An Argument Defending Publishing Graphic Photographs

While reading all the updates on the Boston Marathon Bombing, I ran across a story that truly resonated with me. This article by Jason Farago on the New Republic website articulates the best argument I have heard explaining why graphic photos need to be published. Farago centered the article around this pervasive photo of a severely injured bystander that lost both of his legs as a result of the bombings:

The photo, which was taken by Associated Press photographer  Charles Krupa, shows  Jeff Bauman being rushed to a waiting ambulance after being injured by the bombs. This photo made Bauman’s father, also Jeff Bauman, aware that his son had been badly injured, after Bauman tried to contact his son unsuccessfully. It is only one example of how photos can positively impact the world. The man in the cowboy hat,  Carlos Arredondo, was at the race handing out flags as a memorial for his son, who died in Iraq in 2004. Because of this photo, he can be recognized for his heroic act of picking Bauman up off the street and getting him help.

In the article, Farago explains the ethical decision making behind the publishing of graphic images such as this one. He articulates the point of view of photojournalists the world over, and I really appreciate it. His argument is what pops into my head every time I hear someone say that a photo shouldn’t have been published. It clearly and intelligently narrates what a photojournalist thinks when they press that shutter button.   The article itself is a very compelling and passionate piece of work, and I highly recommend you click through and read the author’s work.