Disaster Photography

1
Disaster Photography

• CS301, Spring 2010
• Constance Jiang

2
Overview

• Disaster Photography Photojournalism during
  times of natural or social disaster
• Examples Earthquakes (natural), war (social)
• Is it wrong to photograph a disaster when you
  could be helping instead?
• 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

3
Example Kevin Carter

• South African photojournalist, member of
  theBang-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

4
Consequentialism

• What benefits the most people?
• Carters 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.

5
Deontology

• What do the moral laws or codes dictate in this
  situation?
• There are no laws that can be applied to Carters
  situation.
• However, as a photojournalist, Carter was
  expected to take photos to document the
  situation.

6
Virtue Theory

• What would a virtuous person do?
• A virtuous person would help as a rescue worker
  rather than be a photographer.

7
Conclusions

• Utilitarian Taking the photo benefits the most
  people.
• Deontological There is no law dictating the
  appropriate action, however, as a
  photojournalist, it is Carters duty to document
  the situation.
• Virtue Theory A virtuous person would help the
  child in need.