The power of documentary photography is based on the fact that real moments are captured as they happen. Anything done to alter the process, before or after the image is recorded, diminishes that power and turns it into a lie. It has always been the policy of the Herald-Tribune that content alteration of documentary news photographs is unacceptable. We strive for fair and accurate visual reporting. While no protocol can anticipate every situation, common sense and good judgment will be our guiding principles. It should be noted that there is a clear difference between such documentary news photos and feature portraits and illustrations that are posed or created for a particular story. It is imperative that we keep one thing in mind — the credibility and integrity of the Herald-Tribune is at stake.
Manipulation of the subject
The same ethical standards that apply to written stories apply to documentary news photos, including spot and general news photos, sports photos, and enterprise feature photos. Herald-Tribune photographers will not create scenes or direct events with the purpose of making them appear as if they were “found” moments. If a photojournalist is unable to record a natural moment as it occurs, it should not be recreated.
Portraits
Portraits shot by staff photographers must not mislead readers to believe the moment was captured spontaneously. Captions must also be written in a way that does not mislead. For example, we should not say Joe Smith works in his workshop when he is actually there for the purpose of being photographed.
Illustrations
When photo illustrations are used, they must clearly be fictional. All photo illustrations should be labeled as such.
Digital Manipulation
Manipulation of images electronically for the purpose of better reproduction is permitted. Any such alteration will only include techniques that have been traditionally accepted in chemical darkrooms. This includes dodging and burning in selected areas within a photograph so long as it does not change the content of the image. This may also include the correction of technical defects in a photograph such as dust spots or color shifts caused by mixed lighting. Objects within a photo may not be moved, added, deleted, combined, or altered. No photographer, artist, designer, or image technician may change the actual color content of any documentary news photograph. Photographs may not be flipped, stretched or shrunk to fit a layout. Cutouts, mortises, color screens or colorizations, and type within images should be used sparingly. Any such use should be discussed with the photographer and photo editor.