the Pulitzer Prize for
an image of a starving child
watched by a vulture that
raised awareness and
helped relief efforts in
Sudan
Came under heavy criticism
for photographing instead
of helping the child
CONSEQUENTIALISM
What benefits the most people?
 Carter’s photo increased awareness of the famine
in Sudan and caused many to donate.
 If Carter had been a relief worker instead of a
photojournalist, the number of people he would
have helped most likely would not equal the
number of people who received supplies due to
donations from those moved by his photo.
 From a utilitarian standpoint, taking the photo was
the right thing to do because Carter was able to
help more people.
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DEONTOLOGY
What do the moral laws or codes dictate in this
situation?
 There are no laws that can be applied to
Carter’s situation.
 However, as a photojournalist, Carter was
expected to take photos to document the
situation.
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VIRTUE THEORY
What would a virtuous person do?
 A virtuous person would help as a rescue
worker rather than be a photographer.
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CONCLUSIONS
Utilitarian: Taking the photo benefits the most
people.
 Deontological: There is no law dictating the
appropriate action, however, as a
photojournalist, it is Carter’s duty to document
the situation.
 Virtue Theory: A virtuous person would help the
child in need.
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