Asher Kelman
OPF Owner/Editor-in-Chief
Cem,
As we all know, the job of the news photographer is to make a record representative of what can be seen by a careful observer. The camera must be set right to do this. In a scene with diverse meanings, focusing on one part, (and excluding arguably essential sets of facts needed for fair interpretation), is unwise, at the whether by selective aim, focus, use of a zoom to crop or whatever, is still unethical. All these decisions, if biased and restrictive, are as unethical and unacceptable as changes made later. For art or mementos, we can sample what we enjoy and like, since there's far less moral imperative.
Yes, Cem, it does indeed appear self-evident that no one should be telling a photographer how to expose his/her pictures! In fact the very idea sounds outrageous. However, I then thought about this question and the consequences of such technical matters and the effect on what we get allowed to see and know about. As a result, I've an entirely new view of this.
After consideration, I'd now hope that all technical decisions are subservient to fair and honest representation of the facts of the scene so other folk can make their own impressions as if they too observed the events. The timing of the technical choices and changes is not as material as the effect on bringing us the facts for us to decide ourselves on significance, meaning and future opinions based on "the news"!
Asher
