Ethics in Agricultural Photography

Ethics in Agricultural Photography

Recall the guidelines for legal and ethical practices when taking and publishing photographs

Give examples of ethical standards for image manipulation

Define what is a photo captionRecall what information is included in a photo caption

Write a photo caption for a photo

Learning Objectives

Fixing minor mistakes in a photograph by removing minor distractions that might hold the attention of the viewer

Photo Manipulation

Photo Manipulation

Original Image

Photoshopped Image

AllowedCropping Minor color correction Sharpening at 300%Careful use of lasso tool Subtle use of burn tool Adjustment of

highlights and shadows Eye dropper to

check/set gray

Not AllowedAdditions or deletions

to image Airbrush, brush, paint Excessive lightening,

darkening, or blurring Excessive color tone

changeAuto levels

Image Manipulation

Let’s Review!

1. Why should photographers get permission from the parent or legal guardian before publishing photos of children?

Let’s Review!

2. What is one legal guideline photographers should follow regarding invasion of privacy?

Let’s Review!

3. What do photographers do if they want to use a photo of a person to sell a product?

Work in groups of no more than 3. Write comments on a sheet of paper answering three questions listed:1. Make a personal

connection to the photo.

2. Write a question the photo brings to mind.

3. Make a guess as to what information the original caption of this photo imparted.

Students at Benjamin Franklin Middle School in Ridgewood, N.J., are old hands at text messaging, but not all of the words are friendly.By Jan Hoffman, Published: June 27, 2010

What is a photo caption (a.k.a. cutline)? A short sentence or two that describes a photograph or

illustration within a page layout.

Why do we have photo captions?

What information is included in a photo caption?

AP Style suggests including main elements by answering the following:◦ Who, What, Where, When, Why, How

Photo Captions

First sentence: Who, What, When & Where (written in present tense) Who is that?

(And, in most cases, identify people from left to right unless the action in the photograph demands otherwise.)

◦ What is going on?◦ Where and when was this?

Why and or How◦ Why is this important or significant?◦ How did this occur? (Give background on the event)

Writing Style for Photo Captions

Don't assume. Ask questions in your effort to inform and be specific. Be willing to contact and include the subject. Ask for correct spelling of names.

Avoid stating the obvious. "Dennis Rodman smiles as he kicks a broadcast

photographer in the groin.“ Provide useful information.

Always identify the main people in the photograph.

Use present tense when possibleWrite in complete sentencesWrite the caption to stand alone so reading the story is

not necessary


Don’t editorializeDon’t use clichesUse adjectives sparingly – don’t make judgments

“An unhappy citizen watches the protest…”Avoid restating headline or textState how you manipulated the photo (if

needed)Elements to exclude:

“Pictured above…,” “This picture shows…”, “Looking into the camera…”

“From left to right…”


The Mississippi River flows through a hole in the Sny Island, Ill., levee, flooding farmland and homes 10 miles south of Quincy, Ill., Sunday, July 25, 1993. About 2,000 people were evacuated from the 44,000 acres that flooded. (AP Photo/Bill Waugh)

Example of Standard AP Caption

Read the following captions and determine if the caption is good, okay, or bad.

Identify what is correct or incorrect by emphasizing the elements present or missing: who, what, when, where, why and how.

Critique this photo caption

Good, Okay or Bad

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Fresh meats are stocked at the grocery store.


Good, Okay or Bad

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John Mueller prepares Nancy’s Pride for the Grimes County 4-H horse judging contest. The judging contest is held annually during the Grimes County fair.


Good, Okay or Bad

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Oatka Dairy has been owned by the Butler family for three generations. This fall the dairy will close because of low milk prices.


Good, Okay or Bad

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Work individually to write a caption for this photo (approximately 20-30 words). Enclosed are details that you can use

Let’s Practice!

Who: Josey MillerWhat: Roping a calf in the calf roping competitionWhere: 69th annual Lenox Rodeo in Creston, IowaWhen: July 28, 2014Why: Finished second with a time of 9.7 seconds

Source: CrestonNews.com

Education

Ethics in Agricultural Photography