Photojournalism: Fill Flash or No Fill Flash?

xhack wrote in post #12527086
The Rule of Thumb I worked by in film days was that you can change the presentation of the image (exposure, dodging, burning, time in bath); you do not alter content (adding, removing, or manipulating elements of the picture).

100% this. The fact that you're photographing it already means the camera (focal length, aperture, format size, composition, exposure, etc.) is impacting the scene. Fill flash is fine.

Sam6644 wrote in post #12527494
The Associated Press will fire you for burning and dodging these days

That, IMO, is ridiculous.

Sam6644 wrote in post #12530708
Correcting exposure is ok, but it's the selective burning and dodging that will get you in trouble.


This is the textbook we use at school. It has a whole chapter on such things. It's an awesome book to own, too. I'd suggest it to anyone interested in understanding photojournalism better in every aspect.

I've always heard that basic dodging and burning was ok in PJ(not taken to an extreme though), most of the great award winning photojournalists have done it since the film days. Especially just brightening eyes a little bit and burning down some blown highlights.

It's up to your editor whether or not you've overdone it, since dodging and burning doesn't inherently go against photojournalism ethics. It only goes against the ethics of photojournalism when you're overdoing it so much that you're destroying background detail to burn or dodge, altering the content.

Somewhat dated, but interesting article on the subject:
http://www.poynter.org …ojournalistic-confession/

As for flash, it entirely depends on the situation. I'd use it if we're talking about harsh direct sunlight and wanting to get rid of some of those deep shadows in the eyes. If it's in the shade, or overcast, I'm more likely to just use the natural light. It's just personal preference since I know many people use flash for everything.

Being ethical in photojournalism means having a message in the photograph that accurately reflects the story. I can't think of an example where fill flash/exposure would pervert the message.

Sam6644 wrote in post #12530708
Correcting exposure is ok, but it's the selective burning and dodging that will get you in trouble.


This is the textbook we use at school. It has a whole chapter on such things. It's an awesome book to own, too. I'd suggest it to anyone interested in understanding photojournalism better in every aspect.

I'm dumb... I didn't paste the link.

http://www.amazon.com …nneth-Kobre/dp/075068593X

I worked for a newspaper for 17 years fulltime. Subject near enough whether in bright sunlight or cloudy conditions always with fill flash.

SunnyOctopus wrote in post #12525101
When does one cross the line? Obviously, cloning things in and out isn't allowed, even thought that could make an image nicer...

Is HDR okay? What isn't okay?

HDR is near impossible with photojournalism. Subjects usually move.