Code of Ethics
The National Press Photographers Association, a professional society that promotes the highest standards in visual journalism, acknowledges concern for every person's need both to be fully informed about public events and to be recognized as part of the world in which we live.
The credibility of our profession is the responsibility of every member of NPPA. Accuracy in our work and integrity in our relationships with the public we serve are essential qualities for all photojournalists. This Code of Ethics attempts to foster the spirit of honesty in all aspects of our professional lives.
Read the full NPPA Code of Ethics»
Visual Journalism Ethics Resources
NPPA promotes a common Code of Ethics for visual journalists. However, ethical issues can be complex. We encourage all visual journalists to go beyond just reading our Code of Ethics, and to discuss and explore ethical questions on your own and with your coworkers, so you are prepared when issues arise.
- NPPA Statement of Principle
- A strong admonition aimed directly at the practice of digital manipulation, which also sums up the NPPA Code of Ethics in a matter of a few sentences. Adopted 1991 by the NPPA Board of Directors.
- Ethics News Articles
- Stories and discussions about visual journalism ethics from across the web.
- Ethics in the Age of Digital Photography
- Transcript of the 60-minute video by NPPA Ethics chair John Long. Ethics in the Age of Digital Photography offers suggestions for dealing with image manipulation in an ethical way, in the context of visual journalism.
- The talk is also for sale on DVD, and available for free online to NPPA members.
Publications
- Ethics in the Age of Digital Journalism DVD
- This 60-minute video by NPPA Ethics chair John Long offers suggestions for dealing with digital image manipulation in an ethical way, in the context of visual journalism.
- (also available for free online to NPPA members)
- Ethics of Photojournalism
- A collection of 21 articles on ethics in still and broadcast photojournalism. Articles cover invasion of privacy, digital retouching, research, new technology, juggling humanism and more.
- Protocol
- Tools to help you recognize and deal with ethical dilemmas when they arise in the newsroom.
Free online education materials covering ethical issues in visual Journalism (NPPA Members Only)
- Ethics in the Age of Digital Journalism (1 hour video, also available on DVD for non-members)
- Multimedia Immersion ethics panel (1 hour video)
NPPA Marketplace
- Join the NPPA
- NPPA members receive a wide range of benefits, from educational opportunities to mentoring, exclusive discounts, insurance options, business tips, and much more.