The Difference Between Aesthetics, Etiquette, and Ethics

Article # 2 Review
Elliott and Lester write their inaugural column for News Photographer magazine on the issues surrounding aesthetics, etiquette, and ethics. Their discussion focuses on ethics and the question of “human cost.”

Aesthetics
In this article the argument concerning aesthetics in photojournalism centers on the issue of relevant social conditions versus the goal of delivering a pleasing image. They pose the question:  is manipulation acceptable in achieving the message that the photographer wishes to convey? When is cropping, filters, color correction and other image enhancement acceptable? Their perspective is if the end result is to mislead or harm others, then perhaps an ethics question exists.

Etiquette
In their discussion of etiquette in photojournalism, they revisit harm vs. value. Elliott and Lester weigh in on the side of common courtesies and ponder the boundaries of good taste.

Ethics
In their opinion, discretion is important, but the human cost should be regarded as an overriding consideration. As they express it, our goal is to motivate people and/or assist them in navigating their lives more safely.
Is it possible to simply tell the story without diminishing those involved? It’s not the photographer’s job to editorialize at the expense of compromising others. The standard for determining the compelling value of an image is the photographer’s ability to defend it on ethical grounds. When this is evident, no further explanation should be necessary.