Photo Ethics on Film
In each of these videos, we will look at an example from a film or television programme which portrays a situation that you might find yourself in as a photographer. We will talk about the ethical dilemmas that are presented in each situation, and we will discuss ways that you could ethically navigate similar situations in the future.
Episode 1: Departures
In this video, we look at the question of children and consent. Children love a camera. They find it really exciting, they want to engage with it, and they want to see themselves in a picture. But when you are the one holding the camera, this can create a host of ethical challenges because children cannot consent. How can we navigate this complicated ethical terrain?
Episode 2: 13 Reasons Why
In this video, we look at the question of privacy. How do we know when we can photograph? What is the difference between public and private space? Here are your questions answered.
Episode 3: Dark Tourist
In this video, we are going to think more critically about travel and tourism photography. We are going to talk about cultural appropriateness and photographing sensitive subjects. How can we know if it is culturally appropriate to photograph? Watch this video to find out.
Episode 4: The Holiday Calendar
In this video, we are going to think about consent and relationships of power. Watch this video to better understand how to ethically ask for consent when working with vulnerable people.
Episode 5: Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
This video asks: How can we photograph traumatic events ethically? How can we use photographs of trauma in a way that protects the dignity of individuals? Watch this video to learn more, and to better understand how we can ensure dignity in our reporting.
Episode 6: True Story
In this video we talk about the difficult relationship between power and consent by looking at clips from the film True Story. We will look particularly at the ethical concerns about giving money to subjects in exchange for photographic consent.
Episode 7: Grey’s Anatomy
In this video we will talk about informed consent in sensitive settings and with individuals who might not be able to consent for themselves by looking at a clip from the TV series Grey's Anatomy.
Episode 8: Gilmore Girls
In this episode, we will look watch a clip from the TV series Gilmore Girls to talk about safety, privacy, and consent when photographing events in public spaces.